By
PE News on February 18, 2011 3:48 PM
More than five years after 22-year-old Maria Ines Lopez was found beaten, strangled, bound and buried in a creekbed off Highway 79 in Temecula, her ex-boyfriend has pleaded guilty to murdering her.
Gustavo Santiago Valencia Miranda, now 25, pleaded guilty today to first-degree murder to avoid facing the death penalty. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Outside the courtroom at the Southwest Justice Center in French Valley, her father, Jorge Lopez, said the years of waiting for resolution in the case had taken a toll on his family.
"It was like a bad dream for us, waiting and waiting and waiting," he said.
Lopez, who lived with her parents in Long Beach and was a semester away from college graduation, broke up with Valencia Miranda a few months before she was killed in October 2005.
Valencia Miranda, a former Chaparral High School student who was 19 at the time of the killing, told investigators he had strangled Lopez while the two were walking together along the creek bed. He told them that Lopez had started talking about her new boyfriend. If she couldn't be with him, he told them, she couldn't be with anyone else, investigators said.
Valencia Miranda led authorities to where he had buried Lopez's body.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Bellefontaine, OH: Murder Charges Filed In Slaying Of Bellefontaine Woman
Friday, February 18, 2011 3:48 PM
Updated: Friday, February 18, 2011 7:15 PM
BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio — A man sought in connection with the death of a Bellefontaine woman who was found dead in her mother's basement was charged with murder on Friday afternoon.
Samuel K. Littleton was charged with murder, felonious assault, abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence, 10TV's Kevin Landers reported.
Littleton, 37, was last seen on Wednesday. Officials said they were searching for Littleton in connection with the death of Tiffany Brown, but until Friday afternoon would only call him a "person of interest."
Littleton is the boyfriend of Brown's mother, Deb Neeley.
Brown, 26, was found Wednesday night. Investigators said she was found partially clothed under a pile of scrap wood and had been stabbed multiple times.
Brown disappeared on Feb. 11 after dropping her children off at a neighbor's house and leaving to run errands.
According to Bellefontaine police Chief Brad Kunze, Brown was probably murdered last weekend.
Littleton is also being sought in connection with the disappearance of an elderly Logan County couple.
Richard and Gladis Russell once owned the residence where investigators found Brown's body. The home was sold to Littleton, who lived in the home with Neeley.
The couple's 2004 green Mercury Grand Marquis was also missing, 10TV's Danielle Elias reported.
The vehicle was last spotted on Wednesday at a rest stop in Butler County.
An Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper was checking random license plates and came across the vehicle, but it was not reported stolen so there was no further investigation.
Deputies said that Russell's car has Ohio license plate No. PDG-13E.
The two are long-time members of the Bellefontaine Lion's Club and known throughout the community, Elias reported. Neighbors said it would be unlike them to leave without telling anyone. Family members said a neighbor, who normally checks on the Russells, spotted their paper sitting on their lawn, and went inside their house to find the couple and their car missing.
"The first thing I noticed was Gladis always keeps a log of when Dick's blood pressure and sugar count and that had not been updated since, I think, Wednesday morning," said family member Mike Coder.
There were no signs of foul play in the home but investigators did find something strange.
"There was a note inside that I believe, had a phone number on it that came back to Mr. Littleton," said Logan County sheriff's deputy Randy Dodds. "We found that inside which is what raised our suspicion."
At daybreak on Friday, authorities began scouring the Russell's 80-acre property in rural Logan County.
Officers were seen searching in barns, fields and outbuildings for clues related to their disappearance.
The search for Littleton has expanded out of Ohio, and involves authorities in Tennessee and West Virginia, where Littleton is known to have family, 10TV News reported.
Family and friends were gathering on Friday evening at Brown's home on Albert Street for a vigil to remember the mother of two, 10TV's Jason Frazer reported.
"She's just a great person," said friend Neoma Price. "She was trying to go somewhere with her life working and going to school to better herself and her children. Just a lot of tears and a lot of hugs for the family, just praying that this nightmare for them (Brown's family) will be over soon."
Hundreds of people were expected to attend the vigil. People have been stopping by the home throughout the day to leave candles, flowers and signs and to pay their respects.
Investigators are asking anyone living near the Russell residence to check any out buildings or other structures on their property and report anything suspicious to the sheriff's office at 937-592-5731 . Anyone with information on Littleton's whereabouts is asked to call 911 or 937-599-8477 .
Updated: Friday, February 18, 2011 7:15 PM
BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio — A man sought in connection with the death of a Bellefontaine woman who was found dead in her mother's basement was charged with murder on Friday afternoon.
Samuel K. Littleton was charged with murder, felonious assault, abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence, 10TV's Kevin Landers reported.
Littleton, 37, was last seen on Wednesday. Officials said they were searching for Littleton in connection with the death of Tiffany Brown, but until Friday afternoon would only call him a "person of interest."
Littleton is the boyfriend of Brown's mother, Deb Neeley.
Brown, 26, was found Wednesday night. Investigators said she was found partially clothed under a pile of scrap wood and had been stabbed multiple times.
Brown disappeared on Feb. 11 after dropping her children off at a neighbor's house and leaving to run errands.
According to Bellefontaine police Chief Brad Kunze, Brown was probably murdered last weekend.
Littleton is also being sought in connection with the disappearance of an elderly Logan County couple.
Richard and Gladis Russell once owned the residence where investigators found Brown's body. The home was sold to Littleton, who lived in the home with Neeley.
The couple's 2004 green Mercury Grand Marquis was also missing, 10TV's Danielle Elias reported.
The vehicle was last spotted on Wednesday at a rest stop in Butler County.
An Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper was checking random license plates and came across the vehicle, but it was not reported stolen so there was no further investigation.
Deputies said that Russell's car has Ohio license plate No. PDG-13E.
The two are long-time members of the Bellefontaine Lion's Club and known throughout the community, Elias reported. Neighbors said it would be unlike them to leave without telling anyone. Family members said a neighbor, who normally checks on the Russells, spotted their paper sitting on their lawn, and went inside their house to find the couple and their car missing.
"The first thing I noticed was Gladis always keeps a log of when Dick's blood pressure and sugar count and that had not been updated since, I think, Wednesday morning," said family member Mike Coder.
There were no signs of foul play in the home but investigators did find something strange.
"There was a note inside that I believe, had a phone number on it that came back to Mr. Littleton," said Logan County sheriff's deputy Randy Dodds. "We found that inside which is what raised our suspicion."
At daybreak on Friday, authorities began scouring the Russell's 80-acre property in rural Logan County.
Officers were seen searching in barns, fields and outbuildings for clues related to their disappearance.
The search for Littleton has expanded out of Ohio, and involves authorities in Tennessee and West Virginia, where Littleton is known to have family, 10TV News reported.
Family and friends were gathering on Friday evening at Brown's home on Albert Street for a vigil to remember the mother of two, 10TV's Jason Frazer reported.
"She's just a great person," said friend Neoma Price. "She was trying to go somewhere with her life working and going to school to better herself and her children. Just a lot of tears and a lot of hugs for the family, just praying that this nightmare for them (Brown's family) will be over soon."
Hundreds of people were expected to attend the vigil. People have been stopping by the home throughout the day to leave candles, flowers and signs and to pay their respects.
Investigators are asking anyone living near the Russell residence to check any out buildings or other structures on their property and report anything suspicious to the sheriff's office at 937-592-5731 . Anyone with information on Littleton's whereabouts is asked to call 911 or 937-599-8477 .
Stockton, CA: Man calls 911, then allegedly kills fiancée, self
The Associated Press
Posted: 02/18/2011 10:26:55 AM PST
Updated: 02/18/2011 10:26:55 AM PST
STOCKTON, Calif.—Stockton Police are investigating a man who allegedly shot and killed his fiancée and himself after calling 911 as an apparent murder suicide.
Officer Pete Smith, a department spokesman, said Friday that 45-year-old Joseph Giacovoni called 911 and told dispatchers Thursday morning he was going to shoot his fiancée, 35-year-old Maya Paratore.
Smith said when officers arrived to the couple's home they found the front door open and the couple shot inside. They were later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Smith said it's unclear whether Giacovoni had shot Paratore when he called 911.
Smith said the couple, who were engaged and living together as a blended family with four children, had fought before the shooting as a motive is still unknown.
None of the children were at home during the shooting.
Posted: 02/18/2011 10:26:55 AM PST
Updated: 02/18/2011 10:26:55 AM PST
STOCKTON, Calif.—Stockton Police are investigating a man who allegedly shot and killed his fiancée and himself after calling 911 as an apparent murder suicide.
Officer Pete Smith, a department spokesman, said Friday that 45-year-old Joseph Giacovoni called 911 and told dispatchers Thursday morning he was going to shoot his fiancée, 35-year-old Maya Paratore.
Smith said when officers arrived to the couple's home they found the front door open and the couple shot inside. They were later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Smith said it's unclear whether Giacovoni had shot Paratore when he called 911.
Smith said the couple, who were engaged and living together as a blended family with four children, had fought before the shooting as a motive is still unknown.
None of the children were at home during the shooting.
Danielson, CT: Former Killingly man, 83 charged in 81-year-old wife's shooting death
Danielson, Conn. —
An 83-year-old former Killingly man has been charged with manslaughter in the 2009 shooting death of his wife.
Thomas Kelly turned himself into Danielson State Police on Monday, where he is being held on $100,000 bond.
Kelly's wife, Jacqueline, was found dead in the bathtub of the couple's Cranberry Bog Road home in the early hours of June 26, 2009. Police say Kelly shot her in the head three times. Jacqueline Kelly, then 81, had been suffering from dementia in the two years before she was shot to death.
When police arrived at the couple's home that morning, they found Jacqueline Kelly naked in the bathub with three gunshot wounds to her head and face, according to an affidavit. She was pronounced dead by emergency personnel. They found Thomas Kelly naked and bruised, passed out under the kitchen table next to half-empty bottle of vodka, according to an affidavit. He was treated at Day Kimball Hospital for his injuries, and registered a blood alcohol level of 0.103 at the hospital, according to the affidavit.
Thomas Kelly is due in Danielson Superior Court on March 18.
An 83-year-old former Killingly man has been charged with manslaughter in the 2009 shooting death of his wife.
Thomas Kelly turned himself into Danielson State Police on Monday, where he is being held on $100,000 bond.
Kelly's wife, Jacqueline, was found dead in the bathtub of the couple's Cranberry Bog Road home in the early hours of June 26, 2009. Police say Kelly shot her in the head three times. Jacqueline Kelly, then 81, had been suffering from dementia in the two years before she was shot to death.
When police arrived at the couple's home that morning, they found Jacqueline Kelly naked in the bathub with three gunshot wounds to her head and face, according to an affidavit. She was pronounced dead by emergency personnel. They found Thomas Kelly naked and bruised, passed out under the kitchen table next to half-empty bottle of vodka, according to an affidavit. He was treated at Day Kimball Hospital for his injuries, and registered a blood alcohol level of 0.103 at the hospital, according to the affidavit.
Thomas Kelly is due in Danielson Superior Court on March 18.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Redding, CA: Woman Facing Murder Charge Of Boyfriend
POSTED: 5:40 pm PST February 16, 2011
REDDING, Calif. -- Jeannie Gastineau was in Shasta County Superior Court today for a preliminary hearing; she's facing eight counts including murder.
Earlier this year, Gastineau was arrested after driving while under the influence, with a suspended license, and hitting and killing her boyfriend.
An investigator testified in court on Wednesday saying that Gastineau had told him that she was trying to scare the victim and accidentally killed him.
A judge decided on Wednesday that the prosecution presented enough evidence, giving him a strong suspicion that Gastineau may have murdered her boyfriend.
REDDING, Calif. -- Jeannie Gastineau was in Shasta County Superior Court today for a preliminary hearing; she's facing eight counts including murder.
Earlier this year, Gastineau was arrested after driving while under the influence, with a suspended license, and hitting and killing her boyfriend.
An investigator testified in court on Wednesday saying that Gastineau had told him that she was trying to scare the victim and accidentally killed him.
A judge decided on Wednesday that the prosecution presented enough evidence, giving him a strong suspicion that Gastineau may have murdered her boyfriend.
Austin, TX: Family of Texas man set to die pleads for his life
By Corrie MacLaggan
AUSTIN, Tex. Wed Feb 16, 2011 6:10pm EST
AUSTIN, Tex. (Reuters) - Relatives of a man scheduled to be executed in Texas next week for killing his infant son pleaded on Wednesday for his life to be spared, saying that the family has already suffered enough.
After an argument with his wife in which he shot at her, Timothy Adams shot and killed his infant son, Tim, during a standoff with police in 2002, according to the Texas attorney general's office. Adam's execution, which would be the second in Texas this year, is set for Tuesday.
"This is a constant pain, day in and day out, that we're about to lose another member of our family," Adams' father, Columbus Adams, told a press conference at the Texas Capitol.
Columbus Adams was joined by several clergy members who are part of a group of more than 90 Christian leaders who wrote a letter to Gov. Rick Perry and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles asking that Timothy Adams' death sentence be commuted to life in prison without parole.
Perry spokeswoman Katherine Cesinger said that "the governor fully considers each case before making his final decision."
Adams' supporters said that his actions on that 2002 day were out of character and that he is not a danger to anyone. Adams' wife testified that her husband followed her and once told her that he hoped to catch her with another man so that he could kill them "right then and there." according to the attorney general's account of the case.
The Rev. Lawrence Scott of New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, the Adams family's church, said at the press conference that it's time to break the chain of "murder for murder."
"He's a good man," Scott said of Adams. "What he did was horrible, but to take his life is not going to do anything for the situation. His mother can't sleep. His father can't sleep."
Seventeen people were executed last year in Texas, which has executed more than four times as many people as any other state since the death penalty was reinstated in the United States in 1976, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.
(Editing by Greg McCune)
AUSTIN, Tex. Wed Feb 16, 2011 6:10pm EST
AUSTIN, Tex. (Reuters) - Relatives of a man scheduled to be executed in Texas next week for killing his infant son pleaded on Wednesday for his life to be spared, saying that the family has already suffered enough.
After an argument with his wife in which he shot at her, Timothy Adams shot and killed his infant son, Tim, during a standoff with police in 2002, according to the Texas attorney general's office. Adam's execution, which would be the second in Texas this year, is set for Tuesday.
"This is a constant pain, day in and day out, that we're about to lose another member of our family," Adams' father, Columbus Adams, told a press conference at the Texas Capitol.
Columbus Adams was joined by several clergy members who are part of a group of more than 90 Christian leaders who wrote a letter to Gov. Rick Perry and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles asking that Timothy Adams' death sentence be commuted to life in prison without parole.
Perry spokeswoman Katherine Cesinger said that "the governor fully considers each case before making his final decision."
Adams' supporters said that his actions on that 2002 day were out of character and that he is not a danger to anyone. Adams' wife testified that her husband followed her and once told her that he hoped to catch her with another man so that he could kill them "right then and there." according to the attorney general's account of the case.
The Rev. Lawrence Scott of New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, the Adams family's church, said at the press conference that it's time to break the chain of "murder for murder."
"He's a good man," Scott said of Adams. "What he did was horrible, but to take his life is not going to do anything for the situation. His mother can't sleep. His father can't sleep."
Seventeen people were executed last year in Texas, which has executed more than four times as many people as any other state since the death penalty was reinstated in the United States in 1976, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.
(Editing by Greg McCune)
Bass Lake, CA: Bass Lake Shooting Suspect Found Dead
The suspect in the murders of two women at a Bass Lake restaurant, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound overnight.
Madera Co. Sheriff's Deputies have identified him as 71-year-old James H. Williamson. He's accused of beating and shooting Fresno attorney Judy Soley outside Ducey's On The Lake Restaurant. He then reportedly ran after his estranged wife, 65-year-old Sandra Kay Williamson, shooting her inside the restaurant.
After the attack, deputies found James Williamson's truck parked outside his home on Fawn Point Lane. The SWAT Team was called in to handle the situation, leading to an hours-long standoff. Just after midnight Thursday, deputies threw tear gas into the home. When they went inside, they discovered the suspect's body in one of the bedrooms.A department spokesperson says; "While there is much speculation as to why James Wililamson shot and killed both his estranged wife and her attorney, the Madera County Sheriff's Department cannot confirm a motive for the double homicide at this time. The case is still under investigation."We are continuing to monitor this story, and will bring you updates here on our website, as well as on CBS47 News.
Madera Co. Sheriff's Deputies have identified him as 71-year-old James H. Williamson. He's accused of beating and shooting Fresno attorney Judy Soley outside Ducey's On The Lake Restaurant. He then reportedly ran after his estranged wife, 65-year-old Sandra Kay Williamson, shooting her inside the restaurant.
After the attack, deputies found James Williamson's truck parked outside his home on Fawn Point Lane. The SWAT Team was called in to handle the situation, leading to an hours-long standoff. Just after midnight Thursday, deputies threw tear gas into the home. When they went inside, they discovered the suspect's body in one of the bedrooms.A department spokesperson says; "While there is much speculation as to why James Wililamson shot and killed both his estranged wife and her attorney, the Madera County Sheriff's Department cannot confirm a motive for the double homicide at this time. The case is still under investigation."We are continuing to monitor this story, and will bring you updates here on our website, as well as on CBS47 News.
Hollywood, MD: Wife indicted on first-degree murder charge
Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011
By JOHN WHARTON
An indictment by St. Mary's grand jurors charging Joanna Joyce Findlay with first-degree murder in her husband's death led to her spending a weekend in jail before her release Monday on a bond posted last year.
A prosecutor asked this week that Findlay be held without bond, which he said was in keeping with his office's stance for every first-degree murder case. But a judge concurred with Findlay's lawyer that she can remain free on a $100,000 district court bond, with pretrial supervision.
Findlay originally was charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of her husband last October at their Hollywood home. A series of conversations between St. Mary's 911 dispatchers and the couple occurred before police got to the residence and found Gary Alan Trogdon dead on the living room floor.
John E. Ray, Findlay's lawyer, has said that his client consistently maintains that Trogdon shot himself, and the lawyer entered a not-guilty plea on Findlay's behalf at Monday's brief proceeding in St. Mary's Circuit Court.
Ray said in court that Findlay has been attending her required pretrial supervision meetings with authorities since her release last December, and the lawyer said he learned of the new indictment last Friday from the county's state's attorney.
"She turned herself in [at the county jail], based on the phone call I made to her," Ray said.
The lawyer said that Findlay, originally from Scotland, has turned over her passport to the prosecutors' office and is living at the Hollywood residence with her mother, who also attended Monday's hearing.
St. Mary's Deputy State's Attorney Theodore Weiner acknowledged in court that Findlay has no previous record, including no history of assaultive behavior.
"I've had a lot of murder cases," St. Mary's Circuit Judge C. Clarke Raley said as he granted Findlay's release. "This kind of murder never happens twice."
Findlay, 40, and her 57-year-old husband lived on Little Cliffs Road, where St. Mary's State's Attorney Richard Fritz has alleged that the suspect was trying to overdose on drugs and was angry because Trogdon would not give her prescription medication to her.
Findlay, who worked as a college lecturer at the University of Maryland, College Park, first shot at Trogdon with a .22-caliber pistol, but the shot hit the floor and he took the weapon from her, Fritz alleged during a recent interview.
Findlay had called 911 dispatchers to tell them that Trogdon had assaulted her, according to court records, and Trogdon answered the phone when the dispatchers made a return phone call to the residence.
Trogdon told the dispatchers that he couldn't stay on the line, according to a recording of the conversation, because he had to make sure his wife wouldn't find any other guns.
Fritz alleged that Findlay eventually located a .357-caliber handgun and fired two .38-caliber rounds during a struggle over the weapon, one striking a sliding glass door and the other hitting Trogdon in the chest.
Ray repeatedly said at a district court preliminary hearing last November that the dispute between his client and her husband arose from her discovery that he was in possession of child pornography. Fritz has downplayed the relevance of that issue, and he recently said an analysis of the contents of Trogdon's computer has not been finished.
By JOHN WHARTON
An indictment by St. Mary's grand jurors charging Joanna Joyce Findlay with first-degree murder in her husband's death led to her spending a weekend in jail before her release Monday on a bond posted last year.
A prosecutor asked this week that Findlay be held without bond, which he said was in keeping with his office's stance for every first-degree murder case. But a judge concurred with Findlay's lawyer that she can remain free on a $100,000 district court bond, with pretrial supervision.
Findlay originally was charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of her husband last October at their Hollywood home. A series of conversations between St. Mary's 911 dispatchers and the couple occurred before police got to the residence and found Gary Alan Trogdon dead on the living room floor.
John E. Ray, Findlay's lawyer, has said that his client consistently maintains that Trogdon shot himself, and the lawyer entered a not-guilty plea on Findlay's behalf at Monday's brief proceeding in St. Mary's Circuit Court.
Ray said in court that Findlay has been attending her required pretrial supervision meetings with authorities since her release last December, and the lawyer said he learned of the new indictment last Friday from the county's state's attorney.
"She turned herself in [at the county jail], based on the phone call I made to her," Ray said.
The lawyer said that Findlay, originally from Scotland, has turned over her passport to the prosecutors' office and is living at the Hollywood residence with her mother, who also attended Monday's hearing.
St. Mary's Deputy State's Attorney Theodore Weiner acknowledged in court that Findlay has no previous record, including no history of assaultive behavior.
"I've had a lot of murder cases," St. Mary's Circuit Judge C. Clarke Raley said as he granted Findlay's release. "This kind of murder never happens twice."
Findlay, 40, and her 57-year-old husband lived on Little Cliffs Road, where St. Mary's State's Attorney Richard Fritz has alleged that the suspect was trying to overdose on drugs and was angry because Trogdon would not give her prescription medication to her.
Findlay, who worked as a college lecturer at the University of Maryland, College Park, first shot at Trogdon with a .22-caliber pistol, but the shot hit the floor and he took the weapon from her, Fritz alleged during a recent interview.
Findlay had called 911 dispatchers to tell them that Trogdon had assaulted her, according to court records, and Trogdon answered the phone when the dispatchers made a return phone call to the residence.
Trogdon told the dispatchers that he couldn't stay on the line, according to a recording of the conversation, because he had to make sure his wife wouldn't find any other guns.
Fritz alleged that Findlay eventually located a .357-caliber handgun and fired two .38-caliber rounds during a struggle over the weapon, one striking a sliding glass door and the other hitting Trogdon in the chest.
Ray repeatedly said at a district court preliminary hearing last November that the dispute between his client and her husband arose from her discovery that he was in possession of child pornography. Fritz has downplayed the relevance of that issue, and he recently said an analysis of the contents of Trogdon's computer has not been finished.
Turlock, CA: Young child witness to murder-suicide of parents
POSTED Feb. 15, 2011 8:50 p.m.
On a day meant to celebrate love and commitment, a man shot to death his estranged girlfriend in front of their 8-year-old son and then turned the gun on himself.
The individuals have tentatively been identified by authorities as Ricardo Sanchez, Jr., 34, of Keyes and Janelle Godinez, 33, of Turlock.The fatal shooting occurred just before 5:30 p.m. Monday in the 2900 block of Grand Oak Court, a neighborhood of newer model upscale homes near Pitman High School.
The couple had been in a long-term on-and-off again relationship and had one child together, said Turlock Police Lt. Ron Reid. Sanchez also has a 15-year-old son from a previous relationship. The couple was not living together at the time of the shooting.
Neither of them lived in the neighborhood where the shooting occurred. Sanchez does have extended family that lives a few blocks from the scene, Reid said. The two had met in the neighborhood for a custody exchange. Godinez was picking the son up from the father.
They had each parked their vehicles alongside the curb and Sanchez got into the Godinez’s sports utility vehicle. An argument of some sort transpired between the two before Sanchez pulled out a handgun and shot Godinez, then himself, Reid said.
Both had gunshot wounds to the upper torso. It’s unknown how many times Godinez was shot. Sanchez had a single gunshot wound, Reid said.
They were both pronounced dead at the scene.
The couple’s 8-year-old son was a witness to most of the gruesome encounter, Reid said.
In the moments leading up to the shooting residents had called the police department to report a disturbance in the area. After the shots rang out several people called emergency dispatch. The son ran the few blocks to his father’s family’s home and told them of the shooting, Reid said.
The 8-year-old is staying with his family and they have been put in touch with various victim advocate and counseling programs in the county, Reid said.
A handgun was recovered at the scene.
Reid said the police department had taken one prior report of a disturbance involving the couple, though it had not occurred recently. Investigators are speaking with other law enforcement agencies to see if they responded to any incidents involving the couple.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact Detective Jason Tosta at 668-5550 ext. 6624.
On a day meant to celebrate love and commitment, a man shot to death his estranged girlfriend in front of their 8-year-old son and then turned the gun on himself.
The individuals have tentatively been identified by authorities as Ricardo Sanchez, Jr., 34, of Keyes and Janelle Godinez, 33, of Turlock.The fatal shooting occurred just before 5:30 p.m. Monday in the 2900 block of Grand Oak Court, a neighborhood of newer model upscale homes near Pitman High School.
The couple had been in a long-term on-and-off again relationship and had one child together, said Turlock Police Lt. Ron Reid. Sanchez also has a 15-year-old son from a previous relationship. The couple was not living together at the time of the shooting.
Neither of them lived in the neighborhood where the shooting occurred. Sanchez does have extended family that lives a few blocks from the scene, Reid said. The two had met in the neighborhood for a custody exchange. Godinez was picking the son up from the father.
They had each parked their vehicles alongside the curb and Sanchez got into the Godinez’s sports utility vehicle. An argument of some sort transpired between the two before Sanchez pulled out a handgun and shot Godinez, then himself, Reid said.
Both had gunshot wounds to the upper torso. It’s unknown how many times Godinez was shot. Sanchez had a single gunshot wound, Reid said.
They were both pronounced dead at the scene.
The couple’s 8-year-old son was a witness to most of the gruesome encounter, Reid said.
In the moments leading up to the shooting residents had called the police department to report a disturbance in the area. After the shots rang out several people called emergency dispatch. The son ran the few blocks to his father’s family’s home and told them of the shooting, Reid said.
The 8-year-old is staying with his family and they have been put in touch with various victim advocate and counseling programs in the county, Reid said.
A handgun was recovered at the scene.
Reid said the police department had taken one prior report of a disturbance involving the couple, though it had not occurred recently. Investigators are speaking with other law enforcement agencies to see if they responded to any incidents involving the couple.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact Detective Jason Tosta at 668-5550 ext. 6624.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Lafayette, TN: Macon County Man Charged In Wife's Homicide
Woman's Body Found In Pond
Written by Mary Katherine Rooker
POSTED: 10:59 am CST February 15, 2011
UPDATED: 2:53 pm CST February 15, 2011
LAFAYETTE, Tenn. -- A homicide victim's husband now faces charges nearly a year after her death.
Cody Scott is charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Misty.
Misty Scott's body was found in a pond on Murray Hill Lane in Lafayette on March 28, 2010. The medical examiner determined the woman had drowned.
According to a news release from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Cody Scott assaulted his wife during an argument earlier that day.
At the time of his arrest, Cody Scott was jailed in Kentucky on charges related to methamphetamine.
Written by Mary Katherine Rooker
POSTED: 10:59 am CST February 15, 2011
UPDATED: 2:53 pm CST February 15, 2011
LAFAYETTE, Tenn. -- A homicide victim's husband now faces charges nearly a year after her death.
Cody Scott is charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Misty.
Misty Scott's body was found in a pond on Murray Hill Lane in Lafayette on March 28, 2010. The medical examiner determined the woman had drowned.
According to a news release from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Cody Scott assaulted his wife during an argument earlier that day.
At the time of his arrest, Cody Scott was jailed in Kentucky on charges related to methamphetamine.
Rostraver, PA: Rostraver man who killed dad seeks new trial
By Rich Cholodofsky
TRIBUNE-REVIEW Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The former attorney for a Rostraver man serving a prison sentence for the third-degree murder of his father told a judge Tuesday the killing came about when his client learned his wife had a romantic affair with his dad.
Donald Myers Jr., 29, is seeking to withdraw a guilty plea he entered two years ago, when he admitted to helping to kill his 54-year-old father, Donald Myers Sr., on March 31, 2007.
"Mr. Myers told me he was surprised his father and wife had an affair or were having an affair. The two were having a physical confrontation when he grabbed his father by the arms and told his wife to continue stabbing him. The fight carried over into the bedroom, and he said his father wasn't dying, so he put a plastic bag over his head and tried to suffocate him," attorney Pat Thomassey testified before Judge John Blahovec.
Myers contends Thomassey provided an inadequate defense that resulted in the guilty plea to third-degree murder and a sentence of 20 to 40 years in prison.
Myers said a statement that his wife, Della Lampkin-Myers, gave to prosecutors provided evidence that could have been used in his favor at a trial.
Thomassey never showed him a transcript of that statement, Myers testified Monday.
But Thomassey testified he reviewed the contents of that detailed statement with his client. The statement included evidence from Lampkin-Myers that confirmed details Donald Myers Jr. told Thomassey, the defense attorney said.
Thomassey said factual details about the crime strongly suggested there was enough evidence to warrant a first-degree conviction.
"I told him this plea was a gift," Thomassey said.
One key piece of evidence the prosecution planned to use was that a plastic bag used to cover the victim's face during a suffocation attempt contained Myers' fingerprint.
"That was significant. I told him the jury was going to hate him," Thomassey testified.
The body of Donald Myers Sr. was found in his mobile home on April 11, 2007, nearly two weeks after his son and daughter-in-law fled in the dead man's car and used his credit cards in North Carolina.
Police said Myers was stabbed 13 times. Court records indicated that police believed Myers Sr. might have survived if he had received medical help immediately after the attack.
Five days after Myers pleaded guilty, his wife pleaded guilty to similar charges and was sentenced to serve 25 to 50 years in prison.
Blahovec gave lawyers 20 days to submit legal arguments about Myers' request to have a second chance at a trial. Blahovec will review those briefs before issuing a ruling.
TRIBUNE-REVIEW Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The former attorney for a Rostraver man serving a prison sentence for the third-degree murder of his father told a judge Tuesday the killing came about when his client learned his wife had a romantic affair with his dad.
Donald Myers Jr., 29, is seeking to withdraw a guilty plea he entered two years ago, when he admitted to helping to kill his 54-year-old father, Donald Myers Sr., on March 31, 2007.
"Mr. Myers told me he was surprised his father and wife had an affair or were having an affair. The two were having a physical confrontation when he grabbed his father by the arms and told his wife to continue stabbing him. The fight carried over into the bedroom, and he said his father wasn't dying, so he put a plastic bag over his head and tried to suffocate him," attorney Pat Thomassey testified before Judge John Blahovec.
Myers contends Thomassey provided an inadequate defense that resulted in the guilty plea to third-degree murder and a sentence of 20 to 40 years in prison.
Myers said a statement that his wife, Della Lampkin-Myers, gave to prosecutors provided evidence that could have been used in his favor at a trial.
Thomassey never showed him a transcript of that statement, Myers testified Monday.
But Thomassey testified he reviewed the contents of that detailed statement with his client. The statement included evidence from Lampkin-Myers that confirmed details Donald Myers Jr. told Thomassey, the defense attorney said.
Thomassey said factual details about the crime strongly suggested there was enough evidence to warrant a first-degree conviction.
"I told him this plea was a gift," Thomassey said.
One key piece of evidence the prosecution planned to use was that a plastic bag used to cover the victim's face during a suffocation attempt contained Myers' fingerprint.
"That was significant. I told him the jury was going to hate him," Thomassey testified.
The body of Donald Myers Sr. was found in his mobile home on April 11, 2007, nearly two weeks after his son and daughter-in-law fled in the dead man's car and used his credit cards in North Carolina.
Police said Myers was stabbed 13 times. Court records indicated that police believed Myers Sr. might have survived if he had received medical help immediately after the attack.
Five days after Myers pleaded guilty, his wife pleaded guilty to similar charges and was sentenced to serve 25 to 50 years in prison.
Blahovec gave lawyers 20 days to submit legal arguments about Myers' request to have a second chance at a trial. Blahovec will review those briefs before issuing a ruling.
Beaver, PA: Pa. man convicted in man's death, wife's wounding
Associated Press - February 16, 2011 6:45 AM ET
BEAVER, Pa. (AP) - A western Pennsylvania jury has convicted a man of murder and other charges in the shooting that wounded his estranged wife and killed her friend.
The jury found 56-year-old Gregory Baker guilty of third-degree murder Tuesday in the December 2009 shooting that killed Thomas Dougherty and wounded Linda Baker. Linda Baker had filed for divorce in the days before the shooting.
Authorities say Gregory Baker shot the pair as they left a restaurant in Rochester, Beaver County. Dougherty was struck four times in the chest.
The charge carries a sentence of 20 to 40 years in prison. Following the verdict, Linda Baker told reporters she feared her husband would try to kill her if he's ever released from prison.
A sentencing date has not been set.
BEAVER, Pa. (AP) - A western Pennsylvania jury has convicted a man of murder and other charges in the shooting that wounded his estranged wife and killed her friend.
The jury found 56-year-old Gregory Baker guilty of third-degree murder Tuesday in the December 2009 shooting that killed Thomas Dougherty and wounded Linda Baker. Linda Baker had filed for divorce in the days before the shooting.
Authorities say Gregory Baker shot the pair as they left a restaurant in Rochester, Beaver County. Dougherty was struck four times in the chest.
The charge carries a sentence of 20 to 40 years in prison. Following the verdict, Linda Baker told reporters she feared her husband would try to kill her if he's ever released from prison.
A sentencing date has not been set.
Chicago, IL: Husband charged with stabbing wife
Bail has been set at $10 million for a Des Plaines-area man who allegedly killed his wife by stabbing her multiple times, the Cook County Sheriff's office said today in a press release.
Heriberto Ramirez, 48, of the 400 block of West Touhy, has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly stabbing 45-year-old Alicia Ramirez multiple times inside their mobile home on Monday.
She was found in the bathroom and pronounced dead at the scene at 10:15 a.m., according to a spokesman for the medical examiner's office. Her death was ruled a homicide.
Heriberto Ramirez, 48, of the 400 block of West Touhy, has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly stabbing 45-year-old Alicia Ramirez multiple times inside their mobile home on Monday.
She was found in the bathroom and pronounced dead at the scene at 10:15 a.m., according to a spokesman for the medical examiner's office. Her death was ruled a homicide.
Detroit, MI: Accused killer kept blind girlfriend's body under bed
Doug Guthrie / The Detroit News
Detroit— A man charged with killing his blind girlfriend and keeping her plastic-wrapped body under his bed for weeks heard testimony Tuesday from a woman who said she had sex with the man in the same bed and complained about a strong odor.
"I went in and I said, 'Oh! It smells like mildew in here,'" Gloria Houston testified at a hearing where Gregory Harris, 51 faces second-degree murder charges in the city's 36th District Court. "'Why you got a fan up in the window in January?' He says, 'To kill the scent.'"Houston said she spent the entire night with Harris in late January, despite the strong smell.
Detroit police say Zilphia Craig, 47, had been dead for weeks when they found her decomposing body Feb. 2 under the bed in an apartment on Woodward. She had been reported missing Jan. 19 from her own Detroit apartment building, where Harris met her working for his brother's pest control company.
Detroit Police homicide investigator Donald Olsen testified Harris told police Craig had stayed with him for three days before she demanded drugs. When he refused to get them for her, she knocked herself unconscious attempting to run from the apartment wearing nothing but his T-shirt, Olsen said.
Harris told police that Craig tripped in the hallway and struck her head and was bleeding. He attempted CPR to revive her, then panicked when he realized she was dead, he said.
Harris told the detective he left her lying in the apartment for three days before riding a bus to a Home Depot where he bought plastic bags he used to wrap Craig and slide her under the bed.
Harris told Olsen he panicked because he had failed to register his latest change of address with the Michigan State Police maintained online Sex Offender Registry. Harris was convicted in Detroit in 1995 of multiple charges of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.
But Harris' brother, James Harris, testified Tuesday that he admitted killing Craig with a blow to the head.
"He looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, 'Bro, I (expletive) up,'" James Harris told Judge Ruth Carter. "'I killed her. … I killed the blind girl.'"James Harris told the judge that his brother told him how he struck Craig and then discovered no life signs the next morning. James Harris said he called police only after later hearing on television that Craig was missing.
"If he did that he must pay," James Harris told the judge.
Members of Craig's family, including her 24-year-old son Jonveil Craig left the courtroom Tuesday in tears.
"She wasn't on drugs. She was diabetic," said Craig's brother, Kasceen Anderson. "That's how she went blind in 2002. She took medication twice a day and if she was with him for three days the drugs she needed were her medications."
When the hearing is due to resume next week, Carter will determine if there's enough evidence to order Gregory Harris to trial.
Detroit— A man charged with killing his blind girlfriend and keeping her plastic-wrapped body under his bed for weeks heard testimony Tuesday from a woman who said she had sex with the man in the same bed and complained about a strong odor.
"I went in and I said, 'Oh! It smells like mildew in here,'" Gloria Houston testified at a hearing where Gregory Harris, 51 faces second-degree murder charges in the city's 36th District Court. "'Why you got a fan up in the window in January?' He says, 'To kill the scent.'"Houston said she spent the entire night with Harris in late January, despite the strong smell.
Detroit police say Zilphia Craig, 47, had been dead for weeks when they found her decomposing body Feb. 2 under the bed in an apartment on Woodward. She had been reported missing Jan. 19 from her own Detroit apartment building, where Harris met her working for his brother's pest control company.
Detroit Police homicide investigator Donald Olsen testified Harris told police Craig had stayed with him for three days before she demanded drugs. When he refused to get them for her, she knocked herself unconscious attempting to run from the apartment wearing nothing but his T-shirt, Olsen said.
Harris told police that Craig tripped in the hallway and struck her head and was bleeding. He attempted CPR to revive her, then panicked when he realized she was dead, he said.
Harris told the detective he left her lying in the apartment for three days before riding a bus to a Home Depot where he bought plastic bags he used to wrap Craig and slide her under the bed.
Harris told Olsen he panicked because he had failed to register his latest change of address with the Michigan State Police maintained online Sex Offender Registry. Harris was convicted in Detroit in 1995 of multiple charges of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.
But Harris' brother, James Harris, testified Tuesday that he admitted killing Craig with a blow to the head.
"He looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, 'Bro, I (expletive) up,'" James Harris told Judge Ruth Carter. "'I killed her. … I killed the blind girl.'"James Harris told the judge that his brother told him how he struck Craig and then discovered no life signs the next morning. James Harris said he called police only after later hearing on television that Craig was missing.
"If he did that he must pay," James Harris told the judge.
Members of Craig's family, including her 24-year-old son Jonveil Craig left the courtroom Tuesday in tears.
"She wasn't on drugs. She was diabetic," said Craig's brother, Kasceen Anderson. "That's how she went blind in 2002. She took medication twice a day and if she was with him for three days the drugs she needed were her medications."
When the hearing is due to resume next week, Carter will determine if there's enough evidence to order Gregory Harris to trial.
Phoenix, AZ: PD: Man killed one woman, targeted another because he was angry they broke up with him
PHOENIX - The man police say killed a north Phoenix woman and attempted to kill a Las Vegas woman reportedly went after them seeking revenge.
The details are outlined in newly released investigative paperwork from the Las Vegas Police Department.
According to the documents, Wade Mitchell Ridley admitted to killing 62-year-old Anne Simenson of Phoenix because he wanted her to pay for how she mistreated him.
The report states Ridley used a machete and butcher knife to kill Simenson then stole several items including jewelry, credit cards and her car.
Days later, Las Vegas police were told to be on the lookout for Ridley.
Ridley, according to Nevada authorities, then attacked another ex-girlfriend, Mary Kay Beckman. In the report, Ridley hid in Beckman's garage, waited for her to return home and then attacked her as she got out of her car.
Investigators say Ridley stabbed Beckman repeatedly until his knife broke then stomped on her head and neck.
A witness heard the commotion and called 911, which may have saved the victim's life.
Currently, Beckman is in critical condition in a Las Vegas hospital.
Officers say Ridley met Beckman on the dating website Match.com and told investigators he was not happy with the breakup after Beckman ended the relationship.
Phoenix detectives are in Las Vegas working to figure out when they'll be able to bring Ridley back to the Valley to face murder charges.
Ridley faces several charges in Nevada, including attempted murder and robbery.
A Phoenix Police Department spokesperson tells ABC15 it's not clear at this point if Ridley had other targets in mind.
The details are outlined in newly released investigative paperwork from the Las Vegas Police Department.
According to the documents, Wade Mitchell Ridley admitted to killing 62-year-old Anne Simenson of Phoenix because he wanted her to pay for how she mistreated him.
The report states Ridley used a machete and butcher knife to kill Simenson then stole several items including jewelry, credit cards and her car.
Days later, Las Vegas police were told to be on the lookout for Ridley.
Ridley, according to Nevada authorities, then attacked another ex-girlfriend, Mary Kay Beckman. In the report, Ridley hid in Beckman's garage, waited for her to return home and then attacked her as she got out of her car.
Investigators say Ridley stabbed Beckman repeatedly until his knife broke then stomped on her head and neck.
A witness heard the commotion and called 911, which may have saved the victim's life.
Currently, Beckman is in critical condition in a Las Vegas hospital.
Officers say Ridley met Beckman on the dating website Match.com and told investigators he was not happy with the breakup after Beckman ended the relationship.
Phoenix detectives are in Las Vegas working to figure out when they'll be able to bring Ridley back to the Valley to face murder charges.
Ridley faces several charges in Nevada, including attempted murder and robbery.
A Phoenix Police Department spokesperson tells ABC15 it's not clear at this point if Ridley had other targets in mind.
Article: Vigil honors teen killed by boyfriend
By ERIKA I. RITCHIE
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
LAKE FOREST – A candlelight vigil held in the memory of an El Toro High graduate killed by her boyfriend almost three years ago drew hundreds to El Toro High on Friday night.
The event sponsored by Ladera Ranch-based Laura's House, a charity focused on stopping domestic violence, honored Jacque Villagomez, a 19-year-old aspiring model who met John Needham, a 25-year-old Iraq War veteran who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. Villagomez, in accounts on a memorial Facebook page, said she thought she could save him.
On Sept. 2, 2008 police reported that Needham beat Villagomez to death in his father's condominium. Needham later died of unknown causes while awaiting trial. In Villagomez's memory, her friends donated money to Laura's House and have been involved with the organization ever since.
The event also recognized Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and promoted Laura's House's HEART -- Healthy Emotions and Attitudes in Relationships for Teens.
The vigil was held at the school's Upper Quad. Teens and adults gathered among flowers and purple balloons. In addition to Villagomez, several other teens, who as victims of teen dating violence made national headlines, were also remembered. They included Demi Cuccia, 16, of Pennsylvania, stabbed to death by her boyfriend in her home while her mom was at a PTA meeting; Jessica Tush, 19, of New York, killed by her ex-boyfriend and dumped in a shallow grave, and Courtney Delano, 16, who was pregnant and beaten to death by her boyfriend.
Speakers included Marissa Presley, a prevention education specialist for Laura's House, and Vanessa Show, a cadet with the Orange County Sheriff's Department. Show told those gathered how she had attended a HEART event organized by Presley and how it opened her eyes to the abusive relationship she was in.
"She was one of the most awesome people, she made you laugh, she made you cry, she treated everyone the same, she inspired us with an attitude that we could to anything we wanted to do and Jacque never let anyone tell her that she couldn't do anything," said Angelica Roman, Villagomez's best friend.
Reina Rojas, 16, from Capistrano Beach, came to the vigil because of the work that Presley and Laura's House has done.
"Marissa is so inspiring in her work," Rojas said. "She gives out information and people end up passing it along to people who they think can use it."
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
LAKE FOREST – A candlelight vigil held in the memory of an El Toro High graduate killed by her boyfriend almost three years ago drew hundreds to El Toro High on Friday night.
The event sponsored by Ladera Ranch-based Laura's House, a charity focused on stopping domestic violence, honored Jacque Villagomez, a 19-year-old aspiring model who met John Needham, a 25-year-old Iraq War veteran who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. Villagomez, in accounts on a memorial Facebook page, said she thought she could save him.
On Sept. 2, 2008 police reported that Needham beat Villagomez to death in his father's condominium. Needham later died of unknown causes while awaiting trial. In Villagomez's memory, her friends donated money to Laura's House and have been involved with the organization ever since.
The event also recognized Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and promoted Laura's House's HEART -- Healthy Emotions and Attitudes in Relationships for Teens.
The vigil was held at the school's Upper Quad. Teens and adults gathered among flowers and purple balloons. In addition to Villagomez, several other teens, who as victims of teen dating violence made national headlines, were also remembered. They included Demi Cuccia, 16, of Pennsylvania, stabbed to death by her boyfriend in her home while her mom was at a PTA meeting; Jessica Tush, 19, of New York, killed by her ex-boyfriend and dumped in a shallow grave, and Courtney Delano, 16, who was pregnant and beaten to death by her boyfriend.
Speakers included Marissa Presley, a prevention education specialist for Laura's House, and Vanessa Show, a cadet with the Orange County Sheriff's Department. Show told those gathered how she had attended a HEART event organized by Presley and how it opened her eyes to the abusive relationship she was in.
"She was one of the most awesome people, she made you laugh, she made you cry, she treated everyone the same, she inspired us with an attitude that we could to anything we wanted to do and Jacque never let anyone tell her that she couldn't do anything," said Angelica Roman, Villagomez's best friend.
Reina Rojas, 16, from Capistrano Beach, came to the vigil because of the work that Presley and Laura's House has done.
"Marissa is so inspiring in her work," Rojas said. "She gives out information and people end up passing it along to people who they think can use it."
Lexington, KY: Murder suspect takes stand, admits shooting victim
More testimony Tuesday as the trial of a man accused of killing his former boyfriend entered a third day.
Police say Toby Lasure shot Christopher Tolliver to death in the parking lot of Lexington Green in March 2009.
Lasure took the stand Tuesday. Lasure told the jury he felt used by Tolliver for his money. Lasure also says Tolliver is the one who told him to bring the gun to the meeting at Lexington Green. Lasure also said he shot Tolliver to protect his current boyfriend at that time.
"He asked me why I would go back to Tony after all he's done to me and I told him I loved Tony though he may be mean. It's more than what I got with other people. I didn't know what he was going to do. I had to protect Tony. He was getting out of the car so I shot him," Lasure testified.
Police say when they arrested Lasure, he had a bottle of medicine and a gun in his SUV.
On Tuesday, the jury heard testimony about what that medication was, and what it was intended to do.
On March 2, 2009, three days before Tolliver was killed, Lasure went to the doctor, complaining of anxiety.
The doctor prescribed him Clonazepam, a drug similar to Valium.
A doctor took the stand Tuesday morning, testifying Clonazepam is intended to calm someone's nerves.
Jurors also heard testimony that on the day of the shooting, Lasure sought help for depression and self esteem issues.
He met with UK psychology student Mary Ann Edmondson.
She testified that Lasure's family was not accepting of him being gay, and they kicked him out when he was 16.
Edmondson testified that Lasure told her he had no memories prior to when he was 10 years old, and he could not remember if he was abused or not.
Edmondson said that might have to do with some past trauma.
"No, he didn't remember having any traumatic events," Edmondson testified. "But his grandmother had told him that his father used to beat his mother, and that his father may have held him at gunpoint, but that he doesn't remember any of this."
Edmondson said during her meeting with Lasure, he said he had no thoughts of suicide, or of harming others.
However, shortly after that meeting, Tolliver was shot to death.
The jury was also told Lasure heard voices before the shooting, but Lasure told a doctor he didn't hear any voices.
Police say Toby Lasure shot Christopher Tolliver to death in the parking lot of Lexington Green in March 2009.
Lasure took the stand Tuesday. Lasure told the jury he felt used by Tolliver for his money. Lasure also says Tolliver is the one who told him to bring the gun to the meeting at Lexington Green. Lasure also said he shot Tolliver to protect his current boyfriend at that time.
"He asked me why I would go back to Tony after all he's done to me and I told him I loved Tony though he may be mean. It's more than what I got with other people. I didn't know what he was going to do. I had to protect Tony. He was getting out of the car so I shot him," Lasure testified.
Police say when they arrested Lasure, he had a bottle of medicine and a gun in his SUV.
On Tuesday, the jury heard testimony about what that medication was, and what it was intended to do.
On March 2, 2009, three days before Tolliver was killed, Lasure went to the doctor, complaining of anxiety.
The doctor prescribed him Clonazepam, a drug similar to Valium.
A doctor took the stand Tuesday morning, testifying Clonazepam is intended to calm someone's nerves.
Jurors also heard testimony that on the day of the shooting, Lasure sought help for depression and self esteem issues.
He met with UK psychology student Mary Ann Edmondson.
She testified that Lasure's family was not accepting of him being gay, and they kicked him out when he was 16.
Edmondson testified that Lasure told her he had no memories prior to when he was 10 years old, and he could not remember if he was abused or not.
Edmondson said that might have to do with some past trauma.
"No, he didn't remember having any traumatic events," Edmondson testified. "But his grandmother had told him that his father used to beat his mother, and that his father may have held him at gunpoint, but that he doesn't remember any of this."
Edmondson said during her meeting with Lasure, he said he had no thoughts of suicide, or of harming others.
However, shortly after that meeting, Tolliver was shot to death.
The jury was also told Lasure heard voices before the shooting, but Lasure told a doctor he didn't hear any voices.
Hudsonville, MI: Police say man killed two horses in jealousy
February 15th, 2011 12:01 pm ET
An Ottawa County man is being accused of fatally stabbing two horses to death in a fit of anger towards his wife.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department is investigating Dennis Finkler, 47, of Conklin in the deaths of the two horses following and argument he had with his wife late Friday or early Saturday. Finkler suspected his wife of having an affair with the owner of the farm, Bramer Equestrian Stables on 8thAvenue in Hudsonville, where she boarded her horse.
Both his wife’s 12 year old Quarter Horse and the stable owner’s 8 year old Palomino were found dead by the stable owner when he arrived to do chores the next morning. The horse’s combined value was figured to be at about $20,000.
Monday morning, Finkler was arraigned on two felony charges of killing and torturing an animal, one count of malicious destruction of property and one unlawful use of a vehicle and released on $3,000 bond.
Finkler waived his preliminary exam and is now scheduled back in court on February 28, where he faces up to 5 years in prison.
An Ottawa County man is being accused of fatally stabbing two horses to death in a fit of anger towards his wife.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department is investigating Dennis Finkler, 47, of Conklin in the deaths of the two horses following and argument he had with his wife late Friday or early Saturday. Finkler suspected his wife of having an affair with the owner of the farm, Bramer Equestrian Stables on 8thAvenue in Hudsonville, where she boarded her horse.
Both his wife’s 12 year old Quarter Horse and the stable owner’s 8 year old Palomino were found dead by the stable owner when he arrived to do chores the next morning. The horse’s combined value was figured to be at about $20,000.
Monday morning, Finkler was arraigned on two felony charges of killing and torturing an animal, one count of malicious destruction of property and one unlawful use of a vehicle and released on $3,000 bond.
Finkler waived his preliminary exam and is now scheduled back in court on February 28, where he faces up to 5 years in prison.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Jasper, TX: Woman on trial in husband's murder
February 15, 2011 12:07 PM
Scott Lawrence
JASPER - by Steve W. Stewart/KJAS - The jury is deliberating the guilt or innocence of an Evadale woman accused of murdering her husband in the driveway of their home in June of 2008. The prosecution and defense wrapped up their closing arguments late Tuesday afternoon and the case went to the jury in the trial of 43-year-old Tammy Lynn Jones, who is accused of shooting Roy Jones one time with a .22 pistol.
District Attorney Steve Hollis painted a picture of a woman scorned, who found photos of another woman on her husband’s cell phone, and even practiced with the gun to kill her husband.
Meanwhile, defense attorney Randy Walker brought witnesses, including an ex girlfriend, who testified that Roy Jones was an extremely abusive man, and the killing was in self defense.
Scott Lawrence
JASPER - by Steve W. Stewart/KJAS - The jury is deliberating the guilt or innocence of an Evadale woman accused of murdering her husband in the driveway of their home in June of 2008. The prosecution and defense wrapped up their closing arguments late Tuesday afternoon and the case went to the jury in the trial of 43-year-old Tammy Lynn Jones, who is accused of shooting Roy Jones one time with a .22 pistol.
District Attorney Steve Hollis painted a picture of a woman scorned, who found photos of another woman on her husband’s cell phone, and even practiced with the gun to kill her husband.
Meanwhile, defense attorney Randy Walker brought witnesses, including an ex girlfriend, who testified that Roy Jones was an extremely abusive man, and the killing was in self defense.
Riveria Beach, FL: Man arrested in Riviera Beach murder
Riviera Beach police: Man shoots girlfriend, second woman
RIVIERA BEACH — Gibson Paul, a three time resident of state prison, now has a new entry on his record: murder suspect.
U.S. Marshalls arrested Paul, 29, this afternoon in Johnson County, Tenn., in the death of his 33-year-old girlfriend, Tomicka Peterson.
Paul is charged with shooting Peterson and a second woman "for unknown reasons" at Peterson's home in the 500 block of West Sixth Street. Peterson died overnight, police spokeswoman Rose Anne Brown confirmed this morning.
She said the second woman, who police have declined to identify, is expected to recover,
U. S. Marshals were called in just after the shooting because Paul "made statements to witnesses that he intended to kill any police officer who tried to arrest him" and "was also heard saying he would not be taken alive," Brown said in a release.
It took just 24 hours for authorities to track Paul to the northeast corner of Tennessee.
Riviera Beach police had received a 911 call about the shooting around 3 p.m. Monday, and a short time later, someone had driven up to the emergency room at St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach with the two injured women, Brown said.
She said she did not have additional details about the circumstances of the shooting and did not want to say how many times or where each woman was struck because of the ongoing investigation.
State records show Paul was in state prison from 2001 to 2002, from July 2007 to July 2008, and from September 2008 to October 2009, on a conviction from Ocala's Marion County for battery on a detention worker and Palm Beach County convictions for grand theft auto and possession of a weapon by a felon.
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RIVIERA BEACH — Gibson Paul, a three time resident of state prison, now has a new entry on his record: murder suspect.
U.S. Marshalls arrested Paul, 29, this afternoon in Johnson County, Tenn., in the death of his 33-year-old girlfriend, Tomicka Peterson.
Paul is charged with shooting Peterson and a second woman "for unknown reasons" at Peterson's home in the 500 block of West Sixth Street. Peterson died overnight, police spokeswoman Rose Anne Brown confirmed this morning.
She said the second woman, who police have declined to identify, is expected to recover,
U. S. Marshals were called in just after the shooting because Paul "made statements to witnesses that he intended to kill any police officer who tried to arrest him" and "was also heard saying he would not be taken alive," Brown said in a release.
It took just 24 hours for authorities to track Paul to the northeast corner of Tennessee.
Riviera Beach police had received a 911 call about the shooting around 3 p.m. Monday, and a short time later, someone had driven up to the emergency room at St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach with the two injured women, Brown said.
She said she did not have additional details about the circumstances of the shooting and did not want to say how many times or where each woman was struck because of the ongoing investigation.
State records show Paul was in state prison from 2001 to 2002, from July 2007 to July 2008, and from September 2008 to October 2009, on a conviction from Ocala's Marion County for battery on a detention worker and Palm Beach County convictions for grand theft auto and possession of a weapon by a felon.
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