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73-year-old man faces $50 million lawsuit after playground knife attack on girl

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73-year-old man faces $50 million lawsuit after playground knife attack on girl

Dearborn, MI A lawsuit has been filed against Gary Lansky, a 73-year-old man accused of attacking a seven-year-old girl with a pocketknife at a playground. The girl’s family is seeking $50 million in damages.

The incident occurred at Lloyd H. Ryan Playground on October 8, 2024. Lansky is alleged to have approached Saida Mashrah and cut her throat while she played with friends.

The family’s attorney, Nabih Ayad, described Lansky’s actions as monstrous in the lawsuit filed in Wayne County Circuit Court on Wednesday. The complaint alleges that Lansky had fantasized about slashing a child’s throat prior to the attack.

After the attack, Saida was able to escape and run home despite her injuries. Responding medics found her at home receiving treatment around 3:45 PM.

Witnesses reported hearing Saida scream during the incident. A neighbor provided immediate first aid until emergency crews arrived.

Saida has shared her trauma, stating she feels scared and struggles to sleep. She expressed a desire to become a lawyer when she grows up so she can advocate for herself and others.

Lansky has been charged with assault with intent to murder and felonious assault. His competency for trial has been established by mental health professionals, according to the complaint.

The girl’s family believes the attack could be classified as a hate crime. Prosecutors have stated that there is not enough evidence to support such a charge, despite claims from the family regarding Lansky’s motives.

Lansky’s wife mentioned his mental illness following the attack, but the family disputes this after the court’s ruling on his mental competency. They contend the severity of the incident is being downplayed.

Attorney Ayad called the situation horrific and urged that it not be treated as just another case of attempted murder.

Two arrested following armed robbery incident in Boston

Two arrested following armed robbery incident in Boston

Boston, MA An officer assigned to District D-4 responded to a well-being check at 696 Massachusetts Avenue when a bystander reported an armed robbery at 1813 Washington Street on Thursday around 4:40 PM. The victim, who appeared injured, reported being assaulted and robbed inside a grocery store by two suspects.

One suspect allegedly punched the victim in the head and took cash from him, while the second struck him with a bottle. The first suspect threatened the victim with a small black object that may have been a firearm before the victim escaped and sought police help.

Officers broadcast descriptions of the suspects, leading to the observation of two individuals matching those descriptions near Massachusetts Avenue and Washington Street. Both suspects fled on foot in different directions but were quickly apprehended—one near Shawmut Avenue and Pelham Street and the other close to Tremont Street and Upton Street.

Detectives who later arrived positively identified both suspects on site. They were identified as 42-year-old Jahar Pinkett of Dorchester and 29-year-old Anthony Crumbley of Boston.

A search of Pinkett yielded cash that matched the amount reported stolen, along with a plastic bag containing a rock-like substance believed to be crystal methamphetamine. No firearm was recovered during the investigation.

Both suspects were transported for booking. Pinkett had an active warrant out of Boston Municipal Court for a violation of an Abuse Prevention Order.

Pinkett will face charges including armed robbery, assault and battery, and possession of a Class B substance. Crumbley will face charges for armed robbery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Both individuals are expected to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court.

Cambridge bank heist leads to police chase after suspect flees

Police car with flashing lights.

Cambridge bank heist leads to police chase after suspect flees

Cambridge, MD – A bank robbery occurred on Monday at the M&T Bank on Sunburst Highway around 11:12 AM. An African American male entered the bank wearing a dark sweatshirt with colorful writing and handed a note to a teller demanding cash.

The suspect received an undisclosed amount of currency and fled on foot to a vehicle parked nearby. Witnesses described the getaway car as a dark-colored vehicle, possibly a Toyota Camry or Honda Civic, with dark wheels and suspected Delaware registration.

City bank employees placed a tracking device in the stolen money, which showed movement near Woods Road and Route 50. Officers then discovered a bundle of U.S. currency discarded in the vicinity.

This robbery is linked to other incidents in Hurlock, Maryland, and Seaford, Delaware. The Cambridge Police Department seeks community assistance for any information related to this case or previous robberies. Contact the Cambridge Police Department at 410-228-3333.

Indiana woman charged with murder in road rage shooting

Indiana woman charged with murder in road rage shooting

Indianapolis, IN – A 23-year-old woman has been charged with murder following a road rage incident that led to the shooting death of a 21-year-old man. Deborah Benefiel faces charges of murder and criminal recklessness in the shooting of Kentrell Settles on Friday.

The incident occurred at the intersection of West 38th Street and Georgetown Road. Officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department responded to reports of gunfire and found Settles inside a Chevrolet Malibu suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was taken to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

According to a probable cause affidavit, detectives found evidence of a single gunshot in the rear passenger side window of the Malibu, along with a BB gun under the driver’s seat. Settles’ girlfriend, who was in the car at the time of the shooting, stated that they were stopped at a red light when Settles honked the horn after the vehicle in front did not move when the light turned green.

Witnesses reported that Benefiel, driving a Ford SUV, followed the couple while yelling and gesturing. As Settles attempted to turn into a nearby plaza, Benefiel allegedly fired one shot into the Malibu. Settles’ girlfriend drove them the rest of the way to her parents’ house after the incident.

Police were able to identify Benefiel’s vehicle through license plate readers and observed her removing stickers from the SUV before her arrest. Upon being taken into custody, Benefiel informed an officer that the gun was located in a bag at her apartment. Authorities later found a .40-caliber Glock handgun in a purse.

An autopsy confirmed that Settles died from a gunshot wound that entered his back, causing significant damage to his lung and heart. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.

Benefiel has not provided a statement to detectives following her arrest. She remains in the Marion County Jail without bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears stated that this incident highlights the dangers of escalating conflicts on roadways.

Woman sentenced to 28 years for murdering U.S. Navy sailor

Title: Woman sentenced to 28 years for murdering U.S. Navy sailor

Norfolk, VA

Nildaliz Arline Flores-Roman has been sentenced to 28 years in prison after being convicted of second-degree murder. The sentencing occurred on Friday following her conviction for the shooting death of Pfc. Katrina Ann Anderson.

The incident took place last year when Anderson tried to intervene in a fight between Flores-Roman and her wife. Anderson, who was celebrating her 28th birthday, was shot after the altercation escalated outside their apartment.

Flores-Roman fled the scene after the shooting, which left Anderson fatally injured outside the apartment on East Little Creek Road. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene following a 911 call from Flores-Roman’s wife, who described a history of emotional abuse in their marriage to detectives.

After a two-day trial in June, jurors reached a verdict within 20 minutes, finding Flores-Roman guilty. Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi commented on the tragedy, noting that Anderson was trying to help a fellow sailor and did not deserve to die.

Flores-Roman’s actions and lack of remorse during the trial were noted by the prosecution. Anderson’s attempt to mediate the conflict has been acknowledged as an act of bravery in a troubling situation.

Body found in filthy Pennsylvania home leads to wider investigation

Body found in filthy home raises concerns over neglect

Uniontown, PA A 44-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis was found dead in her home under squalid conditions, prompting an investigation. Elizabeth Fike reportedly had not been out of bed for over three weeks before her death.

Fayette County Coroner Dr. Bob Baker pronounced her dead around 9 a.m. on Thursday. The coroner stated that the conditions within the home were deplorable and that her death is currently under investigation.

Baker noted that an autopsy is pending to determine the cause and manner of death. No arrests have been made as police continue to gather evidence.

The investigation revealed that Fike’s bed was covered in filth, with stagnant bathwater nearby. Surprisingly, a brand-new hospital bed and wheelchair were found in the home, both unused.

Fike was completely dependent on her live-in boyfriend, Tim Childs, who has faced no charges related to her death. Childs described challenges in caring for Fike, especially when she ran out of her medication.

He claims the medications were on order but had not arrived. Childs did not comment further due to the ongoing investigation.

The coroner emphasized the importance of checking on family members. Baker advised the public to report any situations that seem concerning and advocated for welfare checks in such cases.

Man charged with murder in infant’s death after babysitting incident

Judge's gavel in a courtroom trial.

Man charged with murder in infant’s death after babysitting incident

Madison Township, OH

A man is charged with the murder of his girlfriend’s five-month-old daughter. Glenn McIntosh, 32, was arrested in connection with the death of Ameira Reynolds on Friday.

McIntosh allegedly cared for the infant while her mother attended to her other children. He left the home shortly before the mother returned and was unreachable by phone.

According to prosecutors, when the mother arrived home, she discovered the baby was unresponsive. Assistant Franklin County Prosecutor Shania Goble indicated that McIntosh claimed the infant had fallen but that medical examinations revealed injuries inconsistent with this account.

Ameira was transported to a hospital with skull fractures and other serious injuries. She was pronounced dead shortly after arrival due to blunt force trauma.

The couple had been dating for three months and lived on Willard Brook Road. McIntosh was ordered held on a $2 million bond and remained in custody as of Sunday.

The baby’s mother expressed her devastation in a court statement, emphasizing her trust in McIntosh. She condemned his actions, highlighting the loss of her “defenseless baby.”

A GoFundMe page created to honor Ameira described her as a sweet angel, and her mother expressed the grief of having to bury her child.

Attorney General Platkin and Labor Commissioner sue Amazon over worker misclassification

Attorney General Platkin and Labor Commissioner sue Amazon over worker misclassification

Trenton, NJ – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo have filed a lawsuit against Amazon and its delivery network. The state charges that Amazon has misclassified Flex delivery drivers as independent contractors, violating state labor laws.

The lawsuit alleges that Amazon deprives Flex drivers of wages, benefits, and legal protections designated for employees. As a result of these alleged violations, New Jersey Flex drivers and related funds have suffered significant financial losses.

Flex drivers utilize their own vehicles for deliveries while covering their own operational costs. Amazon has branded the Flex program as a means for individuals to have a flexible income opportunity, yet it maintains strict control over delivery processes.

The lawsuit claims that by misclassifying Flex drivers, Amazon avoids providing rights such as minimum wage and mandated sick leave. Platkin stated, “Amazon is taking advantage of Flex drivers.”

Commissioner Asaro-Angelo emphasized that misclassifying workers is illegal. “Flex drivers deserve proper classification,” he noted.

Many Flex drivers have been operating in New Jersey since 2017. An investigation into Amazon’s practices commenced when some Flex drivers sought unemployment and disability benefits, indicating Amazon’s lack of contributions to state funds.

The complaint, filed in Essex County’s Superior Court, outlines how Amazon’s business model harms Flex drivers. It highlights instances where drivers have worked over 40 hours without receiving earned overtime and where injuries have left them without essential sick leave.

New Jersey law presumes workers to be employees unless specific conditions are met. Amazon allegedly fails to meet these criteria, as drivers undergo training, do not manage independent businesses, and must adhere to Amazon’s operational guidelines.

The lawsuit details violations including wage withholding and failure to maintain accurate records. It seeks to stop unlawful practices, recover unpaid wages, and enforce penalties.

The state has prioritized addressing worker misclassification, previously settling cases against companies like Lyft and Uber. Since new legislation aimed at curbing such practices was enacted, New Jersey has collected significant penalties from misclassified workers.

Misclassification costs New Jersey taxpayers millions in lost contributions to state funds. With this lawsuit, the state aims to enforce labor laws and protect Flex drivers from exploitation.

GOP New Jersey legislators push for tax relief amid soaring energy costs

### New Jersey legislators push for tax relief amid soaring energy costs

Trenton, NJ

Senators Latham Tiver and Joe Pennacchio have introduced legislation to suspend the sales and use tax on electric bills. The proposal aims to alleviate the financial strain from rising energy costs for New Jersey families.

Tiver and Pennacchio seek to eliminate the Societal Benefits Charge for one year, a measure expected to save households significant amounts on energy expenses. The initiative builds on a similar bill introduced in May which was not voted on.

Governor Murphy has defended the continued tax collections as necessary for the Board of Public Utilities. The State anticipates $1.15 billion in tax revenue from energy bills in Fiscal Year 2026, reflecting a 15.7 percent increase, approximately $156 million more than the previous year.

Tiver expressed his discontent with the administration’s priorities, emphasizing the need for tax relief in light of the current affordability crisis. He stated, “Our plan puts taxpayers first by suspending unnecessary sales tax and SBC collections for the entire year.”

The proposed legislation is planned to go into effect on January 1, 2026. Pennacchio noted that while families await relief, a previous $100 measure was insufficient compared to their current proposal.

You can read the full draft of the legislation, S-4765, online.

Newlywed sentenced to life in prison after wife’s brutal murder

Prison-Jail-Cell

Newlywed sentenced to life in prison after wife’s brutal murder

Tulsa, OK

Chris Edward Morland, age 50, has been sentenced to life without parole for the murder of his wife Cassidy Ritchie. A jury found Morland guilty of first-degree murder on Thursday after he killed Ritchie just weeks after their wedding.

Tulsa County District Judge Doug Drummond ordered the sentence on Monday. Ritchie, 39, was discovered deceased in her car on January 28.

She had last been seen alive on January 20 and was reported missing by family. On January 25, the Tulsa Police Department issued a “missing and endangered” alert and subsequently found her vehicle abandoned.

Evidence indicated Morland was the last person to see Ritchie alive. After law enforcement found a key to Ritchie’s vehicle on him, conflicting statements led to his confession.

Morland admitted to a fight with Ritchie that escalated, resulting in her death. He later placed her body in the trunk of her SUV and covered her with clothing.

DOJ defends Alina Habba’s appointment as New Jersey U.S. attorney in court challenges

DOJ defends Alina Habba’s appointment as New Jersey U.S. attorney in court challenges

Philadelphia, PA

The Department of Justice returned to court to uphold Alina Habba’s appointment as acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey. Criminal defendants argue her appointment was unlawful, claiming it disqualifies her from prosecuting them.

A panel from the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, composed of Judges L. Felipe Restrepo, D. Michael Fisher, and D. Brooks Smith, questioned the legality of Habba’s appointment. They explored the intersection of federal statutes regarding the appointment of U.S. attorneys, which must be confirmed by the Senate.

Defendants Julien Giraud Jr., Julien Giraud III, and Cesar Pina contended that Judge Matthew Brann of the Middle District of Pennsylvania correctly determined that Habba was not lawfully serving. The DOJ countered that Brann’s decision would impede the government’s ability to fill thousands of important positions.

Judge Brann did not dismiss the indictment against the defendants but noted that the executive branch operated through novel legal methods in appointing Habba. The DOJ cited 5 U.S. Code § 3345 and the Federal Vacancies Reform Act as the basis for her role as acting U.S. attorney.

Habba, once a personal attorney for Donald Trump, was first named interim U.S. attorney in March. Her temporary appointment allowed for a 120-day tenure, which had to conclude with Senate confirmation or a federal court appointment.

Throughout her interim period, Habba’s nomination remained pending in the Senate, leading to federal judges appointing Desiree Grace as U.S. attorney. Following Trump’s decision to withdraw Habba’s nomination, she resigned from the interim position and was named the first assistant.

Attorney General Pam Bondi reacted by dismissing Grace, asserting that rogue judges disrupted Trump’s powers. Habba subsequently secured a position as a “Special Attorney to the United States Attorney General.”

During arguments on Monday, Henry Whitaker from the DOJ defended Habba’s appointment, stating it was within statute. However, he acknowledged that the circumstances surrounding her appointment were unique.

The panel probed whether the sequence of events surrounding Habba’s appointment posed serious constitutional implications. Judge Smith remarked that the case involved fundamental issues surrounding the appointment of U.S. attorneys and Separation of Powers.

Whitaker maintained that Habba could fulfill her role without being subject to time limits as a special attorney. He argued the statutes were being applied properly, though he recognized that specific precedents were lacking.

Lawyer Abbe Lowell, representing the defendants, criticized the legal framework surrounding Habba’s appointment. He claimed it allowed an individual to operate indefinitely without Senate confirmation.

The court heard claims from amicus James Pearce, representing the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in New Jersey. Pearce stressed that endorsing this legal maneuver could lead to a shadow government of delegated U.S. attorneys.

Whitaker contended that precedents exist for delegated authority under federal law. He noted that challenges to Habba’s appointment were unprecedented and had emerged from unique circumstances.

The implications of this ruling could significantly impact future appointments of acting U.S. attorneys across the country. The case highlights ongoing tensions between judicial authority and executive power in appointing key government officials.

Shooting in Crozet leaves one man injured and suspect charged

shell casings

Shooting in Crozet leaves one man injured and suspect charged

Crozet, VA

A man was injured in a shooting incident on Doyles Side Lane. The Albemarle County Police Department responded to reports of gunfire on Sunday at approximately 3 p.m.

Officers found an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to UVA Health and is in serious but non-life-threatening condition.

Police have charged 35-year-old Roger L. Lamb with malicious wounding and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Lamb is currently being held at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail without bond.

The investigation is ongoing. Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact Det. Carroll at 434-296-5807 or reach out to CrimeStoppers at 434-977-4000.

Secaucus drug bust leads to two arrests during routine patrol

Secaucus drug bust leads to two arrests during routine patrol

Secaucus, NJ – An Anti-Crime Unit operation on Wood Avenue resulted in the arrest of two individuals on drug-related charges. Richard Salerno was found in a vehicle with Martin Rocchio, who was holding drug paraphernalia.

Rocchio was arrested after officers discovered over three ounces of suspected cocaine, Xanax, and approximately three grams of suspected heroin during a search. A search of the vehicle revealed additional drug paraphernalia.

Salerno was also arrested after officers found a quantity of cocaine and Xanax in his possession. Rocchio is charged with multiple drug offenses and was lodged in Hudson County Jail.

Salerno faces two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance and has been released pending a court appearance.

The Secaucus Police Chief commended the dedication of the Anti-Crime Unit for their efforts in combating drug-related offenses in the area.

Lottery player claims $50,000 prize after spontaneous ticket purchase

Lottery winning jackpot, money.

Lottery player claims $50,000 prize after spontaneous ticket purchase

Baltimore, MD A resident of Westminster visited Lottery headquarters to claim a top prize of $50,000 from a scratch-off ticket. The winner described this as the largest prize she has ever won.

She purchased her ticket on a whim while at Sam’s Wine & Spirits because she noticed a jackpot sign.

The winner chose the “$” ticket, which had only a few remaining, standing out to her.

Excitement filled her as she revealed the winning numbers on the ticket.

Visibly shocked, she recounted the moment saying it gave her goosebumps.

The scratch-off game she played was launched in December 2023, with seven other top prizes previously claimed.

Sam’s Wine & Spirits is located at 11130 Reisterstown Road in Owings Mills. The business received a $500 bonus for selling the top prize ticket.

Baltimore player wins $100,000 lottery prize at Severn Walmart

Baltimore player wins $100,000 lottery prize at Severn Walmart

Baltimore, MD A longtime player of the Maryland Lottery has claimed a $100,000 top prize from the Double Your Money scratch-off ticket. The winner visited a local Walmart on Wednesday while shopping with his family.

After selecting a ticket, he scratched off the barcode to check his winnings. The ticket displayed a message revealing he had won $100,000.

Excited by his newfound fortune, he rushed out of the store and confirmed the win using his phone. The seasoned gamer had never seen a winning message indicating he should take the ticket to the Lottery office.

He plans to use his winnings to purchase a new car and a camper for camping trips with his brother. The $10 ticket has been available since July and still has multiple unclaimed prizes.

The Walmart where the ticket was purchased will receive a $1,000 bonus for selling the top prize.

Westfield attempts burglary linked to recent vehicle thefts

Westfield attempts burglary linked to recent vehicle thefts

Westfield, NJ A reported attempted burglary occurred early Sunday morning on Westfield Avenue. Suspect(s) attempted to enter the residence through first-floor windows around 4:05 AM but did not gain entry.

The suspects fled south on Westfield Avenue in a black BMW X5 with New York license plates. An officer on patrol observed the vehicle shortly after the attempted break-in traveling rapidly near Summit Avenue and Clifton Street.

The incident is part of a troubling trend in the area, following two vehicle burglaries reported last Monday on the north side. Both incidents involved high-end vehicles parked in driveways, which were likely left unlocked and suffered no forced entry damage.

The Westfield Police Department has increased patrols in residential neighborhoods overnight and urges residents to secure their homes and vehicles. Suspicious activities should be reported immediately to 911.

Vehicle theft remains a significant issue statewide, with 11,140 vehicles reported stolen. Union County alone saw nineteen vehicles stolen last week.

New AG directive mandates statewide law enforcement preparedness for active shooter

School hallway - File Photo by Dreamstime

New directive mandates statewide law enforcement preparedness for active violent events

Trenton, NJ – A new directive issued by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin requires all law enforcement agencies in New Jersey to establish active violent event policies. The directive aims to promote uniform preparedness across the state in response to active shooter situations.

Effective immediately, the directive mandates agencies create policies that outline training and response procedures. Agencies must submit their policies to county prosecutor’s offices by January 9, 2026.

Each agency’s active shooter policy must outline priorities such as neutralizing threats and rescuing victims. Policies must also define protocols for on-scene coordination in line with the National Incident Management System.

The directive emphasizes family reunification protocols, including the identification of agencies responsible for coordinating reunification and establishing reunification sites.

All agencies are required to maintain a law enforcement training plan with mandatory active shooter incident management and tactical training courses for officers. County prosecutor’s offices must hold an annual active shooter training exercise involving participation from all relevant law enforcement agencies.

Special attention is placed on preparing responses to incidents in critical locations, including schools and government buildings. Agencies must devise access plans for educational institutions, collaborating with them to address specific resource needs.

The full directive is available online for review.