The caller was unrushed and exceedingly polite, even thanking the police dispatcher as he reported that he had beaten his wife and their 7-year-old son to death with a baseball bat in their home in a handsome neighborhood in Warrington.
When police arrived at 167 Redstone Dr. late Friday night, they found a typewritten note on the front door that listed the names and phone numbers of relatives to be contacted on both sides of the family.
"Thank you" was typed at the bottom of the note.
After killing his family, Christopher Moyer, 44, a computer consultant who worked from home, drove his Toyota Camry to Hatboro, put his head on the SEPTA track at the Meadow Avenue crossing, and waited to die.
Police, who found Moyer's body there shortly after 1 a.m. Saturday, figured he knew the train schedule.
What no one - including the Warrington police, the Bucks County district attorney, and relatives - seems to know is why all this happened.
Warrington Police Chief James Miller said Moyer's phone call came in at 9:40 p.m. Friday. Warrington, Warminster, and Warrick police rushed to the scene but Moyer had already left. After trying to make contact with anyone inside, the officers entered through the garage.
They found Irina Geller Moyer, 39, in the bathroom adjacent to the master bedroom. Officers found Dillon in another bedroom and a bloody baseball bat nearby. There were no signs of struggle. Mother and son may have been asleep when the attack began, police said.
Bucks County District Attorney David Heckler said Moyer, after killing his wife and son, texted a relative to say he was sorry.
At 12:56 a.m., Hatboro police received a call from SEPTA that a passenger train had hit a man in Hatboro. Police found $1,300 in Moyer's pocket and his car parked near the tracks.
While police were investigating the crime scene Friday night, Irina Moyer's parents and her brother and sister-in-law, who all live in Northeast Philadelphia, arrived at the house.
They had been expecting the Moyers to drive Dillon to the grandparents' home for a weekend visit. When the Moyers didn't arrive and couldn't be reached by phone, Irina's family drove to Warrington, where police informed them of the deaths, Heckler said.
Christopher Moyer grew up in the village of Neffs, a section of North Whitehall Township in Lehigh County. His father, Warren, 77, said Moyer attended Kutztown University.
Moyer married Irina Geller, a native of Kiev, Ukraine, in 2002. It was a second marriage for both, records indicate. On her Facebook page, she used the name Elizabeth Moyer. The couple bought the house on Redstone Drive in 2003, according to records.
There was no history of domestic violence between Moyer and his wife, but they had had financial difficulties. According to court records, the state filed a $2,228.20 lien against the couple's house in September 2010. They had avoided foreclosure in 2006 and paid off a federal lien filed that year as well.
The neighborhood was quiet Saturday afternoon. The family's four-bedroom house with two-car garage has a swing set in the backyard and a barbecue grill on the deck. Real estate listings indicate houses on the street sell in the $500,000 range.
Warren Moyer, who still lives in Neffs, said he had no idea why his son killed himself and his family.
"We spoke on Friday morning and he was in good spirits," he said, remarking that his son told him he had just renewed a contract with a computer client.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Wellton, AZ: Wellton woman killed, boyfriend arrested
UPDATED - An argument turned deadly in Wellton early Friday morning when a boyfriend allegedly killed his girlfriend.
“There were no obvious indications a weapon was used,” said Capt. Eben Bratcher, spokesman for the Yuma County Sheriff's Office.
Bratcher said YCSO received a call at 3:21 a.m. about an injured person near County 9th Street and Avenue 30E. He said Wellton police officers found the victim inside a vehicle driven by the boyfriend.
Wellton police officers performed CPR until paramedics from Tri Valley Ambulance arrived. Pronounced dead at the scene, she has been identified as Charlotte Jones, 19, of Wellton, a 2009 graduate of Antelope High School.
The boyfriend, identified as Fernando Silva, 19, also of Wellton, was booked into the Yuma County jail on a charge of second-degree murder. He made his initial appearance in Wellton Justice Court later Friday morning.
“These two were alone in a vehicle in that area and got into a verbal argument,” Bratcher said. “At some point the argument turned physical and she sustained fatal injuries.”
Bratcher said the cause of death has not been determined and pending the results of an autopsy.
For Wellton, a town still healing from a recent shooting spree, Jones' death would be the fifth murder in 15 days. On June 2, Carey Hal Dyess, 73, shot and killed Wellton residents James P. Simpson, 75; Theresa Lorraine Sigurdson, 61, Dyess' former wife; and Cindy Finney and Henry Scott Finney, 76. He also killed Yuma attorney Jerrold “Jerry” Shelley and wounded Linda Kay Clatone before turning the gun on himself.
“There were no obvious indications a weapon was used,” said Capt. Eben Bratcher, spokesman for the Yuma County Sheriff's Office.
Bratcher said YCSO received a call at 3:21 a.m. about an injured person near County 9th Street and Avenue 30E. He said Wellton police officers found the victim inside a vehicle driven by the boyfriend.
Wellton police officers performed CPR until paramedics from Tri Valley Ambulance arrived. Pronounced dead at the scene, she has been identified as Charlotte Jones, 19, of Wellton, a 2009 graduate of Antelope High School.
The boyfriend, identified as Fernando Silva, 19, also of Wellton, was booked into the Yuma County jail on a charge of second-degree murder. He made his initial appearance in Wellton Justice Court later Friday morning.
“These two were alone in a vehicle in that area and got into a verbal argument,” Bratcher said. “At some point the argument turned physical and she sustained fatal injuries.”
Bratcher said the cause of death has not been determined and pending the results of an autopsy.
For Wellton, a town still healing from a recent shooting spree, Jones' death would be the fifth murder in 15 days. On June 2, Carey Hal Dyess, 73, shot and killed Wellton residents James P. Simpson, 75; Theresa Lorraine Sigurdson, 61, Dyess' former wife; and Cindy Finney and Henry Scott Finney, 76. He also killed Yuma attorney Jerrold “Jerry” Shelley and wounded Linda Kay Clatone before turning the gun on himself.
Arlington, TX: Man arrested, 3 dead, 1 hurt in N. Texas shooting
ARLINGTON, Texas — Police have arrested an Arlington man after a Dallas-area shooting left three dead and a fourth person injured during an apparent domestic dispute.
Arlington Police Sgt. Os Flores said 45-year-old Dalton James Bennett Jr. was being held in the Arlington City Jail Saturday on three counts of capital murder and one count of attempted capital murder. His bail was set at $1.5 million.
The shooting occurred early Saturday morning in an Arlington apartment where responding officers found two women and one man dead, police spokeswoman Tiara Ellis Richard said.
A fourth man with gunshot wounds was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. He is expected to survive.
Richard said at least one witness identified the suspected shooter as the husband of one of the slain women. The couple was estranged.
Authorities who later went to Bennett's Arlington home found him in the garage with what appeared to be self-inflicted cuts on his arms and neck.
He was treated at Medical Center of Arlington, questioned and taken to jail, police said.
The deceased have not yet been officially identified, according to a Tarrant County Medical Examiner field agent.
Police, who declined to release the injured man's name, said their investigation is ongoing.
Arlington Police Sgt. Os Flores said 45-year-old Dalton James Bennett Jr. was being held in the Arlington City Jail Saturday on three counts of capital murder and one count of attempted capital murder. His bail was set at $1.5 million.
The shooting occurred early Saturday morning in an Arlington apartment where responding officers found two women and one man dead, police spokeswoman Tiara Ellis Richard said.
A fourth man with gunshot wounds was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. He is expected to survive.
Richard said at least one witness identified the suspected shooter as the husband of one of the slain women. The couple was estranged.
Authorities who later went to Bennett's Arlington home found him in the garage with what appeared to be self-inflicted cuts on his arms and neck.
He was treated at Medical Center of Arlington, questioned and taken to jail, police said.
The deceased have not yet been officially identified, according to a Tarrant County Medical Examiner field agent.
Police, who declined to release the injured man's name, said their investigation is ongoing.
El Paso, TX: Man Accused of Stabbing Wife to Death Speaks to Newschannel 9
EL PASO - We have new insight tonight into El Paso's latest murder; the insight, is being provided by the accused killer.
Brian Engleton is in jail tonight for the stabbing death of his wife, Diedre. He claims, she's the victim of her own undoing.
Just as Brian Engleton was being taken into the El Paso County Detention Center this evening, for allegedly killing his wife, the 42-year-old suspect told a Newschannel 9 photographer, that there was plenty of blame to go around for his estranged wife's death.
"Her mom, her sister, friend Carol, the guy she was having an affair with, all of them are responsible for this," said Engleton.
Diedre Engleton was stabbed to death yesterday at the beauty salon where she worked. Less than 24 hours later, police cornered Engleton at a Northeast El Paso motel, and arrested him today.
Those close to the victim told police that Engleton was the killer, and that he had threatened his wife in the past. Police are confident they've got the person responsible. However, the suspect, seemed ambivalent this evening, when he was asked what he expected to happen to him.
"I'll see whatever the court says," said Engleton.
Family and friends of the victim told us that the Engletons had been having marital problems, and that she recently had a restraining order against him.
Brian Engleton is in jail tonight for the stabbing death of his wife, Diedre. He claims, she's the victim of her own undoing.
Just as Brian Engleton was being taken into the El Paso County Detention Center this evening, for allegedly killing his wife, the 42-year-old suspect told a Newschannel 9 photographer, that there was plenty of blame to go around for his estranged wife's death.
"Her mom, her sister, friend Carol, the guy she was having an affair with, all of them are responsible for this," said Engleton.
Diedre Engleton was stabbed to death yesterday at the beauty salon where she worked. Less than 24 hours later, police cornered Engleton at a Northeast El Paso motel, and arrested him today.
Those close to the victim told police that Engleton was the killer, and that he had threatened his wife in the past. Police are confident they've got the person responsible. However, the suspect, seemed ambivalent this evening, when he was asked what he expected to happen to him.
"I'll see whatever the court says," said Engleton.
Family and friends of the victim told us that the Engletons had been having marital problems, and that she recently had a restraining order against him.
Charlotte, NC: Woman charged in teen's stabbing death
A teenager is dead and a 24-year-old woman, apparently the victim's girlfriend, has been charged in his death.
On Saturday, investigators from the Rowan County Sheriff's Office were called to a home on Guinn Avenue in Kannapolis after receiving a report of a suicide.
But when investigators arrived to collect evidence and interview people at the home, they found reason to believe the death of 17-year-old James Mack was not a suicide, according to the Sheriff's Office.
After detectives revisited the crime scene and conducted more interviews, they determined Mack's death was related to domestic violence and that Ebony Justine Smith had stabbed the teen at the home where they both lived.
Mack's Facebook page says he was in a relationship with Smith and went to Concord High School.
By Saturday evening, about 450 people had joined a Facebook page set up in memory of the teen, who went by the nickname "J. Mack."
"One of the sweetest guys in Concord, lived a hard life but never let it stop him," wrote one friend on the page.
"I'm sorry things had to turn out like they did...," wrote another. "You were so funny and nice to everyone and I remember talking and having a good conversations with you. Rest in paradise."
According to the N.C. Department of Correction, Smith has been convicted of misdemeanor drug possession and driving with a revoked license.
She's being held without bond in Rowan County jail, charged with murder.
On Saturday, investigators from the Rowan County Sheriff's Office were called to a home on Guinn Avenue in Kannapolis after receiving a report of a suicide.
But when investigators arrived to collect evidence and interview people at the home, they found reason to believe the death of 17-year-old James Mack was not a suicide, according to the Sheriff's Office.
After detectives revisited the crime scene and conducted more interviews, they determined Mack's death was related to domestic violence and that Ebony Justine Smith had stabbed the teen at the home where they both lived.
Mack's Facebook page says he was in a relationship with Smith and went to Concord High School.
By Saturday evening, about 450 people had joined a Facebook page set up in memory of the teen, who went by the nickname "J. Mack."
"One of the sweetest guys in Concord, lived a hard life but never let it stop him," wrote one friend on the page.
"I'm sorry things had to turn out like they did...," wrote another. "You were so funny and nice to everyone and I remember talking and having a good conversations with you. Rest in paradise."
According to the N.C. Department of Correction, Smith has been convicted of misdemeanor drug possession and driving with a revoked license.
She's being held without bond in Rowan County jail, charged with murder.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Irvine, CA: Murdered Irvine woman mourned by loved ones
IRVINE, Calif. (KABC) -- The estranged husband of an Orange County woman is behind bars, charged with murder.
Police say John Agosta shot and killed Alejandra Hernandez near the Irvine Daycare Center on the 18000 block of Via Siena where she worked.
The shooting happened Thursday afternoon across the street where the 29-year-old taught pre-school in Irvine.
The shooting sparked a huge manhunt for the suspect. After more than two hours, police arrested her 32-year-old estranged husband at an apartment complex in Mission Viejo.
"She was just trying to get a restraining order and the court wouldn't give it to her," said Hernandez's sister.
The Orange resident and stepmother to Agosta's three children filed for divorce in February. According to court documents, Hernandez received a temporary restraining order against her husband in February, citing domestic violence.
Court records show the temporary restraining order expired March 21. Hernandez tried to get another order issued in May. A hearing was scheduled last week, but for some reason Hernandez didn't show up.
Family and friends gathered to pray near the spot where Hernandez was shot and killed.
"Gorgeous, wonderful, bright-spirited she's going to be greatly missed," said friend Simona Aguilera.
"Last night when we finally put together it was her it was just shocking," said Irvine resident Brian Chew. "I just saw her on Wednesday when I dropped off my child and now she's gone. It's just so sad."
Police say John Agosta shot and killed Alejandra Hernandez near the Irvine Daycare Center on the 18000 block of Via Siena where she worked.
The shooting happened Thursday afternoon across the street where the 29-year-old taught pre-school in Irvine.
The shooting sparked a huge manhunt for the suspect. After more than two hours, police arrested her 32-year-old estranged husband at an apartment complex in Mission Viejo.
"She was just trying to get a restraining order and the court wouldn't give it to her," said Hernandez's sister.
The Orange resident and stepmother to Agosta's three children filed for divorce in February. According to court documents, Hernandez received a temporary restraining order against her husband in February, citing domestic violence.
Court records show the temporary restraining order expired March 21. Hernandez tried to get another order issued in May. A hearing was scheduled last week, but for some reason Hernandez didn't show up.
Family and friends gathered to pray near the spot where Hernandez was shot and killed.
"Gorgeous, wonderful, bright-spirited she's going to be greatly missed," said friend Simona Aguilera.
"Last night when we finally put together it was her it was just shocking," said Irvine resident Brian Chew. "I just saw her on Wednesday when I dropped off my child and now she's gone. It's just so sad."
Tucson, AZ: More details on apparent murder/suicide released
TUCSON - Tucson Police have determined that a man fatally shot his wife in a midtown residence Wednesday morning before turning the gun on himself.
According to officials, at about 7:15 a.m. on June 15, TPD responded to the 5600 block of East Scarlett Street after receiving a 911 call reporting shots fired. Officers entered the residence and found the bodies of 59-year-old Jeffrey Jaster and 62-year-old Noreen Jaster, who were husband and wife.
Based on the homicide detectives' investigation, there are indications that Mr. Jaster fatally shot his wife before fatally shooting himself.
According to officials, at about 7:15 a.m. on June 15, TPD responded to the 5600 block of East Scarlett Street after receiving a 911 call reporting shots fired. Officers entered the residence and found the bodies of 59-year-old Jeffrey Jaster and 62-year-old Noreen Jaster, who were husband and wife.
Based on the homicide detectives' investigation, there are indications that Mr. Jaster fatally shot his wife before fatally shooting himself.
Glendale, CA: Glendale man guilty of fatally stabbing wife, killing dog in microwave oven
A 46-year-old Glendale man who fatally stabbed his wife and killed his Pomeranian by placing the animal in a microwave oven was found guilty Wednesday of second-degree murder, officials said.
Jurors deliberated for less than two days before finding John Levin guilty of killing his wife, Michelle Levin, with a knife, said Jane Robison, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.
The murder occurred Sept. 8, 2009, in the couple’s two-story condominium in the 200 block of West Fairview Avenue. Officers discovered 35-year-old Michelle Levin’s body three days later inside the apartment after police received a call from someone concerned about the couple’s whereabouts, according to the Glendale News-Press.
The couple's Pomeranian died after it was stuffed inside a microwave that was turned on for an undetermined amount of time, officials said. John Levin pleaded guilty to felony animal cruelty before jurors returned with a verdict.
Jurors deliberated for less than two days before finding John Levin guilty of killing his wife, Michelle Levin, with a knife, said Jane Robison, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.
The murder occurred Sept. 8, 2009, in the couple’s two-story condominium in the 200 block of West Fairview Avenue. Officers discovered 35-year-old Michelle Levin’s body three days later inside the apartment after police received a call from someone concerned about the couple’s whereabouts, according to the Glendale News-Press.
The couple's Pomeranian died after it was stuffed inside a microwave that was turned on for an undetermined amount of time, officials said. John Levin pleaded guilty to felony animal cruelty before jurors returned with a verdict.
Florence County, SC: Autopsy inconclusive but deputies say husband killed wife
Florence County Coroner Bubba Matthews says the body of a missing woman found Wednesday afternoon was so decomposed that an autopsy couldn't determine a cause of death.
Deputies with the Florence County Sheriff's Office Devin Ham Ivey's husband killed her and they have an indication of how she died, but they can't release it at this point.
Felicia Howard of Olanta never imagined the search for her longtime friend, 22 year old Devin Ham Ivey, would end so tragically.
Howard says they went to school together at South Florence High School and worked together at the Jeanne's Mini-Mart and were roommates a few years ago.
"It's just sad. I don't know what to say. It's just really sad that somebody did an innocent person the way they did them," said Howard.
Deputies say it was Ivey's husband of less than one year who killed her.
Rodney Ivey, 23, stood before Magistrate Judge Belinda Timmons Thursday for his initial court appearance.
Investigators say he became a person of interest when he repeatedly lied about his wife's disappearance.
Tuesday, deputies charged him with giving false information to law enforcement because they say he told them five different stories about what happened to his wife.
Bond was set on that charge, but he remained in jail on a probation violation.
According to officials with SC Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, Ivey violated the conditions of his probation when he did not tell them that he was being questioned by law enforcement in the disappearance of his wife.
Officials say anyone on probation is required to notify their probation officer whenever they have contact with law enforcement.
A background check on Ivey with theState Law Enforcement Division states that Ivey has served time in state prison for burglary under the Youth Offender Act. The program allows young offenders to serve about a year of their prison sentences and be released on probation and parole.
If they are found to have violated probation, they could be sent back to prison for the remainder of their sentence.
Deputies and volunteers began a massive search for her Monday before finding her body Wednesday on Brown Road in the Coward-Scranton Deputies and volunteers began a massive search for her Monday before finding her body Wednesday on Brown Road in the Coward-Scranton area.
Investigators say was the condition of Devin Ivey's car that led teams to search the long dirt road.
"It was a lot of dust built up on the car when we started this investigation that led us to believe that someone driving that car had been up and down a dirt road," said Captain Brett Camp.
Camp says they believe Ivey killed his wife here at the Budget Inn Motel in Olanta where the couple had been staying for about three days last week. He can't say what day she was killed, but they do believe Ivey was dead before her husband reported his wife missing.
Captain Camp says the couple had been going through problems in recent weeks.
Camp said, " There were a number of disputes here in the past several weeks and all that led to the situation of the cause of her death."
Felicia Howard says she didn't spend much time with Ivey after she got married.
She says her friend was striving to do well.
"She tried to do something with her life and she was trying to do really good for herself," said Howard.
Ivey faces up to life in prison if convicted of the murder.
Court officials say he qualifies for a public defender because of his income, but she told him he has the option to hire a private attorney.
Ivey didn't indicate what he would do.
Ivey is scheduled to appear in court on August 17 for preliminary hearing.
Deputies with the Florence County Sheriff's Office Devin Ham Ivey's husband killed her and they have an indication of how she died, but they can't release it at this point.
Felicia Howard of Olanta never imagined the search for her longtime friend, 22 year old Devin Ham Ivey, would end so tragically.
Howard says they went to school together at South Florence High School and worked together at the Jeanne's Mini-Mart and were roommates a few years ago.
"It's just sad. I don't know what to say. It's just really sad that somebody did an innocent person the way they did them," said Howard.
Deputies say it was Ivey's husband of less than one year who killed her.
Rodney Ivey, 23, stood before Magistrate Judge Belinda Timmons Thursday for his initial court appearance.
Investigators say he became a person of interest when he repeatedly lied about his wife's disappearance.
Tuesday, deputies charged him with giving false information to law enforcement because they say he told them five different stories about what happened to his wife.
Bond was set on that charge, but he remained in jail on a probation violation.
According to officials with SC Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, Ivey violated the conditions of his probation when he did not tell them that he was being questioned by law enforcement in the disappearance of his wife.
Officials say anyone on probation is required to notify their probation officer whenever they have contact with law enforcement.
A background check on Ivey with theState Law Enforcement Division states that Ivey has served time in state prison for burglary under the Youth Offender Act. The program allows young offenders to serve about a year of their prison sentences and be released on probation and parole.
If they are found to have violated probation, they could be sent back to prison for the remainder of their sentence.
Deputies and volunteers began a massive search for her Monday before finding her body Wednesday on Brown Road in the Coward-Scranton Deputies and volunteers began a massive search for her Monday before finding her body Wednesday on Brown Road in the Coward-Scranton area.
Investigators say was the condition of Devin Ivey's car that led teams to search the long dirt road.
"It was a lot of dust built up on the car when we started this investigation that led us to believe that someone driving that car had been up and down a dirt road," said Captain Brett Camp.
Camp says they believe Ivey killed his wife here at the Budget Inn Motel in Olanta where the couple had been staying for about three days last week. He can't say what day she was killed, but they do believe Ivey was dead before her husband reported his wife missing.
Captain Camp says the couple had been going through problems in recent weeks.
Camp said, " There were a number of disputes here in the past several weeks and all that led to the situation of the cause of her death."
Felicia Howard says she didn't spend much time with Ivey after she got married.
She says her friend was striving to do well.
"She tried to do something with her life and she was trying to do really good for herself," said Howard.
Ivey faces up to life in prison if convicted of the murder.
Court officials say he qualifies for a public defender because of his income, but she told him he has the option to hire a private attorney.
Ivey didn't indicate what he would do.
Ivey is scheduled to appear in court on August 17 for preliminary hearing.
Auburn, NY: Man who is person of interest in Katie Socci's murder had earlier brushes with police
Auburn, NY --In April 2006, Batavia authorities accused David F. McNamara of a felony for firing a semi-automatic rifle, similar to the ones used by the military, in the direction of homes and a church.
McNamara told authorities he was adjusting the sight on the AR-15, the civilian version of M-16 assault rifle used by the military.
Genesee County Assistant District Attorney William Zickl took the shooting very seriously charging McNamara with reckless endangerment in the first degree, a felony.
“It’s a powerful military, law enforcement, long range target shooting or hunting weapon. Not a gun one would be shooting in their city back yard. It was incredibly bad judgment he displayed,” Zickl said.
Auburn Police say McNamara, 34, is a person of interest in the murder of Katie Socci, 29 of Auburn, the mother of his child and his ex-girlfriend.
Socci was discovered missing from her Swift Street home early Wednesday. After a day-long search, police found her body in a shallow grave in a field off Dunning Avenue.
Preliminary autopsy results by the Onondaga Medical Examiner’s Office showed that Socci had been asphyxiated, by either being strangled or suffocated.
Her death has been ruled a homicide. No one has been charged with Socci’s murder.
Police have named McNamara as a person of interest in the case. He is being held in the Cayuga County Jail for violating probation. He pleaded guilty January to forging a prescription for a narcotic, and in February was sentenced to three years of probation.
McNamara and Socci were both nurses.
She graduated from Cayuga Community College’s nursing program in 2003, spent several years as a traveling nurse and most recently worked as a surgical intensive care nurse at Upstate University Hospital.
Friends and family say Socci was a devoted mother to the couple’s 18-month-old daughter Sydney Renee McNamara.
Socci’s neighbor, Linda Diel said the young woman told her she was fearful of McNamara.
Auburn police said they have no records of being called to the Swift Street home for allegations of domestic abuse.
McNamara graduated from Genesee Community College’s nursing program in 1999.
Records at the New York State Office of Professions shows that he was licensed as a registered nurse in New York in September 1999, but did not begin practice here until October 2004.
McNamara lists his profession as contract nurse on his Facebook page.
On February 13, 2007, the state suspended McNamara’s license after he admitted to charges of “withdrawing narcotics for personal use” while in Batavia.
His license was reinstated on June 27, 2007. He paid a $500 fine, completed a two-year probation, and is listed by the state as a registered nurse and is licensed until 2013.
In April 2006, Batavia authorities accused McNamara of felony reckless endangerment for firing the assault rifle in the backyard of a city home.
“The claim was that he was sighting this rifle. There appeared to have been a target that had been set up,” Assistant District Attorney Zickl said.
However, there wasn’t an adequate back stop for the target, a church was in the direct line of his fire, and homes were nearby, he said.
“That’s the reason he was only charged with a reckless act as opposed to an intentional act. There didn’t appear to be a particular human target,” Zickl said.
The risk posed by firing a high-powered rifle in a residential area was huge, he said. “The occasion for a really, really, bad outcome based on his firing that rifle was very close,” Zickl said.
Records show that McNamara pleaded guilty to felony reckless endangerment. He was given a one-year interim supervision. When the year was up McNamara was allowed to withdraw the plea and instead pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor, the assistant district attorney said.
In July 2008, while working at the Batavia Nursing Home, records show McNamara was accused of criminal mischief. He was also accused of pharmacy violations under the state education law.
McNamara was accused of criminal mischief for damaging packages of the narcotic fentanyl, at his work, records show. The violations of the education law stem from the statutes that have to do with someone adulterating or misbranding drugs, the district attorney’s office said.
“He was in one way or another helping himself to medications intended for patients,” Zickl said.
On Sept. 14, McNamara was again in trouble, this time in Cayuga County. He was charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, second-degree forgery, and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
McNamara was accused of forging a prescription to obtain the narcotic hydrocodone from a Rite Aid drug store in Auburn, according to Cayuga County records.
In February, he pleaded guilty to third-degree forgery, a misdemeanor, and was sentenced to a three-year probation.
Wednesday, police investigating Socci’s murder took McNamara into custody for violating his probation by going into a bar. He is scheduled to be arraigned on that charge on Monday.
McNamara told authorities he was adjusting the sight on the AR-15, the civilian version of M-16 assault rifle used by the military.
Genesee County Assistant District Attorney William Zickl took the shooting very seriously charging McNamara with reckless endangerment in the first degree, a felony.
“It’s a powerful military, law enforcement, long range target shooting or hunting weapon. Not a gun one would be shooting in their city back yard. It was incredibly bad judgment he displayed,” Zickl said.
Auburn Police say McNamara, 34, is a person of interest in the murder of Katie Socci, 29 of Auburn, the mother of his child and his ex-girlfriend.
Socci was discovered missing from her Swift Street home early Wednesday. After a day-long search, police found her body in a shallow grave in a field off Dunning Avenue.
Preliminary autopsy results by the Onondaga Medical Examiner’s Office showed that Socci had been asphyxiated, by either being strangled or suffocated.
Her death has been ruled a homicide. No one has been charged with Socci’s murder.
Police have named McNamara as a person of interest in the case. He is being held in the Cayuga County Jail for violating probation. He pleaded guilty January to forging a prescription for a narcotic, and in February was sentenced to three years of probation.
McNamara and Socci were both nurses.
She graduated from Cayuga Community College’s nursing program in 2003, spent several years as a traveling nurse and most recently worked as a surgical intensive care nurse at Upstate University Hospital.
Friends and family say Socci was a devoted mother to the couple’s 18-month-old daughter Sydney Renee McNamara.
Socci’s neighbor, Linda Diel said the young woman told her she was fearful of McNamara.
Auburn police said they have no records of being called to the Swift Street home for allegations of domestic abuse.
McNamara graduated from Genesee Community College’s nursing program in 1999.
Records at the New York State Office of Professions shows that he was licensed as a registered nurse in New York in September 1999, but did not begin practice here until October 2004.
McNamara lists his profession as contract nurse on his Facebook page.
On February 13, 2007, the state suspended McNamara’s license after he admitted to charges of “withdrawing narcotics for personal use” while in Batavia.
His license was reinstated on June 27, 2007. He paid a $500 fine, completed a two-year probation, and is listed by the state as a registered nurse and is licensed until 2013.
In April 2006, Batavia authorities accused McNamara of felony reckless endangerment for firing the assault rifle in the backyard of a city home.
“The claim was that he was sighting this rifle. There appeared to have been a target that had been set up,” Assistant District Attorney Zickl said.
However, there wasn’t an adequate back stop for the target, a church was in the direct line of his fire, and homes were nearby, he said.
“That’s the reason he was only charged with a reckless act as opposed to an intentional act. There didn’t appear to be a particular human target,” Zickl said.
The risk posed by firing a high-powered rifle in a residential area was huge, he said. “The occasion for a really, really, bad outcome based on his firing that rifle was very close,” Zickl said.
Records show that McNamara pleaded guilty to felony reckless endangerment. He was given a one-year interim supervision. When the year was up McNamara was allowed to withdraw the plea and instead pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor, the assistant district attorney said.
In July 2008, while working at the Batavia Nursing Home, records show McNamara was accused of criminal mischief. He was also accused of pharmacy violations under the state education law.
McNamara was accused of criminal mischief for damaging packages of the narcotic fentanyl, at his work, records show. The violations of the education law stem from the statutes that have to do with someone adulterating or misbranding drugs, the district attorney’s office said.
“He was in one way or another helping himself to medications intended for patients,” Zickl said.
On Sept. 14, McNamara was again in trouble, this time in Cayuga County. He was charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, second-degree forgery, and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
McNamara was accused of forging a prescription to obtain the narcotic hydrocodone from a Rite Aid drug store in Auburn, according to Cayuga County records.
In February, he pleaded guilty to third-degree forgery, a misdemeanor, and was sentenced to a three-year probation.
Wednesday, police investigating Socci’s murder took McNamara into custody for violating his probation by going into a bar. He is scheduled to be arraigned on that charge on Monday.
New Brunswick NJ: New Brunswick man indicted in slaying of girlfriend
A former Carteret man has been indicted in the homicide of his live-in girlfriend in March.
A Middlesex County grand jury formally charged Shawn Humphrey, 36, Thursday with strangling Dana Ciccolella, 32, in their apartment in Carteret sometime before her body was discovered the evening of March 21.
Humphrey is also charged with hindering his own apprehension by preventing Ciccolella’s children from entering her bedroom.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Bruce Kaplan said in March that family members found Ciccolella, a mother of four, unresponsive and contacted a friend who called police.
Humphrey was arrested in Penn Station in New York the day after Ciccolella was found and he was subsequently returned to New Jersey.
Ciccolella had three children, ages 13, 10, and 8, with her ex-husband and one child with Humphrey, according to friends. The children were brought to relatives after their mother’s body was discovered.
Humphrey was in the Middlesex County jail yesterday in lieu of $2 million bail, set after his arrest by Superior Court Judge Michael Toto, sitting in New Brunswick.
A Middlesex County grand jury formally charged Shawn Humphrey, 36, Thursday with strangling Dana Ciccolella, 32, in their apartment in Carteret sometime before her body was discovered the evening of March 21.
Humphrey is also charged with hindering his own apprehension by preventing Ciccolella’s children from entering her bedroom.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Bruce Kaplan said in March that family members found Ciccolella, a mother of four, unresponsive and contacted a friend who called police.
Humphrey was arrested in Penn Station in New York the day after Ciccolella was found and he was subsequently returned to New Jersey.
Ciccolella had three children, ages 13, 10, and 8, with her ex-husband and one child with Humphrey, according to friends. The children were brought to relatives after their mother’s body was discovered.
Humphrey was in the Middlesex County jail yesterday in lieu of $2 million bail, set after his arrest by Superior Court Judge Michael Toto, sitting in New Brunswick.
Pittsfield Township, IN: Woman found dead in Indiana pond was put in suitcase
A woman found dead today in an Indiana pond, who is believed to be 45-year-old Dawn Fital of Pittsfield Township, was bound with duct tape, placed in a suitcase and thrown into the pond, Lake County Chief Deputy Coroner P.J. Adams said.
An autopsy is planned for 9:30 a.m. EST Saturday at the Lake County morgue, Adams said. The autopsy was originally scheduled for this morning, but was delayed so officials from the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner's Office could be there, Adams said.
"We think we know the cause of death," Adams said, but he declined to elaborate. He also declined to say whether the woman had traumatic injuries. Adams said the body, found at 9:13 a.m., was in the retention pond behind a Toys ‘R’ Us store off Route 30 between Hobart and Merrillville. It had been there for a couple of days, he said.
Fital's boyfriend, Greg Noack, 44, of Pittsfield Township, is being held at the Lake County Jail. Merrillville, Ind., police said they had probable cause to arrest Noack for murder on Tuesday after someone reported seeing him acting suspiciously behind a bank.
Police interviewed Noack and asked Pittsfield Township police to do a welfare check on Fital. Township police spent much of Wednesday searching an apartment in the Arbor Knoll complex on Michigan Avenue, where Fital lived with her boyfriend and ex-husband Patrick Fital.
The Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office is handling the case. So far, no charges have been filed against Noack, but Pittsfield Township police said this afternoon that they are requesting a warrant for murder. Court records do not indicate that Noack has ever been charged with a crime in the county.
The FBI, Michigan State Police and other agencies are assisting in the investigation, township police said.
Fital, a mother of four, is a championship pool player who regularly traveled to compete across the country.
Anyone with information on the incident can call township police at (734) 822-4911.
An autopsy is planned for 9:30 a.m. EST Saturday at the Lake County morgue, Adams said. The autopsy was originally scheduled for this morning, but was delayed so officials from the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner's Office could be there, Adams said.
"We think we know the cause of death," Adams said, but he declined to elaborate. He also declined to say whether the woman had traumatic injuries. Adams said the body, found at 9:13 a.m., was in the retention pond behind a Toys ‘R’ Us store off Route 30 between Hobart and Merrillville. It had been there for a couple of days, he said.
Fital's boyfriend, Greg Noack, 44, of Pittsfield Township, is being held at the Lake County Jail. Merrillville, Ind., police said they had probable cause to arrest Noack for murder on Tuesday after someone reported seeing him acting suspiciously behind a bank.
Police interviewed Noack and asked Pittsfield Township police to do a welfare check on Fital. Township police spent much of Wednesday searching an apartment in the Arbor Knoll complex on Michigan Avenue, where Fital lived with her boyfriend and ex-husband Patrick Fital.
The Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office is handling the case. So far, no charges have been filed against Noack, but Pittsfield Township police said this afternoon that they are requesting a warrant for murder. Court records do not indicate that Noack has ever been charged with a crime in the county.
The FBI, Michigan State Police and other agencies are assisting in the investigation, township police said.
Fital, a mother of four, is a championship pool player who regularly traveled to compete across the country.
Anyone with information on the incident can call township police at (734) 822-4911.
Bridgeville, DE: BRIDGEVILLE: Two dead in apparent murder-suicide
BRIDGEVILLE — A Bridgeville couple was found dead in their home on Wednesday, apparently due to a murder-suicide, police say.
Delaware State Police were called to the home on the 6200 block of Dublin Hill Road at 4:07 p.m. Wednesday; police say the call was placed by Keith E. Warrington, 47, who told 911 operators that his wife, Janice K. Warrington, 48, had been shot.
Troopers found the couple inside a bathroom of their home; attempts to revive them were unsuccessful.
Delaware State Police Homicide detectives are continuing to gather information surrounding this investigation, but according to the police, a preliminary investigation indicates that Keith Warrington shot his spouse, then turned the shotgun on himself.
The victims were turned over to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, who will conduct a post-mortem examination.
Delaware State Police were called to the home on the 6200 block of Dublin Hill Road at 4:07 p.m. Wednesday; police say the call was placed by Keith E. Warrington, 47, who told 911 operators that his wife, Janice K. Warrington, 48, had been shot.
Troopers found the couple inside a bathroom of their home; attempts to revive them were unsuccessful.
Delaware State Police Homicide detectives are continuing to gather information surrounding this investigation, but according to the police, a preliminary investigation indicates that Keith Warrington shot his spouse, then turned the shotgun on himself.
The victims were turned over to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, who will conduct a post-mortem examination.
Omaha, NE: Couple argued before shooting
The attorney for Sean M. Barrett, who is charged with killing his wife while their two children were in the house, said there was an argument between the couple followed by an accidental shooting.
Barrett, 45, is charged with first-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony.
He was ordered held without bail Friday at his initial court appearance in connection with the death of his wife of 14 years, Rochelle A. Barrett, 40.
Police were called to the Barretts' home, 12207 Crawford Circle, shortly after 3 a.m. Thursday. Sean Barrett was there when police arrived. Rochelle Barrett, who worked as a hair stylist, was found dead inside the home, which is southwest of 120th and Pacific Streets.
After Sean Barrett's court appearance, his attorney, James Martin Davis, said his client should be charged with second-degree murder or manslaughter.
“It certainly wasn't premeditated,” Davis said. “He never would have premeditated a homicide with the kids in the house.”
Davis said his client called 911 and reported that he had shot his wife but that it was an accident.
Davis would not elaborate on why the couple was fighting, but he did say they had been in therapy for some time. He said he believes the couple's two children, 13 and 11, were with members of Rochelle's family.
Sean Barrett was born in Grand Island and graduated from high school in Plattsmouth.
Several of Rochelle Barrett's friends and family members were at the court appearance. Some fought back tears while others were visibly angered on seeing Sean Barrett as he was led out in an orange jumpsuit.
“He stole the color of my life,” said Ryan Groff, Rochelle's brother. “He usurped one of the colors of my life.”
Davis said there was no history of violence between Sean and Rochelle Barrett. Friends have said they seemed like a happy, energetic couple.
Omaha police said there were no 911 calls from the Barretts' home on Crawford Circle in the past four years. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said he had not heard of any domestic abuse allegations involving the two.
Sean Barrett, however, was involved in a physical confrontation with his stepson in 2003, according to Douglas County Court records.
Barrett grabbed his then-13-year-old stepson by the shirt, slammed him against a wall and yelled at him because the boy was “slouching at the kitchen table,” according to a police report.
Rochelle Barrett told officers that her husband “lost it” and also grabbed the boy by the throat, holding his head against the wall.
Sean Barrett was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery. The charge was dismissed after he agreed to plead guilty to disorderly conduct and pay a $100 fine.
In 2006, Barrett was charged with felony theft for taking electronic equipment from a Shopko store where he worked as a night manager. That case was dismissed in 2008 after Barrett completed a diversion program.
Barrett, 45, is charged with first-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony.
He was ordered held without bail Friday at his initial court appearance in connection with the death of his wife of 14 years, Rochelle A. Barrett, 40.
Police were called to the Barretts' home, 12207 Crawford Circle, shortly after 3 a.m. Thursday. Sean Barrett was there when police arrived. Rochelle Barrett, who worked as a hair stylist, was found dead inside the home, which is southwest of 120th and Pacific Streets.
After Sean Barrett's court appearance, his attorney, James Martin Davis, said his client should be charged with second-degree murder or manslaughter.
“It certainly wasn't premeditated,” Davis said. “He never would have premeditated a homicide with the kids in the house.”
Davis said his client called 911 and reported that he had shot his wife but that it was an accident.
Davis would not elaborate on why the couple was fighting, but he did say they had been in therapy for some time. He said he believes the couple's two children, 13 and 11, were with members of Rochelle's family.
Sean Barrett was born in Grand Island and graduated from high school in Plattsmouth.
Several of Rochelle Barrett's friends and family members were at the court appearance. Some fought back tears while others were visibly angered on seeing Sean Barrett as he was led out in an orange jumpsuit.
“He stole the color of my life,” said Ryan Groff, Rochelle's brother. “He usurped one of the colors of my life.”
Davis said there was no history of violence between Sean and Rochelle Barrett. Friends have said they seemed like a happy, energetic couple.
Omaha police said there were no 911 calls from the Barretts' home on Crawford Circle in the past four years. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said he had not heard of any domestic abuse allegations involving the two.
Sean Barrett, however, was involved in a physical confrontation with his stepson in 2003, according to Douglas County Court records.
Barrett grabbed his then-13-year-old stepson by the shirt, slammed him against a wall and yelled at him because the boy was “slouching at the kitchen table,” according to a police report.
Rochelle Barrett told officers that her husband “lost it” and also grabbed the boy by the throat, holding his head against the wall.
Sean Barrett was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery. The charge was dismissed after he agreed to plead guilty to disorderly conduct and pay a $100 fine.
In 2006, Barrett was charged with felony theft for taking electronic equipment from a Shopko store where he worked as a night manager. That case was dismissed in 2008 after Barrett completed a diversion program.
Sherman Oaks, CA: Doctor, wife found dead in Sherman Oaks driveway; murder-suicide suspected
Police were trying to determine Thursday why a Tarzana doctor shot and killed his wife before turning the gun on himself in the driveway of their Sherman Oaks home.
“It is being investigated as a murder-suicide,” said Officer Bruce Borihanh, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department.
“Detectives are interviewing anybody and everybody to see if they can determine a motive," he continued. "There are no outside suspects being pursued.”
Police called to the home of Alex Michaelson, 39, and his wife, Vera Michaelson, 32, in the 15000 block of Sherview Place around 6:40 p.m. Wednesday found the couple dead, Borihanh said.
Detectives also found a weapon at the scene.
“That’s how they determined it was a murder-suicide,” Borihanh said.
Borihanh confirmed that Alex Michaelson was a physician and his wife had recently graduated from dental school, but it was unclear where she worked.
The couple have two children, but they were not home at the time, Borihanh said.
According to broadcast news reports, neighbors told police they had heard gunshots between 11 a.m. and noon Wednesday, but they failed to immediately alert authorities.
“It is being investigated as a murder-suicide,” said Officer Bruce Borihanh, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department.
“Detectives are interviewing anybody and everybody to see if they can determine a motive," he continued. "There are no outside suspects being pursued.”
Police called to the home of Alex Michaelson, 39, and his wife, Vera Michaelson, 32, in the 15000 block of Sherview Place around 6:40 p.m. Wednesday found the couple dead, Borihanh said.
Detectives also found a weapon at the scene.
“That’s how they determined it was a murder-suicide,” Borihanh said.
Borihanh confirmed that Alex Michaelson was a physician and his wife had recently graduated from dental school, but it was unclear where she worked.
The couple have two children, but they were not home at the time, Borihanh said.
According to broadcast news reports, neighbors told police they had heard gunshots between 11 a.m. and noon Wednesday, but they failed to immediately alert authorities.
West Oak Lane, PA: Shows up to help, is shot dead by cops
DANIELLE CRAWLEY'S family desperately wanted her to leave her boyfriend's house to get away from what they say is a history of domestic violence.
Yesterday, after the latest alleged beating, her mother, Rose, drove to the house in her school district bus and had Danielle load up her belongings.
Rose Crawley also called her son, Eric, 38, a SEPTA bus driver and father of four, to come to the house on Rugby Street near Phil Ellena in the city's Stenton section.
He sped over in his white Cadillac with a gun that he legally owned and that he normally carried on his hip. Moments after he arrived, he was shot dead by a Philadelphia police officer.
Family members and friends charged that Crawley had been unjustly shot and killed, but police yesterday contended that he had raised his gun despite an officer's command to keep it holstered.
Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, who visited the shooting scene, said a 14th District police officer had told Crawley "to put his hand on the car, but instead he" pulled out the gun. The gun was found near the left-front wheel of the Cadillac, Ramsey said.
Crawley's mother and sister hovered near his body, screaming, neighbors said.
"'You didn't have to shoot him!' " neighbor Gladys Worthy, 82, said Danielle had screamed as Rose wailed, " 'That's my son!' "
Lt. Raymond Evers, a police spokesman, said police were first called to the house at 10:05 a.m. because of a domestic disturbance between the sister and her boyfriend. Two officers, a man and a woman, responded to the call and the "disturbance was taken care of" before the Cadillac pulled up, Evers said.
The male officer, whom police did not identify, believed that Crawley was raising the gun toward him, so he shot Crawley once in the chest, Evers said. Crawley was pronounced dead at 10:32 a.m. at Albert Einstein Medical Center.
Dynita Crawley, 39, who is married to Eric's older brother, Darryle, a SEPTA supervisor, gave a different account of the shooting based on what she heard from Rose, who witnessed the shooting.
"My mother-in-law said nobody asked him" to do anything with his gun, Dynita said. "His weapon was not drawn."
Eric's "hand was never near his gun," Dynita said Rose had told her.
Eric Crawley had gotten his gun for protection when he previously owned a barbershop in Roxborough, Dynita said.
Yesterday, after the latest alleged beating, her mother, Rose, drove to the house in her school district bus and had Danielle load up her belongings.
Rose Crawley also called her son, Eric, 38, a SEPTA bus driver and father of four, to come to the house on Rugby Street near Phil Ellena in the city's Stenton section.
He sped over in his white Cadillac with a gun that he legally owned and that he normally carried on his hip. Moments after he arrived, he was shot dead by a Philadelphia police officer.
Family members and friends charged that Crawley had been unjustly shot and killed, but police yesterday contended that he had raised his gun despite an officer's command to keep it holstered.
Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, who visited the shooting scene, said a 14th District police officer had told Crawley "to put his hand on the car, but instead he" pulled out the gun. The gun was found near the left-front wheel of the Cadillac, Ramsey said.
Crawley's mother and sister hovered near his body, screaming, neighbors said.
"'You didn't have to shoot him!' " neighbor Gladys Worthy, 82, said Danielle had screamed as Rose wailed, " 'That's my son!' "
Lt. Raymond Evers, a police spokesman, said police were first called to the house at 10:05 a.m. because of a domestic disturbance between the sister and her boyfriend. Two officers, a man and a woman, responded to the call and the "disturbance was taken care of" before the Cadillac pulled up, Evers said.
The male officer, whom police did not identify, believed that Crawley was raising the gun toward him, so he shot Crawley once in the chest, Evers said. Crawley was pronounced dead at 10:32 a.m. at Albert Einstein Medical Center.
Dynita Crawley, 39, who is married to Eric's older brother, Darryle, a SEPTA supervisor, gave a different account of the shooting based on what she heard from Rose, who witnessed the shooting.
"My mother-in-law said nobody asked him" to do anything with his gun, Dynita said. "His weapon was not drawn."
Eric's "hand was never near his gun," Dynita said Rose had told her.
Eric Crawley had gotten his gun for protection when he previously owned a barbershop in Roxborough, Dynita said.
Philo, OH: Sheriff's Office: Philo domestic dispute, death likely linked
PHILO -- The Muskingum County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the death of a 56-year-old Philo man during a possible domestic dispute.
Sheriff Matt Lutz said Donald L. McHenry, 56, was found dead Wednesday night in front of 600 Irish Ridge Road. Lutz is not releasing the cause of death at this time, but he said the Franklin County Coroner's Office is handling the autopsy.
Dispatchers received a 911 call about 10:30 p.m. from a woman living at the home who was panicked and screamed that someone had tried to kill her.
While dispatchers sent deputies to the home, the woman kept repeating that someone had tried to kill her, but she was so distraught dispatchers had a difficult time understanding her.
A second woman then talked to dispatchers and told them she was not sure what happened, but the first woman and the man in the yard were "covered in blood."
"She's on the porch, and he's lying in the yard," the woman told dispatchers.
The second woman told operators she had been in bed, but a commotion woke her and she thought she might have heard a gunshot.
She also told operators McHenry was lying in the front yard and not moving.
A neighbor had turned on the headlights of his car, she told the operator, but she couldn't tell whether the man in the yard was alive.
Lutz was the first to arrive and found McHenry lying in the front yard, not responding. He said he began CPR and continued until EMS arrived. Muskingum County Coroner Perry Kalis pronounced McHenry dead at the scene.
Lutz said two women, relatives of McHenry, have been questioned.
Lutz said McHenry died during a possible domestic dispute, but did not elaborate any further.
"We are continuing our investigation and have spoken to Muskingum County Prosecutor Michael Haddox regarding the case," Lutz said.
No charges have been filed.
Sheriff Matt Lutz said Donald L. McHenry, 56, was found dead Wednesday night in front of 600 Irish Ridge Road. Lutz is not releasing the cause of death at this time, but he said the Franklin County Coroner's Office is handling the autopsy.
Dispatchers received a 911 call about 10:30 p.m. from a woman living at the home who was panicked and screamed that someone had tried to kill her.
While dispatchers sent deputies to the home, the woman kept repeating that someone had tried to kill her, but she was so distraught dispatchers had a difficult time understanding her.
A second woman then talked to dispatchers and told them she was not sure what happened, but the first woman and the man in the yard were "covered in blood."
"She's on the porch, and he's lying in the yard," the woman told dispatchers.
The second woman told operators she had been in bed, but a commotion woke her and she thought she might have heard a gunshot.
She also told operators McHenry was lying in the front yard and not moving.
A neighbor had turned on the headlights of his car, she told the operator, but she couldn't tell whether the man in the yard was alive.
Lutz was the first to arrive and found McHenry lying in the front yard, not responding. He said he began CPR and continued until EMS arrived. Muskingum County Coroner Perry Kalis pronounced McHenry dead at the scene.
Lutz said two women, relatives of McHenry, have been questioned.
Lutz said McHenry died during a possible domestic dispute, but did not elaborate any further.
"We are continuing our investigation and have spoken to Muskingum County Prosecutor Michael Haddox regarding the case," Lutz said.
No charges have been filed.
Baton Rouge, LA: Sentencing for Baker man convicted in the stabbing death of his wife delayed
BATON ROUGE, La. — A Baker man convicted April 9 in the 2009 stabbing death of his wife, lawyer Chiquita Tate, in her downtown Baton Rouge office will not be sentenced Monday as originally scheduled, his lead attorney said Thursday.
Lewis Unglesby, attorney for Greg Harris, said he will be involved in a jury trial set to begin Monday and continue through the end of the month at Orleans Parish Civil District Court.
Lead prosecutor Prem Burns also said that the presentence investigation report ordered by state District Judge Trudy White in Harris' case has not been completed.
Unglesby and Burns said a new sentencing date has not been set.
An East Baton Rouge Parish jury found Harris, 40, guilty of manslaughter in the February 2009 stabbing death of Tate, 34.
Harris faces up to 40 years in prison. He stood trial on a charge of second-degree murder, which carries an automatic sentence of life in prison.
Harris was accused of stabbing Tate several dozen times in her third-floor office.
Tate's body was found the morning of Feb. 20, 2009, after Harris called 911 and flagged down a police officer on patrol.
Harris told police he went to the building to check on his wife after she did not come home from work the night before.
Burns argued to the jury that Tate did not come home from work that night because Harris killed her there, putting an end to what she called the couple's "very short troubled marriage."
They married in February 2008.
Lewis Unglesby, attorney for Greg Harris, said he will be involved in a jury trial set to begin Monday and continue through the end of the month at Orleans Parish Civil District Court.
Lead prosecutor Prem Burns also said that the presentence investigation report ordered by state District Judge Trudy White in Harris' case has not been completed.
Unglesby and Burns said a new sentencing date has not been set.
An East Baton Rouge Parish jury found Harris, 40, guilty of manslaughter in the February 2009 stabbing death of Tate, 34.
Harris faces up to 40 years in prison. He stood trial on a charge of second-degree murder, which carries an automatic sentence of life in prison.
Harris was accused of stabbing Tate several dozen times in her third-floor office.
Tate's body was found the morning of Feb. 20, 2009, after Harris called 911 and flagged down a police officer on patrol.
Harris told police he went to the building to check on his wife after she did not come home from work the night before.
Burns argued to the jury that Tate did not come home from work that night because Harris killed her there, putting an end to what she called the couple's "very short troubled marriage."
They married in February 2008.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Raleigh, NC: Wake man charged with killing Arizona woman's husband
RALEIGH, N.C. — Authorities believe that a Wake County man and an Arizona woman conspired to kill her husband, whose body was found at a New Mexico airport 10 days ago, according to arrest warrants.
Marzet Farris III, 46, of 7304 Mount Pleasant Road in Willow Spring, and Laura Jeanna Stelmasek, 46, of 1635 Meadowridge Road in Prescott, Ariz., killed Craig Stelmasek, 57, between May 31 and June 5, warrants state. Prescott police said they found evidence of a homicide at the Stelmaseks' home.
Craig Stelmasek's body was found June 5 wrapped in blankets inside a van that had been left at the Albuquerque International Sunport Airport for at least several days. The cause of death has not been released.
Authorities tracked Farris and Stelmasek to North Carolina. Prescott police said the pair knew each other, but didn't elaborate on their relationship. U.S. marshals arrested them at Farris' Willow Spring home Tuesday evening.
"I saw the police fully armed, running toward the house," neighbor Peggy Massey said. "There were also cops coming with handguns, and I heard them ask the people to come out of the house, or a person come out, with their hands up."
Prescott police have charged Farris and Laura Stelmasek with first-degree murder and abandonment or concealment of a dead body.
Laura Stelmasek also faces one count of child abuse per domestic violence involving the couple's high-school age daughter. The girl has been put in the custody of Child Protective Services, police said.
Anyone with information about this case was asked to call the Prescott Police Department's investigation section at 928-777-1920 or Silent Witness at 1-800-932-3232.
Massey said that Farris was a private, helpful neighbor, who rarely had any company and would mow her lawn and run errands for her when her car was broken down.
"That's why it just blows my mind that they could say he's done this, because he was so nice," she said.
Court records show that Farris pleaded guilty to assault on a female, misdemeanor breaking and entering and communicating threats in 2005 involving a man and woman in Franklin County. He was given 18 months' probation.
Both suspects were held without bond in the Wake County jail. At a court hearing Wednesday, they waived their right to fight extradition and will be returned to Arizona.
Marzet Farris III, 46, of 7304 Mount Pleasant Road in Willow Spring, and Laura Jeanna Stelmasek, 46, of 1635 Meadowridge Road in Prescott, Ariz., killed Craig Stelmasek, 57, between May 31 and June 5, warrants state. Prescott police said they found evidence of a homicide at the Stelmaseks' home.
Craig Stelmasek's body was found June 5 wrapped in blankets inside a van that had been left at the Albuquerque International Sunport Airport for at least several days. The cause of death has not been released.
Authorities tracked Farris and Stelmasek to North Carolina. Prescott police said the pair knew each other, but didn't elaborate on their relationship. U.S. marshals arrested them at Farris' Willow Spring home Tuesday evening.
"I saw the police fully armed, running toward the house," neighbor Peggy Massey said. "There were also cops coming with handguns, and I heard them ask the people to come out of the house, or a person come out, with their hands up."
Prescott police have charged Farris and Laura Stelmasek with first-degree murder and abandonment or concealment of a dead body.
Laura Stelmasek also faces one count of child abuse per domestic violence involving the couple's high-school age daughter. The girl has been put in the custody of Child Protective Services, police said.
Anyone with information about this case was asked to call the Prescott Police Department's investigation section at 928-777-1920 or Silent Witness at 1-800-932-3232.
Massey said that Farris was a private, helpful neighbor, who rarely had any company and would mow her lawn and run errands for her when her car was broken down.
"That's why it just blows my mind that they could say he's done this, because he was so nice," she said.
Court records show that Farris pleaded guilty to assault on a female, misdemeanor breaking and entering and communicating threats in 2005 involving a man and woman in Franklin County. He was given 18 months' probation.
Both suspects were held without bond in the Wake County jail. At a court hearing Wednesday, they waived their right to fight extradition and will be returned to Arizona.
Brush Creek Township, OH: ONE KILLED IN MUSKINGUM COUNTY DOMESTIC DISPUTE
One man is dead after a domestic dispute in Brush Creek Township.
According to Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz, deputies were called to 660 Irish Ridge Road around 10:30 Wednesday night. Upon their arrival, they found a man lying in the front yard of the home.
"We found this person unconscious/unresponsive. CPR was started and when the squad got here, the monitor was placed on him and the person was deceased at that point," said Sheriff Lutz.
It appears the man was shot, but the Sheriff says multiple weapons may have been used. Muskingum County Coroner Dr. Perry Kalis was on scene to examine the body. Two females were at the home at the time. Sheriff Lutz says both of those females are being interviewed.
"We had Harrison Township first responders come out from the fire department and the community ambulance was the squad here. They ended up transporting one of the females to the hospital to be checked out and the other female we interviewed here at the scene," said Sheriff Lutz.
Sheriff Lutz says the investigation is ongoing and names will not be released until the family of the victim is notified.
According to Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz, deputies were called to 660 Irish Ridge Road around 10:30 Wednesday night. Upon their arrival, they found a man lying in the front yard of the home.
"We found this person unconscious/unresponsive. CPR was started and when the squad got here, the monitor was placed on him and the person was deceased at that point," said Sheriff Lutz.
It appears the man was shot, but the Sheriff says multiple weapons may have been used. Muskingum County Coroner Dr. Perry Kalis was on scene to examine the body. Two females were at the home at the time. Sheriff Lutz says both of those females are being interviewed.
"We had Harrison Township first responders come out from the fire department and the community ambulance was the squad here. They ended up transporting one of the females to the hospital to be checked out and the other female we interviewed here at the scene," said Sheriff Lutz.
Sheriff Lutz says the investigation is ongoing and names will not be released until the family of the victim is notified.
Nanticoke, PA: Trial ordered for NE Pa. woman in boyfriend's stabbing death in November
NANTICOKE, Pa. — A northeastern Pennsylvania woman has been ordered to stand trial in the stabbing death of her boyfriend last fall.
Authorities in Luzerne County allege that 42-year-old Sherry Ann Cease stabbed 59-year-old John Wolfe during a Nov. 30 argument in his Plymouth Township home.
Police said he fled to a neighbor's house and was later pronounced dead at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center
After a preliminary hearing Tuesday, a judge ordered Cease to stand trial on charges of third-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter.
Defense attorney Demetrius Fannick said his client was defending herself after she was choked during a domestic dispute. He says "at best" it was a "heat-of-passion situation."
But prosecutors say the evidence does not support the defense version of events.
Authorities in Luzerne County allege that 42-year-old Sherry Ann Cease stabbed 59-year-old John Wolfe during a Nov. 30 argument in his Plymouth Township home.
Police said he fled to a neighbor's house and was later pronounced dead at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center
After a preliminary hearing Tuesday, a judge ordered Cease to stand trial on charges of third-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter.
Defense attorney Demetrius Fannick said his client was defending herself after she was choked during a domestic dispute. He says "at best" it was a "heat-of-passion situation."
But prosecutors say the evidence does not support the defense version of events.
Las Vegas, NV: Police: Suspect in woman’s stabbing death is a former boyfriend
A man who allegedly stabbed to death a 25-year-old woman Tuesday night in the southern valley near Las Vegas Boulevard was her former boyfriend, Metro Police said today.
Alexandria Victoria Whitmarsh, of Las Vegas, died after being taken to University Medical Center, according to the Clark County Coroner's Office.
Police arrested the suspect, 23-year-old Ronnie Long, last night about two miles from where the stabbing occurred, Metro spokeswoman Laura Meltzer said.
Authorities said Whitmarsh was walking with a man just before 10 p.m. on Giles Street at Windmill Lane when Long approached her. A fight ensued and Long allegedly stabbed her multiple times before running away, Meltzer said.
Police later apprehended him near the intersection of Dean Martin Drive and Warm Springs Road. Long was suffering from possible self-inflicted stab wounds and also was taken to UMC.
He was charged with murder with a deadly weapon, according to Clark County Detention Center records. His first court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.
The coroner hasn't officially determined the victim's cause and manner of death.
Alexandria Victoria Whitmarsh, of Las Vegas, died after being taken to University Medical Center, according to the Clark County Coroner's Office.
Police arrested the suspect, 23-year-old Ronnie Long, last night about two miles from where the stabbing occurred, Metro spokeswoman Laura Meltzer said.
Authorities said Whitmarsh was walking with a man just before 10 p.m. on Giles Street at Windmill Lane when Long approached her. A fight ensued and Long allegedly stabbed her multiple times before running away, Meltzer said.
Police later apprehended him near the intersection of Dean Martin Drive and Warm Springs Road. Long was suffering from possible self-inflicted stab wounds and also was taken to UMC.
He was charged with murder with a deadly weapon, according to Clark County Detention Center records. His first court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.
The coroner hasn't officially determined the victim's cause and manner of death.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Walton, GA: Greene's death confirmed as self-inflicted
About 36 hours after he was sentenced to life for the death of his ex-wife, Kenneth Greene was pronounced dead from injuries suffered from a suicide attempt.
Greene, 52, was found guilty Friday afternoon following a weeklong trial. At about 2:45 p.m. Saturday, Walton County Sheriff’s Office jail staff found his body hanging in his cell and immediately took him down and began medical treatment. Greene still reportedly had a pulse when he was transported to Walton Regional Medical Center but was pronounced dead at about 1:45 a.m. Sunday.
“I hate that it happened, but it did,” Sheriff Joe Chapman said. “We check the cells every 15 minutes and we just don’t have the personnel to do more than that.”
Greene was not under suicide watch after a doctor interviewed him shortly after being sentenced and determined he could be placed into a cell, according to officials. Greene was in a cell by himself and was awaiting proceedings later this week on revocation of the probation he was on for past conviction of domestic violence against his then-girlfriend Christina Robinson.
The death is currently under investigation by the GBI and is the fourth suicide to take place in the jail since it opened Jan. 1, 2005. An autopsy performed Monday confirmed strangulation as the cause of death.
Following jury selection, testimony from the trial last week included that of past incidences of domestic violence by Greene against his ex-wife as well as Robinson, who testified to a drug-laden relationship and violence which led to Greene’s arrest in 2008. The jury also heard testimony from Greene’s son, Dustin, who witnessed his father become violent with his mother prior to the date of her death.
Much of the case centered around a $600 phone bill, which the prosecution set up as the possible motive for a fight between Greene and his ex-wife on the night of her death. Greene denied ever fighting with his ex-wife over the bill and said he left her passed out on the bathroom floor. He said she had a problem drinking and seemed “spacey” on the date of her death. Greene maintained throughout his interviews with authorities the injuries that riddled the body of his ex-wife were sustained from a drunken fall down stairs a week prior, an incident confirmed by other testimony.
Perhaps the most damning testimony came from that of the GBI medical examiner who performed the autopsy on Joyce Greene. With graphic pictures of a battered woman’s body, the family of the victim often looked away, some with tears in their eyes.
Dr. Douglas Posey, associate medical examiner with the GBI, testified to a number of blunt injuries on the face and head of Joyce Greene, as well as bruised and broken ribs, all suffered within at least 48 hours of the time of death. One, a 3-inch laceration on the top of the head, rested next to a similar injury Posey said was about seven to 10 days old. Assistant District Attorney Cliff Howard asked if a pool cue could have been the cause but the GBI doctor could not confirm if the injury was caused by those included as evidence in the case.
“It was something long and cylindrical,” Posey said. “The business end of a pool cue, what you hit the ball with, is certainly something that might do this, among many other possible items.”
But none of the injuries sustained were the cause of death. According to Posey, the cause of death was manual strangulation. But without finger, nail or ligature marks, there was no way to determine what was the source of strangulation.
It took the jury a little more than an hour Friday to return a guilty verdict on all counts.
Greene sat without emotion as the guilty verdict was read for malice murder, felony murder, felony family violence battery and cruelty to children in the third degree. After the verdict was read, each juror was polled and agreed with the decision.
Before the sentencing, Jonnie Lang, the youngest sister of Joyce Greene, took the opportunity to address the court, thanking everyone involved for their role during the proceedings.
“My sister was not perfect, but she did not deserve the way she died,” she said. “Her son does not deserve what he has suffered through. He was just a child. I appreciate what you all have done for her. The verdict we got today was justice for her.”
Greene would have been eligible for parole after 30 years.
Greene, 52, was found guilty Friday afternoon following a weeklong trial. At about 2:45 p.m. Saturday, Walton County Sheriff’s Office jail staff found his body hanging in his cell and immediately took him down and began medical treatment. Greene still reportedly had a pulse when he was transported to Walton Regional Medical Center but was pronounced dead at about 1:45 a.m. Sunday.
“I hate that it happened, but it did,” Sheriff Joe Chapman said. “We check the cells every 15 minutes and we just don’t have the personnel to do more than that.”
Greene was not under suicide watch after a doctor interviewed him shortly after being sentenced and determined he could be placed into a cell, according to officials. Greene was in a cell by himself and was awaiting proceedings later this week on revocation of the probation he was on for past conviction of domestic violence against his then-girlfriend Christina Robinson.
The death is currently under investigation by the GBI and is the fourth suicide to take place in the jail since it opened Jan. 1, 2005. An autopsy performed Monday confirmed strangulation as the cause of death.
Following jury selection, testimony from the trial last week included that of past incidences of domestic violence by Greene against his ex-wife as well as Robinson, who testified to a drug-laden relationship and violence which led to Greene’s arrest in 2008. The jury also heard testimony from Greene’s son, Dustin, who witnessed his father become violent with his mother prior to the date of her death.
Much of the case centered around a $600 phone bill, which the prosecution set up as the possible motive for a fight between Greene and his ex-wife on the night of her death. Greene denied ever fighting with his ex-wife over the bill and said he left her passed out on the bathroom floor. He said she had a problem drinking and seemed “spacey” on the date of her death. Greene maintained throughout his interviews with authorities the injuries that riddled the body of his ex-wife were sustained from a drunken fall down stairs a week prior, an incident confirmed by other testimony.
Perhaps the most damning testimony came from that of the GBI medical examiner who performed the autopsy on Joyce Greene. With graphic pictures of a battered woman’s body, the family of the victim often looked away, some with tears in their eyes.
Dr. Douglas Posey, associate medical examiner with the GBI, testified to a number of blunt injuries on the face and head of Joyce Greene, as well as bruised and broken ribs, all suffered within at least 48 hours of the time of death. One, a 3-inch laceration on the top of the head, rested next to a similar injury Posey said was about seven to 10 days old. Assistant District Attorney Cliff Howard asked if a pool cue could have been the cause but the GBI doctor could not confirm if the injury was caused by those included as evidence in the case.
“It was something long and cylindrical,” Posey said. “The business end of a pool cue, what you hit the ball with, is certainly something that might do this, among many other possible items.”
But none of the injuries sustained were the cause of death. According to Posey, the cause of death was manual strangulation. But without finger, nail or ligature marks, there was no way to determine what was the source of strangulation.
It took the jury a little more than an hour Friday to return a guilty verdict on all counts.
Greene sat without emotion as the guilty verdict was read for malice murder, felony murder, felony family violence battery and cruelty to children in the third degree. After the verdict was read, each juror was polled and agreed with the decision.
Before the sentencing, Jonnie Lang, the youngest sister of Joyce Greene, took the opportunity to address the court, thanking everyone involved for their role during the proceedings.
“My sister was not perfect, but she did not deserve the way she died,” she said. “Her son does not deserve what he has suffered through. He was just a child. I appreciate what you all have done for her. The verdict we got today was justice for her.”
Greene would have been eligible for parole after 30 years.
Cumberland County, PA: UPDATE (12): Cumberland County double murder - suicide
UPDATE:
Investigators say it happened at a house on Brookridge Drive in Hampden Township around 1:40 Wednesday morning. Cops showed up and found Paul Johnson, 34, and Wendy Royer, 36, Camp Hill dead.
Early Wednesday morning, as police took away two bodies, investigators collected several shell casings inside the kitchen of the Hampden Township home.
"The vast majority of that house was undisturbed, the scene of extreme violence was in the kitchen area where the bodies were found," said Cumberland County DA Dave Freed.
The shell casings may have come, from a high powered rifle that Robert Liddick, 41, used to kill the mother of his child, Royer and the homeowner Johnson. Police say after the killings, Liddick went to the Summerdale Diner off routes 11/15 and called police, telling them there was an unattended child at that home.
Police showed up and found the child unharmed. They also saw a man and woman in the kitchen shot to death.
"I’m kind of surprised. It's very rare that we have any kind of activity in this neighborhood," said neighbor Bob Dunn.
More than nine hours after the shooting, police were still searching for Liddick. But then, just after 11 Wednesday morning, as the Cumberland DA updated media, he got a call that a truck matching Liddick's, had been found off Enola Road in East Pennsboro Township.
The truck was near the Susquehanna River and a body was in a creek. "There was also evidence in the form of a note and close to the area along with a high powered rifle, that would appear to have been used in the killings early this morning," said Cumberland County DA Dave Freed.
Investigators have confirmed that the body found in the creek was that of Liddick. His death is the result of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head.
DA Freed says that right now, he's unsure of the status of any of the relationships. But neighbors say the two victims were boyfriend/girlfriend.
Autopsies will be done in the next few days.
Investigators say it happened at a house on Brookridge Drive in Hampden Township around 1:40 Wednesday morning. Cops showed up and found Paul Johnson, 34, and Wendy Royer, 36, Camp Hill dead.
Early Wednesday morning, as police took away two bodies, investigators collected several shell casings inside the kitchen of the Hampden Township home.
"The vast majority of that house was undisturbed, the scene of extreme violence was in the kitchen area where the bodies were found," said Cumberland County DA Dave Freed.
The shell casings may have come, from a high powered rifle that Robert Liddick, 41, used to kill the mother of his child, Royer and the homeowner Johnson. Police say after the killings, Liddick went to the Summerdale Diner off routes 11/15 and called police, telling them there was an unattended child at that home.
Police showed up and found the child unharmed. They also saw a man and woman in the kitchen shot to death.
"I’m kind of surprised. It's very rare that we have any kind of activity in this neighborhood," said neighbor Bob Dunn.
More than nine hours after the shooting, police were still searching for Liddick. But then, just after 11 Wednesday morning, as the Cumberland DA updated media, he got a call that a truck matching Liddick's, had been found off Enola Road in East Pennsboro Township.
The truck was near the Susquehanna River and a body was in a creek. "There was also evidence in the form of a note and close to the area along with a high powered rifle, that would appear to have been used in the killings early this morning," said Cumberland County DA Dave Freed.
Investigators have confirmed that the body found in the creek was that of Liddick. His death is the result of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head.
DA Freed says that right now, he's unsure of the status of any of the relationships. But neighbors say the two victims were boyfriend/girlfriend.
Autopsies will be done in the next few days.
South Bend, IN: Suspect in wife's death in South Bend charged with murder
SOUTH BEND — A 38-year-old man has been charged with murder after his wife was found dead in their home in South Bend.
Brian Cocot admitted to investigators that he struck Marsha Cocot, 38, with a hammer and then strangled her until she stopped breathing, according to court documents.
He is being held in the St. Joseph County Jail without bond.
Brian had apparently planned to kill himself after killing his wife, he told investigators. But when his suicide attempt failed in Elkhart, he told police to check on his wife at their home at 19725 Southland Avenue, south of Kern Road.
When St. Joseph County Police arrived at that home, they found Marsha dead inside and natural gas leaking into the home, court documents show.
Brian Cocot admitted to investigators that he struck Marsha Cocot, 38, with a hammer and then strangled her until she stopped breathing, according to court documents.
He is being held in the St. Joseph County Jail without bond.
Brian had apparently planned to kill himself after killing his wife, he told investigators. But when his suicide attempt failed in Elkhart, he told police to check on his wife at their home at 19725 Southland Avenue, south of Kern Road.
When St. Joseph County Police arrived at that home, they found Marsha dead inside and natural gas leaking into the home, court documents show.
Suwanee, GA: Suwanee man on trial for murder of estranged wife
SUWANEE - Testimony continues this week in the murder trial of a Suwanee father who stabbed the mother of his two young daughters to death at a Wal-Mart parking lot.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that the 7- and 9-year-old daughters of 29-year-old Philip Chad Dunn testified against their father Tuesday.
The girls told the court they were sitting inside their grandmother's vehicle when they saw Philip Dunn attack their mother during a custody exchange on Valentine's Day 2010.
The older daughter also told the court that her father told her he was going to kill her mother because she killed him on the inside.
Dunn is charged with malice murder, felony murder and aggravated assault in the death of his estranged wife, 27-year-old Shelley Dyan Dunn.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that the 7- and 9-year-old daughters of 29-year-old Philip Chad Dunn testified against their father Tuesday.
The girls told the court they were sitting inside their grandmother's vehicle when they saw Philip Dunn attack their mother during a custody exchange on Valentine's Day 2010.
The older daughter also told the court that her father told her he was going to kill her mother because she killed him on the inside.
Dunn is charged with malice murder, felony murder and aggravated assault in the death of his estranged wife, 27-year-old Shelley Dyan Dunn.
Placerville, CA: Jury hears closing arguments in Calif mom stabbing
PLACERVILLE, Calif.—The lawyer for a Northern California man accused of fatally stabbing his underage girlfriend's mother says the girlfriend committed the murder to prevent her mother from standing in the way of the relationship.
Jurors heard closing statements Tuesday in the case against 21-year-old Steven Paul Colver. He faces a possible first- or second-degree murder conviction in the 2009 killing of Joanne Witt at her El Dorado Hills home, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Defense attorney Dain Weiner told jurors the single mother was killed by her daughter Tylar, then 14, who he described as mentally unstable.
But prosecutor Lisette Suder said male DNA found on the body points to Colver. Suder said the then-19-year-old stabbed Witt 20 times because he was terrified of going to jail after she reported him for statutory rape.
Jurors heard closing statements Tuesday in the case against 21-year-old Steven Paul Colver. He faces a possible first- or second-degree murder conviction in the 2009 killing of Joanne Witt at her El Dorado Hills home, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Defense attorney Dain Weiner told jurors the single mother was killed by her daughter Tylar, then 14, who he described as mentally unstable.
But prosecutor Lisette Suder said male DNA found on the body points to Colver. Suder said the then-19-year-old stabbed Witt 20 times because he was terrified of going to jail after she reported him for statutory rape.
Chatsworth, CA: Chatsworth man arrested after telling officers he killed his girlfriend, LAPD says
A Chatsworth man was arrested Tuesday after he walked into a police station and allegedly told officers that he had killed his girlfriend.
David Pearson, 52, said he had killed his girlfriend in their apartment, according to the LAPD.
Officers found Kristen Hyde, 62, dead inside the apartment in the 6500 block of Topanga Canyon Boulevard, the LAPD said. She appeared to have been strangled, police said.
Pearson was being held in lieu of $1 million bail. Since January 2007, at least 10 homicides have been reported in Chatsworth, according to The Times' Homicide Report database.
Anyone with information regarding Tuesday's slaying is asked to call detectives at (818) 756-4820.
David Pearson, 52, said he had killed his girlfriend in their apartment, according to the LAPD.
Officers found Kristen Hyde, 62, dead inside the apartment in the 6500 block of Topanga Canyon Boulevard, the LAPD said. She appeared to have been strangled, police said.
Pearson was being held in lieu of $1 million bail. Since January 2007, at least 10 homicides have been reported in Chatsworth, according to The Times' Homicide Report database.
Anyone with information regarding Tuesday's slaying is asked to call detectives at (818) 756-4820.
Orange County, FL: Man Dead After Standoff With Officers
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- State agents from the FDLE are investigating after a Winter Garden police officer shot and killed a 63-year-old man after a domestic dispute was reported.
Police said Harry and Maggie Gibbs got into a dispute about something around 11:00pm on Monday. Harry Gibbs had been drinking. Investigators said the altercation got out of control, so his wife, Maggie Gibbs went to a neighbors home for help, and they called 911.
"She's not reporting that he was beating her, more holding her down and so forth during some type of dispute they were having," said Officer Keith Ralston of the Winter Garden Police Department.
It was the first time police said they had been called to the home in the three years the couple lived in the community.
Police said when they arrived, Harry Gibbs walked out of the home, with a shotgun and waved it around without firing, but they said they felt threatened and had no choice but to open fire.
“At some point he lowered that weapon to our officers and aimed it at them. One of our officers fired upon him. At that point, he retreated into the house. Then we waited for SWAT to arrive,” said Ralston.
When police showed up, they said Harry Gibbs first came out of his home empty handed, but rushed back inside, and came out with a 12-gauge shotgun. Investigators said he refused to put it down, and even pointed it at officers. Sgt. James Capelettii fired at least four shots, and one hit Harry Gibbs. He managed to make it back in his home, where he collapsed and died.
“He had it upward to the sky with it, at some point he aimed at our officers and that's when we fired upon him,” said Ralston.
Jeanne Pickett-Elwis was one of the first people to meet Harry and Maggie Gibbs, when they moved into the Hyde Park Mobile Community, two years ago. Neighbors called her, when 63-year-old Harry Gibbs was shot and killed by Winter Garden police.
“They really were a nice couple. Maggie worked at Joanne Fabrics. Harry loved to golf and play cards,” said Pickett-Elwis.
Neighbors told WFTV that Harry Gibbs suffered from metal illness. The FDLE is investigating, but they said, Capelettii would have had no way of knowing that before they decided to shoot.
Capalettii is on administrative duty with pay, and officials said that is pending the outcome of an investigation. He has been with the Winter Garden Police Department for eight years.
Police said Harry and Maggie Gibbs got into a dispute about something around 11:00pm on Monday. Harry Gibbs had been drinking. Investigators said the altercation got out of control, so his wife, Maggie Gibbs went to a neighbors home for help, and they called 911.
"She's not reporting that he was beating her, more holding her down and so forth during some type of dispute they were having," said Officer Keith Ralston of the Winter Garden Police Department.
It was the first time police said they had been called to the home in the three years the couple lived in the community.
Police said when they arrived, Harry Gibbs walked out of the home, with a shotgun and waved it around without firing, but they said they felt threatened and had no choice but to open fire.
“At some point he lowered that weapon to our officers and aimed it at them. One of our officers fired upon him. At that point, he retreated into the house. Then we waited for SWAT to arrive,” said Ralston.
When police showed up, they said Harry Gibbs first came out of his home empty handed, but rushed back inside, and came out with a 12-gauge shotgun. Investigators said he refused to put it down, and even pointed it at officers. Sgt. James Capelettii fired at least four shots, and one hit Harry Gibbs. He managed to make it back in his home, where he collapsed and died.
“He had it upward to the sky with it, at some point he aimed at our officers and that's when we fired upon him,” said Ralston.
Jeanne Pickett-Elwis was one of the first people to meet Harry and Maggie Gibbs, when they moved into the Hyde Park Mobile Community, two years ago. Neighbors called her, when 63-year-old Harry Gibbs was shot and killed by Winter Garden police.
“They really were a nice couple. Maggie worked at Joanne Fabrics. Harry loved to golf and play cards,” said Pickett-Elwis.
Neighbors told WFTV that Harry Gibbs suffered from metal illness. The FDLE is investigating, but they said, Capelettii would have had no way of knowing that before they decided to shoot.
Capalettii is on administrative duty with pay, and officials said that is pending the outcome of an investigation. He has been with the Winter Garden Police Department for eight years.
Vicksburg, MS: Woman Charged In Boyfriend's Stabbing Death
VICKSBURG, Miss. -- A 45-year-old Vicksburg man was stabbed to death after a struggle with his girlfriend, police said.
Michael Terrence Smith, of 2910 Arcadia Place, was pronounced dead at 10:07 p.m. Monday, police said. He had been stabbed multiple times.
Annette Scott has been arrested and is charged with murder in connection with Smith's death, police said.
Michael Terrence Smith, of 2910 Arcadia Place, was pronounced dead at 10:07 p.m. Monday, police said. He had been stabbed multiple times.
Annette Scott has been arrested and is charged with murder in connection with Smith's death, police said.
Charlotte, NC: Mead murder trial is under way
Opening arguments began Tuesday morning in the case of a man accused of shooting his fiancée and burning her Gaston County house to the ground in 2008.
Prosecutor Robert Forbes described the defendant, Michael Mead, as a man unhappy about his fiancee's pregnancy -- and a man who killed Lucy Johnson in a brutal way.
"In addition to being shot in the back of the head ... she was raped and robbed of an engagement ring," Forbes said. "Then gasoline was poured around her, around her bed and down the stairs and her bed was torched."
But a defense attorney told jurors that Johnson gave the biggest clue about her killer.
Lisa Dubs told friends and family members that tensions had been rising with James Spelock, the father of Johnson's infant son, Cason.
Dubs said Johnson told a friend, "Remember what I said. If something happens to me, James Spelock did it. "
Mead, charged with murder, rape and arson in the July 2008 death of 31-year-old Lucy Johnson, is on trial in Mecklenburg County. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
Dubs sought a dismissal in the case earlier this month, citing an arson report from the Charlotte Fire Department that was never turned over by the district attorney's office. But the judge ordered the trial to go ahead.
Mead, 42, is accused of killing Johnson - his fiancée who was pregnant with his child - and burning down her house in Cramerton to cover the crime. Prosecutors said Mead's DNA was found in Johnson's body at the crime scene.
The trial was moved to Mecklenburg in 2010 because of concerns that Mead could not get a fair trial in Gaston County.
Prosecutor Robert Forbes described the defendant, Michael Mead, as a man unhappy about his fiancee's pregnancy -- and a man who killed Lucy Johnson in a brutal way.
"In addition to being shot in the back of the head ... she was raped and robbed of an engagement ring," Forbes said. "Then gasoline was poured around her, around her bed and down the stairs and her bed was torched."
But a defense attorney told jurors that Johnson gave the biggest clue about her killer.
Lisa Dubs told friends and family members that tensions had been rising with James Spelock, the father of Johnson's infant son, Cason.
Dubs said Johnson told a friend, "Remember what I said. If something happens to me, James Spelock did it. "
Mead, charged with murder, rape and arson in the July 2008 death of 31-year-old Lucy Johnson, is on trial in Mecklenburg County. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
Dubs sought a dismissal in the case earlier this month, citing an arson report from the Charlotte Fire Department that was never turned over by the district attorney's office. But the judge ordered the trial to go ahead.
Mead, 42, is accused of killing Johnson - his fiancée who was pregnant with his child - and burning down her house in Cramerton to cover the crime. Prosecutors said Mead's DNA was found in Johnson's body at the crime scene.
The trial was moved to Mecklenburg in 2010 because of concerns that Mead could not get a fair trial in Gaston County.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Concord, NH: NH AG's office: 2 dead in apparent murder-suicide
CONCORD, N.H.—A husband apparently shot his wife to death at their Concord home, then turned the gun on himself Tuesday as police approached him, authorities said.
Sarah Balch, 25, and Matthew Balch, 22, were found outside their home. Several people inside the house, including Matthew Balch's mother and three young children, were not hurt, said Jeffrey Strelzin, senior assistant attorney general. "This was a very dangerous situation," he said.
Strelzin said Matthew Balch's mother had called 911, saying her son was in his driveway with a gun to his head and that he had shot his wife.
When police arrived at the house, they found the body of Sarah Balch partway up the driveway. Then they heard a gunshot. They continued up the driveway and found Matthew Balch dead with a rifle next to him, Strelzin said.
"This is clearly a domestic incident," Strelzin said. "There's some history here, but we're not sure exactly how much history and how in-depth, that's what Concord (police) is investigating."
Neighbors said the family had moved into the house about a year ago. The house was set back in the woods and only part of the driveway can be viewed by from the street.
Autopsies on the couple were expected to be completed Wednesday. The investigation is ongoing.
Sarah Balch, 25, and Matthew Balch, 22, were found outside their home. Several people inside the house, including Matthew Balch's mother and three young children, were not hurt, said Jeffrey Strelzin, senior assistant attorney general. "This was a very dangerous situation," he said.
Strelzin said Matthew Balch's mother had called 911, saying her son was in his driveway with a gun to his head and that he had shot his wife.
When police arrived at the house, they found the body of Sarah Balch partway up the driveway. Then they heard a gunshot. They continued up the driveway and found Matthew Balch dead with a rifle next to him, Strelzin said.
"This is clearly a domestic incident," Strelzin said. "There's some history here, but we're not sure exactly how much history and how in-depth, that's what Concord (police) is investigating."
Neighbors said the family had moved into the house about a year ago. The house was set back in the woods and only part of the driveway can be viewed by from the street.
Autopsies on the couple were expected to be completed Wednesday. The investigation is ongoing.
Humble, TX: Man questioned in Humble woman’s death was questioned in wife's slaying
HOUSTON—The death of a missing woman from Humble could have been avoided, according to the mother of a Houston woman found murdered in December of 2000.
Ida Young said she believes police dropped the ball in her daughter’s case, and left a killer on the streets.
“That’s something he has to answer to God for,” said Young.
Konya Young, 24, was slain in December of 2000. According to the death certificate, she was strangled
to death. Police questioned young’s common-law husband about the murder, but he was never arrested and never charged.
Ida said her daughter was afraid of him.
“That was my only daughter and he took her,” she said.
Last week, volunteers with Texas EquuSearch recovered the body of Lakendra Ware near her Humble home. Ware’s boyfriend is considered a person of interest in the case. He is the same man who was once married to Konya Young.
“Her life could have been saved if police had looked into it like they said,” added Young.
Detectives in Humble continue to question the man.
Houston police refused to comment, but said their investigation from 2000 remains open.
Ida Young said she believes police dropped the ball in her daughter’s case, and left a killer on the streets.
“That’s something he has to answer to God for,” said Young.
Konya Young, 24, was slain in December of 2000. According to the death certificate, she was strangled
to death. Police questioned young’s common-law husband about the murder, but he was never arrested and never charged.
Ida said her daughter was afraid of him.
“That was my only daughter and he took her,” she said.
Last week, volunteers with Texas EquuSearch recovered the body of Lakendra Ware near her Humble home. Ware’s boyfriend is considered a person of interest in the case. He is the same man who was once married to Konya Young.
“Her life could have been saved if police had looked into it like they said,” added Young.
Detectives in Humble continue to question the man.
Houston police refused to comment, but said their investigation from 2000 remains open.
Auburn Hills, MI: Man Suspected In Wife's Death Released From Custody In Kosovo
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- The husband of a Michigan woman who disappeared 10 years has been released in Kosovo after being held in connection with the case.
Auburn Hills police and the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office said they had been working with the FBI and U.S. State Department to extradite Kola Gjergjai back to Michigan in order to stand trial for the 1998 attempted murder and 2001 murder of his ex-wife, Rita Gjergjai.
He was arrested earlier this year in Kosovo, but was ordered released on May 13 by the Kosovo Supreme Court.
Aferdita "Rita" Gjergjaj vanished in Feb. 25, 2001, after family members said she was supposed to meet her husband, Binak, and her two children in an Auburn Hills parking lot.
Her car was found, but she was not.
Binak "Kola" Gjergjaj disappeared a short time later, leaving behind the couple's two children.
At the time of the incident, police said they thought Kola Gjergjaj had fled to Kosovo to live with other family members.
Auburn Hills police and the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office said they had been working with the FBI and U.S. State Department to extradite Kola Gjergjai back to Michigan in order to stand trial for the 1998 attempted murder and 2001 murder of his ex-wife, Rita Gjergjai.
He was arrested earlier this year in Kosovo, but was ordered released on May 13 by the Kosovo Supreme Court.
Aferdita "Rita" Gjergjaj vanished in Feb. 25, 2001, after family members said she was supposed to meet her husband, Binak, and her two children in an Auburn Hills parking lot.
Her car was found, but she was not.
Binak "Kola" Gjergjaj disappeared a short time later, leaving behind the couple's two children.
At the time of the incident, police said they thought Kola Gjergjaj had fled to Kosovo to live with other family members.
Dayton, MN: Dayton Man Charged with Murder in Wife's Death
A 49-year-old man from Dayton, Minn., has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with his wife's death, the Twin Cities suburb's first homicide case since 1984.
Police said John Bogema called them at about 4:45 a.m. to report an incident at the couple's home, located at 13831 Vinewood Lane North.
Responding officers pronounced Bogema's 58-year-old wife, Georgia Lee Bogema, dead at the scene.
The Medical Examiner later announced that Georgia Lee Bogema died of multiple sharp force injuries.
According to the criminal complaint, police asked Bogema if he killed his wife, and he answered, "I might have."
The complaint also states that Bogema told the 911 dispatch operater he wasn't feeling well and had mental problems.
Investigating officers spoke with Bogema's son, who said his father had called him in the early morning hours to say he was sorry and would be returning to a mental hospital.
Georgia’s niece, Debra Klenk, spoke at length to FOX 9. Klenk said Bogema has been trying to deal with mental health issues, and spent some time at a mental health facility to address his depression and issues with becoming more aggressive toward his wife.
Family members said that just last week, Georgia talked to her husband of more than 15 years about couples counseling.
Klenk also said her aunt called Bogema’s doctor about adjusting his medication and was told to get the guns out of the house.
Bogema is expected to make his first court appearance Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, family is planning his wife’s funeral for Thursday.
Police said John Bogema called them at about 4:45 a.m. to report an incident at the couple's home, located at 13831 Vinewood Lane North.
Responding officers pronounced Bogema's 58-year-old wife, Georgia Lee Bogema, dead at the scene.
The Medical Examiner later announced that Georgia Lee Bogema died of multiple sharp force injuries.
According to the criminal complaint, police asked Bogema if he killed his wife, and he answered, "I might have."
The complaint also states that Bogema told the 911 dispatch operater he wasn't feeling well and had mental problems.
Investigating officers spoke with Bogema's son, who said his father had called him in the early morning hours to say he was sorry and would be returning to a mental hospital.
Georgia’s niece, Debra Klenk, spoke at length to FOX 9. Klenk said Bogema has been trying to deal with mental health issues, and spent some time at a mental health facility to address his depression and issues with becoming more aggressive toward his wife.
Family members said that just last week, Georgia talked to her husband of more than 15 years about couples counseling.
Klenk also said her aunt called Bogema’s doctor about adjusting his medication and was told to get the guns out of the house.
Bogema is expected to make his first court appearance Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, family is planning his wife’s funeral for Thursday.
Durham, NC: New details emerge in RTP murder-suicide
DURHAM, N.C. --
New details are emerging about a murder-suicide involving four people in Research Triangle Park Friday night.
According to the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, Brinton Millsap, 23, shot and killed Amesha Page-Smith, 24, Alexandria Baker Pierce, 23, and Adrianne Stevens, 22. He then turned the gun on himself.
Lt. Stanley Harris of the Durham County Sheriff’s Office discussed details Monday with NBC-17 in his first TV interview about the case. He said Millsap and Pierce were dating.
“We’re still trying to work out what’s going on as far as relationship-wise. Why the three victims were with him and how they contacted him, where did they contact him, where were they going - these are the things we want to know also. Some of these things we might not ever find out,” he said.
The vehicle was pulled off of Highway 54 near Park Office Drive, Harris said. Each of the women were shot multiple times. He said it was “obvious” everyone was dead at the scene when investigators arrived.
The three women were found inside the vehicle. Millsap, who was found outside the vehicle, had been a backseat passenger. Harris declined to say who was driving.
“You can only imagine that somebody had a weapon or something. The driver might have pulled over to address what was going on. We don’t know what was happening. Obviously that's passed on with the suspect. That’s frustrating to us because we can’t question him. We can’t interrogate him to see what was on his mind or what was on their minds,” he said.
On Monday, 911 calls were released, including from a man who said he was in the area when the shootings occurred.
"I was driving on Highway 54, um, and uh, I had to stop in the middle of the road and there was a guy outside of his car and he shot about three or four gunshots. I don't know if he was shooting into his car or outside of his car or where he was firing,” the man told the 911 operator.
An employee at a nearby Radisson Hotel also called 911. He said a man came in and said he believed there had been a shooting off of Highway 54. The man told the employee he did not want to get involved and had not called anyone.
The investigation continues. Harris said investigators still need to interview and re-interview some people in the case.
New details are emerging about a murder-suicide involving four people in Research Triangle Park Friday night.
According to the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, Brinton Millsap, 23, shot and killed Amesha Page-Smith, 24, Alexandria Baker Pierce, 23, and Adrianne Stevens, 22. He then turned the gun on himself.
Lt. Stanley Harris of the Durham County Sheriff’s Office discussed details Monday with NBC-17 in his first TV interview about the case. He said Millsap and Pierce were dating.
“We’re still trying to work out what’s going on as far as relationship-wise. Why the three victims were with him and how they contacted him, where did they contact him, where were they going - these are the things we want to know also. Some of these things we might not ever find out,” he said.
The vehicle was pulled off of Highway 54 near Park Office Drive, Harris said. Each of the women were shot multiple times. He said it was “obvious” everyone was dead at the scene when investigators arrived.
The three women were found inside the vehicle. Millsap, who was found outside the vehicle, had been a backseat passenger. Harris declined to say who was driving.
“You can only imagine that somebody had a weapon or something. The driver might have pulled over to address what was going on. We don’t know what was happening. Obviously that's passed on with the suspect. That’s frustrating to us because we can’t question him. We can’t interrogate him to see what was on his mind or what was on their minds,” he said.
On Monday, 911 calls were released, including from a man who said he was in the area when the shootings occurred.
"I was driving on Highway 54, um, and uh, I had to stop in the middle of the road and there was a guy outside of his car and he shot about three or four gunshots. I don't know if he was shooting into his car or outside of his car or where he was firing,” the man told the 911 operator.
An employee at a nearby Radisson Hotel also called 911. He said a man came in and said he believed there had been a shooting off of Highway 54. The man told the employee he did not want to get involved and had not called anyone.
The investigation continues. Harris said investigators still need to interview and re-interview some people in the case.
Tyler, TX: Tyler man who allegedly killed girlfriend's baby makes Most Wanted list
LONGVIEW — A Tyler man was added to the U.S. Marshals 15 Most Wanted fugitive list last week in connection with the murder of his girlfriend's 1-year-old son.
Authorities have been searching for 26-year-old Simon Lopez since Nov. 24 when a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Police spokesman Donald Martin said Lopez fled after he dropped the 18-month-old boy off at one of the boy's aunt's home, according to Tyler police officials. The boy was not breathing at the time.
Lopez was babysitting his girlfriend's two children while she worked in Lindale that day, and had reportedly left the the children home alone while he took his girlfriend, Emma Torres, to work.
The victim, Jeremy Silva, was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital by his aunt. An autopsy report showed that his death was caused from a torn atrium in his heart, a result of blunt force trauma to his chest, officials have said.
The report also indicated that Jeremy suffered prior abuse, including several broken ribs and bruising to his body, according to Tyler police.
Lopez faces charges for capital murder in connection with the toddler's death and assault on a public servant in connection with an incident in Dallas, U.S. Marshal officials said.
U.S. Marshals officials said a reward up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading directly to Lopez's arrest.
Anyone with information regarding Lopez's whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals Communications center at (800) 336-0102. For more information visit www.usmarshals.gov.
Authorities have been searching for 26-year-old Simon Lopez since Nov. 24 when a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Police spokesman Donald Martin said Lopez fled after he dropped the 18-month-old boy off at one of the boy's aunt's home, according to Tyler police officials. The boy was not breathing at the time.
Lopez was babysitting his girlfriend's two children while she worked in Lindale that day, and had reportedly left the the children home alone while he took his girlfriend, Emma Torres, to work.
The victim, Jeremy Silva, was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital by his aunt. An autopsy report showed that his death was caused from a torn atrium in his heart, a result of blunt force trauma to his chest, officials have said.
The report also indicated that Jeremy suffered prior abuse, including several broken ribs and bruising to his body, according to Tyler police.
Lopez faces charges for capital murder in connection with the toddler's death and assault on a public servant in connection with an incident in Dallas, U.S. Marshal officials said.
U.S. Marshals officials said a reward up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading directly to Lopez's arrest.
Anyone with information regarding Lopez's whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals Communications center at (800) 336-0102. For more information visit www.usmarshals.gov.
Albany, NY: Domestic violence affects children
A deadly weekend stabbing has shaken an Albany neighborhood, not only because a man died, but because children apparently witnessed the attack.
Four kids were in the home when police say a woman killed her boyfriend. WALB News Ten's Tayleigh spoke to specialists about how witnessing violent crimes can affect children.
33-year old Leslie Ballard faced murder charges in court Monday. Police say she stabbed 40-year old Anthony Hartsfield to death Saturday night in the home on Cherry Avenue.
"Witnessing a crime like that may make the children feel insecure, they'll have nightmares, flashbacks, and feel unsafe," said Psychologist Cheryl Kaiser with Insight Psychotherapy and Assessment Services.
Amy Boney, Regional Director for Child Advocacy Centers of the Lily Pad, says many times boys experience anger and girls may feel fear after they witness domestic violence in the home. It's a vicious cycle that's becoming an epidemic across America.
"Someone has to stop the cycle," said Boney. "If the parent can find the strength to get out of that relationship, the children will have a better chance of not entering into one."
Boney has seen domestic violence cases go up since 2008. Each year, in Dougherty County, the Lily Pad sees roughly 450 children involved in violence or sexual assault cases. About two thirds of those cases are in Albany. Many times, financial struggles ignite the domestic violence.
"It's serious and deadly and people have the community's support," Boned added.
The Lily Pad, which serves 30 counties in southwest Georgia, offers counseling and medical referrals at no charge. The Liberty House also offers shelter and other free assistance to domestic violence victims too.
Four kids were in the home when police say a woman killed her boyfriend. WALB News Ten's Tayleigh spoke to specialists about how witnessing violent crimes can affect children.
33-year old Leslie Ballard faced murder charges in court Monday. Police say she stabbed 40-year old Anthony Hartsfield to death Saturday night in the home on Cherry Avenue.
"Witnessing a crime like that may make the children feel insecure, they'll have nightmares, flashbacks, and feel unsafe," said Psychologist Cheryl Kaiser with Insight Psychotherapy and Assessment Services.
Amy Boney, Regional Director for Child Advocacy Centers of the Lily Pad, says many times boys experience anger and girls may feel fear after they witness domestic violence in the home. It's a vicious cycle that's becoming an epidemic across America.
"Someone has to stop the cycle," said Boney. "If the parent can find the strength to get out of that relationship, the children will have a better chance of not entering into one."
Boney has seen domestic violence cases go up since 2008. Each year, in Dougherty County, the Lily Pad sees roughly 450 children involved in violence or sexual assault cases. About two thirds of those cases are in Albany. Many times, financial struggles ignite the domestic violence.
"It's serious and deadly and people have the community's support," Boned added.
The Lily Pad, which serves 30 counties in southwest Georgia, offers counseling and medical referrals at no charge. The Liberty House also offers shelter and other free assistance to domestic violence victims too.
Dexter, ME: Four dead in Dexter
DEXTER -- Police said a man from rural Wellington shot and killed his estranged wife and the couple's two children Monday morning at the woman's home in Dexter, then shot and killed himself.
AFTERMATH: Relatives of the victims gather in the early afternoon about a mile from where police say Steven Lake, 37, shot and killed his estranged wife and two children inside their home in Dexter on Monday. Authorities said Lake, free on bail, but barred from contacting his family, was awaiting trial for allegedly holding his family hostage last year.
Maj. Gary Wright, head of the State Police Criminal Division, said schoolteacher Amy Lake, 38, and her children Monica, 12, and Coty, 13, died of gunshot wounds. Steven Lake, 37, owner of Lake's Family Heating in nearby Harmony, was the shooter, he said.
Wright said police found a shotgun near the bodies and also found that some sort of accelerant, such as gasoline, had been spread inside the house on picturesque Shore Road, but it wasn't ignited.
Police are calling the incident a "despicable case of domestic violence."
Investigators can't say for sure what pushed Steven Lake over the edge, Wright said, but a relative told The Associated Press that Lake was frustrated by an ongoing custody dispute and particularly upset at having to miss his son's eighth-grade graduation.
Wright said the arrival of a Dexter police officer Monday morning may have caught Steven Lake by surprise, prompting him to take quick action and pulling the trigger.
Employees at a Dexter school where Amy Lake was a teacher and her two children were students called police to report they had not shown up for school Monday.
Wright said a school employee drove by the house and saw Steven Lake's Jeep parked in the yard. Lake had been prohibited from having contact with his wife or the two children.
"There was a protective order and bail conditions from a June 2010 domestic situation where he held his family hostage," Wright said. Steven Lake was awaiting trial for that incident in Wellington, Wright said. He was free on bail.
When Dexter police Officer Kevin Wintell arrived at the house about 8 a.m., he reported hearing multiple gunshots from inside the house. Police from several law enforcement agencies went to the scene. State police negotiators tried in vain for more than two hours to contact Lake, by phone and a public address system. Police never made contact with those inside, but they didn't know for sure whether people were alive inside the house.
Around 2 p.m., a state police armored vehicle with a battering ram moved in on the house, and officers discovered the bodies in the living room. Some of the victims had been shot multiple times, according to the State Medical Examiner's Office.
Diana Wood, an employee at the Harmony Country Store, said Amy Lake was a kind, generous person.
"Amy was one of the sweetest most genuine people that there is. She had a heart of gold," Wood, 28, said. "The kids were just like her. You couldn't get a better person."
Wood said both Steven and Amy grew up in Wellington. She said Amy's mother, Linda Bagley, would babysit her, beginning when Diana was 4; and Amy was always there, helping out with the younger children.
"Amy had a heart of gold, just like her mom," Wood said.
Tracy Morrison, owner of a garage and logging business in Harmony, said he has known both the Bagleys and the Lakes for many years. He said Amy and Steve had a troubled relationship. Morrison said Amy Lake moved with the children to Dexter after they split up in 2010.
"It was just a nasty divorce," Morrison said.
The 2 1/2-story, red, vinyl-sided farmhouse stands on a small hill on the far side of the shore of Lake Wassookeag. The house is about a mile from Route 23, the Moose Head Trail to Greenville.
"There is an indication that there were accelerants in the house that had been dispersed. We don't know when he showed up, but he obviously showed up with the intent of causing harm," Wright said from the scene. "Probably his plan was interrupted by the officer, and that's when he heard the shots."
An initial examination by the state medical examiner indicated that the four died about 8 a.m.
Mylon Lake, of Harmony, told the AP that Steven Lake was his nephew and had been angry about a child custody dispute. Steven and Amy Lake at one time had shared custody, but Steven had recently lost his right to see the children.
"You push buttons enough, and everything's going to come to a head," he said.
Steven Lake once owned his own heating company in Harmony, but most recently worked for another company, Mylon Lake said.
Neighbor Phil Kreider said local police officers had been checking on Amy Lake every day because she had a restraining order on her husband.
"I can't imagine anything like this happening here, and here it is," Kreider said.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
AFTERMATH: Relatives of the victims gather in the early afternoon about a mile from where police say Steven Lake, 37, shot and killed his estranged wife and two children inside their home in Dexter on Monday. Authorities said Lake, free on bail, but barred from contacting his family, was awaiting trial for allegedly holding his family hostage last year.
Maj. Gary Wright, head of the State Police Criminal Division, said schoolteacher Amy Lake, 38, and her children Monica, 12, and Coty, 13, died of gunshot wounds. Steven Lake, 37, owner of Lake's Family Heating in nearby Harmony, was the shooter, he said.
Wright said police found a shotgun near the bodies and also found that some sort of accelerant, such as gasoline, had been spread inside the house on picturesque Shore Road, but it wasn't ignited.
Police are calling the incident a "despicable case of domestic violence."
Investigators can't say for sure what pushed Steven Lake over the edge, Wright said, but a relative told The Associated Press that Lake was frustrated by an ongoing custody dispute and particularly upset at having to miss his son's eighth-grade graduation.
Wright said the arrival of a Dexter police officer Monday morning may have caught Steven Lake by surprise, prompting him to take quick action and pulling the trigger.
Employees at a Dexter school where Amy Lake was a teacher and her two children were students called police to report they had not shown up for school Monday.
Wright said a school employee drove by the house and saw Steven Lake's Jeep parked in the yard. Lake had been prohibited from having contact with his wife or the two children.
"There was a protective order and bail conditions from a June 2010 domestic situation where he held his family hostage," Wright said. Steven Lake was awaiting trial for that incident in Wellington, Wright said. He was free on bail.
When Dexter police Officer Kevin Wintell arrived at the house about 8 a.m., he reported hearing multiple gunshots from inside the house. Police from several law enforcement agencies went to the scene. State police negotiators tried in vain for more than two hours to contact Lake, by phone and a public address system. Police never made contact with those inside, but they didn't know for sure whether people were alive inside the house.
Around 2 p.m., a state police armored vehicle with a battering ram moved in on the house, and officers discovered the bodies in the living room. Some of the victims had been shot multiple times, according to the State Medical Examiner's Office.
Diana Wood, an employee at the Harmony Country Store, said Amy Lake was a kind, generous person.
"Amy was one of the sweetest most genuine people that there is. She had a heart of gold," Wood, 28, said. "The kids were just like her. You couldn't get a better person."
Wood said both Steven and Amy grew up in Wellington. She said Amy's mother, Linda Bagley, would babysit her, beginning when Diana was 4; and Amy was always there, helping out with the younger children.
"Amy had a heart of gold, just like her mom," Wood said.
Tracy Morrison, owner of a garage and logging business in Harmony, said he has known both the Bagleys and the Lakes for many years. He said Amy and Steve had a troubled relationship. Morrison said Amy Lake moved with the children to Dexter after they split up in 2010.
"It was just a nasty divorce," Morrison said.
The 2 1/2-story, red, vinyl-sided farmhouse stands on a small hill on the far side of the shore of Lake Wassookeag. The house is about a mile from Route 23, the Moose Head Trail to Greenville.
"There is an indication that there were accelerants in the house that had been dispersed. We don't know when he showed up, but he obviously showed up with the intent of causing harm," Wright said from the scene. "Probably his plan was interrupted by the officer, and that's when he heard the shots."
An initial examination by the state medical examiner indicated that the four died about 8 a.m.
Mylon Lake, of Harmony, told the AP that Steven Lake was his nephew and had been angry about a child custody dispute. Steven and Amy Lake at one time had shared custody, but Steven had recently lost his right to see the children.
"You push buttons enough, and everything's going to come to a head," he said.
Steven Lake once owned his own heating company in Harmony, but most recently worked for another company, Mylon Lake said.
Neighbor Phil Kreider said local police officers had been checking on Amy Lake every day because she had a restraining order on her husband.
"I can't imagine anything like this happening here, and here it is," Kreider said.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Article: Domestic violence victims urged to call for help
SOUTHINGTON -- In the wake of Saturday's apparent murder-suicide, Police and a domestic violence expert are urging members of the public to take action and seek help if they are the victim of violence or suspect that it is happening to a friend or neighbor.
Police Sgt. Lowell DePalma said police would always prefer a call, from someone in the house or a neighbor or friend, before a situation escalates so they can intervene.
"For police to intervene on a verbal argument where there's no physical violence (they) can come in, help the situation calm down, cool down -- there may be no arrest," he said Monday. "Maybe that intervention is enough to prevent a domestic violence incident.
"Let alone if you do have a domestic violence incident call us, because literally it could be life-saving," he said.
The deaths Saturday of Saudina Mehovic and her ex-husband Nurija Mehovic come on the heels of another murder-suicide involving a former married couple Wednesday in Wallingford.
Karen Jarmoc, interim executive director of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said she has directed her staff to examine both cases to see if there were gaps in the system or things that could have been done better.
Mehovic, for instance, had a restraining order against her husband but it expired after their divorce was finalized in July 2010, court records show.
"It was a very bad week in Connecticut for victims of domestic violence," Jarmoc said before issuing a plea.
"The overlying message is that support and services and crisis intervention and immediate help is always available to victims," she said. "No one should hesitate to call. It gives them the information and the power and ability to be safe."
The coalition's hotline is 888-774-2900. Southington Police can be reached at (860) 621-0101 or by calling 9-1-1.
Police Sgt. Lowell DePalma said police would always prefer a call, from someone in the house or a neighbor or friend, before a situation escalates so they can intervene.
"For police to intervene on a verbal argument where there's no physical violence (they) can come in, help the situation calm down, cool down -- there may be no arrest," he said Monday. "Maybe that intervention is enough to prevent a domestic violence incident.
"Let alone if you do have a domestic violence incident call us, because literally it could be life-saving," he said.
The deaths Saturday of Saudina Mehovic and her ex-husband Nurija Mehovic come on the heels of another murder-suicide involving a former married couple Wednesday in Wallingford.
Karen Jarmoc, interim executive director of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said she has directed her staff to examine both cases to see if there were gaps in the system or things that could have been done better.
Mehovic, for instance, had a restraining order against her husband but it expired after their divorce was finalized in July 2010, court records show.
"It was a very bad week in Connecticut for victims of domestic violence," Jarmoc said before issuing a plea.
"The overlying message is that support and services and crisis intervention and immediate help is always available to victims," she said. "No one should hesitate to call. It gives them the information and the power and ability to be safe."
The coalition's hotline is 888-774-2900. Southington Police can be reached at (860) 621-0101 or by calling 9-1-1.
Oxford, NC: Granville County man pleads guilty in wife's slaying
A Granville County man accused of killing his wife and setting their home on fire in September 2008 avoided a potential death sentence when he pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder.
William Scott Morris was arrested Nov. 16, 2009, on charges of first-degree murder and fraudulently burning a dwelling, in connection with the death of his wife, Kelly Morris, 28.
Kelly Morris was last seen Sept. 3, 2008. The following day, the house she shared with her family, at 3220 Tump Wilkins Road in Stem, caught fire. Hours later, investigators found her car about a mile from her home with her keys, purse and cell phone inside.
Her skeletal remains were found Nov. 16, 2009, in the Tar River Fox Pen in southern Granville County, her family has said.
An autopsy couldn't determine how Kelly Morris died but the state medical examiner concluded that she "most likely" was killed.
Authorities have not offered a motive for the slaying, but in search warrant affidavits related to the case, investigators allege that the couple had marital problems and were considering divorce.
William Scott Morris was arrested Nov. 16, 2009, on charges of first-degree murder and fraudulently burning a dwelling, in connection with the death of his wife, Kelly Morris, 28.
Kelly Morris was last seen Sept. 3, 2008. The following day, the house she shared with her family, at 3220 Tump Wilkins Road in Stem, caught fire. Hours later, investigators found her car about a mile from her home with her keys, purse and cell phone inside.
Her skeletal remains were found Nov. 16, 2009, in the Tar River Fox Pen in southern Granville County, her family has said.
An autopsy couldn't determine how Kelly Morris died but the state medical examiner concluded that she "most likely" was killed.
Authorities have not offered a motive for the slaying, but in search warrant affidavits related to the case, investigators allege that the couple had marital problems and were considering divorce.
Lakeside, CA: Lakeside man rushed to hospital after allegedly trying to kill wife
LAKESIDE (CNS) - A Lakeside man was rushed to the hospital early Monday, after he allegedly killed his wife and attempted to kill himself by inhaling carbon monoxide, a sheriff's lieutenant said.
A woman called 911 about 4:45 a.m. to report that she had just received an email from her brother-in-law stating that he had killed his wife and was about to take his own life, according to San Diego County sheriff's Lt. Jim Duffy.
Deputies went to the man's home in the 10300 block of New Bedford Court in Lakeside and found him in a closed room with a portable generator, Duffy said, noting that the man was taken to a hospital. The extent of his medical condition was not immediately released.
Deputies also found a woman in the house who appeared dead, according to Duffy.
The lieutenant could also not immediately confirm the manner in which the man allegedly killed his wife, however a local news source reported that she was shot.
A woman called 911 about 4:45 a.m. to report that she had just received an email from her brother-in-law stating that he had killed his wife and was about to take his own life, according to San Diego County sheriff's Lt. Jim Duffy.
Deputies went to the man's home in the 10300 block of New Bedford Court in Lakeside and found him in a closed room with a portable generator, Duffy said, noting that the man was taken to a hospital. The extent of his medical condition was not immediately released.
Deputies also found a woman in the house who appeared dead, according to Duffy.
The lieutenant could also not immediately confirm the manner in which the man allegedly killed his wife, however a local news source reported that she was shot.
Pascagoula, MS: Helena man arrested, charged with murder in death of girlfriend
PASCAGOULA, Miss. — A Mississippi sheriff says a 56-year-old Helena man has been arrested and charged with murder in the death of his girlfriend.
Sheriff Mike Byrd said Sunday that Dennis Hurley allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend on Thursday or Friday night and then fled to Pensacola to dispose of the weapon.
The Mississippi Press reports the victim's name was not released pending family notifications.
Byrd says dive teams are exploring a lake in Pensacola where they believe Hurley tossed the pistol used in the shooting.
Sheriff Mike Byrd said Sunday that Dennis Hurley allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend on Thursday or Friday night and then fled to Pensacola to dispose of the weapon.
The Mississippi Press reports the victim's name was not released pending family notifications.
Byrd says dive teams are exploring a lake in Pensacola where they believe Hurley tossed the pistol used in the shooting.
Cranston, RI: Komrowski Held Without Bail on Murder and Kidnapping Charges
The man who allegedly killed his fiancé and set her apartment on fire Thursday night is being held without bail on charges of murder and kidnapping at the Adult Correctional Institutions after appearing before a bail commissioner in Cranston Municipal Court today.
Matthew Komrowski, 34, of 157 Porter St., Providence, was led into the courtroom clad in a police-issue blue jumpsuit and faced Bail Commissioner Richard Raspallo, who informed him of his rights and of the murder and kidnapping charges.
A subdued Komrowski, who entered the courtroom with a slight limp, did not answer questions to confirm his name and date of birth, but nodded his head when Raspallo asked if he understood his rights and the charges he is facing.
Police allege Komrowski killed his fiancé, 38-year-old Shirley Donnelly, and set her apartment at Riverbend Apartments on fire in an attempt to conceal the crime.
Police were initially called to investigate the report of a fire at the Dyer Avenue apartment complex just before midnight on Thursday. Donnelly was found dead in the bedroom of the second floor apartment and "circumstances surrounding the fire scene were deemed suspicious in nature and the focus of the investigation immediately shifted to that of a homicide," said Cranston Police Major Robert W. Ryan.
Witnesses said they saw Komrowski, who they know as Donnelly's boyfriend, leaving the apartment complex in his 1997 gold Nissan Maxima early Thursday before the fire and homicide.
Within hours of the crime, Cranston Police, along with members of the Department of Probation and Parole, Providence Police, the Rhode Island State Police Task Force and the state Fusion Center worked closely to identify Komrowski and come up with locations where he might be found.
He was later found in the third floor of his sister's apartment on Potters Avenue in Providence. Armed with an arrest warrant, Komrowski was taken into custody after a brief struggle just before 11 p.m. Friday night.
Special Assistant to the Attorney General John Krollman addressed the court and said Komrowski is currently on probation stemming from a 1999 robbery conviction. The AG’s office intends to file paperwork in order to violate his probation, Krollman said.
Komrowski was ordered held without bail on both the two charges and on the probation violation.
Komrowski will appear in District Court tomorrow for a formal arraignment.
Capt. Carl R. Ricci, detective division commander for Cranston Police said the collaboration between state and local police agencies, including the Fire Marshal’s office, the Department of Probation and Parole, and the State Police Task Force were instrumental in a speedy arrest.
In just 23 hours after the murder, Ricci, said, Komrowski was in custody thanks to detectives that worked through the night and speedy and efficient information sharing between local and state law enforcement agencies. Everything was coordinated by the Fusion Center run by State Police.
“It was truly a cooperative effort,” Ricci said. “The Fusion Center can disseminate information based on our wishes and it really cuts down on any duplication of efforts.”
Komrowski could face additional charges, Ricci said. Police have not said how Donnelly was killed.
Matthew Komrowski, 34, of 157 Porter St., Providence, was led into the courtroom clad in a police-issue blue jumpsuit and faced Bail Commissioner Richard Raspallo, who informed him of his rights and of the murder and kidnapping charges.
A subdued Komrowski, who entered the courtroom with a slight limp, did not answer questions to confirm his name and date of birth, but nodded his head when Raspallo asked if he understood his rights and the charges he is facing.
Police allege Komrowski killed his fiancé, 38-year-old Shirley Donnelly, and set her apartment at Riverbend Apartments on fire in an attempt to conceal the crime.
Police were initially called to investigate the report of a fire at the Dyer Avenue apartment complex just before midnight on Thursday. Donnelly was found dead in the bedroom of the second floor apartment and "circumstances surrounding the fire scene were deemed suspicious in nature and the focus of the investigation immediately shifted to that of a homicide," said Cranston Police Major Robert W. Ryan.
Witnesses said they saw Komrowski, who they know as Donnelly's boyfriend, leaving the apartment complex in his 1997 gold Nissan Maxima early Thursday before the fire and homicide.
Within hours of the crime, Cranston Police, along with members of the Department of Probation and Parole, Providence Police, the Rhode Island State Police Task Force and the state Fusion Center worked closely to identify Komrowski and come up with locations where he might be found.
He was later found in the third floor of his sister's apartment on Potters Avenue in Providence. Armed with an arrest warrant, Komrowski was taken into custody after a brief struggle just before 11 p.m. Friday night.
Special Assistant to the Attorney General John Krollman addressed the court and said Komrowski is currently on probation stemming from a 1999 robbery conviction. The AG’s office intends to file paperwork in order to violate his probation, Krollman said.
Komrowski was ordered held without bail on both the two charges and on the probation violation.
Komrowski will appear in District Court tomorrow for a formal arraignment.
Capt. Carl R. Ricci, detective division commander for Cranston Police said the collaboration between state and local police agencies, including the Fire Marshal’s office, the Department of Probation and Parole, and the State Police Task Force were instrumental in a speedy arrest.
In just 23 hours after the murder, Ricci, said, Komrowski was in custody thanks to detectives that worked through the night and speedy and efficient information sharing between local and state law enforcement agencies. Everything was coordinated by the Fusion Center run by State Police.
“It was truly a cooperative effort,” Ricci said. “The Fusion Center can disseminate information based on our wishes and it really cuts down on any duplication of efforts.”
Komrowski could face additional charges, Ricci said. Police have not said how Donnelly was killed.
Fremont, NJ: Family files wrongful death lawsuit against city of Fremont
FREMONT -- In the early hours of June 10, 2010, Fremont police responded to a call reporting that Juan Mosso had threatened to harm his estranged wife, Miramar Perez, at the apartment she shared with her boyfriend and her three young children, authorities have said.
Moments later, officers entered the apartment and shot and killed Mosso after they saw he was armed with a knife, police said.
But a wrongful-death lawsuit that Mosso's family filed last week said Mosso did not pose a threat to Perez that night, claiming also that police reported an inaccurate version of the incident to protect themselves from liability in the fatal shooting.
"In a nutshell, they shouldn't have shot him," said Edwin Bradley, Perez's San Francisco-based attorney.
Fremont police spokesman Detective Bill Veteran declined to comment Friday, per the department's policy on pending litigation. Fremont City Attorney Harvey Levine also declined to comment Friday.
During the incident, Perez's boyfriend called police a little before 2:30 a.m. and told officers that Mosso had come to their apartment intoxicated and threatened to kill Perez, Veteran said last year.
A brief scuffle ensued, and the boyfriend was forced out of the home at Camden Village Apartments, 38000 Camden St. The boyfriend then called authorities, police said last year.
Officers eventually decided to force their way into the home because Mosso reportedly was armed with a knife, and police could hear people screaming from within the dwelling, Veteran said last year.
Officers also feared for the young children's safety, police have said.
The children, ages 9, 4 and 2, were not harmed.
But Perez's attorney said that the children suffered in other ways.
"The children were awake; they were less than a dozen feet from where the shooting occurred," Bradley said. "They were around the corner in another room and they could hear it."
Mosso was shot once in the chest with a shotgun, and three times in his lower back, and once in the arm with a pistol, Bradley said.
The lawsuit, filed in Alameda County Superior Court, names the Fremont police, the city of Fremont, and police officers Jeffery Lawrence, Timothy Ferrara and John Kennedy as co-defendants.
The suit is seeking unspecified damages "for the family's emotional stress, pain and suffering, and the loss of financial and familial support that the family otherwise would have had," Bradley said.
Moments later, officers entered the apartment and shot and killed Mosso after they saw he was armed with a knife, police said.
But a wrongful-death lawsuit that Mosso's family filed last week said Mosso did not pose a threat to Perez that night, claiming also that police reported an inaccurate version of the incident to protect themselves from liability in the fatal shooting.
"In a nutshell, they shouldn't have shot him," said Edwin Bradley, Perez's San Francisco-based attorney.
Fremont police spokesman Detective Bill Veteran declined to comment Friday, per the department's policy on pending litigation. Fremont City Attorney Harvey Levine also declined to comment Friday.
During the incident, Perez's boyfriend called police a little before 2:30 a.m. and told officers that Mosso had come to their apartment intoxicated and threatened to kill Perez, Veteran said last year.
A brief scuffle ensued, and the boyfriend was forced out of the home at Camden Village Apartments, 38000 Camden St. The boyfriend then called authorities, police said last year.
Officers eventually decided to force their way into the home because Mosso reportedly was armed with a knife, and police could hear people screaming from within the dwelling, Veteran said last year.
Officers also feared for the young children's safety, police have said.
The children, ages 9, 4 and 2, were not harmed.
But Perez's attorney said that the children suffered in other ways.
"The children were awake; they were less than a dozen feet from where the shooting occurred," Bradley said. "They were around the corner in another room and they could hear it."
Mosso was shot once in the chest with a shotgun, and three times in his lower back, and once in the arm with a pistol, Bradley said.
The lawsuit, filed in Alameda County Superior Court, names the Fremont police, the city of Fremont, and police officers Jeffery Lawrence, Timothy Ferrara and John Kennedy as co-defendants.
The suit is seeking unspecified damages "for the family's emotional stress, pain and suffering, and the loss of financial and familial support that the family otherwise would have had," Bradley said.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Muscatine, IA: Muscatine man dead after attempted murder suicide
MUSCATINE— A Muscatine man is dead after police say he tried to kill his wife before turning the gun on himself.
Around 3:30pm Saturday Muscatine police were called to 1933 Vail avenue after receiving a 911 call of shots fired.
"Report from female residence in house that male subject had discharged weapon," said Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Jose Varela.
Police say the woman was able to make it out safely despite being shot at.
"Some information released to us that shots fired in her direction," said Varela.
As she was running to a neighbors for help, police say a second round of gunfire erupted. Neighbors say the married couple who lived in the house had recently been fighting. Saturday they could only stand in disbelief as police set up a perimeter trying to make cell phone contact with the man inside for nearly and hour before going inside.
"After maintaining perimeter on house and made entry, sheriff did locate male subject in house that suffered self inflicted gunshot wound," said Varela.
Police have not said where the man shot himself but say it appears he tried to kill his wife before turning the gun on himself.
The name of the victim has not been released and the investigation continues.
Around 3:30pm Saturday Muscatine police were called to 1933 Vail avenue after receiving a 911 call of shots fired.
"Report from female residence in house that male subject had discharged weapon," said Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Jose Varela.
Police say the woman was able to make it out safely despite being shot at.
"Some information released to us that shots fired in her direction," said Varela.
As she was running to a neighbors for help, police say a second round of gunfire erupted. Neighbors say the married couple who lived in the house had recently been fighting. Saturday they could only stand in disbelief as police set up a perimeter trying to make cell phone contact with the man inside for nearly and hour before going inside.
"After maintaining perimeter on house and made entry, sheriff did locate male subject in house that suffered self inflicted gunshot wound," said Varela.
Police have not said where the man shot himself but say it appears he tried to kill his wife before turning the gun on himself.
The name of the victim has not been released and the investigation continues.
Hillside, NJ: Hillside couple dead in suspected murder-suicide
A week ago, Trecia Lewis and her husband, Richard, gathered at a relative’s Hillside home to help plan a family vacation to a timeshare in Virginia Beach.
The tight-knit family members were eager to pack their cars with sunscreen and beach umbrellas and to get away together for a week of sand, surf and relaxation, even though the vacation wasn’t for another month.
That was the last time, some of Lewis’ aunts said, they saw the couple.
Investigators believe Richard Lewis killed his wife and then killed himself in their second-floor apartment in what Hillside police and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office are calling a suspected murder-suicide.
Family members said that Lewis’ 15-year-old daughter awoke this morning to find her mother unresponsive and called her grandmother, who called police.
When officers arrived at the house in the 200 block of Hillside Avenue at 10 a.m. today, they found 35-year-old Lewis’ body lying on a bed, according to a press release from Hillside police. Officers then discovered 45-year-old Richard Lewis’ body sprawled in the bathtub.
"The husband killed the wife," said John Holl, a spokesman for Union County Prosecutor Theodore Romankow.
The daughter and the Lewises’ 11-year-son were not harmed, police said.
Tonight, two police cruisers and a pair of crime-scene sport utility vehicles stood parked in front of the two-story home with tan aluminum siding.
Police would not comment on when or how the Lewises died.
Last night, Lewis’ aunt Diane Brooks described her niece as a "loving, devoted mother and wife" who had a good relationship with her husband. The couple met 13 years ago while both were living in Newark. They would have celebrated their 10-year wedding anniversary this month, Brooks said.
Reflecting on her marriage, Lewis tried on her wedding dress and posted a photo of herself to her Facebook page in late April, exclaiming that it still fit — after nearly a decade. A week later, she posted a photo of the flowers her husband sent for her birthday.
The Lewis family moved to Hillside so their children could go to the township’s public schools. She had grown up in Alabama, but moved to Newark as a teenager and graduated from West Side High School there.
About two years ago, they moved into the two-family house next to an Elks Lodge and close to Sanford Park, on a street lined with residences and light industry.
Brooks said Lewis worked at Bank of America in Newark as a supervisor in the credit card division, but Richard had been unemployed for more than a year. She said he used to work at Newark Liberty International Airport.
The couple often socialized with Lewis’ extended family, gathering with groups of her roughly 50 cousins for barbecues and game nights. Brooks said Richard Lewis’ family is from Newark. They could not be located for comment last night.
"As far as I know, he was a devoted husband. Very mild mannered and very quiet," Brooks said of Richard Lewis. "They didn’t talk much about their relationship, so we didn’t know. Their personal business was their personal business."
The couple’s landlord, Festus Ezeji, painted a more troubled image, but still said he was shocked by what happened to the quiet family.
He said they fell behind on their rent last year when Richard Lewis lost his job. The couple told him they were having financial difficulties.
Ezeji, who lives with his family on the Hillside Avenue house’s lower level, said the Lewises had agreed to pay him the back rent they owed, but fell behind again earlier this year.
The couple had promised to come up to date by Friday, which they were unable to do, he said.
Ezeji said he didn’t hear any commotion upstairs, and he learned of his tenants’ deaths only after police arrived at the house this morning.
"There were no severe quarrels between them," he said. "They were very peaceful."
The tight-knit family members were eager to pack their cars with sunscreen and beach umbrellas and to get away together for a week of sand, surf and relaxation, even though the vacation wasn’t for another month.
That was the last time, some of Lewis’ aunts said, they saw the couple.
Investigators believe Richard Lewis killed his wife and then killed himself in their second-floor apartment in what Hillside police and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office are calling a suspected murder-suicide.
Family members said that Lewis’ 15-year-old daughter awoke this morning to find her mother unresponsive and called her grandmother, who called police.
When officers arrived at the house in the 200 block of Hillside Avenue at 10 a.m. today, they found 35-year-old Lewis’ body lying on a bed, according to a press release from Hillside police. Officers then discovered 45-year-old Richard Lewis’ body sprawled in the bathtub.
"The husband killed the wife," said John Holl, a spokesman for Union County Prosecutor Theodore Romankow.
The daughter and the Lewises’ 11-year-son were not harmed, police said.
Tonight, two police cruisers and a pair of crime-scene sport utility vehicles stood parked in front of the two-story home with tan aluminum siding.
Police would not comment on when or how the Lewises died.
Last night, Lewis’ aunt Diane Brooks described her niece as a "loving, devoted mother and wife" who had a good relationship with her husband. The couple met 13 years ago while both were living in Newark. They would have celebrated their 10-year wedding anniversary this month, Brooks said.
Reflecting on her marriage, Lewis tried on her wedding dress and posted a photo of herself to her Facebook page in late April, exclaiming that it still fit — after nearly a decade. A week later, she posted a photo of the flowers her husband sent for her birthday.
The Lewis family moved to Hillside so their children could go to the township’s public schools. She had grown up in Alabama, but moved to Newark as a teenager and graduated from West Side High School there.
About two years ago, they moved into the two-family house next to an Elks Lodge and close to Sanford Park, on a street lined with residences and light industry.
Brooks said Lewis worked at Bank of America in Newark as a supervisor in the credit card division, but Richard had been unemployed for more than a year. She said he used to work at Newark Liberty International Airport.
The couple often socialized with Lewis’ extended family, gathering with groups of her roughly 50 cousins for barbecues and game nights. Brooks said Richard Lewis’ family is from Newark. They could not be located for comment last night.
"As far as I know, he was a devoted husband. Very mild mannered and very quiet," Brooks said of Richard Lewis. "They didn’t talk much about their relationship, so we didn’t know. Their personal business was their personal business."
The couple’s landlord, Festus Ezeji, painted a more troubled image, but still said he was shocked by what happened to the quiet family.
He said they fell behind on their rent last year when Richard Lewis lost his job. The couple told him they were having financial difficulties.
Ezeji, who lives with his family on the Hillside Avenue house’s lower level, said the Lewises had agreed to pay him the back rent they owed, but fell behind again earlier this year.
The couple had promised to come up to date by Friday, which they were unable to do, he said.
Ezeji said he didn’t hear any commotion upstairs, and he learned of his tenants’ deaths only after police arrived at the house this morning.
"There were no severe quarrels between them," he said. "They were very peaceful."
Article: Editorial: Stop the violence
Domestic violence accounted for two murders in Greensboro in May and a nonfatal shooting last week. Incidents like these demand better efforts to protect abuse victims and stop perpetrators before it’s too late.
The murdered women were Tereece Roseboro and Christina Maxa-Gross.
Roseboro’s boyfriend, Dwayne E. Brown, was charged with her murder. He has one prior conviction for assault on a female.
Maxa-Gross was shot to death in her home by Noah M. Adams, who then killed himself. Adams had pending charges of assault and assault by strangulation from an altercation with Maxa-Gross in February.
Teresa Young of Greensboro was shot Tuesday. Her estranged husband, Willie M. Young, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
Greensboro police responded to 6,662 domestic violence calls during the first five months of this year. They come from all parts of the city and make up a heavy and challenging portion of the law enforcement workload.
Officers have to determine what happened and what level of danger exists and take appropriate action — even if the victim doesn’t want to press charges.
“Our policy is a pro-arrest policy,” Assistant Chief Dwight Crotts said last week. “The willingness of the victim to prosecute is not a factor. We don’t accept that at face value.”
Victims, usually women, sometimes refuse to cooperate for a number of reasons, said Susan Wies, director of victim services for Family Service of the Piedmont. Some are afraid and lack confidence in anyone’s ability to protect them. Some are financially dependent on the abuser. Some simply accept the abuse. But the violence often escalates.
There are clear warnings: “Strangulation, the presence of a gun and threats of suicide are huge lethal indicators,” Wies said. People who see those signs should call for help.
Family Service (387-6161) provides counseling, shelter and other assistance for victims. An important strategy is developing a “safe plan.” A victim should work out ahead of time where she’ll go if she has to leave. Planning with a friend or relative is ideal. Making more people aware of a domestic violence situation can increase opportunities for intervention or escape.
Stronger prosecution also is needed. A victim’s refusal to testify should not let an offender off the hook. Physical evidence, neighbors’ testimony, even the victim’s statements at the scene, can support a prosecution.
Also, better efforts should be made to keep offenders away from victims. No-contact orders are hard to enforce unless the victim reports a violation.
Greensboro police are using electronic monitoring on some property crimes offenders as a condition of pretrial release. Crotts said that could be expanded to include some individuals charged with domestic violence crimes. The system would alert police when an offender approached a victim’s home. It’s a good idea.
Wies noted the connection of domestic violence to substance abuse, child abuse, mental health issues, unemployment, homelessness, “all of our main social problems.”
Lives are at risk. Protection must become a high priority.
The murdered women were Tereece Roseboro and Christina Maxa-Gross.
Roseboro’s boyfriend, Dwayne E. Brown, was charged with her murder. He has one prior conviction for assault on a female.
Maxa-Gross was shot to death in her home by Noah M. Adams, who then killed himself. Adams had pending charges of assault and assault by strangulation from an altercation with Maxa-Gross in February.
Teresa Young of Greensboro was shot Tuesday. Her estranged husband, Willie M. Young, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
Greensboro police responded to 6,662 domestic violence calls during the first five months of this year. They come from all parts of the city and make up a heavy and challenging portion of the law enforcement workload.
Officers have to determine what happened and what level of danger exists and take appropriate action — even if the victim doesn’t want to press charges.
“Our policy is a pro-arrest policy,” Assistant Chief Dwight Crotts said last week. “The willingness of the victim to prosecute is not a factor. We don’t accept that at face value.”
Victims, usually women, sometimes refuse to cooperate for a number of reasons, said Susan Wies, director of victim services for Family Service of the Piedmont. Some are afraid and lack confidence in anyone’s ability to protect them. Some are financially dependent on the abuser. Some simply accept the abuse. But the violence often escalates.
There are clear warnings: “Strangulation, the presence of a gun and threats of suicide are huge lethal indicators,” Wies said. People who see those signs should call for help.
Family Service (387-6161) provides counseling, shelter and other assistance for victims. An important strategy is developing a “safe plan.” A victim should work out ahead of time where she’ll go if she has to leave. Planning with a friend or relative is ideal. Making more people aware of a domestic violence situation can increase opportunities for intervention or escape.
Stronger prosecution also is needed. A victim’s refusal to testify should not let an offender off the hook. Physical evidence, neighbors’ testimony, even the victim’s statements at the scene, can support a prosecution.
Also, better efforts should be made to keep offenders away from victims. No-contact orders are hard to enforce unless the victim reports a violation.
Greensboro police are using electronic monitoring on some property crimes offenders as a condition of pretrial release. Crotts said that could be expanded to include some individuals charged with domestic violence crimes. The system would alert police when an offender approached a victim’s home. It’s a good idea.
Wies noted the connection of domestic violence to substance abuse, child abuse, mental health issues, unemployment, homelessness, “all of our main social problems.”
Lives are at risk. Protection must become a high priority.
St. Petersburgh, FL: Police: Couple found dead in apparent murder-suicide
T. PETERSBURG A woman and her estranged boyfriend were found dead this evening and authorities are classifying their demise as a murder-suicide.
Leon Cranston, 26, apparently shot his estranged girlfriend Megan Sullivan, 22, in his apartment at 10901 Brighton Bay Blvd. N.E. before turning the gun on himself, St. Petersburg police say.
The pair were found dead from gunshot wounds to their chests at 8:30 p.m. this evening, police said
Sullivan's father had asked authorities to check on his daughter. Though her last known address is in Clearwater, they were directed to check on her at Cranston's apartment.
Leon Cranston, 26, apparently shot his estranged girlfriend Megan Sullivan, 22, in his apartment at 10901 Brighton Bay Blvd. N.E. before turning the gun on himself, St. Petersburg police say.
The pair were found dead from gunshot wounds to their chests at 8:30 p.m. this evening, police said
Sullivan's father had asked authorities to check on his daughter. Though her last known address is in Clearwater, they were directed to check on her at Cranston's apartment.
Southington, CT: Former Married Couple Dead In Apparent Murder-Suicide In Connecticut
SOUTHINGTON, Conn. - A man and woman were killed Saturday in Connecticut in what police said was an apparent murder-suicide following a domestic dispute, the Hartford Courant reported.
Police in Southington, Conn., 18 miles (28 kilometers) southwest of Hartford, received multiple 911 calls at around 10:30am Saturday about a woman being shot in the driveway of a home.
The male shooter reportedly fled the scene and ran into a wooded area near the home. Witnesses reported hearing one or two shots fired after he ran away.
When police arrived on the scene they found 37-year-old Saudina Mehovic in the driveway of the home suffering from both stab wounds and gunshot wounds.
She was taken to a local hospital, where she died later.
Police later found the man, 48-year-old Nurija Mehovic -- Saudina Mehovic's ex-husband -- in the wooded area with a gunshot wound. He was taken to the same hospital as his ex-wife, where he later died.
The former couple had two sons, aged 14 and 16, who were home at the time of the incident, police said.
Police in Southington, Conn., 18 miles (28 kilometers) southwest of Hartford, received multiple 911 calls at around 10:30am Saturday about a woman being shot in the driveway of a home.
The male shooter reportedly fled the scene and ran into a wooded area near the home. Witnesses reported hearing one or two shots fired after he ran away.
When police arrived on the scene they found 37-year-old Saudina Mehovic in the driveway of the home suffering from both stab wounds and gunshot wounds.
She was taken to a local hospital, where she died later.
Police later found the man, 48-year-old Nurija Mehovic -- Saudina Mehovic's ex-husband -- in the wooded area with a gunshot wound. He was taken to the same hospital as his ex-wife, where he later died.
The former couple had two sons, aged 14 and 16, who were home at the time of the incident, police said.
York County, VA: Ex-boyfriend charged in York County stabbing death
YORK – The York County Sheriff's Department has charged a 43-year-old man with first degree murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of Felice Hickey in her apartment on Thursday.
McCoy S. Johnson of the 500 block of Woodfin Road in Newport News, was arrested at his home without incident at 12:36 a.m. on Saturday, said Sgt. Dennis Ivey, of the York County Sheriff's Department.
Ivey said Johnson had a "brief past relationship with the victim." He was charged with first degree murder and grand larceny. The investigation is ongoing.
McCoy S. Johnson of the 500 block of Woodfin Road in Newport News, was arrested at his home without incident at 12:36 a.m. on Saturday, said Sgt. Dennis Ivey, of the York County Sheriff's Department.
Ivey said Johnson had a "brief past relationship with the victim." He was charged with first degree murder and grand larceny. The investigation is ongoing.
KIbler, AK: Woman held for stabbing death in Kibler
A woman has been arrested for the stabbing death of a Kibler man after she called 911 early Wednesday morning.
Michele Monroe, 43, was jailed on suspicion of first-degree murder after she allegedly stabbed a man to death in his trailer home in Green Acres Circle off Clear Creek Road east of Kibler.
On Friday, Circuit Judge Gary R. Cottrell set Monroe's bond at $250,000.
Monroe was arrested Wednesday morning after police responded to a 911 call that Monroe made just after midnight stating that she had stabbed the victim, 57-year-old Bobby Gene Tuck, in self-defense.
Deputies found Tuck dead in the living room of the trailer home where he and Monroe had been living, said Crawford County Sheriff Ron Brown. Tuck had been stabbed 15 times in the chest, abdomen and upper back, Brown said.
After registering a 14 percent blood alcohol content, Crawford County deputies took Monroe into custody to allow her to gain sobriety before questioning. After police spoke to her Wednesday afternoon, Monroe was officially arrested for Tuck's murder.
"There just isn't enough physical evidence to show it was self defense," Brown said.
Tuck's body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory in Little Rock for investigation.
Monroe met Tuck outside of the tire shop where he worked in Fort Smith, Brown said. Tuck's estranged wife told police that Monroe had been living with Tuck for the last 90 days.
Monroe told police that she and Tuck were fighting and she felt threatened by him, Brown said. Monroe then allegedly picked up a knife and began stabbing Tuck in the chest and abdomen. When the handle on the knife broke, she got another knife and returned to continue stabbing Tuck in the back as he tried to leave, Brown said.
Though Monroe has some minor injuries that she alleges were received during a physical attack by Tuck, police have found nothing to support this, Brown said.
So far, there are no other witnesses to the crime, Brown said.
Monroe is being held in the Crawford County Detention Center.
Michele Monroe, 43, was jailed on suspicion of first-degree murder after she allegedly stabbed a man to death in his trailer home in Green Acres Circle off Clear Creek Road east of Kibler.
On Friday, Circuit Judge Gary R. Cottrell set Monroe's bond at $250,000.
Monroe was arrested Wednesday morning after police responded to a 911 call that Monroe made just after midnight stating that she had stabbed the victim, 57-year-old Bobby Gene Tuck, in self-defense.
Deputies found Tuck dead in the living room of the trailer home where he and Monroe had been living, said Crawford County Sheriff Ron Brown. Tuck had been stabbed 15 times in the chest, abdomen and upper back, Brown said.
After registering a 14 percent blood alcohol content, Crawford County deputies took Monroe into custody to allow her to gain sobriety before questioning. After police spoke to her Wednesday afternoon, Monroe was officially arrested for Tuck's murder.
"There just isn't enough physical evidence to show it was self defense," Brown said.
Tuck's body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory in Little Rock for investigation.
Monroe met Tuck outside of the tire shop where he worked in Fort Smith, Brown said. Tuck's estranged wife told police that Monroe had been living with Tuck for the last 90 days.
Monroe told police that she and Tuck were fighting and she felt threatened by him, Brown said. Monroe then allegedly picked up a knife and began stabbing Tuck in the chest and abdomen. When the handle on the knife broke, she got another knife and returned to continue stabbing Tuck in the back as he tried to leave, Brown said.
Though Monroe has some minor injuries that she alleges were received during a physical attack by Tuck, police have found nothing to support this, Brown said.
So far, there are no other witnesses to the crime, Brown said.
Monroe is being held in the Crawford County Detention Center.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Aurora, CO: Dead man believed to be common-law husband of slain Aurora woman
Police believe a man who shot himself this afternoon in Douglas County is the man they were seeking to question in the death of an Aurora woman.
Alan Geisler, 46, had not been named a suspect, but police wanted to talk to him after his common-law wife was found dead Thursday in her home in the 18000 block of East Pacific Place.
Police are investigating the woman's death as a homicide. Her name has not yet been released.
Just after 3 p.m. today, Douglas County Sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a drunk driver after citizens on Rampart Range Road saw a truck crash into a dumpster.
Sgt. Ron Hanavan, a spokesman for the sheriff's office, said citizens , who were in contact with authorities, described the truck and officers determined it was the 2008 silver Toyota Tacoma that belonged to Geisler.
Just as a deputy arrived on scene at about 3:25 p.m., he reported back to dispatch that shots had been fired.
"It appears it was a self-inflicted gunshot," Hanavan said.
Sgt. Cassidee Carlson, spokeswoman for Aurora police, said tonight that the homicide investigation remains open.
"Unfortunately whatever information he could have provided us, we won't have anymore," Carlson said. "But investigators will still work to eliminate any other causes for her death."
According to public records, Geisler was arrested by Aurora police on May 8 for assault and battery in a domestic violence case.
In 2000, he was charged with possession of a controlled substance in Crowley County and theft in El Paso County in 2008.
Alan Geisler, 46, had not been named a suspect, but police wanted to talk to him after his common-law wife was found dead Thursday in her home in the 18000 block of East Pacific Place.
Police are investigating the woman's death as a homicide. Her name has not yet been released.
Just after 3 p.m. today, Douglas County Sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a drunk driver after citizens on Rampart Range Road saw a truck crash into a dumpster.
Sgt. Ron Hanavan, a spokesman for the sheriff's office, said citizens , who were in contact with authorities, described the truck and officers determined it was the 2008 silver Toyota Tacoma that belonged to Geisler.
Just as a deputy arrived on scene at about 3:25 p.m., he reported back to dispatch that shots had been fired.
"It appears it was a self-inflicted gunshot," Hanavan said.
Sgt. Cassidee Carlson, spokeswoman for Aurora police, said tonight that the homicide investigation remains open.
"Unfortunately whatever information he could have provided us, we won't have anymore," Carlson said. "But investigators will still work to eliminate any other causes for her death."
According to public records, Geisler was arrested by Aurora police on May 8 for assault and battery in a domestic violence case.
In 2000, he was charged with possession of a controlled substance in Crowley County and theft in El Paso County in 2008.
Washington, DC: Md. woman gets 25 years in jealousy-fueled killing
A D.C. Superior Court judge sentenced a Maryland mother of four to 25 years in prison Friday for fatally stabbing another woman last year because she thought the victim was dating her ex-boyfriend.
Prosecutors had asked Judge Gerald I. Fisher to sentence Ramona Gray, 31, of District Heights to 26 years after Gray pleaded guilty to the Aug. 31 attack on Shemese A. Grant, 31. Grant was stabbed 18 times in the back in a parking lot outside a deli in the 1700 block of Good Hope Road SE.
At a previous hearing, prosecutors showed still photographs from a surveillance camera in the deli that showed Gray waiting inside, looking out the front door and then holding a knife, which Gray had pulled out of her purse, a witness in the store told police.
According to court documents, Gray saw Grant get out of a car in the parking lot. When Grant’s back was turned, Gray ran out of the deli and began stabbing her. Grant cried out, “No, Mona, no!”
Authorities said Gray was angry that Grant had a romantic relationship with Gray’s former boyfriend. Grant’s family said the relationship had ended by the time the attack occurred. The ex-boyfriend was not at Friday’s hearing.
Grant was the mother of a 4-year-old boy.
Prosecutors initially charged Gray with first-degree, premeditated murder. But after learning that Gray had a history of mental illness since childhood, prosecutors reduced the charges to second-degree murder, which Gray pleaded guilty to in January.
“Ms. Gray has shown violent episodes since her childhood,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Gripkey said. “No doubt this was a premeditated murder.”
It was an emotional sentencing for families of both women, and relatives on both sides of the courtroom wept openly. Grant’s mother, Gina, reading from a prepared statement, asked the judge to sentence Gray to 40 years in prison because of her prior charges. In 2007, Gray pleaded guilty to arson after she was arrested for setting fire to her boyfriend’s D.C. apartment. At a previous hearing, Gripkey said Gray had admitted to setting the fire because she saw a woman leaving the apartment. Gray was on probation when she attacked Grant.
“You have stolen my baby girl. My Tinkerbell,” Grant’s mother said, standing only a few feet from Gray, who was shackled and wearing a gray prison jumpsuit and white cross around her neck. “I can’t judge you. I can only pray for you.”
Gray tearfully interjected: “I’m sorry, Ms. Grant. I know sorry is not good enough.”
Gray’s attorney, Premal Dharia of the District’s Public Defender Service, said Gray had not received the proper mental health attention and had stopped taking her anti-depression medication before she killed Grant.
As part of her sentence, the judge ordered Gray to undergo “intense” psychiatric treatment, anger-management classes and substance-abuse treatment.
Outside the courtroom after the hearing, the families of both women hugged each other as Gray’s mother apologized to Grant’s family.
“What’s so frightening is the cycle of urban decay continues,” said Lisa Whiteside, Grant’s aunt. “We now have five young children who are going to grow up without their mothers.”
Prosecutors had asked Judge Gerald I. Fisher to sentence Ramona Gray, 31, of District Heights to 26 years after Gray pleaded guilty to the Aug. 31 attack on Shemese A. Grant, 31. Grant was stabbed 18 times in the back in a parking lot outside a deli in the 1700 block of Good Hope Road SE.
At a previous hearing, prosecutors showed still photographs from a surveillance camera in the deli that showed Gray waiting inside, looking out the front door and then holding a knife, which Gray had pulled out of her purse, a witness in the store told police.
According to court documents, Gray saw Grant get out of a car in the parking lot. When Grant’s back was turned, Gray ran out of the deli and began stabbing her. Grant cried out, “No, Mona, no!”
Authorities said Gray was angry that Grant had a romantic relationship with Gray’s former boyfriend. Grant’s family said the relationship had ended by the time the attack occurred. The ex-boyfriend was not at Friday’s hearing.
Grant was the mother of a 4-year-old boy.
Prosecutors initially charged Gray with first-degree, premeditated murder. But after learning that Gray had a history of mental illness since childhood, prosecutors reduced the charges to second-degree murder, which Gray pleaded guilty to in January.
“Ms. Gray has shown violent episodes since her childhood,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Gripkey said. “No doubt this was a premeditated murder.”
It was an emotional sentencing for families of both women, and relatives on both sides of the courtroom wept openly. Grant’s mother, Gina, reading from a prepared statement, asked the judge to sentence Gray to 40 years in prison because of her prior charges. In 2007, Gray pleaded guilty to arson after she was arrested for setting fire to her boyfriend’s D.C. apartment. At a previous hearing, Gripkey said Gray had admitted to setting the fire because she saw a woman leaving the apartment. Gray was on probation when she attacked Grant.
“You have stolen my baby girl. My Tinkerbell,” Grant’s mother said, standing only a few feet from Gray, who was shackled and wearing a gray prison jumpsuit and white cross around her neck. “I can’t judge you. I can only pray for you.”
Gray tearfully interjected: “I’m sorry, Ms. Grant. I know sorry is not good enough.”
Gray’s attorney, Premal Dharia of the District’s Public Defender Service, said Gray had not received the proper mental health attention and had stopped taking her anti-depression medication before she killed Grant.
As part of her sentence, the judge ordered Gray to undergo “intense” psychiatric treatment, anger-management classes and substance-abuse treatment.
Outside the courtroom after the hearing, the families of both women hugged each other as Gray’s mother apologized to Grant’s family.
“What’s so frightening is the cycle of urban decay continues,” said Lisa Whiteside, Grant’s aunt. “We now have five young children who are going to grow up without their mothers.”
Cleveland, OH: Ex-boyfriend reportedly kills woman's father, beats her and sister with pistol
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Police said a man broke into a home, pistol-whipped his ex-girlfriend and her sister and shot and killed their 42-year-old father Friday morning.
David Thompson was killed by a bullet to his head at 5:19 a.m. after the man broke into his house in the 7200 block of Ivy Avenue.
Police said the suspect, Clifford Jackson III, 34, a Cleveland man with a Sagittarius tattoo on his neck, broke into Thompson's house and shot him in the head. Jackson then turned the gun on other people in the house, but the gun misfired, so he used it to pistol-whip his ex-girlfriend, Donna Luster, 25, and her sister, Gloria Luster, 20, before fleeing on a bicycle.
Police said the woman had broken up with the man earlier in the morning.
Police said Jackson was possibly seen in the 6000 block of Woodland Avenue at the King-Kennedy Estates.
"Anyone assisting or harboring the suspect can face criminal prosecution," said Sgt. Sammy Morris in a news release.
David Thompson was killed by a bullet to his head at 5:19 a.m. after the man broke into his house in the 7200 block of Ivy Avenue.
Police said the suspect, Clifford Jackson III, 34, a Cleveland man with a Sagittarius tattoo on his neck, broke into Thompson's house and shot him in the head. Jackson then turned the gun on other people in the house, but the gun misfired, so he used it to pistol-whip his ex-girlfriend, Donna Luster, 25, and her sister, Gloria Luster, 20, before fleeing on a bicycle.
Police said the woman had broken up with the man earlier in the morning.
Police said Jackson was possibly seen in the 6000 block of Woodland Avenue at the King-Kennedy Estates.
"Anyone assisting or harboring the suspect can face criminal prosecution," said Sgt. Sammy Morris in a news release.
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