A Butler woman with multiple sclerosis, accused of shooting her husband to death in May 2010, allegedly told police “I think I shot my husband” and later said she was “never going to see the kids again and neither was he because I shot him.”
But the attorney for Amalia Mirasola, who uses a wheelchair, is seeking to have those confessions dismissed on grounds they weren’t voluntary, as the long delayed case returns to the front burner.
During a conference today in Superior Court in Morristown, Judge Robert Gilson scheduled a hearing for Oct. 24 on the motion to suppress the statements, and scheduled the case for trial on Dec. 4.
Mirasola, now 47, allegedly shot Carl Mirasola, 43, six times on May 22, 2010 while he slept and their three children were nearby in the house. She is accused of murder and a weapons charge.
When police arrived at the home that morning, Mirasola said, “I think I shot my husband,” according to Butler Police Sgt. Robert Findura.
Defense attorney Kalman Geist, in court papers, said that statement should not be allowed because the officer had asked Mirasola “what happened” and “elicited a confession” without reading her rights.
The second statement regarding the children, made to Detective Colleen Pascale, should be ruled inadmissible, Geist said, because at that point Mirasola had been arrested and had said she didn’t want to talk anymore.
Morris County Assistant Prosecutor David Bruno argued in court papers that both statements should be allowed because they were “spontaneous’ and Mirasola was “under no obligation to talk.” Even though she had invoked her Miranda rights, Mirasola “actually initiated the conversation” when she made the second confession, Bruno said.
Mirasola, who has been free since posting $250,000 bail on June 11, 2010, did not attend today’s hearing. In a letter to the court, Geist said she waived her right to attend because she is hospitalized at Chilton Memorial Hospital in Pompton Plains for treatment of a urinary tract infection.
In a separate letter to the court, Mirasola asked the judge to get the long delayed case to trial as soon as possible. Under a court order, she said, she has not been allowed to see her children since her arrest in May 2010. “I have not even heard their voices,” she said.
The three children have been placed with relatives, according to court records.
The oldest daughter, who was 13 at the time, said she “heard her mother shoot her father,” according to Detective Pascale. The girl said she had been sleeping but was woken by gunshots. The girl also said her father was dating another woman and that she wanted to live with her younger siblings with that woman, according to Pascale.
Amalia Mirasola, meanwhile, said her husband “had stopped paying the mortgage and the house was in foreclosure,” Pascale said.
At the time of the shooting, Mirasola’s attorney and others said the couple had been having marital problems since Mirasola was diagnosed with MS and were in the process of getting a divorce.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Delta, OH: Police investigate murder/suicide in Fulton Co.
DELTA -- On Sunday, the Fulton County Sheriff's Office identified the man and woman whose bodies were found outside a home in Delta Saturday afternoon. 24-year-old Katie Roberts and 30-year-old Justin Roberts were found deceased at 2097 County Road 6. Police found a rifle and a knife at the scene.
Police say that the couple were married, but recently separated. Autopsies will be performed today to determine the exact cause of death to both victims. The case remains under investigation by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Police say that the couple were married, but recently separated. Autopsies will be performed today to determine the exact cause of death to both victims. The case remains under investigation by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Missouri Heights, CO: Identities released in Missouri Heights murder-suicide
Eagle County authorities have identified the two people killed in an apparent murder-suicide shooting Saturday in Missouri Heights as Andrew and Judi Mazeika.
Authorities have not said who they believe the shooter was, but that the incident appears to be a murder-suicide. An autopsy to be performed Monday will help determine the cause of death, according to Eagle County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Jessie Mosher.
Andrew Mazeika was 68, and Judi Mazeika was 54, Mosher said. They were married.
A neighbor of the couple called 911 around 11:30 a.m. Saturday to report hearing screaming, followed by shots fired. Authorities responding to the scene found Judi Mazeika deceased in the front lawn of a home on Vega Drive. Andrew Mazeika was also in the yard, alive but in critical condition. He was transported by Basalt EMS to Valley View Medical Center in Glenwood Springs, where he died. Both had gunshot wounds.
Mosher said a handgun was used in the shooting, but she could not say how many shots were fired.
She also added that Eagle County deputies had never responded to reports of domestic violence involving the couple. They had owned a home in the neighborhood since 1988, according to Eagle County property records.
The couple had an adult daughter, who was not present at the time of the shooting, Mosher said.
Judy Mazeika worked seasonally for the Aspen Skiing Co., and Andrew Mazeika was a former employee of the company, SkiCo spokesman Jeff Hanle confirmed.
“We are deeply saddened at this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” Hanle said in a statement.
Friends of the family also said that Andrew Mazeika had recently battled cancer, but had seen his health improve.
A neighbor on Vega Drive, who asked that his name not be used, said the incident was shocking, and that he hadn’t seen signs of trouble before the shooting.
“They were great neighbors and good people,” the person said. “That’s about all I can tell you.”
Missouri Heights is located in between El Jebel and Carbondale, and is in the portion of the Roaring Fork Valley under the jurisdiction of Eagle County.
Authorities have not said who they believe the shooter was, but that the incident appears to be a murder-suicide. An autopsy to be performed Monday will help determine the cause of death, according to Eagle County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Jessie Mosher.
Andrew Mazeika was 68, and Judi Mazeika was 54, Mosher said. They were married.
A neighbor of the couple called 911 around 11:30 a.m. Saturday to report hearing screaming, followed by shots fired. Authorities responding to the scene found Judi Mazeika deceased in the front lawn of a home on Vega Drive. Andrew Mazeika was also in the yard, alive but in critical condition. He was transported by Basalt EMS to Valley View Medical Center in Glenwood Springs, where he died. Both had gunshot wounds.
Mosher said a handgun was used in the shooting, but she could not say how many shots were fired.
She also added that Eagle County deputies had never responded to reports of domestic violence involving the couple. They had owned a home in the neighborhood since 1988, according to Eagle County property records.
The couple had an adult daughter, who was not present at the time of the shooting, Mosher said.
Judy Mazeika worked seasonally for the Aspen Skiing Co., and Andrew Mazeika was a former employee of the company, SkiCo spokesman Jeff Hanle confirmed.
“We are deeply saddened at this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” Hanle said in a statement.
Friends of the family also said that Andrew Mazeika had recently battled cancer, but had seen his health improve.
A neighbor on Vega Drive, who asked that his name not be used, said the incident was shocking, and that he hadn’t seen signs of trouble before the shooting.
“They were great neighbors and good people,” the person said. “That’s about all I can tell you.”
Missouri Heights is located in between El Jebel and Carbondale, and is in the portion of the Roaring Fork Valley under the jurisdiction of Eagle County.
Bay Minette, AL: Police investigate apparent murder-suicide
BAY MINETTE, Ala. (WALA) - An ongoing domestic dispute between a husband and wife ended in an apparent murder-suicide in Bay Minette on Sunday, according to police.
When officers made it to the Driftwood Convenience store on Highway 59 around 8:30 a.m., they were too late to save the life of Linda Milstid, the clerk who pushed the panic alarm minutes earlier.
Bay Minette Police Chief Michael Rowland said 41-year-old Mark Milstid had gone to his wife's job armed with a shotgun.
"When the officers arrived they discovered two victims, two gunshot victims. The clerk, who was a female, and the male subject who we later identified as her husband," Police Chief Michael Rowland said.
Rowland said, through their preliminary investigation, the department called the incident a murder-suicide stemming from problems at home between Linda and Mark Milstid. Rowland said surveillance video, which captured the entire tragic event, confirms the preliminary investigation.
Police said Linda Milstid was in the process of filing for divorce.
"He came into the store with a shotgun and fired several rounds, striking her and also killed himself," Rowland said.
Linda Milstid, 41, was found dead behind the counter inside the store. She had been shot twice with the shotgun. Mark Milstid was also behind the counter, and police initially thought he was dead from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.
Officers went outside and called for backup and medical personnel.
That's when, Rowland said, the injured man staggered outside and collapsed in the parking lot. Mark Milstid died at the hospital.
Chief Rowland said before Milstid went to his wife's job in Bay Minette he set fire to his own mobile home in Perdido. When fire fighters arrived on that scene, the home on Coleman Road was fully engulfed in flames.
"You know it's a tragic thing and we always are concerned about domestic issues and domestic violence. This is going to be a pretty extensive investigation into the circumstances of this case, but we're satisfied at this particular point that it is a homicide suicide," the chief said.
When officers made it to the Driftwood Convenience store on Highway 59 around 8:30 a.m., they were too late to save the life of Linda Milstid, the clerk who pushed the panic alarm minutes earlier.
Bay Minette Police Chief Michael Rowland said 41-year-old Mark Milstid had gone to his wife's job armed with a shotgun.
"When the officers arrived they discovered two victims, two gunshot victims. The clerk, who was a female, and the male subject who we later identified as her husband," Police Chief Michael Rowland said.
Rowland said, through their preliminary investigation, the department called the incident a murder-suicide stemming from problems at home between Linda and Mark Milstid. Rowland said surveillance video, which captured the entire tragic event, confirms the preliminary investigation.
Police said Linda Milstid was in the process of filing for divorce.
"He came into the store with a shotgun and fired several rounds, striking her and also killed himself," Rowland said.
Linda Milstid, 41, was found dead behind the counter inside the store. She had been shot twice with the shotgun. Mark Milstid was also behind the counter, and police initially thought he was dead from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.
Officers went outside and called for backup and medical personnel.
That's when, Rowland said, the injured man staggered outside and collapsed in the parking lot. Mark Milstid died at the hospital.
Chief Rowland said before Milstid went to his wife's job in Bay Minette he set fire to his own mobile home in Perdido. When fire fighters arrived on that scene, the home on Coleman Road was fully engulfed in flames.
"You know it's a tragic thing and we always are concerned about domestic issues and domestic violence. This is going to be a pretty extensive investigation into the circumstances of this case, but we're satisfied at this particular point that it is a homicide suicide," the chief said.
Topeka, KS: Murder Suicide Confirmed In Apartment Shooting
TOPEKA, Kan (WIBW) --Police have identified the two people found dead at the Pines Apartment Complex, which has been confirmed as a murder suicide.
They have been identified as 22-year-old Kahlyn Heine and 26-year-old Jeremiah Campbell, both of Topeka.
Authorities say Campbell was the shooter.
Topeka Police are still investigating the two deaths. Officers say they were called around 9:30 Saturday morning (9/8), to The Pines Apartments at 238 SW Gage Blvd., regarding vandalism.
Police say a woman had found a bullet hole in the wall of her apartment. Law enforcement officials on the scene were led to an adjacent apartment, where they found two individuals dead.
Officials say the couple was out with friends hour before the shootings.
Police are still investigating. If you have any information, call Detective Scott Dickey at (785) 368-9029, or Crime Stoppers at (785) 234-0007.
They have been identified as 22-year-old Kahlyn Heine and 26-year-old Jeremiah Campbell, both of Topeka.
Authorities say Campbell was the shooter.
Topeka Police are still investigating the two deaths. Officers say they were called around 9:30 Saturday morning (9/8), to The Pines Apartments at 238 SW Gage Blvd., regarding vandalism.
Police say a woman had found a bullet hole in the wall of her apartment. Law enforcement officials on the scene were led to an adjacent apartment, where they found two individuals dead.
Officials say the couple was out with friends hour before the shootings.
Police are still investigating. If you have any information, call Detective Scott Dickey at (785) 368-9029, or Crime Stoppers at (785) 234-0007.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Marshfield, WI: Marshfield woman found dead, neck slashed, official says
MARSHFIELD — An 18-year-old Marshfield woman was found dead Friday night with her throat slashed and a stab wound in her back, and her fiance turned himself in to police early Saturday and is in the Wood County Jail.
Maisie E. McCullough’s death remained under investigation Saturday, and police did not reveal any motives or circumstances surrounding the incident. She died at about 10 p.m. Friday night from knife wounds, according to Wood County Deputy Coroner Charles Evans, who was present for an autopsy conducted Saturday in Portage.
The autopsy showed McCullough’s jugular and carotid artery were severed with a knife and she was stabbed once in the back, Evans said.
Gabriel Luis Campos, 20, who lived with McCullough and was the father of her 2-year-old son, contacted law enforcement officials at 4:22 a.m. Saturday from a Wisconsin Rapids motel and said he wanted to turn himself in.
Campos said his son, who had been considered missing, was with him and asleep.
Three Marshfield police officers and three Wisconsin Rapids officers arrested Campos and impounded his vehicle. Campos was booked into the Wood County Jail, where he remained Saturday night, according to jail staff members. According to the police report, Campos had no weapons, drugs or alcohol at the time he was arrested.
Marshfield Police Department officers learned of McCullough’s death when they responded to a call at 10:06 p.m. Friday from 1310 E. Blodgett St., a single-family home in a residential section of the city.
Mcullough was dead when officers arrived at the scene, said Police Sgt. Nick Poeschel.
Olson was McCullough’s fiance and Olson’s mother lived at the home with him, McCullough and the child, Evans said.
State circuit court records show Campos legally changed his name to Derek Michael Olson in 2010.
Across the street from the home Saturday, neighbors were saddened at the turn of events.
“It’s terrible. Nothing like this has ever happened around here,” said an elderly neighbor, who described McCullough as a young woman she occasionally saw playing outside with a young child.
“Everyone around here is surprised about this. This is very sad,” said Jennifer Terry, who lives directly across the street from the home. Terry’s daughter knew McCullough, she said, and described her as “a sweetheart, a nice girl.”
McCullough was a 2012 graduate of Marshfield High School.
Nothing unusual was noticed or seen at the house Friday where McCullough was found dead, Terry said.
Police officers in conjunction with the the Wisconsin Crime Laboratory and Wisconsin State Patrol were at the scene throughout Saturday. Yellow police tape circled the perimeter of the property but was later removed.
No further information was released Saturday.
A toxicology report on the body, which would show whether drugs were involved, will be completed in two to three weeks, Evans said.
Maisie E. McCullough’s death remained under investigation Saturday, and police did not reveal any motives or circumstances surrounding the incident. She died at about 10 p.m. Friday night from knife wounds, according to Wood County Deputy Coroner Charles Evans, who was present for an autopsy conducted Saturday in Portage.
The autopsy showed McCullough’s jugular and carotid artery were severed with a knife and she was stabbed once in the back, Evans said.
Gabriel Luis Campos, 20, who lived with McCullough and was the father of her 2-year-old son, contacted law enforcement officials at 4:22 a.m. Saturday from a Wisconsin Rapids motel and said he wanted to turn himself in.
Campos said his son, who had been considered missing, was with him and asleep.
Three Marshfield police officers and three Wisconsin Rapids officers arrested Campos and impounded his vehicle. Campos was booked into the Wood County Jail, where he remained Saturday night, according to jail staff members. According to the police report, Campos had no weapons, drugs or alcohol at the time he was arrested.
Marshfield Police Department officers learned of McCullough’s death when they responded to a call at 10:06 p.m. Friday from 1310 E. Blodgett St., a single-family home in a residential section of the city.
Mcullough was dead when officers arrived at the scene, said Police Sgt. Nick Poeschel.
Olson was McCullough’s fiance and Olson’s mother lived at the home with him, McCullough and the child, Evans said.
State circuit court records show Campos legally changed his name to Derek Michael Olson in 2010.
Across the street from the home Saturday, neighbors were saddened at the turn of events.
“It’s terrible. Nothing like this has ever happened around here,” said an elderly neighbor, who described McCullough as a young woman she occasionally saw playing outside with a young child.
“Everyone around here is surprised about this. This is very sad,” said Jennifer Terry, who lives directly across the street from the home. Terry’s daughter knew McCullough, she said, and described her as “a sweetheart, a nice girl.”
McCullough was a 2012 graduate of Marshfield High School.
Nothing unusual was noticed or seen at the house Friday where McCullough was found dead, Terry said.
Police officers in conjunction with the the Wisconsin Crime Laboratory and Wisconsin State Patrol were at the scene throughout Saturday. Yellow police tape circled the perimeter of the property but was later removed.
No further information was released Saturday.
A toxicology report on the body, which would show whether drugs were involved, will be completed in two to three weeks, Evans said.
Dania Beach, FL: Dania Beach man kills girlfriend, hangs himself at Greenbelt Park, police say
A man found hanging from a tree in Greenbelt Park on Sunday morning apparently first killed his girlfriend before turning to suicide, authorities said.
The body of Louise Attardi-Cramer, 50, dead from blunt force trauma, was discovered in her bedroom early Sunday, said Keyla Concepcion, a spokeswoman for the Broward Sheriff's Office.
About four hours later, Michael Kanuf, 49, was found by a couple taking a morning stroll through a secluded area of the park adjacent to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Concepcion said.
Police say Kanuf left a note outside a relative's home admitting to the crime and saying that he was going to commit suicide.
After receiving a call at about 6:30 a.m. requesting that the Sheriff's Office perform a welfare check of Attardi-Cramer, police found her body in her home in the 5300 block of Southwest 29th Way, Concepcion said.
Police spent the next several hours, Concepcion said, searching for Kanuf, the father of Attardi-Cramer's teenage son.
When the couple made the grisly discovery in the park, they called 911. The body was confirmed to be Kanuf, Concepcion said.
When reached by telephone Sunday afternoon, a relative of Attardi-Cramer's declined to comment: "This is a time of mourning for the family and nobody wants to talk about what's going on."
Records from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement show that Kanuf is a registered sexual offender stemming from a 1993 conviction out of Miami-Dade County for lewd or lascivious fondling of a child younger than 16.
The murder-suicide investigation is ongoing.
The body of Louise Attardi-Cramer, 50, dead from blunt force trauma, was discovered in her bedroom early Sunday, said Keyla Concepcion, a spokeswoman for the Broward Sheriff's Office.
About four hours later, Michael Kanuf, 49, was found by a couple taking a morning stroll through a secluded area of the park adjacent to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Concepcion said.
Police say Kanuf left a note outside a relative's home admitting to the crime and saying that he was going to commit suicide.
After receiving a call at about 6:30 a.m. requesting that the Sheriff's Office perform a welfare check of Attardi-Cramer, police found her body in her home in the 5300 block of Southwest 29th Way, Concepcion said.
Police spent the next several hours, Concepcion said, searching for Kanuf, the father of Attardi-Cramer's teenage son.
When the couple made the grisly discovery in the park, they called 911. The body was confirmed to be Kanuf, Concepcion said.
When reached by telephone Sunday afternoon, a relative of Attardi-Cramer's declined to comment: "This is a time of mourning for the family and nobody wants to talk about what's going on."
Records from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement show that Kanuf is a registered sexual offender stemming from a 1993 conviction out of Miami-Dade County for lewd or lascivious fondling of a child younger than 16.
The murder-suicide investigation is ongoing.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Charlottesville, VA: Former US college lacrosse player sentenced to 23 years for ex-girlfriend's beating death
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - A former college lacrosse player who killed his ex-girlfriend in a drunken rage received a 23-year prison sentence Thursday in a case that forever changed the school's attitudes toward relationship violence and made it easier for abuse victims in the state to obtain restraining orders.
George W. Huguely V had three years trimmed from a jury's recommended sentence of 26 years for the May 2010 slaying of Yeardley Love. Huguely, 24, could be released in less than 20 years.
"Unlike Ms. Love, Mr. Huguely still has the majority of his life ahead of him," Charlottesville Circuit Judge Edward Hogshire told the court.
Asked by the judge if he wanted to address the court before sentencing, a shackled and tearful Huguely turned to Love's mother, Sharon Love, and sister Lexie and said, "I'm so sorry for your loss and I hope you find peace."
Huguely, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, was convicted in February of the second-degree murder of Love, 22, of Cockeysville, Maryland, a Baltimore suburb. Jurors also found Huguely guilty of grand larceny for stealing Love's computer from her apartment.
Huguely and Love, both seniors and varsity lacrosse players at the University of Virginia, had a volatile relationship that spiraled into Huguely's deadly confrontation with Love late on the night of May 2, 2010, after a day of heavy drinking and golfing by Huguely. Love was found the next morning, her battered face in a blood-soaked pillow.
During a 3 1/2-hour sentencing hearing, prosecutor David Chapman presented witnesses who described violent incidents involving Huguely before he killed Love. They included the beating of a friend who went home with Love after a party and the unprovoked punching of another person after a night of drinking. He also angrily wrapped his hands around a young woman in a bar after she told her father, his former high school lacrosse coach, to talk to Huguely about his heavy drinking.
"Sooner or later he was going to seriously injure or kill someone," Chapman said.
Huguely's attorneys acknowledged he drank too much, but Chapman disagreed that was the problem.
"The issue, your honour, is not too much alcohol," he told Hogshire. "The issue here is too much violence."
In a police interrogation video played at his trial, Huguely admitted he and Love had a physical confrontation over their on-again, off-again two-year relationship but he denied inflicting the fatal injuries Love suffered. He said she had banged her head against her bedroom wall.
A coroner concluded she died of blunt force trauma.
Love's death followed several months of tension between the two young athletes. Former teammates and friends testified that each accused the other of infidelity and they described incidents of Huguely's escalating drinking.
The Huguely family, many of whom attended the sentencing hearing but did not testify, issued a statement after the sentencing, calling it "a sad day for our family." They also echoed one of Huguely's attorneys, Francis McQ. Lawrence, in his defence of Huguely.
"We continue to believe what Mr. Lawrence said within hours of meeting George, on May 3, 2010: 'Yeardley's death was not intended but an accident with a tragic outcome.' "
Love's family did not address the sentencing hearing but issued a statement that read in part: "We find no joy in others' sorrow."
Lawrence attempted to counter Chapman's depiction of Huguely as a brutish drunk by presenting family members who described him as thoughtful, caring and attentive to the needs of others.
A white-cassocked Roman Catholic priest who had visited Huguely in jail weekly since his arrest more than two years ago described Huguely as spiritual and never saw flashes of anger.
"It's not the same person, the person that the media portrays as the wild, out-of-control person," the Rev. Joseph Scordo said. He described Huguely as his "spiritual grandson."
Chapman argued for the full 26-year sentence recommended by jurors, arguing that Huguely would still be a relatively young man after serving his time. For the Loves, however, "There's nothing left but loss and sorrow, in many ways."
Yeardley Love was to be her sister Lexie's maid-of-honour at her upcoming wedding. "The maid of honour will be missing," Chapman said as Lexie dabbed tears from her face. "He took from them their future as a family."
In reducing Huguely's sentencing, Hogshire strayed from tradition. Virginia judges typically heed a jury's sentence recommendations.
Huguely's attorneys sought a sentence reduction to 14 years.
Virginia has no parole but Huguely could reduce his sentence by 15 per cent if he earns credits by participating in prison programs and stays out of trouble. He also would be credited with time served, leaving him with 18 years in prison.
Love's mother, Sharon Love, has filed two lawsuits seeking nearly $60 million. One is aimed at Huguely while the other claims the University of Virginia and athletic department officials and coaches ignored Huguely's drinking and violent behaviour.
Huguely was arrested in Lexington in 2008 after a drunken confrontation with a police officer.
Love's death has had a lasting impact in Virginia and at the university. It's easier now for abuse victims in Virginia to get a restraining order and students must tell the university if they have ever been arrested.
School officials and students also have tried to make the culture on campus one in which people look out for each other and aren't afraid to report relationship violence.
George W. Huguely V had three years trimmed from a jury's recommended sentence of 26 years for the May 2010 slaying of Yeardley Love. Huguely, 24, could be released in less than 20 years.
"Unlike Ms. Love, Mr. Huguely still has the majority of his life ahead of him," Charlottesville Circuit Judge Edward Hogshire told the court.
Asked by the judge if he wanted to address the court before sentencing, a shackled and tearful Huguely turned to Love's mother, Sharon Love, and sister Lexie and said, "I'm so sorry for your loss and I hope you find peace."
Huguely, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, was convicted in February of the second-degree murder of Love, 22, of Cockeysville, Maryland, a Baltimore suburb. Jurors also found Huguely guilty of grand larceny for stealing Love's computer from her apartment.
Huguely and Love, both seniors and varsity lacrosse players at the University of Virginia, had a volatile relationship that spiraled into Huguely's deadly confrontation with Love late on the night of May 2, 2010, after a day of heavy drinking and golfing by Huguely. Love was found the next morning, her battered face in a blood-soaked pillow.
During a 3 1/2-hour sentencing hearing, prosecutor David Chapman presented witnesses who described violent incidents involving Huguely before he killed Love. They included the beating of a friend who went home with Love after a party and the unprovoked punching of another person after a night of drinking. He also angrily wrapped his hands around a young woman in a bar after she told her father, his former high school lacrosse coach, to talk to Huguely about his heavy drinking.
"Sooner or later he was going to seriously injure or kill someone," Chapman said.
Huguely's attorneys acknowledged he drank too much, but Chapman disagreed that was the problem.
"The issue, your honour, is not too much alcohol," he told Hogshire. "The issue here is too much violence."
In a police interrogation video played at his trial, Huguely admitted he and Love had a physical confrontation over their on-again, off-again two-year relationship but he denied inflicting the fatal injuries Love suffered. He said she had banged her head against her bedroom wall.
A coroner concluded she died of blunt force trauma.
Love's death followed several months of tension between the two young athletes. Former teammates and friends testified that each accused the other of infidelity and they described incidents of Huguely's escalating drinking.
The Huguely family, many of whom attended the sentencing hearing but did not testify, issued a statement after the sentencing, calling it "a sad day for our family." They also echoed one of Huguely's attorneys, Francis McQ. Lawrence, in his defence of Huguely.
"We continue to believe what Mr. Lawrence said within hours of meeting George, on May 3, 2010: 'Yeardley's death was not intended but an accident with a tragic outcome.' "
Love's family did not address the sentencing hearing but issued a statement that read in part: "We find no joy in others' sorrow."
Lawrence attempted to counter Chapman's depiction of Huguely as a brutish drunk by presenting family members who described him as thoughtful, caring and attentive to the needs of others.
A white-cassocked Roman Catholic priest who had visited Huguely in jail weekly since his arrest more than two years ago described Huguely as spiritual and never saw flashes of anger.
"It's not the same person, the person that the media portrays as the wild, out-of-control person," the Rev. Joseph Scordo said. He described Huguely as his "spiritual grandson."
Chapman argued for the full 26-year sentence recommended by jurors, arguing that Huguely would still be a relatively young man after serving his time. For the Loves, however, "There's nothing left but loss and sorrow, in many ways."
Yeardley Love was to be her sister Lexie's maid-of-honour at her upcoming wedding. "The maid of honour will be missing," Chapman said as Lexie dabbed tears from her face. "He took from them their future as a family."
In reducing Huguely's sentencing, Hogshire strayed from tradition. Virginia judges typically heed a jury's sentence recommendations.
Huguely's attorneys sought a sentence reduction to 14 years.
Virginia has no parole but Huguely could reduce his sentence by 15 per cent if he earns credits by participating in prison programs and stays out of trouble. He also would be credited with time served, leaving him with 18 years in prison.
Love's mother, Sharon Love, has filed two lawsuits seeking nearly $60 million. One is aimed at Huguely while the other claims the University of Virginia and athletic department officials and coaches ignored Huguely's drinking and violent behaviour.
Huguely was arrested in Lexington in 2008 after a drunken confrontation with a police officer.
Love's death has had a lasting impact in Virginia and at the university. It's easier now for abuse victims in Virginia to get a restraining order and students must tell the university if they have ever been arrested.
School officials and students also have tried to make the culture on campus one in which people look out for each other and aren't afraid to report relationship violence.
Phoenix, AZ: Arizona lesbian couple found dead in likely murder-suicide
A lesbian couple from Arizona have been found dead in an apparent murder-suicide.
It is thought that 32-year-old Dallas Augustine – the daughter of a Nevada lawmaker who was murdered in 2006 – is thought to have shot her partner, 50-year-old Jessie McCaskill, before turning the gun on herself.
The bodies of the two women were found on Monday at their home in Phoenix, Arizona. The alleged murder weapon, a handgun, was found at the crime scene. The women will undergo autopsies tomorrow.
A neighbor told AZcentral.com that the two women, who had been together since 2004, “fought like cat and dog” behind closed doors, and that their rows could often be heard from outside their home.
Interviews with friends and family revealed there had been problems in the relationship.
A neighbour said the women were packing up the house because the lease was up and that both were moving out to be closer to their jobs.
Ms Augustine worked for the Arizona Department of Corrections in Florence, Southeast of Phoenix. Her mother, Kathy Augustine, who was a Nevada state controller, was murdered in her Reno home in 2006 by her husband, now serving a life sentence.
Ms Augustine’s uncle told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that his niece had suffered serious problems but refused to ask her family for any help: “I believe there’s been some substance abuse, and I think probably some mental health issues.
“Basically she cut off contact with our family. By choice.”
Crime analyst Chelsea Hoffman said: “Same-sex couples are not immune to the same relationship issues that affect everyone else. They face the same levels of tension, the same situations that drive wedges between each other, the same scenarios that ultimately lead to breakups – or worse.
“Dallas Augustine and Jessie McCaskill were obviously in love, for they didn’t desire being apart. Whatever led to this horrible tragedy may never be known.”
It is thought that 32-year-old Dallas Augustine – the daughter of a Nevada lawmaker who was murdered in 2006 – is thought to have shot her partner, 50-year-old Jessie McCaskill, before turning the gun on herself.
The bodies of the two women were found on Monday at their home in Phoenix, Arizona. The alleged murder weapon, a handgun, was found at the crime scene. The women will undergo autopsies tomorrow.
A neighbor told AZcentral.com that the two women, who had been together since 2004, “fought like cat and dog” behind closed doors, and that their rows could often be heard from outside their home.
Interviews with friends and family revealed there had been problems in the relationship.
A neighbour said the women were packing up the house because the lease was up and that both were moving out to be closer to their jobs.
Ms Augustine worked for the Arizona Department of Corrections in Florence, Southeast of Phoenix. Her mother, Kathy Augustine, who was a Nevada state controller, was murdered in her Reno home in 2006 by her husband, now serving a life sentence.
Ms Augustine’s uncle told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that his niece had suffered serious problems but refused to ask her family for any help: “I believe there’s been some substance abuse, and I think probably some mental health issues.
“Basically she cut off contact with our family. By choice.”
Crime analyst Chelsea Hoffman said: “Same-sex couples are not immune to the same relationship issues that affect everyone else. They face the same levels of tension, the same situations that drive wedges between each other, the same scenarios that ultimately lead to breakups – or worse.
“Dallas Augustine and Jessie McCaskill were obviously in love, for they didn’t desire being apart. Whatever led to this horrible tragedy may never be known.”
Ocala, FL: Ocala teen mother found dead in home
OCALA, Fla. — A teen mother was found dead inside an Ocala home on Thursday.
Investigators said Shankera Smith, 18, was found dead inside a house on Southwest First Street. Family members said Smith had recently moved to the house with her boyfriend, Joseph Lenard Dennis.
Police said Dennis is being investigated in connection with Smith's death. Smith had a 2-month-old boy with Dennis. Family members said the couple's relationship was abusive.
Dennis was arrested for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon Thursday after a diaper bag containing a gun was left by Dennis at an acquaintance's house, according to the arrest report.
Detectives said when Dennis showed up at the acquaintance's home, the resident said, "We know what you did and don't want you here." They called police after Dennis left.
Investigators said they found Dennis' orange Crocs and a bag containing the 9-mm handgun, baby clothes, baby bottles with formula and a dirty diaper. Officials said the firearm had an empty magazine and a spent shell casing inside the chamber.
During his initial appearance Friday, Dennis was appointed a public defender and is being held without bond.
Court records show Dennis was arrested in May for false imprisonment and kidnapping, obstruction of justice/intimating a witness or victim and battery.
Friday morning a shelter hearing was held concerning the child, and a judge ruled that the baby would stay in the custody of Dennis' mother, Myrtle Davis, and he would be able to have supervised video conferences at the jail with the child.
Dennis told the court he had $500 at the jail to give to his mother for help with the child.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Ocala Police Department.
Investigators said Shankera Smith, 18, was found dead inside a house on Southwest First Street. Family members said Smith had recently moved to the house with her boyfriend, Joseph Lenard Dennis.
Police said Dennis is being investigated in connection with Smith's death. Smith had a 2-month-old boy with Dennis. Family members said the couple's relationship was abusive.
Dennis was arrested for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon Thursday after a diaper bag containing a gun was left by Dennis at an acquaintance's house, according to the arrest report.
Detectives said when Dennis showed up at the acquaintance's home, the resident said, "We know what you did and don't want you here." They called police after Dennis left.
Investigators said they found Dennis' orange Crocs and a bag containing the 9-mm handgun, baby clothes, baby bottles with formula and a dirty diaper. Officials said the firearm had an empty magazine and a spent shell casing inside the chamber.
During his initial appearance Friday, Dennis was appointed a public defender and is being held without bond.
Court records show Dennis was arrested in May for false imprisonment and kidnapping, obstruction of justice/intimating a witness or victim and battery.
Friday morning a shelter hearing was held concerning the child, and a judge ruled that the baby would stay in the custody of Dennis' mother, Myrtle Davis, and he would be able to have supervised video conferences at the jail with the child.
Dennis told the court he had $500 at the jail to give to his mother for help with the child.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Ocala Police Department.
Leawood, KS: Dead Leawood couple identified
Police have identified the Leawood couple found dead Tuesday in their home.
Elisabeth Juergens, 48, and Jurgen “Eric” Juergens, 55, were both found dead of gunshots wounds. Leawood police said the coroner has ruled the deaths a murder-suicide. But police did not disclose who was the shooter.
Police were called about 1:40 p.m. Tuesday to the Juergens’ home at 2211 W. 104th St., after being asked by a relative to check on the couple’s welfare.
Elisabeth Juergens, 48, and Jurgen “Eric” Juergens, 55, were both found dead of gunshots wounds. Leawood police said the coroner has ruled the deaths a murder-suicide. But police did not disclose who was the shooter.
Police were called about 1:40 p.m. Tuesday to the Juergens’ home at 2211 W. 104th St., after being asked by a relative to check on the couple’s welfare.
Dallas, TX: Family says Dallas woman was killed because of medical condition
"I hope he rots in prison," says Benjamin Bolden, the brother of Cicely Bolden who was murdered Thursday in her Highland Village Drive apartment.
"She did not deserve this," he says. Bolden says his sister was HIV Positive, but that she didn't keep her medical condition a secret. He says he'd be surprised that Bolden didn't share that information with her boyfriend, Larry Dunn. Who apparently told police he killed her because she didn't tell him until after the two had sex.
Thursday afternoon, Dunn went to Bolden's apartment, and about two hours later, her two children, ages 7 & 8 found their mother's body.
"They were crying, so I went over to see what was wrong," says Latotya Arnett who lives across the hall from Bolden. The ladies were friends. Their children played together all the time.
"It was horrible. I took them inside with me. I feel for those kids," says Arnett.
Arnett also says Bolden was not quiet about her status. She can't believe that Dunn didn't know before Thursday.
Arnett lit 3 candles outside Bolden's apartment. And other neighbors have added stuffed animals. The kids are now staying with family.
Dunn is in the Dallas County Jail charged with murder.
"She did not deserve this," he says. Bolden says his sister was HIV Positive, but that she didn't keep her medical condition a secret. He says he'd be surprised that Bolden didn't share that information with her boyfriend, Larry Dunn. Who apparently told police he killed her because she didn't tell him until after the two had sex.
Thursday afternoon, Dunn went to Bolden's apartment, and about two hours later, her two children, ages 7 & 8 found their mother's body.
"They were crying, so I went over to see what was wrong," says Latotya Arnett who lives across the hall from Bolden. The ladies were friends. Their children played together all the time.
"It was horrible. I took them inside with me. I feel for those kids," says Arnett.
Arnett also says Bolden was not quiet about her status. She can't believe that Dunn didn't know before Thursday.
Arnett lit 3 candles outside Bolden's apartment. And other neighbors have added stuffed animals. The kids are now staying with family.
Dunn is in the Dallas County Jail charged with murder.
Erie, PA: Western Pa. woman asks judge to dismiss statements to investigators before homicide trial
A woman accused of having killed her boyfriend in his apartment while his infant son was in a nearby room is asking a judge to throw out her statements to police.
The Erie Times-News (http://bit.ly/P8NH0f ) says an attorney for 31-year-old Rachel Kozloff told Erie County Judge Shad Connelly on Friday that investigators "deceived" his client by telling her she wasn't going to be arrested before interviews in April.
Kozloff is charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and possessing an instrument of crime in the April 12 shooting death of 31-year-old Michael Henry.
Authorities say Kozloff told investigators she and Henry got into a physical altercation in his apartment on the night of the shooting. Henry's 6-month-old son was in a crib in a nearby room.
The Erie Times-News (http://bit.ly/P8NH0f ) says an attorney for 31-year-old Rachel Kozloff told Erie County Judge Shad Connelly on Friday that investigators "deceived" his client by telling her she wasn't going to be arrested before interviews in April.
Kozloff is charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and possessing an instrument of crime in the April 12 shooting death of 31-year-old Michael Henry.
Authorities say Kozloff told investigators she and Henry got into a physical altercation in his apartment on the night of the shooting. Henry's 6-month-old son was in a crib in a nearby room.
Allentown, PA: Allentown woman found stabbed; boyfriend faces homicide charge, police say
An Allentown woman was killed early this morning and her boyfriend is charged with homicide, the Allentown police and the Lehigh County District Attorney's announced this afternoon.
Lauren Wolstenholme, 31, of the 400 block of South 18th Street, was pronounced dead at 3:47 a.m. The manner of death has been ruled a homicide and the cause of death is pending an autopsy scheduled for Monday, police said.
Jonathan Schaffer, 31, of the same address, will be charged with one count of criminal homicide, police said.
Officers were called at about 1:40 a.m. today to the couple's apartment for a report of a domestic dispute, police said.
Officers were unable to make contact with anyone in the apartment and forced their way inside, where they discovered Wolstenholme's body. Assistant Police Chief Joseph Hanna said Wolstenholme was stabbed.
Schaffer was found in the master bathroom, armed with a knife and refusing to comply with officer’s directions. Schaffer was ultimately shot with a stun gun and apprehended, police said
Schaffer was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital in Allentown for treatment for an apparent ingestion of drugs. He will be arraigned when he is medically fit, police said.
Hanna declined to say what kind of drugs police believe Schaeffer ingested and wouldn't speculate on whether they contributed to the murder. Hanna declined to comment on a motive.
The home is subdivided into four apartments. At least two neighbors said the did not know enough about the situation to comment.
Lauren Wolstenholme, 31, of the 400 block of South 18th Street, was pronounced dead at 3:47 a.m. The manner of death has been ruled a homicide and the cause of death is pending an autopsy scheduled for Monday, police said.
Jonathan Schaffer, 31, of the same address, will be charged with one count of criminal homicide, police said.
Officers were called at about 1:40 a.m. today to the couple's apartment for a report of a domestic dispute, police said.
Officers were unable to make contact with anyone in the apartment and forced their way inside, where they discovered Wolstenholme's body. Assistant Police Chief Joseph Hanna said Wolstenholme was stabbed.
Schaffer was found in the master bathroom, armed with a knife and refusing to comply with officer’s directions. Schaffer was ultimately shot with a stun gun and apprehended, police said
Schaffer was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital in Allentown for treatment for an apparent ingestion of drugs. He will be arraigned when he is medically fit, police said.
Hanna declined to say what kind of drugs police believe Schaeffer ingested and wouldn't speculate on whether they contributed to the murder. Hanna declined to comment on a motive.
The home is subdivided into four apartments. At least two neighbors said the did not know enough about the situation to comment.
Sikeston, MO: Woman killed in stabbing, boyfriend arrested
SIKESTON, MO (KFVS) -
A 28-year-old woman was found stabbed to death and her boyfriend was arrested Friday.
The body of 28-year-old Danielle Keown was found in a basement at 867 Stanford around 11 a.m. Friday.
Keown was left fatally stabbed in the home, according to the Sikeston Department of Public Safety.
Her 23-year-old boyfriend has been arrested.
Melvin Lawrence Harris, 23, of Sikeston was charged with murder first degree and armed criminal action. Harris was being held without bond.
A domestic dispute occurred at the home Thursday night between two of the occupants, according to Sikeston DPS. A struggle took place in the basement of the home and led to the Keown being stabbed. It is believed the body was left in the basement until it was discovered by police.
Four residents of the home were taken to DPS Headquarters for interviews.
An autopsy is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at the Mineral Area Regional Medical Center in Farmington.
Sikeston DPS contacted New Madrid County Sheriff Terry Stevens and the Missouri State Highway Patrol -Troop E, Division of Drug and Crime Control Unit after activating the SEMO Major Case Squad. The New Madrid County Coroner also responded. Troop E's DDCC and the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department assisted Sikeston DPS in conducting several interviews and processing the crime scene.
A 28-year-old woman was found stabbed to death and her boyfriend was arrested Friday.
The body of 28-year-old Danielle Keown was found in a basement at 867 Stanford around 11 a.m. Friday.
Keown was left fatally stabbed in the home, according to the Sikeston Department of Public Safety.
Her 23-year-old boyfriend has been arrested.
Melvin Lawrence Harris, 23, of Sikeston was charged with murder first degree and armed criminal action. Harris was being held without bond.
A domestic dispute occurred at the home Thursday night between two of the occupants, according to Sikeston DPS. A struggle took place in the basement of the home and led to the Keown being stabbed. It is believed the body was left in the basement until it was discovered by police.
Four residents of the home were taken to DPS Headquarters for interviews.
An autopsy is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at the Mineral Area Regional Medical Center in Farmington.
Sikeston DPS contacted New Madrid County Sheriff Terry Stevens and the Missouri State Highway Patrol -Troop E, Division of Drug and Crime Control Unit after activating the SEMO Major Case Squad. The New Madrid County Coroner also responded. Troop E's DDCC and the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department assisted Sikeston DPS in conducting several interviews and processing the crime scene.
Ferguson, MO: Man charged with killing estranged girlfriend and her friend in St. Louis County
FERGUSON, Mo. — A St. Louis man is facing two counts of murder in the deaths of his estranged girlfriend and her friend at a Ferguson townhouse.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch (http://bit.ly/TqBPcg ) reports that authorities are still searching for the suspect, 29-year-old Darnell "Chuckie" Vaughn. He was charged Thursday with two counts of first-degree murder and armed criminal action.
Vaughn's former girlfriend, 30-year-old Claudia Williams, and her friend, 29-year-old Tasheera Johnson, died in the shooting on Aug. 31. Both were shot in the head.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch (http://bit.ly/TqBPcg ) reports that authorities are still searching for the suspect, 29-year-old Darnell "Chuckie" Vaughn. He was charged Thursday with two counts of first-degree murder and armed criminal action.
Vaughn's former girlfriend, 30-year-old Claudia Williams, and her friend, 29-year-old Tasheera Johnson, died in the shooting on Aug. 31. Both were shot in the head.
Alguers, LA: 27-year-old New Orleans man booked with killing his girlfriend
New Orleans police say 27-year-old Gary Burnett killed his 35-year-old girlfriend in Algiers early Wednesday morning. He was booked the same day with second-degree murder, according to records.
At 2:36 a.m., Shonray Lee was shot to death in her home in the 2000 block of Hendee Street. Detectives found her near the bottom of a staircase on the first floor. She was shot in the back and chest.
Lee was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
She had a tumultuous relationship with Burnett, according to detectives.
Detectives met Burnett at his home in the 4400 block of MacArthur Boulevard and then escorted the suspect to the Homicide Division. He was interviewed there.
"Our detectives worked through the night until they had conducted several interviews and gathered sufficient evidence to make an arrest," Superintendent Ronal Serpas said. "The dedication of these detectives is exemplary, and it's become the norm for this department."
"Another factor that we see time and time again," said Serpas "is the willingness of members of the community to talk to police and tell us what they know."
Burnett, police said, has a history of prior arrests, including criminal trespass, illegally carrying a weapon, possession of cocaine and resisting an officer.
At 2:36 a.m., Shonray Lee was shot to death in her home in the 2000 block of Hendee Street. Detectives found her near the bottom of a staircase on the first floor. She was shot in the back and chest.
Lee was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
She had a tumultuous relationship with Burnett, according to detectives.
Detectives met Burnett at his home in the 4400 block of MacArthur Boulevard and then escorted the suspect to the Homicide Division. He was interviewed there.
"Our detectives worked through the night until they had conducted several interviews and gathered sufficient evidence to make an arrest," Superintendent Ronal Serpas said. "The dedication of these detectives is exemplary, and it's become the norm for this department."
"Another factor that we see time and time again," said Serpas "is the willingness of members of the community to talk to police and tell us what they know."
Burnett, police said, has a history of prior arrests, including criminal trespass, illegally carrying a weapon, possession of cocaine and resisting an officer.
Spokane Valley, WA: Salt Lake area man shot and killed by Washington State deputies
SPOKANE VALLEY, WA (ABC 4 News) – A Salt Lake Valley man was shot and killed by sheriff’s deputies in Washington State Wednesday.
Edward Stanley Gover, 47, was shot six times by two deputies outside his girlfriend’s home.
“He had made multiple threats that he was going to kill her,” Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich said.
According to Knezovich,Gover stabbed his girlfriend, held her against her will and stole her car.
Deputies found Gover in the backyard of his girlfriend’s home.
“He went to deputies and told them ‘You’re going to have to kill me,’” Knezovich said.
Gover said he had a weapon, reached in his pocket and put an object behind his back. Deputies opened fire on Gover not knowing what was in his hand.
Deputies discovered a set of keys in Gover’s hand after he fell to the ground.
“Deputies don’t know what kind of weapon he had,” Znezovich said. “It was a lethal force situation.”
Gover was by one deputy five times. Another deputy shot Gover once with a shotgun. He died at a Washington State hospital.
The Spokane County District Attorney’s Office will review the case to determine if excessive force was used.
Gover had an extensive criminal history in Utah.
Edward Stanley Gover, 47, was shot six times by two deputies outside his girlfriend’s home.
“He had made multiple threats that he was going to kill her,” Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich said.
According to Knezovich,Gover stabbed his girlfriend, held her against her will and stole her car.
Deputies found Gover in the backyard of his girlfriend’s home.
“He went to deputies and told them ‘You’re going to have to kill me,’” Knezovich said.
Gover said he had a weapon, reached in his pocket and put an object behind his back. Deputies opened fire on Gover not knowing what was in his hand.
Deputies discovered a set of keys in Gover’s hand after he fell to the ground.
“Deputies don’t know what kind of weapon he had,” Znezovich said. “It was a lethal force situation.”
Gover was by one deputy five times. Another deputy shot Gover once with a shotgun. He died at a Washington State hospital.
The Spokane County District Attorney’s Office will review the case to determine if excessive force was used.
Gover had an extensive criminal history in Utah.
Smiths Station, AL: Smiths woman arrested following husband's death
A Smiths Station woman was arrested Tuesday in Birmingham for her alleged involvement in the death of her husband.
Tiffany Danielle Andrews, 26, was picked up by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on an outstanding manslaughter warrant from Lee County in relation to the death of Michael James Andrews, 33. Andrews was additionally charged with menacing and is being held in the Lee County Detention Center on a $26,000 bond.
Capt. Van Jackson of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said the case is still ongoing and that details surrounding the death of her husband have not been released due to their crucial roles in the outcome of the case.
“All we know is that there was some involvement on her part,” Jackson said. “There was evidence that she was involved in the circumstances which led to his death.”
On July 1, deputies received a call regarding a possible motorcycle accident near the intersection of Lee Road 248 and Highway 280 East in Smiths Station. Deputies, EMS and Alabama State Troopers responded to the accident, where Mr. Andrews was located lying on the ground near the motorcycle with Ms. Andrews at the scene, as well.
Emergency personnel rushed Mr. Andrews to Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead because of internal injuries.
Mr. Andrews was employed as a specialist in the Mississippi National Guard and was on active duty orders assigned to the Bravo Company Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Benning, Ga.
Ms. Andrews was not treated for any injuries. No one else was involved in the accident.
Jackson said that following the initial investigation of the accident, questions arose surrounding the circumstances of Andrews’ death that needed to be answered.
“There were some issues that came up in that investigation that led us to locate evidence that led to her arrest,” Jackson said.
The sheriff’s office is looking for a witness who allegedly saw the couple along the road. Jackson said the person in question is not a suspect but is wanted for questioning.
“There was an individual that was a passerby that was flagged down by Ms. Andrews the night this all happened,” Jackson said.
Anyone with information on the case is encouraged to call the Lee County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-522-7847.
Tiffany Danielle Andrews, 26, was picked up by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on an outstanding manslaughter warrant from Lee County in relation to the death of Michael James Andrews, 33. Andrews was additionally charged with menacing and is being held in the Lee County Detention Center on a $26,000 bond.
Capt. Van Jackson of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said the case is still ongoing and that details surrounding the death of her husband have not been released due to their crucial roles in the outcome of the case.
“All we know is that there was some involvement on her part,” Jackson said. “There was evidence that she was involved in the circumstances which led to his death.”
On July 1, deputies received a call regarding a possible motorcycle accident near the intersection of Lee Road 248 and Highway 280 East in Smiths Station. Deputies, EMS and Alabama State Troopers responded to the accident, where Mr. Andrews was located lying on the ground near the motorcycle with Ms. Andrews at the scene, as well.
Emergency personnel rushed Mr. Andrews to Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead because of internal injuries.
Mr. Andrews was employed as a specialist in the Mississippi National Guard and was on active duty orders assigned to the Bravo Company Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Benning, Ga.
Ms. Andrews was not treated for any injuries. No one else was involved in the accident.
Jackson said that following the initial investigation of the accident, questions arose surrounding the circumstances of Andrews’ death that needed to be answered.
“There were some issues that came up in that investigation that led us to locate evidence that led to her arrest,” Jackson said.
The sheriff’s office is looking for a witness who allegedly saw the couple along the road. Jackson said the person in question is not a suspect but is wanted for questioning.
“There was an individual that was a passerby that was flagged down by Ms. Andrews the night this all happened,” Jackson said.
Anyone with information on the case is encouraged to call the Lee County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-522-7847.
Yuma, AZ: Border agent dies in apparent murder-suicide
YUMA, Ariz. (AP) — Sheriff's officials in Yuma County have identified the girlfriend of a U.S. Border Patrol agent killed in an apparent murder-suicide.
Capt. Eben Bratcher said Thursday that 34-year-old Briana Kilty was shot by her boyfriend, 36-year-old Border Patrol Agent Robert C. Nelson, who then shot himself.
Both bodies were found inside a home early Wednesday.
Sheriff's deputies received a call at around 4:15 a.m. about a domestic violence situation. The caller said her brother had told her that he had killed his girlfriend and was going to kill himself.
Kilty's 11-year-old daughter was found unharmed inside the house. The girl has been placed into Child Protective Services.
Nelson joined the agency in 2005 and was assigned to the Yuma Sector.
Capt. Eben Bratcher said Thursday that 34-year-old Briana Kilty was shot by her boyfriend, 36-year-old Border Patrol Agent Robert C. Nelson, who then shot himself.
Both bodies were found inside a home early Wednesday.
Sheriff's deputies received a call at around 4:15 a.m. about a domestic violence situation. The caller said her brother had told her that he had killed his girlfriend and was going to kill himself.
Kilty's 11-year-old daughter was found unharmed inside the house. The girl has been placed into Child Protective Services.
Nelson joined the agency in 2005 and was assigned to the Yuma Sector.
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