U.S. News

New York Woman claims self-defense in murder of ex-boyfriend’s new partner after traveling to Florida

New york woman claims self-defense in murder of ex-boyfriend's new partner after traveling to florida - photo licensed by shore news network.

Woman claims self-defense in murder of ex-boyfriend’s new partner

TAMARAC, FL – A woman accused of traveling from New York to Florida to murder her ex-boyfriend’s new partner took the stand in her defense on Monday. Sakiyna Thompson, 31, is currently on trial for the murder of 23-year-old Kayla Hodgson, who was allegedly stabbed multiple times.

Thompson asserts that she acted in self-defense when she killed Hodgson at the victim’s apartment on July 13, 2022. According to reports, she claimed she intended to have a “woman-to-woman” conversation with Hodgson when the pair confronted each other.

During her testimony, Thompson acknowledged that she killed Hodgson but maintained it was an act of self-defense. “I killed her because she took the glass from the hookah and slashed me across the stomach,” Thompson told jurors.

Thompson indicated she blacked out and did not recall the attack sequence after the initial confrontation. She alleged that upon regaining her senses, she found herself holding the murder weapon and discovered Hodgson on the floor.

Following the incident, Thompson reportedly changed into Hodgson’s clothes and attempted to clean the scene before fleeing. “I was walking in the blood,” she stated.

Feeling afraid, Thompson did not contact authorities and returned to New York. She was arrested on August 3, 2022, and extradited to Florida where she faces a charge of first-degree murder.

Closing arguments from both the prosecution and defense were expected to take place Tuesday. Hodgson’s family established a GoFundMe account after her death, describing her as a beloved daughter and friend to many.

The trial will determine if Thompson’s claim of self-defense holds weight in the eyes of the law.

Funeral directors charged after decomposing bodies found in Texas mortuary

Funeral directors charged after decomposing bodies found in texas mortuary - photo licensed by shore news network.

Funeral directors charged after decomposing bodies found in Texas mortuary

HOUSTON, TX — Two Texas funeral home directors face multiple felony charges after authorities discovered over a dozen decomposing bodies at Richardson Mortuary. The bodies were found in unsanitary conditions, with one reportedly in a “largely liquified” state.

Michael Richardson and Gayle Elaine Bell were taken into custody and charged with three counts each of abuse of a corpse. The charges arose from a probable cause affidavit detailing a witness report to the Houston Police Department.

On Friday, officers responded to a call from a woman regarding potential abuse of a corpse at Richardson Mortuary, located on Brookfield Drive. The woman indicated that her mother had died on March 31, and she had paid over $17,000 for funeral services.

The report states that the woman met with Richardson, who claimed to be the funeral director, and took custody of her mother’s body. In the days leading up to the scheduled funeral on April 12, the woman attempted to contact the funeral home to bring clothing for her mother but was met with refusal.

Upon visiting the funeral home on April 11, the woman discovered her mother in a coffin infested with bugs and noted other bodies in varying stages of decay. The affidavit confirms that the building was unsanitary and open to the elements.

A witness, reportedly the woman’s brother, recorded the conditions within the mortuary and shared the footage on social media. The video portrayed numerous caskets and bodies in a facility undergoing construction.

Following the viral video, families of the deceased gathered outside the mortuary as another company was contracted to transport the bodies to a hygienic facility. The Texas Funeral Services Commission issued a cease and desist order for the mortuary on April 14.

Richardson and Bell are not currently detained, with bond set at $5,000, and they are scheduled to appear in Harris County Circuit Court on October 15. Authorities continue to investigate the situation, and the families of the deceased seek answers.

The shocking case has raised serious questions regarding the standards of care provided at Richardson Mortuary.

West Chester couple faces charges for child neglect

West chester couple faces charges for child neglect - photo licensed by shore news network.

West Chester couple faces charges for child neglect

WEST CHESTER, PA — Leticia Cox, 59, and Mark Cox Sr., 59, have been arrested for neglecting to provide medical care to their 16-year-old son, according to law enforcement officials. The couple faces several charges after a preliminary hearing, where Judge Lieberman ordered the case to proceed to the Court of Common Pleas.

Leticia Cox is charged with aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, recklessly endangering another person, and tampering with evidence. Mark Cox Sr. faces charges of endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person.

On Monday, April 15, a report was made to ChildLine noting the child’s severe malnourishment and dental issues. The boy was brought to a healthcare office, where he was found to weigh approximately 74.8 pounds and appeared visibly emaciated.

Following the visit, authorities urged the couple to seek immediate medical attention for the child. On Tuesday, April 16, Mark Cox Sr. took the boy to Chester County Hospital, where he was later admitted to Nemours Children’s Hospital. Medical staff classified his condition as a near fatality.

Investigations revealed that although the child was covered by medical insurance, there was no record of him seeing a doctor or dentist before April 15. Both parents were aware of his declining health but did not pursue medical treatment.

Chester County District Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe stated, “These Defendants had every resource available to them.” He emphasized their failure to fulfill their responsibilities to the child.

The Chester County Detectives led the investigation, with assistance from the West Chester Borough Police Department. First Assistant District Attorney Erin O’Brien is assigned to prosecute the case.

This case highlights the importance of reporting child safety concerns.

Headline: Vice President Vance claims Comey lied under oath during NBC interview

Headline: vice president vance claims comey lied under oath during nbc interview - photo licensed by shore news network.

Headline: Vice President Vance claims Comey lied under oath during NBC interview

CITY, STATE – Vice President JD Vance stated on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday that former FBI Director James Comey “obviously lied under oath.” This comment came the same day that the prosecution pursued a protective order in the case involving both Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, supported by federal prosecutors from North Carolina, filed documents to obtain a protective order, citing the high-profile nature of the case. The prosecution asserted that Comey’s remarks stating his “innocence” necessitate restrictions on the use of discovery to ensure an impartial trial.

Vance, who graduated from Yale Law School, reinforced his accusations during the interview, claiming both Comey and James committed crimes. He mentioned the contrast between their cases and the absence of charges against former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to support his point.

When asked if the Department of Justice was acting on orders from the president, Vance denied this, stating the decisions are driven by “the law and the facts of the case.” He emphasized that the prosecution does not follow presidential directives and supports his statements by noting recent indictments.

On Monday, Comey’s legal team filed a response against the proposed protective order, questioning why a former high-ranking DOJ official could not be trusted with sensitive information. They argued that the protective order would unreasonably disadvantage his defense.

The defense filed also expressed concern about being unable to review and refer to essential materials during the preparation of Comey’s case, underscoring Comey’s extensive experience in government service.

Vance responded to concerns regarding Trump’s influence on prosecutions, stating, “Did somebody break the law? If so, we’re going to prosecute them.” He dismissed the implications of bias in the administration’s legal decisions.

The ongoing legal situation raises questions surrounding the prosecution’s handling of high-profile cases in the current political environment, with Comey’s defense maintaining that he deserves access to all necessary information.

In a landscape filled with political maneuvering, the stakes in the prosecution of Comey and James have never been higher.

NYC woman charged in $2.1 million pig butchering scam

Nyc woman charged in $2. 1 million pig butchering scam - photo licensed by shore news network.

Bayside woman charged in $2.1 million pig butchering scam

QUEENS, NY – Tiffany Yang has been arraigned on charges of grand larceny in the first degree and other related crimes, accused of stealing approximately $2.1 million from 17 victims nationwide through a so-called “pig butchering scam.”

This type of scheme involves scammers establishing relationships with victims under false pretenses, persuading them to invest in fraudulent financial ventures. The FBI’s Internet Complaint Center recorded nearly $6.57 billion in losses from investment scams in the U.S. last year.

Victims were reportedly befriended online and enticed into putting money into fake investments showcased on fraudulent websites. These sites displayed artificial profits to encourage further deposits until victims were locked out as their funds were funneled into accounts associated with multiple shell companies controlled by Yang.

District Attorney Melinda Katz stated, “As alleged, the defendant was part of a scheme that gained the trust of victims across the United States and then lured them into a fraudulent investment opportunity.” Katz emphasized the calculated nature of such scams and noted her office’s Cybercrime Unit’s role in addressing large-scale financial fraud.

Yang, 35, of Bayside, faced a 27-count criminal complaint upon her arraignment on Wednesday. The charges include grand larceny in the first degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the first degree, among others. She was remanded by Criminal Court Judge Maria T. Gonzalez and is scheduled to return to court on November 13.

According to the investigation, one victim interacted with someone claiming to be “Lily List” over Facebook Messenger starting in March 2023. The conversation transitioned to WhatsApp, where the victim was directed to a fraudulent trading platform known as Spread Ex Ltd. They ultimately wired $1,086,244 across 13 transactions, believing they were investing in a legitimate opportunity.

Investigators revealed that funds from the victim’s wire transfers were linked to a JP Morgan Chase account associated with an address in Flushing, New York. This address has been connected to numerous accounts allegedly involved in similar fraudulent activities.

In October, a court-authorized search warrant was executed at Yang’s residence in Bayside, resulting in her arrest for possession of a firearm after authorities found further evidence of fraudulent activity, including forged documentation. Yang was re-arrested for the grand larceny charges on October 7.

Yang’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys from the Cybercrime Unit, with support from the U.S. Department of State.

In a shocking twist, a woman has been charged with orchestrating a massive scheme that targeted victims across the nation.