Crime

Menendez Bros Free By Christmas?

Los Angeles County District Attorney George GascĂłn announced Thursday that his office will review new evidence suggesting Erik and Lyle Menendez were molested by their father before they killed their parents. The case, which captivated the nation, may see a potential resentencing based on this information. More details about the review can be found in the original article, highlighting the new developments in the ongoing investigation.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Newstro Quick Facts

  • The Menendez brothers have served over three decades in prison for the murders of their parents, but new claims of molestation could potentially lead to a retrial or lesser sentencing.
  • The defense argues that evidence of sexual abuse by their father was improperly withheld during their second trial, despite being presented in the first trial, which ended in hung juries.
  • A recent docuseries uncovered new allegations of sexual abuse involving Jose Menendez and a former underage member of the 1980s pop band Menudo, which has sparked renewed attention to the case.

In 1989, Erik and Lyle Menendez shocked the nation when they were arrested for the brutal murders of their parents in their Beverly Hills home. The brothers admitted to the killings, but their defense argued they acted out of fear after years of alleged sexual abuse by their father, Jose Menendez. The first trial ended in a hung jury due to the abuse claims, but in the second trial, this evidence was largely excluded, leading to their life sentences. The case gained notoriety for its blend of wealth, family dysfunction, and violence.

District Attorney George GascĂłn announced that his office will re-examine the case, specifically looking into the new molestation evidence that has emerged. GascĂłn emphasized the ethical responsibility to review this information, which could impact the brothers’ sentences. Although GascĂłn has not yet made a final decision, the case may see significant changes if this new evidence is accepted. The review process might result in a retrial, lesser sentences, or possibly the brothers’ release.

A key component of the new allegations comes from a docuseries that highlighted claims involving Jose Menendez and a member of the 1980s pop band Menudo, alleging that Menendez molested a young band member. This discovery adds further weight to the brothers’ longstanding claims that their father subjected them to years of sexual abuse. Support for the Menendez brothers has grown in recent months, with public figures such as Kim Kardashian advocating for their release, while Netflix’s series “Monsters” has renewed public interest in the case.

Read More at Newstro.com

Serial Shooter Targets Homeless in Las Vegas, Echoes LA Crimes

In a harrowing series of events, five homeless individuals were shot in Las Vegas, with one confirmed fatality. This incident coincides with the Los Angeles Police Department’s search for a serial killer responsible for similar attacks.

Quick Facts

  • Las Vegas Attack: A single assailant targeted homeless people in northern Las Vegas, causing one death and several injuries.
  • Link to Los Angeles: These shootings parallel recent murders in Los Angeles, where a serial killer has been attacking the homeless.
  • Community Alert: Authorities in both cities have issued warnings to the homeless population, urging caution and vigilance in light of these attacks.

The Las Vegas shooting occurred near a highway overpass, where a gunman opened fire on a group of homeless individuals around 5:30 pm. While initial reports mentioned two fatalities, it has been confirmed that one person died and another remains critically injured. The other three victims have non-life-threatening injuries. This violent act has alarmed both the local community and law enforcement agencies.

The Las Vegas Police Department (LVPD) is investigating the incident, which they currently believe to be isolated. However, the method of attack and the targeting of homeless individuals bear striking resemblance to the recent murders in Los Angeles, where a serial killer is believed to be at large. The LA Police Department (LAPD) has intensified its manhunt following these attacks, releasing CCTV images of a suspect and a dark-colored sedan linked to the murders.

The similarity between the incidents in Las Vegas and Los Angeles has raised concerns about a potential pattern targeting vulnerable homeless populations. In response, both cities have heightened security measures and community outreach efforts to protect homeless individuals. Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate and seek information from the public to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further violence.

For Further Reading Homelessness in America: Homelessness represents a significant social issue in the United States, encompassing various challenges like lack of shelter, health care, and safety. The causes are multifaceted, including economic hardship, lack of affordable housing, and mental health issues. Addressing homelessness involves a combination of government policies, community initiatives, and support services. Read more on Wikipedia

Q&A

What are the ongoing efforts to protect homeless individuals in these cities?

Authorities in Las Vegas and Los Angeles have increased patrols in areas with significant homeless populations. Outreach programs are actively informing and assisting individuals, while shelters and services are being expanded.

How can the public assist in these investigations?

The public is encouraged to report any relevant information or suspicious activities. In Los Angeles, people can contact the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division with any leads related to the serial killings.

Original article source: The Mirror US

Maryland Judge Andrew Wilkinson Murdered Outside His Residence

In a shocking incident, Maryland Judge Andrew Wilkinson was found fatally shot in his driveway in Hagerstown, leading to heightened security measures for other local judges.

Quick Facts

  • Incident Location: Judge Andrew Wilkinson was discovered with fatal injuries outside his home in Hagerstown.
  • Investigation Status: The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is treating the case as a homicide, with no suspects named as of yet.
  • Security Measures: Following the incident, Maryland State Troopers were dispatched to safeguard other judges in the region.

Andrew Wilkinson, a respected figure in the Washington County Circuit Court, was urgently transported to a hospital following the shooting, where he succumbed to his injuries. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and the authorities are yet to identify any suspects. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting law enforcement to take immediate action to ensure the safety of other judges serving the area.

Earlier on the day of the incident, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office had confirmed an ongoing shooting investigation, though details were sparse. Maryland State Police have since joined the investigation, collaborating with local authorities to uncover the circumstances surrounding Judge Wilkinson’s tragic death. Neil Parrott, a local politician, expressed his grief over the incident, emphasizing the urgency to apprehend the perpetrator and urging the community to pray for the judge’s family during these trying times.

Wilkinson, aged 52 at the time of his death, hailed from Agana, Guam. He pursued his education at the University of North Carolina and later at the Emory University School of Law. Having been sworn in as a Washington County Circuit Court judge in January 2020, Wilkinson had expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the county and had publicly acknowledged the unwavering support of his family throughout his legal journey.

For Further Reading Hagerstown: Hagerstown is a city in Washington County, Maryland. It serves as the county seat and is known for its rich history and cultural significance. The city has been the center of various events over the years and has a diverse population. Its strategic location has made it a significant hub for commerce and transportation in the region. For more details, visit Wikipedia.

Q&A

Who was Judge Andrew Wilkinson?
Judge Andrew Wilkinson was a prominent figure in the Washington County Circuit Court. Born in Agana, Guam, he had served as a judge since January 2020 and was known for his dedication to the community.

Have any suspects been identified in the shooting?
As of the latest updates, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office has not named any suspects in the case, and the investigation is ongoing.

What measures have been taken following the incident?
In the wake of the shooting, Maryland State Troopers were dispatched to ensure the safety of other judges in the region, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

Original article source: The US Sun

GameStop Incident Over Pokémon Cards Ends in Death

A recent event at a GameStop in suburban Fort Lauderdale ended in tragedy when a clerk allegedly shot a man suspected of shoplifting Pokémon cards.

Quick Facts

  • Derrick Guerrero, 33, was working at the store when the incident took place.
  • A man allegedly stole five boxes of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet “ultra-premium” trading cards valued at $120 each.
  • The shoplifter was shot and later died at the hospital. The suspect had not displayed any weapons nor threatened Guerrero.

On a seemingly regular evening at a GameStop store in a Fort Lauderdale strip mall, a situation escalated to deadly levels. Derrick Guerrero, a 33-year-old clerk, was on duty when an individual allegedly attempted to shoplift five boxes of the latest Pokemon Scarlet & Violet “ultra-premium” trading cards. As the suspect made a dash for the exit, Guerrero reportedly took drastic measures.

According to the Pembroke Pines police report, Guerrero pulled a handgun from his waistband and fired, hitting the shoplifter in the side. Injured, the man left behind the cards and staggered out to a waiting pickup truck. A woman in the truck contacted the authorities, but tragically, the shoplifter succumbed to his injuries three hours later in a hospital. It’s worth noting that security footage from the store purportedly showed that the shoplifter had neither threatened Guerrero nor shown any weapons.

Florida’s “stand your ground” law allows the use of deadly force under certain circumstances, but primarily when there’s a direct threat of grave harm or death. However, the use of deadly force merely to protect property is not covered under this law. Derrick Guerrero has since been charged with manslaughter and is held at the Broward County Jail with a bail set at $25,000. Details regarding his legal representation remain undisclosed, and GameStop’s official response to the incident is yet to be publicized.

For Further Reading “Stand Your Ground” Law: Florida’s “stand your ground” law has been controversial and widely discussed. This law permits individuals to use deadly force if they perceive an imminent threat of serious harm or death, either to themselves or others. However, its application merely for property protection is not supported. For more information on this law and its implications, click here.

Q&A

Did the shoplifter threaten the clerk in any way?

No, according to store security footage, the shoplifter did not display any weapons or threaten Derrick Guerrero.

What are the consequences for Derrick Guerrero following the incident?

Guerrero has been charged with manslaughter and is currently held at Broward County Jail on a $25,000 bail.

Has GameStop commented on the incident?

As of the latest information, GameStop has not publicly commented on the situation.

Source: NBC News