U.S. News by State

Court rules against Cassilly administration for violating public information act

Bel Air, MD – A Maryland court has ruled that the Cassilly Administration has violated the Public Information Act for the third time. The ruling orders the release of text messages from County Executive Bob Cassilly to County Council President Patrick Vincenti during a public meeting.

On November 17, Circuit Court Judge W. Michel Pierson upheld an earlier order from the Public Information Act Compliance Board. The messages were sent on April 16 before the Council voted on a $1,000,000 settlement related to a deputy-involved shooting.

Judge Pierson rejected the Cassilly Administration’s claim of executive privilege and emphasized that the text messages are public records. The court’s findings included dissatisfaction with the administration’s failure to provide the messages for review.

Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler, who initiated the original request, expressed concern over repeated violations and called for transparency. He criticized the administration for wasting taxpayer dollars in a legal battle to withhold public records.

Despite the court order, the Cassilly Administration has yet to release the text messages over 19 months later. This ongoing refusal raises questions about the administration’s accountability and transparency regarding public spending.

Maryland man dies after attack over parking dispute, two charged

Baltimore, MD A 71-year-old man has died following a violent incident linked to a parking dispute. Gregory Turnipseed sustained critical injuries during the attack by a mother and her teenage daughter.

The incident occurred on October 20 when Turnipseed, an employee of the state’s Department of Transportation for 14 years, intervened in a confrontation involving a parked vehicle. Sources indicate he approached a car to inform its occupants that another driver was waiting for the same parking space.

Witnesses report that a 15-year-old girl exited the passenger seat of an SUV and began striking Turnipseed. The driver of the SUV, identified as 49-year-old Kiannah Bonaparte, also exited the vehicle and joined the assault.

Court documents detail that Bonaparte kicked Turnipseed in the head multiple times, resulting in broken glasses and injuries to his head and face. Medical personnel treated Turnipseed at the scene, but he was later hospitalized on November 25 due to a brain bleed.

Turnipseed’s condition deteriorated during his hospitalization, leading to his death on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. Prior to his passing, he managed to identify his alleged attackers when presented with a photo array by investigators.

Bonaparte faces assault charges, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 11. The status of charges against the teenager is currently unclear, as police have not confirmed if she has been arrested.

Family members of Turnipseed have expressed their grief and frustration over the incident. Lacheryl Turnipseed-White described losing her father as a robbery, stating the suspects could have avoided confrontation.

Public officials recognized Turnipseed’s dedication to his work and his service to the community. A statement from city officials praised his contributions and extended condolences to his family during this difficult time.

Man charged with murdering infant daughter in Maryland

Waldorf, MD A 28-year-old man has been charged with killing his four-month-old daughter over the weekend while her mother was at work. Jordan Nathaniel Savoy faces first-degree murder charges along with first-degree child abuse resulting in death and several other assault charges.

On Sunday at approximately 6:45 p.m., emergency personnel responded to a call about an unresponsive infant in the 300 block of Barksdale Avenue. First responders administered CPR and transported the baby to Charles Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

During the preliminary investigation, Savoy was arrested for his alleged role in the child’s death. Court documents reveal that Savoy was left in charge of the infant and two other children aged two and three. Before the incident, Savoy reportedly contacted the mother to express concerns about the baby’s condition, mentioning that she appeared limp.

After a subsequent call, the mother ended her work shift prematurely and rushed home. Upon her arrival home, Savoy was holding the infant in a manner described in a probable cause affidavit, leading the mother to begin administering CPR until medics arrived.

Doctors at the hospital noted significant injuries, including fractures to the baby’s skull and clavicle, raising alarms about potential abuse. Savoy greeted the mother with comments indicating he anticipated finding bruising on the infant during medical examinations.

In an interview, the mother shared previous concerns regarding Savoy’s frustrations with the baby’s crying. She indicated that her apprehension about leaving him alone with the infant had intensified earlier that week after discovering bruises on the child’s hip, which Savoy attributed to a fall off a bed.

Savoy has opted not to speak with law enforcement following his arrest and is currently being held without bond. Details regarding his court appearance have yet to be determined.

Cumberland police respond to fight, make multiple arrests

Cumberland, MD

A large fight in progress led to multiple arrests on Thursday. Officers responded to a business on Pershing Street at approximately 1:36 a.m.

Upon arrival, officers found a victim requiring medical assistance. Erwin McCary Jr. and Gregory Bender were arrested during the investigation.

McCary, 25, was charged with disorderly conduct and issued a criminal citation. He was released pending trial at the Allegany County District Court.

Bender, 40, faces charges of obstructing and hindering as well as failing to obey a lawful order. He was released on his own recognizance after appearing before a District Court Commissioner.

Police continued their investigation and canvassed the area for additional suspects.

Separately, on Thursday, officers served a bench warrant and a criminal summons on Seth Michael.

The warrant was issued following Michael’s failure to appear in court on November 21.

The summons stemmed from an incident on November 20 at a regional medical center, where he allegedly destroyed property and was subsequently trespassed.

Michael, 28, was arrested for the warrant and charged with failure to appear and malicious destruction of property. He was taken to the Allegany County Detention Center following his arrest.