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Couple charged with child abuse after infant’s tragic death

Greenwood Township, MI

Elizabeth LynnLanor Hogan and Devin Austin Brown-Fowler are facing multiple charges following the death of their infant son. The couple is accused of second, third, and fourth degree child abuse in connection with the death of seven-month-old Maverick Lyle Bouck earlier this year.

On May 4, law enforcement responded to their residence on South 192nd Avenue. They discovered the infant unresponsive.

Initial reports described a tragic scene. Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast remarked on the situation, expressing sympathy for the family.

Details have since emerged regarding the circumstances leading to the child’s death. Family members disclosed that the infant suffered three skull fractures, broken ribs, and a brain bleed.

The child’s grandmother indicated that one skull fracture appeared to be older, suggesting a history of abuse.

Charges against Hogan and Brown-Fowler do not include homicide, as authorities assert evidence does not support intent to harm.

On November 24, both subjects were arraigned and remain in custody at the Oceana County Jail. Hogan’s bond is set at $25,000, while Brown-Fowler’s is $50,000.

They are scheduled for preliminary examinations on December 9.

Man shoots sleeping roommate in violent St. Cloud incident

St. Cloud, MN A 31-year-old man is charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting his roommate multiple times while he slept. Austin Gerads faces charges including second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.

Officers responded to a residence on the 800 block of 8th Avenue South early Sunday morning at approximately 4:20 a.m. After reports of gunfire, police found two injured men, 44 and 55 years old.

The 44-year-old was reportedly shot twice by Gerads, who then assaulted the older man when he tried to intervene. Emergency medical personnel transported the shooting victim to St. Cloud Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the 55-year-old was evaluated and treated at the scene.

When confronted by officers, Gerads attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended after a short chase. A handgun was recovered at the scene, believed to be used in the shooting.

According to a probable cause affidavit, the shooting victim informed authorities that Gerads accused him of having killed his daughter before shooting him. After the second shot, Gerads allegedly struck the victim multiple times.

As police arrived, Gerads reportedly fled out the back door. In addition to the firearm, officers discovered bullets, shell casings, a bloodied metal pole, and methamphetamine.

During questioning, Gerads allegedly stated his actions were “worth it,” claiming his daughter was being held captive in the basement, although police confirmed no one was inside the home.

Wisconsin man arrested for arson on Thanksgiving Day

Liberty, WI A 67-year-old man is in custody following a Thanksgiving Day fire that destroyed a neighbor’s home. Ora Wallace has been arrested on suspicion of arson, with formal charges pending from the Vernon County District Attorney.

Emergency responders received a report at 3:30 p.m. of a mobile home fire on County Road SS. No occupants were present at the residence as the family was in the process of moving out.

Firefighters from four departments extinguished the blaze, declaring the home a total loss. Damage assessments revealed destroyed walls and charred support beams.

Officials determined that the fire was intentionally set. Investigators identified Wallace as the suspect due to his proximity to the residence.

Wallace has been taken to the county jail. He is expected to appear in Vernon County Circuit Court on Monday.

All emergency personnel had cleared the scene by 6 p.m. Sheriff Roy Torgerson expressed gratitude for the first responders, citing the importance of their service during the holiday.

Details regarding the motive for Wallace’s actions have not been disclosed.

Wisconsin woman sentenced to life for boyfriend’s fatal stabbing

Appleton, WI A 40-year-old woman was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday for the fatal stabbing of her boyfriend. Samantha Jean Krebs was found guilty of intentional homicide for the death of 35-year-old Joseph “Joey” Carnot during a confrontation in their shared apartment.

The incident occurred on June 18. Krebs stabbed Carnot in the chest and attempted to convince witnesses that he had wounded himself.

Outagamie County Circuit Court Judge Vincent Biskupic sentenced Krebs to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 36 years.

Two witnesses arrived at the couple’s apartment only to find Carnot bleeding from his wounds. One witness reported that after discovering the scene, Krebs urged him to tell the police that Carnot had stabbed himself.

Krebs expressed fear of returning to prison during the encounter with witnesses. Court records detail a history of previous convictions for offenses including battery and possession of controlled substances dating back to 2011.

Despite the evidence, including testimony that claimed she was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time, Krebs maintained her innocence throughout the trial. During her defense, she insisted she was not responsible for Carnot’s death, claiming she was shocked and focused on avoiding drug possession charges.

Prosecutors argued that Krebs had intentionally stabbed Carnot and attempted to cover it up. They highlighted her behavior immediately following the stabbing, which included kissing Carnot and telling him she loved him before she later left the apartment.

Krebs was found guilty after jurors deliberated for just over five hours. She faced intense questioning during the trial, including a moment where a prosecutor pointed out that she left her fiancé to die on the floor of their kitchen.

In her statements during the trial and sentencing, Krebs expressed confusion over her culpability and asserted that she did not deserve such a severe sentence. Judge Biskupic rejected her claims of innocence, insisting that her narrative was not credible.

Man sprays bear mace on deputies and K-9 during arrest attempt

Vero Beach, FL

A Florida man was arrested after allegedly spraying several sheriff’s deputies and a K-9 with bear mace. Kyle Young, age 31, faces one count of resisting an officer without violence and eight counts of battery on an officer, firefighter, or EMT.

The incident occurred on Saturday along Old Dixie Highway. A deputy attempted to serve an arrest warrant on Young, who fled into the woods upon being ordered to stop.

As officers approached him, Young reportedly pulled out a canister identified as bear repellent spray. He resisted orders from deputies to get on the ground and instead ran into an open parking lot, prompting the deployment of the K-9 to aid in compliance.

When the K-9 made contact, Young allegedly used the bear spray, causing irritation to multiple deputies, including the K-9.

In response, a deputy deployed a taser to gain compliance, leading to Young’s arrest. Upon falling to the ground, deputies discovered a firearm near Young’s arm, which was secured for safety.

Several deputies received treatment for chemical exposure at the scene. Young was taken to a local hospital for evaluation before being booked into the Indian River County Jail, where he is held on a $57,500 bond. He is scheduled for an arraignment on February 20, 2026.

Mother arrested for allegedly killing adopted daughter in Michigan

Muskegon, MI – A 55-year-old mother has been arrested following the death of her 11-year-old adopted daughter. Sherry Leak is charged with one count of manslaughter in connection with the incident.

Emergency services responded to a report of an unresponsive child at the Clover Estates Mobile Home Park. Upon arrival, responders found the girl without signs of life and efforts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful.

Leak was taken into custody at the scene by police as they began their investigation. The Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office reported that an autopsy on the child was conducted, and further details about the incident will follow.

A 911 call made by Leak indicated that there had been a physical altercation prior to the child’s death. According to Deputy Police Chief Gregory Poulson, the mother attempted to restrain the daughter during the incident.

During her arraignment in Muskegon County District Court on Tuesday morning, prosecutors outlined allegations against Leak. Chief Trial Attorney Matt Roberts stated that evidence suggests Leak’s actions directly resulted in the girl’s death.

Further investigation is ongoing, and Child Protective Services has filed a petition to remove parental rights from Leak concerning her surviving twin daughter. The surviving child is reported to have been hospitalized after Mialah’s death.

Leak remains in the Muskegon County Jail with a bond set at $100,000. She is scheduled for a court appearance on December 9 for further proceedings.

Neighbors have commented on the contentious relationship between Leak and her daughter, noting frequent altercations. Some have expressed concerns regarding the family’s dynamics within the mobile home community.

Man in court outburst after punching church volunteer in Ohio store

Martins Ferry, OH

Zachary Heckathorn, 33, faces charges of assault, criminal trespass, and aggravated menacing following an incident at a church-run free store. The charges stem from a disturbance he allegedly caused on November 14 at Rethreads, located on Hanover Street.

Heckathorn was reportedly escorted from the store by a volunteer after creating a disturbance. Just after 10 a.m. that day, he allegedly returned and attacked the volunteer, striking him between 10 and 15 times before fleeing down an alley.

Witness descriptions helped police apprehend Heckathorn approximately two blocks from the store. He has been held at the Belmont County Jail since his arrest and appeared at a hearing via video feed while wearing an orange inmate’s uniform.

At this week’s hearing, attorneys for both sides requested a continuance. Heckathorn expressed frustration, asserting his desire to defend himself and demanding an immediate trial.

He stated that he did not believe his lawyer was competent and rejected any representation. He characterized the allegations against him as hearsay and insisted on his innocence as the hearing progressed.

Despite being warned to refrain from disrupting the proceedings, Heckathorn’s outbursts continued, contributing to a chaotic atmosphere in the courtroom.

Heckathorn is scheduled to return to court for trial on December 12.

Couple arrested after violent confrontation on school bus

Greenwood, IN A couple was arrested after allegedly attacking children on a school bus in Greenwood. Donquarious Ridley, 27, and Raven Barner, 25, were charged on Monday with multiple counts of battery on a child.

The incident occurred on the morning of October 31 when Ridley and Barner boarded a school bus to confront children purportedly bullying their son. Witnesses reported seeing the couple shout at the children and initiate a verbal altercation.

According to a probable cause affidavit, school bus camera footage captured the entire incident. The video reportedly showed Barner confronting two children and threatening physical violence.

At one point, Barner allegedly encouraged her stepson to engage in a fight. The bus driver intervened but was later struck by Barner while trying to protect the children.

Ridley was also seen on the footage urging his son to fight back. Following the altercation, Ridley allegedly threw one child to the ground and pushed another back into a bus seat.

Police located Ridley and Barner while they were driving and initiated a traffic stop. They were subsequently arrested and booked into the Johnson County Jail.

Both individuals face charges related to battery on children under the age of 14. Ridley also faces charges for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Ridley is scheduled to appear in court on December 1, while Barner will appear on December 4. Neither appeared on the Johnson County Jail roster as of Tuesday.

Dad calls cops to remove son after demanding food

Orangeburg, SC A South Carolina father faces charges for unlawful conduct toward a child after he allegedly called law enforcement to remove his 11-year-old son from their home. Thomas Baker, 44, made the call on Saturday while reporting that his son was being unruly and not listening.

Upon investigation, deputies learned Baker threatened his son when the boy asked for something to eat. According to the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, the child received a hostile response, including explicit threats.

The child then reported additional comments from Baker, which escalated to violent suggestions about self-harm. Baker allegedly stated, “If you are on fire, I’ll pour gas on you so you burn even more.”

The Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell remarked on the situation, referencing a biblical verse about parental responsibilities, stating the child “didn’t even get a stone” when asking for help. The incident reportedly was captured on video, now part of the investigation.

Following the events, the child has been placed with a family member for safety. Baker remains charged pending further legal proceedings.

Headline: Trio arrested for brutal murder of 62-year-old uncle in Colorado

Fruita, CO

Three individuals face multiple charges for the alleged murder of a 62-year-old man in Fruita. Weston Owen and Sarah Bess, both 18, along with 21-year-old Kellar Weisgerber, are charged with first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, abuse of a corpse, and conspiracy.

The Fruita Police Department began investigating a suspicious incident in the 21 Road desert area on Saturday. According to an arrest affidavit, the group was with the victim, John Krabbe, at a local bar prior to the incident.

Owen reportedly perceived a threat when he observed Krabbe touch Bess’ neck. Following this incident, Owen contacted Weisgerber to assist in a plan to harm Krabbe.

The trio waited until Krabbe fell asleep before executing their plan. Owen allegedly struck Krabbe with a flashlight while Weisgerber restrained him, leading to Krabbe’s death.

Afterward, Weisgerber allegedly bound Krabbe’s hands and feet and loaded the body into Krabbe’s vehicle. The suspects then drove to a remote desert location where they disposed of the body.

According to officials, they also attempted to destroy evidence by burning items stained with the victim’s blood. Bess reportedly contacted her mother, alleging that Owen threatened her and encouraged her to call authorities.

A judge set bonds for Owen, Bess, and Weisgerber at $2 million each. Their next court appearance is scheduled for December 5.

Couple charged for squalid conditions where children found living in filth

Chattanooga, TN A couple faces charges for allegedly neglecting two children found in deplorable living conditions. Leon Woods, 65, and Carol Phillips, 36, are each charged with child neglect after a wellness check by law enforcement.

On November 21, police responded to a call about an argument between the adults. They could not access the front door due to tables blocking the entrance and had to knock on a window to gain entry.

Once inside, officers were met with an overwhelming stench and unsanitary conditions. Reports indicate that roaches infested the home, including crawling on food in the refrigerator and on furniture.

Officers observed one child in a diaper on the floor, which was also infested with roaches. A second child, just one year old, was found lying face down on a dirty mattress.

The house reportedly contained dangerous items such as a sharp metal gate and exposed nails. Neighbors expressed concern about the children’s welfare and indicated that police had been called to the residence multiple times prior to the arrest.

One neighbor reported screaming from the children and filed two child abuse reports in recent months. Court records show that Woods and Phillips are scheduled for a court date on December 5.

Woods is registered on the Tennessee sex offender registry due to previous offenses and faces additional charges for violating his supervision conditions.

Mother arrested for child abuse and starvation in Missouri

Columbia, MO

A mother has been arrested for allegedly abusing and starving her child in Missouri. Breashia Jwantae Grant was taken into custody on Friday after being charged with felony first-degree endangering the welfare of a child and felony third-degree domestic assault.

The Boone County Sheriff’s Department received multiple calls on Friday around noon regarding a child who appeared to be hiding from passing vehicles. Upon arrival, deputies found the child, who reported running away due to physical abuse.

The child stated that Grant struck them with a phone charging cable more than ten times. The victim displayed injuries on the arm, including swelling and scarring consistent with repeated abuse.

The child said that Grant had used food deprivation as a punishment, claiming they were not fed for five days two weeks prior and for two consecutive days earlier that week.

Currently, Grant remains in Boone County Jail without bond, and her next court appearance has yet to be scheduled.

Husband killed in alleged road rage crash as wife chased him down

Konawa, OK

A woman faces charges after allegedly running her husband’s vehicle off the road, resulting in his death. Tamara Lachelle Wood, 37, has been charged with second-degree murder and reckless driving after the incident involving her husband, Justin Wood, 40.

Officers responded to a crash on Highway 59 at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. They discovered Justin Wood next to a heavily damaged 2005 BMW SUV, where he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation revealed that Tamara Wood drove a 2007 Volvo XC-90 and told troopers that both vehicles were traveling at high speeds. She explained that an argument had occurred at their son’s basketball game regarding her husband’s conversations with another woman.

Witnesses reported that Tamara’s vehicle closely followed Justin’s moments before the crash, with one estimating their speed to be over 100 miles per hour. Justin’s mother stated he had been contemplating divorce and received a desperate call from him saying, “Momma, she’s trying to run me off the road!”

Following the incident, the District 22 District Attorney’s Office issued an arrest warrant on Friday, with Tamara being apprehended on Tuesday. She is currently held in the custody of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.

District Attorney Erik Johnson indicated that they will pursue accountability for her actions that led to Justin Wood’s death. The couple leaves behind four children who now face the loss of their father.

Father risks children’s lives during harrowing hike in Utah mountains

Salt Lake City, UT A father is facing serious legal consequences after leading his three young children on a dangerous hike in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains last month. Micah Smith, 31, is charged with multiple counts of child torture and aggravated child abuse, according to the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office.

The incident occurred in early October when Smith took his children, ages 2, 4, and 8, on the Broads Fork Trail, a hike rated “hard” within the hiking community. The trail is located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, approximately 12 miles southeast of Salt Lake City.

Disregarding the conditions and safety warnings, Smith continued the hike despite requests from his wife and children to turn back. The situation escalated when inclement weather, including rain and snow, set in, leaving the family stranded for the night.

The family began their trek around 10 a.m. on October 11, with Smith initially describing the hike as either nine miles or a nine-hour journey. Smith prepared by providing snacks and beverages but failed to provide adequate support for the grueling conditions they faced.

Within a short time, the children expressed fatigue and discomfort. Smith’s daughter reported that the snacks were quickly consumed and that they struggled with difficult terrain that required climbing.

As the weather worsened, Smith’s daughter voiced her fear and suggested they leave, but Smith allegedly dismissed her concerns, saying it was a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience.

By nightfall, the family attempted to descend the mountain, but it was too late as the snow and hail intensified. They sought shelter around 8 p.m., where the children reportedly experienced severe cold and distress.

The 8-year-old later recounted the freezing conditions and described an effort to keep her younger siblings warm. Police reports indicate that one child fell and became unresponsive, while the other required constant monitoring throughout the night.

When a Search and Rescue team located Smith the following day, he exhibited unusual behavior and made alarming statements about his children’s condition. Despite fears for their lives, all three children were found alive, one in critical condition requiring immediate medical intervention.

Investigators discovered alarming communications on Smith’s phone indicating awareness of the children’s deteriorating state. The situation raises serious questions about Smith’s judgment and responsibility as a parent.

Father sentenced to 65 years for killing son in brutal attack

Goshen, IN Franklin Elmore Jr. received a 65-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to the murder of his 6-year-old son, Justin. The sentence was issued by the court during a hearing on Tuesday.

Elmore expressed a desire to become a better person after serving time. He told the judge, “I want to come out as a better man. Different man. That’s all I can do.”

The judge responded, stating, “You literally beat your son to death.” Elmore and his wife, Cheyenne Elmore, were charged with murder following the boy’s death on August 3.

On that night, the Elmores called 911 to report Justin as “unresponsive.” He was taken to a hospital where it was determined he suffered a traumatic brain bleed and a punctured lung.

Franklin Elmore claimed Justin had behavioral issues and “hit himself.” Medical staff later disputed this, stating the injuries were not self-inflicted. Justin died in the hospital, leading to the couple’s arrest on August 8.

Neighbors reported witnessing Justin undergoing harsh punishments. These included intense physical exercises such as running for 3.5 miles shortly before the fatal incident.

Miranda McBride, Justin’s birth mother, had previously attempted to alert Indiana authorities about her son’s treatment, reporting that she was advised there was insufficient evidence for intervention.

After the sentencing, McBride expressed partial satisfaction with the ruling, noting that she hoped for a harsher penalty. “Death row would be great,” she stated.

Franklin Elmore received a 55-year sentence plus an additional 10 years for aggravated crimes. Cheyenne Elmore, who initially pleaded not guilty, is scheduled for sentencing on January 13, 2026 following a change in plea to guilty.

Man sentenced to 60 years for fatal stabbing of girlfriend in Bozeman

Bozeman, MT A 44-year-old man has been sentenced to 60 years in a state correctional facility for the murder of his girlfriend nearly two years ago. Christopher Brandon Foiles pleaded guilty to first-degree deliberate homicide in October.

Judge Rienne McElyea handed down the sentence on Tuesday after hearing an impact statement from Stedman’s 16-year-old daughter. She urged the court to impose the maximum penalty on Foiles.

Stedman’s body was found in a 1973 RV in Idaho Falls, where Foiles had been living. He confessed to police that he stabbed her to death during an argument in a Walmart parking lot on December 14, 2023.

Foiles admitted he feared she would contact authorities because of a no-contact order between them. He initially stabbed her in the neck and chest with a kitchen knife before returning to inflict additional wounds.

Video footage from Walmart showed both Foiles and Stedman entering the store on that date, marking the last time she was seen alive. Foiles made several suspicious purchases the following day, including items associated with cleaning and storage.

Foiles faced additional charges, including aggravated animal cruelty for killing Stedman’s dog, but those charges were dropped as part of his plea agreement.

Man arrested for allegedly shooting brother over wife’s supposed infidelity

Tolleson, AZ An Arizona man is accused of shooting his older brother in an argument concerning his wife’s alleged relationship with the victim. Luis Garcia, 42, was recorded arguing with his 45-year-old brother during a family gathering at a restaurant on Saturday evening.

Garcia purportedly became enraged after viewing a video that suggested his brother was involved with his wife. Reports indicate that following a heated dispute, Garcia pulled out a firearm and shot his brother in the stomach.

The brother was promptly transported to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition but is expected to survive. Garcia’s wife, who left the party to drive her parents home, became concerned when both men failed to answer her calls.

Upon returning to the restaurant, she discovered her brother-in-law lying wounded on the ground. Witnesses reported that alcohol may have played a role in the altercation, and both women observed Garcia leaving the scene in his GMC truck.

Surveillance footage from a nearby business captured audio of the argument and two gunshots. After the incident, police tracked down Garcia’s truck to an apartment in Phoenix and arrested him outside the residence. A firearm and a small bag of cocaine were found during the arrest.

Garcia faces several charges including attempted murder and possession of narcotics. He is currently held at the Maricopa County Jail with a bond set at $750,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 1.

Indiana man pleads guilty to threats against immigrants on TikTok

Indianapolis, IN

Preston Pickett, 59, has pleaded guilty to threatening to commit terrorism. His sentence includes two years in prison, but he will serve less than one year after credit for time served.

The FBI informed the Indianapolis Police Department about the threats made by Pickett on TikTok on January 12. He made multiple posts expressing intent to kill illegal immigrants coinciding with President Donald Trump’s inauguration.

He stated, “I will shoot on sight I don’t check IDs so you all are illegal too me.” In another post, he threatened to kill “many illegals” on January 20.

Further statements referenced his desire to be recognized for killing a significant number of immigrants on Trump’s first day in office. Law enforcement tracked Pickett’s social media activity to identify him as the source of the threats.

Upon their arrival at his residence in Southport, he confronted officers while referencing a belief that police were complicit with undocumented individuals.

Pickett questioned the legitimacy of the investigation and his rights under the Second Amendment. Officers proceeded to confiscate his cellphone and two firearms during their investigation.

As part of his plea deal, these items were ordered to be destroyed. Pickett has a history of making threats, including an incident in March where he threatened to shoot at a Florida car wash.

He previously made anonymous threats to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office regarding employees walking to their vehicles.

Suspect uses hammer and fire extinguisher in motel assault

Henderson, NE A man is in custody following an alleged brutal assault outside a motel. Roger Lee Abramson, 49, faces charges including second-degree assault and terroristic threats.

The incident occurred late on Wednesday night at the Sun Motel. Abramson reportedly attacked two men, aged 78 and 53, leaving one severely injured.

The York County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of the assault around 11 p.m. Deputies discovered one victim bleeding from his arm.

The second victim sustained more serious injuries but remained conscious. He stated that Abramson struck him multiple times with a hammer before switching to a fire extinguisher.

Witnesses indicated Abramson had beaten the man on his head and arm with the hammer until it broke. After the hammer snapped, Abramson allegedly taunted the victim before continuing the assault with the fire extinguisher.

Emergency medical personnel transported both victims to the hospital. Investigators found blood outside the motel room and retrieved the broken hammer.

Abramson was taken into custody shortly after the incident. A motive for the attack was not detailed in the arrest affidavit.

He is currently being held at the York County Jail with a bond set at $200,000. Abramson is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

Memphis man sentenced to life for killing newborn daughter and mother

MEMPHIS, TN A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murders of his newborn daughter and her mother. Brandon Isabelle, 28, received consecutive sentences totaling 96 years for the killings of 27-year-old Danielle Hoyle and their infant daughter, Kennedy Hoyle. He was convicted of first-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping.

Isabelle had pleaded not guilty to all charges. The sentences included 51 years for the murders and an additional 45 years for aggravated child neglect and especially aggravated kidnapping.

The events leading to the sentencing began on January 30, 2022, when Isabelle learned that Hoyle was in labor. Following the birth of Kennedy, he sent numerous texts to a new girlfriend while at the hospital, indicating a desire to end his relationship with Hoyle.

On February 1, shortly after Hoyle and her baby were released from the hospital, Isabelle met them under the pretense of delivering baby clothes. He persuaded Hoyle to drive along a secluded road where he shot her multiple times before leaving her body in a ditch.

Authorities detailed that Isabelle then took his daughter and abandoned her in the Mississippi River. Law enforcement later recovered Hoyle’s body, while Kennedy’s remains have not been found.

Isabelle was arrested after police discovered blood on his socks matching that of Hoyle. He was stoic during the court proceedings and received the sentence earlier this week in a Shelby County courtroom.

Shelby County chief prosecutor Eric Christensen expressed the family’s relief regarding the sentencing. He emphasized the commitment to justice for the victims.

Two juveniles arrested in Dorchester armed robbery

Boston, MA Officers responded Friday morning to reports of an armed robbery at Talbot Avenue and Dorchester Avenue. Two suspects displayed a firearm and stole a victim’s backpack.

Officers quickly received a description of the suspects and initiated searches in the area. One suspect was found at Ocean Street and Roslin Street, while the second was located shortly after at 62 Roslin Street.

District Detectives were called to the scene to process the recovered evidence. A Glock 48 was discovered with seven rounds in the magazine.

Two juvenile males, aged 14 and 17, were taken into custody. The 17-year-old faces multiple charges including armed robbery, carrying a firearm without a license, and possession of ammunition without a Firearms Identification card.

The 14-year-old is charged with armed robbery. Both suspects are expected to be arraigned in Dorchester Court.

Mother charged with murder after allegedly beating daughter to death

Ferndale, MI A mother has been charged with murder following the death of her 14-year-old daughter with autism. Vangie Renee Averhart, 37, stands accused in connection with the death of Kylee Clark, who died in July at a hospital.

Prosecutors have stated that Kylee suffered fatal blunt force trauma to the back of her head. They described the severity of her injuries as comparable to those sustained in a high-speed car crash.

Averhart reportedly provided multiple inconsistent accounts regarding how her daughter sustained her injuries. Initial statements included claims that Kylee had choked on food, although further investigation contradicted these claims.

Family sources allege that Kylee lived in a locked room and that Averhart expressed a desire to disassociate from her daughter. Child Protective Services had previously investigated Averhart several times regarding the child’s wellbeing.

Kylee’s family reported that she sustained her injuries on July 7 and succumbed to her injuries five days later, in a local hospital. They highlighted that Averhart’s statements regarding the incident lacked credibility.

The victim’s paternal great-uncle characterized Averhart’s behavior as deceitful, adding that she lacked compassion for her daughter. He mentioned that Kylee’s father had sought custody in the months before the tragedy.

Averhart is being held without bond at Wayne County Jail. Her next court appearance is set for November 26.

Man sentenced for shooting stepson while showing off guns

Walworth, WI

A man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for shooting his eight-year-old stepson, Michael Meagher, while demonstrating firearms. The incident occurred in January at their residence in Walworth County.

Steven Merkel, now 53, entered a guilty plea for first-degree reckless homicide in August. During sentencing on Thursday, Walworth County Circuit Court Judge Kristine E. Drettwan questioned Merkel’s actions, expressing outrage over his desire to look “cool” to the boy.

The shooting unfolded around 2:25 a.m., with officers arriving to find Meagher suffering from a gunshot wound. Life-saving measures were attempted, but the child later died at the hospital.

Merkel claimed the incident was accidental. He told police he had removed the magazine from the handgun and thought it would not fire without it. He pointed the gun at his stepson and pulled the trigger, striking him in the arm and neck.

Drettwan noted that evidence indicated the boy attempted to protect himself with a defensive posture. “How is that fun and cool for Michael that you come out of a bedroom pointing a gun at him?” she asked.

Merkel admitted to previously showing guns to Meagher, stating that they had been playing video games prior to the shooting. He had consumed alcohol that night, but his blood alcohol level was 0.02, suggesting he was not impaired.

Defense counsel requested an 11-year sentence, arguing Merkel expressed remorse. Merkel himself addressed the court, accepting responsibility for his actions.

Drettwan emphasized the devastating nature of the case, highlighting the preventable death of the young boy.

Couple charged with murder after throwing neighbor off balcony

Elizabethtown, KY

A couple faces murder charges following the fatal fall of their neighbor from a second-story balcony. Shawn Durbin, 39, and Nancy Durbin, 36, are both being held in the Hardin County Detention Center.

The incident occurred at Sugar Mill Apartments on Tuesday, when 62-year-old Bobby Pennington was present at the couple’s apartment. An altercation ensued, leading to the Durbins allegedly throwing Pennington off the balcony, approximately 12 feet to the pavement below.

Emergency responders found Pennington in cardiac arrest and a woman providing CPR. She reported witnessing the Durbins throw him from the balcony.

Pennington was transported to Baptist Health hospital, where he was diagnosed with a broken neck and ribs. Following his death, the Durbins’ initial assault charges were upgraded to murder.

Elizabethtown Police Department spokesman Chris Denham described the crime as “despicable,” emphasizing that Pennington did not provoke the attack.

The suspects reportedly denied involvement in Pennington’s death and are scheduled to appear in court next month.