By Robert Salonga,
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 01/25/2012 12:33:02 PM PST
Updated: 01/25/2012 01:11:28 PM PST
What appeared to be the natural death of a Concord man in November is now being treated as a homicide, with his girlfriend as the suspect, police said.
Concord resident Dava Alizabeth-Ann Steen, 41, was charged Tuesday with the murder of her boyfriend Danny Ray Bennett, 47, also of Concord.
Bennett died Nov. 25 at the Wren Avenue home he shared with Steen, his longtime girlfriend. Police and Contra Costa Fire District personnel were summoned to the home after getting reports Bennett had stopped breathing.
Efforts to resuscitate Bennett were unsuccessful, and after authorities verified Steen's claims that Bennett had a history of serious health problems, his death was attributed to natural causes.
That remained the case until last week, when on Jan. 17 police got a tip claiming that Steen actually killed Bennett. Investigators vetted the tip and gathered evidence supporting allegations that Steen suffocated Bennett during a fight, police said.
Last Friday, police arrested Steen and served a search warrant at her home where they collected additional evidence in the case, police said. Detectives presented a murder case to the District Attorney's Office on Tuesday, and charges were filed the same day.
Steen is being held in West County Jail in Richmond on $1 million bail. Concord originally recorded six homicides last year, so Bennett's death retroactively becomes the seventh of 2011.
Police released no further details about
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the killing, citing the sensitivity of the investigation.
Anyone with information about this case can contact Detective Greg Pardella at 925-603-5922 or the Concord police tip line at 925-603-5836.
Robert Salonga covers public safety. Contact him at 925-943-8013. Follow him at Twitter.com/robertsalonga.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Hopatcong, NJ: Man accused of killing Hopatcong woman to go to trial in June
By STEVEN REILLY
sreilly@njherald.com
The 2010 murder of a 22-year-old Hopatcong woman allegedly began when Giuseppe Tedesco, 26, invited the victim Alyssa Ruggieri, 22, through text messages, to go out and celebrate his birthday and spend some time with him.
When she said no, Tedesco allegedly texted her again and asked if she was home alone.
He then allegedly got his .25-caliber Beretta handgun and drove to her house. He reportedly parked his car blocks away, took his gun, and walked the rest of the way to her house.
Ruggieri reportedly voluntarily let him into her home, where Tedesco is accused of shooting her six times, including at least two times in her face, before leaving her for dead.
The chilling account of the murder of Ruggieri was told in open court by Sussex County assistant prosecutor Seana Pappas during a pre-trial hearing for Tedesco held in state Superior Court in Newton on Monday. A trial has been scheduled for June 5.
Tedesco is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a handgun and possession of a handgun for unlawful purposes.
According to Pappas, Tedesco had known Ruggieri for a couple of years, but it was unclear if they had a romantic relationship. On March 27, 2010, Tedesco allegedly texted Ruggieri "several times to discuss going out together for his birthday," Pappas said.
When Ruggieri reportedly declined to go, Tedesco allegedly got his gun and drove over to her house. According to police reports, there was no sign of forced entry, leading prosecutors to believe Ruggieri let him into her home.
It was at this time, Pappas said, that Tedesco shot her six times, before fleeing the victim's home and driving back to his home in Hopatcong.
When Tedesco arrived home, he had a gunshot wound to his hand, and was driven to Dover Hospital by his father, but the police were never called, Pappas said.
Police were eventually called by concerned family members of the victim, who was later found dead in her home from the gunshot wounds.
Tedesco faces life-plus-20-years in state prison for the alleged shooting death of Ruggieri.
According to Pappas, he was offered a plea deal that would put him in state prison for 30 years before being eligible for parole.
When State Superior Court Judge N. Peter Conforti asked Tedesco if he was informed of the charges against him, and the terms of the plea agreement, Tedesco said "I did. And I'm rejecting it."
Anthony Iacullo, the Nutley attorney representing Tedesco, said he plans to use a self-defense argument to defend his client against the charges.
Iacullo filed two motions with the court at the pre-trial proceedings. One motion seeks to suppress any prior offenses Tedesco has, and the second motion seeks to suppress testimony from a "jail house informant," Iacullo said. The Prosecutor's Office has 45 days to respond to those motions.
Tedesco has been held in the Sussex County jail on $1 million bail since his arrest.
sreilly@njherald.com
The 2010 murder of a 22-year-old Hopatcong woman allegedly began when Giuseppe Tedesco, 26, invited the victim Alyssa Ruggieri, 22, through text messages, to go out and celebrate his birthday and spend some time with him.
When she said no, Tedesco allegedly texted her again and asked if she was home alone.
He then allegedly got his .25-caliber Beretta handgun and drove to her house. He reportedly parked his car blocks away, took his gun, and walked the rest of the way to her house.
Ruggieri reportedly voluntarily let him into her home, where Tedesco is accused of shooting her six times, including at least two times in her face, before leaving her for dead.
The chilling account of the murder of Ruggieri was told in open court by Sussex County assistant prosecutor Seana Pappas during a pre-trial hearing for Tedesco held in state Superior Court in Newton on Monday. A trial has been scheduled for June 5.
Tedesco is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a handgun and possession of a handgun for unlawful purposes.
According to Pappas, Tedesco had known Ruggieri for a couple of years, but it was unclear if they had a romantic relationship. On March 27, 2010, Tedesco allegedly texted Ruggieri "several times to discuss going out together for his birthday," Pappas said.
When Ruggieri reportedly declined to go, Tedesco allegedly got his gun and drove over to her house. According to police reports, there was no sign of forced entry, leading prosecutors to believe Ruggieri let him into her home.
It was at this time, Pappas said, that Tedesco shot her six times, before fleeing the victim's home and driving back to his home in Hopatcong.
When Tedesco arrived home, he had a gunshot wound to his hand, and was driven to Dover Hospital by his father, but the police were never called, Pappas said.
Police were eventually called by concerned family members of the victim, who was later found dead in her home from the gunshot wounds.
Tedesco faces life-plus-20-years in state prison for the alleged shooting death of Ruggieri.
According to Pappas, he was offered a plea deal that would put him in state prison for 30 years before being eligible for parole.
When State Superior Court Judge N. Peter Conforti asked Tedesco if he was informed of the charges against him, and the terms of the plea agreement, Tedesco said "I did. And I'm rejecting it."
Anthony Iacullo, the Nutley attorney representing Tedesco, said he plans to use a self-defense argument to defend his client against the charges.
Iacullo filed two motions with the court at the pre-trial proceedings. One motion seeks to suppress any prior offenses Tedesco has, and the second motion seeks to suppress testimony from a "jail house informant," Iacullo said. The Prosecutor's Office has 45 days to respond to those motions.
Tedesco has been held in the Sussex County jail on $1 million bail since his arrest.
Chicago, IL: Couple Dead in Apparent Arlington Heights Murder-Suicide
Chicago - A woman and her husband were found shot to death in an apparent murder-suicide Wednesday morning in their northwest suburban home.
Angelita James, 56, and her husband, Roger D. James, 48, were found dead inside their home at 930 E. Shady Way in Arlington Heights, each with a gunshot wound, a release from Arlington Heights police said.
Although police are awaiting autopsy results, the deaths appear to be a murder-suicide. Police said there is no evidence to suggest there is any danger to the community.
The investigation began when Angelita James’ son called police to check on his mother, who hadn’t shown up for work in two days and couldn’t be reached, the release said.
Police forced their way inside after no one answered and found both dead with a gunshot wound. A firearm was also found inside the residence, the release said.
The Major Case Assistance Team’s Forensic Unit and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office’s are assisting in the investigation.
Autopsies are scheduled for Thursday.
Angelita James, 56, and her husband, Roger D. James, 48, were found dead inside their home at 930 E. Shady Way in Arlington Heights, each with a gunshot wound, a release from Arlington Heights police said.
Although police are awaiting autopsy results, the deaths appear to be a murder-suicide. Police said there is no evidence to suggest there is any danger to the community.
The investigation began when Angelita James’ son called police to check on his mother, who hadn’t shown up for work in two days and couldn’t be reached, the release said.
Police forced their way inside after no one answered and found both dead with a gunshot wound. A firearm was also found inside the residence, the release said.
The Major Case Assistance Team’s Forensic Unit and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office’s are assisting in the investigation.
Autopsies are scheduled for Thursday.
Logan Township, PA: Murder-suicide reported
Two people are dead after a murder-suicide Monday in Logan Township, police said Tuesday.
Julie Rightnour, 29, was shot by her boyfriend, Jason Hott, 32, at the rental house the two shared at 3258 Homers Gap Road sometime after 7:30 p.m. Monday before Hott turned the gun, a 12-gauge shotgun, on himself, police said. According to Hott's Facebook page, he was engaged to marry Rightnour.
"We're not sure what transpired and there were no witnesses," Logan Township Police Chief Ron Heller said.
The pair were discovered by Rightnour's family members who went to the home after she didn't show up for work Tuesday. Police were called to the scene at 9:19 a.m., Heller said.
Hott had an extensive criminal history, mostly involving bad checks and theft-related cases, court records show.
In November 2004, Hott was shot on Second Avenue in Altoona by Angel Y. Vazquez after a night of drinking. After a jury deadlocked on a verdict for the shooting, Vazquez ultimately pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in that case and received a four- to eight-year state prison sentence for that and an unrelated case.
Funeral arrangements were pending. John C. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Williamsburg, is handing the arrangements for Rightnour, according to a brief notice on page A7.
Julie Rightnour, 29, was shot by her boyfriend, Jason Hott, 32, at the rental house the two shared at 3258 Homers Gap Road sometime after 7:30 p.m. Monday before Hott turned the gun, a 12-gauge shotgun, on himself, police said. According to Hott's Facebook page, he was engaged to marry Rightnour.
"We're not sure what transpired and there were no witnesses," Logan Township Police Chief Ron Heller said.
The pair were discovered by Rightnour's family members who went to the home after she didn't show up for work Tuesday. Police were called to the scene at 9:19 a.m., Heller said.
Hott had an extensive criminal history, mostly involving bad checks and theft-related cases, court records show.
In November 2004, Hott was shot on Second Avenue in Altoona by Angel Y. Vazquez after a night of drinking. After a jury deadlocked on a verdict for the shooting, Vazquez ultimately pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in that case and received a four- to eight-year state prison sentence for that and an unrelated case.
Funeral arrangements were pending. John C. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Williamsburg, is handing the arrangements for Rightnour, according to a brief notice on page A7.
Swansboro, NC: Kalamazoo native killed in NC
Susan Zemlick
Updated: Wednesday, 25 Jan 2012, 6:38 PM EST
Published : Wednesday, 25 Jan 2012, 12:24 PM EST
SWANSBORO, N.C. (WOOD) - A former Kalamazoo resident was shot to death in North Carolina, WCTI reports.
Officers were called Monday morning and found Susan Zemlick, 50, dead in a home she shared with an older couple in Swansboro.
Zemlick had been separated from her husband Matthew Zemlick, 29, for about eight months.
The Daily News in Jacksonville, N.C. is reporting Susan filed a domestic violence protective order against her husband. He is a Marine based at Camp Lejeune. A military protective order was also filed against him.
Susan said her husband had threatened to kill her and himself if she told anyone how he treated her in the protection order documents.
The couple married in Kalamazoo in 2009. Last year, Susan revoked power of attorney that she had given Matthew.
Authorities do have a suspect in mind but that person has not been arrested yet, police told WCTI. Neighbors in the area said police told them that they do not think that Matthew Zemlick was involved.
Matthew Zemlick's father Lawrence told 24 Hour News 8 in a phone interview that the marriage was definitely in trouble, but that he is concentrating on remembering his daughter-in-law.
"If there was anything that I would want to emphasize, it is that Susan was a decent caring and loving person and she certainly did not deserve to leave this earth the way that she did," said Lawrence.
Lawrence Zemlick said that his son had remained hopeful that the two could eventually make the marriage work.
"He is absolutely devastated because, you know, they were separated," said Lawrence. "Susan had some things that were challenging for her and that's why they were separated, but he still cared very deeply for her, and he still does."
Updated: Wednesday, 25 Jan 2012, 6:38 PM EST
Published : Wednesday, 25 Jan 2012, 12:24 PM EST
SWANSBORO, N.C. (WOOD) - A former Kalamazoo resident was shot to death in North Carolina, WCTI reports.
Officers were called Monday morning and found Susan Zemlick, 50, dead in a home she shared with an older couple in Swansboro.
Zemlick had been separated from her husband Matthew Zemlick, 29, for about eight months.
The Daily News in Jacksonville, N.C. is reporting Susan filed a domestic violence protective order against her husband. He is a Marine based at Camp Lejeune. A military protective order was also filed against him.
Susan said her husband had threatened to kill her and himself if she told anyone how he treated her in the protection order documents.
The couple married in Kalamazoo in 2009. Last year, Susan revoked power of attorney that she had given Matthew.
Authorities do have a suspect in mind but that person has not been arrested yet, police told WCTI. Neighbors in the area said police told them that they do not think that Matthew Zemlick was involved.
Matthew Zemlick's father Lawrence told 24 Hour News 8 in a phone interview that the marriage was definitely in trouble, but that he is concentrating on remembering his daughter-in-law.
"If there was anything that I would want to emphasize, it is that Susan was a decent caring and loving person and she certainly did not deserve to leave this earth the way that she did," said Lawrence.
Lawrence Zemlick said that his son had remained hopeful that the two could eventually make the marriage work.
"He is absolutely devastated because, you know, they were separated," said Lawrence. "Susan had some things that were challenging for her and that's why they were separated, but he still cared very deeply for her, and he still does."
Berrien County, MI: Prosecutor files to try teen shooting suspect as adult
The Berrien County prosecutor's office will attempt to try the 16-year-old girlfriend of a man killed Tuesday as an adult. David Quinn Jr., 21, was shot at his home on Shanghai Road in Pipestone Township.
His girlfriend, who we are not identifying because she is a minor, was found at the home when police arrived. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at 3:00pm, where the Family Court judge the motion to try the teenager as an adult will be heard.
The teen is currently being held at the Berrien County Juvenile Center.
His girlfriend, who we are not identifying because she is a minor, was found at the home when police arrived. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at 3:00pm, where the Family Court judge the motion to try the teenager as an adult will be heard.
The teen is currently being held at the Berrien County Juvenile Center.
Fresno, CA: Woman Shot To Death; Boyfriend Arrested
FRESNO, Calif. (KMPH) -
Police say a man has admitted to being a drug dealer and shooting his girlfriend to death inside their West Fresno mobile home.
The body of 33-year-old Juana Zaragoza was found last Wednesday in a home off Cornelia and Parkway. Fresno Police say she was shot in the upper body.
While looking for evidence, detectives say they found a pound and a half of meth inside the home.
Investigators say 24-year-old Josue Moises Hernandez-Sandoval dated Zaragoza for about two months.
Sandoval was arrested in Woodland Sunday morning. Detectives say he confessed to shooting Zaragoza over an argument.
Detectives also say Sandoval admitted that he is a drug dealer and that the meth found in the mobile home belongs to him.
Sandoval is scheduled to be brought to Fresno on Wednesday.
Stay with KMPH News and KMPH.com as we continue to follow this story.
Police say a man has admitted to being a drug dealer and shooting his girlfriend to death inside their West Fresno mobile home.
The body of 33-year-old Juana Zaragoza was found last Wednesday in a home off Cornelia and Parkway. Fresno Police say she was shot in the upper body.
While looking for evidence, detectives say they found a pound and a half of meth inside the home.
Investigators say 24-year-old Josue Moises Hernandez-Sandoval dated Zaragoza for about two months.
Sandoval was arrested in Woodland Sunday morning. Detectives say he confessed to shooting Zaragoza over an argument.
Detectives also say Sandoval admitted that he is a drug dealer and that the meth found in the mobile home belongs to him.
Sandoval is scheduled to be brought to Fresno on Wednesday.
Stay with KMPH News and KMPH.com as we continue to follow this story.
Mt. Solon, VA: Dog shot, Mount Solon man charged
MOUNT SOLON — A Mount Solon man is behinds bars after being accused of shooting a dog and killing the animal Tuesday evening, the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office said.
Cody Gordon, 19, is charged with animal cruelty.
The sheriff’s office said Gordon was involved in a domestic dispute with his 19-year-old girlfriend at their residence in the 300 block of Lick Run Road when the woman left the home. While gone, the woman told authorities that Gordon phoned her and threatened to shoot their dogs.
Sheriff’s deputies found a dead dog buried near a kennel behind the home. Gordon claimed he put the dog down because it was ill. The second dog was unharmed, the sheriff’s office said.
Gordon also was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery in connection with the incident.
He is being held at Middle River Regional Jail.
Cody Gordon, 19, is charged with animal cruelty.
The sheriff’s office said Gordon was involved in a domestic dispute with his 19-year-old girlfriend at their residence in the 300 block of Lick Run Road when the woman left the home. While gone, the woman told authorities that Gordon phoned her and threatened to shoot their dogs.
Sheriff’s deputies found a dead dog buried near a kennel behind the home. Gordon claimed he put the dog down because it was ill. The second dog was unharmed, the sheriff’s office said.
Gordon also was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery in connection with the incident.
He is being held at Middle River Regional Jail.
Plattsburg, MO: Man charged in son's death, wife's shooting
A Plattsburg, Mo., man is accused of killing his 28-year-old son and shooting his wife in the head.
Richard D. Vardy was charged Wednesday in Clinton County with second-degree murder, first-degree assault and armed criminal action.
The alleged incident occurred inside a home in rural Plattsburg, Mo., around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.
According to court documents, Mr. Vardy allegedly fired one shot from a Taurus. 357 magnum revolver toward his son, Richard Vardy. The one bullet struck Mr. Vardy’s wife, Mary Vardy, in the head before it struck the son in the chest.
The shot that hit Richard Vardy killed him.
Mary Vardy survived the shot and was taken to Liberty Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.
The elder Mr. Vardy was the respondent in a protection order for adult stalking in 2008. Civil court records do not indicate who filed the restraining order.
Kim Norvell can be reached at kim.norvell@newspressnow.com. Follow her on Twitter: @KimNorvell.
Richard D. Vardy was charged Wednesday in Clinton County with second-degree murder, first-degree assault and armed criminal action.
The alleged incident occurred inside a home in rural Plattsburg, Mo., around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.
According to court documents, Mr. Vardy allegedly fired one shot from a Taurus. 357 magnum revolver toward his son, Richard Vardy. The one bullet struck Mr. Vardy’s wife, Mary Vardy, in the head before it struck the son in the chest.
The shot that hit Richard Vardy killed him.
Mary Vardy survived the shot and was taken to Liberty Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.
The elder Mr. Vardy was the respondent in a protection order for adult stalking in 2008. Civil court records do not indicate who filed the restraining order.
Kim Norvell can be reached at kim.norvell@newspressnow.com. Follow her on Twitter: @KimNorvell.
Great Falls, NC: Husband arrested after deputies find murdered wife's "missing" jewelry
GREAT FALLS, NC (WBTV) - Investigators in North and South Carolina have now searched several locations looking for leads in the death of a Great Falls woman.
57-year-old Alfreda Hinson was found dead inside her home in late November, according to the Chester County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Richard Smith said the side door to her home on the 5400 block of Old Winnsboro Road was forced in.
Related article: Woman's body found inside home after neighbors complain of loud noise
On Tuesday, three locations in Great Falls and one in Albemarle, NC were searched, the sheriff said.
Detectives were looking for jewelry that Alfreda's husband, Larry Hinson, had reported stolen days after she was murdered. Some of the stolen jewelry was recovered.
Also during the search marijuana and a "sawed off" rifle was found.
Larry Hinson was arrested late Tuesday night in Great Falls and is currently being held at the Chester County Sheriff's Detention Center awaiting bond.
Hinson's charges are simple possession of marijuana, filing a false police report, filing a false insurance claim, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
The Chester County Sheriff's Office and Sled are working diligently to solve the murder of Alfreda Hinson.
Anyone having any information about this murder can call 385-5433 or Crime Stoppers 1-888-274-6372.
57-year-old Alfreda Hinson was found dead inside her home in late November, according to the Chester County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Richard Smith said the side door to her home on the 5400 block of Old Winnsboro Road was forced in.
Related article: Woman's body found inside home after neighbors complain of loud noise
On Tuesday, three locations in Great Falls and one in Albemarle, NC were searched, the sheriff said.
Detectives were looking for jewelry that Alfreda's husband, Larry Hinson, had reported stolen days after she was murdered. Some of the stolen jewelry was recovered.
Also during the search marijuana and a "sawed off" rifle was found.
Larry Hinson was arrested late Tuesday night in Great Falls and is currently being held at the Chester County Sheriff's Detention Center awaiting bond.
Hinson's charges are simple possession of marijuana, filing a false police report, filing a false insurance claim, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
The Chester County Sheriff's Office and Sled are working diligently to solve the murder of Alfreda Hinson.
Anyone having any information about this murder can call 385-5433 or Crime Stoppers 1-888-274-6372.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Hudson, FL: Man arrested in shooting death of wife's boyfriend in Hudson
By The Tampa Tribune
Published: January 24, 2012
Updated: January 24, 2012 - 8:58 PM
A Port Richey man shot and killed his estranged wife's boyfriend Tuesday afternoon outside a mobile home park in Hudson, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office said.
Michael Ortaliz, 58, 10336 Leaning Oak Drive, will be charged with first-degree murder, deputies said.
According to a report, Ortaliz shot John Holman, 61, New Port Richey, while he was in the woman's vehicle. He was shot outside her parents' home, located at the Brentwood Estates, 9823 Jewel Lane, Doll said.
The wife was able to escape and was not injured. Her name is being withheld by deputies.
Neighbors who heard shots contacted deputies at 12:19 p.m. today, and deputies found the suspect and the victim. Ortaliz surrendered to deputies and confessed, deputies said.
The case remains under investigation.
Published: January 24, 2012
Updated: January 24, 2012 - 8:58 PM
A Port Richey man shot and killed his estranged wife's boyfriend Tuesday afternoon outside a mobile home park in Hudson, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office said.
Michael Ortaliz, 58, 10336 Leaning Oak Drive, will be charged with first-degree murder, deputies said.
According to a report, Ortaliz shot John Holman, 61, New Port Richey, while he was in the woman's vehicle. He was shot outside her parents' home, located at the Brentwood Estates, 9823 Jewel Lane, Doll said.
The wife was able to escape and was not injured. Her name is being withheld by deputies.
Neighbors who heard shots contacted deputies at 12:19 p.m. today, and deputies found the suspect and the victim. Ortaliz surrendered to deputies and confessed, deputies said.
The case remains under investigation.
Lebanon, PA: Lebanon man waives hearing in girlfriend's murder
A 25-year-old city man waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday on charges related to the strangulation death of his 31-year-old girlfriend in Lebanon earlier this month.
Nathan Patrick made a brief appearance before District Judge Maria Dissinger before he was returned to the Lebanon County prison to await trial. He is being held without bail on charges of criminal homicide and aggravated assault.
Patrick is being represented by the Lebanon County public defender's office.
Police charged Patrick with killing Jennie Cassel in the home they shared at 204 S. Ninth St., Lebanon.
More than a half dozen of Patrick's relatives and friends filled the small hearing room at Dissinger's office along State Drive.
City police went to the home on Jan. 3 after receiving a call that a medical crew found Cassel's body on the living room couch. Police said they believe Cassel was strangled sometime after midnight on Jan 1.
One of Patrick's relatives told police that Patrick had called him and admitted to strangling Cassel during an argument.
Police tracked down Patrick in a vehicle near Route 72 and I-81 in Lickdale, and he was detained by state police.
Investigators obtained a search warrant for Patrick's cellphone and found a video in which he admitted killing Cassel, according to the police affidavit.
Patrick's apprehension by state police troopers on Jan. 3 took place while city police officers were still at the home he had shared with Cassel.
Police said the couple had previously lived in the Grantville area and recently moved to Lebanon.
Patrick's formal arraignment in Lebanon County Common Pleas Court is set for March 7. His trial has been scheduled for May.
Nathan Patrick made a brief appearance before District Judge Maria Dissinger before he was returned to the Lebanon County prison to await trial. He is being held without bail on charges of criminal homicide and aggravated assault.
Patrick is being represented by the Lebanon County public defender's office.
Police charged Patrick with killing Jennie Cassel in the home they shared at 204 S. Ninth St., Lebanon.
More than a half dozen of Patrick's relatives and friends filled the small hearing room at Dissinger's office along State Drive.
City police went to the home on Jan. 3 after receiving a call that a medical crew found Cassel's body on the living room couch. Police said they believe Cassel was strangled sometime after midnight on Jan 1.
One of Patrick's relatives told police that Patrick had called him and admitted to strangling Cassel during an argument.
Police tracked down Patrick in a vehicle near Route 72 and I-81 in Lickdale, and he was detained by state police.
Investigators obtained a search warrant for Patrick's cellphone and found a video in which he admitted killing Cassel, according to the police affidavit.
Patrick's apprehension by state police troopers on Jan. 3 took place while city police officers were still at the home he had shared with Cassel.
Police said the couple had previously lived in the Grantville area and recently moved to Lebanon.
Patrick's formal arraignment in Lebanon County Common Pleas Court is set for March 7. His trial has been scheduled for May.
Chicago, IL: Man Shot, Killed Girlfriend During Argument, Fled Scene: Cops
Updated: Tuesday, 24 Jan 2012, 8:34 AM CST
Published : Tuesday, 24 Jan 2012, 8:34 AM CST
Sun-Times Media Wire
Chicago - Police are searching for a man who shot and killed his girlfriend during an argument at her South Side home early Tuesday.
The suspect shot his 39-year-old girlfriend in the head during an argument in the 5600 block of South Perry Avenue about 1 a.m., police News Affairs Officer Hector Alfaro said.
Robin Davis, 39, was pronounced dead at the scene at her home at on S. Perry Ave., according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office, police said.
The boyfriend fled and is not in custody early Tuesday, police said.
Wentworth Area detectives are investigating.
Published : Tuesday, 24 Jan 2012, 8:34 AM CST
Sun-Times Media Wire
Chicago - Police are searching for a man who shot and killed his girlfriend during an argument at her South Side home early Tuesday.
The suspect shot his 39-year-old girlfriend in the head during an argument in the 5600 block of South Perry Avenue about 1 a.m., police News Affairs Officer Hector Alfaro said.
Robin Davis, 39, was pronounced dead at the scene at her home at on S. Perry Ave., according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office, police said.
The boyfriend fled and is not in custody early Tuesday, police said.
Wentworth Area detectives are investigating.
Hidalgo County, CA: Hidalgo County man ran over girlfriend then took her home
An Hidalgo County man was charged with murder after running over and killing his girlfriend over the weekend.
"I'm very sorry," Sergio Osvaldo Garcia told the media as he was escorted out of the courtroom inside the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.
"You are charged with first degree felony, it's murder,” Precinct 4 Judge Charlie Espinoza told him during his Monday morning arraignment. “You're gonna have a bond of $500 thousand."
The 23-year-old is accused of running over his girlfriend, Jillilah Rivas, early Sunday morning following a party north of Edcouch, near Mile 4 West and Mile 19 North Roads.
"This murder is a result of a domestic dispute,” Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Treviño said. “This was an argument"
Treviño says 17-year-old Rivas wanted to leave to the party, but Garcia did not.
She left the home of the party and started walking along Mile 4 West.
Witnesses said they saw her walk past them, and Garcia's car a short time later.
"He comes in like this he goes around them,” Treviño said, describing Garcia’s car as he sped south on Mile 4 West towards Rivas. “Witnesses say he swerved a couple times and then he takes a beeline straight for her."
The impact killed the 17-year-old and left heavy damage to the passenger side of the bumper.
Treviño said that after striking her, Garcia asked a witness for help, "He picks her up, puts her in the car and then he drives her to his residence."
The witnesses followed Garcia to his home and then called police.
A short time later officers arrived at the home and found Rivas body unresponsive. They arrested Garcia on the spot.
On Monday morning Judge Espinoza charged him with murder, but since he is in the country illegally, Sheriff Treviño is taking some precautions.
"In case he does have bond that we put a detainer on him to make sure he is not deported before on our state murder charges and that can happen that can happen very easily," he said.
Treviño added that Garcia had already been deported once and he wants to make sure the 23-year-old stands trial for murder before he is deported.
Garcia has an extensive juvenile criminal record and was arrested numerous times, according to Treviño.
Investigators also believe Garcia had been drinking that night, but are waiting on blood tests to determine that.
"I'm very sorry," Sergio Osvaldo Garcia told the media as he was escorted out of the courtroom inside the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.
"You are charged with first degree felony, it's murder,” Precinct 4 Judge Charlie Espinoza told him during his Monday morning arraignment. “You're gonna have a bond of $500 thousand."
The 23-year-old is accused of running over his girlfriend, Jillilah Rivas, early Sunday morning following a party north of Edcouch, near Mile 4 West and Mile 19 North Roads.
"This murder is a result of a domestic dispute,” Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Treviño said. “This was an argument"
Treviño says 17-year-old Rivas wanted to leave to the party, but Garcia did not.
She left the home of the party and started walking along Mile 4 West.
Witnesses said they saw her walk past them, and Garcia's car a short time later.
"He comes in like this he goes around them,” Treviño said, describing Garcia’s car as he sped south on Mile 4 West towards Rivas. “Witnesses say he swerved a couple times and then he takes a beeline straight for her."
The impact killed the 17-year-old and left heavy damage to the passenger side of the bumper.
Treviño said that after striking her, Garcia asked a witness for help, "He picks her up, puts her in the car and then he drives her to his residence."
The witnesses followed Garcia to his home and then called police.
A short time later officers arrived at the home and found Rivas body unresponsive. They arrested Garcia on the spot.
On Monday morning Judge Espinoza charged him with murder, but since he is in the country illegally, Sheriff Treviño is taking some precautions.
"In case he does have bond that we put a detainer on him to make sure he is not deported before on our state murder charges and that can happen that can happen very easily," he said.
Treviño added that Garcia had already been deported once and he wants to make sure the 23-year-old stands trial for murder before he is deported.
Garcia has an extensive juvenile criminal record and was arrested numerous times, according to Treviño.
Investigators also believe Garcia had been drinking that night, but are waiting on blood tests to determine that.
Louisville, KY: Louisville man pleads not guilty to raping, killing woman
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A judge has set a half-million bond for the Louisville man charged with raping and killing a woman late Sunday in the city's west end.
Anthony Michael Politi pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, rape and sodomy Tuesday morning.
Detectives say he was with the victim, identified by the coroner's office as 45-year-old Edwina Cook Adkins, of Louisville, at his home at 16th and West Kentucky Sunday night.
Officers say they believe the two were having sex, but at some point the victim asked Politi to stop.
That's when police say Politi raped and sodomized her before choking her to death.
Police were able to arrest Politi because he was still at the home when officers arrived.
Anthony Michael Politi pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, rape and sodomy Tuesday morning.
Detectives say he was with the victim, identified by the coroner's office as 45-year-old Edwina Cook Adkins, of Louisville, at his home at 16th and West Kentucky Sunday night.
Officers say they believe the two were having sex, but at some point the victim asked Politi to stop.
That's when police say Politi raped and sodomized her before choking her to death.
Police were able to arrest Politi because he was still at the home when officers arrived.
Ocala, FL: Deputies: Two dead in murder-suicide
OCALA – Sheriff’s detectives say that a man and woman found shot to death late Monday afternoon inside their southeast Ocala home were victims of a murder/suicide.
On Tuesday, detectives said they received a call at 5:26 p.m. Monday from family members who live out of town, asking that deputies do a well-being check on Woodrow Wilson Hall, 68, and his wife, Barbara A. Hall, 66, because they had been trying to call the couple since Sunday with no success.
A deputy arrived two minutes later at the brown residence with white trim at 409 SE 52nd Ave. The deputy noticed the garage door was open and heard a television on in the background. After not receiving a response from repeated knocks on the door that separates the garage from the house, the deputy entered the residence and saw the man and woman sitting on the couch in the living room, their bodies in close proximity to each other.
Based on their investigation and the results of autopsies conducted Tuesday, detectives said the man shot his wife with one handgun, then turned another handgun on himself.
There were no notes discovered in the home.
Detectives said they were told by a “friend/relative” that the couple had been arguing.
Detectives were still talking with family members late Tuesday to learn more about the couple.
Neighbors in the quiet neighborhood, located off Fort King Street, said the couple lived there for more than 10 years and were both friendly.
One neighbor said Woodrow Hall, called “Woody,” always stayed busy and worked two jobs. He said Hall was a retired school superintendent and was a contracted postmaster for a now-closed local post office a few years ago.
“I talked with him last week and he seemed fine,” the neighbor said.
Others described the couple as being very cordial and recalled Barbara walking their dog in the afternoons.
One neighbor said the Halls’ family members were frequent visitors. “It’s just hard to believe,” she said.
Contact Austin L. Miller at 867-4118 or austin.miller@starbanner.com.
On Tuesday, detectives said they received a call at 5:26 p.m. Monday from family members who live out of town, asking that deputies do a well-being check on Woodrow Wilson Hall, 68, and his wife, Barbara A. Hall, 66, because they had been trying to call the couple since Sunday with no success.
A deputy arrived two minutes later at the brown residence with white trim at 409 SE 52nd Ave. The deputy noticed the garage door was open and heard a television on in the background. After not receiving a response from repeated knocks on the door that separates the garage from the house, the deputy entered the residence and saw the man and woman sitting on the couch in the living room, their bodies in close proximity to each other.
Based on their investigation and the results of autopsies conducted Tuesday, detectives said the man shot his wife with one handgun, then turned another handgun on himself.
There were no notes discovered in the home.
Detectives said they were told by a “friend/relative” that the couple had been arguing.
Detectives were still talking with family members late Tuesday to learn more about the couple.
Neighbors in the quiet neighborhood, located off Fort King Street, said the couple lived there for more than 10 years and were both friendly.
One neighbor said Woodrow Hall, called “Woody,” always stayed busy and worked two jobs. He said Hall was a retired school superintendent and was a contracted postmaster for a now-closed local post office a few years ago.
“I talked with him last week and he seemed fine,” the neighbor said.
Others described the couple as being very cordial and recalled Barbara walking their dog in the afternoons.
One neighbor said the Halls’ family members were frequent visitors. “It’s just hard to believe,” she said.
Contact Austin L. Miller at 867-4118 or austin.miller@starbanner.com.
Indianapolis, IN: Police: Man Killed In Fight At Ex-Girlfriend's Home
Other Man Not Charged Yet In Shooting
POSTED: 10:04 pm EST January 23, 2012
UPDATED: 10:17 pm EST January 23, 2012
INDIANAPOLIS -- An Indianapolis man was shot and killed during an argument at his ex-girlfriend's home Monday, police said.
The shooting happened just after 1 p.m. in the 3300 block of Voigt Drive.
Police said Melvin Strickland, 25, went to the home of his ex-girlfriend, with whom he had a child, and the two got into an argument.
Another man who was at the home got involved and shot Strickland, police said.
Strickland was initially expected to survive his injuries but he died Monday evening at an area hospital.
The man who police said shot Strickland ran from the scene but was located Monday afternoon.
He was taken into custody but had not been charged Monday evening.
POSTED: 10:04 pm EST January 23, 2012
UPDATED: 10:17 pm EST January 23, 2012
INDIANAPOLIS -- An Indianapolis man was shot and killed during an argument at his ex-girlfriend's home Monday, police said.
The shooting happened just after 1 p.m. in the 3300 block of Voigt Drive.
Police said Melvin Strickland, 25, went to the home of his ex-girlfriend, with whom he had a child, and the two got into an argument.
Another man who was at the home got involved and shot Strickland, police said.
Strickland was initially expected to survive his injuries but he died Monday evening at an area hospital.
The man who police said shot Strickland ran from the scene but was located Monday afternoon.
He was taken into custody but had not been charged Monday evening.
Bryant, AR: Bryant police say Jenny Cavender, Ronnie Stewart Jr. dead in murder suicide outside Saline Memorial Hospice House
BRYANT, Ark. (KTHV) -- Monday, Bryant police respond to a tragic shooting outside of the Saline Memorial Hospice House.
"It appears the weapon that was used was a .40 caliber semi-automatic," says Sergeant Todd Crowson.
Crowson says Ronnie Odell Stewart Jr. of Maumelle shot his ex-girlfriend, Jenny Marie Cavender, who was a nurse at the Hospice House.
"He apparently shows up at work and confronts her in the parking lot and she tries to pull away from him. He shoots numerous times," says Crowson.
Cavender was found dead in her car. Officials found Stewart's body on the ground next to the vehicle.
Crowson says Cavender had an order of protection against Stewart out of Lonoke County since December 13, 2011. She had only recently moved to Bryant.
"Obviously, something happened and she felt like her life was in danger and to go down and get an order of protection," says Crowson.
"We are not looking for anyone at this time. It appears these are the only two parties involved in this," says Sgt. Crowson.
Crowson says an order of protection is different from a restraining order. It gives police more authority to step in. It's often used when a person feels like they're being harassed.
The bodies are being sent to the state crime lab for autopsies.
"It appears the weapon that was used was a .40 caliber semi-automatic," says Sergeant Todd Crowson.
Crowson says Ronnie Odell Stewart Jr. of Maumelle shot his ex-girlfriend, Jenny Marie Cavender, who was a nurse at the Hospice House.
"He apparently shows up at work and confronts her in the parking lot and she tries to pull away from him. He shoots numerous times," says Crowson.
Cavender was found dead in her car. Officials found Stewart's body on the ground next to the vehicle.
Crowson says Cavender had an order of protection against Stewart out of Lonoke County since December 13, 2011. She had only recently moved to Bryant.
"Obviously, something happened and she felt like her life was in danger and to go down and get an order of protection," says Crowson.
"We are not looking for anyone at this time. It appears these are the only two parties involved in this," says Sgt. Crowson.
Crowson says an order of protection is different from a restraining order. It gives police more authority to step in. It's often used when a person feels like they're being harassed.
The bodies are being sent to the state crime lab for autopsies.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Port Gibson, MS: Man convicted in girlfriend's death
PORT GIBSON, Miss. (AP) - A Port Gibson man has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2011 slaying of his girlfriend.
Prosecutors tell the Vicksburg Post (http://bit.ly/zlbtjd) that 41-year-old Dexter Watson was convicted of murder this past week in Claiborne County in the death of 35-year-old Patricia Dotson.
Circuit Judge Lamar Pickard sentenced Watson to life with the possibility of parole when he turns 65.
Prosecutors say Dotson's body was found behind First Baptist Church in March. An autopsy showed she had been stabbed in the face and trauma to the head.
Authorities say Watson and Dotson had an ongoing relationship and were living in a homeless shelter at the time of her death.
Information from: The Vicksburg Post, http://www.vicksburgpost.com
Prosecutors tell the Vicksburg Post (http://bit.ly/zlbtjd) that 41-year-old Dexter Watson was convicted of murder this past week in Claiborne County in the death of 35-year-old Patricia Dotson.
Circuit Judge Lamar Pickard sentenced Watson to life with the possibility of parole when he turns 65.
Prosecutors say Dotson's body was found behind First Baptist Church in March. An autopsy showed she had been stabbed in the face and trauma to the head.
Authorities say Watson and Dotson had an ongoing relationship and were living in a homeless shelter at the time of her death.
Information from: The Vicksburg Post, http://www.vicksburgpost.com
Cutler Bay, FL: Cutler Bay woman guilty of manslaughter for role in husband’s suicide
Valerie Jenkins, now convicted of manslaughter, gave her suicidal and drunk husband a loaded pistol after an argument in May 2009
BY DAVID OVALLE
DOVALLE@MIAMIHERALD.COM
For handing her drunk, suicidal husband a loaded pistol — which he used to kill himself — a Cutler Bay woman will serve five years of probation.
Valerie Jenkins on Monday pleaded guilty to manslaughter with a deadly weapon for the May 2009 death of her husband, Robert Jenkins, closing a case that had piqued the interest of legal scholars across Florida.
“The important thing to the family of the victim is the admission of guilt and that she is convicted. The issue of jail time was not the main concern,” said Kathleen Hoague, Miami-Dade Chief Assistant State Attorney.
Her defense attorney, James Best, said of her decision to plead guilty: “It’s what she wanted to do.”
Married for seven years, the Jenkinses quarreled frequently. Valerie Jenkins told Miami-Dade homicide detectives that her husband, a mechanic, often talked of suicide.
On the night of May 4, 2009, the couple argued again because Robert Jenkins was not taking his blood pressure medication. Robert Jenkins, who had been drinking beer that night, said again, “he wanted to die.”
According to police, the exasperated woman asked her husband if he wanted his gun. When he said yes, Valerie Jenkins fetched his .22-caliber pistol in a zippered pouch from a dresser drawer and tossed it on the couch where he was sitting.
As Valerie Jenkins walked into the kitchen, she heard a pop. She turned to see her husband slumped over the sofa, with a gunshot wound.
Miami-Dade prosecutors Hoague and Lody Jean said she acted with “reckless disregard for human life.”
On Monday, Best asked Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Leon Firtel to dismiss the case against his client, saying Robert Jenkins’ “independent intervening act” of suicide could not have been foreseen by his wife.
But in preparing its manslaughter case, prosecutors relied on the successful case against Jeramy Ricky Rushing, who in February 1986 gave a cocked, loaded gun to a despondent woman outside a Dania Beach bar.
A Broward County judge dismissed a manslaughter charge against Rushing, but an appeals court later reinstated the case and a jury convicted him. Like Jenkins, Rushing did not receive any jail time but was sentenced to two years of house arrest plus 300 hours of community service.
On Monday, Firtel acknowledged the “mental gymnastics” that the legal case posed for him and legal observers. But he declined to throw out the case, clearing the way for a jury trial.
Jenkins, who faced a maximum of 30 years in prison, decided against trial.
“It’s a difficult case for everybody and it should be resolved,” Firtel said.
BY DAVID OVALLE
DOVALLE@MIAMIHERALD.COM
For handing her drunk, suicidal husband a loaded pistol — which he used to kill himself — a Cutler Bay woman will serve five years of probation.
Valerie Jenkins on Monday pleaded guilty to manslaughter with a deadly weapon for the May 2009 death of her husband, Robert Jenkins, closing a case that had piqued the interest of legal scholars across Florida.
“The important thing to the family of the victim is the admission of guilt and that she is convicted. The issue of jail time was not the main concern,” said Kathleen Hoague, Miami-Dade Chief Assistant State Attorney.
Her defense attorney, James Best, said of her decision to plead guilty: “It’s what she wanted to do.”
Married for seven years, the Jenkinses quarreled frequently. Valerie Jenkins told Miami-Dade homicide detectives that her husband, a mechanic, often talked of suicide.
On the night of May 4, 2009, the couple argued again because Robert Jenkins was not taking his blood pressure medication. Robert Jenkins, who had been drinking beer that night, said again, “he wanted to die.”
According to police, the exasperated woman asked her husband if he wanted his gun. When he said yes, Valerie Jenkins fetched his .22-caliber pistol in a zippered pouch from a dresser drawer and tossed it on the couch where he was sitting.
As Valerie Jenkins walked into the kitchen, she heard a pop. She turned to see her husband slumped over the sofa, with a gunshot wound.
Miami-Dade prosecutors Hoague and Lody Jean said she acted with “reckless disregard for human life.”
On Monday, Best asked Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Leon Firtel to dismiss the case against his client, saying Robert Jenkins’ “independent intervening act” of suicide could not have been foreseen by his wife.
But in preparing its manslaughter case, prosecutors relied on the successful case against Jeramy Ricky Rushing, who in February 1986 gave a cocked, loaded gun to a despondent woman outside a Dania Beach bar.
A Broward County judge dismissed a manslaughter charge against Rushing, but an appeals court later reinstated the case and a jury convicted him. Like Jenkins, Rushing did not receive any jail time but was sentenced to two years of house arrest plus 300 hours of community service.
On Monday, Firtel acknowledged the “mental gymnastics” that the legal case posed for him and legal observers. But he declined to throw out the case, clearing the way for a jury trial.
Jenkins, who faced a maximum of 30 years in prison, decided against trial.
“It’s a difficult case for everybody and it should be resolved,” Firtel said.
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