By George Levesque, KTXS News Director
POSTED: 3:11 pm CST December 20, 2010
ABILENE, Texas -- The Nolan County Sheriff's Department has confirmed to KTXS News that an apparent murder-suicide has claimed the lives of two people.
Nolan County Sheriff David Warren says the incident began about mid-morning Monday with a call to 9-1-1. Warren says 37-year-old James Elmer Rainey shot and killed his wife Amy Diane Rainey, also 37.
James Rainey then traveled to a second location where he took his own life after being confronted by sheriff's deputies.
Sources say the Raineys were in the process of getting a divorce.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Hialeah, FL: Gruesome discovery highlights domestic violence spike in Hialeah
BY MELISSA SANCHEZ
MSANCHEZ@ELNUEVOHERALD.COM
Authorities discovered the bodies of an elderly Hialeah couple in their home Monday, the result of an apparent murder-suicide.
This latest tragedy ups the number of women killed in domestic violence-related incidents in that city to 10 this year. That means that two of every three homicide victims so far have been women.
Roberto Vázquez, 72, fatally stabbed his wife Nilda, 67, in their home at 225 W. 60 Street, said Carl Zogby, spokesman for the Hialeah Police Departament.
Authorities say Roberto Vázquez had a history of mental illness and that police had been responded four times in as many years to domestic-related disturbances at the couple's home.
On Tuesday, one of the couple's daughters declined to speak to a reporter. Police said the couple had three adult children.
A neighbor said Roberto Vázquez was a retired cabinet maker and that Nilda worked at Goodwill Industries in Miami. They'd lived in the same quiet neighborhood for 23 years.
The bodies were discovered Monday after a concerned friend of Nilda Vázquez called police to say her friend wasn't picking up her phone.
Inside the house, police found both dead from knife wounds, Zogby added.
Monday's gruesome discovery highlights the alarming number of murders of women this year in Hialeah. So far in 2010, there have been 15 victims of homicide in the city limits. Of those, 10 were women.
Last year, only two of Hialeah's 10 murder victims were women, according to the Miami Dade Medical Examiner Department.
Speaking of this year's cases, Zogby said all were related to some sort of domestic violence. He added that this year's numbers were significantly affected by the horrific June massacre in Yoyito Café-Restaurant that left four women dead. In that case, an estranged husband walked into his wife's workplace, shot and killed her and three of her female co-workers, then committed suicide a few blocks away.
The high-profile shooting was followed by so many other murders of women that the mayor of Hialeah launched a public information campaign against domestic violence earlier this month.
Prior to Monday's discovery of the apparent murder suicide, the most recent victim was Yoanys Martinez Avila, 31. Police say that on Dec. 1, the mother of two was strangled to death by her husband while their young son watched.
``Most of these were not unavoidable,'' said Zogby. ``They're not victims of an overnight occurance. They'd been victims of years and it escalated.''
Anybody who wants to learn more about domestic violence and the free resources for victims in Hialeah and throughout Miami-Dade County can pick up information at the Hialeah Police Department, 5555 East 8th Avenue, ask to speak with a domestic violence detective at (305) 687-2525, or visitar a http://www.hialeahfl.gov/.
For other resources, call any of the following hotlines and agencies:
Crimestoppers: 305-471-TIPS
Office of the State Attorney: 305-547-0100
Switchboard of Miami: 305-358-1640
Coordinated Victim Assistance Center: 305-285-5900
Florida Immigration Advocacy Hotline: 305-537-1106
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
National Resource Center: 1-800-537-2238
MSANCHEZ@ELNUEVOHERALD.COM
Authorities discovered the bodies of an elderly Hialeah couple in their home Monday, the result of an apparent murder-suicide.
This latest tragedy ups the number of women killed in domestic violence-related incidents in that city to 10 this year. That means that two of every three homicide victims so far have been women.
Roberto Vázquez, 72, fatally stabbed his wife Nilda, 67, in their home at 225 W. 60 Street, said Carl Zogby, spokesman for the Hialeah Police Departament.
Authorities say Roberto Vázquez had a history of mental illness and that police had been responded four times in as many years to domestic-related disturbances at the couple's home.
On Tuesday, one of the couple's daughters declined to speak to a reporter. Police said the couple had three adult children.
A neighbor said Roberto Vázquez was a retired cabinet maker and that Nilda worked at Goodwill Industries in Miami. They'd lived in the same quiet neighborhood for 23 years.
The bodies were discovered Monday after a concerned friend of Nilda Vázquez called police to say her friend wasn't picking up her phone.
Inside the house, police found both dead from knife wounds, Zogby added.
Monday's gruesome discovery highlights the alarming number of murders of women this year in Hialeah. So far in 2010, there have been 15 victims of homicide in the city limits. Of those, 10 were women.
Last year, only two of Hialeah's 10 murder victims were women, according to the Miami Dade Medical Examiner Department.
Speaking of this year's cases, Zogby said all were related to some sort of domestic violence. He added that this year's numbers were significantly affected by the horrific June massacre in Yoyito Café-Restaurant that left four women dead. In that case, an estranged husband walked into his wife's workplace, shot and killed her and three of her female co-workers, then committed suicide a few blocks away.
The high-profile shooting was followed by so many other murders of women that the mayor of Hialeah launched a public information campaign against domestic violence earlier this month.
Prior to Monday's discovery of the apparent murder suicide, the most recent victim was Yoanys Martinez Avila, 31. Police say that on Dec. 1, the mother of two was strangled to death by her husband while their young son watched.
``Most of these were not unavoidable,'' said Zogby. ``They're not victims of an overnight occurance. They'd been victims of years and it escalated.''
Anybody who wants to learn more about domestic violence and the free resources for victims in Hialeah and throughout Miami-Dade County can pick up information at the Hialeah Police Department, 5555 East 8th Avenue, ask to speak with a domestic violence detective at (305) 687-2525, or visitar a http://www.hialeahfl.gov/.
For other resources, call any of the following hotlines and agencies:
Crimestoppers: 305-471-TIPS
Office of the State Attorney: 305-547-0100
Switchboard of Miami: 305-358-1640
Coordinated Victim Assistance Center: 305-285-5900
Florida Immigration Advocacy Hotline: 305-537-1106
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
National Resource Center: 1-800-537-2238
Anderson, SC: SC deputy shoots, kills man in a domestic dispute
Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010 5:34 PM
ANDERSON, S.C. — An Anderson County deputy shot and killed a Townville man after the sheriff says the man threatened his girlfriend and others with a shotgun.
Sheriff John Skipper said the deputy was escorting a woman to her home Tuesday to pick up some personal items after an argument with her boyfriend.
Skipper said the deputy had told the man to go back in the house while the woman gathered her belongings from the yard. The sheriff said the deputy fired when the man returned with a shotgun.
The sheriff would not identify the deputy, who is on administrative leave, but said he had been on the force at least six years.
The State Law Enforcement Division is investigating the shooting. A message left for the coroner was not immediately returned Tuesday.
ANDERSON, S.C. — An Anderson County deputy shot and killed a Townville man after the sheriff says the man threatened his girlfriend and others with a shotgun.
Sheriff John Skipper said the deputy was escorting a woman to her home Tuesday to pick up some personal items after an argument with her boyfriend.
Skipper said the deputy had told the man to go back in the house while the woman gathered her belongings from the yard. The sheriff said the deputy fired when the man returned with a shotgun.
The sheriff would not identify the deputy, who is on administrative leave, but said he had been on the force at least six years.
The State Law Enforcement Division is investigating the shooting. A message left for the coroner was not immediately returned Tuesday.
Providence, RI: Update: Cumberland husband charged with wife's murder
5:13 PM Tue, Dec 21, 2010
Bryan Rourke
Providence Journal photos / Frieda Squires
Peter J. Pytka II, 40, of Cumberland, is arraigned Tuesday in District Court, Providence, charged with the murder of his wife, Tracey-Ann Pytka, 38.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Peter J. Pytka II, of Cumberland, was ordered held without bail Tuesday, charged with murdering his wife, Tracey-Ann, whom a prosecutor said had thrown her husband out of the house three weeks ago.
On Monday afternoon, prosecutor Shannon Signore said Tuesday during Pytka's arraignment, one witness reported seeing the couple both bloodied and fighting on the sidewalk of their bungalow at 29 Titus St.
Their teenage son would find his mother's stabbed body in the house Monday afternoon, said Signore, and the police later found the 40-year-old Peter Pytka sitting in his wife's car by the water in Pawtucket with a 45-pound weight attached to a handcuff. A picture of his wife was in the car.
Longtime friends of Tracey-Ann Pytka, Allison Fanning and Helio Avelar, speak to reporters Tuesday outside District Court in Providence after Pytka's husband was charged with her murder.
Outside the District Courthouse, friends of the 38-year-old victim said she had been physically and verbally abused by her husband for years.
"She was afraid of him," said Helio Avelar. "Always afraid of him and always intimidated by him."
The cause of death has not been disclosed and will not be determined until medical examiner's office completes its autopsy, Chief John R. Desmarais said earlier Tuesday.
"We have information to believe that Peter Pytka was the murderer," Desmarais said. "We still have more investigation and statements to take."
According to neighbors, Tracey-Ann Pytka worked as a dental hygienist and the couple has three children: two daughters, 6 and 8, and a son in high school.
The police received a 911 call around 2 p.m. Monday of a body reported at 29 Titus St.
-- with reports from Amanda Milkovits, Journal staff write
Bryan Rourke
Providence Journal photos / Frieda Squires
Peter J. Pytka II, 40, of Cumberland, is arraigned Tuesday in District Court, Providence, charged with the murder of his wife, Tracey-Ann Pytka, 38.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Peter J. Pytka II, of Cumberland, was ordered held without bail Tuesday, charged with murdering his wife, Tracey-Ann, whom a prosecutor said had thrown her husband out of the house three weeks ago.
On Monday afternoon, prosecutor Shannon Signore said Tuesday during Pytka's arraignment, one witness reported seeing the couple both bloodied and fighting on the sidewalk of their bungalow at 29 Titus St.
Their teenage son would find his mother's stabbed body in the house Monday afternoon, said Signore, and the police later found the 40-year-old Peter Pytka sitting in his wife's car by the water in Pawtucket with a 45-pound weight attached to a handcuff. A picture of his wife was in the car.
Longtime friends of Tracey-Ann Pytka, Allison Fanning and Helio Avelar, speak to reporters Tuesday outside District Court in Providence after Pytka's husband was charged with her murder.
Outside the District Courthouse, friends of the 38-year-old victim said she had been physically and verbally abused by her husband for years.
"She was afraid of him," said Helio Avelar. "Always afraid of him and always intimidated by him."
The cause of death has not been disclosed and will not be determined until medical examiner's office completes its autopsy, Chief John R. Desmarais said earlier Tuesday.
"We have information to believe that Peter Pytka was the murderer," Desmarais said. "We still have more investigation and statements to take."
According to neighbors, Tracey-Ann Pytka worked as a dental hygienist and the couple has three children: two daughters, 6 and 8, and a son in high school.
The police received a 911 call around 2 p.m. Monday of a body reported at 29 Titus St.
-- with reports from Amanda Milkovits, Journal staff write
DeFuniak Springs, FL: Man to face trial in ex-wife's 1999 slaying
December 20, 2010 5:34 PM
Angel McCurdy
Daily News
DeFUNIAK SPRINGS — Todd Ball is scheduled to go on trial next month for the 1999 death of his ex-wife, Kim Ball.
The state attorney’s office filed multiple motions Friday for the last hearing before the trial is expected to begin.
Russ Edgar, the prosecutor in the case, said that he made several motions to Circuit Judge Kelvin Wells to allow a domestic violence case between Ball and his ex-wife. Edgar said only some of the motions he requested were approved.
“The court allowed some of the alleged domestic violence case,” Edgar said. “We asked for an expert memory witness that was not allowed. And the court ruled on various other motions pertaining to things in the case.”
Some of the other motions brought up were a motion to suppress, which was denied, and a motion to use an excited utterance by the victim, which was granted.
Several of the motions requested were ruled under advisement by the judge.
View photos of Todd and Kim Ball. »
Read about the last hearing. »
Read about his arrest »
The Lynn Haven man was arrested in April 2009, nearly 10 years after the murder. Kim Ball, a 28-year-old housekeeper who had recently been divorced, disappeared from a home she was cleaning on Destin’s Holiday Isle on June 10, 1999.
Her shoes, purse, keys and car still were at the home she was cleaning. There was no note and no sign of struggle.
Two days after her disappearance, her body was found floating in a ditch in South Walton County — her 4-foot, 10-inch frame already decomposed and difficult to examine.
The medical examiner later ruled that Kim Ball died from asphyxiation.
At the time of his arrest, Ball was living in Lynn Haven with his wife, Billie Ball, and their children. He was arrested at his business in Southport in Bay County and charged with premeditated first-degree murder.
After he was released on $100,000 bail in June 2009, he was put under a program similar to house arrest with an electronic monitoring device.
Jury selection for the case will begin Jan. 12 at the Walton County Courthouse.
Angel McCurdy
Daily News
DeFUNIAK SPRINGS — Todd Ball is scheduled to go on trial next month for the 1999 death of his ex-wife, Kim Ball.
The state attorney’s office filed multiple motions Friday for the last hearing before the trial is expected to begin.
Russ Edgar, the prosecutor in the case, said that he made several motions to Circuit Judge Kelvin Wells to allow a domestic violence case between Ball and his ex-wife. Edgar said only some of the motions he requested were approved.
“The court allowed some of the alleged domestic violence case,” Edgar said. “We asked for an expert memory witness that was not allowed. And the court ruled on various other motions pertaining to things in the case.”
Some of the other motions brought up were a motion to suppress, which was denied, and a motion to use an excited utterance by the victim, which was granted.
Several of the motions requested were ruled under advisement by the judge.
View photos of Todd and Kim Ball. »
Read about the last hearing. »
Read about his arrest »
The Lynn Haven man was arrested in April 2009, nearly 10 years after the murder. Kim Ball, a 28-year-old housekeeper who had recently been divorced, disappeared from a home she was cleaning on Destin’s Holiday Isle on June 10, 1999.
Her shoes, purse, keys and car still were at the home she was cleaning. There was no note and no sign of struggle.
Two days after her disappearance, her body was found floating in a ditch in South Walton County — her 4-foot, 10-inch frame already decomposed and difficult to examine.
The medical examiner later ruled that Kim Ball died from asphyxiation.
At the time of his arrest, Ball was living in Lynn Haven with his wife, Billie Ball, and their children. He was arrested at his business in Southport in Bay County and charged with premeditated first-degree murder.
After he was released on $100,000 bail in June 2009, he was put under a program similar to house arrest with an electronic monitoring device.
Jury selection for the case will begin Jan. 12 at the Walton County Courthouse.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Baltimore, MD: Three killed, two injured in rash of overnight city violence Police believe two incidents might have been related to domestic dispute
December 18, 2010|By Baltimore Sun staff
Baltimore police are investigating three shooting deaths that took place early Saturday during a rash of overnight violence in the city.
Officers have also reported a suspicious death, after answering a report of a 42-year-old woman's body found wrapped in plastic in the 1800 block of E. 29th St. No further details were available.
Police believe that two of the three overnight killings being investigated as homicides were connected and might have been related to a domestic dispute. At 4:05 a.m., police were called to a shooting in the 3700 block of Ravenwood Ave. and found a 42-year-old man shot in the head. The unidentified man was transported to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, where he later died.
Baltimore police are investigating three shooting deaths that took place early Saturday during a rash of overnight violence in the city.
Officers have also reported a suspicious death, after answering a report of a 42-year-old woman's body found wrapped in plastic in the 1800 block of E. 29th St. No further details were available.
Police believe that two of the three overnight killings being investigated as homicides were connected and might have been related to a domestic dispute. At 4:05 a.m., police were called to a shooting in the 3700 block of Ravenwood Ave. and found a 42-year-old man shot in the head. The unidentified man was transported to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, where he later died.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Kona, HI: Medical examiner: 'blunt force injury to head' killed Kona woman
By Robert Shikina
POSTED: 03:17 p.m. HST, Dec 17, 2010
The Honolulu Medical Examiner's office said today that the victim in a Big Island murder investigation died of a brain injury caused by blunt force injury to the head.
The manner of death of Joy Macres, 28, was deferred, pending further investigation, the Medical Examiner's office said. On Sunday, Macres was transferred from the Big Island to the Queen's Medical Center, where she died a day later.
Big Island police Lt. Gerald Wike, of the department's Criminal Investigations Section, said detectives identified Macres' 25-year-old boyfriend as a person of interest. He hasn't been arrested but is cooperating with police.
Wike said police are still trying to determine the cause of the head injury and declined to say whether it was caused by an instrument or a fall.
"We're still following up as far as reviewing the evidence that was recovered as well as statements that were made by family members and neighbors," he said.
Police responded to a call at 4:08 p.m. Sunday from Kona Community Hospital reporting Macres had a head injury and was being flown to Queen's.
Police wouldn't immediately say how Macres got to Kona Hospital.
Wike said witnesses heard an argument in Macres' Holualoa home before she went to the hospital, but no one witnessed how she was hurt.
Officers originally classified the case as an abuse of a family or household member. Detectives reclassified the case to second-degree murder after Macres died on Monday.
POSTED: 03:17 p.m. HST, Dec 17, 2010
The Honolulu Medical Examiner's office said today that the victim in a Big Island murder investigation died of a brain injury caused by blunt force injury to the head.
The manner of death of Joy Macres, 28, was deferred, pending further investigation, the Medical Examiner's office said. On Sunday, Macres was transferred from the Big Island to the Queen's Medical Center, where she died a day later.
Big Island police Lt. Gerald Wike, of the department's Criminal Investigations Section, said detectives identified Macres' 25-year-old boyfriend as a person of interest. He hasn't been arrested but is cooperating with police.
Wike said police are still trying to determine the cause of the head injury and declined to say whether it was caused by an instrument or a fall.
"We're still following up as far as reviewing the evidence that was recovered as well as statements that were made by family members and neighbors," he said.
Police responded to a call at 4:08 p.m. Sunday from Kona Community Hospital reporting Macres had a head injury and was being flown to Queen's.
Police wouldn't immediately say how Macres got to Kona Hospital.
Wike said witnesses heard an argument in Macres' Holualoa home before she went to the hospital, but no one witnessed how she was hurt.
Officers originally classified the case as an abuse of a family or household member. Detectives reclassified the case to second-degree murder after Macres died on Monday.
West Valley City, UT: West Valley police shoot, kill knife-wielding man
BY BOB MIMS
THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
Police say they shot and killed a knife-wielding man while responding to a reported assault at a home in West Valley City.
West Valley City police Sgt. Mike Powell said that officers were dispatched to a home in the 3600 block of West Bawden Avenue about 7:50 p.m. Friday to investigate the domestic violence call. Several officers entered the home and encountered 21-year-old Brandon Eric Chief, who was armed with a knife, Powell said.
“At least one officer fired his duty weapon at the suspect, striking him multiple times in the chest,” Powell said. “[He] was transported by ambulance to a local area hospital where he was later pronounced dead.”
No officers were injured.
Citing the ongoing investigation, Powell declined to offer more details about the sequence of events leading up to the shooting, or to say exactly how many officers shot and how many shots were fired. However, he did confirm that at some point the officers felt threatened by Chief’s actions.
“A knife is definitely considered a threat,” Powell said. “Otherwise, all I can say is that our detectives were out all night and are still looking through this and investigating everything involved.”
Powell said the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office will determine if the shooting was justified. The officers involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave pending the probe’s outcome.
Chief was no stranger to law enforcement. He was on probation after pleading guilty to a Class A misdemeanor count of attempted purchase, transportation, possession or use of a firearm by a restricted person and Class C misdemeanor intoxication.
THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
Police say they shot and killed a knife-wielding man while responding to a reported assault at a home in West Valley City.
West Valley City police Sgt. Mike Powell said that officers were dispatched to a home in the 3600 block of West Bawden Avenue about 7:50 p.m. Friday to investigate the domestic violence call. Several officers entered the home and encountered 21-year-old Brandon Eric Chief, who was armed with a knife, Powell said.
“At least one officer fired his duty weapon at the suspect, striking him multiple times in the chest,” Powell said. “[He] was transported by ambulance to a local area hospital where he was later pronounced dead.”
No officers were injured.
Citing the ongoing investigation, Powell declined to offer more details about the sequence of events leading up to the shooting, or to say exactly how many officers shot and how many shots were fired. However, he did confirm that at some point the officers felt threatened by Chief’s actions.
“A knife is definitely considered a threat,” Powell said. “Otherwise, all I can say is that our detectives were out all night and are still looking through this and investigating everything involved.”
Powell said the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office will determine if the shooting was justified. The officers involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave pending the probe’s outcome.
Chief was no stranger to law enforcement. He was on probation after pleading guilty to a Class A misdemeanor count of attempted purchase, transportation, possession or use of a firearm by a restricted person and Class C misdemeanor intoxication.
Jefferson, CA: Man held on charges of killing wife at McDonalds
By Jeff HaldimanSaturday, December 18, 2010
A Jefferson City man is being held by authorities Saturday after fatally shooting his wife in a restaurant Friday night.
Emergency personnel respond to a shooting at McDonald’s on Jefferson Street on Friday evening. A 44-year-old woman was killed and police arrested a man they believe to be the shooter.
According to police reports, Keith Kellner, 47, was being held in the Cole County Jail on one count of first-degree murder and one count of armed criminal action.
At about 8:15 p.m. Friday, the Jefferson City Police Communications Center began receiving numerous calls of a shooting at McDonalds, located at 1918 Jefferson St. Officers responded to the scene and found that the victim, Pamela M. Kellner, 44, of Jefferson City, had been shot once in the chest. Officers began lifesaving efforts and EMS responded.
According to witnesses, the shooter, identified as Keith had been speaking with Pamela in a booth at McDonalds when one shot from a handgun was heard.
Witnesses said Pamela grabbed her chest and asked for police assistance, claiming she had been shot.
Keith then ran from the business toward U.S. 54. A short time later, he called 9-1-1 to let police know where he was, across the highway on Christy Drive.
Police in that area were able to locate Keith and take him into custody without incident. He was transported to the police department for questioning.
No one else was injured during the shooting.
Pamela, who was employed part-time by McDonalds, was taken to Capital Region Medical Center where she was pronounced dead a short time later.
Keith and Pamela were recently separated.
A Jefferson City man is being held by authorities Saturday after fatally shooting his wife in a restaurant Friday night.
Emergency personnel respond to a shooting at McDonald’s on Jefferson Street on Friday evening. A 44-year-old woman was killed and police arrested a man they believe to be the shooter.
According to police reports, Keith Kellner, 47, was being held in the Cole County Jail on one count of first-degree murder and one count of armed criminal action.
At about 8:15 p.m. Friday, the Jefferson City Police Communications Center began receiving numerous calls of a shooting at McDonalds, located at 1918 Jefferson St. Officers responded to the scene and found that the victim, Pamela M. Kellner, 44, of Jefferson City, had been shot once in the chest. Officers began lifesaving efforts and EMS responded.
According to witnesses, the shooter, identified as Keith had been speaking with Pamela in a booth at McDonalds when one shot from a handgun was heard.
Witnesses said Pamela grabbed her chest and asked for police assistance, claiming she had been shot.
Keith then ran from the business toward U.S. 54. A short time later, he called 9-1-1 to let police know where he was, across the highway on Christy Drive.
Police in that area were able to locate Keith and take him into custody without incident. He was transported to the police department for questioning.
No one else was injured during the shooting.
Pamela, who was employed part-time by McDonalds, was taken to Capital Region Medical Center where she was pronounced dead a short time later.
Keith and Pamela were recently separated.
Henderson, NC: Man killed, woman injured in attempted murder-suicide
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HENDERSON, N.C. — Vance County authorities said that an attempted murder-suicide outside a Henderson business Saturday morning left a woman injured and a man dead.
Sheriff Peter White said that around 7:30 a.m., Marcus Antwan Hammie, 26, pulled a gun on Shandria Shaw, 25, outside her workplace, ACS at 145 Technology Lane in Triangle Vance business park. Shaw was shot multiple times.
Hammie, of Henderson, then shot himself once, the sheriff said. He died of his injuries.
Shaw, of Norlina, was flown to Duke University Hospital in Durham, where she was undergoing surgery.
White said that investigators have not yet determined a motive in the case but believe that Shaw and Hammie were in a relationship.
Investigators were talking to the sole witness to the shooting.
HENDERSON, N.C. — Vance County authorities said that an attempted murder-suicide outside a Henderson business Saturday morning left a woman injured and a man dead.
Sheriff Peter White said that around 7:30 a.m., Marcus Antwan Hammie, 26, pulled a gun on Shandria Shaw, 25, outside her workplace, ACS at 145 Technology Lane in Triangle Vance business park. Shaw was shot multiple times.
Hammie, of Henderson, then shot himself once, the sheriff said. He died of his injuries.
Shaw, of Norlina, was flown to Duke University Hospital in Durham, where she was undergoing surgery.
White said that investigators have not yet determined a motive in the case but believe that Shaw and Hammie were in a relationship.
Investigators were talking to the sole witness to the shooting.
Wooster, OH: Final ruling is murder-suicide in Baker case
By LAURA SIEDLECKI
and STEVE HUSZAI
Staff Writer
WOOSTER -- The final autopsy reports confirm a former Bever Street, Wooster, man killed his wife by smothering her, then stabbed himself in a murder-suicide.
Wooster Police Sgt. Robert Merillat, with the Detective Bureau, said he received the final autopsy reports on Robert and Polly Baker. The autopsy was performed by the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office.
The report confirmed Polly Baker's primary cause of death was asphyxiation due to smothering. Her manner of death, Merillat said, was determined to be homicide.
In regard to Robert Baker, the report confirmed his primary cause of death was a stab wound to his chest and was determined to be a suicide. Robert Baker was found alive in the bathtub of their home, but died from his wound at Wooster Community Hospital.
The report upholds that Polly Baker was smothered with a pillow by Robert Baker on their bed before he stabbed himself while in their adjoining bathroom. Polly Baker was found dead in the bedroom.
"Based on the facts and circumstances, the finding was this is a murder-suicide," Merillat said.
The detective said based on bruises on Robert Baker's right hand and contusions around Polly Baker's eye, suicide can be discounted for Polly Baker and rumors of a double-homicide can be ruled out.
"I reviewed over 6,000 text messages from (Polly's) phone ... and what I gather from that is she was not suicidal," Merillat said.
The Bakers' six children were home when police arrived. Robert Baker sent an e-mail to a co-worker sometime before 8:30 a.m. on July 30 when the incident took place. The e-mail stated police needed to come to the home, he was sorry and he hoped someone would look after the children. A note taped to the door of the bathroom had "similar content to the" e-mail, Merillat said.
Randy Muth, executive director of Wayne County Children Services, said all six Baker children are with foster parents.
Muth said the goal is to find a permanent home for the children as soon as possible. A number of relatives and close family friends from Kansas, Ohio and Indiana are being investigated to see which environment will be most suitable for the children. He said it takes anywhere from 30 to 90 days for Children Services from each state to perform home studies on each family and home.
After all information is collected, a group of family members, foster parents and Wayne County Children Services will make a final recommendation to Probate Judge Raymond E. Leisy if everyone agrees on the decision. If Leisy has no objection, the decision will be made final. If an agreement cannot be made, it will be up to Leisy to resolve the issue.
Muth said the children are doing extremely well considering the circumstances. Their basic needs have all been provided for them and they are receiving the counseling support they need. The children have been in contact with local relatives, video chatting with out-of-state relatives and visiting their grandparents in the Wooster area, he added.
and STEVE HUSZAI
Staff Writer
WOOSTER -- The final autopsy reports confirm a former Bever Street, Wooster, man killed his wife by smothering her, then stabbed himself in a murder-suicide.
Wooster Police Sgt. Robert Merillat, with the Detective Bureau, said he received the final autopsy reports on Robert and Polly Baker. The autopsy was performed by the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office.
The report confirmed Polly Baker's primary cause of death was asphyxiation due to smothering. Her manner of death, Merillat said, was determined to be homicide.
In regard to Robert Baker, the report confirmed his primary cause of death was a stab wound to his chest and was determined to be a suicide. Robert Baker was found alive in the bathtub of their home, but died from his wound at Wooster Community Hospital.
The report upholds that Polly Baker was smothered with a pillow by Robert Baker on their bed before he stabbed himself while in their adjoining bathroom. Polly Baker was found dead in the bedroom.
"Based on the facts and circumstances, the finding was this is a murder-suicide," Merillat said.
The detective said based on bruises on Robert Baker's right hand and contusions around Polly Baker's eye, suicide can be discounted for Polly Baker and rumors of a double-homicide can be ruled out.
"I reviewed over 6,000 text messages from (Polly's) phone ... and what I gather from that is she was not suicidal," Merillat said.
The Bakers' six children were home when police arrived. Robert Baker sent an e-mail to a co-worker sometime before 8:30 a.m. on July 30 when the incident took place. The e-mail stated police needed to come to the home, he was sorry and he hoped someone would look after the children. A note taped to the door of the bathroom had "similar content to the" e-mail, Merillat said.
Randy Muth, executive director of Wayne County Children Services, said all six Baker children are with foster parents.
Muth said the goal is to find a permanent home for the children as soon as possible. A number of relatives and close family friends from Kansas, Ohio and Indiana are being investigated to see which environment will be most suitable for the children. He said it takes anywhere from 30 to 90 days for Children Services from each state to perform home studies on each family and home.
After all information is collected, a group of family members, foster parents and Wayne County Children Services will make a final recommendation to Probate Judge Raymond E. Leisy if everyone agrees on the decision. If Leisy has no objection, the decision will be made final. If an agreement cannot be made, it will be up to Leisy to resolve the issue.
Muth said the children are doing extremely well considering the circumstances. Their basic needs have all been provided for them and they are receiving the counseling support they need. The children have been in contact with local relatives, video chatting with out-of-state relatives and visiting their grandparents in the Wooster area, he added.
Irvine, CA: UCI man wanted in attempted murder found dead
12:46 PM PST, December 18, 2010
The body of Gregory Scott Turner, 33, was found in his truck in San Juan Capistrano at 4:30 p.m. Friday in what appears to be a suicide, said UC Irvine Public Information Officer Tom Vasich.
The Orange County coroner's office is investigating the cause of Turner's death.
Police were looking for Turner on charges of attempted murder after his wife, Ketra Batiste-Turner, 38, was found Wednesday unconscious, strangled and beaten in a UCI apartment for graduate students who are married and have children.
Their 7-year-old daughter was the one who called police. She and her 5-year-old sister are in the custody of Child Protective Services. Batiste-Turner was treated and released from the hospital Friday.
Turner was studying criminology at UCI.
The body of Gregory Scott Turner, 33, was found in his truck in San Juan Capistrano at 4:30 p.m. Friday in what appears to be a suicide, said UC Irvine Public Information Officer Tom Vasich.
The Orange County coroner's office is investigating the cause of Turner's death.
Police were looking for Turner on charges of attempted murder after his wife, Ketra Batiste-Turner, 38, was found Wednesday unconscious, strangled and beaten in a UCI apartment for graduate students who are married and have children.
Their 7-year-old daughter was the one who called police. She and her 5-year-old sister are in the custody of Child Protective Services. Batiste-Turner was treated and released from the hospital Friday.
Turner was studying criminology at UCI.
Culpepper, VA: Arrest made in Justine Abshire's death
By Nate Delesline
Authorities on Friday arrested and charged Eric Dee Abshire in connection with the 2006 death of his wife, Justine Elizabeth Swartz Abshire, four years and one month after the 27-year-old Emerald Hill kindergarten teacher was found dead alongside a rural Orange County road.
The Virginia State Police arrested Eric Abshire, 36, of Greene County, Friday afternoon in Culpeper County. VSP spokesman Corrine Geller declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding his arrest, including what he was doing in Culpeper County. Geller said only that he was taken into custody without incident.
The arrest came immediately after an Orange County special grand jury convened Friday and handed up the indictments.
Eric Abshire is being held without bond at the Central Virginia Regional Jail in Orange. Geller said the jail does not release booking photos and the VSP does not take them.
“The investigation immediately revealed possible foul play, and State Police special agents were called in to investigate,” the VSP said in a statement. “Further investigative efforts lead agents to believe the accident scene was staged and the case was subsequently deemed a homicide.”
Case background
In the early morning hours of Nov. 3, 2006, State Trooper B.J. Hobbs was dispatched to the scene of a reported fatal hit-and-run on Taylorsville Road in Orange County, about eight-tenths of a mile west of Route 657.
In March 2008, the VSP had publicly acknowledged that Justine Abshire was more likely a murder victim than an accident victim.
Her death garnered national attention in July 2008 when ABC’s “Primetime Crime” TV program broadcast a special on the case, including the revelation that the injuries she sustained weren’t consistent with a hit-and-run accident.
“We still are 100 percent confident that her case will be solved,” Justine’s father, Stephen Abshire, told the Star-Exponent in 2008. “We think we know what happened, but the Virginia State Police have a reputation for being both good and very quiet, so I really don’t know.”
The Swartz family could not be reached for further comment on the case Friday night. But in the weeks, months and years after the crime, they’ve asserted that Eric Abshire was responsible for Justine’s death.
An extensive story published by The Hook in Charlottesville last month also reveals that the Swartz family had filed a $5 million civil lawsuit accusing Eric Abshire, his brother Jesse Abshire, the mother of Eric’s two children, his cousin and six unnamed co-conspirators in Justine’s death. That civil case is pending.
Eric Abshire has maintained that his wife had jumped in her car after an argument and left their house for a drive on the night of her death. Around 1:20 a.m., he claims, Justine called him to pick her up, saying her car had broken down. When he got to the scene on his motorcycle, Eric Abshire said, his wife’s body was lying alongside the road.
“The four individuals named remain at the center of a criminal investigation,” The Hook reported, “Because they conspired with the unnamed individuals that caused the death of Justine Abshire via ‘unlawful actions.’”
About Justine
Profiles from justicefromjustice.com and a Facebook page devoted to the same goal describe Justine Abshire as a gentle soul, a person enthusiastic about her life and the future.
She was born Feb. 6, 1979, in Minneapolis and lived there until she was 11; she then moved to Germantown, Tenn., and the Charlottesville area. She attended James Madison University and was working on her master’s degree at the University of Virginia.
An avid reader and animal lover, Justine Abshire regularly volunteered at animal rescue organizations. She married Eric Abshire in May 2006.
Besides her father, Justine is also survived by her mother, Heidi Swartz, her sister, Lauren and two stepdaughters.
Authorities on Friday arrested and charged Eric Dee Abshire in connection with the 2006 death of his wife, Justine Elizabeth Swartz Abshire, four years and one month after the 27-year-old Emerald Hill kindergarten teacher was found dead alongside a rural Orange County road.
The Virginia State Police arrested Eric Abshire, 36, of Greene County, Friday afternoon in Culpeper County. VSP spokesman Corrine Geller declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding his arrest, including what he was doing in Culpeper County. Geller said only that he was taken into custody without incident.
The arrest came immediately after an Orange County special grand jury convened Friday and handed up the indictments.
Eric Abshire is being held without bond at the Central Virginia Regional Jail in Orange. Geller said the jail does not release booking photos and the VSP does not take them.
“The investigation immediately revealed possible foul play, and State Police special agents were called in to investigate,” the VSP said in a statement. “Further investigative efforts lead agents to believe the accident scene was staged and the case was subsequently deemed a homicide.”
Case background
In the early morning hours of Nov. 3, 2006, State Trooper B.J. Hobbs was dispatched to the scene of a reported fatal hit-and-run on Taylorsville Road in Orange County, about eight-tenths of a mile west of Route 657.
In March 2008, the VSP had publicly acknowledged that Justine Abshire was more likely a murder victim than an accident victim.
Her death garnered national attention in July 2008 when ABC’s “Primetime Crime” TV program broadcast a special on the case, including the revelation that the injuries she sustained weren’t consistent with a hit-and-run accident.
“We still are 100 percent confident that her case will be solved,” Justine’s father, Stephen Abshire, told the Star-Exponent in 2008. “We think we know what happened, but the Virginia State Police have a reputation for being both good and very quiet, so I really don’t know.”
The Swartz family could not be reached for further comment on the case Friday night. But in the weeks, months and years after the crime, they’ve asserted that Eric Abshire was responsible for Justine’s death.
An extensive story published by The Hook in Charlottesville last month also reveals that the Swartz family had filed a $5 million civil lawsuit accusing Eric Abshire, his brother Jesse Abshire, the mother of Eric’s two children, his cousin and six unnamed co-conspirators in Justine’s death. That civil case is pending.
Eric Abshire has maintained that his wife had jumped in her car after an argument and left their house for a drive on the night of her death. Around 1:20 a.m., he claims, Justine called him to pick her up, saying her car had broken down. When he got to the scene on his motorcycle, Eric Abshire said, his wife’s body was lying alongside the road.
“The four individuals named remain at the center of a criminal investigation,” The Hook reported, “Because they conspired with the unnamed individuals that caused the death of Justine Abshire via ‘unlawful actions.’”
About Justine
Profiles from justicefromjustice.com and a Facebook page devoted to the same goal describe Justine Abshire as a gentle soul, a person enthusiastic about her life and the future.
She was born Feb. 6, 1979, in Minneapolis and lived there until she was 11; she then moved to Germantown, Tenn., and the Charlottesville area. She attended James Madison University and was working on her master’s degree at the University of Virginia.
An avid reader and animal lover, Justine Abshire regularly volunteered at animal rescue organizations. She married Eric Abshire in May 2006.
Besides her father, Justine is also survived by her mother, Heidi Swartz, her sister, Lauren and two stepdaughters.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Henderson, MI: Henderson woman shot to death, boyfriend arrested
by NBC25 Newsroom
Posted: 12.16.2010 at 1:53 PM
SHIAWASSEE CO. -- A 47 year old Henderson woman is dead, and her boyfriend is behind bars.
The Shiawassee County Sheriff's Department reports that the woman was allegedly shot and killed by her 50 year old boyfriend after the two began to fight late Wednesday night.
The man is being held in the Shiawassee County Jail. His name is being withheld until he is arraigned in 66th District Court.
Police are not yet releasing the victim’s name as family has not yet been notified
Posted: 12.16.2010 at 1:53 PM
SHIAWASSEE CO. -- A 47 year old Henderson woman is dead, and her boyfriend is behind bars.
The Shiawassee County Sheriff's Department reports that the woman was allegedly shot and killed by her 50 year old boyfriend after the two began to fight late Wednesday night.
The man is being held in the Shiawassee County Jail. His name is being withheld until he is arraigned in 66th District Court.
Police are not yet releasing the victim’s name as family has not yet been notified
Litchfield, PA: Litchfield Twp. Woman Found Shot Dead
By WBNG News
December 16, 2010
Litchfield, Pa (WBNG Binghamton) A Bradford County woman is dead following a shooting inside her home in Litchfield Township.
Investigators have not declared the case a homicide.
As Action News Reporter Leigh Dana tells us, a close friend of the victim says the incident was accidental.
Tara and Steve Shave -- described by neighbors as a reserved couple - often kept to themselves on this isolated street in Litchfield Township.
"I can't say as if I noticed anything odd about them anyway," said neighbor Casey Twigg, who lives across the street. "They seemed like nice people. Steve liked to stop by when we were by, but I never really met the wife so."
Twigg never will.
Across the street from his home on Snow Road Wednesday, Tara Shave, 41, was shot to death by her husband just around 1:30 PM.
Pennsylvania State Police have not said whether it was intentional or not.
"It is surprising. I mean we don't have that stuff happen here very often," explained Twigg.
Action News spoke with a man off camera, who says he and his wife have been good friends with the Shave's since they moved from the Albany area three years ago.
He describes the couple as a nice pair, never arguing in his presence.
He says he did speak with Steve, since the incident happened at their home.
He says before his wife passed, she said 'you shot me, I love you.'
He also told the friend that he will have to deal with this for the rest of his life.
The friend says Steve hunts and likely owns several guns and what happened at their home was an accident.
According to Tara's Facebook page, the two of them just returned home from a trip to New York City.
In Litchfield, Leigh Dana WBNG TV Action News.
The friend says Steve works repairing fire trucks.
Tara worked at Willow Point Nursing home in Vestal.
A spokesman was not immediately available for comment.
An autopsy was scheduled for 2:00 Thursday afternoon.
No arrests or charges have been made at this time.
December 16, 2010
Litchfield, Pa (WBNG Binghamton) A Bradford County woman is dead following a shooting inside her home in Litchfield Township.
Investigators have not declared the case a homicide.
As Action News Reporter Leigh Dana tells us, a close friend of the victim says the incident was accidental.
Tara and Steve Shave -- described by neighbors as a reserved couple - often kept to themselves on this isolated street in Litchfield Township.
"I can't say as if I noticed anything odd about them anyway," said neighbor Casey Twigg, who lives across the street. "They seemed like nice people. Steve liked to stop by when we were by, but I never really met the wife so."
Twigg never will.
Across the street from his home on Snow Road Wednesday, Tara Shave, 41, was shot to death by her husband just around 1:30 PM.
Pennsylvania State Police have not said whether it was intentional or not.
"It is surprising. I mean we don't have that stuff happen here very often," explained Twigg.
Action News spoke with a man off camera, who says he and his wife have been good friends with the Shave's since they moved from the Albany area three years ago.
He describes the couple as a nice pair, never arguing in his presence.
He says he did speak with Steve, since the incident happened at their home.
He says before his wife passed, she said 'you shot me, I love you.'
He also told the friend that he will have to deal with this for the rest of his life.
The friend says Steve hunts and likely owns several guns and what happened at their home was an accident.
According to Tara's Facebook page, the two of them just returned home from a trip to New York City.
In Litchfield, Leigh Dana WBNG TV Action News.
The friend says Steve works repairing fire trucks.
Tara worked at Willow Point Nursing home in Vestal.
A spokesman was not immediately available for comment.
An autopsy was scheduled for 2:00 Thursday afternoon.
No arrests or charges have been made at this time.
Santa Ana, CA: Police shoot, kill man waving replica gun in OC
Posted: 12/16/2010 09:18:21 PM PST
Updated: 12/16/2010 09:18:22 PM PST
SANTA ANA, Calif.—Santa Ana police have shot and killed a 27-year-old man in his home after he pointed a replica gun at them.
Police said officers were at Elmer Perez's home Thursday to investigate a domestic dispute with his pregnant live-in girlfriend.
Cpl. Anthony Bertagna says the man's family called police because he was acting erratically and was possibly on drugs.
Bertagna says the officers were worried that Perez was going to kill himself or harm his girlfriend or their 2-year-old son. The man's stepfather couldn't tell officers if the gun that Perez had was real or fake.
Bertagna says Perez pointed a replica Beretta automatic pistol at officers. He refused to drop the gun and they shot him.
Updated: 12/16/2010 09:18:22 PM PST
SANTA ANA, Calif.—Santa Ana police have shot and killed a 27-year-old man in his home after he pointed a replica gun at them.
Police said officers were at Elmer Perez's home Thursday to investigate a domestic dispute with his pregnant live-in girlfriend.
Cpl. Anthony Bertagna says the man's family called police because he was acting erratically and was possibly on drugs.
Bertagna says the officers were worried that Perez was going to kill himself or harm his girlfriend or their 2-year-old son. The man's stepfather couldn't tell officers if the gun that Perez had was real or fake.
Bertagna says Perez pointed a replica Beretta automatic pistol at officers. He refused to drop the gun and they shot him.
Toledo, OH: olice: Wife killed in domestic dispute
Updated: Friday, 17 Dec 2010, 12:46 AM EST
Published : Thursday, 16 Dec 2010, 9:52 PM EST
TOLEDO, Ohio (WUPW) - A husband allegedly shot and killed his wife with a gun Thursday evening in a domestic dispute, Toledo police detectives said.
The fatal shooting took place just before 7:45 p.m., inside the Hillview Apartments on Jackman Road near the state line in northern Toledo.
Police said after 52-year-old Christopher Gould allegedly shot and killed his wife, 46-year-old Brenda Gould, he called 9-1-1 and claimed the shooting was accidental.
Detectives, though, told FOX Toledo News they believe the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute.
Mrs. Gould was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound, police said.
Mr. Gould was taken into custody and processed at the Safety Building in Downtown Toledo.
The fatal shooting remains under investigation.
Published : Thursday, 16 Dec 2010, 9:52 PM EST
TOLEDO, Ohio (WUPW) - A husband allegedly shot and killed his wife with a gun Thursday evening in a domestic dispute, Toledo police detectives said.
The fatal shooting took place just before 7:45 p.m., inside the Hillview Apartments on Jackman Road near the state line in northern Toledo.
Police said after 52-year-old Christopher Gould allegedly shot and killed his wife, 46-year-old Brenda Gould, he called 9-1-1 and claimed the shooting was accidental.
Detectives, though, told FOX Toledo News they believe the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute.
Mrs. Gould was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound, police said.
Mr. Gould was taken into custody and processed at the Safety Building in Downtown Toledo.
The fatal shooting remains under investigation.
Port Townsend, WA: Police investigating murder-suicide near Port Townsend
A woman fatally shot a man at a condominium late Wednesday night before turning the gun on herself, according to investigators.
PORT TOWNSEND, Wash. -- A woman fatally shot a her husband at a condominium late Wednesday night before turning the gun on herself, according to investigators.
Jefferson County Sheriff Tony Hernandez said the shooting happened at the Worldmark Condos about 10 p.m., but it was not clear what prompted the attack.
Hernandez said the woman called 911 and said "I've just murdered my husband and I'm going to shoot myself."
Both people were alive when officers arrived, but died on the way to a hospital. They had both been shot once with a .38-caliber revolver.
Hernandez identified the couple as Evelyn Carroll, 70, and Leron Carroll, 74, of La Center, Wash.
Hernandez said detectives were expected to spend Thursday collecting evidence at the scene.
PORT TOWNSEND, Wash. -- A woman fatally shot a her husband at a condominium late Wednesday night before turning the gun on herself, according to investigators.
Jefferson County Sheriff Tony Hernandez said the shooting happened at the Worldmark Condos about 10 p.m., but it was not clear what prompted the attack.
Hernandez said the woman called 911 and said "I've just murdered my husband and I'm going to shoot myself."
Both people were alive when officers arrived, but died on the way to a hospital. They had both been shot once with a .38-caliber revolver.
Hernandez identified the couple as Evelyn Carroll, 70, and Leron Carroll, 74, of La Center, Wash.
Hernandez said detectives were expected to spend Thursday collecting evidence at the scene.
Leesburg, IN : Two dead in reported murder-suicide in Leesburg
Police identify shooter, victim
December 16, 2010|By Colleen Ferreira (cferreira@wsbt.com)
LEESBURG - Two people are dead after what police are calling a domestic disturbance turned murder-suicide.
It happened in the 4600 block of East Armstrong Road in Leesburg around 4 p.m. Thursday.
“I thought it was maybe ice falling from the house, we looked outside and didn't see anything," said a neighbor.
But what this neighbor thought was ice was really three gun shots.
“It appeared to be the result of a 20 gauge shotgun," said Sgt. Chad Hill of the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department.
Police said 30-year-old Adam Jarrett was in an argument with girlfriend, 24-year-old Erin Siefert of North Webster, at his home.
Police said Jarrett called Siefert's mother, 44-year-old Penny Savage, when he and Siefert started arguing.
He wanted Savage to take her daughter, his girlfriend, home.
When the mother arrived, Jarrett shot at his girlfriend, grazing her stomach.
Siefert ran toward her mother and then back inside the home.
Jarret- ended up shooting 44-year-old Penny Savage in the back and she died on scene.
“Shortly after, from our understanding he turned the gun on himself," said Sgt. Hill.
Police say Jarrett and Siefert's 2-year-old son was inside a car when the shootings took place.
The 2-year-old didn't suffer any physical injuries, but the loss of his father and grandmother will last a lifetime.
“I don't really know the people, don't know what to tell you," said neighbor Sharon Stewart.
Stewart lives two doors down and wasn't home at the time of the shooting.
She said the family kept to themselves but also said the home wasn't a stranger to flashing lights and the police.
“Yea, they've had domestic difficulties down there," Stewart said.
Although police can't confirm those past disturbance calls, they're questioning relatives to find a motive for Jarrett's behavior.
Siefert was questioned by police and is now with her 2-year old son.
December 16, 2010|By Colleen Ferreira (cferreira@wsbt.com)
LEESBURG - Two people are dead after what police are calling a domestic disturbance turned murder-suicide.
It happened in the 4600 block of East Armstrong Road in Leesburg around 4 p.m. Thursday.
“I thought it was maybe ice falling from the house, we looked outside and didn't see anything," said a neighbor.
But what this neighbor thought was ice was really three gun shots.
“It appeared to be the result of a 20 gauge shotgun," said Sgt. Chad Hill of the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department.
Police said 30-year-old Adam Jarrett was in an argument with girlfriend, 24-year-old Erin Siefert of North Webster, at his home.
Police said Jarrett called Siefert's mother, 44-year-old Penny Savage, when he and Siefert started arguing.
He wanted Savage to take her daughter, his girlfriend, home.
When the mother arrived, Jarrett shot at his girlfriend, grazing her stomach.
Siefert ran toward her mother and then back inside the home.
Jarret- ended up shooting 44-year-old Penny Savage in the back and she died on scene.
“Shortly after, from our understanding he turned the gun on himself," said Sgt. Hill.
Police say Jarrett and Siefert's 2-year-old son was inside a car when the shootings took place.
The 2-year-old didn't suffer any physical injuries, but the loss of his father and grandmother will last a lifetime.
“I don't really know the people, don't know what to tell you," said neighbor Sharon Stewart.
Stewart lives two doors down and wasn't home at the time of the shooting.
She said the family kept to themselves but also said the home wasn't a stranger to flashing lights and the police.
“Yea, they've had domestic difficulties down there," Stewart said.
Although police can't confirm those past disturbance calls, they're questioning relatives to find a motive for Jarrett's behavior.
Siefert was questioned by police and is now with her 2-year old son.
Roy, UT: Roy police call death act of self-defense
Reported by: Marcos Ortiz Print Story Published: 12/17 5:46 pm ShareThis Updated: 12/17 5:50 pm
ROY Utah (ABC4 News) – Police said it was an act of self defense that claimed the life of 37-year old John F. Sharp.
Sharp was shot twice after he allegedly forced his way into the home of his ex-girlfriend and began choking her.
Police said Mellony Pursel attempted to fight him off and that’s when her 17-year old niece intervened.
"She gets a gun, fires two shots at the individual (Sharp) who is attacking Mellony and both shots hit him in the chest,” said Roy police Chief Greg Whinham. “Both shots exit through him and strike Mellony.”
According to court documents, Pursel’s life was threatened for 36-hours prior to the shooting.
Pursel told police the harassment started Wednesday.
She filed a complaint Thursday and got a protective order.
In the complaint Pursel wrote about the threats allegedly made by Sharp.
It began Wednesday at 3 a.m. when she claimed Sharp forced his way into the home. She wrote: “(He said) I was a (expletive) and how he will cut my throat. I hope you die.”
He left the home and returned once more at 5 a.m. on Thursday.
She wrote: (He said) I am going to (expletive) kill you. I want you dead.”When she threatened to call police he left. But once more he returned at 9 a.m. Thursday. This time Pursell said he was furious as he broke into the home. She wrote: (He’s) throwing tv’s, bedroom items in the room and kitchen. (He said) You are going to pay for this. I will (expletive) kill you.”
She called police and this time they arrive in time to arrest him following a brief foot chase.
His step-brother was with Sharp Wednesday and noticed he was not himself.
“I tried to calm him down,” said Adams. “He was so pissed off at the world and didn't care about anyone or what he did or who he hurt and he told me I'm going to end up in prison."
Sharp got out of jail late Thursday. He was released to the custody of his parents. But he wouldn’t stay and got into a fight.
"He had gotten into an altercation here at my parents house with a knife,” said his step-brother Danny Adams. (They were) trying to stop him from leaving because he wanted to go up to Mellany's house and I guess kill her.”
Danny Adams immediately called police when he learned he was enroute to Pursel’s home.
When police arrived to the Pursel home, Sharp was already dead.
"Anyway you look at it it's a tragedy," said Chief Whinham.
Pursel's 17 year old niece who is accused of killing Sharp was not arrested. Police said she was acting in self-defense.
As for Sharp’s family they’re blaming themselves.
“I feel bad that I got him out,” said his step-father Lonnie Adams. “I kind of blame myself.”
ROY Utah (ABC4 News) – Police said it was an act of self defense that claimed the life of 37-year old John F. Sharp.
Sharp was shot twice after he allegedly forced his way into the home of his ex-girlfriend and began choking her.
Police said Mellony Pursel attempted to fight him off and that’s when her 17-year old niece intervened.
"She gets a gun, fires two shots at the individual (Sharp) who is attacking Mellony and both shots hit him in the chest,” said Roy police Chief Greg Whinham. “Both shots exit through him and strike Mellony.”
According to court documents, Pursel’s life was threatened for 36-hours prior to the shooting.
Pursel told police the harassment started Wednesday.
She filed a complaint Thursday and got a protective order.
In the complaint Pursel wrote about the threats allegedly made by Sharp.
It began Wednesday at 3 a.m. when she claimed Sharp forced his way into the home. She wrote: “(He said) I was a (expletive) and how he will cut my throat. I hope you die.”
He left the home and returned once more at 5 a.m. on Thursday.
She wrote: (He said) I am going to (expletive) kill you. I want you dead.”When she threatened to call police he left. But once more he returned at 9 a.m. Thursday. This time Pursell said he was furious as he broke into the home. She wrote: (He’s) throwing tv’s, bedroom items in the room and kitchen. (He said) You are going to pay for this. I will (expletive) kill you.”
She called police and this time they arrive in time to arrest him following a brief foot chase.
His step-brother was with Sharp Wednesday and noticed he was not himself.
“I tried to calm him down,” said Adams. “He was so pissed off at the world and didn't care about anyone or what he did or who he hurt and he told me I'm going to end up in prison."
Sharp got out of jail late Thursday. He was released to the custody of his parents. But he wouldn’t stay and got into a fight.
"He had gotten into an altercation here at my parents house with a knife,” said his step-brother Danny Adams. (They were) trying to stop him from leaving because he wanted to go up to Mellany's house and I guess kill her.”
Danny Adams immediately called police when he learned he was enroute to Pursel’s home.
When police arrived to the Pursel home, Sharp was already dead.
"Anyway you look at it it's a tragedy," said Chief Whinham.
Pursel's 17 year old niece who is accused of killing Sharp was not arrested. Police said she was acting in self-defense.
As for Sharp’s family they’re blaming themselves.
“I feel bad that I got him out,” said his step-father Lonnie Adams. “I kind of blame myself.”
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