Associated Press - April 7, 2010 3:05 AM ET
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) - An 18-year-old Syracuse man admits he stabbed his ex-girlfriend to death and tried to kill her sister over a $200 debt he owed.
Antwan Myles pleaded guilty Tuesday before state Supreme Court Justice John Brunetti to second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder. In exchange for the plea, he'll get a sentence of 30 years to life in state prison.
Myles admits he stabbed 24-year-old Tamara Bass Cheeks in the next last August and also stabbed her sister, Talaka Black.
The plea allows Myles to avoid prosecution in another murder case, where he drove an accused killer to the scene of a fatal shooting in October 2007.
Myles will be sentenced by Brunetti April 27.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Granby, MA: Granby death a homicide: Autopsy determines woman was strangled
By Owen Boss
GRANBY - Authorities say an autopsy has shown that a woman found dead
in her Granby home Monday night was strangled.
After reviewing final autopsy results, Northwestern District Attorney
Elizabeth D. Scheibel said Friday night that an inquiry into the
unexplained death of Annamarie Rintala would be deemed a homicide
investigation.
Scheibel told the Gazette Friday night that there are no suspects at
this time, and that the investigation is active and ongoing.
Rintala, 37, was found dead inside her Barton Street home Monday by
police responding to a 911 call placed at 7:12 p.m. Dr. Joann Richmond
of the medical examiner's office, who reported the results of
Rintala's autopsy, told Scheibel that Rintala's death was a homicide
by strangulation.
Granby police said the investigation is ongoing and all inquiries will
be redirected to Scheibel's office.
Rintala was an emergency medical technician for American Medical
Response of Western Massachusetts. According to the Hampshire County
Registry of Deeds, Rintala's wife, Cara Rintala, bought their Barton
Street property in 2002. They were married in Northampton in 2007,
with Annamarie Cochrane taking the last name of her spouse, according
to municipal records.
Cara Rintala has been an employee of the Ludlow Fire Department for
the past 10 years, working as a firefighter and paramedic, Ludlow Fire
Chief Mark Babineau said earlier this week.
According to court documents, in October 2008, Cara Rintala was
charged in Eastern Hampshire District Court with domestic assault and
battery following an Oct. 27 incident during which Annamarie Rintala
told police that Cara Rintala had struck her hard in the back of the
head with a closed fist during a domestic incident in their home. All
charges in that case were dismissed at the request of the victim.
Annamarie Rintala's is the first homicide investigation in Granby
since 1980, when Reinhold P. Kruger, 49, of East Longmeadow, was found
in the woods off of Carver Street two months after he went missing,
according to published reports.
Owen Boss can be reached at oboss@gazettenet.com.
GRANBY - Authorities say an autopsy has shown that a woman found dead
in her Granby home Monday night was strangled.
After reviewing final autopsy results, Northwestern District Attorney
Elizabeth D. Scheibel said Friday night that an inquiry into the
unexplained death of Annamarie Rintala would be deemed a homicide
investigation.
Scheibel told the Gazette Friday night that there are no suspects at
this time, and that the investigation is active and ongoing.
Rintala, 37, was found dead inside her Barton Street home Monday by
police responding to a 911 call placed at 7:12 p.m. Dr. Joann Richmond
of the medical examiner's office, who reported the results of
Rintala's autopsy, told Scheibel that Rintala's death was a homicide
by strangulation.
Granby police said the investigation is ongoing and all inquiries will
be redirected to Scheibel's office.
Rintala was an emergency medical technician for American Medical
Response of Western Massachusetts. According to the Hampshire County
Registry of Deeds, Rintala's wife, Cara Rintala, bought their Barton
Street property in 2002. They were married in Northampton in 2007,
with Annamarie Cochrane taking the last name of her spouse, according
to municipal records.
Cara Rintala has been an employee of the Ludlow Fire Department for
the past 10 years, working as a firefighter and paramedic, Ludlow Fire
Chief Mark Babineau said earlier this week.
According to court documents, in October 2008, Cara Rintala was
charged in Eastern Hampshire District Court with domestic assault and
battery following an Oct. 27 incident during which Annamarie Rintala
told police that Cara Rintala had struck her hard in the back of the
head with a closed fist during a domestic incident in their home. All
charges in that case were dismissed at the request of the victim.
Annamarie Rintala's is the first homicide investigation in Granby
since 1980, when Reinhold P. Kruger, 49, of East Longmeadow, was found
in the woods off of Carver Street two months after he went missing,
according to published reports.
Owen Boss can be reached at oboss@gazettenet.com.
Hialeah, FL: Man charged in stabbing death of girlfriend
The Associated Press
A Hialeah man has been charged with second-degree murder in the stabbing death of his girlfriend.
Fermin Recalde is accused of stabbing Doral Rial to death early Sunday insider their home. Authorities say the two had been fighting when Recalde picked up a large kitchen knife, pulled her by the hair and then stabbed her twice.
Authorities say the 40-year-old Recalde drove to the police station and turned himself in.
Jail records show he was being held Monday night at a pretrial detention center without bail. Jail officials said there was no attorney information listed for him.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/04/06/v-print/1565236/man-charged-in-stabbing-death.html#ixzz0kJzmptUe
A Hialeah man has been charged with second-degree murder in the stabbing death of his girlfriend.
Fermin Recalde is accused of stabbing Doral Rial to death early Sunday insider their home. Authorities say the two had been fighting when Recalde picked up a large kitchen knife, pulled her by the hair and then stabbed her twice.
Authorities say the 40-year-old Recalde drove to the police station and turned himself in.
Jail records show he was being held Monday night at a pretrial detention center without bail. Jail officials said there was no attorney information listed for him.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/04/06/v-print/1565236/man-charged-in-stabbing-death.html#ixzz0kJzmptUe
Article: Major crime is down while murder rate soars
01:00 AM EDT on Tuesday, April 6, 2010
By Gregory Smith
Journal Staff Writer
Esserman
PROVIDENCE — Major crime overall declined in the city by 11.2 percent in 2009, continuing a general seven-year downward trend, Police Chief Dean M. Esserman said Monday.
But there has been little public celebration because violent crime ticked up by 0.4 percent last year compared with the year before. Within that subcategory, murders in particular soared by more than two-thirds
Esserman disclosed in January that total major crime went down in 2009 and that violent crime went up, but no figures were released at the time.
In 2008 there were 10,424 major crimes, according to the police, and in 2009 there were 9,252, or 11.2 percent fewer.
Taking a longer view, there were 14,039 major crimes in 2002. Seven years later, in 2009, that figure was 9,252, or a difference of 34.1 percent, according to Police Department statistics.
Esserman and his command staff have attributed the seven-year downward trend to their application of the community policing philosophy, which emphasizes an attack on the causes of crime rather than the traditional reactive approach of after-the-fact crime-solving.
Esserman’s report encompasses most of what the Federal Bureau of Investigation defines as Part I crime, or major crime: Murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft and larceny. The FBI includes arson as an eighth category of Part I crime, but because the Fire Department investigates arson, the police do not report those crimes.
There were 24 murders last year, compared with 13 the year before, or an increase of 84.6 percent.
In an effort to address the murders — eight were cases of domestic violence — Esserman created what he called a domestic-violence triage group. He brought together police officers and domestic violence and social service experts for meetings every other week to better concentrate the department’s focus on domestic violence.
“We’ve been working very hard on domestic violence,” he said.
It is too soon, Esserman said Monday, to tell if that effort is having an effect.
In addition to the domestic violence initiative, Esserman announced in January steps that the police would take to address the proliferation of firearms, violence associated with the city’s nightlife and youth violence.
Esserman said there would be a gun buyback to be organized with Providence’s clergy. He said Monday that enough money will be provided from private sources to finance the buyback but that if necessary he would spend federal aid to the department.
The date of the buyback and other details will be announced within 10 days, he said, and he declined to disclose how much money has been provided.
“We will have the money we need,” he said.
Regarding nightclub violence, especially downtown and in the Jewelry District, Esserman beefed up a long-standing roving police detail on weekends with more officers and equipment in January.
Separately, in order to grapple more effectively with youth violence, Esserman is moving to better integrate the Detective Bureau and the Youth Services Bureau, where detectives also work. Six officers last month were promoted to detective, and in a departure from past practice, all are receiving detective training together. The Detective Bureau and Youth Services used to indoctrinate their detectives separately.
Esserman also intends to group Youth Services detectives by police district, as is done already in the Detective Bureau, with the aim of promoting inter-bureau cooperation.
In the six major crime categories other than murder, there were:
• 46 rapes in 2009 compared with 35 in 2008, or an increase of 31.4 percent
• 426 robberies in 2009, compared with 523, or a decrease of 18.5 percent
• 624 aggravated assaults, compared with 545, or an increase of 14.5 percent
• 1,847 burglaries compared with 2,026, or a decrease of 8.8 percent
• 1,100 motor vehicle thefts compared with 1,495, or a decrease of 26.4 percent
• 5,185 larcenies compared with 5,787, or a decrease of 10.4 percent
gsmith@projo.com
By Gregory Smith
Journal Staff Writer
Esserman
PROVIDENCE — Major crime overall declined in the city by 11.2 percent in 2009, continuing a general seven-year downward trend, Police Chief Dean M. Esserman said Monday.
But there has been little public celebration because violent crime ticked up by 0.4 percent last year compared with the year before. Within that subcategory, murders in particular soared by more than two-thirds
Esserman disclosed in January that total major crime went down in 2009 and that violent crime went up, but no figures were released at the time.
In 2008 there were 10,424 major crimes, according to the police, and in 2009 there were 9,252, or 11.2 percent fewer.
Taking a longer view, there were 14,039 major crimes in 2002. Seven years later, in 2009, that figure was 9,252, or a difference of 34.1 percent, according to Police Department statistics.
Esserman and his command staff have attributed the seven-year downward trend to their application of the community policing philosophy, which emphasizes an attack on the causes of crime rather than the traditional reactive approach of after-the-fact crime-solving.
Esserman’s report encompasses most of what the Federal Bureau of Investigation defines as Part I crime, or major crime: Murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft and larceny. The FBI includes arson as an eighth category of Part I crime, but because the Fire Department investigates arson, the police do not report those crimes.
There were 24 murders last year, compared with 13 the year before, or an increase of 84.6 percent.
In an effort to address the murders — eight were cases of domestic violence — Esserman created what he called a domestic-violence triage group. He brought together police officers and domestic violence and social service experts for meetings every other week to better concentrate the department’s focus on domestic violence.
“We’ve been working very hard on domestic violence,” he said.
It is too soon, Esserman said Monday, to tell if that effort is having an effect.
In addition to the domestic violence initiative, Esserman announced in January steps that the police would take to address the proliferation of firearms, violence associated with the city’s nightlife and youth violence.
Esserman said there would be a gun buyback to be organized with Providence’s clergy. He said Monday that enough money will be provided from private sources to finance the buyback but that if necessary he would spend federal aid to the department.
The date of the buyback and other details will be announced within 10 days, he said, and he declined to disclose how much money has been provided.
“We will have the money we need,” he said.
Regarding nightclub violence, especially downtown and in the Jewelry District, Esserman beefed up a long-standing roving police detail on weekends with more officers and equipment in January.
Separately, in order to grapple more effectively with youth violence, Esserman is moving to better integrate the Detective Bureau and the Youth Services Bureau, where detectives also work. Six officers last month were promoted to detective, and in a departure from past practice, all are receiving detective training together. The Detective Bureau and Youth Services used to indoctrinate their detectives separately.
Esserman also intends to group Youth Services detectives by police district, as is done already in the Detective Bureau, with the aim of promoting inter-bureau cooperation.
In the six major crime categories other than murder, there were:
• 46 rapes in 2009 compared with 35 in 2008, or an increase of 31.4 percent
• 426 robberies in 2009, compared with 523, or a decrease of 18.5 percent
• 624 aggravated assaults, compared with 545, or an increase of 14.5 percent
• 1,847 burglaries compared with 2,026, or a decrease of 8.8 percent
• 1,100 motor vehicle thefts compared with 1,495, or a decrease of 26.4 percent
• 5,185 larcenies compared with 5,787, or a decrease of 10.4 percent
gsmith@projo.com
Rockdale County, GA: Trial set for man accused in shooting
A man facing felony murder and involuntary manslaughter charges stemming from the 2009 killing of his girlfriend may soon be going to trial. John Alexander Sprayberry, 48, is scheduled for calendar call next week before Rockdale County Chief Superior Court Judge Sidney Nation. If defendants on the calendar call decide not to plead guilty, jury trials are scheduled to begin the week starting April 19.
Reporter: By Alena Parker, Staff Reporter
Reporter: By Alena Parker, Staff Reporter
Tallahassee, FL: Ann Grosmaire Dies From Injuries Sustained in Shooting - UPDATE
The teenager accused in the shooting will face a more serious charge.
Posted: 7:19 PM Apr 5, 2010
UPDATED on 4-5-2010 at 6:45 p.m.
The Florida State Attorney's Office plans to increase the charge against 19-year-old Conor McBride.
Authorities say McBride shot his girlfriend, Ann Grosmaire, on March 28 at a home on Mill Branch Road in Tallahassee.
Grosmaire died on Friday, April 2.
McBride had been facing an attempted murder charge. Prosecutors plan to change that to a second-degree-murder charge.
Law enforcement believe the couple was arguing when McBride shot Grosmaire, then turned himself in to police.
Grosmaire's funeral service has not yet been set.
------------
19 year old Ann Grosmaire, who was shot by her fiancee Conor McBride on Sunday, has died.
The families website:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/anngrosmaire/journal confirms that Grosmaire died with family by her side at 3:20pm Friday afternoon.
McBride remains in the Leon County Jail on attempted murder charges. However, LCSO will turn over the case to the State Attorney's office who have the ability to amend those charges due to Grosmaire's death.
However, the new charges are not expected to be announced on Friday.
Posted: 7:19 PM Apr 5, 2010
UPDATED on 4-5-2010 at 6:45 p.m.
The Florida State Attorney's Office plans to increase the charge against 19-year-old Conor McBride.
Authorities say McBride shot his girlfriend, Ann Grosmaire, on March 28 at a home on Mill Branch Road in Tallahassee.
Grosmaire died on Friday, April 2.
McBride had been facing an attempted murder charge. Prosecutors plan to change that to a second-degree-murder charge.
Law enforcement believe the couple was arguing when McBride shot Grosmaire, then turned himself in to police.
Grosmaire's funeral service has not yet been set.
------------
19 year old Ann Grosmaire, who was shot by her fiancee Conor McBride on Sunday, has died.
The families website:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/anngrosmaire/journal confirms that Grosmaire died with family by her side at 3:20pm Friday afternoon.
McBride remains in the Leon County Jail on attempted murder charges. However, LCSO will turn over the case to the State Attorney's office who have the ability to amend those charges due to Grosmaire's death.
However, the new charges are not expected to be announced on Friday.
Auburn, WA: Victim in Auburn shooting identified
Posted by John de Leon
-- By Times staff reporter Sara Jean Green:
Chad A. Zenegas was identified Monday as the Auburn man who was fatally shot, allegedly by his girlfriend's husband, last week, according to the King County Medical Examiner's Office.
Zenegas, 32, died from a gunshot wound to the chest and his death was ruled a homicide, according to death investigators.
At 3:06 p.m. Thursday, a woman called 911 to report that her boyfriend had been shot in the chest by her husband inside a home in the 1100 block of Southeast 315th Street, said Sgt. Dave Colglazier, a spokesman for the Auburn Police Department. Officers arrived and found the man dead from a gunshot wound, he said.
The woman provided police with the name of the suspected gunman, who had fled the scene in his vehicle, Colglazier said. About 20 minutes after the woman's 911 call, officers stopped the man in the 1100 block of Southeast Fourth Street and took him into custody, he said.
Dan Donohoe, a spokesman for King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg, said prosecutors expect to file a homicide charge against the 43-year-old suspect by Wednesday.
-- By Times staff reporter Sara Jean Green:
Chad A. Zenegas was identified Monday as the Auburn man who was fatally shot, allegedly by his girlfriend's husband, last week, according to the King County Medical Examiner's Office.
Zenegas, 32, died from a gunshot wound to the chest and his death was ruled a homicide, according to death investigators.
At 3:06 p.m. Thursday, a woman called 911 to report that her boyfriend had been shot in the chest by her husband inside a home in the 1100 block of Southeast 315th Street, said Sgt. Dave Colglazier, a spokesman for the Auburn Police Department. Officers arrived and found the man dead from a gunshot wound, he said.
The woman provided police with the name of the suspected gunman, who had fled the scene in his vehicle, Colglazier said. About 20 minutes after the woman's 911 call, officers stopped the man in the 1100 block of Southeast Fourth Street and took him into custody, he said.
Dan Donohoe, a spokesman for King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg, said prosecutors expect to file a homicide charge against the 43-year-old suspect by Wednesday.
Walsenburg, CO: an Shot and Killed By Officer During Domestic Dispute
Posted: April 5, 2010 10:08 AM
Updated: April 6, 2010 12:42 AM
Armando Gallegos
By Sean Hauser
s.hauser@krdo.com
WALSENBURG – A 29-year-old man is dead after he was shot by a Walsenburg police officer Sunday night during a domestic disturbance.
It happened just after 9:00pm Sunday. In a press release from the Walsenburg Police Department, officials say an officer shot 29-year-old Armando Gallegos in order to save his girlfriends life, but Armando's family feels the officer used too much force.
"I could hear her yelling at him, telling him to get out of the house, that she doesn't want to see him anymore," said Robyn Presley, who lives next door to Gallegos and his girlfriend.
Presley says she could hear the couple next door arguing for several minutes before the shooting Sunday night. "Then 15-20 minutes later I heard gunshots in the back," she said. The gunshots came from a Walsenburg police officer. Presley says she heard what seemed like six gunshots.
According to Police, two officers went to Gallegos's home after receiving a call about a domestic disturbance. When they arrived, the officers reported seeing Armando attacking his girlfriend with a "weapon" in the back of the home. That's when one of the officers opened fire to save the woman from what they said would have been a "deadly attack." Armando was struck twice and was quickly flown by helicopter to Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo where he died of his injuries at 2:30am Monday.
NEWSCHANNEL 13 spoke with Armando's mother and stepfather Monday at their home. The grieving parents are upset at police and feel they acted with too much force.
"They could have tazed him, they didn't have to shoot him," said his stepfather, David Aragon. Armando's family believes the officer was wrong to have fired shots, saying it only happened because the officer may have been aware of Armando's criminal history.
According to his mother, Armando served jail time three years ago for drugs and weapons charges. But his stepfather says since then, Armando was headed down the right path and he doesn't think he would ever hurt his girlfriend. "He changed his life around, he was doing good, doing everything he could do to support his girlfriend and two step-children," said Aragon.
Armando's girlfriend was treated and released from the hospital. According to police, there were children in the home at the time of the incident and when officers arrived they were trying to escape out of the front of the house. None of them were injured.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigations has taken over the case and the Walsenburg Police Officer was placed on a routine paid administrative leave.
Updated: April 6, 2010 12:42 AM
Armando Gallegos
By Sean Hauser
s.hauser@krdo.com
WALSENBURG – A 29-year-old man is dead after he was shot by a Walsenburg police officer Sunday night during a domestic disturbance.
It happened just after 9:00pm Sunday. In a press release from the Walsenburg Police Department, officials say an officer shot 29-year-old Armando Gallegos in order to save his girlfriends life, but Armando's family feels the officer used too much force.
"I could hear her yelling at him, telling him to get out of the house, that she doesn't want to see him anymore," said Robyn Presley, who lives next door to Gallegos and his girlfriend.
Presley says she could hear the couple next door arguing for several minutes before the shooting Sunday night. "Then 15-20 minutes later I heard gunshots in the back," she said. The gunshots came from a Walsenburg police officer. Presley says she heard what seemed like six gunshots.
According to Police, two officers went to Gallegos's home after receiving a call about a domestic disturbance. When they arrived, the officers reported seeing Armando attacking his girlfriend with a "weapon" in the back of the home. That's when one of the officers opened fire to save the woman from what they said would have been a "deadly attack." Armando was struck twice and was quickly flown by helicopter to Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo where he died of his injuries at 2:30am Monday.
NEWSCHANNEL 13 spoke with Armando's mother and stepfather Monday at their home. The grieving parents are upset at police and feel they acted with too much force.
"They could have tazed him, they didn't have to shoot him," said his stepfather, David Aragon. Armando's family believes the officer was wrong to have fired shots, saying it only happened because the officer may have been aware of Armando's criminal history.
According to his mother, Armando served jail time three years ago for drugs and weapons charges. But his stepfather says since then, Armando was headed down the right path and he doesn't think he would ever hurt his girlfriend. "He changed his life around, he was doing good, doing everything he could do to support his girlfriend and two step-children," said Aragon.
Armando's girlfriend was treated and released from the hospital. According to police, there were children in the home at the time of the incident and when officers arrived they were trying to escape out of the front of the house. None of them were injured.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigations has taken over the case and the Walsenburg Police Officer was placed on a routine paid administrative leave.
Des Moines, IA: Police: Des Moines man shoots, kills wife
By GRANT SCHULTE, JARED STRONG and JASON PULLIAM
gschulte@dmreg.com
A Des Moines man shot and killed his wife during an argument Monday while their three young children were nearby, police said.
Randi Gilmore, 23, was found dead from a gunshot wound in the basement of her home, 2308 E. Eighth St., when police responded to a 911 call at about 3:40 p.m.
Her husband, Donte Marcell Gilmore, 25, waited for police to arrive in the front yard of the home, Des Moines police Sgt. Chris Scott said. Gilmore was taken into custody and later charged with first-degree murder. Scott said he did not know who called 911.
The Gilmores' three children, all younger than age 6, were home at the time of the shooting and are now staying with relatives, Scott said. He was not sure where they were in the home when the shooting occurred.
Police said the shooting — the first homicide in Des Moines this year — occurred during a domestic dispute. Scott said that police had not been called to the house in the past year and that he didn't know about earlier than that.
The couple rented the house on East Eighth Street. Dean Poortinga, who owns the house, said the family had lived there "just short of two years."
"I've never had any issues with them," he said.
Neighbors along East Eighth Street said they did not know the family well.
"They didn't socialize with anyone," said Monica Tindrell, who lives next door.
Tindrell said that Randi Gilmore would say hello when she ran into her, but that Donte Gilmore did not speak to her.
Mark Nagel, who lives on the other side of the street, said he arrived home about 3:45 p.m. and saw the three children, who were unhurt. He said the death scared him.
"I've lived here 20 years and it's always been real quiet," Nagel said.
Donte Gilmore has no criminal record, according to online court records, but Randi Gilmore was charged with domestic abuse in 2005 in Woodbury County. A judge ordered Randi Gilmore to undergo a mental health evaluation. The victim of the crime asked the judge to immediately halt a no-contact order that is standard procedure for domestic assault cases. It was not clear Monday who the victim was. Gilmore paid a $100 fine.
Monday's shooting was the second murder in Polk County this year, according to Des Moines Register records. The first was a murder-suicide in Altoona in January. Investigators believe Mark Wharff, 51, shot his wife, Laura Wharff, 51, in the head and then shot himself in the head.
gschulte@dmreg.com
A Des Moines man shot and killed his wife during an argument Monday while their three young children were nearby, police said.
Randi Gilmore, 23, was found dead from a gunshot wound in the basement of her home, 2308 E. Eighth St., when police responded to a 911 call at about 3:40 p.m.
Her husband, Donte Marcell Gilmore, 25, waited for police to arrive in the front yard of the home, Des Moines police Sgt. Chris Scott said. Gilmore was taken into custody and later charged with first-degree murder. Scott said he did not know who called 911.
The Gilmores' three children, all younger than age 6, were home at the time of the shooting and are now staying with relatives, Scott said. He was not sure where they were in the home when the shooting occurred.
Police said the shooting — the first homicide in Des Moines this year — occurred during a domestic dispute. Scott said that police had not been called to the house in the past year and that he didn't know about earlier than that.
The couple rented the house on East Eighth Street. Dean Poortinga, who owns the house, said the family had lived there "just short of two years."
"I've never had any issues with them," he said.
Neighbors along East Eighth Street said they did not know the family well.
"They didn't socialize with anyone," said Monica Tindrell, who lives next door.
Tindrell said that Randi Gilmore would say hello when she ran into her, but that Donte Gilmore did not speak to her.
Mark Nagel, who lives on the other side of the street, said he arrived home about 3:45 p.m. and saw the three children, who were unhurt. He said the death scared him.
"I've lived here 20 years and it's always been real quiet," Nagel said.
Donte Gilmore has no criminal record, according to online court records, but Randi Gilmore was charged with domestic abuse in 2005 in Woodbury County. A judge ordered Randi Gilmore to undergo a mental health evaluation. The victim of the crime asked the judge to immediately halt a no-contact order that is standard procedure for domestic assault cases. It was not clear Monday who the victim was. Gilmore paid a $100 fine.
Monday's shooting was the second murder in Polk County this year, according to Des Moines Register records. The first was a murder-suicide in Altoona in January. Investigators believe Mark Wharff, 51, shot his wife, Laura Wharff, 51, in the head and then shot himself in the head.
Bronx, NY: Man who murdered his girlfriend gets life without parole
By KIRSTAN CONLEY
Last Updated: 5:35 PM, April 5, 2010
Posted: 5:34 PM, April 5, 2010
A self-described "monster" who murdered his 18-year-old girlfriend — holding her by the hair to make sure none of the eight bullets allegedly fired by his cousin missed — was sentenced by a Bronx judge today to life without parole for the heinous crime.
Carlos Cruz, 39, murdered Chelsea Frazier on April 13, 2008, after taking her for ice cream and promising to buy baby clothes for their son Alijah, who witnessed the horror from the back seat of the car.
"How powerful and righteous you must have felt holding my daughter by the hair so you could punish her," Frazier’s mother, Robin Snow, said before Cruz’s sentencing.
Cruz allegedly paid his cousin Devon Miller, 27, of the Bronx — who faces trial for the shooting next week — $700 to make it look like a robbery and then shoot the young woman who had just dumped him. Prosecutors said he even shouted to his accomplice, "You gotta shoot me too," to make it look like he was also a victim. He took one bullet in the leg in the set up at Barrett and Torry avenues in Castle Hill.
Frazier had fallen for Cruz four years earlier, when she was just 14.
"What was he doing with someone half his age in the first place?" the victim’s sister Corey Plouffe asked in court.
Frazier’s mother told The Post outside the court that she didn’t like Cruz from the start but didn’t realize he was nearly 40 years old until her teenage daughter gave birth to their child.
"Your daughter, unfortunately, is and was old enough to understand how evil you are .¤.¤. You’re going to hope she doesn’t fall prey to a child-molesting pervert two times her age who thinks that by getting her pregnant, he will own her."
Snow said Chelsea didn’t tell her parents about Cruz, who she met through a friend’s boyfriend, until she was 16. He said he was in his 20s and hid his balding head and aging face by wearing a baseball cap down over his eyes.
"I didn’t find out his real age until Chelsea gave birth to Alijah," Snow told The Post, adding that she didn’t like him anyway. "I knew he was trouble right away. He would be Mr. Personality in front of me, Mr. Jokester, but around the rest of the family, he was as quiet as a clam."
Bronx Criminal Court Judge Barbara Newman also slammed Cruz as she delivered his sentence. "You ended the life of a young woman with promise. You are an extremely dangerous and vicious person capable of the most heinous crimes."
Last Updated: 5:35 PM, April 5, 2010
Posted: 5:34 PM, April 5, 2010
A self-described "monster" who murdered his 18-year-old girlfriend — holding her by the hair to make sure none of the eight bullets allegedly fired by his cousin missed — was sentenced by a Bronx judge today to life without parole for the heinous crime.
Carlos Cruz, 39, murdered Chelsea Frazier on April 13, 2008, after taking her for ice cream and promising to buy baby clothes for their son Alijah, who witnessed the horror from the back seat of the car.
"How powerful and righteous you must have felt holding my daughter by the hair so you could punish her," Frazier’s mother, Robin Snow, said before Cruz’s sentencing.
Cruz allegedly paid his cousin Devon Miller, 27, of the Bronx — who faces trial for the shooting next week — $700 to make it look like a robbery and then shoot the young woman who had just dumped him. Prosecutors said he even shouted to his accomplice, "You gotta shoot me too," to make it look like he was also a victim. He took one bullet in the leg in the set up at Barrett and Torry avenues in Castle Hill.
Frazier had fallen for Cruz four years earlier, when she was just 14.
"What was he doing with someone half his age in the first place?" the victim’s sister Corey Plouffe asked in court.
Frazier’s mother told The Post outside the court that she didn’t like Cruz from the start but didn’t realize he was nearly 40 years old until her teenage daughter gave birth to their child.
"Your daughter, unfortunately, is and was old enough to understand how evil you are .¤.¤. You’re going to hope she doesn’t fall prey to a child-molesting pervert two times her age who thinks that by getting her pregnant, he will own her."
Snow said Chelsea didn’t tell her parents about Cruz, who she met through a friend’s boyfriend, until she was 16. He said he was in his 20s and hid his balding head and aging face by wearing a baseball cap down over his eyes.
"I didn’t find out his real age until Chelsea gave birth to Alijah," Snow told The Post, adding that she didn’t like him anyway. "I knew he was trouble right away. He would be Mr. Personality in front of me, Mr. Jokester, but around the rest of the family, he was as quiet as a clam."
Bronx Criminal Court Judge Barbara Newman also slammed Cruz as she delivered his sentence. "You ended the life of a young woman with promise. You are an extremely dangerous and vicious person capable of the most heinous crimes."
Sierra Vista, AZ: Police say man killed girlfriend, self
By Derek Jordan
Herald/Review
SIERRA VISTA — A man sheriff’s investigators believe shot and killed his live-in girlfriend before turning the hand gun on himself in Fairbank on Sunday was investigated and charged with murder in connection with a 2004 shooting in Sierra Vista, police and court records show.
On Sunday, David Urrea Diaz, 50, is alleged to have shot and killed his girlfriend and them himself, a spokeswoman for the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office said.
Carol Capas said Diaz called the sheriff’s office at 7:20 p.m. to report a dead body outside of his residence. Eventually, he told the communications officer that he had shot his girlfriend and was going to shoot himself.
Deputies were dispatched to the scene in the 1900 block of Shane Lane and were assisted by U.S. Border Patrol agents and a Border Patrol helicopter, Capas said.
While planning their entry onto the property, the deputies were informed by the helicopter crew that shots had been fired and that a male subject was now down beside a truck in the front yard.
A male and female were discovered near the truck with “significant head trauma” and were pronounced dead by Whetstone Fire District medical personnel, Capas said.
A search of Diaz’s name in online court records showed he was charged with two counts of second-degree murder, one count of drive-by shooting, one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, one count of endangerment and one count of disorderly conduct in Cochise County Superior Court in November 2004.
The charges were dismissed without prejudice after a request from the prosecution, according to court records.
A Sierra Vista Police Department case report indicates that Diaz was involved in a shooting at Buffalo Soldier Trail and Avenida Cochise on Nov. 11.
The victim in the incident reported to police that he was driving south on Buffalo Soldier Trail when, while stopped at the traffic light at Avenida Cochise, the driver of a “blue older sedan” shot at him, according to portions of the report written by Detective Sean Brownson.
Shortly after the victim reported the incident, Diaz reported being kidnapped at gunpoint to the Huachuca City Police Department, according to
the report.
Diaz was interviewed by Sierra Vista Police after it was determined the two incidents were connected.
The report states that while being interviewed by police, Diaz claimed a man he did not know kidnapped him at gunpoint at his residence in Huachuca City and ordered him to drive him to Palominas. Diaz went on to claim that it was this man who shot at the victim while the two vehicles traveled south on Buffalo Soldier Trail.
In his interview with police, the victim said he saw only one person in the vehicle that fired at him, according to the report.
Diaz was taken into custody after investigators determined his account of events was inconsistent and did not match that of witness statements, the report states.
Prosecutors at the Cochise County Attorney’s Office could not be reached to determine why the charges were dismissed.
The deaths in Fairbank remain under investigation, Capas said. The sheriff’s office is not releasing the identity of the woman until next of kin are notified.
Herald/Review
SIERRA VISTA — A man sheriff’s investigators believe shot and killed his live-in girlfriend before turning the hand gun on himself in Fairbank on Sunday was investigated and charged with murder in connection with a 2004 shooting in Sierra Vista, police and court records show.
On Sunday, David Urrea Diaz, 50, is alleged to have shot and killed his girlfriend and them himself, a spokeswoman for the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office said.
Carol Capas said Diaz called the sheriff’s office at 7:20 p.m. to report a dead body outside of his residence. Eventually, he told the communications officer that he had shot his girlfriend and was going to shoot himself.
Deputies were dispatched to the scene in the 1900 block of Shane Lane and were assisted by U.S. Border Patrol agents and a Border Patrol helicopter, Capas said.
While planning their entry onto the property, the deputies were informed by the helicopter crew that shots had been fired and that a male subject was now down beside a truck in the front yard.
A male and female were discovered near the truck with “significant head trauma” and were pronounced dead by Whetstone Fire District medical personnel, Capas said.
A search of Diaz’s name in online court records showed he was charged with two counts of second-degree murder, one count of drive-by shooting, one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, one count of endangerment and one count of disorderly conduct in Cochise County Superior Court in November 2004.
The charges were dismissed without prejudice after a request from the prosecution, according to court records.
A Sierra Vista Police Department case report indicates that Diaz was involved in a shooting at Buffalo Soldier Trail and Avenida Cochise on Nov. 11.
The victim in the incident reported to police that he was driving south on Buffalo Soldier Trail when, while stopped at the traffic light at Avenida Cochise, the driver of a “blue older sedan” shot at him, according to portions of the report written by Detective Sean Brownson.
Shortly after the victim reported the incident, Diaz reported being kidnapped at gunpoint to the Huachuca City Police Department, according to
the report.
Diaz was interviewed by Sierra Vista Police after it was determined the two incidents were connected.
The report states that while being interviewed by police, Diaz claimed a man he did not know kidnapped him at gunpoint at his residence in Huachuca City and ordered him to drive him to Palominas. Diaz went on to claim that it was this man who shot at the victim while the two vehicles traveled south on Buffalo Soldier Trail.
In his interview with police, the victim said he saw only one person in the vehicle that fired at him, according to the report.
Diaz was taken into custody after investigators determined his account of events was inconsistent and did not match that of witness statements, the report states.
Prosecutors at the Cochise County Attorney’s Office could not be reached to determine why the charges were dismissed.
The deaths in Fairbank remain under investigation, Capas said. The sheriff’s office is not releasing the identity of the woman until next of kin are notified.
Dover, NJ: Judge denies another trial to man who admitted fatally stabbing ex-wife
By The Star-Ledger Continuous News Desk
April 05, 2010, 7:23PM
DOVER -- A judge refused to grant a new trial to a man who admitted fatally stabbing his wife a decade ago, according to a report in The Daily Record.
The report said Superior Court Judge David Ironson was not convinced by assertions that Carlos Posada was not adequately represented by his lawyer when he pleaded guilty to an aggravated manslaughter charge in August 2001, after the death of Alba Heredia in Dover 18 months before.
April 05, 2010, 7:23PM
DOVER -- A judge refused to grant a new trial to a man who admitted fatally stabbing his wife a decade ago, according to a report in The Daily Record.
The report said Superior Court Judge David Ironson was not convinced by assertions that Carlos Posada was not adequately represented by his lawyer when he pleaded guilty to an aggravated manslaughter charge in August 2001, after the death of Alba Heredia in Dover 18 months before.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Hannibal, MO: Plea possible for Hannibal murder suspect
Associated Press - April 5, 2010 5:04 AM ET
HANNIBAL, Mo. (AP) - The attorney for an illegal immigrant accused of killing two people in Hannibal says a plea agreement could be announced this week.
A hearing for 33-year-old Manuel Cazares is scheduled Tuesday in St. Charles, where the case was moved on a change of venue.
Cazares is charged with two counts of second-degree murder in the February 2009 deaths of his former girlfriend, Amanda Thomas, and Carl Patrick Epley. Both were stabbed to death at Thomas' home.
Police say Cazares, who is from Mexico, turned himself in and admitted committing the crimes out of jealousy.
The case is scheduled to go to trial April 13, but court-appointed defense attorney Todd Schulze says he anticipates a plea. He did not specify the charges to which Cazares may plead.
HANNIBAL, Mo. (AP) - The attorney for an illegal immigrant accused of killing two people in Hannibal says a plea agreement could be announced this week.
A hearing for 33-year-old Manuel Cazares is scheduled Tuesday in St. Charles, where the case was moved on a change of venue.
Cazares is charged with two counts of second-degree murder in the February 2009 deaths of his former girlfriend, Amanda Thomas, and Carl Patrick Epley. Both were stabbed to death at Thomas' home.
Police say Cazares, who is from Mexico, turned himself in and admitted committing the crimes out of jealousy.
The case is scheduled to go to trial April 13, but court-appointed defense attorney Todd Schulze says he anticipates a plea. He did not specify the charges to which Cazares may plead.
Mobile, AL: Evangelist set for trial in wife's death
Associated Press - April 5, 2010 5:04 AM ET
MOBILE, Ala. (AP) - A part-time south Alabama evangelist faces life in prison in the death of his wife, a mother of 8 whose body had been stored in a freezer inside his home for at least three years before it was discovered by investigators.
Jury selection in Anthony Hopkins' trial is scheduled to start Monday morning in Mobile. Hopkins also faces charges of sexual abuse, rape, sodomy and incest.
Prosecutors have said a teenage victim who is a female relative of Hopkins' and was pregnant with his child led police to Arletha Hopkins' body in 2008.
Hopkins was arrested in Clarke County while preaching at a rural revival.
MOBILE, Ala. (AP) - A part-time south Alabama evangelist faces life in prison in the death of his wife, a mother of 8 whose body had been stored in a freezer inside his home for at least three years before it was discovered by investigators.
Jury selection in Anthony Hopkins' trial is scheduled to start Monday morning in Mobile. Hopkins also faces charges of sexual abuse, rape, sodomy and incest.
Prosecutors have said a teenage victim who is a female relative of Hopkins' and was pregnant with his child led police to Arletha Hopkins' body in 2008.
Hopkins was arrested in Clarke County while preaching at a rural revival.
Albuquerque, NM: Family says volatile relationship ended in tragedy
Posted at: 04/04/2010 5:03 PM
Updated at: 04/04/2010 7:50 PM
By: Misa Maruyama, Eyewitness News 4; Taryn Bianchin, KOB.com
The family of the man who police say confessed to stabbing and killing his girlfriend hopes others will learn from their tragedy.
According to a criminal complaint, Jeremiah Gurule, 22, told police he was on methamphetamine when he "poked" his girlfriend in the neck with a knife three or four times during a fight.
Police responding to a 911 call say they found the woman dead at their Northeast Albuquerque home at around 5 p.m. Friday.
Gurule's family members say they encouraged him to go to police after he told them what he did.
Gurule's brother, Jose, said the couple has had a "love hate" relationship since they started dating three years ago. "She was part of our family and will be greatly missed. Our condolences go out to the entire family during this difficult time," Jose Gurule said.
This isn't the first time Jeremiah Gurule had faced murder charges. He was accused of shooting and killing 16-year-old Darline Pacheco in May 2005. A judge dropped the charges because the case took too long to go to trial.
This is the full statement released by Gurule's family:
"This is a sad, sad tragedy. We have suffered a great loss, and this is not an easy time for us. She was part of our family and will be greatly missed. Our condolences go out to the entire family during this difficult time. She was loved by all of our family. But no one loved her more than Jeremiah. They were both battling drug addictions and struggling with mental health issues. If anyone hearing this story has a family member who's experiencing these challenges, please seek help before it's too late. We know that Jeremiah needs psychiatric help, and we hope the system doesn't fail him this time."
Updated at: 04/04/2010 7:50 PM
By: Misa Maruyama, Eyewitness News 4; Taryn Bianchin, KOB.com
The family of the man who police say confessed to stabbing and killing his girlfriend hopes others will learn from their tragedy.
According to a criminal complaint, Jeremiah Gurule, 22, told police he was on methamphetamine when he "poked" his girlfriend in the neck with a knife three or four times during a fight.
Police responding to a 911 call say they found the woman dead at their Northeast Albuquerque home at around 5 p.m. Friday.
Gurule's family members say they encouraged him to go to police after he told them what he did.
Gurule's brother, Jose, said the couple has had a "love hate" relationship since they started dating three years ago. "She was part of our family and will be greatly missed. Our condolences go out to the entire family during this difficult time," Jose Gurule said.
This isn't the first time Jeremiah Gurule had faced murder charges. He was accused of shooting and killing 16-year-old Darline Pacheco in May 2005. A judge dropped the charges because the case took too long to go to trial.
This is the full statement released by Gurule's family:
"This is a sad, sad tragedy. We have suffered a great loss, and this is not an easy time for us. She was part of our family and will be greatly missed. Our condolences go out to the entire family during this difficult time. She was loved by all of our family. But no one loved her more than Jeremiah. They were both battling drug addictions and struggling with mental health issues. If anyone hearing this story has a family member who's experiencing these challenges, please seek help before it's too late. We know that Jeremiah needs psychiatric help, and we hope the system doesn't fail him this time."
Columbus, OH: Boyfriend of victim's sister charged
Monday, April 5, 2010 2:53 AM
BY JOSH JARMAN
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Columbus police have charged a man with the fatal shooting of his girlfriend's brother during an argument Saturday night on the Near East Side.
Responding to a report of a shooting at 196 Miami Ave., police found 25-year-old Samuel Taylor, who died in Grant Medical Center a short time later.
Police blocked off the neighborhood near the intersection of E. Spring Street and Miami Avenue. Sgt. Steven Little said officers captured Shawn Robinson, 35, in a nearby alley, where they found a gun.
Robinson is charged with murder.
Family members said Saturday that Robinson shot Taylor about 7:15 p.m. after Taylor tried to break up an argument between Robinson and Taylor's sister.
jjarman@dispatch.com
BY JOSH JARMAN
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Columbus police have charged a man with the fatal shooting of his girlfriend's brother during an argument Saturday night on the Near East Side.
Responding to a report of a shooting at 196 Miami Ave., police found 25-year-old Samuel Taylor, who died in Grant Medical Center a short time later.
Police blocked off the neighborhood near the intersection of E. Spring Street and Miami Avenue. Sgt. Steven Little said officers captured Shawn Robinson, 35, in a nearby alley, where they found a gun.
Robinson is charged with murder.
Family members said Saturday that Robinson shot Taylor about 7:15 p.m. after Taylor tried to break up an argument between Robinson and Taylor's sister.
jjarman@dispatch.com
Holmes County, MS: Holmes Co. shooting ruled murder-suicide
Posted: Apr 04, 2010 6:44 PM EDT
Updated: Apr 04, 2010 9:16 PM EDT
HOLMES COUNTY, MS (WLBT) - Sheriff Willie March has ruled the double shooting from Saturday afternoon a murder-suicide.
Sheriff March says a 911 call came into his office around 12:30 Saturday afternoon. Deputies found two bodies inside a home located on Highway 12 just outside Durant's city limits.
Sheriff March says 17-year-old Jesmine Nicole Cherry was shot to death by her boyfriend, 23-year-old Joseph Myrick.
Myrick later turned the gun on himself, shooting himself in the head.
Updated: Apr 04, 2010 9:16 PM EDT
HOLMES COUNTY, MS (WLBT) - Sheriff Willie March has ruled the double shooting from Saturday afternoon a murder-suicide.
Sheriff March says a 911 call came into his office around 12:30 Saturday afternoon. Deputies found two bodies inside a home located on Highway 12 just outside Durant's city limits.
Sheriff March says 17-year-old Jesmine Nicole Cherry was shot to death by her boyfriend, 23-year-old Joseph Myrick.
Myrick later turned the gun on himself, shooting himself in the head.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Atlanta, GA: Cop shoots, kills armed Atlanta man
By Alexis Stevens
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2:30 a.m. Sunday, April 4, 2010
A man accused of domestic violence pulled out a gun when he was approached by three Atlanta police detectives Friday night. One of the detectives fired one shot, killing the suspect at the scene, police said late Saturday.
Ronald Hale, 33, was wanted for questioning, Atlanta police spokesman Officer Otis Redmond told the AJC. Officers also had an outstanding arrest warrant for Hale, wanted for a separate simple assault charge, Redmond said.
The three detectives went to Hale's apartment, in the 100 block of Jackson Street near downtown, Friday evening. Hale was armed with a gun, Redmond said.
"There were weapons raised ... and shots were fired," interim Atlanta police Chief George Turner said late Friday night.
Hale was killed by a single gunshot wound to the chest, the Fulton County Medical Examiner's office told the AJC early Sunday morning.
The Atlanta police department homicide unit and office of professional standards are investigating the incident, Redmond said.
Staff writer Marcus K. Garner contributed to this story.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2:30 a.m. Sunday, April 4, 2010
A man accused of domestic violence pulled out a gun when he was approached by three Atlanta police detectives Friday night. One of the detectives fired one shot, killing the suspect at the scene, police said late Saturday.
Ronald Hale, 33, was wanted for questioning, Atlanta police spokesman Officer Otis Redmond told the AJC. Officers also had an outstanding arrest warrant for Hale, wanted for a separate simple assault charge, Redmond said.
The three detectives went to Hale's apartment, in the 100 block of Jackson Street near downtown, Friday evening. Hale was armed with a gun, Redmond said.
"There were weapons raised ... and shots were fired," interim Atlanta police Chief George Turner said late Friday night.
Hale was killed by a single gunshot wound to the chest, the Fulton County Medical Examiner's office told the AJC early Sunday morning.
The Atlanta police department homicide unit and office of professional standards are investigating the incident, Redmond said.
Staff writer Marcus K. Garner contributed to this story.
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA: Upland woman takes plea bargain in husband's sword killing
By Will Bigham, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/03/2010 06:55:24 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - A woman initially charged with murder for stabbing her husband to death in Upland reached a plea bargain with prosecutors Friday that carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years.
Naomi Valdivia, 35, has long maintained that she was acting in self-defense when she killed 36-year-old Jose Luis Gonzales with a sword on April 26, 2008.
Her prosecutor, Deputy District Attorney Nancy Cooper, said the outcome of a trial in Valdivia's case would depend largely on the testimony of her children, who Cooper said might be inclined to support their mother's version of what happened.
Gonzales was killed following an argument with his wife in the family's apartment in the 800 block of West Orchid Court, near Foothill Boulevard and San Antonio Avenue.
Prosecutors initially charged Valdivia, a mother of five, with murder and other felonies for her husband's death. But according to her family, she has long maintained she acted in self-defense.
"She was beaten that night," Lydia Arias, Valdivia's sister, said last year. "He brandished a weapon, his own personal weapon in the house that night, came at her with it and assaulted her with it first."
Valdivia pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter Friday in West Valley Superior Court and is scheduled to be sentenced May 3.
Her plea bargain carries a sentencing "lid" of seven years, which means her sentence can't exceed that period, Cooper said.
will.bigham@inlandnewspapers.com
Read more: http://www.sbsun.com/breakingnews/ci_14814406#ixzz0k8CZ1wP1
Posted: 04/03/2010 06:55:24 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - A woman initially charged with murder for stabbing her husband to death in Upland reached a plea bargain with prosecutors Friday that carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years.
Naomi Valdivia, 35, has long maintained that she was acting in self-defense when she killed 36-year-old Jose Luis Gonzales with a sword on April 26, 2008.
Her prosecutor, Deputy District Attorney Nancy Cooper, said the outcome of a trial in Valdivia's case would depend largely on the testimony of her children, who Cooper said might be inclined to support their mother's version of what happened.
Gonzales was killed following an argument with his wife in the family's apartment in the 800 block of West Orchid Court, near Foothill Boulevard and San Antonio Avenue.
Prosecutors initially charged Valdivia, a mother of five, with murder and other felonies for her husband's death. But according to her family, she has long maintained she acted in self-defense.
"She was beaten that night," Lydia Arias, Valdivia's sister, said last year. "He brandished a weapon, his own personal weapon in the house that night, came at her with it and assaulted her with it first."
Valdivia pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter Friday in West Valley Superior Court and is scheduled to be sentenced May 3.
Her plea bargain carries a sentencing "lid" of seven years, which means her sentence can't exceed that period, Cooper said.
will.bigham@inlandnewspapers.com
Read more: http://www.sbsun.com/breakingnews/ci_14814406#ixzz0k8CZ1wP1
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Boyd, WI: Sheriff: Husband injured wife, killed her boyfriend
Posted: Saturday, April 3, 2010 5:02 pm | Updated: 6:12 pm, Sat Apr 3, 2010.
By Alyssa Waters
Leader-Telegram staff
BOYD — A love triangle may have led to the shooting death of a Boyd man and a woman's injuries, a Chippewa County sheriff's official says.
Kyle B. Ryba, 24, of 10057 Highway D, was shot to death early Saturday, and his 18-year-old girlfriend, Stephanie N. Ball, was wounded when her husband, William A. Ball, 21, of Minot, N.D., allegedly shot the couple.
Chippewa County Sheriff Jim Kowalczyk said Stephanie and William Ball are married and have been separated "for at least two weeks."
Kowalczyk said Stephanie Ball had been staying with her father, William Johns Jr., at 135 N. Adams St., Boyd, for the past couple of weeks, where the shooting occurred. Prior to that, she lived in Minot, N.D., with her husband.
Ryba and Stephanie Ball were shot at 3:09 a.m. Saturday, Kowalczyk said. Ryba was pronounced dead at 4:09 a.m. by Chippewa County Coroner Kay Gerrits. Stephanie Ball was flown to a Twin Cities hospital with a gunshot wound to the right leg. Her condition was not available Saturday afternoon.
By all accounts, it appears William Ball arrived at Johns' house Thursday night or Friday morning, Kowalczyk said.
"Neighbors said they saw his car there during the day on Friday," Kowalczyk said. "I would think you would have a clear idea of why he would come here — obviously if you have a handgun in the car."
Kowalczyk would not elaborate on specific events leading up to the shooting.
William Ball was arrested at 6:15 a.m. in Cottage Grove, Minn., about three hours after the police were called to the scene of the shooting.
The Chippewa County Sheriff's Department will not be able to transport William Ball back to Chippewa County until an arrest warrant is issued and he signs the extradition papers. If he refuses to agree to the extradition, Chippewa County authorities will request a Minnesota governor's warrant.
"It just depends what he does," Kowalzyk said. "We will serve him with the complaint and summons. Staying in Minnesota probably is not going to happen."
Those at the scene identified William Ball as the shooter and told police he may have been headed back to his home in Minot, Kowalczyk said. He was booked into the Washington County, (Minn.) Jail late Saturday afternoon.
Kowalczyk said William Ball likely wouldn't be booked until Saturday evening because he is being interviewed by investigators. Chippewa County investigators were en route Saturday to Washington County to interview William Ball.
Kowalczyk said it is expected William Ball will be charged with murder.
Services for Ryba will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Boyd, with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Plombon Funeral Home in Stanley.
By Alyssa Waters
Leader-Telegram staff
BOYD — A love triangle may have led to the shooting death of a Boyd man and a woman's injuries, a Chippewa County sheriff's official says.
Kyle B. Ryba, 24, of 10057 Highway D, was shot to death early Saturday, and his 18-year-old girlfriend, Stephanie N. Ball, was wounded when her husband, William A. Ball, 21, of Minot, N.D., allegedly shot the couple.
Chippewa County Sheriff Jim Kowalczyk said Stephanie and William Ball are married and have been separated "for at least two weeks."
Kowalczyk said Stephanie Ball had been staying with her father, William Johns Jr., at 135 N. Adams St., Boyd, for the past couple of weeks, where the shooting occurred. Prior to that, she lived in Minot, N.D., with her husband.
Ryba and Stephanie Ball were shot at 3:09 a.m. Saturday, Kowalczyk said. Ryba was pronounced dead at 4:09 a.m. by Chippewa County Coroner Kay Gerrits. Stephanie Ball was flown to a Twin Cities hospital with a gunshot wound to the right leg. Her condition was not available Saturday afternoon.
By all accounts, it appears William Ball arrived at Johns' house Thursday night or Friday morning, Kowalczyk said.
"Neighbors said they saw his car there during the day on Friday," Kowalczyk said. "I would think you would have a clear idea of why he would come here — obviously if you have a handgun in the car."
Kowalczyk would not elaborate on specific events leading up to the shooting.
William Ball was arrested at 6:15 a.m. in Cottage Grove, Minn., about three hours after the police were called to the scene of the shooting.
The Chippewa County Sheriff's Department will not be able to transport William Ball back to Chippewa County until an arrest warrant is issued and he signs the extradition papers. If he refuses to agree to the extradition, Chippewa County authorities will request a Minnesota governor's warrant.
"It just depends what he does," Kowalzyk said. "We will serve him with the complaint and summons. Staying in Minnesota probably is not going to happen."
Those at the scene identified William Ball as the shooter and told police he may have been headed back to his home in Minot, Kowalczyk said. He was booked into the Washington County, (Minn.) Jail late Saturday afternoon.
Kowalczyk said William Ball likely wouldn't be booked until Saturday evening because he is being interviewed by investigators. Chippewa County investigators were en route Saturday to Washington County to interview William Ball.
Kowalczyk said it is expected William Ball will be charged with murder.
Services for Ryba will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Boyd, with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Plombon Funeral Home in Stanley.
Article: Deadly Domestic Disputes On The Rise
Posted: April 2, 2010 07:25 PM
According to experts, deadly domestic violence incidents in Madison County are on the rise. 'Homicide Survivor Program' volunteers say about 95% of the people they help need help because a family member has been killed by domestic violence, but there are ways to help prevent the crime.
Brande Graham lost her hero, her mentor, her father when she was 23. "My father was murdered. It murder suicide by his girlfriend. She killed my father at his home in Oklahoma City then turned around and killed herself afterwards," said Graham.
Graham says looking back; the warning signs to get help were there. "She had had a history of being jealous in her past relationships she had gotten possessive. She had gotten really mentally unstable to the point she was threatening to kill herself," said Graham. Brande has tried to turn the negative into a positive and help others who have been affected by a homicide so she joined the homicide survivors program with family services. "I was seeking counseling every week and group counseling, and then I got involved in the community with other homicide survivors," said Graham.
Now she's a Homicide Survivor Program volunteer. She helps others in similar situations. "By his life being taken I've learned how to help other people recognize the signs and symptoms of violence and get them out of there," said Graham.
Some of the signs of a domestic violence situation are:
- controlling or possessive behavior
-anger or rage
-drug or alcohol abuse
-suicidal thoughts or any signs of mental instability
"Don't ignore those signs! Don't ignore those! Go ahead and call someone. Get help for yourself. Get help for them," said Graham. Graham says if you are in a dangerous situation call authorities. If you need a safe place to stay call the domestic shelter 'Hope Place' at (256) 716-1000.
Graham says she is working with others to try and increase the consequences of violating a protection or restraining order, which happened in yesterday's deadly domestic dispute.
Reporter: Stephanie Beecken
According to experts, deadly domestic violence incidents in Madison County are on the rise. 'Homicide Survivor Program' volunteers say about 95% of the people they help need help because a family member has been killed by domestic violence, but there are ways to help prevent the crime.
Brande Graham lost her hero, her mentor, her father when she was 23. "My father was murdered. It murder suicide by his girlfriend. She killed my father at his home in Oklahoma City then turned around and killed herself afterwards," said Graham.
Graham says looking back; the warning signs to get help were there. "She had had a history of being jealous in her past relationships she had gotten possessive. She had gotten really mentally unstable to the point she was threatening to kill herself," said Graham. Brande has tried to turn the negative into a positive and help others who have been affected by a homicide so she joined the homicide survivors program with family services. "I was seeking counseling every week and group counseling, and then I got involved in the community with other homicide survivors," said Graham.
Now she's a Homicide Survivor Program volunteer. She helps others in similar situations. "By his life being taken I've learned how to help other people recognize the signs and symptoms of violence and get them out of there," said Graham.
Some of the signs of a domestic violence situation are:
- controlling or possessive behavior
-anger or rage
-drug or alcohol abuse
-suicidal thoughts or any signs of mental instability
"Don't ignore those signs! Don't ignore those! Go ahead and call someone. Get help for yourself. Get help for them," said Graham. Graham says if you are in a dangerous situation call authorities. If you need a safe place to stay call the domestic shelter 'Hope Place' at (256) 716-1000.
Graham says she is working with others to try and increase the consequences of violating a protection or restraining order, which happened in yesterday's deadly domestic dispute.
Reporter: Stephanie Beecken
Minneapolis, MN: Minneapolis man stabbed his wife 70 times, police say
Alleged money dispute turned deadly
By Maricella Miranda
mmiranda@pioneerpress.com
Updated: 04/02/2010 11:50:16 PM CDT
A North Minneapolis man faces a first-degree murder charge in connection with allegedly stabbing his wife 70 times during a dispute early Friday.
Police were called to a home in a duplex in the 2400 block of Penn Avenue North, where the couple's two children, ages 13 and 19, told them their father, Billy Nash, 46, had stabbed their mother, identified by the initials P.N., according to a Hennepin County criminal complaint.
One of the children said she awoke at 3 a.m. to hear her mother screaming for help. When she ran into her parents' bedroom, she told police, she saw her father hitting her mother with his fist, the complaint says. The child left to call 911.
Her sister then entered the bedroom and saw her father stabbing her mother, the complaint says. She told her father to stop, grabbed him around the neck, pulled him off her mother and fled the home with the knife.
When police arrived, they saw the victim lying in the bedroom bleeding severely with wounds to her chest and head, the complaint states. She was transported to a hospital but died from her injuries.
Officers said Nash was covered in blood in the apartment, the complaint says. "I'm sorry, sergeant, that you had to come out here tonight for this. ... She was driving me crazy. ... I killed the (expletive)," he told police.
Nash later told investigators he was angry about how his wife spent household money, the complaint says. He grabbed a paring knife during the argument. When the fight
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escalated, he began to repeatedly stab her, he said.
He told officers he used the paring knife and a butcher knife, the complaint says.
Nash was arrested March 23 in connection with a domestic assault call. He was released from jail with a no-contact order but immediately returned to the house in violation of that protection order.
An autopsy of the victim found more than 70 stab wounds, mostly in the chest and head, the Hennepin County medical examiner reported. The victim also had defensive injuries to her arms and hands.
Nash is being held in lieu of $1 million bail with a release order to have no contact with witnesses or his minor children.
He is scheduled to make a first court appearance Monday.
This story contains information from the Associated Press. Maricella Miranda can be reached at 651-228-5421.
By Maricella Miranda
mmiranda@pioneerpress.com
Updated: 04/02/2010 11:50:16 PM CDT
A North Minneapolis man faces a first-degree murder charge in connection with allegedly stabbing his wife 70 times during a dispute early Friday.
Police were called to a home in a duplex in the 2400 block of Penn Avenue North, where the couple's two children, ages 13 and 19, told them their father, Billy Nash, 46, had stabbed their mother, identified by the initials P.N., according to a Hennepin County criminal complaint.
One of the children said she awoke at 3 a.m. to hear her mother screaming for help. When she ran into her parents' bedroom, she told police, she saw her father hitting her mother with his fist, the complaint says. The child left to call 911.
Her sister then entered the bedroom and saw her father stabbing her mother, the complaint says. She told her father to stop, grabbed him around the neck, pulled him off her mother and fled the home with the knife.
When police arrived, they saw the victim lying in the bedroom bleeding severely with wounds to her chest and head, the complaint states. She was transported to a hospital but died from her injuries.
Officers said Nash was covered in blood in the apartment, the complaint says. "I'm sorry, sergeant, that you had to come out here tonight for this. ... She was driving me crazy. ... I killed the (expletive)," he told police.
Nash later told investigators he was angry about how his wife spent household money, the complaint says. He grabbed a paring knife during the argument. When the fight
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escalated, he began to repeatedly stab her, he said.
He told officers he used the paring knife and a butcher knife, the complaint says.
Nash was arrested March 23 in connection with a domestic assault call. He was released from jail with a no-contact order but immediately returned to the house in violation of that protection order.
An autopsy of the victim found more than 70 stab wounds, mostly in the chest and head, the Hennepin County medical examiner reported. The victim also had defensive injuries to her arms and hands.
Nash is being held in lieu of $1 million bail with a release order to have no contact with witnesses or his minor children.
He is scheduled to make a first court appearance Monday.
This story contains information from the Associated Press. Maricella Miranda can be reached at 651-228-5421.
Richmond, VA: Suspect Identified In Murder-Suicide
Police say a man linked to two murders on Friday took his own life.
"At about 10:50 this morning we began a homicide investigation at 1212 Lakeview Avenue. A 36-year-old female, Trachelle Daniel, was shot and pronounced dead this morning at about 11:35 at VCU medical center," says Assistant Chief Dave McCoy with the Richmond Police Department.
The search for the suspect who shot Daniel while she was sitting in a parked car behind her home led police to Church Hill where they spent most of the afternoon.
"Our suspect from this morning saw an officer in this area and fled into an yard behind a privacy fence in the 1200 block of north 30th."
Just a few minutes later shots were fired around 5:30 in the afternoon.
"Our suspect from this morning was seen running from the yard and ran for about 40 yards. He then stopped and shot himself."
Prompted by a another gunshot heard moments earlier, officers followed the suspect's route about 50 yards into a yard in the 1200 block of North 30th Street.
There they discovered the body of 56-year-old Charles Jackson, dead of a single gunshot wound.
The suspect who committed suicide has been identified as 45-year-old Alvin Pleasants of 17 North 26th Street in Richmond.
Anyone with any information about these crimes is asked to call the Richmond Police Tips Line at 514-TIPS (8477) or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.
"At about 10:50 this morning we began a homicide investigation at 1212 Lakeview Avenue. A 36-year-old female, Trachelle Daniel, was shot and pronounced dead this morning at about 11:35 at VCU medical center," says Assistant Chief Dave McCoy with the Richmond Police Department.
The search for the suspect who shot Daniel while she was sitting in a parked car behind her home led police to Church Hill where they spent most of the afternoon.
"Our suspect from this morning saw an officer in this area and fled into an yard behind a privacy fence in the 1200 block of north 30th."
Just a few minutes later shots were fired around 5:30 in the afternoon.
"Our suspect from this morning was seen running from the yard and ran for about 40 yards. He then stopped and shot himself."
Prompted by a another gunshot heard moments earlier, officers followed the suspect's route about 50 yards into a yard in the 1200 block of North 30th Street.
There they discovered the body of 56-year-old Charles Jackson, dead of a single gunshot wound.
The suspect who committed suicide has been identified as 45-year-old Alvin Pleasants of 17 North 26th Street in Richmond.
Anyone with any information about these crimes is asked to call the Richmond Police Tips Line at 514-TIPS (8477) or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.
Ranier Valley, WA: Trial starts Monday for man accused of killing ex-wife in 2008
Jennifer Sullivan
Jose Angel Blanco, charged with murdering his ex-wife a year and a half ago, will face a jury next week when testimony begins in his first-degree murder trial in King County Superior Court.
Blanco, 40, was charged in December 2008 with first-degree murder with a deadly weapon in connection with the Nov. 30, 2008, slaying of his ex-wife, Noemi Lopez. Pre-trial motions were heard this week and jury selection is slated to begin Monday, said King County Senior Deputy Prosecutor Don Raz.
According to charging documents, Blanco had been arguing with Lopez at her Rainier Valley home on the morning of her death. He had been seeking a reconciliation, according to the victim's sister.
The estranged couple had been separated for about five years before they divorced in 2007, Noemi Lopez's sister told The Times in 2008.
According to police, Blanco left a message on the phone of his eldest daughter the day their mother was killed, warning her and her two siblings not to return home from church. When they did around 4:30 p.m. they found their mother dead in the living room. She had been stabbed about 60 times, according to the King County Medical Examiner's Office.
Police said Blanco initially fled in a silver BMW that was later found in Algona, and then drove a Suzuki Verona to Santa Ana, Calif., where he abandoned that car before crossing the border into Mexico.
In December 2008, a Seattle police detective called Blanco in the Mexican state of Michoacán and persuaded him to return to Seattle, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. Police arranged to have a one-way airplane ticket waiting for Blanco at an airport in Mexico for Blanco.
If convicted, Blanco faces a minimum sentence of 22 years in prison, according to the King County Prosecutor's Office.
Jose Angel Blanco, charged with murdering his ex-wife a year and a half ago, will face a jury next week when testimony begins in his first-degree murder trial in King County Superior Court.
Blanco, 40, was charged in December 2008 with first-degree murder with a deadly weapon in connection with the Nov. 30, 2008, slaying of his ex-wife, Noemi Lopez. Pre-trial motions were heard this week and jury selection is slated to begin Monday, said King County Senior Deputy Prosecutor Don Raz.
According to charging documents, Blanco had been arguing with Lopez at her Rainier Valley home on the morning of her death. He had been seeking a reconciliation, according to the victim's sister.
The estranged couple had been separated for about five years before they divorced in 2007, Noemi Lopez's sister told The Times in 2008.
According to police, Blanco left a message on the phone of his eldest daughter the day their mother was killed, warning her and her two siblings not to return home from church. When they did around 4:30 p.m. they found their mother dead in the living room. She had been stabbed about 60 times, according to the King County Medical Examiner's Office.
Police said Blanco initially fled in a silver BMW that was later found in Algona, and then drove a Suzuki Verona to Santa Ana, Calif., where he abandoned that car before crossing the border into Mexico.
In December 2008, a Seattle police detective called Blanco in the Mexican state of Michoacán and persuaded him to return to Seattle, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. Police arranged to have a one-way airplane ticket waiting for Blanco at an airport in Mexico for Blanco.
If convicted, Blanco faces a minimum sentence of 22 years in prison, according to the King County Prosecutor's Office.
WAI'ANAE, HI: Couple found shot to death at Wai'anae apartment unit Police probe shooting as a possible domestic violence situation
By Suzanne Roig
WAI'ANAE — A couple found dead of gunshot wounds yesterday morning became the latest to die in a spate of violence on O'ahu that has claimed five lives in the past two weeks.
The man and woman, described by a neighbor as boyfriend and girlfriend, were found dead at the Pokai Bay Beach Cabanas by the woman's mother.
Officially, police described the deaths as a homicide and unattended death, but the case had the characteristics of a murder-suicide.
It's not always easy to see domestic violence, said Nanci Kreidman, chief executive of the nonprofit agency Domestic Violence Action Center.
"It's very hard to arrive at any definitive consensus ," Kreidman said. "We're always going to have domestic homicides. We live in a violent culture where people use violence to control others.
"These acts take place in a context."
The names of the victims had not been released last night, and distraught friends and family declined to speak to the media.
Honolulu Police Lt. Bill Kato, of the homicide division, said the mother went to the apartment around 9 a.m. and found her 39-year-old daughter and the 33-year-old man dead in the living room. She went to their ground-floor apartment after her daughter's employer called when the woman did not show up for work.
A handgun was found at the scene, Kato said. The last time the woman was seen alive was about 9 p.m. Thursday.
Imelda Tagaleoo, a resident of the Pokai Bay Beach Cabanas for two years, said she heard a loud banging yesterday morning that she thought was a slamming door at the time.
"I looked outside with the manager and listened to see if the noise would happen again," Tagaleoo said. "But nothing."
The four-story pink apartment building where the deaths occurred faces the ocean and Pōka'ī Bay, where stand-up paddlers, swimmers and sunbathers enjoyed the beach, oblivious to the tragedy.
Family members and friends gathered on the beach on the diamondhead side of the building hoping for information from police. They hugged and cried and at one point, gathered in a circle and said prayers.
A group of students had gathered near the apartment building early yesterday morning for a picnic. Kaiini Hamili was at the beach at 7:30 a.m. and said she had heard someone crying, but no shouting or gunshots.
"And then we were setting up and we heard sirens and stuff and the police showed up with their yellow crime scene tape," Hamili said.
Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com.
WAI'ANAE — A couple found dead of gunshot wounds yesterday morning became the latest to die in a spate of violence on O'ahu that has claimed five lives in the past two weeks.
The man and woman, described by a neighbor as boyfriend and girlfriend, were found dead at the Pokai Bay Beach Cabanas by the woman's mother.
Officially, police described the deaths as a homicide and unattended death, but the case had the characteristics of a murder-suicide.
It's not always easy to see domestic violence, said Nanci Kreidman, chief executive of the nonprofit agency Domestic Violence Action Center.
"It's very hard to arrive at any definitive consensus ," Kreidman said. "We're always going to have domestic homicides. We live in a violent culture where people use violence to control others.
"These acts take place in a context."
The names of the victims had not been released last night, and distraught friends and family declined to speak to the media.
Honolulu Police Lt. Bill Kato, of the homicide division, said the mother went to the apartment around 9 a.m. and found her 39-year-old daughter and the 33-year-old man dead in the living room. She went to their ground-floor apartment after her daughter's employer called when the woman did not show up for work.
A handgun was found at the scene, Kato said. The last time the woman was seen alive was about 9 p.m. Thursday.
Imelda Tagaleoo, a resident of the Pokai Bay Beach Cabanas for two years, said she heard a loud banging yesterday morning that she thought was a slamming door at the time.
"I looked outside with the manager and listened to see if the noise would happen again," Tagaleoo said. "But nothing."
The four-story pink apartment building where the deaths occurred faces the ocean and Pōka'ī Bay, where stand-up paddlers, swimmers and sunbathers enjoyed the beach, oblivious to the tragedy.
Family members and friends gathered on the beach on the diamondhead side of the building hoping for information from police. They hugged and cried and at one point, gathered in a circle and said prayers.
A group of students had gathered near the apartment building early yesterday morning for a picnic. Kaiini Hamili was at the beach at 7:30 a.m. and said she had heard someone crying, but no shouting or gunshots.
"And then we were setting up and we heard sirens and stuff and the police showed up with their yellow crime scene tape," Hamili said.
Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Salt Lake City, UT: Murder-suicide reported in Salt Lake City
By Melinda Rogers And Nate Carlisle
The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 04/02/2010 06:09:33 PM MDT
Police are investigating two likely murders and a suicide in the Federal Heights neighborhood of Salt Lake City.
Ronald Halliday, 73, his wife Linda Covey Halliday, 69, and their son, Stuart Halliday, 35, were found dead in the home, all from gunshot wounds.
An out-of-state relative called police about noon today, asking for a welfare check after the relative had not heard from the family in about a week.
Salt Lake City Police arrived shortly after, and knocked on the locked front door. When no one answered, they knocked on the back door. Again, no one answered, but the door was unlocked and they entered, said Salt Lake City police Detective Dennis McGowan.
Police found blood spatter on the first floor and found the three bodies in the home, on the 1400 East block of Penrose Drive (152 North). The officers also recovered a gun believed to be used in the shooting, McGowan said.
Police are still sorting out what happened, but said there are no suspects.
"There's no risk to the public," he said. "Anyone who is involved is in fact there."
Bruce Halliday, Ronald Halliday's brother, of Salt Lake City, said he does not know what occurred in his brother's home. He did not suspect problems with his brother's family.
"Just out of the clear blue for all that we can tell," he said.
Ron Halliday was a retired IBM computer programer. Linda Halliday was a stockbroker early in her life, but has mostly been a
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homemaker, Bruce Halliday said. The couple met while attending the University of Utah, he said.
The couple's son, Stuart Halliday, had been living back and forth in California and Salt Lake City, Halliday said.
The couple's only other child, Charles Patrick Halliday, committed suicide in 2004, said the family's dentist and neighbor John Stohl. Stuart Halliday had some previous problems, Stohl said, but did not want to elaborate.
"I'm still distressed and shocked," Stohl said.
He said Ron Halliday was "very personable and very polite," and took care of his 99-year-old mother. When Stohl moved in, Ron greeted him with a $100 gift card as a welcome, and he was often spotted in the neighborhood walking his dogs. Ron worked out of his home doing investments, Stohl said.
Shock rippled through the neighborhood, just a couple of blocks from the home of Elizabeth Smart, who in 2002, at age 14, was abducted from her house.
Ron Henriksen came home about 2 p.m. today to find the neighborhood cordoned off with police tape.
"It's tragic something like this could happen," Henriksen said. "It's such a nice neighborhood."
Lindsay Whitehurst and Sheena McFarland contributed to this report.
The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 04/02/2010 06:09:33 PM MDT
Police are investigating two likely murders and a suicide in the Federal Heights neighborhood of Salt Lake City.
Ronald Halliday, 73, his wife Linda Covey Halliday, 69, and their son, Stuart Halliday, 35, were found dead in the home, all from gunshot wounds.
An out-of-state relative called police about noon today, asking for a welfare check after the relative had not heard from the family in about a week.
Salt Lake City Police arrived shortly after, and knocked on the locked front door. When no one answered, they knocked on the back door. Again, no one answered, but the door was unlocked and they entered, said Salt Lake City police Detective Dennis McGowan.
Police found blood spatter on the first floor and found the three bodies in the home, on the 1400 East block of Penrose Drive (152 North). The officers also recovered a gun believed to be used in the shooting, McGowan said.
Police are still sorting out what happened, but said there are no suspects.
"There's no risk to the public," he said. "Anyone who is involved is in fact there."
Bruce Halliday, Ronald Halliday's brother, of Salt Lake City, said he does not know what occurred in his brother's home. He did not suspect problems with his brother's family.
"Just out of the clear blue for all that we can tell," he said.
Ron Halliday was a retired IBM computer programer. Linda Halliday was a stockbroker early in her life, but has mostly been a
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homemaker, Bruce Halliday said. The couple met while attending the University of Utah, he said.
The couple's son, Stuart Halliday, had been living back and forth in California and Salt Lake City, Halliday said.
The couple's only other child, Charles Patrick Halliday, committed suicide in 2004, said the family's dentist and neighbor John Stohl. Stuart Halliday had some previous problems, Stohl said, but did not want to elaborate.
"I'm still distressed and shocked," Stohl said.
He said Ron Halliday was "very personable and very polite," and took care of his 99-year-old mother. When Stohl moved in, Ron greeted him with a $100 gift card as a welcome, and he was often spotted in the neighborhood walking his dogs. Ron worked out of his home doing investments, Stohl said.
Shock rippled through the neighborhood, just a couple of blocks from the home of Elizabeth Smart, who in 2002, at age 14, was abducted from her house.
Ron Henriksen came home about 2 p.m. today to find the neighborhood cordoned off with police tape.
"It's tragic something like this could happen," Henriksen said. "It's such a nice neighborhood."
Lindsay Whitehurst and Sheena McFarland contributed to this report.
Chelmsford, MA: Chelmsford man gets life in wife’s stabbing death
By Renee Nadeau Algarin | Wednesday, March 31, 2010
A Chelmsford man convicted of murdering his wife in what prosecutors said was a jealous attack over her plan to compete on the “Rock of Love” TV dating show was sentenced to life in prison yesterday.
Jeffrey McGee, 39, was found guilty of beating, strangling and fatally stabbing his estranged wife, Christine McGee, 31, of Tyngsboro on Nov. 20, 2007, in his Chelmsford apartment, after discovering she was vying for a spot on the reality show.
She would have competed for the affections of Poison frontman and current “Celebrity Apprentice” contestant Bret Michaels on the show.
In the days leading up to the murder, Christine McGee had allegedly partied with Bay State rocker Sully Erna of the band Godsmack and guitar virtuoso Gary Hoey, according to court testimony.
After murdering his wife, Jeffrey McGee strapped his 3-year-old son Gavin into the front seat of his Toyota Corolla and drove head-on into a dump truck in Methuen, authorities said.
A Middlesex Superior Court jury on Friday found McGee guilty of first-degree murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and reckless endangerment of a child.
“This was a vicious crime committed in front of their 3-year-old son, making him a necessary witness to the murder,” Middlesex District Attorney Gerard Leone said after the guilty verdict.
A Chelmsford man convicted of murdering his wife in what prosecutors said was a jealous attack over her plan to compete on the “Rock of Love” TV dating show was sentenced to life in prison yesterday.
Jeffrey McGee, 39, was found guilty of beating, strangling and fatally stabbing his estranged wife, Christine McGee, 31, of Tyngsboro on Nov. 20, 2007, in his Chelmsford apartment, after discovering she was vying for a spot on the reality show.
She would have competed for the affections of Poison frontman and current “Celebrity Apprentice” contestant Bret Michaels on the show.
In the days leading up to the murder, Christine McGee had allegedly partied with Bay State rocker Sully Erna of the band Godsmack and guitar virtuoso Gary Hoey, according to court testimony.
After murdering his wife, Jeffrey McGee strapped his 3-year-old son Gavin into the front seat of his Toyota Corolla and drove head-on into a dump truck in Methuen, authorities said.
A Middlesex Superior Court jury on Friday found McGee guilty of first-degree murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and reckless endangerment of a child.
“This was a vicious crime committed in front of their 3-year-old son, making him a necessary witness to the murder,” Middlesex District Attorney Gerard Leone said after the guilty verdict.
Nashville, TN: Husband Pleads Guilty In Wife's 2009 Death John Kratochvil Admits To Strangling Wife
Reported by Regina Raccuglia
POSTED: 10:33 am CDT April 1,2010
UPDATED: 3:30 pm CDT April 1,2010
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A man charged with killing his wife in March 2009 pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in her death.
John Kratochvil admitted that he killed his wife, Manisha, who was a director at Southern Hills Medical Center.
The couple lived at a home along Sunnywood Drive in southeast Nashville.
Kratochvil admits he staged a break-in at his home, strangled his wife and drove to North Carolina. He faces 35 years in prison.
Manisha's sister has custody of the couple's two children.
POSTED: 10:33 am CDT April 1,2010
UPDATED: 3:30 pm CDT April 1,2010
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A man charged with killing his wife in March 2009 pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in her death.
John Kratochvil admitted that he killed his wife, Manisha, who was a director at Southern Hills Medical Center.
The couple lived at a home along Sunnywood Drive in southeast Nashville.
Kratochvil admits he staged a break-in at his home, strangled his wife and drove to North Carolina. He faces 35 years in prison.
Manisha's sister has custody of the couple's two children.
Worthington, OH: Worthington man, wife both die of gunshot wounds
Police trying to determine how wife was killed
Thursday, April 1, 2010 2:52 PM
BY JIM WOODS AND TED DECKER
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
JONATHAN QUILTER | DISPATCH
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation agents look over the scene of a shooting at 384 Caren Ave.
| FILE PHOTO
James Calvert was known as a pillar of his neighborhood.
JONATHAN QUILTER | DISPATCH
Neighbors said James Calvert had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.
|
A 78-year-old Worthington man died early this morning after shooting himself in his home yesterday, but an autopsy failed to reveal whether he killed his wife or she committed suicide as he had claimed.
James Calvert died at 1 a.m. at Riverside Methodist Hospital of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head, Franklin County Coroner Jan Gorniak said.
Jean Calvert, 75, also died of a gunshot to the head. After the autopsy and a meeting with police, the coroner has ruled the cause of her death undetermined.
Gorniak said a gun was not found with Mrs. Calvert. But Mr. Calvert told workers with a tree service outside their home that she had committed suicide before he went back inside their home at 384 Caren Ave. and shot himself about 5 p.m.
Original story:
Police trying to determine how wife was killed
Thursday, April 1, 2010 2:54 AM
After he was diagnosed recently with brain cancer, James Calvert seemed to become more agitated over little things.
That might explain why a possible disagreement with his wife, Jean, escalated into a tragedy, said a neighbor who had known them for more than 40 years.
Worthington police continue to investigate what happened yesterday in the shooting death of Mrs. Calvert, 75, and the wounding of her husband, 78, in their home at 384 Caren Ave.
Mr. Calvert was in critical condition late last night at Riverside Methodist Hospital, police said.
"We don't know what went on in the house," said Worthington Police Lt. Michael Dougherty. He said it's still not clear whether Mrs. Calvert shot herself or was shot by her husband, but police said Mr. Calvert likely shot himself.
A neighbor said that Mrs. Calvert told her she was upset over what a tree service was doing yesterday afternoon and had argued with a worker. She went back inside, and workers with the tree service said they heard raised voices inside.
Then Mr. Calvert walked outside.
"He stepped outside the door and said his wife had committed suicide," Dougherty said. The workers then watched him go back inside and heard a gunshot. One of the workers called 911.
But no one had heard a first gunshot. The Calverts were both found just inside the front door of the home that they'd owned since it was built in 1965.
Neighbors told police that Mr. Calvert has brain cancer and said they thought it could be a factor, Dougherty said.
Janene Carpenter said she'd heard from other neighbors that Mr. Calvert has been "not at his best" since he developed cancer.
Another neighbor, who described the Calverts as "fabulous friends," was distraught last night and wouldn't give her name. But she said she has no doubt the brain cancer clouded Mr. Calvert's judgment.
He received the diagnosis a few weeks ago and had been told his condition is terminal. Mrs. Calvert had said her husband seemed to be bothered by many little things that he used to let pass and he became agitated easily. For example, the friend said, he complained to Worthington City Hall that people were speeding on his street. This week, the city police department placed a speed-monitoring device on his street because of the complaint.
"He would make comments about people not paying attention to their property," the neighbor said, noting that was completely out of character for him.
She and other neighbors said the Calverts were known as the anchors of their Worthington Estates neighborhood.
Mr. Calvert was somewhat of a community activist, having led a successful effort 10 years ago to keep a topless bar from operating in Worthington.
He organized Citizens for a Better Worthington to keep the Olympus bar from operating on Wilson Bridge Road.
A retired engineer, Mr. Calvert was known for his electric car with the license plate "Amps R Us" and the meticulous attention he devoted to his yard.
Brian Luca, a McGreegor Street neighbor, said he enjoyed talking to Calvert about the car, and the couple always paid a lot of attention to his children.
"They were the nicest people," Luca said.
Dispatch Assistant City Editor Brenda Jackson contributed to this story.
jwoods@dispatch.com
Thursday, April 1, 2010 2:52 PM
BY JIM WOODS AND TED DECKER
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
JONATHAN QUILTER | DISPATCH
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation agents look over the scene of a shooting at 384 Caren Ave.
| FILE PHOTO
James Calvert was known as a pillar of his neighborhood.
JONATHAN QUILTER | DISPATCH
Neighbors said James Calvert had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.
|
A 78-year-old Worthington man died early this morning after shooting himself in his home yesterday, but an autopsy failed to reveal whether he killed his wife or she committed suicide as he had claimed.
James Calvert died at 1 a.m. at Riverside Methodist Hospital of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head, Franklin County Coroner Jan Gorniak said.
Jean Calvert, 75, also died of a gunshot to the head. After the autopsy and a meeting with police, the coroner has ruled the cause of her death undetermined.
Gorniak said a gun was not found with Mrs. Calvert. But Mr. Calvert told workers with a tree service outside their home that she had committed suicide before he went back inside their home at 384 Caren Ave. and shot himself about 5 p.m.
Original story:
Police trying to determine how wife was killed
Thursday, April 1, 2010 2:54 AM
After he was diagnosed recently with brain cancer, James Calvert seemed to become more agitated over little things.
That might explain why a possible disagreement with his wife, Jean, escalated into a tragedy, said a neighbor who had known them for more than 40 years.
Worthington police continue to investigate what happened yesterday in the shooting death of Mrs. Calvert, 75, and the wounding of her husband, 78, in their home at 384 Caren Ave.
Mr. Calvert was in critical condition late last night at Riverside Methodist Hospital, police said.
"We don't know what went on in the house," said Worthington Police Lt. Michael Dougherty. He said it's still not clear whether Mrs. Calvert shot herself or was shot by her husband, but police said Mr. Calvert likely shot himself.
A neighbor said that Mrs. Calvert told her she was upset over what a tree service was doing yesterday afternoon and had argued with a worker. She went back inside, and workers with the tree service said they heard raised voices inside.
Then Mr. Calvert walked outside.
"He stepped outside the door and said his wife had committed suicide," Dougherty said. The workers then watched him go back inside and heard a gunshot. One of the workers called 911.
But no one had heard a first gunshot. The Calverts were both found just inside the front door of the home that they'd owned since it was built in 1965.
Neighbors told police that Mr. Calvert has brain cancer and said they thought it could be a factor, Dougherty said.
Janene Carpenter said she'd heard from other neighbors that Mr. Calvert has been "not at his best" since he developed cancer.
Another neighbor, who described the Calverts as "fabulous friends," was distraught last night and wouldn't give her name. But she said she has no doubt the brain cancer clouded Mr. Calvert's judgment.
He received the diagnosis a few weeks ago and had been told his condition is terminal. Mrs. Calvert had said her husband seemed to be bothered by many little things that he used to let pass and he became agitated easily. For example, the friend said, he complained to Worthington City Hall that people were speeding on his street. This week, the city police department placed a speed-monitoring device on his street because of the complaint.
"He would make comments about people not paying attention to their property," the neighbor said, noting that was completely out of character for him.
She and other neighbors said the Calverts were known as the anchors of their Worthington Estates neighborhood.
Mr. Calvert was somewhat of a community activist, having led a successful effort 10 years ago to keep a topless bar from operating in Worthington.
He organized Citizens for a Better Worthington to keep the Olympus bar from operating on Wilson Bridge Road.
A retired engineer, Mr. Calvert was known for his electric car with the license plate "Amps R Us" and the meticulous attention he devoted to his yard.
Brian Luca, a McGreegor Street neighbor, said he enjoyed talking to Calvert about the car, and the couple always paid a lot of attention to his children.
"They were the nicest people," Luca said.
Dispatch Assistant City Editor Brenda Jackson contributed to this story.
jwoods@dispatch.com
Tompkins, County, NY: Defense Attorney Says Kot Killed Wife
Opening arguments are heard in the trial of a Cornell University student,
accused of murdering his wife last year.
25 year old Blajez Kot is on trial in Tompkins County Court.
Defense Attorney Joseph Joch told the jury that his client did kill his wife.
But he says Blajez Kot was suffering from mental problems and didn't realize what he was doing.
Kot is on trial for the death of 28 year old Dr. Caroline Coffey.
Her body was found on a running trail in Cass Park in Ithaca last June.
"He was shy, he was awkward, he was retreating, he was aloof and he was kind of a loner and these are the kinds of personality traits that fit into a certain pattern," Joch says.
Joch says Kot's thinking was eccentric as a young man.
He sometimes thought people were watching him through the outlets in the wall.
Around the time of his wife's death, Kot believed the stresses in his life were caused by an unknown force controlling and testing him.
And he believed that his wife had been replaced by another person.
Joch says Kot believed he had to kill his wife, to interrupt the test.
"You have to imagine a person who's never done a wrong thing in his life. Never been violent to a human being on the face of the Earth....thinking of doing something like that....why," say Joch.
During his opening statement, Assistant District Attorney Andrew McElwee said he intends to prove that Kot is guilty of murder.
He believes Kot intentionally killed his wife.
McElwee says after killing Coffey, Kot went back to the couple's home and set it on fire.
He says Kot's actions paint the only picture jurors need.
"The evidence in this case is going to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he tampered with evidence, his own clothing. Evidence linking him to the killing of his wife by destroying it so it couldn't be found or used by police," McElwee says.
Kot is charged with 2nd degree murder, arson and tampering with evidence.
The first witness called was state park police officer.
He says saw Kot's car in a park parking lot after dark.
When he went up to the car to tell him to leave, he noticed Kot had dried blood on his arm and there were pools of blood in the car.
Without warning, Kot sped off leading police on a high speed chase.
It ended when Kot crashed his car into a group of trees on the side of the road.
Testimony will resume Friday morning at 9:00 am.
accused of murdering his wife last year.
25 year old Blajez Kot is on trial in Tompkins County Court.
Defense Attorney Joseph Joch told the jury that his client did kill his wife.
But he says Blajez Kot was suffering from mental problems and didn't realize what he was doing.
Kot is on trial for the death of 28 year old Dr. Caroline Coffey.
Her body was found on a running trail in Cass Park in Ithaca last June.
"He was shy, he was awkward, he was retreating, he was aloof and he was kind of a loner and these are the kinds of personality traits that fit into a certain pattern," Joch says.
Joch says Kot's thinking was eccentric as a young man.
He sometimes thought people were watching him through the outlets in the wall.
Around the time of his wife's death, Kot believed the stresses in his life were caused by an unknown force controlling and testing him.
And he believed that his wife had been replaced by another person.
Joch says Kot believed he had to kill his wife, to interrupt the test.
"You have to imagine a person who's never done a wrong thing in his life. Never been violent to a human being on the face of the Earth....thinking of doing something like that....why," say Joch.
During his opening statement, Assistant District Attorney Andrew McElwee said he intends to prove that Kot is guilty of murder.
He believes Kot intentionally killed his wife.
McElwee says after killing Coffey, Kot went back to the couple's home and set it on fire.
He says Kot's actions paint the only picture jurors need.
"The evidence in this case is going to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he tampered with evidence, his own clothing. Evidence linking him to the killing of his wife by destroying it so it couldn't be found or used by police," McElwee says.
Kot is charged with 2nd degree murder, arson and tampering with evidence.
The first witness called was state park police officer.
He says saw Kot's car in a park parking lot after dark.
When he went up to the car to tell him to leave, he noticed Kot had dried blood on his arm and there were pools of blood in the car.
Without warning, Kot sped off leading police on a high speed chase.
It ended when Kot crashed his car into a group of trees on the side of the road.
Testimony will resume Friday morning at 9:00 am.
Winston-Salem, NC: Man charged in wife's killing dies of illness
By Monte Mitchell
JOURNAL REPORTER
A Wilkes County man charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of his estranged wife in 2008 has died, authorities said yesterday.
Terry Crit Marley, 49, died Sunday night in the emergency room of Grace Hospital in Morganton, said Sheriff Dane Mastin of Wilkes County.
Marley was a patient at Broughton Hospital, the state psychiatric hospital in Morganton, and was taken to Grace Hospital, which is near Broughton. He died of complications from pneumonia, his attorney, Jay Vannoy of North Wilkesboro, said. His funeral was yesterday.
Marley was charged in the death of his estranged wife, Linda Diane Marley, 46. She was found about 12:30 a.m. Aug. 23, 2008, in her yard in the 400 block of Old Lankford Road. She had been shot in the chest and died at the scene.
Terry Marley was beside the body, officers said. He had a severe cut on one of his arms that appeared self inflicted. He was flown to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, and later transferred to Broughton.
Authorities waited over a year to serve the arrest warrant on him while he was at Broughton. He was charged last fall.
Marley had several court appearances scheduled in Wilkes County but didn't attend because he was in the hospital. His next court appearance was April 19.
He was never held in the Wilkes County Jail because of his medical condition.
Linda Marley did not have an active domestic-violence protection order against her husband at the time of her death. A previous order had been dismissed about two months before.
In a complaint filed May 31, 2008, she said that her husband was released from jail on bond, came to her house, and threatened to kill her, shoot her and beat her to death, court records say.
"This goes on every time he gets drunk," she said in her complaint. "In the past he has beat me, stoned me, choked me, hit me with a plate that cut my arm open. Has pulled guns and knives on me."
She said that he threatened to commit suicide if she didn't stay with him.
A judge granted a temporary domestic protection order that required Terry Marley to stay at least 250 feet from his wife, but the case was dismissed June 9, 2008, when neither showed up for the trial date in District Court.
mmitchell@wsjournal.com
667-5691
JOURNAL REPORTER
A Wilkes County man charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of his estranged wife in 2008 has died, authorities said yesterday.
Terry Crit Marley, 49, died Sunday night in the emergency room of Grace Hospital in Morganton, said Sheriff Dane Mastin of Wilkes County.
Marley was a patient at Broughton Hospital, the state psychiatric hospital in Morganton, and was taken to Grace Hospital, which is near Broughton. He died of complications from pneumonia, his attorney, Jay Vannoy of North Wilkesboro, said. His funeral was yesterday.
Marley was charged in the death of his estranged wife, Linda Diane Marley, 46. She was found about 12:30 a.m. Aug. 23, 2008, in her yard in the 400 block of Old Lankford Road. She had been shot in the chest and died at the scene.
Terry Marley was beside the body, officers said. He had a severe cut on one of his arms that appeared self inflicted. He was flown to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, and later transferred to Broughton.
Authorities waited over a year to serve the arrest warrant on him while he was at Broughton. He was charged last fall.
Marley had several court appearances scheduled in Wilkes County but didn't attend because he was in the hospital. His next court appearance was April 19.
He was never held in the Wilkes County Jail because of his medical condition.
Linda Marley did not have an active domestic-violence protection order against her husband at the time of her death. A previous order had been dismissed about two months before.
In a complaint filed May 31, 2008, she said that her husband was released from jail on bond, came to her house, and threatened to kill her, shoot her and beat her to death, court records say.
"This goes on every time he gets drunk," she said in her complaint. "In the past he has beat me, stoned me, choked me, hit me with a plate that cut my arm open. Has pulled guns and knives on me."
She said that he threatened to commit suicide if she didn't stay with him.
A judge granted a temporary domestic protection order that required Terry Marley to stay at least 250 feet from his wife, but the case was dismissed June 9, 2008, when neither showed up for the trial date in District Court.
mmitchell@wsjournal.com
667-5691
Coweta County, GA: Wife appeals murder conviction
BY ALEX MCRAE
THE TIMES-HERALD
Attorneys for Michelle Hall, convicted in September 2009 of malice murder, felony murder and aggravated assault in the July 30, 2008, shooting death of her husband, Britt Hall, will appeal Hall's conviction before the Georgia Supreme Court Monday in Atlanta.
Hall's attorneys decided to appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court after Coweta Superior Court Judge Jack Kirby denied Hall's motion for a new trial. Hall is represented by attorneys Scott Key and Michael Kam.
Among those representing the state will be Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorney Peter Skandalakis and Assistant District Attorney Kevin McMurry.
A release issued by the Supreme Court summarizing the case and proceedings, says according to the evidence at trial, Michelle Hall and her husband got into an argument the evening of July 30, 2008. Michelle's 8-year-old daughter from a previous marriage testified that when she heard a vacuum cleaner slam to the ground, she ran upstairs to her bedroom. From there, she heard her stepfather say "put the gun down" and "Michelle, don't do this."
The child testified she then heard about six gunshots. The first officer on the scene testified that Michelle initially told him her husband had shot himself. She later told another investigator she had shot Britt but "didn't mean to do it."
The medical examiner who performed the autopsy testified that Britt had been shot three times -- in the chest, leg and arm. At trial, her two former husbands testified to Michelle's acts of violence toward them. One said when he forgot to bring home ice from the store, she hit him and tried to kick him in the shin. He described his former wife as "explosive."
Michelle Hall's lawyers argue the trial court was wrong to allow in evidence discussion of alleged batteries she allegedly committed against her two ex-husbands, according to the court summary. One incident occurred 20 years ago, and neither was similar to what she's been accused of here.
There is no evidence Michelle ever killed anyone or has been in an altercation involving a deadly weapon, her lawyers contend.
"The kind of evidence admitted in this case as purported similar transactions evidence demonstrates the true danger of the similar transactions rule if allowed to be run amok in domestic violence cases," her lawyers write in briefs.
"The evidence suggested that Michelle had a history of hitting and kicking spouses and diverted attention from Britt's history of depression, anxiety, stress and his history of abusing Michelle," her lawyers write.
The trial court also erred, they contend, in allowing the daughter's recorded statement of what she heard the night her stepfather died. The attorneys argue that on cross-examination, they were not challenging the child's truthfulness, which was required in order to allow in her statement. Rather they were questioning the girl's interpretation of what she had heard.
Finally, the lawyers argue the trial court was wrong to refuse their request to the judge that he instruct jurors they could also consider whether Michelle was instead guilty of the less serious crime of involuntary manslaughter.
The trial court properly admitted the "similar transaction evidence" of the incidents involving Michelle's two former husbands, the state argues. The court held a hearing before deciding to allow it in for the purposes of showing bent of mind, motive and course of conduct, according to information given to the court by the Coweta District Attorney's Office.
The trial court also properly allowed the state to introduce the child's prior statement, the DA's office argues. It did so only after Michelle's attorneys brought up inconsistent statements the child had made to her teacher, thereby questioning the child's veracity. Finally, the trial court correctly refused to instruct jurors they could consider involuntary manslaughter because "there was no evidence to support such a charge," the state contends.
The Supreme Court will rule on the case no later than the end of July, but a decision could come sooner, according to the court's public information officer, Jane Hansen.
THE TIMES-HERALD
Attorneys for Michelle Hall, convicted in September 2009 of malice murder, felony murder and aggravated assault in the July 30, 2008, shooting death of her husband, Britt Hall, will appeal Hall's conviction before the Georgia Supreme Court Monday in Atlanta.
Hall's attorneys decided to appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court after Coweta Superior Court Judge Jack Kirby denied Hall's motion for a new trial. Hall is represented by attorneys Scott Key and Michael Kam.
Among those representing the state will be Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorney Peter Skandalakis and Assistant District Attorney Kevin McMurry.
A release issued by the Supreme Court summarizing the case and proceedings, says according to the evidence at trial, Michelle Hall and her husband got into an argument the evening of July 30, 2008. Michelle's 8-year-old daughter from a previous marriage testified that when she heard a vacuum cleaner slam to the ground, she ran upstairs to her bedroom. From there, she heard her stepfather say "put the gun down" and "Michelle, don't do this."
The child testified she then heard about six gunshots. The first officer on the scene testified that Michelle initially told him her husband had shot himself. She later told another investigator she had shot Britt but "didn't mean to do it."
The medical examiner who performed the autopsy testified that Britt had been shot three times -- in the chest, leg and arm. At trial, her two former husbands testified to Michelle's acts of violence toward them. One said when he forgot to bring home ice from the store, she hit him and tried to kick him in the shin. He described his former wife as "explosive."
Michelle Hall's lawyers argue the trial court was wrong to allow in evidence discussion of alleged batteries she allegedly committed against her two ex-husbands, according to the court summary. One incident occurred 20 years ago, and neither was similar to what she's been accused of here.
There is no evidence Michelle ever killed anyone or has been in an altercation involving a deadly weapon, her lawyers contend.
"The kind of evidence admitted in this case as purported similar transactions evidence demonstrates the true danger of the similar transactions rule if allowed to be run amok in domestic violence cases," her lawyers write in briefs.
"The evidence suggested that Michelle had a history of hitting and kicking spouses and diverted attention from Britt's history of depression, anxiety, stress and his history of abusing Michelle," her lawyers write.
The trial court also erred, they contend, in allowing the daughter's recorded statement of what she heard the night her stepfather died. The attorneys argue that on cross-examination, they were not challenging the child's truthfulness, which was required in order to allow in her statement. Rather they were questioning the girl's interpretation of what she had heard.
Finally, the lawyers argue the trial court was wrong to refuse their request to the judge that he instruct jurors they could also consider whether Michelle was instead guilty of the less serious crime of involuntary manslaughter.
The trial court properly admitted the "similar transaction evidence" of the incidents involving Michelle's two former husbands, the state argues. The court held a hearing before deciding to allow it in for the purposes of showing bent of mind, motive and course of conduct, according to information given to the court by the Coweta District Attorney's Office.
The trial court also properly allowed the state to introduce the child's prior statement, the DA's office argues. It did so only after Michelle's attorneys brought up inconsistent statements the child had made to her teacher, thereby questioning the child's veracity. Finally, the trial court correctly refused to instruct jurors they could consider involuntary manslaughter because "there was no evidence to support such a charge," the state contends.
The Supreme Court will rule on the case no later than the end of July, but a decision could come sooner, according to the court's public information officer, Jane Hansen.
Escondido, CA: ESCONDIDO: Officer who killed armed man identified
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By MORGAN COOK - mcook@nctimes.com | Posted: Thursday, April 1, 2010 10:26 pm
Police have identified Brandon Byler as the officer who shot and killed a shotgun-wielding Escondido man Tuesday.
Byler, a five-year veteran of Escondido Police Department, shot Randy Wayne Mullins, 25, after police responded to reports of a couple arguing loudly at his home at 349 West 10th Ave., Escondido police Lt. Bob Benton said Thursday.
Police said Mullins was holding a shotgun when he opened the door to two police officers at 3:11 a.m. An officer who responded to the call with Byler grabbed the gun and tried to wrestle it from Mullins. Byler reportedly shot Mullins in the torso because he appeared to be trying to point the gun at him.
Mullins' wife may have witnessed the shooting, police said.
Byler, a patrol officer, was placed on paid administrative leave after the shooting, which is standard protocol, Benton said.
Court records suggest Mullins was on probation for misdemeanor crimes in New Mexico and at least two warrants for his arrest were issued in that state this month.
A person who shares Mullins' name and birthday pleaded guilty in a Las Vegas, N.M., court to charges of misdemeanor "driving while license is suspended or revoked," on Sept. 10, 2009, Las Vegas Magistrate court records show.
He was sentenced to seven days in jail and placed on probation, which was slated to end Aug. 9, 2010. The terms of his probation were unclear Thursday.
Mullins pleaded guilty to aggressive driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol Jan. 22, 2007, and was placed on probation, records show. He violated that probation and was required to wear a monitoring device for more than a month.
Mullins pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct Dec. 8, 2008, in Santa Fe, N.M., according to court records. He was placed on unsupervised probation, and an arrest warrant was issued March 3 after he failed to pay court costs.
He was charged in the same court with "battery against a household member" Aug. 2, 2009, but prosecutors could not prove probable cause and he was released.
Mullins was charged with traffic violations and being under the influence of drugs and alcohol in the Santa Fe court on Oct. 2008, but the charges were dismissed Aug. 6, 2009.
Court records show a domestic violence allegation against Mullins in Vista court in Aug. 2004, but details of the case were not available Thursday.
Contact staff writer Morgan Cook at 760-739-6675.
By MORGAN COOK - mcook@nctimes.com | Posted: Thursday, April 1, 2010 10:26 pm
Police have identified Brandon Byler as the officer who shot and killed a shotgun-wielding Escondido man Tuesday.
Byler, a five-year veteran of Escondido Police Department, shot Randy Wayne Mullins, 25, after police responded to reports of a couple arguing loudly at his home at 349 West 10th Ave., Escondido police Lt. Bob Benton said Thursday.
Police said Mullins was holding a shotgun when he opened the door to two police officers at 3:11 a.m. An officer who responded to the call with Byler grabbed the gun and tried to wrestle it from Mullins. Byler reportedly shot Mullins in the torso because he appeared to be trying to point the gun at him.
Mullins' wife may have witnessed the shooting, police said.
Byler, a patrol officer, was placed on paid administrative leave after the shooting, which is standard protocol, Benton said.
Court records suggest Mullins was on probation for misdemeanor crimes in New Mexico and at least two warrants for his arrest were issued in that state this month.
A person who shares Mullins' name and birthday pleaded guilty in a Las Vegas, N.M., court to charges of misdemeanor "driving while license is suspended or revoked," on Sept. 10, 2009, Las Vegas Magistrate court records show.
He was sentenced to seven days in jail and placed on probation, which was slated to end Aug. 9, 2010. The terms of his probation were unclear Thursday.
Mullins pleaded guilty to aggressive driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol Jan. 22, 2007, and was placed on probation, records show. He violated that probation and was required to wear a monitoring device for more than a month.
Mullins pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct Dec. 8, 2008, in Santa Fe, N.M., according to court records. He was placed on unsupervised probation, and an arrest warrant was issued March 3 after he failed to pay court costs.
He was charged in the same court with "battery against a household member" Aug. 2, 2009, but prosecutors could not prove probable cause and he was released.
Mullins was charged with traffic violations and being under the influence of drugs and alcohol in the Santa Fe court on Oct. 2008, but the charges were dismissed Aug. 6, 2009.
Court records show a domestic violence allegation against Mullins in Vista court in Aug. 2004, but details of the case were not available Thursday.
Contact staff writer Morgan Cook at 760-739-6675.
Annandale, VA: Girlfriend arrested in Annandale man's shooting death
By: Scott McCabe
Examiner Staff Writer
March 31, 2010
Fairfax County police arrested a woman Tuesday in the shooting death of her boyfriend.
Police charged Caralee Cottle, 31, of Manassas, with the murder of 37-year-old Nathan Smiler.
On the night of Feb. 15, police said, Smiler and Cottle were with friends when they got into an argument at Smiler's Annandale home. The two went downstairs to his basement apartment. Witnesses heard a gunshot, and Cottle ran upstairs saying Smiler had been shot. Smiler was found shot in the head with a bolt-action rifle, police said.
- Scott McCabe
Examiner Staff Writer
March 31, 2010
Fairfax County police arrested a woman Tuesday in the shooting death of her boyfriend.
Police charged Caralee Cottle, 31, of Manassas, with the murder of 37-year-old Nathan Smiler.
On the night of Feb. 15, police said, Smiler and Cottle were with friends when they got into an argument at Smiler's Annandale home. The two went downstairs to his basement apartment. Witnesses heard a gunshot, and Cottle ran upstairs saying Smiler had been shot. Smiler was found shot in the head with a bolt-action rifle, police said.
- Scott McCabe
Huntsville, AL: Madison County Sheriff's Department: Shooter, Wife Had History Of Domestic Violence
Sheriff's Department identifies shooter as Thomas Alonza Parker, 43
Claire AielloWeb Content Manager
2:29 PM CDT, April 1, 2010
HUNTSVILLE, AL - Investigators confirm police shot and killed a man after he led them on a chase from northern Madison County all the way to south Huntsville. It happened Thursday morning, and went through rush hour traffic. Three people were shot in all: the man who led authorities on a chase, his estranged wife, and her son.
The Madison County Sheriff's Department says the man was Thomas Alonza Parker, 43. He is dead. The Sheriff's Department did not release the name of the woman or her son. She is 43 years old, and her son is 23. Both are at Huntsville Hospital recovering from gunshot wounds, and are expected to recover.
The situation started this morning in Meridianville, at 109 Fox Run Drive. Chad Brooks, Chief Investigator for the Sheriff's Department, said the woman was dropping off her son at the home, which is a construction site. Parker apparently followed the two there and shot his stepson several times.
Brooks said Parker then forced his wife into his truck and drove away.
Even though the stepson had been shot, he was responsive when help arrived. He also told neighbors who rushed to the home that his stepfather was violent and was likely going to hurt his mother. They called 911 to report the truck, and at about the same time, the woman inside the truck also called 911 from her cell phone, leaving it on during most of the chase. She called out landmarks and street names, which allowed dispatchers to get more deputies and Huntsville police officers involved in the chase.
"It was absolutely essential. What she did was a big asset in saving her life," said Brooks. "We disseminated as much information as we could about the vehicle they were in and who was driving, and the last known direction of travel. Her actions and the cell phone call absolutely put us to the area they were in."
Alabama State Troopers also joined in the chase, following Parker on a high-speed chase through much of the city. It went along Highway 72 to Dug Hill Road, then along Dug Hill, onto Highway 431 into Hampton Cove, and then into south Huntsville.
Many WHNT NEWS 19 viewers also said they saw police cars stream up Bailey Cove Road, as they rushed to put down spike strips at the base of Green Cove Road, at the entrance to the Camelot subdivision.
Owens Cross Roads Police also joined in the chase.
At some points, police turned on their flashing lights during the high-speed chase. However, we're told the man allegedly pointed a gun at the woman's head several times, and the woman asked police to back off.
The chase ended just after 8:00 a.m. on Green Mountain, at South Shawdee Road and Riverview Drive. Police say at that point, Parker shot the woman in her left rear shoulder as she tried to jump out of the truck. He then drove about a mile away, where police caught up with him. Investigators say Parker fired at officers and they fired back, killing him.
Investigator Brooks said an Owens Cross Roads police officer fired the fatal shot. He said the officer is receiving counseling.
Parker and his wife had been separated for two weeks, after being married for two years.
Brooks said the two had a history of domestic problems, but that the Sheriff's Department had never arrested Parker.
Claire AielloWeb Content Manager
2:29 PM CDT, April 1, 2010
HUNTSVILLE, AL - Investigators confirm police shot and killed a man after he led them on a chase from northern Madison County all the way to south Huntsville. It happened Thursday morning, and went through rush hour traffic. Three people were shot in all: the man who led authorities on a chase, his estranged wife, and her son.
The Madison County Sheriff's Department says the man was Thomas Alonza Parker, 43. He is dead. The Sheriff's Department did not release the name of the woman or her son. She is 43 years old, and her son is 23. Both are at Huntsville Hospital recovering from gunshot wounds, and are expected to recover.
The situation started this morning in Meridianville, at 109 Fox Run Drive. Chad Brooks, Chief Investigator for the Sheriff's Department, said the woman was dropping off her son at the home, which is a construction site. Parker apparently followed the two there and shot his stepson several times.
Brooks said Parker then forced his wife into his truck and drove away.
Even though the stepson had been shot, he was responsive when help arrived. He also told neighbors who rushed to the home that his stepfather was violent and was likely going to hurt his mother. They called 911 to report the truck, and at about the same time, the woman inside the truck also called 911 from her cell phone, leaving it on during most of the chase. She called out landmarks and street names, which allowed dispatchers to get more deputies and Huntsville police officers involved in the chase.
"It was absolutely essential. What she did was a big asset in saving her life," said Brooks. "We disseminated as much information as we could about the vehicle they were in and who was driving, and the last known direction of travel. Her actions and the cell phone call absolutely put us to the area they were in."
Alabama State Troopers also joined in the chase, following Parker on a high-speed chase through much of the city. It went along Highway 72 to Dug Hill Road, then along Dug Hill, onto Highway 431 into Hampton Cove, and then into south Huntsville.
Many WHNT NEWS 19 viewers also said they saw police cars stream up Bailey Cove Road, as they rushed to put down spike strips at the base of Green Cove Road, at the entrance to the Camelot subdivision.
Owens Cross Roads Police also joined in the chase.
At some points, police turned on their flashing lights during the high-speed chase. However, we're told the man allegedly pointed a gun at the woman's head several times, and the woman asked police to back off.
The chase ended just after 8:00 a.m. on Green Mountain, at South Shawdee Road and Riverview Drive. Police say at that point, Parker shot the woman in her left rear shoulder as she tried to jump out of the truck. He then drove about a mile away, where police caught up with him. Investigators say Parker fired at officers and they fired back, killing him.
Investigator Brooks said an Owens Cross Roads police officer fired the fatal shot. He said the officer is receiving counseling.
Parker and his wife had been separated for two weeks, after being married for two years.
Brooks said the two had a history of domestic problems, but that the Sheriff's Department had never arrested Parker.
Article: Domestic Violence Murders On The Decline In NC
Written by Josh Ellis/David Horn
(RALEIGH) -- New statistics released by the State Attorney Generals Office show 100 North Carolinians lost their lives last year in domestic violence cases. This compared to 131 murders during 2008.
Law enforcement agencies must report domestic violence related homicides to the State Bureau of Investigation annually. It is only the second year the state has tracked that information.
Attorney General Roy Cooper spokeswoman Noelle Talley said it is difficult to draw too many conclusions from the limited amount of data, but there are some signs that local efforts are having a positive impact. "We've seen, for example, in High Point, that they've had some success with the local police there identifying which domestic violence offenders they think are most likely to be prone to further violence and really focus on the most violent offenders," said Talley.
Talley said Cooper wants to expand a pilot program that allows people who take out domestic violence protective orders to get an alert within minutes of the order being served.
(RALEIGH) -- New statistics released by the State Attorney Generals Office show 100 North Carolinians lost their lives last year in domestic violence cases. This compared to 131 murders during 2008.
Law enforcement agencies must report domestic violence related homicides to the State Bureau of Investigation annually. It is only the second year the state has tracked that information.
Attorney General Roy Cooper spokeswoman Noelle Talley said it is difficult to draw too many conclusions from the limited amount of data, but there are some signs that local efforts are having a positive impact. "We've seen, for example, in High Point, that they've had some success with the local police there identifying which domestic violence offenders they think are most likely to be prone to further violence and really focus on the most violent offenders," said Talley.
Talley said Cooper wants to expand a pilot program that allows people who take out domestic violence protective orders to get an alert within minutes of the order being served.
Article: Wood county sees more deaths from domestic violence
In a report released by Wood County Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team, 12 out of 27 homicides are a direct result of domestic violence
By Nicole Krohn
Published: April 02, 2010
According to a report released on March 18 by the Wood County Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team, nearly half of the homicides in Wood County between June 1991 to June 2007 were the result of domestic violence.
The FRT was formed in November 2005 and is made up of representatives from various Wood County agencies. They started meeting monthly in January 2006 to review cases of victims murdered by their intimate partners.
Domestic violence occurs when one person purposely causes physical and/or mental harm to a family or household member. This can include family, child, sibling, or elder abuse. Intimate partner violence occurs between two people who are or have been in a close relationship, such as spouses and dating partners.
Out of 27 homicides found in the report, 12, or 44 percent, were domestic violence homicides compared to 9 percent nationally. Nine of the 12 domestic violence homicides, or 75 percent, were intimate partner homicides, according to the report.
The goal was to find gaps in the system and look for high risk factors in domestic violence situations.
"We reviewed each case in depth to try and find the patterns," said Kathy Mull, coordinator for the FRT and Victims Services program coordinator. "Then we tried to take a step back and find where we could close the gaps to help victims stay safe and widen the safety nets for them."
The FRT found several common characteristics in the cases.
All of the victims were women between 24 and 48 years old and had left or were in the process of leaving their abuser.
"The most dangerous time for women is when they try to break up or leave," said Mary Krueger, director of the Women's Center. "It's not to say we don't want them to get away or leave, but it is dangerous."
All of the perpetrators were men between 30 and 47 years old. They all showed signs of substance abuse, possessiveness or jealousy and controlling behavior.
Seven of the eight perpetrators had a previous history of violence with the victim, six showed stalking behavior and six had a previous history of violence based on criminal history or witness reports. Four perpetrators had at least one domestic violence charge. (There were nine victims but only eight perpetrators because one killed his wife and girlfriend.)
Mull said the FRT is now trying to find specific ways to implement changes in the areas in which gaps have been identified.
"We can always do better, which is why the team was formed," Mull said. "We need to continue raising awareness about domestic violence and work together as a community."
Undergraduate Studies Coordinator and Women's Studies Instructor Sarah Rainey said one of the most important things we can do is hold domestic violence perpetrators more accountable.
"We need to make sure the sentences are equal to other crimes and sentences for murder because when they're not, it sends a message to the community that violence against women is OK," she said.
?Rainey also said one of the reasons domestic violence continues is because women are still not equal to men in many ways.
"We should focus on equalizing power between men and women in the first place, because only then will domestic violence end," Rainey said.
Krueger said changes in legislature will not fix the problem.
"What we need most is to change the way we think about domestic violence," she said. "Why do we blame the victims? Why aren't we holding the perpetrator, and only the perpetrator, accountable? Law won't change this way of thought."
Krueger also said people tend to blame the victims for not leaving because it makes them feel more in control of their own lives.
"If you look at a battered woman and say, 'I'm no different than you,' then you're saying that could happen to you too," she said. "We need to realize she didn't get killed because she failed to leave him, she got killed because he decided to kill her."
The only way to stop domestic violence, Krueger said, is to take action. ??
"I would like to see non-abusive men get more pissed off about what their abusive brothers are doing," she said. "Everyone, male or female, can challenge victim blaming attitudes. We have to challenge that thinking, not just look the other way. Changing people's minds and hearts is always how justice happens."
For people who are in domestic violence situations, there are several programs available in Bowling Green to help.
The Cocoon Shelter provides safe emergency housing to domestic violence victims. The Center for Access to Safety and Justice provides one location where victims can go to get help. Victims Services of Behavioral Connections also provides 24 hour advocacy services.
"There are services out there to help, but many people just don't know what those services are," Mull said.
By Nicole Krohn
Published: April 02, 2010
According to a report released on March 18 by the Wood County Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team, nearly half of the homicides in Wood County between June 1991 to June 2007 were the result of domestic violence.
The FRT was formed in November 2005 and is made up of representatives from various Wood County agencies. They started meeting monthly in January 2006 to review cases of victims murdered by their intimate partners.
Domestic violence occurs when one person purposely causes physical and/or mental harm to a family or household member. This can include family, child, sibling, or elder abuse. Intimate partner violence occurs between two people who are or have been in a close relationship, such as spouses and dating partners.
Out of 27 homicides found in the report, 12, or 44 percent, were domestic violence homicides compared to 9 percent nationally. Nine of the 12 domestic violence homicides, or 75 percent, were intimate partner homicides, according to the report.
The goal was to find gaps in the system and look for high risk factors in domestic violence situations.
"We reviewed each case in depth to try and find the patterns," said Kathy Mull, coordinator for the FRT and Victims Services program coordinator. "Then we tried to take a step back and find where we could close the gaps to help victims stay safe and widen the safety nets for them."
The FRT found several common characteristics in the cases.
All of the victims were women between 24 and 48 years old and had left or were in the process of leaving their abuser.
"The most dangerous time for women is when they try to break up or leave," said Mary Krueger, director of the Women's Center. "It's not to say we don't want them to get away or leave, but it is dangerous."
All of the perpetrators were men between 30 and 47 years old. They all showed signs of substance abuse, possessiveness or jealousy and controlling behavior.
Seven of the eight perpetrators had a previous history of violence with the victim, six showed stalking behavior and six had a previous history of violence based on criminal history or witness reports. Four perpetrators had at least one domestic violence charge. (There were nine victims but only eight perpetrators because one killed his wife and girlfriend.)
Mull said the FRT is now trying to find specific ways to implement changes in the areas in which gaps have been identified.
"We can always do better, which is why the team was formed," Mull said. "We need to continue raising awareness about domestic violence and work together as a community."
Undergraduate Studies Coordinator and Women's Studies Instructor Sarah Rainey said one of the most important things we can do is hold domestic violence perpetrators more accountable.
"We need to make sure the sentences are equal to other crimes and sentences for murder because when they're not, it sends a message to the community that violence against women is OK," she said.
?Rainey also said one of the reasons domestic violence continues is because women are still not equal to men in many ways.
"We should focus on equalizing power between men and women in the first place, because only then will domestic violence end," Rainey said.
Krueger said changes in legislature will not fix the problem.
"What we need most is to change the way we think about domestic violence," she said. "Why do we blame the victims? Why aren't we holding the perpetrator, and only the perpetrator, accountable? Law won't change this way of thought."
Krueger also said people tend to blame the victims for not leaving because it makes them feel more in control of their own lives.
"If you look at a battered woman and say, 'I'm no different than you,' then you're saying that could happen to you too," she said. "We need to realize she didn't get killed because she failed to leave him, she got killed because he decided to kill her."
The only way to stop domestic violence, Krueger said, is to take action. ??
"I would like to see non-abusive men get more pissed off about what their abusive brothers are doing," she said. "Everyone, male or female, can challenge victim blaming attitudes. We have to challenge that thinking, not just look the other way. Changing people's minds and hearts is always how justice happens."
For people who are in domestic violence situations, there are several programs available in Bowling Green to help.
The Cocoon Shelter provides safe emergency housing to domestic violence victims. The Center for Access to Safety and Justice provides one location where victims can go to get help. Victims Services of Behavioral Connections also provides 24 hour advocacy services.
"There are services out there to help, but many people just don't know what those services are," Mull said.
Lakeland, FL: Death Investigation Continues After Lakeland Police Shooting
Death Investigation Continues After Lakeland Police Shooting
Two officers were placed on administrative leave with pay.
By Shoshana Walter
THE LEDGER
Published: Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 11:55 p.m.
LAKELAND | Lakeland detectives say Albert Demetrius Davis armed himself with two knives Wednesday before he was shot to death by police.
Veteran Lakeland police officer Phil Smith shot and killed the 27-year-old at his home at 1434 E. Gary Road when he brandished a knife during a police search of the house. Officers arrived at the home about 8:15 a.m. after Davis' girlfriend, Heather Smith, told them she had been attacked.
Davis stabbed Smith, according to police, but at the time she told investigators she did not know her attacker. She gave them permission to search the home, and when they opened a closet door they found Davis armed with a knife, police said.
Sgt. Terri Smith described it Thursday as a steak knife with a heavy wooden handle and a blade between five and six inches long.
Davis dropped the knife, but made a "sudden move," according to police, and picked up the knife Officer Smith had told him to drop. That's when he was shot, police said.
Police said he used a different knife to cut Heather Smith. Detectives have the blade of that knife.
Heather Smith was treated at Lakeland Regional Medical Center and released Wednesday night. No one answered the door of her home late Thursday afternoon.
Police said the investigation continues and would not say whether they may pursue charges against Heather Smith because she didn't tell an officer at the hospital that Davis was her attacker.
The two officers who went to the home are on administrative leave with pay pending the completion of an internal investigation.
Police say the officers did what they were trained to do.
"The officers were attacked in close proximity in a small, cluttered room by a man armed with a knife. They had reason to believe that this man had already stabbed another person," Sgt. Smith said. "A knife is a deadly weapon. They had their guns drawn and did not have time to transition to the taser even if they had wanted to."
[ Shoshana Walter can be reached at shoshana.walter@theledger.com or 863-802-7590. ]
Two officers were placed on administrative leave with pay.
By Shoshana Walter
THE LEDGER
Published: Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 11:55 p.m.
LAKELAND | Lakeland detectives say Albert Demetrius Davis armed himself with two knives Wednesday before he was shot to death by police.
Veteran Lakeland police officer Phil Smith shot and killed the 27-year-old at his home at 1434 E. Gary Road when he brandished a knife during a police search of the house. Officers arrived at the home about 8:15 a.m. after Davis' girlfriend, Heather Smith, told them she had been attacked.
Davis stabbed Smith, according to police, but at the time she told investigators she did not know her attacker. She gave them permission to search the home, and when they opened a closet door they found Davis armed with a knife, police said.
Sgt. Terri Smith described it Thursday as a steak knife with a heavy wooden handle and a blade between five and six inches long.
Davis dropped the knife, but made a "sudden move," according to police, and picked up the knife Officer Smith had told him to drop. That's when he was shot, police said.
Police said he used a different knife to cut Heather Smith. Detectives have the blade of that knife.
Heather Smith was treated at Lakeland Regional Medical Center and released Wednesday night. No one answered the door of her home late Thursday afternoon.
Police said the investigation continues and would not say whether they may pursue charges against Heather Smith because she didn't tell an officer at the hospital that Davis was her attacker.
The two officers who went to the home are on administrative leave with pay pending the completion of an internal investigation.
Police say the officers did what they were trained to do.
"The officers were attacked in close proximity in a small, cluttered room by a man armed with a knife. They had reason to believe that this man had already stabbed another person," Sgt. Smith said. "A knife is a deadly weapon. They had their guns drawn and did not have time to transition to the taser even if they had wanted to."
[ Shoshana Walter can be reached at shoshana.walter@theledger.com or 863-802-7590. ]
Glen Ivy, CA: Glen Ivy possible murder-suicide couple identified
Tuesday, March 30th, 2010.
GLEN IVY - A 67-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman who died in what may have been a murder-suicide at an RV park in the unincorporated area of Glen Ivy were identified today.
Terence Townsend and Melissa Mithers were pronounced dead in a recreational vehicle just after 4:30 a.m. Monday at the Glen Ivy Recreational Vehicle Park in the 24600 block of Glen Ivy Road, said Deputy Herlinda Valenzuela of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
Arriving deputies spoke to park security officers, who said they got reports of shots being fired from inside one of the RVs, sheriff's Sgt. Scott Brown said.
Deputies found the man and woman suffering from gunshot wounds, according to Brown.
Townsend and Mithers both lived at the RV park in separate trailers, Valenzuela said.
Investigators were trying to determine whether Advertisement
All Write Document Preparation, Inc. the shooting was a murder-suicide, according to Brown.
GLEN IVY - Investigators were trying to determine today if the fatal shooting of a 49-year-old woman and a 57-year-old man in a recreational vehicle in Glen Ivy was a murder-suicide, a sheriff's sergeant said.
The shooting was reported at 4:30 a.m. Monday at the Glen Ivy Recreational Vehicle Park in the 24600 block of Glen Ivy Road, said Sgt. Scott Brown of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
Arriving deputies spoke to park security officers, who said they got reports of shots being fired from inside one of the RVs, where they found a dead couple, Brown said.
Deputies found the man and woman, who are both from Corona, suffering from gunshot wounds, according to Brown.
Their names were being withheld, sheriff's Deputy Melissa Nieburger said.
GLEN IVY - A 67-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman who died in what may have been a murder-suicide at an RV park in the unincorporated area of Glen Ivy were identified today.
Terence Townsend and Melissa Mithers were pronounced dead in a recreational vehicle just after 4:30 a.m. Monday at the Glen Ivy Recreational Vehicle Park in the 24600 block of Glen Ivy Road, said Deputy Herlinda Valenzuela of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
Arriving deputies spoke to park security officers, who said they got reports of shots being fired from inside one of the RVs, sheriff's Sgt. Scott Brown said.
Deputies found the man and woman suffering from gunshot wounds, according to Brown.
Townsend and Mithers both lived at the RV park in separate trailers, Valenzuela said.
Investigators were trying to determine whether Advertisement
All Write Document Preparation, Inc. the shooting was a murder-suicide, according to Brown.
GLEN IVY - Investigators were trying to determine today if the fatal shooting of a 49-year-old woman and a 57-year-old man in a recreational vehicle in Glen Ivy was a murder-suicide, a sheriff's sergeant said.
The shooting was reported at 4:30 a.m. Monday at the Glen Ivy Recreational Vehicle Park in the 24600 block of Glen Ivy Road, said Sgt. Scott Brown of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
Arriving deputies spoke to park security officers, who said they got reports of shots being fired from inside one of the RVs, where they found a dead couple, Brown said.
Deputies found the man and woman, who are both from Corona, suffering from gunshot wounds, according to Brown.
Their names were being withheld, sheriff's Deputy Melissa Nieburger said.
Charlotte, NC: Friends remember teen killed in murder-suicide
Posted: Mar 31, 2010 2:32 PM EDT
Updated: Mar 31, 2010 6:42 PM EDT
Students at Na'Jhae Parker's school have created a make-shift memorial around her locker.
By Sarah Batista - bio l email
CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Friends and family are remembering a 13-year-old girl who was slain by her stepfather in a murder-suicide.
Na'Jhae Parker was an 8th grader at McClintock Middle School in Charlotte.
On Wednesday, students posted signs and posters on her school locker.
"She just made tons of friends and was extremely well-liked," said Pam Espinosa, principal of McClintock Middle School.
Police said Parker and her 1-year-old sister Nakyiah Chapman were murdered two weeks ago by Parker's stepfather, Kenneth Chapman.
Their bodies were left to decay in an apartment on Providence Square Drive in South Charlotte until they were discovered Monday evening.
The children's mother, 34-year-old Nateesha Chapman, was also murdered.
Espinosa said Parker never gave any indication there might be problems at home.
She said Parker's parents were so involved with the school, that the staff trusted Kenneth Chapman's word when a counselor called him twice about Parker's absence.
"He indicated that she had been having health issues and that she may be out for a little while," said Espinosa.
When police confronted Chapman late Monday night, police said he turned the gun on himself taking his own life.
CMS Superintendent Dr. Peter Gorman told WBTV he feels confident about how the school handled Parker's absence.
The district's policy is to conduct home visits if a parent can not be contacted about a child's absence.
Updated: Mar 31, 2010 6:42 PM EDT
Students at Na'Jhae Parker's school have created a make-shift memorial around her locker.
By Sarah Batista - bio l email
CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Friends and family are remembering a 13-year-old girl who was slain by her stepfather in a murder-suicide.
Na'Jhae Parker was an 8th grader at McClintock Middle School in Charlotte.
On Wednesday, students posted signs and posters on her school locker.
"She just made tons of friends and was extremely well-liked," said Pam Espinosa, principal of McClintock Middle School.
Police said Parker and her 1-year-old sister Nakyiah Chapman were murdered two weeks ago by Parker's stepfather, Kenneth Chapman.
Their bodies were left to decay in an apartment on Providence Square Drive in South Charlotte until they were discovered Monday evening.
The children's mother, 34-year-old Nateesha Chapman, was also murdered.
Espinosa said Parker never gave any indication there might be problems at home.
She said Parker's parents were so involved with the school, that the staff trusted Kenneth Chapman's word when a counselor called him twice about Parker's absence.
"He indicated that she had been having health issues and that she may be out for a little while," said Espinosa.
When police confronted Chapman late Monday night, police said he turned the gun on himself taking his own life.
CMS Superintendent Dr. Peter Gorman told WBTV he feels confident about how the school handled Parker's absence.
The district's policy is to conduct home visits if a parent can not be contacted about a child's absence.
Bethlehem Township, PA: Ramon Gomez in court to face charge he strangled, slashed wife
By Sarah Cassi
April 01, 2010, 12:19PM
The Bethlehem Township, Pa., man accused of strangling his wife and slashing her throat claims he doesn’t remember what happened the day of the murder.
Ramon Gomez, 69, was in Northampton County Court today to finally be arraigned on a single murder charge.
Gomez, of the 1400 block of Seventh Street, is accused of killing his 43-year-old wife on June 7, 2008, in their home.
Gomez was previously in Norristown State Hospital, receiving treatment for a psychiatric illness that rendered him incompetent to stand trial.
He was brought back to Northampton County prison after his psychiatrist reported Gomez has symptoms of the unidentified illness, but should be able to understand and participate in his defense.
In court this morning, Gomez, wearing glasses, a red prison jumpsuit and with a full head of bushy white hair and a white beard, was mostly quiet.
When Judge Edward G. Smith asked if Gomez understands the charge he faces, Gomez was silent and only responded to an interpreter when prompted by his attorney.
“I don’t remember … I was talking to her a lot,” Gomez mumbled in Spanish to the interpreter, his head slightly bowed.
After some clarification, Gomez said he understands the charge.
For the rest of the hearing Gomez would mumble to the interpreter until defense attorney Glenn Matthew Goodge quieted him.
The case was scheduled to go to trial April 12, but both attorneys agreed the date is too soon. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for April 16.
April 01, 2010, 12:19PM
The Bethlehem Township, Pa., man accused of strangling his wife and slashing her throat claims he doesn’t remember what happened the day of the murder.
Ramon Gomez, 69, was in Northampton County Court today to finally be arraigned on a single murder charge.
Gomez, of the 1400 block of Seventh Street, is accused of killing his 43-year-old wife on June 7, 2008, in their home.
Gomez was previously in Norristown State Hospital, receiving treatment for a psychiatric illness that rendered him incompetent to stand trial.
He was brought back to Northampton County prison after his psychiatrist reported Gomez has symptoms of the unidentified illness, but should be able to understand and participate in his defense.
In court this morning, Gomez, wearing glasses, a red prison jumpsuit and with a full head of bushy white hair and a white beard, was mostly quiet.
When Judge Edward G. Smith asked if Gomez understands the charge he faces, Gomez was silent and only responded to an interpreter when prompted by his attorney.
“I don’t remember … I was talking to her a lot,” Gomez mumbled in Spanish to the interpreter, his head slightly bowed.
After some clarification, Gomez said he understands the charge.
For the rest of the hearing Gomez would mumble to the interpreter until defense attorney Glenn Matthew Goodge quieted him.
The case was scheduled to go to trial April 12, but both attorneys agreed the date is too soon. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for April 16.
West Hollywood, CA: Man, 84, Kills Wife, 73, And Himself In WeHo
WEST HOLLYWOOD (CBS) ―
Officials say an 84-year-old man shot and killed his 73-year-old wife before turning the gun on himself.
The couple lived in an upscale condo in the 800 block of North Kings Road, according to Deputy Guillermina Saldana of the Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau.
No motive was given for the murder. Detectives say the investigation is on-going.
The shootings were reported just after 7:45 Wednesday. Deputies were responding to a call of "a person screaming," when they found the woman suffering from a gun shot wound.
While checking the apartment, they came upon the male, who, apparently had a self-inflicted wound.
Both the man and the woman were taken to a hospital. She was declared dead almost on arrival. The man was in grave condition. He died Thursday.
The names of the couple were being withheld until notification of next of kin.
Officials say an 84-year-old man shot and killed his 73-year-old wife before turning the gun on himself.
The couple lived in an upscale condo in the 800 block of North Kings Road, according to Deputy Guillermina Saldana of the Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau.
No motive was given for the murder. Detectives say the investigation is on-going.
The shootings were reported just after 7:45 Wednesday. Deputies were responding to a call of "a person screaming," when they found the woman suffering from a gun shot wound.
While checking the apartment, they came upon the male, who, apparently had a self-inflicted wound.
Both the man and the woman were taken to a hospital. She was declared dead almost on arrival. The man was in grave condition. He died Thursday.
The names of the couple were being withheld until notification of next of kin.
Colunbus, OH: Man police killed had been shooting, they say
Sound of gunfire led officers onto 3rd-floor landing
Friday, April 2, 2010 2:50 AM
BY THEODORE DECKER
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Police say that Nyl R. Oday, 27, was firing a handgun when police arrived and fatally shot him.
A man fatally shot by Columbus police on the North Side late Wednesday night had fired a gun during a dispute with his girlfriend just before theyce arrived, police said.
Nyl R. Oday, 27, died in Ohio State University Medical Center at 12:30 a.m. yesterday, about 45 minutes after an officer shot him during a confrontation at the Abbey Lane apartments.
Sgt. Rich Weiner, a Police Division spokesman, gave the following account:
Officers were dispatched at 11:43 p.m. to 4319 Goldengate Square East on a report of gunshots in the complex.
t
While headed there, officers were told that a man was outside, firing a gun and arguing with a girlfriend.
Officers arrived and heard more gunfire. They went to an upstairs landing at 4336 Goldengate Square West and encountered Oday, who had a gun.
He was shot more than once by one of the officers, Weiner said.
No one else was injured. The officer who fired is a 10-year veteran. The Police Division would not release his name yesterday.
"There were witness officers and independent witnesses to the shooting," Weiner said.
Sgt. Jim Gilbert, president of Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge No. 9, said the officers had heard gunfire and realized that Oday was on a third-floor landing.
They had to climb the dark stairwell to confront him, Gilbert said, a dangerous proposition in tight quarters while approaching from below, which is why only one officer was in a position to fire when they realized Oday was armed.
"The threat became apparent just when they were getting to the top of the steps," Gilbert said. "The suspect had what we call the high ground."
The shooting is the sixth by Columbus officers this year, and the second fatal shooting. Two Columbus officers have been shot and wounded by suspects this year.
A Franklin Township officer and Whitehall officers also have fatally shot suspects this year.
Oday's family, gathered at his Northeast Side home yesterday, declined to comment.
Records show that Oday was charged in 2001 with resisting arrest and assault. He pleaded no contest to attempted assault, and the resisting charge was dismissed as part of the deal.
He was charged with carrying a concealed weapon in 2007, later pleading guilty to a lesser charge of attempting to do so. Probation for that offense ended in August.
tdecker@dispatch.com
Friday, April 2, 2010 2:50 AM
BY THEODORE DECKER
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Police say that Nyl R. Oday, 27, was firing a handgun when police arrived and fatally shot him.
A man fatally shot by Columbus police on the North Side late Wednesday night had fired a gun during a dispute with his girlfriend just before theyce arrived, police said.
Nyl R. Oday, 27, died in Ohio State University Medical Center at 12:30 a.m. yesterday, about 45 minutes after an officer shot him during a confrontation at the Abbey Lane apartments.
Sgt. Rich Weiner, a Police Division spokesman, gave the following account:
Officers were dispatched at 11:43 p.m. to 4319 Goldengate Square East on a report of gunshots in the complex.
t
While headed there, officers were told that a man was outside, firing a gun and arguing with a girlfriend.
Officers arrived and heard more gunfire. They went to an upstairs landing at 4336 Goldengate Square West and encountered Oday, who had a gun.
He was shot more than once by one of the officers, Weiner said.
No one else was injured. The officer who fired is a 10-year veteran. The Police Division would not release his name yesterday.
"There were witness officers and independent witnesses to the shooting," Weiner said.
Sgt. Jim Gilbert, president of Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge No. 9, said the officers had heard gunfire and realized that Oday was on a third-floor landing.
They had to climb the dark stairwell to confront him, Gilbert said, a dangerous proposition in tight quarters while approaching from below, which is why only one officer was in a position to fire when they realized Oday was armed.
"The threat became apparent just when they were getting to the top of the steps," Gilbert said. "The suspect had what we call the high ground."
The shooting is the sixth by Columbus officers this year, and the second fatal shooting. Two Columbus officers have been shot and wounded by suspects this year.
A Franklin Township officer and Whitehall officers also have fatally shot suspects this year.
Oday's family, gathered at his Northeast Side home yesterday, declined to comment.
Records show that Oday was charged in 2001 with resisting arrest and assault. He pleaded no contest to attempted assault, and the resisting charge was dismissed as part of the deal.
He was charged with carrying a concealed weapon in 2007, later pleading guilty to a lesser charge of attempting to do so. Probation for that offense ended in August.
tdecker@dispatch.com
Aransas Pass, TX: Woman Killed, Four Injured in Shooting Rampage
April 1, 2010
ARANSAS PASS - -
It's one of the most violent acts in Aransas Pass history. One woman is dead and four others injured after her police say her boyfriend went on a shooting rampage last night at the Fin and Feather RV Park and Marina, in Aransas Pass. They say the suspect, 33-year-old Jose Guillen was at a party with his girlfriend, 35-year-old Lanae Wesner of Kerrville. Guillen got into a physical fight with another man at the BBQ and then left. He came back with gun blazing. According to the authorities he first shot and killed his girlfriend. He also shot one man in the face and another in the hip. One woman was also shot in the hip, another in the stomach. Three of the victims lived at the RV park including the woman shot in the stomach who is listed in critical condition. Police say after the shooting, Gullien drove Port Aransas and dumped his car at the home he shared with his girlfriend. Then somehow he ended back up in Aransas Pass. He took a cab to the airport and flew from Corpus Christi to Houston Hobby. The suspect is in police custody tonight after he tried to board a South West plane in Houston to San Diego, his hometown.
ARANSAS PASS - -
It's one of the most violent acts in Aransas Pass history. One woman is dead and four others injured after her police say her boyfriend went on a shooting rampage last night at the Fin and Feather RV Park and Marina, in Aransas Pass. They say the suspect, 33-year-old Jose Guillen was at a party with his girlfriend, 35-year-old Lanae Wesner of Kerrville. Guillen got into a physical fight with another man at the BBQ and then left. He came back with gun blazing. According to the authorities he first shot and killed his girlfriend. He also shot one man in the face and another in the hip. One woman was also shot in the hip, another in the stomach. Three of the victims lived at the RV park including the woman shot in the stomach who is listed in critical condition. Police say after the shooting, Gullien drove Port Aransas and dumped his car at the home he shared with his girlfriend. Then somehow he ended back up in Aransas Pass. He took a cab to the airport and flew from Corpus Christi to Houston Hobby. The suspect is in police custody tonight after he tried to board a South West plane in Houston to San Diego, his hometown.
Middletown, CT: Police: Man Kills Girlfriend's Dog
The Hartford Courant
April 2, 2010
MIDDLETOWN
A 23-year-old man faces a charge of cruelty to animals after being accused of killing his girlfriend's Chihuahua, police said.
Victor Serrano's girlfriend called police Thursday morning and when officers arrived they found the dead dog. Officers determined that Serrano struck the dog, police said. Serrano, of 1222 Town Colony Drive, was held, with bail set at $25,000, and is due in court Monday. If he posts bail, he's due in court April 15, police said.
—David Owens
April 2, 2010
MIDDLETOWN
A 23-year-old man faces a charge of cruelty to animals after being accused of killing his girlfriend's Chihuahua, police said.
Victor Serrano's girlfriend called police Thursday morning and when officers arrived they found the dead dog. Officers determined that Serrano struck the dog, police said. Serrano, of 1222 Town Colony Drive, was held, with bail set at $25,000, and is due in court Monday. If he posts bail, he's due in court April 15, police said.
—David Owens
Simpsonville, SC: 'Nice couple' die in murder-suicide in gated complex in Simpsonville
By Nathaniel Cary
Staff Writer
Two stabbing deaths that authorities say were a murder-suicide at a gated Simpsonville apartment complex shocked neighbors who often saw the couple outside their apartment.
Simpsonville police responded to a 911 call from an apartment at 15206 Hollyhock Drive inside the Garden District Apartments at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday after a man said his girlfriend had been stabbed and “was not moving,” authorities said.
They found 23-year-old Rachel Sara Fielding, who lived at the address, dead in a bedroom, said Greenville County Deputy Coroner Kent Dill. She died from at least six stab wounds to the chest, Simpsonville Police Lt. Ralph Bobo said.
Christopher J. Villafane, 39, who shared the apartment with Fielding, also had been stabbed multiple times by a kitchen knife, Bobo said. The two had been engaged, Bobo said.
Villafane was flown by helicopter to Greenville Memorial Hospital where he died at 9:26 p.m., Dill said.
James Anderson used to see the couple when he walked his dog around the apartment complex. He said he would wave to them and they had a dog that they would walk outside as well.
“No one expects something like that to happen here because everybody gets along with everybody,” Anderson said.
“I’ve seen these people before and they seem like nice people. They seemed like they got along, and I’d always see them outside and they were never fighting or arguing. For that to happen all of a sudden was a shock to everybody.”
Police said a dispute may have triggered the stabbings. Fielding died between mid-morning and noon Wednesday, Dill said. Villafane stabbed himself later in the afternoon and made the call to 911, Bobo said.
Police forced entry into the apartment and found Villafane in the bathroom with multiple self-inflicted stab wounds, Bobo said.
The couple had lived in the Orlando, Fla., area and moved to Simpsonville in June to be near Fielding’s mother, Bobo said. Fielding worked at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Dill said. Villafane also worked in the restaurant industry, Bobo said.
Resident Andre Hernandez called it an unfortunate incident and hoped it was a one-time occurrence at the quiet apartment complex.
“It could happen anywhere,” he said. “I still feel safe here because we’ve never had any issues before.”
Staff Writer
Two stabbing deaths that authorities say were a murder-suicide at a gated Simpsonville apartment complex shocked neighbors who often saw the couple outside their apartment.
Simpsonville police responded to a 911 call from an apartment at 15206 Hollyhock Drive inside the Garden District Apartments at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday after a man said his girlfriend had been stabbed and “was not moving,” authorities said.
They found 23-year-old Rachel Sara Fielding, who lived at the address, dead in a bedroom, said Greenville County Deputy Coroner Kent Dill. She died from at least six stab wounds to the chest, Simpsonville Police Lt. Ralph Bobo said.
Christopher J. Villafane, 39, who shared the apartment with Fielding, also had been stabbed multiple times by a kitchen knife, Bobo said. The two had been engaged, Bobo said.
Villafane was flown by helicopter to Greenville Memorial Hospital where he died at 9:26 p.m., Dill said.
James Anderson used to see the couple when he walked his dog around the apartment complex. He said he would wave to them and they had a dog that they would walk outside as well.
“No one expects something like that to happen here because everybody gets along with everybody,” Anderson said.
“I’ve seen these people before and they seem like nice people. They seemed like they got along, and I’d always see them outside and they were never fighting or arguing. For that to happen all of a sudden was a shock to everybody.”
Police said a dispute may have triggered the stabbings. Fielding died between mid-morning and noon Wednesday, Dill said. Villafane stabbed himself later in the afternoon and made the call to 911, Bobo said.
Police forced entry into the apartment and found Villafane in the bathroom with multiple self-inflicted stab wounds, Bobo said.
The couple had lived in the Orlando, Fla., area and moved to Simpsonville in June to be near Fielding’s mother, Bobo said. Fielding worked at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Dill said. Villafane also worked in the restaurant industry, Bobo said.
Resident Andre Hernandez called it an unfortunate incident and hoped it was a one-time occurrence at the quiet apartment complex.
“It could happen anywhere,” he said. “I still feel safe here because we’ve never had any issues before.”
Lawson, MO: Couple dead in apparent murder, suicide
The Daily News,
04-01-2010
An investigation continues into an apparent murder-suicide Wednesday night in Lawson.
Police were called around 10 p.m. Wednesday concerning shots fired in the 500 block of Country Drive. When they arrived, they found Dale Banning, 46, in the street suffering from gunshot wounds in front of a home.
Inside, police found Banning’s daughter, Michelle Canton 21, and husband Alex C. Canton, 23, dead from apparent gunshot wounds. A toddler, age 2 or 3, was found unharmed, according to Lawson police.
Banning was air-lifted to Truman Medical where he is listed in stable condition, according to Lawson police.
Lawson police, Ray County Sheriff’s Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol are continuing the investigation.
04-01-2010
An investigation continues into an apparent murder-suicide Wednesday night in Lawson.
Police were called around 10 p.m. Wednesday concerning shots fired in the 500 block of Country Drive. When they arrived, they found Dale Banning, 46, in the street suffering from gunshot wounds in front of a home.
Inside, police found Banning’s daughter, Michelle Canton 21, and husband Alex C. Canton, 23, dead from apparent gunshot wounds. A toddler, age 2 or 3, was found unharmed, according to Lawson police.
Banning was air-lifted to Truman Medical where he is listed in stable condition, according to Lawson police.
Lawson police, Ray County Sheriff’s Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol are continuing the investigation.
Hico, WV: Fayette man kills estranged wife, self, police say
By Rusty Marks
Staff writer
Advertiser
HICO, W.Va. -- A Fayette County man apparently killed himself Thursday after fatally shooting his estranged spouse.
According to a press release issued by Fayette County Sheriff Steve Kessler, deputies found 34-year-old Rebecca Sue Crawford of Victor in a pickup truck in a parking lot off of U.S. 60 in Hico with a gunshot wound to the side of her head at about 3:30 p.m. Gary Dennis Cole, 48, of Hico, was suspected of the shooting, and was seen fleeing the scene in a green Ford Ranger pickup truck.
Crawford was taken to CAMC General Hospital by HealthNet helicopter but was pronounced dead on arrival, Kessler said.
Fayette County authorities issued an alert for Cole, who was spotted by Nicholas County sheriff's deputies near Mount Lookout. After a brief chase, Kessler said Cole killed himself with a single gunshot wound to the chest as deputies tried to arrest him.
Kessler said Cole was subject to a domestic violence petition and had reportedly been stalking Crawford. Both bodies were sent to the state medical examiner's office.
Reach Rusty Marks at rustyma...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-1215.
Staff writer
Advertiser
HICO, W.Va. -- A Fayette County man apparently killed himself Thursday after fatally shooting his estranged spouse.
According to a press release issued by Fayette County Sheriff Steve Kessler, deputies found 34-year-old Rebecca Sue Crawford of Victor in a pickup truck in a parking lot off of U.S. 60 in Hico with a gunshot wound to the side of her head at about 3:30 p.m. Gary Dennis Cole, 48, of Hico, was suspected of the shooting, and was seen fleeing the scene in a green Ford Ranger pickup truck.
Crawford was taken to CAMC General Hospital by HealthNet helicopter but was pronounced dead on arrival, Kessler said.
Fayette County authorities issued an alert for Cole, who was spotted by Nicholas County sheriff's deputies near Mount Lookout. After a brief chase, Kessler said Cole killed himself with a single gunshot wound to the chest as deputies tried to arrest him.
Kessler said Cole was subject to a domestic violence petition and had reportedly been stalking Crawford. Both bodies were sent to the state medical examiner's office.
Reach Rusty Marks at rustyma...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-1215.
Chicago, IL: Man charged with strangling his mother's puppy
April 1, 2010
SUN-TIMES MEDIA WIRE
A man is accused of beating and strangling his mother’s puppy Wednesday afternoon at their Southwest Side Chicago Lawn neighborhood home following an argument, police said.
Tiewian Johnson, 37, of the 6300 block of South California Avenue, is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and simple assault after the incident Wednesday left a 3-month-old Shih Tzu puppy dead, according to a police release.
Tiewian Johnson is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and simple assault after an incident Wednesday left a 3-month-old Shih Tzu puppy dead.
He was scheduled to appear in bond court Thursday.
Johnson was charged with misdemeanor assault for allegedly threatening his mother, while the cruelty charge is a felony, police said.
Police responded to the home about 1:15 p.m. Wednesday and found the dog dead in the front yard. Johnson allegedly admitted to strangling it, the release said.
The dog’s death was apparently the result of an argument Johnson had with his mother because he had kicked his sister and her two small children out of the house while the mother was at work, according to a police report.
The mother was not home when Johnson allegedly killed the dog, but when she walked into the apartment he allegedly lunged at her and shouted, “I’m going to get you too b----, I killed your f------ dog,’’ the report said. Police said that threatening statement resulted in the assault charge.
Witnesses intervened and a fistfight ensued. The mother called 911 and Johnson was taken to Holy Cross Hospital for treatment of unidentified wounds he suffered during the fight with the witnesses.
Officers went to the hospital and placed Johnson under arrest.
The city Department of Animal Care & Control took the dog for an examination and found it had been strangled and beaten on the head, the report said.
SUN-TIMES MEDIA WIRE
A man is accused of beating and strangling his mother’s puppy Wednesday afternoon at their Southwest Side Chicago Lawn neighborhood home following an argument, police said.
Tiewian Johnson, 37, of the 6300 block of South California Avenue, is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and simple assault after the incident Wednesday left a 3-month-old Shih Tzu puppy dead, according to a police release.
Tiewian Johnson is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and simple assault after an incident Wednesday left a 3-month-old Shih Tzu puppy dead.
He was scheduled to appear in bond court Thursday.
Johnson was charged with misdemeanor assault for allegedly threatening his mother, while the cruelty charge is a felony, police said.
Police responded to the home about 1:15 p.m. Wednesday and found the dog dead in the front yard. Johnson allegedly admitted to strangling it, the release said.
The dog’s death was apparently the result of an argument Johnson had with his mother because he had kicked his sister and her two small children out of the house while the mother was at work, according to a police report.
The mother was not home when Johnson allegedly killed the dog, but when she walked into the apartment he allegedly lunged at her and shouted, “I’m going to get you too b----, I killed your f------ dog,’’ the report said. Police said that threatening statement resulted in the assault charge.
Witnesses intervened and a fistfight ensued. The mother called 911 and Johnson was taken to Holy Cross Hospital for treatment of unidentified wounds he suffered during the fight with the witnesses.
Officers went to the hospital and placed Johnson under arrest.
The city Department of Animal Care & Control took the dog for an examination and found it had been strangled and beaten on the head, the report said.
Stockton, CA: Man Tells Officers He Killed Girlfriend
Parolee Approached Officers At Stockton AM/PM Store
POSTED: 11:55 am PDT March 31, 2010
UPDATED: 6:56 pm PDT March 31, 2010
STOCKTON, Calif. -- Stockton police said a man approached officers Wednesday morning at an AM/PM store and told them he had just killed his girlfriend.
The officers detained the man, Paul Ayala, at the store on North El Dorado Street. The suspect then directed the officers to the 200 block of East Glencannon Street, where the victim was found in a back bedroom of a home.
Police said the victim wasn't breathing and was unresponsive. She was taken to St. Joseph's Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
Ayala, 37, was arrested and booked on charges of murder and violation of parole.
Police said he'd been released from prison 10 days prior for having served time for domestic violence.
Neighbors say the home was a halfway house and that it had a troubled history.
"It's been a halfway house, a problem house causing problems in the neighborhood. People been trying to get it closed down and things," neighbor Paris Jordan said.
Police say Ayala knew the victim before he went to prison.
"Individuals who are perpetrating and are incarcerated and released early are still such a danger to the public as well as to their potential … loved one," Joelle Gomez from the Women's Center said.
Anyone with information on the case may call police investigators at 209-937-8323.
POSTED: 11:55 am PDT March 31, 2010
UPDATED: 6:56 pm PDT March 31, 2010
STOCKTON, Calif. -- Stockton police said a man approached officers Wednesday morning at an AM/PM store and told them he had just killed his girlfriend.
The officers detained the man, Paul Ayala, at the store on North El Dorado Street. The suspect then directed the officers to the 200 block of East Glencannon Street, where the victim was found in a back bedroom of a home.
Police said the victim wasn't breathing and was unresponsive. She was taken to St. Joseph's Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
Ayala, 37, was arrested and booked on charges of murder and violation of parole.
Police said he'd been released from prison 10 days prior for having served time for domestic violence.
Neighbors say the home was a halfway house and that it had a troubled history.
"It's been a halfway house, a problem house causing problems in the neighborhood. People been trying to get it closed down and things," neighbor Paris Jordan said.
Police say Ayala knew the victim before he went to prison.
"Individuals who are perpetrating and are incarcerated and released early are still such a danger to the public as well as to their potential … loved one," Joelle Gomez from the Women's Center said.
Anyone with information on the case may call police investigators at 209-937-8323.
Paradise. CA: Paradise couple found dead after murder-suicide
Contributor: Kelli Saam
Email: ksaam@khsltv.com
Last Update: 4/01 7:35 pm
A Paradise couple is dead after what police are calling a murder suicide. The two bodies were found Wednesday afternoon in a room at the Budget Inn motel on Highway 70 in Marysville. Police believe the man shot the woman before turning the gun on himself.
Clerks at the motel say the couple checked into the hotel on Monday but didn't check out Tuesday morning. When clerks went to check on the couple, they found the bodies. Police have not released the names of the couple, but say they are from Paradise. Their names will not be released until family members are notified.
Email: ksaam@khsltv.com
Last Update: 4/01 7:35 pm
A Paradise couple is dead after what police are calling a murder suicide. The two bodies were found Wednesday afternoon in a room at the Budget Inn motel on Highway 70 in Marysville. Police believe the man shot the woman before turning the gun on himself.
Clerks at the motel say the couple checked into the hotel on Monday but didn't check out Tuesday morning. When clerks went to check on the couple, they found the bodies. Police have not released the names of the couple, but say they are from Paradise. Their names will not be released until family members are notified.
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