BY Kerry Wills, Erik Badia and Rich Schapiro
DAILY NEWS WRITERS
Thursday, June 17th 2010, 12:55 PM
The Long Island correction officer accused of murdering her former flame and uncle in a violent rampage sobbed Thursday before she was ordered held without bail.
Kim Wolfe, 43, kept her head down, but could be heard crying, as she was led out of Nassau County Police Headquarters in Mineola.
At her tightly-guarded arraignment about an hour later, Wolfe did not enter a plea to murder, kidnapping and assault charges.
The Nassau County correction officer remained in a holding pen behind frosted glass. Her lawyer, Fred Annibale, had no comment.
Wolfe went on a murderous spree Wednesday, fatally shooting ex-girlfriend Stacie Williams, 45, before returning to her family's home in Hempstead and opening fire on her relatives, cops say
Wolfe allegedly pumped several bullets into Williams, a nurse's aid, outside of Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow about 1:35 a.m., after dropping off a McDonald's sandwich and fries, cops say.
Police say Wolfe then sped to Hempstead, gunned down Michael Williams, 56, and shot her 88-year-old grandfather Marshall Williams in the leg.
His injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Wolfe took one of her nieces hostage and led cops on a hours-long search that ended when she was pulled over by officers about 5:45 a.m., police say.
Investigators believe that Wolfe's shooting spree was triggered by an acrimonious split with her ex - and a dispute over insurance money with her relatives.
Stacie Williams' sister said Wolfe gave no indication she was harboring a grudge when her sibling's ex visited her just a few days before the shooting.
"They didn't get into any arguments," sister Sharon Worley said. "Nothing got out of hand."
Sources told Newsday that Wolfe had voluntarily surrendered two guns to the Nassau County Sheriff's Department on May 20, 2009, but got them back at her request on Monday.
"I'm livid about that that," Worley said.
Worley added that it was likely her sister was helping Wolfe get over the recent loss of her father.
"She was loved by everyone," Worley said. "It's not just a loss for the family. The community is mourning as well."
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Winchester, MA: DA: Mass. man left notes saying he killed family
By BOB SALSBERG (AP) – 2 hours ago
WOBURN, Mass. — A man charged with killing his wife, two young children and mother-in-law left behind notes in their suburban Boston home admitting to the savage, bloody slayings, authorities said Thursday.
Thomas Mortimer IV, 43, was captured Thursday by police in northwestern Massachusetts hours after he was charged with four counts of first-degree murder.
The bodies of his wife, Laura Stone Mortimer, a 41-year-old economist; their 4-year-old son, Thomas Mortimer V, who was known as Finn; their 2-year-old daughter, Charlotte; and his wife's 64-year-old mother, Ellen Stone, were found Wednesday at their in home in Winchester, an upper-middle-class community north of Boston.
There were signs of attempted suicide at the home, and two identical letters, believed to have been written by Mortimer, were left behind, District Attorney Gerry Leone said.
"I did these horrible things. What I've done was extremely selfish and cowardly. I murdered my family," the letters read.
Leone said the slayings followed a fight and "ongoing marital discord."
Authorities were summoned to the home by Laura Mortimer's sister after she could not reach Laura. Officers found Finn and his mother lying in a pool of blood in the first-floor hallway. The grandmother's body was nearby covered with an oriental rug, and a trail of blood led to an upstairs crib, where they found Charlotte dead.
All appeared to have been killed by blunt trauma with sharp objects, Leone said.
The discovery of the bodies prompted a search for Mortimer, with police issuing alerts about his vehicle on electronic signs around the state. A father and son spotted his SUV late Thursday morning in Montague and called police. He was captured after trying to flee in Bernardston, about 100 miles from Boston.
Leone said the exact time of the slayings was still being determined but appeared to be sometime between late Monday and early Tuesday.
Mortimer called in sick to work on Tuesday, and called his son's school to say he would not be in.
Leone said Laura Mortimer's sister, Debra Stone, tried to call her Tuesday, but instead Thomas Mortimer answered her cell phone — which was highly unusual.
Thomas Mortimer told Stone, "It's going to be a while before she can get back to you," Leone said.
Mortimer had recently landed at job at M&R Consultants Corp., a Burlington technology consulting firm, after several months of unemployment, said Anil Shah, the company's president. Mortimer was a hard worker who had been making progress at his job since getting hired about a month and a half ago, Shah said.
"He was very professional, very nice guy ... always very positive," Shah said. "Somehow my heart doesn't believe he could be involved in anything that he's been charged with."
Mortimer had left a message for his supervisor around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday to say he wasn't feeling well and wouldn't be at work, Shah said. About two hours later, Mortimer told a co-worker he had been up sick all night and would be back at work on Wednesday, Shah said.
Laura Mortimer was a senior economist with the Los Angeles-based commercial real estate firm CB Richard Ellis. The company called her death a tragic loss.
"Laura was a valued and well respected colleague and, more important, a good friend," the company said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Laura's family and loved ones at this terrible time."
Associated Press writers Russell Contreras in Boston and Stephanie Reitz in Hartford, Conn., contributed to this report.
WOBURN, Mass. — A man charged with killing his wife, two young children and mother-in-law left behind notes in their suburban Boston home admitting to the savage, bloody slayings, authorities said Thursday.
Thomas Mortimer IV, 43, was captured Thursday by police in northwestern Massachusetts hours after he was charged with four counts of first-degree murder.
The bodies of his wife, Laura Stone Mortimer, a 41-year-old economist; their 4-year-old son, Thomas Mortimer V, who was known as Finn; their 2-year-old daughter, Charlotte; and his wife's 64-year-old mother, Ellen Stone, were found Wednesday at their in home in Winchester, an upper-middle-class community north of Boston.
There were signs of attempted suicide at the home, and two identical letters, believed to have been written by Mortimer, were left behind, District Attorney Gerry Leone said.
"I did these horrible things. What I've done was extremely selfish and cowardly. I murdered my family," the letters read.
Leone said the slayings followed a fight and "ongoing marital discord."
Authorities were summoned to the home by Laura Mortimer's sister after she could not reach Laura. Officers found Finn and his mother lying in a pool of blood in the first-floor hallway. The grandmother's body was nearby covered with an oriental rug, and a trail of blood led to an upstairs crib, where they found Charlotte dead.
All appeared to have been killed by blunt trauma with sharp objects, Leone said.
The discovery of the bodies prompted a search for Mortimer, with police issuing alerts about his vehicle on electronic signs around the state. A father and son spotted his SUV late Thursday morning in Montague and called police. He was captured after trying to flee in Bernardston, about 100 miles from Boston.
Leone said the exact time of the slayings was still being determined but appeared to be sometime between late Monday and early Tuesday.
Mortimer called in sick to work on Tuesday, and called his son's school to say he would not be in.
Leone said Laura Mortimer's sister, Debra Stone, tried to call her Tuesday, but instead Thomas Mortimer answered her cell phone — which was highly unusual.
Thomas Mortimer told Stone, "It's going to be a while before she can get back to you," Leone said.
Mortimer had recently landed at job at M&R Consultants Corp., a Burlington technology consulting firm, after several months of unemployment, said Anil Shah, the company's president. Mortimer was a hard worker who had been making progress at his job since getting hired about a month and a half ago, Shah said.
"He was very professional, very nice guy ... always very positive," Shah said. "Somehow my heart doesn't believe he could be involved in anything that he's been charged with."
Mortimer had left a message for his supervisor around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday to say he wasn't feeling well and wouldn't be at work, Shah said. About two hours later, Mortimer told a co-worker he had been up sick all night and would be back at work on Wednesday, Shah said.
Laura Mortimer was a senior economist with the Los Angeles-based commercial real estate firm CB Richard Ellis. The company called her death a tragic loss.
"Laura was a valued and well respected colleague and, more important, a good friend," the company said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Laura's family and loved ones at this terrible time."
Associated Press writers Russell Contreras in Boston and Stephanie Reitz in Hartford, Conn., contributed to this report.
Port Charlotte, FL: Port Charlotte couple found dead in their home
Posted: June 17, 2010 11:39 AM
Updated: June 17, 2010 11:39 AM
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL. - Charlotte County deputies are investigating the death of a Port Charlotte couple.
A man and woman were found inside their home in the 1800 block of Quadrille Avenue Wednesday night.
According to a report, family members called the sheriff's office just before 7pm to check on the couple. When deputies arrived, they found the couple dead inside the home, along with a weapon.
The cause of death pertaining to both victims appears to be self-inflicted, but still under investigation.
Positive identification has not been made at this time.
The bodies have been transported to the Medical Examiner's Office. Crime Scene Tech's and Detectives are still processing the scene.
Updated: June 17, 2010 11:39 AM
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL. - Charlotte County deputies are investigating the death of a Port Charlotte couple.
A man and woman were found inside their home in the 1800 block of Quadrille Avenue Wednesday night.
According to a report, family members called the sheriff's office just before 7pm to check on the couple. When deputies arrived, they found the couple dead inside the home, along with a weapon.
The cause of death pertaining to both victims appears to be self-inflicted, but still under investigation.
Positive identification has not been made at this time.
The bodies have been transported to the Medical Examiner's Office. Crime Scene Tech's and Detectives are still processing the scene.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Pittsburgh, PA: Trial begins for man charged in wife's death
Trial begins for man charged in wife's death
By Rich Cholodofsky
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Testimony is slated to begin this morning in the first-degree murder trial of an Arnold man accused of killing his wife.
Jurors for the murder trial were selected Tuesday to hear evidence in the case against David Eugene Clarke, who is accused of attacking Doreena Clarke and shoving her down a flight of stairs in the couple's home on Jan. 17, 2009.
The prosecution is expected to ask that jurors find Clarke guilty of intentionally killing his wife of 13 years. If Clarke is convicted of first-degree murder he faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
Clarke, 42, has denied any involvement in his wife's death. In pre-trial hearings, defense attorney Dan Joseph has suggested the 40-year-old victim may have died when she fell down the stairs or was injured by another, unnamed person. David Clarke told police that he awoke and found his wife at the bottom of the steps.
Doreena Clarke, at the time of her death, had cocaine and barbiturates in her blood, according to the defense.
District Attorney John Peck has said the evidence against Clarke suggests that his wife was beaten and strangled before her body was propelled down the steps. Prosecutors are expected to show jurors evidence of a boot imprint that was found on Doreena Clarke's torso.
Investigators determined that print was similar to a boot that belonged to David Clarke.
Last week, Westmoreland County Judge Rita Hathaway issued a pre-trial ruling that will allow the prosecution to introduce evidence of the boot print.
Hathaway denied a defense motion to have jurors taken to Arnold to view the Clarke house and the stairs that they say is the scene of Doreena Clarke's death.
Her body was found at the bottom of the steps on the first floor of the Clarke home. Medical personnel arrived to find David Clarke attempting to resuscitate his wife.
The trial is expected to last about eight days.
Rich Cholodofsky can be reached at rcholodofsky@tribweb.com or 724-830-6293.
By Rich Cholodofsky
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Testimony is slated to begin this morning in the first-degree murder trial of an Arnold man accused of killing his wife.
Jurors for the murder trial were selected Tuesday to hear evidence in the case against David Eugene Clarke, who is accused of attacking Doreena Clarke and shoving her down a flight of stairs in the couple's home on Jan. 17, 2009.
The prosecution is expected to ask that jurors find Clarke guilty of intentionally killing his wife of 13 years. If Clarke is convicted of first-degree murder he faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
Clarke, 42, has denied any involvement in his wife's death. In pre-trial hearings, defense attorney Dan Joseph has suggested the 40-year-old victim may have died when she fell down the stairs or was injured by another, unnamed person. David Clarke told police that he awoke and found his wife at the bottom of the steps.
Doreena Clarke, at the time of her death, had cocaine and barbiturates in her blood, according to the defense.
District Attorney John Peck has said the evidence against Clarke suggests that his wife was beaten and strangled before her body was propelled down the steps. Prosecutors are expected to show jurors evidence of a boot imprint that was found on Doreena Clarke's torso.
Investigators determined that print was similar to a boot that belonged to David Clarke.
Last week, Westmoreland County Judge Rita Hathaway issued a pre-trial ruling that will allow the prosecution to introduce evidence of the boot print.
Hathaway denied a defense motion to have jurors taken to Arnold to view the Clarke house and the stairs that they say is the scene of Doreena Clarke's death.
Her body was found at the bottom of the steps on the first floor of the Clarke home. Medical personnel arrived to find David Clarke attempting to resuscitate his wife.
The trial is expected to last about eight days.
Rich Cholodofsky can be reached at rcholodofsky@tribweb.com or 724-830-6293.
Article: The Recession’s Domestic Toll
Posted By: Genevieve Wanucha
The situation looks bad from the outside: Record foreclosure rates, a national unemployment rate hovering around 10%, and the average length of joblessness at its highest level since 1948. But inside, behind closed doors, many American families face a more private destructive force: 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are physically abused by an intimate partner each year. And with the economy still on shaky ground, fragile family relations are snapping.
Experts say that domestic violence has long been an epidemic in the US, but during this recession shelters and programs nationwide have noticed an upsurge of requests for help. Calls to the National Domestic Violence Hotline spiked 13% from 2007 to 2009. At the Women’s Center in New Bedford, MA, calls have risen more than 25% in the past eighteen months.
Foreclosures are uniformly stressful, and for some, the process may be unbearable. A particularly severe example is the January morning when a Spencer, Massachusetts man dealing with a foreclosure killed his wife, shot his horse, torched his house and truck, and then ended his own life.
No one is suggesting that a bad economy draws violent behavior out of thin air, but research shows that unemployment exacerbates family abuse. A 2005 study by the National Institute of Justice found that women who lose their jobs are at a greater risk for being battered. They also report that men who lose their jobs are more likely to have violent arguments with their intimate partners than employed men.
The odds a man has ever been threatened by a partner or spouse are 1 in 16.67. But research consistently shows that women are more likely to be the victims of domestic violence and suffer more serious physical attacks. The odds a woman has ever been pushed, slapped, choked, or hit by a partner or spouse are 1 in 3.7, and an estimated 24 to 54% of all women seen in the ER have a lifetime history of abuse.
Domestic violence advocates say that women may try to weather abusive relationships through bad economic times out of fear they won’t be able to find housing or support their children. At the same time, many women are fighting back. For example, the San Joaquin Women’s Center reports that the number of women seeking restraining orders increased 50% in the first three months of 2009.
The reasons for the gender and economic-status bias of domestic violence have a lot to do with psychology, health, and cultural norms of masculinity. A 2009 report in Economic Stress and Domestic Violence suggests that abusive partners may react to the loss of power and status that unemployment brings and use force to regain some control. The sociologists also note that women who depend on income from their partners are less likely to be abused by these men.
Last year, President Obama appointed Lynn Rosenthal as the first advisor on violence against women. Rosenthal faces high hurdles. Not only is the dismal economic climate aggravating domestic disputes, but it’s also hurting programs built to help victims. The NNECV (National Network to End Domestic Violence) reports that programs have always been underfunded and understaffed. Sweeping budget cuts across the country have forced programs to reduce service or simply close.
The situation looks bad from the outside: Record foreclosure rates, a national unemployment rate hovering around 10%, and the average length of joblessness at its highest level since 1948. But inside, behind closed doors, many American families face a more private destructive force: 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are physically abused by an intimate partner each year. And with the economy still on shaky ground, fragile family relations are snapping.
Experts say that domestic violence has long been an epidemic in the US, but during this recession shelters and programs nationwide have noticed an upsurge of requests for help. Calls to the National Domestic Violence Hotline spiked 13% from 2007 to 2009. At the Women’s Center in New Bedford, MA, calls have risen more than 25% in the past eighteen months.
Foreclosures are uniformly stressful, and for some, the process may be unbearable. A particularly severe example is the January morning when a Spencer, Massachusetts man dealing with a foreclosure killed his wife, shot his horse, torched his house and truck, and then ended his own life.
No one is suggesting that a bad economy draws violent behavior out of thin air, but research shows that unemployment exacerbates family abuse. A 2005 study by the National Institute of Justice found that women who lose their jobs are at a greater risk for being battered. They also report that men who lose their jobs are more likely to have violent arguments with their intimate partners than employed men.
The odds a man has ever been threatened by a partner or spouse are 1 in 16.67. But research consistently shows that women are more likely to be the victims of domestic violence and suffer more serious physical attacks. The odds a woman has ever been pushed, slapped, choked, or hit by a partner or spouse are 1 in 3.7, and an estimated 24 to 54% of all women seen in the ER have a lifetime history of abuse.
Domestic violence advocates say that women may try to weather abusive relationships through bad economic times out of fear they won’t be able to find housing or support their children. At the same time, many women are fighting back. For example, the San Joaquin Women’s Center reports that the number of women seeking restraining orders increased 50% in the first three months of 2009.
The reasons for the gender and economic-status bias of domestic violence have a lot to do with psychology, health, and cultural norms of masculinity. A 2009 report in Economic Stress and Domestic Violence suggests that abusive partners may react to the loss of power and status that unemployment brings and use force to regain some control. The sociologists also note that women who depend on income from their partners are less likely to be abused by these men.
Last year, President Obama appointed Lynn Rosenthal as the first advisor on violence against women. Rosenthal faces high hurdles. Not only is the dismal economic climate aggravating domestic disputes, but it’s also hurting programs built to help victims. The NNECV (National Network to End Domestic Violence) reports that programs have always been underfunded and understaffed. Sweeping budget cuts across the country have forced programs to reduce service or simply close.
Albuquerque, NM: Man killed by cop kidnapped wife Woman called 911 from car trunk
Updated: Tuesday, 15 Jun 2010, 7:05 PM MDT
Published : Tuesday, 15 Jun 2010, 6:05 PM MDT
Maria Medina
ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Before being killed by police Tuesday investigators say Julian Calbert kidnapped and beat his wife and stuffed her in the trunk of her car adding to his lengthy criminal record that includes a rape conviction.
Albuquerque police said the woman, whose identity was not released, called 911 from the trunk just after midnight after Calbert abducted her and a friend.
In a recording of the call she can be heard talking to her husband, which gave the 911 dispatcher her location at a West Side truck stop: "We're at Flying J's? ... How much gas are you going to put in, babe? ... I don't want to be in this trunk anymore."
Police said when they arrived Calbert denied anyone was in his trunk despite the blood on the outside of the car. Calbert turned around suddenly and hit the officer in the face and was shot when he took out a large knife, police reported.
He died at the scene.
Calbert is the eighth person to be involved in a police shooting this year and the second man to be shot dead by an officer in less than a week. An Albuquerque SWAT officer shot and killed Chris Hinz outside his Northeast Heights home Thursday when he reportedly was drunk, fire shots inside the home and then approach officers while refusing to put down his rifle.
"New Mexico is consistently in the top 10 of the states with the highest number of assaults on police officers," Albuquerque Public Safety Director Darren White said at an afternoon news conference. "It's difficult. No one wants to do this. No one on this job wants to take someone's life."
Calbert's extensive criminal history and for nearly 12 years has been a registered sex offender in Quay County. He was convicted in 1986 for three counts of rape.
His wife and her friend told investigators Calbert found them at a University of New Mexico Hospital parking lot where the two women were getting ready to visit someone. They said he held a knife to his wife's neck, forced her into the trunk and had her friend ride in the passenger seat.
Police said Calbert was angry his wife filed a domestic-violence police report on him last week. However, it's not clear whether she'd filed for a restraining order.
They drove around for a half hour while Calbert opened the back seat to get access to his wife in the trunk and repeatedly beat her.
Police said Calbert took the women's cell phones but didn't know his wife had another cell phone in her pocket. That allowed her to call 911 when they stopped for gas at the Flying J Truck Stop on 98th Street NW at I-40.
"Reading that report and hearing that call I get chills because I shudder to think what would happen if that officer had not shown up and did what he did," White said. "He put himself in harm's way to protect these women that he did not know."
Published : Tuesday, 15 Jun 2010, 6:05 PM MDT
Maria Medina
ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Before being killed by police Tuesday investigators say Julian Calbert kidnapped and beat his wife and stuffed her in the trunk of her car adding to his lengthy criminal record that includes a rape conviction.
Albuquerque police said the woman, whose identity was not released, called 911 from the trunk just after midnight after Calbert abducted her and a friend.
In a recording of the call she can be heard talking to her husband, which gave the 911 dispatcher her location at a West Side truck stop: "We're at Flying J's? ... How much gas are you going to put in, babe? ... I don't want to be in this trunk anymore."
Police said when they arrived Calbert denied anyone was in his trunk despite the blood on the outside of the car. Calbert turned around suddenly and hit the officer in the face and was shot when he took out a large knife, police reported.
He died at the scene.
Calbert is the eighth person to be involved in a police shooting this year and the second man to be shot dead by an officer in less than a week. An Albuquerque SWAT officer shot and killed Chris Hinz outside his Northeast Heights home Thursday when he reportedly was drunk, fire shots inside the home and then approach officers while refusing to put down his rifle.
"New Mexico is consistently in the top 10 of the states with the highest number of assaults on police officers," Albuquerque Public Safety Director Darren White said at an afternoon news conference. "It's difficult. No one wants to do this. No one on this job wants to take someone's life."
Calbert's extensive criminal history and for nearly 12 years has been a registered sex offender in Quay County. He was convicted in 1986 for three counts of rape.
His wife and her friend told investigators Calbert found them at a University of New Mexico Hospital parking lot where the two women were getting ready to visit someone. They said he held a knife to his wife's neck, forced her into the trunk and had her friend ride in the passenger seat.
Police said Calbert was angry his wife filed a domestic-violence police report on him last week. However, it's not clear whether she'd filed for a restraining order.
They drove around for a half hour while Calbert opened the back seat to get access to his wife in the trunk and repeatedly beat her.
Police said Calbert took the women's cell phones but didn't know his wife had another cell phone in her pocket. That allowed her to call 911 when they stopped for gas at the Flying J Truck Stop on 98th Street NW at I-40.
"Reading that report and hearing that call I get chills because I shudder to think what would happen if that officer had not shown up and did what he did," White said. "He put himself in harm's way to protect these women that he did not know."
Rockwell City, IA: 3 deaths ruled murder-suicide
Associated Press - June 15, 2010 8:54 PM ET
ROCKWELL CITY, Iowa (AP) - Authorities in Calhoun County have ruled murder-suicide in the case of 3 people found dead inside a rural home there.
County officials say autopsies and a joint investigation by law enforcement show the two women found dead in the house, 19-year-old Paige Gallo of Council Bluffs and 20-year-old Heather Campbell of Urbandale, were homicide victims. Both women died from gunshot wounds.
The man found dead, 20-year-old Luke Schleisman of Lake City, also died of a gunshot wound and his death has been ruled suicide.
Officers found the bodies early Friday morning after responding to a report of a possible disturbance.
ROCKWELL CITY, Iowa (AP) - Authorities in Calhoun County have ruled murder-suicide in the case of 3 people found dead inside a rural home there.
County officials say autopsies and a joint investigation by law enforcement show the two women found dead in the house, 19-year-old Paige Gallo of Council Bluffs and 20-year-old Heather Campbell of Urbandale, were homicide victims. Both women died from gunshot wounds.
The man found dead, 20-year-old Luke Schleisman of Lake City, also died of a gunshot wound and his death has been ruled suicide.
Officers found the bodies early Friday morning after responding to a report of a possible disturbance.
Lake County, OH: Lake County Sheriff: Women's ex-boyfriend runs her over with car, kills her
Kim Wendel 3 hrs ago
PAINESVILLE TOWNSHIP -- The Lake County Sheriff's Office says a 23-year-old woman is dead after calling 911 and then being run over by her 24-year-old ex-boyfriend.
The 911 call came in at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, with the woman saying that her ex-boyfriend had just tried to run her over. She placed the call 10 minutes after he had driven away.
The sheriff's office said that the ex-boyfriend then returned to Barrington Ridge Road and Normandy Drive area and struck her with his vehicle.
The sheriff's office said the woman, whom they did not identify, died from her injuries.
The 24-year-old suspect drove off but later turned himself in to authorities at the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
PAINESVILLE TOWNSHIP -- The Lake County Sheriff's Office says a 23-year-old woman is dead after calling 911 and then being run over by her 24-year-old ex-boyfriend.
The 911 call came in at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, with the woman saying that her ex-boyfriend had just tried to run her over. She placed the call 10 minutes after he had driven away.
The sheriff's office said that the ex-boyfriend then returned to Barrington Ridge Road and Normandy Drive area and struck her with his vehicle.
The sheriff's office said the woman, whom they did not identify, died from her injuries.
The 24-year-old suspect drove off but later turned himself in to authorities at the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Spartanburg, SC: Police questioning ex-boyfriend in 21-year-old's death
Published: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 3:01 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 3:33 p.m.
Spartanburg Public Safety officers are questioning a man in connection with the homicide of his former girlfriend.
Robert Lee Jr. was taken into custody at about 8 p.m. Tuesday at an apartment complex on Bryant Road, said Capt. Randy Hardy with Public Safety.
Lee is being questioned in the death of 21-year-old mother, Rebecca Rosa, whose body authorities believe was found Tuesday morning in a wooded area off Tibbs Drive near Startex.
Hardy would not confirm that the body found was that of Rosa because a positive identification had not been made yet, but, he added, “we feel sure it's probably her.”
Hardy said the body was found in the woods about 200 yards off Tibbs Drive. He said family and friends of Rosa saw Lee running from the area after they found Rosa's body this morning.
Rosa's mother, Deborah Cook, said two of her sons and friends of Rosa found her daughter's body after searching the area near where Rosa and Lee once lived together on Tibbs Drive.
Cook said she has believed since Saturday — the last time Rosa was seen alive — that Lee had killed her.
Last Modified: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 3:33 p.m.
Spartanburg Public Safety officers are questioning a man in connection with the homicide of his former girlfriend.
Robert Lee Jr. was taken into custody at about 8 p.m. Tuesday at an apartment complex on Bryant Road, said Capt. Randy Hardy with Public Safety.
Lee is being questioned in the death of 21-year-old mother, Rebecca Rosa, whose body authorities believe was found Tuesday morning in a wooded area off Tibbs Drive near Startex.
Hardy would not confirm that the body found was that of Rosa because a positive identification had not been made yet, but, he added, “we feel sure it's probably her.”
Hardy said the body was found in the woods about 200 yards off Tibbs Drive. He said family and friends of Rosa saw Lee running from the area after they found Rosa's body this morning.
Rosa's mother, Deborah Cook, said two of her sons and friends of Rosa found her daughter's body after searching the area near where Rosa and Lee once lived together on Tibbs Drive.
Cook said she has believed since Saturday — the last time Rosa was seen alive — that Lee had killed her.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Tuscaloosa, AL: Three charged in Hale slaying
By Stephanie Taylor Staff Writer
Published: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 3:30 a.m.
Three people have been charged in connection with the death of a Hale County woman whose body was found in an SUV more than three years ago.
Teresa Whaley Mayfield’s husband, Scott Mayfield, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit murder and solicitation to commit murder. Willie Underwood has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, and Dawn Lavender has been charged with murder.
A Hale County grand jury indicted the three suspects on Friday. Mayfield, 47, was arrested near his home on County Road 42 in Akron, according to a press release issued by the Hale County Sheriff’s Office. Underwood, 47, was arrested Sunday at his home near Havana. Lavender, 42, who also goes by Kimberly Binion, was arrested at her job at Phifer Wire in Tuscaloosa. Her residence was not listed. All three remained in the Hale County Jail on Monday afternoon with bail set at $750,000 each.
The indictments had not been filed in Hale County Circuit Court by Monday afternoon.
“Mr. Mayfield allegedly hired a woman to kill his ex-wife,” said Michael Jackson, the district attorney for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, which includes Hale County. “Underwood is one of the people he solicited. The Sheriff’s Office and the (Alabama Bureau of Investigation) did a good job of connecting the dots and piecing the evidence together.”
Jackson did not discuss what evidence led to the indictments.
For three years, authorities have not revealed how Mayfield was killed. Jackson said Monday that she died from a single gunshot wound to the head fired from a small-caliber handgun.
The 44-year-old mother of three was found dead in her silver GMC Yukon, parked on a small, unnamed dirt road just off County Road 21, within a mile of her home on Duncan Loop Road in the Stewart community. Her family has said that her injuries were so severe that she could not be embalmed.
It is unclear what connection Underwood and Lavender have to the Mayfields. Scott Mayfield worked at Phifer Wire in Tuscaloosa at one time, according to court documents. It was unclear Monday whether he was still employed there. It is possible that Mayfield and Lavender are co-workers.
Hale County Sheriff Ken Ellis stated in the press release that the investigation is ongoing.
“After three long years, the Whaley family can finally rest a little easier knowing I never gave up on finding Teresa’s killers,” he stated in the release. “The Whaley family has been through a lot. I hate this incident ever happened for all the families involved. In this situation, no one wins.”
Scott Mayfield spoke to The Tuscaloosa News several times after his wife’s death, telling a reporter that he had been repeatedly interviewed by investigators. He said that he had hired an attorney just days after her death and had hired a private investigator to find the killer.
“It’s been hard for the past year to be living with this holding over my head,” Mayfield said in July 2008. “Every time you turn around, I feel like they’re looking back at me. It’s been tough to keep my head up and keep my kids focused on being kids and do the things I need to do as a father.”
That summer, Teresa Mayfield’s family members began posting fliers at businesses between Moundville and Tuscaloosa — pleas to the public for information about the unsolved murder. They were dismayed when the fliers began disappearing.
Scott Mayfield told The Tuscaloosa News that the couple’s young sons wanted the fliers to be removed.
“I’m letting them have their say-so in it. Everywhere they turn, they’re seeing their mother’s picture,” he said. “And it’s not that they really didn’t want them up, it’s just that they were never asked.”
Hale County Sheriff Ken Ellis came to know Teresa Mayfield because their daughters played softball together in Moundville. He never publicly said that Scott Mayfield was a suspect in the case.
He issued a press release in December 2008, asking for the community’s help in the case, but failed to mention Scott Mayfield’s name when naming people who were affected by her death.
“The holidays are here, and I know it’s very hard on the mother, sister, brother and children of Ms. Mayfield,” he stated in the release. “I know someone close to the killer knows something.”
The Mayfields’ children include a daughter who is about 20 years old, and sons who are about 10 and 13.
Reba Whaley, Teresa Mayfield’s mother, said she was relieved when she heard about the arrests.
“I am so glad there have been arrests made, but I’m so saddened that it was my son-in-law,” she said.
“I am so thankful to Sheriff Ellis and the ABI who have been on this for the last three years,” Whaley said. “Now I want to know why. Why did her life have to be taken?”
The Mayfields lived next door to Scott Mayfield’s parents in Stewart, a community a few miles south of Moundville.
Whaley said that the last time she spoke to her daughter, two days before she died, she had been planning a trip to Sam’s Club in Tuscaloosa to buy food. Scott Mayfield’s father was in the late stages of terminal cancer and the family was expecting a lot of company, she said. He died the night of Teresa Mayfield’s funeral visitation.
“I’m not just saying this because she was my daughter. She would do anything for anybody. She was just a good-hearted person,” she said.
Scott Mayfield said last June that he doubted a vigil that Whaley had planned would help solve the case.
“If anybody did or does know something, they would have said something by now, I’d think,” he said. “But (the service) is not going to hurt, and it may turn over some new leaves.”
He said at the time that members of the community still suspected he was involved in his wife’s death.
“That bag is getting heavy that I’m toting on my back,” he said at the time. “I’d love to find out so I can get this off my back.”
Another time, he told a reporter that he and his wife had a good relationship.
“We did not have a bad marriage by any means. But if I wanted out of the marriage, I’d go get an attorney and get a divorce.”
Reach Stephanie Taylor at
stephanie.taylor@tuscaloosa
news.com or 205-722-0210.
Published: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 3:30 a.m.
Three people have been charged in connection with the death of a Hale County woman whose body was found in an SUV more than three years ago.
Teresa Whaley Mayfield’s husband, Scott Mayfield, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit murder and solicitation to commit murder. Willie Underwood has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, and Dawn Lavender has been charged with murder.
A Hale County grand jury indicted the three suspects on Friday. Mayfield, 47, was arrested near his home on County Road 42 in Akron, according to a press release issued by the Hale County Sheriff’s Office. Underwood, 47, was arrested Sunday at his home near Havana. Lavender, 42, who also goes by Kimberly Binion, was arrested at her job at Phifer Wire in Tuscaloosa. Her residence was not listed. All three remained in the Hale County Jail on Monday afternoon with bail set at $750,000 each.
The indictments had not been filed in Hale County Circuit Court by Monday afternoon.
“Mr. Mayfield allegedly hired a woman to kill his ex-wife,” said Michael Jackson, the district attorney for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, which includes Hale County. “Underwood is one of the people he solicited. The Sheriff’s Office and the (Alabama Bureau of Investigation) did a good job of connecting the dots and piecing the evidence together.”
Jackson did not discuss what evidence led to the indictments.
For three years, authorities have not revealed how Mayfield was killed. Jackson said Monday that she died from a single gunshot wound to the head fired from a small-caliber handgun.
The 44-year-old mother of three was found dead in her silver GMC Yukon, parked on a small, unnamed dirt road just off County Road 21, within a mile of her home on Duncan Loop Road in the Stewart community. Her family has said that her injuries were so severe that she could not be embalmed.
It is unclear what connection Underwood and Lavender have to the Mayfields. Scott Mayfield worked at Phifer Wire in Tuscaloosa at one time, according to court documents. It was unclear Monday whether he was still employed there. It is possible that Mayfield and Lavender are co-workers.
Hale County Sheriff Ken Ellis stated in the press release that the investigation is ongoing.
“After three long years, the Whaley family can finally rest a little easier knowing I never gave up on finding Teresa’s killers,” he stated in the release. “The Whaley family has been through a lot. I hate this incident ever happened for all the families involved. In this situation, no one wins.”
Scott Mayfield spoke to The Tuscaloosa News several times after his wife’s death, telling a reporter that he had been repeatedly interviewed by investigators. He said that he had hired an attorney just days after her death and had hired a private investigator to find the killer.
“It’s been hard for the past year to be living with this holding over my head,” Mayfield said in July 2008. “Every time you turn around, I feel like they’re looking back at me. It’s been tough to keep my head up and keep my kids focused on being kids and do the things I need to do as a father.”
That summer, Teresa Mayfield’s family members began posting fliers at businesses between Moundville and Tuscaloosa — pleas to the public for information about the unsolved murder. They were dismayed when the fliers began disappearing.
Scott Mayfield told The Tuscaloosa News that the couple’s young sons wanted the fliers to be removed.
“I’m letting them have their say-so in it. Everywhere they turn, they’re seeing their mother’s picture,” he said. “And it’s not that they really didn’t want them up, it’s just that they were never asked.”
Hale County Sheriff Ken Ellis came to know Teresa Mayfield because their daughters played softball together in Moundville. He never publicly said that Scott Mayfield was a suspect in the case.
He issued a press release in December 2008, asking for the community’s help in the case, but failed to mention Scott Mayfield’s name when naming people who were affected by her death.
“The holidays are here, and I know it’s very hard on the mother, sister, brother and children of Ms. Mayfield,” he stated in the release. “I know someone close to the killer knows something.”
The Mayfields’ children include a daughter who is about 20 years old, and sons who are about 10 and 13.
Reba Whaley, Teresa Mayfield’s mother, said she was relieved when she heard about the arrests.
“I am so glad there have been arrests made, but I’m so saddened that it was my son-in-law,” she said.
“I am so thankful to Sheriff Ellis and the ABI who have been on this for the last three years,” Whaley said. “Now I want to know why. Why did her life have to be taken?”
The Mayfields lived next door to Scott Mayfield’s parents in Stewart, a community a few miles south of Moundville.
Whaley said that the last time she spoke to her daughter, two days before she died, she had been planning a trip to Sam’s Club in Tuscaloosa to buy food. Scott Mayfield’s father was in the late stages of terminal cancer and the family was expecting a lot of company, she said. He died the night of Teresa Mayfield’s funeral visitation.
“I’m not just saying this because she was my daughter. She would do anything for anybody. She was just a good-hearted person,” she said.
Scott Mayfield said last June that he doubted a vigil that Whaley had planned would help solve the case.
“If anybody did or does know something, they would have said something by now, I’d think,” he said. “But (the service) is not going to hurt, and it may turn over some new leaves.”
He said at the time that members of the community still suspected he was involved in his wife’s death.
“That bag is getting heavy that I’m toting on my back,” he said at the time. “I’d love to find out so I can get this off my back.”
Another time, he told a reporter that he and his wife had a good relationship.
“We did not have a bad marriage by any means. But if I wanted out of the marriage, I’d go get an attorney and get a divorce.”
Reach Stephanie Taylor at
stephanie.taylor@tuscaloosa
news.com or 205-722-0210.
Iron Range, MN: Iron Range man killed by trooper had fired at wife’s house
Authorities said the Iron Range man who was killed in a shootout with a Minnesota State Patrol trooper on Saturday night had minutes earlier fired shots from a shotgun and rifle into the home where his estranged wife and a 1-year-old and 4-year-old child were living.
By: Mark Stodghill, Duluth News Tribune
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Donnie Lira
Donnie Lira
Authorities said the Iron Range man who was killed in a shootout with a Minnesota State Patrol trooper on Saturday night had minutes earlier fired shots from a shotgun and rifle into the home where his estranged wife and a 1-year-old and 4-year-old child were living.
The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office on Monday identified the dead man as Donnie Joe Lira, 66, of Cherry Township. Lira had prior convictions for fifth-degree assault in 1996 and for violating orders for protection in 1997 and 2000.
St. Louis County Undersheriff Dave Phillips said the home at 9746 E. Hayes Road in Cherry Township where Lira’s wife, Marie, lived “was under attack” about 11 p.m. Saturday.
Phillips said the couple were recently separated and Marie Lira moved about a mile away. When the suspect showed up at his wife’s home, she locked herself and the 4-year-old into an upstairs bathroom. The 1-year-old was in another room.
Phillips said reports indicated that a window was taken out and shots were fired at the front door. No one in the home was injured. Phillips said it was unclear if the children in the home were the children of the suspect. According to court records, Donnie Lira was divorced from another woman in 2000.
“We believe over the course of the short time that he was there, he fired off both the shotgun and the rifle,” Phillips said. “She frantically calls 911 saying her estranged husband is outside shooting at the front of the house. With dispatch on the line, they hear another round being fired.”
Phillips said Marie Lira reported Donnie Lira pounding on the front door, but when he couldn’t get in, he drove away. His wife reported that he was driving a silver Chevrolet Cavalier.
Numerous law enforcement agencies responded, Phillips said. A State Patrol trooper located the suspect driving south on County Highway 25.
“He initiated a traffic stop,” said Capt. Murray Herrboldt, supervisor of the Virginia District of the State Patrol. “The suspect vehicle pulled into his driveway and the trooper followed with his lights on. … The trooper gave very clear verbal commands to the suspect. The suspect didn’t comply. He exited the vehicle with a firearm and shots were exchanged between the trooper and the suspect.”
Lira was transported to the hospital, where he later died. The trooper was not injured.
Herrboldt said the trooper is a seven-year veteran of the patrol. He has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard operating procedure for an officer-related shooting. Herrboldt said the trooper’s name will be released later this week after the trooper has time to complete his final report.
Authorities weren’t saying who fired first or how many shots were fired until the investigation by the sheriff’s office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is completed.
The entire incident lasted 11 minutes, Phillips said.
“The 911 communications folks did an outstanding job,” he said. “The incident was totally in progress when she (Marie Lira) called and they even heard the shots in the background. She was utterly mortified. Our dispatchers kept a lid on things with their calm demeanor, and our officers were very grateful for the State Patrol and their response in backing up our guys on this call.”
By: Mark Stodghill, Duluth News Tribune
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Twin Ports Law
Divorce & Family Law - Immigration - Estate Planning
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Saginaw Firearms Inc.
Signup today for PERMIT TO CARRY CLASS. Weekday, Saturday and Weekday Evening Classes Available!
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Donnie Lira
Donnie Lira
Authorities said the Iron Range man who was killed in a shootout with a Minnesota State Patrol trooper on Saturday night had minutes earlier fired shots from a shotgun and rifle into the home where his estranged wife and a 1-year-old and 4-year-old child were living.
The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office on Monday identified the dead man as Donnie Joe Lira, 66, of Cherry Township. Lira had prior convictions for fifth-degree assault in 1996 and for violating orders for protection in 1997 and 2000.
St. Louis County Undersheriff Dave Phillips said the home at 9746 E. Hayes Road in Cherry Township where Lira’s wife, Marie, lived “was under attack” about 11 p.m. Saturday.
Phillips said the couple were recently separated and Marie Lira moved about a mile away. When the suspect showed up at his wife’s home, she locked herself and the 4-year-old into an upstairs bathroom. The 1-year-old was in another room.
Phillips said reports indicated that a window was taken out and shots were fired at the front door. No one in the home was injured. Phillips said it was unclear if the children in the home were the children of the suspect. According to court records, Donnie Lira was divorced from another woman in 2000.
“We believe over the course of the short time that he was there, he fired off both the shotgun and the rifle,” Phillips said. “She frantically calls 911 saying her estranged husband is outside shooting at the front of the house. With dispatch on the line, they hear another round being fired.”
Phillips said Marie Lira reported Donnie Lira pounding on the front door, but when he couldn’t get in, he drove away. His wife reported that he was driving a silver Chevrolet Cavalier.
Numerous law enforcement agencies responded, Phillips said. A State Patrol trooper located the suspect driving south on County Highway 25.
“He initiated a traffic stop,” said Capt. Murray Herrboldt, supervisor of the Virginia District of the State Patrol. “The suspect vehicle pulled into his driveway and the trooper followed with his lights on. … The trooper gave very clear verbal commands to the suspect. The suspect didn’t comply. He exited the vehicle with a firearm and shots were exchanged between the trooper and the suspect.”
Lira was transported to the hospital, where he later died. The trooper was not injured.
Herrboldt said the trooper is a seven-year veteran of the patrol. He has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard operating procedure for an officer-related shooting. Herrboldt said the trooper’s name will be released later this week after the trooper has time to complete his final report.
Authorities weren’t saying who fired first or how many shots were fired until the investigation by the sheriff’s office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is completed.
The entire incident lasted 11 minutes, Phillips said.
“The 911 communications folks did an outstanding job,” he said. “The incident was totally in progress when she (Marie Lira) called and they even heard the shots in the background. She was utterly mortified. Our dispatchers kept a lid on things with their calm demeanor, and our officers were very grateful for the State Patrol and their response in backing up our guys on this call.”
Fairfax, VA: Fairfax charges retired Army officer in deaths of wife, daughter
By Tom Jackman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 15, 2010; B01
A recently retired Army lieutenant colonel killed his wife and teenage daughter in their Fairfax County apartment Monday morning, then drove to an Army hospital at Fort Belvoir, told authorities what he had done and tried to have himself admitted, police said.
Instead, he was taken to the Fairfax County jail and charged with two counts of murder.
Neighbors at the Gunston Corner condominium complex, on Cardinal Forest Lane in the Lorton area, said they heard nothing until Fairfax police officers showed up about 8:30 a.m. In the apartment, officers found the bodies of Hyon C. Yi, 47, and her daughter, Joy J. Yi, 15, authorities said.
Police declined to say how the Yis were killed pending an autopsy Tuesday morning.
Police said they found out about the slayings from Kenston K. Yi, 49, a West Point graduate who an Army spokesman said had retired from the service in August after 30 years' active duty.
Yi showed up at the DeWitt Army Community Hospital on Fort Belvoir at 8:24 a.m., police spokeswoman Lucy Caldwell said. Yi told the hospital staff that "he was involved in a tragic event," Caldwell said, declining to provide specifics of Yi's statements.
Caldwell said that it was not immediately apparent how Hyon and Joy Yi were killed but that police do not think they were shot or stabbed. Investigators also do not think that there was a long period between when they were killed and when Kenston Yi drove to Fort Belvoir, which is a short distance from the family's Lorton apartment.
"She was such a nice lady," Cathy Kidwell, a neighbor, said of Hyon Yi. "Hardworking. I always saw her going to work." About Joy Yi, Kidwell said, "I can't imagine someone would do that to that little girl."
Joy Yi was a freshman at South County Secondary School, also a short drive from the family's apartment, Fairfax schools officials said. It could not be determined Monday where Hyon Yi worked.
Roger D. Sombat, a real estate agent who rented the two-bedroom apartment to the Yis last year, said that the family had planned to move into a house recently but that the deal fell through.
Relatives could not be reached for comment yesterday.
According to postings on his Facebook and LinkedIn pages, Kenston Yi graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in suburban Ohio in 1979. Army records show that he enlisted that year in field artillery.
Yi graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1986, school officials confirmed. Yi wrote that his West Point degree was in computer science. He wrote that he had obtained master's degrees from Central Michigan University in 1996 and the National Defense University in 2006.
Army records show that Yi worked as a major for the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon until his promotion to lieutenant colonel in 2003 and that he worked in various information technology posts in the Washington area until his retirement last year. Most recently, Yi worked for the National Guard Bureau in Arlington County on the staff of the chief information officer, a bureau spokesman said.
Real estate records indicate that Yi and his wife were somewhat active in buying and selling houses in Northern Virginia in the past decade, with some successes followed by more-recent reversals. Police declined to comment on whether the family's financial dealings might have had any role in the homicides.
Records show that from 2000 to 2004, the Yis bought three properties in Fairfax County and then sold them, sometimes in less than two months, for a profit of more than $293,000.
But in 2005, they bought a house in the Lake Occoquan area of Prince William County for $964,000 and then sold it three years later for $950,000. A Lorton house they bought in 2004 was sold in October 2009 at a $55,000 loss. And the family still owns a Centreville townhouse that was purchased for $432,500 in 2005 and that is now assessed at less than $300,000.
Gerald L. King, who served with Kenston Yi when both were executive officers in the Army in Korea, was shocked by news of Yi's arrest. "I've never seen him really angry. I've not seen him aggressive in any way at all. He's not physically a big guy. I can't conceive what could have led to this."
Kenston Yi only recently joined Facebook, apparently as part of an assignment for a class, and he posted a photo of himself with his wife and daughter as his profile picture. "Hey Facebooking friends," Yi wrote in his last post, March 13, "am still little lost in this space . . . will have to get a fresher tng [training] from my 9th grade daughter."
Staff researcher Meg Smith and staff writer Josh White contributed to this report.
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 15, 2010; B01
A recently retired Army lieutenant colonel killed his wife and teenage daughter in their Fairfax County apartment Monday morning, then drove to an Army hospital at Fort Belvoir, told authorities what he had done and tried to have himself admitted, police said.
Instead, he was taken to the Fairfax County jail and charged with two counts of murder.
Neighbors at the Gunston Corner condominium complex, on Cardinal Forest Lane in the Lorton area, said they heard nothing until Fairfax police officers showed up about 8:30 a.m. In the apartment, officers found the bodies of Hyon C. Yi, 47, and her daughter, Joy J. Yi, 15, authorities said.
Police declined to say how the Yis were killed pending an autopsy Tuesday morning.
Police said they found out about the slayings from Kenston K. Yi, 49, a West Point graduate who an Army spokesman said had retired from the service in August after 30 years' active duty.
Yi showed up at the DeWitt Army Community Hospital on Fort Belvoir at 8:24 a.m., police spokeswoman Lucy Caldwell said. Yi told the hospital staff that "he was involved in a tragic event," Caldwell said, declining to provide specifics of Yi's statements.
Caldwell said that it was not immediately apparent how Hyon and Joy Yi were killed but that police do not think they were shot or stabbed. Investigators also do not think that there was a long period between when they were killed and when Kenston Yi drove to Fort Belvoir, which is a short distance from the family's Lorton apartment.
"She was such a nice lady," Cathy Kidwell, a neighbor, said of Hyon Yi. "Hardworking. I always saw her going to work." About Joy Yi, Kidwell said, "I can't imagine someone would do that to that little girl."
Joy Yi was a freshman at South County Secondary School, also a short drive from the family's apartment, Fairfax schools officials said. It could not be determined Monday where Hyon Yi worked.
Roger D. Sombat, a real estate agent who rented the two-bedroom apartment to the Yis last year, said that the family had planned to move into a house recently but that the deal fell through.
Relatives could not be reached for comment yesterday.
According to postings on his Facebook and LinkedIn pages, Kenston Yi graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in suburban Ohio in 1979. Army records show that he enlisted that year in field artillery.
Yi graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1986, school officials confirmed. Yi wrote that his West Point degree was in computer science. He wrote that he had obtained master's degrees from Central Michigan University in 1996 and the National Defense University in 2006.
Army records show that Yi worked as a major for the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon until his promotion to lieutenant colonel in 2003 and that he worked in various information technology posts in the Washington area until his retirement last year. Most recently, Yi worked for the National Guard Bureau in Arlington County on the staff of the chief information officer, a bureau spokesman said.
Real estate records indicate that Yi and his wife were somewhat active in buying and selling houses in Northern Virginia in the past decade, with some successes followed by more-recent reversals. Police declined to comment on whether the family's financial dealings might have had any role in the homicides.
Records show that from 2000 to 2004, the Yis bought three properties in Fairfax County and then sold them, sometimes in less than two months, for a profit of more than $293,000.
But in 2005, they bought a house in the Lake Occoquan area of Prince William County for $964,000 and then sold it three years later for $950,000. A Lorton house they bought in 2004 was sold in October 2009 at a $55,000 loss. And the family still owns a Centreville townhouse that was purchased for $432,500 in 2005 and that is now assessed at less than $300,000.
Gerald L. King, who served with Kenston Yi when both were executive officers in the Army in Korea, was shocked by news of Yi's arrest. "I've never seen him really angry. I've not seen him aggressive in any way at all. He's not physically a big guy. I can't conceive what could have led to this."
Kenston Yi only recently joined Facebook, apparently as part of an assignment for a class, and he posted a photo of himself with his wife and daughter as his profile picture. "Hey Facebooking friends," Yi wrote in his last post, March 13, "am still little lost in this space . . . will have to get a fresher tng [training] from my 9th grade daughter."
Staff researcher Meg Smith and staff writer Josh White contributed to this report.
Jackson County, KY: Man accused of murdering girlfriend
A man is charged with murdering his girlfriend in their Jackson County home.
Posted: 6:00 PM Jun 14, 2010
Reporter: Janet Kim
Email Address: janet.kim@wkyt.com
When authorities arrived to this home on KY 2003 Sunday afternoon, they say they found 50-year old Ray Hacker, Jr. lying on the porch and 52-year old Gerilyn Walerski dead from an apparent gunshot wound to the back of her head.
"According to witnesses, there at the home they were renting together, there was a lot of consumption of alcohol before the shooting and prior to the shooting, there was a heated argument between the two," says Trooper Chris Lanham, with Kentucky State Police.
Hacker now sits behind bars in Jackson County Jail, charged with murder, but he claims he doesn't remember shooting Walerski, just arguing with her to remove the rifle from their home.
Police say they are still investigating.
Neighbors say regardless of the outcome, they are saddened a woman has died so tragically in their small community.
Hacker says through he doesn't remember exactly what happened, he says he's devastated he's lost the woman he's loved for the last 10 years.
Posted: 6:00 PM Jun 14, 2010
Reporter: Janet Kim
Email Address: janet.kim@wkyt.com
When authorities arrived to this home on KY 2003 Sunday afternoon, they say they found 50-year old Ray Hacker, Jr. lying on the porch and 52-year old Gerilyn Walerski dead from an apparent gunshot wound to the back of her head.
"According to witnesses, there at the home they were renting together, there was a lot of consumption of alcohol before the shooting and prior to the shooting, there was a heated argument between the two," says Trooper Chris Lanham, with Kentucky State Police.
Hacker now sits behind bars in Jackson County Jail, charged with murder, but he claims he doesn't remember shooting Walerski, just arguing with her to remove the rifle from their home.
Police say they are still investigating.
Neighbors say regardless of the outcome, they are saddened a woman has died so tragically in their small community.
Hacker says through he doesn't remember exactly what happened, he says he's devastated he's lost the woman he's loved for the last 10 years.
Benton Harbor, MI: Murder-suicide in Benton Harbor Monday night
Benton Harbor, MI
Two men are dead following a murder-suicide in Benton Harbor Monday.
Posted: 5:26 AM Jun 15, 2010
Reporter: Korey Ketterman
Email Address: korey.ketterman@wndu.com
An apparent murder-suicide in Benton Harbor has two men dead.
Just before 11:30 Monday night, police received reports of a shooting in the 600 block of Columbus Street.
Once on scene, witnesses told officers 49-year-old Scott Kerlikowski of Stevensville had shot 45-year-old Timothy Morris of Benton Harbor. Kerlikowski then dragged Morris' body around to the side of the house.
Kerlikowski told witnesses he wasn't going back to jail, instead he was going to kill himself.
Police found Kerlikowski dead inside the home lying next to a gun. Morris was found dead on the side of the home with a gunshot wound to the face.
Police say Morris is the current boyfriend of the woman who lives at that home and Kerlikowski was her ex-boyfriend.
The case has been handed over to the Berrien County Prosecutor's Office.
Two men are dead following a murder-suicide in Benton Harbor Monday.
Posted: 5:26 AM Jun 15, 2010
Reporter: Korey Ketterman
Email Address: korey.ketterman@wndu.com
An apparent murder-suicide in Benton Harbor has two men dead.
Just before 11:30 Monday night, police received reports of a shooting in the 600 block of Columbus Street.
Once on scene, witnesses told officers 49-year-old Scott Kerlikowski of Stevensville had shot 45-year-old Timothy Morris of Benton Harbor. Kerlikowski then dragged Morris' body around to the side of the house.
Kerlikowski told witnesses he wasn't going back to jail, instead he was going to kill himself.
Police found Kerlikowski dead inside the home lying next to a gun. Morris was found dead on the side of the home with a gunshot wound to the face.
Police say Morris is the current boyfriend of the woman who lives at that home and Kerlikowski was her ex-boyfriend.
The case has been handed over to the Berrien County Prosecutor's Office.
Scottsburg, VA: Authorities: Marriage Problems Led to Murder-Suicide
posted 7:24 pm Mon June 14, 2010 - Scottsburg, VA reporter: Ashley Singh posted by: Amy Foster from ABC 13
Halifax County officials believe marriage problems are what led to a murder-suicide this weekend.
It happened in the parking lot of Short Stop Convenience Store near Scottsburg on Saturday.
Police say by the time they got there, they found 23-year-old Wendy Diane Riley dead from a torso wound.
They found her husband, 29-year-old David Michael Riley, lying nearby. He later died.
The Short Stop Convenience Store owner said he has never seen anything like this. Even for deputies, a murder-suicide is rare. Investigators say it has been at least 10 years since they responded to one.
Wendy Riley David Riley
Photo courtesy: The News and Record
"It tears the community all to pieces because like I say we're not used to situations like this happening in Halifax County," Major Thomas Logan with the Halifax County Sheriff's office said.
Logan says by the time they got there, it was too late. Wendy Riley was dead.
The shooting happened right outside Mike Patel's convenience store.
"It was horrible, terrible," he said.
Patel was inside the convenience store when he heard what he thought was a car backfiring. When he got outside, he saw a woman lying on the ground. Then, he watched the man standing next to her.
"He not try to threat anybody else. He had not done anything else he just kill his wife and kill himself. But it was sad it was real sad," Patel said.
Patel says there was a woman standing next to Wendy, when it happened. He says she saw everything.
"She was shocked and she was not moving because she was scared so I took her from that place and then she started shouting and crying," he said.
Logan says the shooting was a tragedy, one that's hurt many people, especially their families.
"It's hard for the family to deal with. We've talked to them and it struck them and they're real upset," he said.
Officials say the couple had a daughter who is being taken care of by other family members.
Halifax County officials believe marriage problems are what led to a murder-suicide this weekend.
It happened in the parking lot of Short Stop Convenience Store near Scottsburg on Saturday.
Police say by the time they got there, they found 23-year-old Wendy Diane Riley dead from a torso wound.
They found her husband, 29-year-old David Michael Riley, lying nearby. He later died.
The Short Stop Convenience Store owner said he has never seen anything like this. Even for deputies, a murder-suicide is rare. Investigators say it has been at least 10 years since they responded to one.
Wendy Riley David Riley
Photo courtesy: The News and Record
"It tears the community all to pieces because like I say we're not used to situations like this happening in Halifax County," Major Thomas Logan with the Halifax County Sheriff's office said.
Logan says by the time they got there, it was too late. Wendy Riley was dead.
The shooting happened right outside Mike Patel's convenience store.
"It was horrible, terrible," he said.
Patel was inside the convenience store when he heard what he thought was a car backfiring. When he got outside, he saw a woman lying on the ground. Then, he watched the man standing next to her.
"He not try to threat anybody else. He had not done anything else he just kill his wife and kill himself. But it was sad it was real sad," Patel said.
Patel says there was a woman standing next to Wendy, when it happened. He says she saw everything.
"She was shocked and she was not moving because she was scared so I took her from that place and then she started shouting and crying," he said.
Logan says the shooting was a tragedy, one that's hurt many people, especially their families.
"It's hard for the family to deal with. We've talked to them and it struck them and they're real upset," he said.
Officials say the couple had a daughter who is being taken care of by other family members.
Houston, TX: Couple die in apparent murder-suicide
Updated at 06:41 AM today
Investigators say the couple was found lying dead on the kitchen floor.
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HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Sheriff's deputies in northeast Harris County are trying to figure out what prompted the shooting deaths of a husband and wife.
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Around 9:30pm Monday, deputies arrived at a home on Robert E. Lee Road and CE King Parkway. Investigators say they found two teenagers outside who told them their father shot their mother. Once deputies entered the house, they discovered both parents dead on the kitchen floor.
"Apparently they had been in an argument earlier tonight and the male shot the female and then shot himself," said Sgt. Curtis Brown with the Harris County Sheriff's Department.
Investigators are still looking into what led up to the shooting.
Investigators say the couple was found lying dead on the kitchen floor.
TAGS:local
Comment NowEmailPrintReport a typo
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Sheriff's deputies in northeast Harris County are trying to figure out what prompted the shooting deaths of a husband and wife.
Related Content
MORE: Got a story idea? Let us know!
Around 9:30pm Monday, deputies arrived at a home on Robert E. Lee Road and CE King Parkway. Investigators say they found two teenagers outside who told them their father shot their mother. Once deputies entered the house, they discovered both parents dead on the kitchen floor.
"Apparently they had been in an argument earlier tonight and the male shot the female and then shot himself," said Sgt. Curtis Brown with the Harris County Sheriff's Department.
Investigators are still looking into what led up to the shooting.
Albany, NY: Man kills self after stopping vehicle in Albany
By SKIP DICKSTEIN AND NATE HOPPER, Staff writers
Last updated: 1:52 p.m., Monday, June 14, 2010
ALBANY-- An armed man who was reported to be despondent by his girlfriend killed himself inside a sport utility vehicle this afternoon as officers followed him on a city street, police said.
The man, believed to be in his 20s, killed himself with a single shotgun blast.
The man's girlfriend called police shortly after noon to report he was depressed and driving around with a shotgun.
A patrol officer spotted the man's Nissan Pathfinder on Washington Avenue Extension.
Police said the officers followed behind the car as it headed east on Washington Avenue.
The man turned right onto Rosemont and then left on Hawkins Street where he killed himself, police said.
In addition to city police and state troopers, Mayor Jerry Jennings and Albany County District Attorney David Soares were at the scene.
Police closed portions of Rosemont and Hawkins to traffic.
Last updated: 1:52 p.m., Monday, June 14, 2010
ALBANY-- An armed man who was reported to be despondent by his girlfriend killed himself inside a sport utility vehicle this afternoon as officers followed him on a city street, police said.
The man, believed to be in his 20s, killed himself with a single shotgun blast.
The man's girlfriend called police shortly after noon to report he was depressed and driving around with a shotgun.
A patrol officer spotted the man's Nissan Pathfinder on Washington Avenue Extension.
Police said the officers followed behind the car as it headed east on Washington Avenue.
The man turned right onto Rosemont and then left on Hawkins Street where he killed himself, police said.
In addition to city police and state troopers, Mayor Jerry Jennings and Albany County District Attorney David Soares were at the scene.
Police closed portions of Rosemont and Hawkins to traffic.
Norwalk, CT: Man Accused of Fatally Shooting Ex-Wife, Mother-In-Law
By STEPHANIE BARISHwpix.com
4:28 PM EDT, June 14, 2010
NORWALK, CT (WPIX) - A man is in police custody in connection with the fatal shooting of his ex-wife and mother-in-law at a Norwalk duplex Monday morning.
Gilbert Orlando, 56, apparently ran from the residence located at 31 Couch St at about 8 a.m., where Enid Dickens, 57, and Rona Knight, her 73-year-old mother, were found fatally shot to death, police said.
Both of the victims were rushed to Norwalk Hospital where they were later pronounced dead.
According to reports, Orlando and Dickens split in May. Dickens apparently sought full custody of their adopted child and did not seek child support, according to court documents.
Norwalk Police Chief Harry Riling said Dickens changed the locks on the home after Orlando missing the Saturday deadline to remove his belongings.
Investigators say they believe Orlando shot the women because he was angry about the locks being changed.
Following an intense manhunt, Orlando was captured between the Route 7 connector and I-95 at about noon. Police reportedly recovered a .357 Magnum they believe to be the murder weapon.
It wasn't immediately clear what charges Orlando faces.
4:28 PM EDT, June 14, 2010
NORWALK, CT (WPIX) - A man is in police custody in connection with the fatal shooting of his ex-wife and mother-in-law at a Norwalk duplex Monday morning.
Gilbert Orlando, 56, apparently ran from the residence located at 31 Couch St at about 8 a.m., where Enid Dickens, 57, and Rona Knight, her 73-year-old mother, were found fatally shot to death, police said.
Both of the victims were rushed to Norwalk Hospital where they were later pronounced dead.
According to reports, Orlando and Dickens split in May. Dickens apparently sought full custody of their adopted child and did not seek child support, according to court documents.
Norwalk Police Chief Harry Riling said Dickens changed the locks on the home after Orlando missing the Saturday deadline to remove his belongings.
Investigators say they believe Orlando shot the women because he was angry about the locks being changed.
Following an intense manhunt, Orlando was captured between the Route 7 connector and I-95 at about noon. Police reportedly recovered a .357 Magnum they believe to be the murder weapon.
It wasn't immediately clear what charges Orlando faces.
Stratford, CT: Man Accused Of Stabbing Ex, New Lover
POSTED: 10:30 am EDT June 14, 2010
UPDATED: 4:10 pm EDT June 14, 2010
STRATFORD, Conn. -- A woman and man were stabbed by the woman's ex-boyfriend in Stratford Monday morning, police said.
Police said around 8:25 a.m., Stratford Police responded to multiple calls of a stabbing on Hollister Street with two victims needing help
They said the female victim, Rebecca Paul-Lewis, attempted to get help from residents of a nearby home by banging on a window after the stabbing. She had been stabbed in the hands, according to police.
Stratford police said the woman's current boyfriend, identified as Mark Williams, 28, of Bridgeport, was stabbed in the arms, legs, back and head during the attack. Williams fled the home where he collapsed in the middle of the street. He was transported to Bridgeport Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Chris Scheck, who was on his way to his son's school, nearly drove into Williams in the road. "I put my truck in front of school buses so the kids couldn't see what was happening," Scheck said.
Police said the man who they believed was responsible for the attack, Joseph Stanley, 29, of Bridgeport, was seen fleeing the scene on foot, and was arrested on Jackson Avenue.
Stanley was initially charged with assault, but police said additional charges will be filed. Police said Stanley was on parole for previous drug charges.
Stanley was held on $1 million bond and was scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on Tuesday.
UPDATED: 4:10 pm EDT June 14, 2010
STRATFORD, Conn. -- A woman and man were stabbed by the woman's ex-boyfriend in Stratford Monday morning, police said.
Police said around 8:25 a.m., Stratford Police responded to multiple calls of a stabbing on Hollister Street with two victims needing help
They said the female victim, Rebecca Paul-Lewis, attempted to get help from residents of a nearby home by banging on a window after the stabbing. She had been stabbed in the hands, according to police.
Stratford police said the woman's current boyfriend, identified as Mark Williams, 28, of Bridgeport, was stabbed in the arms, legs, back and head during the attack. Williams fled the home where he collapsed in the middle of the street. He was transported to Bridgeport Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Chris Scheck, who was on his way to his son's school, nearly drove into Williams in the road. "I put my truck in front of school buses so the kids couldn't see what was happening," Scheck said.
Police said the man who they believed was responsible for the attack, Joseph Stanley, 29, of Bridgeport, was seen fleeing the scene on foot, and was arrested on Jackson Avenue.
Stanley was initially charged with assault, but police said additional charges will be filed. Police said Stanley was on parole for previous drug charges.
Stanley was held on $1 million bond and was scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on Tuesday.
Baltimore, MD: Census worker fatally shot in Southeast Baltimore
By Justin Fenton, The Baltimore Sun
Updated: 1:52 PM 6/14/2010
Multiple Page View
A U.S. Census worker was killed while dropping off a co-worker in Southeast Baltimore last week, according to police and the Census Bureau.
Spencer Williams, 22, was found shot June 7 inside his vehicle, which had pulled onto a median in the 1100 block of New Hope Circle, police said. He died Friday morning at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Williams was a crew leader responsible for a group of census takers who are doing follow-up visits at the homes of people who did not mail in their questionnaires by April, a Census Bureau spokeswoman confirmed. Malkia McLeod confirmed a Washington Post report that Williams was returning home after driving a co-worker home at the end of the day, and was considered to still be on the job.
Police and census officials said the shooting was not believed to be related to any census field work but was considered an on-the-job death. Officials were investigating the death as possibly domestic-related. Spencer did not have a criminal record.
Since the Census Bureau began making follow-up house calls in late April, workers across the country have been harmed or threatened 252 times, McLeod said. That includes 11 times when shots were fired at them, and 86 times when they were threatened with weapons such as guns, axes and crossbows.
Also, police said a man who was shot early Sunday in the 200 block of N. Rose St. has died. Police found Avon Beasley, 25, lying in a rear yard, suffering from a single gunshot wound to the torso about 2 a.m. He was transported to Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:50 a.m.
Beasley had multiple drug convictions, most recently in 2007, and a handgun conviction. Police do not have a suspect or know of a motive in his killing.
justin.fenton@baltsun.com
twitter.com/justin_fenton
Updated: 1:52 PM 6/14/2010
Multiple Page View
A U.S. Census worker was killed while dropping off a co-worker in Southeast Baltimore last week, according to police and the Census Bureau.
Spencer Williams, 22, was found shot June 7 inside his vehicle, which had pulled onto a median in the 1100 block of New Hope Circle, police said. He died Friday morning at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Williams was a crew leader responsible for a group of census takers who are doing follow-up visits at the homes of people who did not mail in their questionnaires by April, a Census Bureau spokeswoman confirmed. Malkia McLeod confirmed a Washington Post report that Williams was returning home after driving a co-worker home at the end of the day, and was considered to still be on the job.
Police and census officials said the shooting was not believed to be related to any census field work but was considered an on-the-job death. Officials were investigating the death as possibly domestic-related. Spencer did not have a criminal record.
Since the Census Bureau began making follow-up house calls in late April, workers across the country have been harmed or threatened 252 times, McLeod said. That includes 11 times when shots were fired at them, and 86 times when they were threatened with weapons such as guns, axes and crossbows.
Also, police said a man who was shot early Sunday in the 200 block of N. Rose St. has died. Police found Avon Beasley, 25, lying in a rear yard, suffering from a single gunshot wound to the torso about 2 a.m. He was transported to Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:50 a.m.
Beasley had multiple drug convictions, most recently in 2007, and a handgun conviction. Police do not have a suspect or know of a motive in his killing.
justin.fenton@baltsun.com
twitter.com/justin_fenton
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