Weird and Strange News

Mother charged after allegedly attempting to drown her three children in pond

Mother charged after allegedly attempting to drown her three children in pond

Liberty, TX

Jessica Quintana has been arrested after allegedly trying to drown her three children in a pond near their home. The 39-year-old mother faces two counts of injury to a child and one count of aggravated assault causing bodily injury.

Quintana was charged following her release from the hospital on Friday. The incident in question occurred on Sept. 29, where her three children, aged 6, 11, and 15, survived and are now in the custody of child protective services.

Domingo Quintana, the children’s father, alerted emergency services, claiming that his wife poisoned their children with NyQuil and attempted to drown them. Domingo managed to rescue their 11-year-old daughter, who was transported to the hospital in critical condition.

Law enforcement has not verified the presence of NyQuil in the children’s system but confirmed that there was no alcohol involved. Law enforcement officials indicated it was believed Quintana intended for her children not to survive.

Reports state that Quintana underwent a mental health evaluation during her hospital stay, although the results are not publicly available. Following the incident, Domingo Quintana faced animal cruelty charges due to the condition of a cat found in the home.

He posted a $5,000 bond and was released. During a recent custody hearing, the children reportedly showed adverse reactions to the idea of staying with their father. His visitation rights remain revoked as the investigation continues.

Quintana is currently being held at the Liberty County Jail without bond.

Texas man sentenced to life for neighbor’s murder after shooting 32 times

Texas man sentenced to life for neighbor’s murder after shooting 32 times

Forney, TX A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his neighbor, marking a significant conclusion to a violent case. Trevor Rhea McEuen, 33, was found guilty of capital murder on Thursday by a Kaufman County jury.

Judge Shelton Gibbs IV handed down the sentence, denying McEuen the possibility of parole. Prosecutors chose not to pursue the death penalty, focusing instead on a life sentence under Texas law.

The incident occurred on May 1, 2023, when Aaron Martinez, 35, was shot multiple times on Neal Road. McEuen admitted to the shooting but claimed it was self-defense after previous harassment incidents.

Defense attorney Abigail Spain argued that McEuen believed he was justified in using deadly force, citing fear for his safety. The jury rejected this defense after deliberating for four hours following a four-day trial.

Kaufman County Sheriff Bryan Beavers expressed gratitude for the work of law enforcement and prosecutor’s office, stating that the verdict serves as a form of justice for the Martinez family.

Evidence presented during the trial revealed that McEuen used a semi-automatic rifle to shoot Martinez 32 times after a confrontation. Assistant District Attorney Robyn Beckham characterized the murder as an act of hatred.

Documents indicated ongoing neighbor disputes, including accusations of harassment and provocations leading up to the fatal incident. Court records stated that Martinez had attempted to reduce tensions by hiring workers to build a fence.

On that day, Martinez had left his property around 11 a.m. to procure construction supplies and lunch for his crew. Gunfire soon erupted, with deputies later discovering Martinez in his vehicle, having sustained fatal injuries.

Following a standoff, McEuen was arrested and later released on a $2 million bond before evading law enforcement by cutting off his ankle monitor. Authorities conducted a monthlong manhunt leading to his apprehension.

The victim’s memory was honored in an obituary celebrating his love for family, work, and activities such as horse riding. Martinez’s father expressed emotional relief following the verdict, emphasizing the significance of McEuen’s life sentence.

Man impersonates attorney to visit jailed girlfriend

Prison Cell Jail

Man impersonates attorney to visit jailed girlfriend

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – A man is accused of pretending to be an attorney in order to gain access to his girlfriend at the Oklahoma County Detention Center. Aaron Oldham, 41, attempted to have power of attorney paperwork signed for his girlfriend, Christine Hillier, 41, who was incarcerated.

On Monday, Oldham entered the detention center, posing as Hillier’s attorney. He approached the visitation center and inquired about Hillier, claiming, “We are trained in patients,” in reference to his supposed legal background.

Once inside the attorney visitation booth, Oldham and Hillier filled out the power of attorney paperwork. The situation escalated when staff witnessed Oldham and Hillier embracing.

Records show Hillier had been booked into the facility on October 6 on a warrant from Nevada. After their meeting, Oldham left the jail. He was later arrested on charges of false personation after authorities noted he did not possess a license to practice law.

Court records indicate that a probable cause affidavit was filed against him on Tuesday. Oldham suggested there had been a “misunderstanding” regarding the situation.

Local defense attorney Ed Blau remarked on the incident, saying he had never encountered someone pretending to be a legal professional at the jail. The Oklahoma County Detention Center stated a staff member failed to follow verification procedures, allowing Oldham access.

In a statement, the detention center announced disciplinary action against the staff member involved and confirmed that all employees in the attorney visitation area would receive retraining to prevent future incidents.

An unusual case of love and deception unfolds as authorities tighten up security protocols in response to Oldham’s actions.

Mother, boyfriend charged in 12-year-old girl’s death after hiding body for a year

Mother, boyfriend charged in 12-year-old girl’s death after hiding body for a year

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Karla Garcia, 29, has been charged with murdering her 12-year-old daughter, Jacqueline “Mimi” Torres, along with her boyfriend Jonatan Nanita. Local police announced the allegations on Monday night after Torres’ remains were discovered in a container outside an abandoned house.

Torres reportedly suffered prolonged abuse and malnourishment prior to her death. Authorities suspect that she was killed in the fall and that her body was hidden in the family’s basement before being moved after the family relocated to New Britain in March.

“This is one of the worst cases that we’ve had,” said Farmington Police Chief Paul Melanson during a press conference. He stated that the girl’s body was found after police received a tip about suspicious activity at a known abandoned property.

“A caller reported suspicious activity at a known abandoned house,” said New Britain Mayor Erin E. Stewart. Officers discovered the container behind the vacant house, where Torres’ body was found in an advanced state of decomposition.

Authorities believe Nanita was seen dropping off the storage bin containing the remains. Garcia and her sister, Jackelyn Garcia, 28, were arrested on Sunday night, while Nanita was taken into custody on Monday.

Karla Garcia faces multiple charges, including murder and child cruelty, while Nanita faces murder charges along with conspiracy. Jackelyn Garcia is accused of risk of injury to a child and child cruelty.

Torres’ father, Victor Torres, was unaware of her disappearance until January, a significant time after her suspected death. “Our detectives have worked tirelessly to uncover the truth and to bring justice for Jacqueline,” Melanson stated at the press briefing.

Authorities are awaiting the results of the autopsy to determine the cause and manner of Torres’ death. Karla Garcia is being held on a $5 million bond. Jackelyn Garcia is held on a $1 million bond, while Nanita’s court date has not been announced.

This tragic case signals a disturbing end for a young girl whose reality remained hidden from the world.

Woman pleads guilty but insane in mother’s brutal stabbing death

Woman pleads guilty but insane in mother’s brutal stabbing death

BLUE MOUNDS, WI — Sierra Schoonover, 31, pleaded guilty but not guilty by reason of insanity in the stabbing death of her mother, 54-year-old Heather Schoonover. The plea was entered on Tuesday during a court appearance.

Sierra admits to the act of stabbing her mother but claims she did not understand the wrongfulness of her actions due to a lack of mental capacity. Judge Ellen Berz addressed the court, stating, “Whenever someone enters a not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect plea, it’s coupled with a plea that goes to whether the crime was committed or not.”

Sierra faces a charge of first-degree criminal homicide. Her next court date is set for Oct. 23.

On April 14, neighbors reported a disturbance outside the Schoonover residence on Smoky Mountain Road. The altercation, which was observed from outside, eventually moved inside the home, after which Sierra fled the scene.

Dane County Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered Heather Schoonover dead in the bathroom with multiple stab wounds. A knife was located nearby.

Sierra later crashed her vehicle a few miles away, appearing disoriented and covered in blood. She reportedly told deputies at the hospital her concerns about her mother’s well-being.

Sierra’s statements to authorities confirmed her awareness of the situation. She recalled, “I do know I killed my mom,” and indicated she had a history of mental health issues.

The defendant remains incarcerated without bail. Heather Schoonover has been remembered as “the nicest person they have ever met” according to her obituary.

A tragic incident has led to a daughter’s admission of guilt, raising questions about mental health and accountability.

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

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

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.