CAPE CORAL, FL -
A 32-year-old man pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of his live-in girlfriend Shannon Sweet in March 2009.
In court, when the state asked Matthew Gullett if he admitted to killing his girlfriend Shannon Sweet by strangling her, he gave a three word answer.
"Yes I do," said Gullett.
In exchange for Gullett's plea of guilty to manslaughter and grand theft charges, he will serve ten years in prison and ten years probation.
The judge held off sentencing so the victim's family could be in the courtroom to address the court and the defendant.
He will be sentenced November 29th.
BACKGROUND:
On March 24 at 10:38 a.m., a Honda traveling west on College Parkway drove across the concrete median into the eastbound lanes and struck a 2004 Lexus.
The Florida Highway Patrol identified the Honda's driver as Matthew Gullett. He was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital, but left before his treatment was complete.
Several days later, on March 30, 2009, neighbors contacted the Cape Coral Police Department about a foul odor coming from Gullett's home, 4921 Coronado Parkway.
Inside, police discovered the body of Shannon Sweet, Gullett's live-in girlfriend.
Gullett then stole a Cadillac from a man getting gas at a local gas station.
The Cadillac was located at a hotel in Muskingum County Ohio several days later, on April 3.
When Gullett left his hotel room, deputies from the Muskingum County Sheriff's Office confronted Gullett. A struggle ensued and Gullett was shot.
Gullett was extradited to Lee County to face second degree murder charges.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Green Bay, WI: Green Bay man charged in death of girlfriend
Updated: Thursday, 10 Nov 2011, 5:20 PM CST
Published : Thursday, 10 Nov 2011, 12:08 PM CST
GREEN BAY - A Green Bay man has been charged with 1st-degree reckless homicide in the death of his girlfriend.
Roy Tidwell, 28, was arrested after a two month investigation.
His girlfriend, 26-year-old Christina Bischoff, was found dead August 28th.
Police were called to their apartment on the 600-block of Ashland Ave. on the city's west side.
When authorities got they got there, they were let in by Tidwell.
He led police to the bathroom, where authorities say Bischoff was laying on the floor.
According to the criminal complaint the couple often argued.
It goes on to say, that Tidwell told authorities he found Bischoff dead and handed them what appeared to be a suicide note.
Authorities say the scene was set up to make it look like Bischoff hanged herself.
However an autopsy showed Bischoff died of a drug overdose.
“We've been gathering evidence and examining statements, and also with Mr. Tidwell's statement. In the event, Mr. Tidwell's account of the event is not consistent with the final autopsy results or with the other statements we took in during this investigation,” said Lt. Andy Lewis, Green Bay Police Department.
There were three children in the apartment. The couple's 10-month-old son, 3-year-old son and Bischoff's 9-year-old son from a previous relationship lived at the apartment.
Tidwell is also facing a misdemeanor charge for obstruction. In court Thursday, his bond was set at $250,000 cash.
Published : Thursday, 10 Nov 2011, 12:08 PM CST
GREEN BAY - A Green Bay man has been charged with 1st-degree reckless homicide in the death of his girlfriend.
Roy Tidwell, 28, was arrested after a two month investigation.
His girlfriend, 26-year-old Christina Bischoff, was found dead August 28th.
Police were called to their apartment on the 600-block of Ashland Ave. on the city's west side.
When authorities got they got there, they were let in by Tidwell.
He led police to the bathroom, where authorities say Bischoff was laying on the floor.
According to the criminal complaint the couple often argued.
It goes on to say, that Tidwell told authorities he found Bischoff dead and handed them what appeared to be a suicide note.
Authorities say the scene was set up to make it look like Bischoff hanged herself.
However an autopsy showed Bischoff died of a drug overdose.
“We've been gathering evidence and examining statements, and also with Mr. Tidwell's statement. In the event, Mr. Tidwell's account of the event is not consistent with the final autopsy results or with the other statements we took in during this investigation,” said Lt. Andy Lewis, Green Bay Police Department.
There were three children in the apartment. The couple's 10-month-old son, 3-year-old son and Bischoff's 9-year-old son from a previous relationship lived at the apartment.
Tidwell is also facing a misdemeanor charge for obstruction. In court Thursday, his bond was set at $250,000 cash.
Lapeer County, MI; Man arrested in connection with girlfriend's death
Posted: Nov 17, 2011 10:57 AM EST
Updated: Nov 17, 2011 6:29 PM EST
By Brandon Allendorfer, Internet Managing Editor - email
LAPEER COUNTY, MI (WNEM) -
Michigan State police say they have arrested a man in connection with the death of a woman in Lapeer County.
Authorities say 20-year-old Andrea Eilber, of Otisville, was found dead early Wednesday morning at a Mayfield Township home where she was house-sitting.
Her family notified officers about her disappearance late Tuesday night when they did not hear from her.
The woman's car was found early Wednesday morning in a parking lot at the Lapeer State Game Area on Five Lakes Road.
A 19-year-old man is in custody in connection to the homicide and is being lodged at the Lapeer County Jail.
Authorities said the two were dating and worked at a Kroger together.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to call the Lapeer Michigan State Police post at 810-664-2905.
Updated: Nov 17, 2011 6:29 PM EST
By Brandon Allendorfer, Internet Managing Editor - email
LAPEER COUNTY, MI (WNEM) -
Michigan State police say they have arrested a man in connection with the death of a woman in Lapeer County.
Authorities say 20-year-old Andrea Eilber, of Otisville, was found dead early Wednesday morning at a Mayfield Township home where she was house-sitting.
Her family notified officers about her disappearance late Tuesday night when they did not hear from her.
The woman's car was found early Wednesday morning in a parking lot at the Lapeer State Game Area on Five Lakes Road.
A 19-year-old man is in custody in connection to the homicide and is being lodged at the Lapeer County Jail.
Authorities said the two were dating and worked at a Kroger together.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to call the Lapeer Michigan State Police post at 810-664-2905.
Salisbury, VT: Salisbury man dead after domestic dispute
By Matt Henson - bio | email
"We are all in shock," Carla Lafountain said.
Lafountain was referring to the death of her daughter's boyfriend, 52-year-old Gerald Woodburn, known to most as Dusty. He reportedly committed suicide during an intense encounter with police early Thursday morning at their home in Kamperville Park in Salisbury.
"Dusty made us that centerpiece for the table the other day," Lafountain said.
Her daughter, Laurie Lafountain, and Woodburn became involved in a heated argument late Wednesday night. He reportedly became enraged after reading a text message conversation his girlfriend was having with another man.
"I knew they were kind of on the outs," Carla Lafountain said.
As the argument continued to escalate, Lafountain ran up the street to her parents' house to dial 911. She returned to the home with her two brothers. That's when the gunfire rang out.
"When the trooper tried to interview the victim and Woodburn, the victim conveyed to the troopers Woodburn had a gun. Woodburn then raised the gun pointing it at the troopers. At this time, one of the troopers fired a single round at Woodburn. At this time, troopers lost sight of Woodburn as he retreated further into the residence," Vt. State Police Col. Tom L'Esperance said.
At that point, the troopers and Lafountain's two brothers ran out of the home. Laurie Lafountain stayed inside, but came running out a short time later after Woodburn reportedly shot himself.
"She observed him on the floor of the kitchen, that he was probably dying at that point if not dead. The troopers were unsure at that point what his status was other than he still had a weapon and they set up a perimeter," L'Esperance said.
At that time, the state police tactical team evacuated two other apartments within the house.
"Intimidating a bit to see all the police in tactical gear," said Rick Venne, one of the evacuees. "We all had to evacuate single file out of the house where we would meet another officer who would escort us then away from the scene."
After police were unable to reach Woodburn for several hours, they entered the home and found Woodburn dead in the kitchen. Lafountain's family is still trying to come to the terms with what happened.
"He made me a deer, but I couldn't have it until he glued it he said. He made it out of white birch for Christmas," Carla Lafountain said.
L'Esperance would not identify the trooper who fired the shot. He says state police policy prohibits releasing the name for 24 hours. That trooper and another trooper who was inside the home at the time of the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave for 3 days, which is standard protocol following incidents like this.
"We are all in shock," Carla Lafountain said.
Lafountain was referring to the death of her daughter's boyfriend, 52-year-old Gerald Woodburn, known to most as Dusty. He reportedly committed suicide during an intense encounter with police early Thursday morning at their home in Kamperville Park in Salisbury.
"Dusty made us that centerpiece for the table the other day," Lafountain said.
Her daughter, Laurie Lafountain, and Woodburn became involved in a heated argument late Wednesday night. He reportedly became enraged after reading a text message conversation his girlfriend was having with another man.
"I knew they were kind of on the outs," Carla Lafountain said.
As the argument continued to escalate, Lafountain ran up the street to her parents' house to dial 911. She returned to the home with her two brothers. That's when the gunfire rang out.
"When the trooper tried to interview the victim and Woodburn, the victim conveyed to the troopers Woodburn had a gun. Woodburn then raised the gun pointing it at the troopers. At this time, one of the troopers fired a single round at Woodburn. At this time, troopers lost sight of Woodburn as he retreated further into the residence," Vt. State Police Col. Tom L'Esperance said.
At that point, the troopers and Lafountain's two brothers ran out of the home. Laurie Lafountain stayed inside, but came running out a short time later after Woodburn reportedly shot himself.
"She observed him on the floor of the kitchen, that he was probably dying at that point if not dead. The troopers were unsure at that point what his status was other than he still had a weapon and they set up a perimeter," L'Esperance said.
At that time, the state police tactical team evacuated two other apartments within the house.
"Intimidating a bit to see all the police in tactical gear," said Rick Venne, one of the evacuees. "We all had to evacuate single file out of the house where we would meet another officer who would escort us then away from the scene."
After police were unable to reach Woodburn for several hours, they entered the home and found Woodburn dead in the kitchen. Lafountain's family is still trying to come to the terms with what happened.
"He made me a deer, but I couldn't have it until he glued it he said. He made it out of white birch for Christmas," Carla Lafountain said.
L'Esperance would not identify the trooper who fired the shot. He says state police policy prohibits releasing the name for 24 hours. That trooper and another trooper who was inside the home at the time of the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave for 3 days, which is standard protocol following incidents like this.
Glouchester County, PA: Man charged with murder in Glouco stabbing
A 42-year-old man was charged Friday in the fatal stabbing of a Gloucester County woman with whom he had a history of domestic violence, officials said. The Prosecutor's Office said the killing Thursday night of Kim Barnum, 43, was the first homicide in the county this year.
Officers with the prosecutor's fugitive unit, assisted by local police and K-9 teams, found Mark Holloway in an abandoned trailer in the Colonial Estates mobile home park in Monroe Township. Barnum was killed in her apartment on Fries Mill Road in the Birches section of Washington Township
Officers with the prosecutor's fugitive unit, assisted by local police and K-9 teams, found Mark Holloway in an abandoned trailer in the Colonial Estates mobile home park in Monroe Township. Barnum was killed in her apartment on Fries Mill Road in the Birches section of Washington Township
Chesterfield Yownship, MI: Man convicted of lesser murder charge in killing of wife
A jury found a Chesterfield Twp man guilty of 2nd degree murder in the brutal killing of his wife. The verdict followed a two day trial and five hours of deliberations.
The trial was brief because there was no question that Leonart Nazarko, 43, killed his wife Andoneta, 41, during a domestic quarrel. The only real issue was Nazarko’s state of mind, which would determine the appropriate crime and corresponding sentence.
The murder occurred on December 5, 2009 at the couple’s home on Dove Lane near Gratiot and Cotton, in the presence of the couple’s two sons, now 13 and 18.
According to the younger child, the victim had told her husband the day before that she wanted a divorce.
The testimony of the children indicated that an argument ensued the following day in which Nazarko began acting out, kicking appliances and throwing things on the floor. It ended only after he had fatally stabbed his wife in the back.
The trial was brief because there was no question that Leonart Nazarko, 43, killed his wife Andoneta, 41, during a domestic quarrel. The only real issue was Nazarko’s state of mind, which would determine the appropriate crime and corresponding sentence.
The murder occurred on December 5, 2009 at the couple’s home on Dove Lane near Gratiot and Cotton, in the presence of the couple’s two sons, now 13 and 18.
According to the younger child, the victim had told her husband the day before that she wanted a divorce.
The testimony of the children indicated that an argument ensued the following day in which Nazarko began acting out, kicking appliances and throwing things on the floor. It ended only after he had fatally stabbed his wife in the back.
Middletown, NJ: Lincroft Man Arrested and Charged with Murdering His Wife
Patrick F. Allen is being held on $1.5 million bail, pending a court appearance on Monday
By Elaine Van Develde
A Middletown husband and father is being held on $1.5 million bail after being charged late Friday with the murder of his wife, who was found dead at their home in the Lincroft section of the township hours earlier.
Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Richard Incremona said Patrick F. Allen, 44, of 1457 West Front Street "was arrested and charged with one count of murder in the death of his wife, Kimberly Allen, also 44.”
Incremona said Kimberly Allen was found dead at the couple's home when police responded to a 9-1-1 call made at 11:47 on Friday morning. The prosecutor did not say who made the call.
The Middletown Township Police Department and the Major Crimes Unit of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office launched a joint investigation upon arrival at the scene; and investigators were seen leaving the property with evidence bags in hand at about 3 p.m.
Patrick Allen was arrested at Middletown Township Police Headquarters late Friday evening, Incremona said. He did not say whether Allen had been at the home when police first arrived.
Patrick Allen’s bail was set at $1.5 million by Judge Anthony Mellaci Jr., Incremona said, with no 10 percent option, which means that in order to be released until his initial appearance in court, he must come up with the entire amount.
“He is currently lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution,” Incremona said. “Unless he makes bail, he will be there until his initial appearance on Monday. Next, there will be a Grand Jury presentation of the case in the near future.”
Incremona declined to provide details on the manner of Kimberly Allen's death, saying only that an autopsy was being conducted Saturday.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the lead detectives: Dan Sullivan, of Middletown police (732-615-2255); or Ed Hennelly, of the Prosecutor’s Office (1-800-533-7443).
By Elaine Van Develde
A Middletown husband and father is being held on $1.5 million bail after being charged late Friday with the murder of his wife, who was found dead at their home in the Lincroft section of the township hours earlier.
Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Richard Incremona said Patrick F. Allen, 44, of 1457 West Front Street "was arrested and charged with one count of murder in the death of his wife, Kimberly Allen, also 44.”
Incremona said Kimberly Allen was found dead at the couple's home when police responded to a 9-1-1 call made at 11:47 on Friday morning. The prosecutor did not say who made the call.
The Middletown Township Police Department and the Major Crimes Unit of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office launched a joint investigation upon arrival at the scene; and investigators were seen leaving the property with evidence bags in hand at about 3 p.m.
Patrick Allen was arrested at Middletown Township Police Headquarters late Friday evening, Incremona said. He did not say whether Allen had been at the home when police first arrived.
Patrick Allen’s bail was set at $1.5 million by Judge Anthony Mellaci Jr., Incremona said, with no 10 percent option, which means that in order to be released until his initial appearance in court, he must come up with the entire amount.
“He is currently lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution,” Incremona said. “Unless he makes bail, he will be there until his initial appearance on Monday. Next, there will be a Grand Jury presentation of the case in the near future.”
Incremona declined to provide details on the manner of Kimberly Allen's death, saying only that an autopsy was being conducted Saturday.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the lead detectives: Dan Sullivan, of Middletown police (732-615-2255); or Ed Hennelly, of the Prosecutor’s Office (1-800-533-7443).
Walhalla, SC: Police say Oconee County woman killed daughter's boyfriend, then shot self a day later
WALHALLA, S.C. — Authorities have closed their investigation into two deaths after determining that a 42-year-old woman first killed her daughter's teen boyfriend at an Oconee County boat ramp and then herself.
The Anderson Independent-Mail reports (http://bit.ly/s7rdv0 ) that deputies used tests to confirm that Laura Gray killed 19-year-old Tylor Garren Stewart a day before using the same gun to kill herself.
Authorities say Stewart was found dead at a boat ramp in October, shot once in the back.
The next day, investigators went to the Pickens home of Stewart's girlfriend to gather information. While officers were there, Gray — the girlfriend's mother — went to the bathroom and shot herself.
Deputies say Stewart's parents told authorities Gray was having a relationship with the teen.
The Anderson Independent-Mail reports (http://bit.ly/s7rdv0 ) that deputies used tests to confirm that Laura Gray killed 19-year-old Tylor Garren Stewart a day before using the same gun to kill herself.
Authorities say Stewart was found dead at a boat ramp in October, shot once in the back.
The next day, investigators went to the Pickens home of Stewart's girlfriend to gather information. While officers were there, Gray — the girlfriend's mother — went to the bathroom and shot herself.
Deputies say Stewart's parents told authorities Gray was having a relationship with the teen.
Wantagh, NY: LI woman accused of killing ex, dumping body
WANTAGH, N.Y. — A lawyer for a Long Island woman accused of stabbing her ex-husband, then dumping his corpse off a parkway, says she was a victim of spousal abuse.
The body of 58-year-old Walter Boland was discovered by a jogger Friday near a recreational path alongside the Wantagh State Parkway.
State Police announced Saturday that they had arrested Boland's 56-year-old ex-wife, Nancy. She is charged with manslaughter.
Her lawyer, David Besso, called Walter Boland "an abuser" and said the couple had been to court previously accusing each other of domestic violence.
Authorities said Boland was stabbed once in the abdomen during a fight at the couple's home late Wednesday.
He never got medical attention, and died Thursday.
Police said Nancy Boland loaded his body into a car and dumped it early Friday
The body of 58-year-old Walter Boland was discovered by a jogger Friday near a recreational path alongside the Wantagh State Parkway.
State Police announced Saturday that they had arrested Boland's 56-year-old ex-wife, Nancy. She is charged with manslaughter.
Her lawyer, David Besso, called Walter Boland "an abuser" and said the couple had been to court previously accusing each other of domestic violence.
Authorities said Boland was stabbed once in the abdomen during a fight at the couple's home late Wednesday.
He never got medical attention, and died Thursday.
Police said Nancy Boland loaded his body into a car and dumped it early Friday
Las Vegas, NV: Three found dead in car in west valley
BY JESSICA FRYMAN
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Posted: Nov. 19, 2011 | 2:55 p.m.
An infant child and its mother are dead in a double murder-suicide at the hand of the woman's ex-boyfriend.
Jesse Saldivar, 48, killed toddler Sabrina Saldivar, aged just three, and her mother Veronica Erazo-Alderado, 30, in Las Vegas, Nevada, police said.
All three were found dead in the man's vehicle near Sunset Road and Hualapai Way on Friday night, Las Vegas police said. Police say Veronica Erazo and her three-year-old daughter Sabrina were murdered by Sabrina's father and Veronica's ex-boyfriend.
Officers had carried out a welfare check for the woman about 8:40 p.m. Friday after she did not show up for work at a local hospital. The woman's boyfriend, who called officers, had concern that she may have been injured, police said. Police went to the woman's ex-boyfriend's house in the 7700 block of Mocorito, near Hacienda Avenue and Buffalo Drive, where she was supposed to drop off her child.
No one answered the door, so they looked in a window and found excessive blood.
Police obtained a search warrant for the house along with a description of vehicles for the suspect and victim.
Homicide detectives determined that the mother and child were likely shot and killed at the home before her ex-boyfriend put their bodies in his vehicle and drove to the west valley where he shot himself, police said.
Their identities are being withheld pending family notification, and the investigation is ongoing.
Contact Jessica Fryman at jfryman@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0264.
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Posted: Nov. 19, 2011 | 2:55 p.m.
An infant child and its mother are dead in a double murder-suicide at the hand of the woman's ex-boyfriend.
Jesse Saldivar, 48, killed toddler Sabrina Saldivar, aged just three, and her mother Veronica Erazo-Alderado, 30, in Las Vegas, Nevada, police said.
All three were found dead in the man's vehicle near Sunset Road and Hualapai Way on Friday night, Las Vegas police said. Police say Veronica Erazo and her three-year-old daughter Sabrina were murdered by Sabrina's father and Veronica's ex-boyfriend.
Officers had carried out a welfare check for the woman about 8:40 p.m. Friday after she did not show up for work at a local hospital. The woman's boyfriend, who called officers, had concern that she may have been injured, police said. Police went to the woman's ex-boyfriend's house in the 7700 block of Mocorito, near Hacienda Avenue and Buffalo Drive, where she was supposed to drop off her child.
No one answered the door, so they looked in a window and found excessive blood.
Police obtained a search warrant for the house along with a description of vehicles for the suspect and victim.
Homicide detectives determined that the mother and child were likely shot and killed at the home before her ex-boyfriend put their bodies in his vehicle and drove to the west valley where he shot himself, police said.
Their identities are being withheld pending family notification, and the investigation is ongoing.
Contact Jessica Fryman at jfryman@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0264.
Anderson, SC: Man charged with fatal shooting of girlfriend
ANDERSON — James Walter Metz III was charged Friday with killing his girlfriend of eight years, Holly Michelle Ford.
She was killed Thursday night at the couple’s house on Chestnut Boulevard in Anderson.
Anderson County Deputy Coroner Don McCown said Ford, 34, died of a gunshot wound to the face.
Sheriff’s spokesman Chad McBride said Metz used a handgun to shoot Ford. McCown said Ford showed no other injuries and said nothing in the home indicated there had been a struggle between the couple.
Authorities have not said how many shots were fired.
Metz is charged with murder and with possessing a weapon during a violent crime.
Sheriff John Skipper said the couple were apparently involved in a dispute just before the shooting, which happened about 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
Skipper said Metz was at the house when deputies arrived and was taken into custody.
Metz, 49, was charged late Friday afternoon and is in the Anderson County jail awaiting a Saturday morning bond hearing.
She was killed Thursday night at the couple’s house on Chestnut Boulevard in Anderson.
Anderson County Deputy Coroner Don McCown said Ford, 34, died of a gunshot wound to the face.
Sheriff’s spokesman Chad McBride said Metz used a handgun to shoot Ford. McCown said Ford showed no other injuries and said nothing in the home indicated there had been a struggle between the couple.
Authorities have not said how many shots were fired.
Metz is charged with murder and with possessing a weapon during a violent crime.
Sheriff John Skipper said the couple were apparently involved in a dispute just before the shooting, which happened about 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
Skipper said Metz was at the house when deputies arrived and was taken into custody.
Metz, 49, was charged late Friday afternoon and is in the Anderson County jail awaiting a Saturday morning bond hearing.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Bedford Park, IL: Gunman kills himself at FedEx warehouse in Bedford Park
November 17, 2011 (BEDFORD PARK, Ill.) (WLS) -- Police say the gunman who killed himself at a FedEx warehouse in Bedford Park was looking for his wife. Neither she nor other employees were injured.
Related Photos
Gunman dead at suburban FedEx warehouse
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Benyamin Robinson, 28, forced his way past security at the home delivery terminal of the FedEx warehouse in the 5100-block of West 73rd Street in the southwest suburb around 8 a.m. Armed with a revolver, witnesses say Robinson, last known to live in Chicago, yelled for his wife and then fired several shots.
Oneal Howell said he doesn't know what led his son to violence.
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STORY: Intelligence Report: Who was FedEx shooter?
RAW VIDEO: Bedford Park police news conference to discuss shooting
"What he did was out of frustration. I don't know what was bothering him," Howell, gunman's father, said. "Some people are open about it. And others keep it in. When you keep it in and it bubbles over, anything can happen."
Investigators said Howell's wife, Kenyata Kinsey, filed for divorce, but then retracted. Initial calls at 8 a.m. were for a domestic situation, but they escalated.
"At 8:04 a.m. we started getting calls from FedEx employees that shots were fired," the Bedford Park Police Chief Daniel Godfrey said.
"It was just chaotic. People running, nobody really knew. It was just surreal," Michael Georgeff, FedEx driver, said.
"I did not see the guy, because he had on a gray hoodie, but he was running -- maybe a mile behind us -- and shooting in the air when we got outside," Altis Kelly, FedEx package handler, said.
"We were just running outside, I heard multiple shots, about three, four shots. That's when me and him just ran out of there," Jeff Luna, FedEx driver, said.
"From what we understand, it was people stuck in the building with the shooter. We were just praying they're alright. But we did hear somebody got shot. We don't know who," John Colapietro, FedEx driver, said.
During those tense moments, the plant was evacuated and searched by SWAT team members from Bedford Park and seven or eight nearby agencies. Once the gunman was surrounded, Robinson shot himself in the head, police said.
"They discovered the shooter inside a vehicle with self-inflicted gunshot," Chief Godfrey said. "The only injured was the shooter."
The Bedford Park police chief said the shooter's children were located safe. He said there was no indication of prior domestics and the couple's last known address was in Chicago.
All of the FedEx employees were accounted for by 9:45 a.m., when sources told ABC the "incident is over."
Related Photos
Gunman dead at suburban FedEx warehouse
View all 6 photos
Benyamin Robinson, 28, forced his way past security at the home delivery terminal of the FedEx warehouse in the 5100-block of West 73rd Street in the southwest suburb around 8 a.m. Armed with a revolver, witnesses say Robinson, last known to live in Chicago, yelled for his wife and then fired several shots.
Oneal Howell said he doesn't know what led his son to violence.
Related Content
STORY: Intelligence Report: Who was FedEx shooter?
RAW VIDEO: Bedford Park police news conference to discuss shooting
"What he did was out of frustration. I don't know what was bothering him," Howell, gunman's father, said. "Some people are open about it. And others keep it in. When you keep it in and it bubbles over, anything can happen."
Investigators said Howell's wife, Kenyata Kinsey, filed for divorce, but then retracted. Initial calls at 8 a.m. were for a domestic situation, but they escalated.
"At 8:04 a.m. we started getting calls from FedEx employees that shots were fired," the Bedford Park Police Chief Daniel Godfrey said.
"It was just chaotic. People running, nobody really knew. It was just surreal," Michael Georgeff, FedEx driver, said.
"I did not see the guy, because he had on a gray hoodie, but he was running -- maybe a mile behind us -- and shooting in the air when we got outside," Altis Kelly, FedEx package handler, said.
"We were just running outside, I heard multiple shots, about three, four shots. That's when me and him just ran out of there," Jeff Luna, FedEx driver, said.
"From what we understand, it was people stuck in the building with the shooter. We were just praying they're alright. But we did hear somebody got shot. We don't know who," John Colapietro, FedEx driver, said.
During those tense moments, the plant was evacuated and searched by SWAT team members from Bedford Park and seven or eight nearby agencies. Once the gunman was surrounded, Robinson shot himself in the head, police said.
"They discovered the shooter inside a vehicle with self-inflicted gunshot," Chief Godfrey said. "The only injured was the shooter."
The Bedford Park police chief said the shooter's children were located safe. He said there was no indication of prior domestics and the couple's last known address was in Chicago.
All of the FedEx employees were accounted for by 9:45 a.m., when sources told ABC the "incident is over."
Charleston, WV: Man convicted of killing woman
A jury deliberated for less than an hour Thursday before finding Gregory Gathers guilty murdering Renee Nevarez last year in North Charleston.
Circuit Judge J.C. Nicholson sentenced Gathers, 48, to life in prison. The sentence took into account the murder conviction, plus Gathers' 1988 conviction for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, 9th Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson said.
"We are grateful that Judge Nicholson gave the max for a man who devastated a family and refused to accept responsibility for such a savage attack," Wilson said.
She said the jury deliberated for about 45 minutes before handing down the verdict in Charleston County General Sessions Court.
The 53-year-old Nevarez was beaten and cut while arguing with Gathers in her home, authorities said.
According to Assistant Solicitors Culver Kidd and Adam Young, who prosecuted the case, Gathers and Nevarez had a relationship in which he gave her crack cocaine in exchange for sex.
After spending the evening of June 7, 2010, with Nevarez in her home, Gathers began to suspect that she had stolen about $400 from him. He began to beat and torture her in an attempt to recover his money.
Gathers punched her in the face and head until she died. At some point, he used a kitchen knife and cut slits into her eyelids. Gathers never recovered his money, and it was never found by law enforcement who searched the home.
"Though Gathers admitted to killing Nevarez, he tried to make it her fault," Kidd said after the trial. "Some of the pictures of the victim were so gruesome that the judge couldn't allow the jury to see them. Fortunately, the jury was able to see through Gathers' lies and hold him accountable for his brutality."
Circuit Judge J.C. Nicholson sentenced Gathers, 48, to life in prison. The sentence took into account the murder conviction, plus Gathers' 1988 conviction for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, 9th Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson said.
"We are grateful that Judge Nicholson gave the max for a man who devastated a family and refused to accept responsibility for such a savage attack," Wilson said.
She said the jury deliberated for about 45 minutes before handing down the verdict in Charleston County General Sessions Court.
The 53-year-old Nevarez was beaten and cut while arguing with Gathers in her home, authorities said.
According to Assistant Solicitors Culver Kidd and Adam Young, who prosecuted the case, Gathers and Nevarez had a relationship in which he gave her crack cocaine in exchange for sex.
After spending the evening of June 7, 2010, with Nevarez in her home, Gathers began to suspect that she had stolen about $400 from him. He began to beat and torture her in an attempt to recover his money.
Gathers punched her in the face and head until she died. At some point, he used a kitchen knife and cut slits into her eyelids. Gathers never recovered his money, and it was never found by law enforcement who searched the home.
"Though Gathers admitted to killing Nevarez, he tried to make it her fault," Kidd said after the trial. "Some of the pictures of the victim were so gruesome that the judge couldn't allow the jury to see them. Fortunately, the jury was able to see through Gathers' lies and hold him accountable for his brutality."
Porterville, UT: Police investigate possible murder-suicide
PORTERVILLE, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Police are investigating the deaths of two people found dead in a Morgan County home.
According to the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, family members contacted police after repeated attempts to contact the couple for more than three days. When deputies arrived, they found a man and a woman dead on the living room floor.
Family members and deputies found Grant Wadman, 57, and Marilee Wadman, 43, dead in their home at 390 W. Handscrabble Road on Thursday.
There were also bullet holes in some windows in the home. Investigators do not believe the shots came from outside.
Police are treating the case as a murder-suicide, though they don't know the details of how the two people died.
Morgan County Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Lee says that over the past few years they have responded to several calls at the home, including domestic disputes.
According to the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, family members contacted police after repeated attempts to contact the couple for more than three days. When deputies arrived, they found a man and a woman dead on the living room floor.
Family members and deputies found Grant Wadman, 57, and Marilee Wadman, 43, dead in their home at 390 W. Handscrabble Road on Thursday.
There were also bullet holes in some windows in the home. Investigators do not believe the shots came from outside.
Police are treating the case as a murder-suicide, though they don't know the details of how the two people died.
Morgan County Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Lee says that over the past few years they have responded to several calls at the home, including domestic disputes.
Roseville, MN: Roseville officers shoot, kill man in domestic call
Two Roseville police officers shot and killed a man Thursday night after he confronted them with a handgun.
Police called by woman being choked and shot man when he confronted them with a handgun.
Police Chief Rick Mathwig said dispatchers got a call at 8:22 p.m., apparently from a woman who was being choked and could not talk. Officers went to the apartment building in the 600 block of Larpenteur Avenue and walked up to the second-floor landing. When they opened a door into the building's hallway, he said, they were immediately confronted by a man with a handgun.
Both officers opened fire with their guns; both hit the man, killing him, Mathwig said. The building was evacuated after the incident and residents were kept warm on a Metro Transit bus.
Since February 2010, Roseville police have been called six times to the apartment where the woman lived with the man and her son. The calls included one for violation of an order for protection, three for a mentally disturbed person, one for a noise complaint, one for a 911 hang-up and, finally, Thursday night's call.
Mathwig said the woman and her son were at police headquarters Thursday night. The chief said he didn't know if the woman and the suspect were married but they had a "significant relationship."
PAT PHEIFER
Police called by woman being choked and shot man when he confronted them with a handgun.
Police Chief Rick Mathwig said dispatchers got a call at 8:22 p.m., apparently from a woman who was being choked and could not talk. Officers went to the apartment building in the 600 block of Larpenteur Avenue and walked up to the second-floor landing. When they opened a door into the building's hallway, he said, they were immediately confronted by a man with a handgun.
Both officers opened fire with their guns; both hit the man, killing him, Mathwig said. The building was evacuated after the incident and residents were kept warm on a Metro Transit bus.
Since February 2010, Roseville police have been called six times to the apartment where the woman lived with the man and her son. The calls included one for violation of an order for protection, three for a mentally disturbed person, one for a noise complaint, one for a 911 hang-up and, finally, Thursday night's call.
Mathwig said the woman and her son were at police headquarters Thursday night. The chief said he didn't know if the woman and the suspect were married but they had a "significant relationship."
PAT PHEIFER
Houston, TX: HPD: Man accused of fatally shooting pregnant girlfriend and her dog
by khou.com staff
khou.com
Posted on November 18, 2011 at 12:39 AM
Updated yesterday at 12:41 AM
HOUSTON – A man was accused of fatally shooting his pregnant girlfriend and her dog Thursday night in northeast Houston, Houston police said.
The shooting happened at about 7 p.m. in the 2200 block of Noble.
Neighbors said they heard gunfire and came outside and saw the woman laying in the front yard. The neighbors said the woman was pregnant and was living with her boyfriend.
The victim’s dog was also shot and killed, police said.
The man was taken into custody after he returned to the scene and placed a blanket over the woman’s body, police said.
khou.com
Posted on November 18, 2011 at 12:39 AM
Updated yesterday at 12:41 AM
HOUSTON – A man was accused of fatally shooting his pregnant girlfriend and her dog Thursday night in northeast Houston, Houston police said.
The shooting happened at about 7 p.m. in the 2200 block of Noble.
Neighbors said they heard gunfire and came outside and saw the woman laying in the front yard. The neighbors said the woman was pregnant and was living with her boyfriend.
The victim’s dog was also shot and killed, police said.
The man was taken into custody after he returned to the scene and placed a blanket over the woman’s body, police said.
Carmel. NY: NY man kills man who dined with his estranged wife
CARMEL, N.Y. — A man whose estranged wife went to dinner with his co-worker waited in the bushes for the man to come home, then shot him to death before killing himself in front of the distraught woman, police said Thursday.
The men had worked together for years in the Town of Carmel Highway Department and both lived in the hamlet of Mahopac, 45 miles north of New York City, Carmel police Chief Michael Johnson said.
He said that on Wednesday night, Michael Boccardi, 47, waited near the home of 56-year-old Michael Purdy. When Boccardi's wife drove up and dropped Purdy off after their dinner together, Boccardi "came out of the nearby foliage" and fired several shots at Purdy, Johnson said. Purdy was killed by a bullet to the head, the chief said.
Boccardi then jumped into his wife's car and ordered her to drive away, the chief said. The woman, distraught over what she'd seen, tried to speak to Boccardi, but he turned the pistol on himself and shot himself in the head, Johnson said.
The chief said he didn't know if Purdy had been dating Boccardi's wife, only that they were together Wednesday night.
He said he knew both men and described Boccardi as "a level-headed, calm guy."
"I'm taken aback," the chief said.
Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. Police said Boccardi used a Glock semi-automatic pistol that was legally registered to him.
The men had worked together for years in the Town of Carmel Highway Department and both lived in the hamlet of Mahopac, 45 miles north of New York City, Carmel police Chief Michael Johnson said.
He said that on Wednesday night, Michael Boccardi, 47, waited near the home of 56-year-old Michael Purdy. When Boccardi's wife drove up and dropped Purdy off after their dinner together, Boccardi "came out of the nearby foliage" and fired several shots at Purdy, Johnson said. Purdy was killed by a bullet to the head, the chief said.
Boccardi then jumped into his wife's car and ordered her to drive away, the chief said. The woman, distraught over what she'd seen, tried to speak to Boccardi, but he turned the pistol on himself and shot himself in the head, Johnson said.
The chief said he didn't know if Purdy had been dating Boccardi's wife, only that they were together Wednesday night.
He said he knew both men and described Boccardi as "a level-headed, calm guy."
"I'm taken aback," the chief said.
Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. Police said Boccardi used a Glock semi-automatic pistol that was legally registered to him.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
South Evans, IL: Man Gets 70 Years for Kiling Girlfriend, Slashing Infant
McKerry Coleman slashed baby's throat, stabbed girlfriend two years ago
Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011
A 20-year-old man was sentenced to 70 years in prison Tuesday for slicing his infant’s throat, then choking and stabbing his girlfriend to death in a jealous rage after she received phone calls from another man.
McKerry Coleman was convicted Oct. 14 by a Cook County jury of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder for the Nov. 30, 2009, attack in the 6700 block of South Evans.
Coleman was sentenced Tuesday to 70 years in prison -- 45 years for the murder of his girlfriend and 25 for the attempted murder of the baby, Cook County State’s Attorney’s office spokeswoman Tandra Simonton said.
Tanisha Edwards was killed when Coleman, her boyfriend, became upset that she was talking to another man on the phone. Both were home with their 7-week-old son when they began to argue about the call, prosecutors said.
When Edwards got yet another call from a man, Coleman, who was holding the infant in his arms, grabbed a knife and sliced his child’s neck, breaking the knife’s handle. He threw the baby to the ground and grabbed Edwards, beating her on the ground, court records said.
Edwards’ two brothers were home at the time and ran to get help, but it was too late. Coleman grabbed another knife and stabbed Edwards in the head and throat, killing her. Neighbors called police after seeing Coleman run away.
Edwards died several hours later, but the child survived.
Coleman turned himself him and gave a video statement confessing to what he did, prosecutors said.
Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011
A 20-year-old man was sentenced to 70 years in prison Tuesday for slicing his infant’s throat, then choking and stabbing his girlfriend to death in a jealous rage after she received phone calls from another man.
McKerry Coleman was convicted Oct. 14 by a Cook County jury of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder for the Nov. 30, 2009, attack in the 6700 block of South Evans.
Coleman was sentenced Tuesday to 70 years in prison -- 45 years for the murder of his girlfriend and 25 for the attempted murder of the baby, Cook County State’s Attorney’s office spokeswoman Tandra Simonton said.
Tanisha Edwards was killed when Coleman, her boyfriend, became upset that she was talking to another man on the phone. Both were home with their 7-week-old son when they began to argue about the call, prosecutors said.
When Edwards got yet another call from a man, Coleman, who was holding the infant in his arms, grabbed a knife and sliced his child’s neck, breaking the knife’s handle. He threw the baby to the ground and grabbed Edwards, beating her on the ground, court records said.
Edwards’ two brothers were home at the time and ran to get help, but it was too late. Coleman grabbed another knife and stabbed Edwards in the head and throat, killing her. Neighbors called police after seeing Coleman run away.
Edwards died several hours later, but the child survived.
Coleman turned himself him and gave a video statement confessing to what he did, prosecutors said.
Tampa, FL: Vincent Brown found guilty of killing his girlfriend
Vincent Brown found guilty of killing his girlfriend
PhotosVideo
The penalty phase of Brown's trial is set to begin Saturday. The jury can recommend life in prison or death by lethal injection.
Related
Prosecution rests case
Police did not respond to call
Listen to 911 call
Missing woman's car found
Jennifer Denise Johnson and her daughter, Je'Neiyce Brown.
By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune
Published: November 16, 2011
Updated: November 16, 2011 - 12:01 PM
TAMPA --
A Hillsborough County jury has convicted Vincent Brown of first degree murder in the kidnapping and killing of Jennifer Johnson, his on-again, off-again girlfriend, three years ago.
Brown, 41, also was found guilty of kidnapping as the jurors took only minutes today to reach their verdict. Prosecutors said Johnson called 911 after being placed in her car trunk, and she later was strangled and dumped in an abandoned Lakeland house.
Closing arguments in the death penalty case wrapped up Tuesday morning. Jurors met Tuesday afternoon but did not reach a verdict until this morning.
"I'm glad he got what he had coming to him," said Johnson's mother, Alma Dorsey Johnson, after hearing the jury's verdict this morning.
She said Brown was jealous: "If he couldn't have her, he didn't want anybody else to have her."
Alma Johnson said her granddaughter, the slain woman's only child, turned 5 years old Sunday.
"There's nothing I can do," Alma Johnson said of her daughter's death. "She's in heaven now."
Prosecutor Jalal Harb told jurors Brown was the last person to call Johnson, the last person to be seen with her alive and the first person to be seen with her car after her disappearance.
Harb said evidence points to Brown as the person who killed Johnson.
On Nov. 14, 2008, Brown and Johnson were spotted together at a Tampa nightclub. At about 5:30 a.m. on Nov. 15, Johnson called 911 and said she was in her car trunk.
Three days later her body was found in the garage of the abandoned house.
Bags covered her face and were tied tightly around her neck. She died by being deprived of oxygen, according to a medical examiner.
Harb said witnesses' testimony proves Brown had "animosity" toward Johnson.
Phone records indicate Brown called Johnson more than 20 times Nov. 14, and that he called her phone twice after she was slain, Harb said.
After the slaying, Plant City police changed how they handle 911 calls. Their department's policy in place at the time required officers to respond to 911 calls made only from land lines. Because Johnson placed the call from a cell phone, officers were not required to respond.
Johnson's family and friends said Brown was physically and verbally abusive to her throughout much of their relationship. They encouraged Johnson to stop seeing Brown and move on with her life.
"You couldn't beat a dog that bad," said Johnson's uncle, Washi Dorsey, 50.
"It's never too late to get out" of an abusive relationship, said Ruth Chico, a friend of Johnson's since childhood.
jpoltilove@tampatrib.com (813) 259-7691
PhotosVideo
The penalty phase of Brown's trial is set to begin Saturday. The jury can recommend life in prison or death by lethal injection.
Related
Prosecution rests case
Police did not respond to call
Listen to 911 call
Missing woman's car found
Jennifer Denise Johnson and her daughter, Je'Neiyce Brown.
By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune
Published: November 16, 2011
Updated: November 16, 2011 - 12:01 PM
TAMPA --
A Hillsborough County jury has convicted Vincent Brown of first degree murder in the kidnapping and killing of Jennifer Johnson, his on-again, off-again girlfriend, three years ago.
Brown, 41, also was found guilty of kidnapping as the jurors took only minutes today to reach their verdict. Prosecutors said Johnson called 911 after being placed in her car trunk, and she later was strangled and dumped in an abandoned Lakeland house.
Closing arguments in the death penalty case wrapped up Tuesday morning. Jurors met Tuesday afternoon but did not reach a verdict until this morning.
"I'm glad he got what he had coming to him," said Johnson's mother, Alma Dorsey Johnson, after hearing the jury's verdict this morning.
She said Brown was jealous: "If he couldn't have her, he didn't want anybody else to have her."
Alma Johnson said her granddaughter, the slain woman's only child, turned 5 years old Sunday.
"There's nothing I can do," Alma Johnson said of her daughter's death. "She's in heaven now."
Prosecutor Jalal Harb told jurors Brown was the last person to call Johnson, the last person to be seen with her alive and the first person to be seen with her car after her disappearance.
Harb said evidence points to Brown as the person who killed Johnson.
On Nov. 14, 2008, Brown and Johnson were spotted together at a Tampa nightclub. At about 5:30 a.m. on Nov. 15, Johnson called 911 and said she was in her car trunk.
Three days later her body was found in the garage of the abandoned house.
Bags covered her face and were tied tightly around her neck. She died by being deprived of oxygen, according to a medical examiner.
Harb said witnesses' testimony proves Brown had "animosity" toward Johnson.
Phone records indicate Brown called Johnson more than 20 times Nov. 14, and that he called her phone twice after she was slain, Harb said.
After the slaying, Plant City police changed how they handle 911 calls. Their department's policy in place at the time required officers to respond to 911 calls made only from land lines. Because Johnson placed the call from a cell phone, officers were not required to respond.
Johnson's family and friends said Brown was physically and verbally abusive to her throughout much of their relationship. They encouraged Johnson to stop seeing Brown and move on with her life.
"You couldn't beat a dog that bad," said Johnson's uncle, Washi Dorsey, 50.
"It's never too late to get out" of an abusive relationship, said Ruth Chico, a friend of Johnson's since childhood.
jpoltilove@tampatrib.com (813) 259-7691
Chatham, NC: Pittsylvania County woman makes plea in boyfriend killing
By: DENICE THIBODEAU
Published: November 16, 2011
CHATHAM — Donna Michelle Barley, the Pittsylvania County woman charged with killing her boyfriend, Michael Brann Terry, pled guilty to second-degree murder in Pittsylvania County Circuit Court Wednesday morning.
Barley, 43, was accused of stabbing Terry, 28, to death on April 17, 2010, during an altercation at their home on Howerton’s Bottom Road.
A jury trial for first-degree murder was scheduled for this week; instead, Commonwealth Attorney David Grimes and Barley’s attorney, James Martin, worked out a plea agreement on Tuesday.
According to the Medical Examiner’s report on file in Pittsylvania County Circuit Court, Terry was stabbed twice, once in the left thigh and once in the chest. The wound to his chest cut the right ventricle to his heart. He also had blunt force injuries to a finger, his face and his right thigh.
In an interview after the plea agreement was accepted by Circuit Court Judge Charles Strauss, Grimes said Terry was expected to claim she killed Terry in self defense.
“She claimed there was a fair amount of domestic violence, including that night,” Grimes said. “But I’m not aware of any times police were called.”
Grimes said Barley did show some signs of injury the night of the incident, including a black eye and some marks on her head, and also showed signs of substance abuse.
Grimes said Barley claimed she and Terry went out that night, returning home at about midnight. Terry went to sleep and Barley went back out again with a friend to buy drugs in Danville. She arrived back home at about 4 a.m., Grimes said.
“She was still visibly intoxicated at 6 a.m. when police got there,” Grimes said.
Asked what the state sentencing guidelines are for second-degree murder, Grimes declined to speculate on what length sentence Barley might receive, noting that the guideline worksheets take many factors into account.
According to Virginia law, Barley could have faced life in prison if she was convicted of first-degree murder. For second-degree murder, the law calls for an imprisonment that can range from a minimum of 20 years to life.
Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 21 in Pittsylvania County Circuit Court.
Thibodeau reports for the Danville Register & Bee.
Published: November 16, 2011
CHATHAM — Donna Michelle Barley, the Pittsylvania County woman charged with killing her boyfriend, Michael Brann Terry, pled guilty to second-degree murder in Pittsylvania County Circuit Court Wednesday morning.
Barley, 43, was accused of stabbing Terry, 28, to death on April 17, 2010, during an altercation at their home on Howerton’s Bottom Road.
A jury trial for first-degree murder was scheduled for this week; instead, Commonwealth Attorney David Grimes and Barley’s attorney, James Martin, worked out a plea agreement on Tuesday.
According to the Medical Examiner’s report on file in Pittsylvania County Circuit Court, Terry was stabbed twice, once in the left thigh and once in the chest. The wound to his chest cut the right ventricle to his heart. He also had blunt force injuries to a finger, his face and his right thigh.
In an interview after the plea agreement was accepted by Circuit Court Judge Charles Strauss, Grimes said Terry was expected to claim she killed Terry in self defense.
“She claimed there was a fair amount of domestic violence, including that night,” Grimes said. “But I’m not aware of any times police were called.”
Grimes said Barley did show some signs of injury the night of the incident, including a black eye and some marks on her head, and also showed signs of substance abuse.
Grimes said Barley claimed she and Terry went out that night, returning home at about midnight. Terry went to sleep and Barley went back out again with a friend to buy drugs in Danville. She arrived back home at about 4 a.m., Grimes said.
“She was still visibly intoxicated at 6 a.m. when police got there,” Grimes said.
Asked what the state sentencing guidelines are for second-degree murder, Grimes declined to speculate on what length sentence Barley might receive, noting that the guideline worksheets take many factors into account.
According to Virginia law, Barley could have faced life in prison if she was convicted of first-degree murder. For second-degree murder, the law calls for an imprisonment that can range from a minimum of 20 years to life.
Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 21 in Pittsylvania County Circuit Court.
Thibodeau reports for the Danville Register & Bee.
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