Breaking News

Security guard kills suspected shoplifter in Spirit Halloween brawl

Albuquerque, NM A man was shot and killed during an altercation involving a security guard at a Spirit Halloween store. Josiah Armijo, 25, has been charged with second-degree murder in the incident that resulted in the death of Chase Beltramo, 41.

The confrontation occurred on Thursday around 5 p.m. when Beltramo allegedly took items from the store without paying. Armijo attempted to detain him, leading to a physical struggle.

Witnesses reported seeing the two men fight inside and outside the store. Armijo reportedly drew his firearm during the altercation and fired multiple shots, striking Beltramo in the torso and buttocks. Beltramo later succumbed to his injuries.

Shortly after the gunfire, Armijo called for assistance, indicating that shots had been fired. Store surveillance footage captured parts of the incident, which is under investigation.

Prosecutors found probable cause for Armijo’s initial actions relating to theft but determined the use of deadly force was not justified. The underlining cost of the items allegedly taken by Beltramo was reported to be less than $90.

Man accused of shooting mother 11 times during late-night argument

Santa Teresa, NM

Kevin Marin, 20, is facing charges for allegedly shooting his mother following a late-night dispute. The shooting occurred on Monday around 3 a.m. at their home near Santa Teresa Elementary.

Marin has been charged with aggravated battery against a family member and attempting to commit second-degree murder. His mother has been reported in critical condition after sustaining 11 gunshot wounds.

Marin’s brother reported hearing him screaming before the incident unfolded. He intervened and suggested Marin should go to sleep.

The mother also attempted to calm Marin, claiming he was “acting crazy.” She eventually took him to his bedroom to stay with him.

After some time, gunshots were heard from the home. The brother discovered his mother injured and bleeding after he went to investigate.

He took her to a hospital, where she was treated for her injuries. Law enforcement found several casings from a semi-automatic rifle at the residence.

Another woman present at the house noted that when she returned after the shooting, Marin was sitting on the couch. He was arrested and charged later that same day.

Court records indicate that Marin was previously indicted in January on aggravated assault charges in El Paso County, Texas.

Man sentenced to life for murder of beloved teacher in brutal attack

Greenbelt, MD

Harold Francis Landon III received a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the murder of Mariame Toure Sylla. A jury convicted Landon, 34, of first-degree murder for Sylla’s death on July 29, 2023.

Judge Carol Coderre delivered the sentence on Friday in the 7th Judicial Circuit Court.

Sylla, 59, was attacked during a walk near her home in Schrom Hills Park. Her torso was discovered days later in a pond in Clinton, approximately 20 miles from Greenbelt.

Search efforts were launched by the community when she did not return home.

Evidence presented at trial included Sylla’s DNA found on Landon’s boots along with her clothing in his truck.

Landon’s cellphone was also traced to the area where Sylla vanished.

Surveillance footage appeared to show a body in a black bag in Landon’s pickup.

In a significant piece of evidence, Landon was recorded during a jailhouse phone call apparently confessing to the murder, stating he let “the savage inside of me out.”

He was arrested on an unrelated assault charge on the same day that Sylla’s remains were found and charged with murder a month later.

Authorities indicated the assault was random as Sylla and Landon did not know each other.

Investigators believe she was strangled before being dismembered, though the precise cause of death remains unestablished.

Prosecutor Aisha Braveboy described Sylla as a caring person, adding that her murder shook the community deeply.

Landon’s defense claimed a troubled childhood influenced his actions, asserting he acted under the influence of drugs.

Prosecutors contested this narrative, insisting the crime was premeditated.

Braveboy articulated the brutality of the act, underscoring Landon’s attempt to conceal evidence of his crime.

The jury’s verdict resulted in Landon being effectively severed from the community.

David Harris contributed to this report.

South Carolina man faces charges for keeping captives and murder

Lancaster, SC A man has been charged with multiple offenses, including murder and false imprisonment, following allegations of holding several individuals captive in his residence. Donnie Ray Birchfield, Jr., 35, faces a total of 18 charges that stem from incidents involving four adults.

The charges were outlined by prosecutors earlier this week, detailing accusations against Birchfield. Among the charges is one count of murder connected to the death of 49-year-old Shirley Arnsdorff, who was reportedly found deceased in Birchfield’s home on July 25.

Birchfield is also accused of criminal sexual conduct, various financial crimes, and multiple counts of abuse and exploitation of vulnerable adults, according to the Lancaster Police Department. He faces specific allegations of controlling the movement and welfare of his victims, limiting their access to food and medical necessities.

The investigation began when law enforcement responded to a report of an unattended death at Birchfield’s residence. After a brief period of investigation, Birchfield was arrested on August 1, and additional charges were introduced following further developments in the case.

Birchfield is currently being held without bond at the Lancaster County Detention Center as the investigation continues. Police have stated they are seeking additional information regarding the case, urging anyone with knowledge to come forward.

**Newburgh man found guilty of assaulting women in retail store brawl**

Newburgh, NY A jury has convicted Ronnie Williams, 55, of assault in the third degree following a violent incident at a retail store. The incident occurred on January 4, leading to injuries for two women involved in the altercation.

Following the conviction on Thursday, Williams was remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail. He is set to be sentenced on December 2.

The case revolved around an incident where a female shopper became irate over a return policy. After calling Williams to the scene, he entered the store and struck another female shopper in the face.

When a 22-year-old female employee attempted to intervene, Williams forcefully grabbed her by the throat and pushed her against a counter. This resulted in injuries to the employee’s ear, neck, and back.

District Attorney David M. Hoovler praised the Town of Newburgh Police Department for their investigation. He stated, “Physical violence is never an appropriate response to settle a disagreement.”

Hoovler highlighted that the jury saw clear evidence of the defendant’s criminal actions, including video of the assault. Assistant District Attorney David Greenwald led the prosecution of the case.

This criminal charge is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

**Defendant sentenced to 12 years for child sex crimes**

Middletown, NY

Elser Anibal Ramirez-Mejia was sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree. The sentencing occurred on Thursday, October 16, where Ramirez-Mejia will also serve 20 years of post-release supervision and register as a sex offender.

Ramirez-Mejia, 28, admitted to committing multiple acts of sexual conduct with a child under 11 years old between September 1, 2019, and September 30, 2022. The case was investigated by the Town of Newburgh Police Department.

District Attorney David M. Hoovler praised the work of the police department and expressed relief that the victim was spared the trauma of testifying. The prosecution was led by Senior Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Mangold.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. A criminal charge is merely an allegation by the police and not evidence of guilt.

Woman imprisoned for child’s tragic death in gun accident

WICHITA, KAN. — A woman has been sentenced after a 7-year-old boy was fatally shot by a 4-year-old child who accessed her firearm. Tasha Dillard, 25, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and six counts of aggravated child endangerment.

The sentencing comes after the tragic incident occurred on March 15. Dillard was drinking with friends in her car while seven children were left in her apartment unattended.

When a child ran out to alert the adults, “Take him to the hospital,” a woman rushed inside to find Davion Gunter bleeding from his chest. She carried him outside until help arrived.

Court documents indicate that Dillard initially denied owning any firearms. She later acknowledged having a gun, which was left visible on a counter after a friend took a video for social media.

Davion was transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries. His death was ruled a homicide after it was determined the 4-year-old shot him in the chest.

Dillard had been facing charges of first-degree murder before accepting a plea deal in September. On Thursday, she received a sentence of 37 months in prison and additional post-release supervision.

The judge agreed to a sentence below the minimum requested by Dillard’s attorneys. This decision followed the complexity of the case and the pleading.

Dillard’s neglect led to a preventable tragedy, leaving a community to mourn a young life lost.