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Tragedy strikes as teen is fatally shot by stray bullet while gaming

ST. LOUIS, MO — A 14-year-old boy was shot and killed by a stray bullet while playing video games in his bedroom on Wednesday evening, according to authorities. Duwan Morgan was found dead in his home after police responded to a 911 call regarding the incident.

The St. Louis County Police Department arrived at the scene in the 10200 block of Hobkirk Drive shortly after 6 p.m. Officers located Morgan, who suffered at least one gunshot wound.

His mother, Keshia Morgan, expressed her sorrow on a GoFundMe page dedicated to his memory. “A senseless shootout led to a stray bullet entering my home, striking my beloved son Duwan Morgan, who was only 14 years old,” she wrote.

Authorities reported no arrests in connection with the shooting. Duwan’s aunt, Erica Davis, stated that two groups of teens were involved in an argument prior to the gunfire. The bullet that killed Duwan entered his bedroom while he was gaming.

“The boy’s mom and two brothers were inside the home but were not hit in the incident,” officials confirmed. Davis described her nephew as excited to be entering high school soon.

Duwan’s family is seeking justice and urges anyone with information to come forward. “My family will never be the same,” Davis said.

The St. Louis County Police Department encourages those with details to contact them at 636-529-8210 or to submit tips anonymously via CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-8477.

This tragic event underscores the dangers of gun violence impacting innocent lives.

Police arrest maintenance worker for sexual assault in Utica

UTICA, NY — Utica Police responded to a sexual assault complaint reported from an apartment complex on Bleecker Street. Officers learned that a maintenance worker had entered the victim’s apartment under the pretense of conducting necessary repairs.

Once inside, the maintenance worker went into the victim’s bedroom and remained there for an extended period. The victim approached to ask about his actions and noticed he had removed his clothing and was making inappropriate gestures.

According to reports, the suspect then forcefully placed the victim on the bed and attempted to commit sexual acts. The victim managed to escape, and the suspect subsequently left the premises.

The investigation was assigned to a member of the Criminal Investigations Division, which led to a positive identification of the suspect. On October 10, Richard Melendez, 54, of Utica, was arrested.

Melendez faces charges of aggravated sexual abuse in the third degree and failure to update his employment status as a sex offender.

Utica Police continue the investigation and urge anyone with further information to contact authorities.

A maintenance worker’s alleged actions have led to serious charges in Utica.

Juvenile charged in aggravated assault involving knife attack

WILKES-BARRE, PA — A 12-year-old male has been charged in connection with an aggravated assault that resulted in a stabbing incident. The event occurred on Madison Street.

Officers responded to a residence on North Main Street on Wednesday afternoon after receiving a report of a male victim with stab wounds. Upon arrival, they encountered the 17-year-old victim who informed them of an ongoing dispute with the suspect.

The victim stated that he went to the suspect’s residence to confront him. Following a verbal altercation, the suspect allegedly displayed a knife, prompting the victim to flee.

The victim noted that he fell to the ground during his attempt to escape. In the process, the suspect reportedly stabbed him in the back before fleeing the scene.

The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities are currently investigating the incident further.

No additional information about the suspect has been released as the investigation is ongoing.

A juvenile has been arrested and charged while the victim seeks medical attention for his injuries.

BPD snags 21 suspects in major crackdown on violence

BALTIMORE, MD — Baltimore Police Department has announced the arrests of 21 suspects linked to homicide and non-fatal shooting incidents over the past month. Sixteen of the arrested individuals have prior arrest records in Maryland; eight of these suspects are categorized as repeat violent offenders.

“Our detectives, along with the Warrant Apprehension Task Force and our partners with the U.S. Marshals Service, have done an outstanding job investigating these cases,” said Commissioner Richard Worley. The efforts have been focused on identifying and arresting those responsible for violent crimes in the city.

The arrested individuals represent a significant effort by various law enforcement agencies aiming to enhance public safety. The arrests reflect ongoing collaboration with federal partners, particularly in addressing violent crime.

The Baltimore Police Department continues to work closely with community partners to address crime through effective policing strategies. This operation is part of a larger initiative targeting crime trends in the area.

Residents may see increased police presence as authorities seek to strengthen community trust and safety. The focus remains on removing violent offenders from the streets.

Authorities plan to provide updates on the arrested individuals as investigations continue. This enforcement action could lead to further arrests as the department expands its operations.

In an ongoing effort to combat crime, the Baltimore Police Department remains dedicated to reducing violence and promoting safety in the community. Continued collaboration is crucial to these law enforcement initiatives.

BPD’s month-long effort has put a significant number of suspected violent offenders behind bars.

Utica woman charged with criminal mischief after vehicle damage

UTICA, NY — A Utica woman was charged with criminal mischief after an investigation linked her to damages caused to a motor vehicle in early August. Four tires were slashed and scratch marks were found on the vehicle, amounting to damages that exceeded $2,200.

Utica Police received the report of the incident and assigned the case to the Criminal Investigations Division. A positive suspect identity was established during the investigation.

On October 14, Mary Sanders, age 50, was charged with criminal mischief in the second degree.

The police have not released further details regarding the motive behind the damage or any potential prior incidents related to Sanders.

The Utica Police Department continues to address criminal activities within the community.

The investigation remains open as authorities gather more information.

Residents are urged to report any similar incidents to assist law enforcement.

A 50-year-old woman allegedly faces consequences for damaging a vehicle in Utica.

Suspect nabbed twice in thefts, pulled into police net

UTICA, NY – A woman, banned from the Hannaford grocery store, was arrested Saturday for theft, according to Utica Police. Amber Beaton, age 41, had reportedly stolen groceries before being detained by loss prevention staff.

Police arrived at the scene shortly after being called by loss prevention associates. They then transported Beaton to the Utica Police Department, charging her with burglary in the third degree and petit larceny.

On Tuesday, Utica Police received a report of a stolen truck from a contractor. The contractor indicated that he had entered a location to work and noticed the work truck was missing upon exiting.

A BOLO alert was issued, prompting an off-duty officer to spot the stolen truck on Genesee Street. The vehicle was later found in a business plaza on Trenton Avenue.

Officers located a female who appeared to be hiding in the men’s room of the business. Beaton was eventually identified as the female and was holding the key fob to the stolen vehicle when she exited.

Beaton was taken to the Utica Police Department following the incident. After the investigation concluded, she faced additional charges of grand larceny in the fourth degree.

The Utica community remains vigilant as police continue to address local thefts.

Amber Beaton was caught in a web of crime after two thefts in just days.

Warrant arrest leads to capture of Wilkes-Barre man

WILKES-BARRE, PA — A Wilkes-Barre man was taken into custody earlier this week due to an active arrest warrant. The apprehension took place following a traffic stop at 1:55 a.m. on Grove Street.

Officers initiated the traffic stop in the vicinity of Grove and Abbott Streets. During the investigation, they discovered that the vehicle’s operator, identified as Emilio Bautista-Cruz, age 34, had an outstanding warrant issued by the police department.

Bautista-Cruz was arrested without incident and subsequently transported to City Headquarters for processing.

The police department confirmed the warrant led to the arrest. Officers continue to emphasize the importance of adhering to the law as part of their patrol efforts.

This incident underscores the department’s commitment to public safety and enforcing existing warrants.

For more information, visit the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department’s website.

Bautista-Cruz’s arrest serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to apprehend individuals with active warrants.

Armed robbery suspect arrested after foot chase in Dorchester

DORCHESTER, MA – Officers arrested 26-year-old Ezequiel Rodriguez on Monday night after a foot chase linked to an armed robbery report.

At around 9:16 PM, officers from District C-11 responded to a report of an armed robbery at 323 Washington Street. The suspect was described as a man wearing a black ski mask, black top, and black pants.

While patrolling, officers observed two males walking on Harvard Street towards Talbot Avenue. One of them matched the suspect’s description and was wearing a dark-colored mask.

When officers exited their cruiser to investigate, both individuals fled on foot into the driveway of 222 Harvard Street. Officers pursued them and observed Rodriguez clutching his waistband.

Both individuals were detained after a brief chase. Officers found a firearm in the rear of 220 Harvard Street after Rodriguez fled.

The weapon, a Glock 17 9mm pistol, had a magazine capable of holding 31 rounds and contained 25 live rounds. Rodriguez faces several firearm-related charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm.

Rodriguez is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court. The second individual was identified and released pending further investigation by District C-11 detectives.

A night of crime ends with an arrest in Dorchester.

Cumberland police arrest multiple individuals on various charges

CUMBERLAND, MD – Authorities arrested several individuals on October 13 in connection with separate incidents involving assault, threats of violence, and failure to appear in court.

Joseph Henry Dowell, 61, was arrested on an active warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court for an incident that occurred October 12. Officers responded to a report of an assault in the 300 block of Fayette Street.

The victim reported Dowell had struck her in the face multiple times and had choked her, resulting in visible injuries. Dowell fled prior to police arrival, and a warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest.

Dowell was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an Initial Appearance. He was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center without bond.

In a separate incident on the same day, Ronald Alan Kelly, 48, was arrested for allegedly making threats concerning explosive devices. Officers spoke to a witness who reported Kelly’s statements regarding his intent to set off the devices.

Kelly was taken to a medical facility for evaluation before being arrested on an active warrant issued by the Allegany County District Court. He too appeared before a District Court Commissioner, where he was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center without bond.

Barbara L. Webb, 46, was arrested on an active warrant for an altercation that occurred the same day. The warrant alleged involvement in an incident where a male was assaulted with pepper spray. Webb was released on a $7,500 unsecured bond after her Initial Appearance.

Nathin William Schroth, 20, was apprehended on a bench warrant issued on September 11 for failure to appear in Circuit Court regarding a previous charge of First Degree Assault. He was taken to the Allegany County Detention Center after his Initial Appearance, where he currently remains without bond.

Jeremy Allen Yetter, 39, was also arrested under two active bench warrants for failing to appear in District Court in September. He is reported to have missed court dates related to a charge of driving an uninsured vehicle, but was released on his own recognizance after his appearance.

Law enforcement remains vigilant as investigations continue into these incidents.

Severe storm causes tree fall, impacts traffic in Wall Township

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ — A significant storm has caused minimal damage but resulted in a major incident on Monday morning. A large tree fell across Baileys Corner Road near Ocean Road and Allaire Road around 8:00 AM.

The fallen tree led to partially resting branches on power lines. A response from the power company was required before the Department of Public Works (DPW) could clear the road.

Authorities alert residents not to take the ongoing storm lightly. High tide is expected at 1:30 PM on Monday.

For emergencies, residents are advised to call 911. For non-emergency situations, the Wall Township Police can be reached at 732-449-4500.

Stay safe during the storm and report any issues to local authorities.

Storm-related incidents continue to create traffic disruptions in Wall Township.

Newburgh man convicted of rape, jailed without bail

NEWBURGH, NY — Ernst Gilles, 24, of New Windsor has been convicted of Rape in the Third Degree and Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree after a jury trial at the Orange County Court. He was remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail following the verdict and is set to be sentenced on January 14.

The case stemmed from an incident on July 22, 2024, when Gilles engaged in sexual intercourse with another person without consent, allegedly preventing the victim from leaving. Authorities reported that the incident was reported swiftly, leading to an investigation by the City of Newburgh Police Department, resulting in his arrest.

District Attorney David M. Hoovler expressed gratitude toward the police department for their efforts in this case. “The guilty verdict announced today affirms how the truth of a brave survivor cannot be silenced,” he stated.

Hoovler highlighted the work of law enforcement and prosecutors, saying, “We continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute the most challenging cases to achieve a just result.” He also commended Senior Assistant District Attorney Michael Purcell and Assistant District Attorney Ralph Anthony for their prosecution efforts.

This criminal charge carries serious implications, but all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The burden of proof lies with the State of New York to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case adds to ongoing discussions about crime and justice in the region. As Gilles awaits sentencing, his conviction marks a significant moment in the legal process surrounding sexual offenses in the area.

The outcome of this trial underscores the commitment to hold offenders accountable for their actions.

Woman sentenced to decades in prison for murder and dismemberment

ERIE, PA — A woman received a 40 to 80-year sentence for the murder and dismemberment of a 66-year-old man. Marisa Jean Rodriguez, 37, pleaded guilty to charges including third-degree murder and abuse of a corpse.

Rodriguez shot Michael Maisner in April 2023 and then used a chainsaw purchased with his money to dismember him. The incident came to light after Maisner’s family members visited his home and found Rodriguez living in his attic.

On Monday, a judge announced the sentence after reviewing the details of the case. “This is probably the worst series of facts I’ve probably ever heard in a courtroom,” said Erie County Judge Daniel J. Brabender Jr.

Initially charged with first-degree murder, Rodriguez struck a deal with prosecutors that led to downgraded charges. In addition to third-degree murder, she also pleaded guilty to charges of criminal mischief, possession of an instrument of a crime, theft, and tampering with evidence.

Rodriguez reportedly lived in Maisner’s attic for months before the murder. On April 12, 2023, when family members grew concerned, they discovered her in the home. Authorities later found evidence of the crime, including blood and human tissue, in the house and remains in a firepit.

The investigation linked Rodriguez to the crime through her searches that included phrases like “how to shoot someone” and “burn a body.” She was arrested the day after the murder while driving Maisner’s vehicle to New York.

Rodriguez had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was initially found incompetent to stand trial. Quotes from letters she wrote in custody indicate her mental state during the proceedings.

The disgraced woman brought a gruesome end to a life that her victim had hoped would offer companionship in his later years.

Man charged with murder after high school parking lot shooting

FRISCO, TX – Jason Bartik, a 45-year-old man, has been charged with murder following a shooting incident that resulted in the death of 34-year-old Robert Taylor. The shooting occurred Thursday night in the parking lot of Frisco High School, which is located across the street from the police station.

Police responded to a 911 call about the shooting at approximately 8:30 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found Taylor lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

According to an arrest affidavit, Bartik made the 911 call reporting the incident, claiming it stemmed from a road rage altercation. He told police that Taylor was tailgating him while they were driving on the highway, prompting Bartik to brake-check him.

Bartik drove into the school parking lot and stated that Taylor followed him. Upon exiting his vehicle, Taylor allegedly approached Bartik’s driver side window and “punched [Bartik] in the face,” according to Bartik’s account.

The affidavit details that Bartik then retrieved a handgun and fired at least two shots at Taylor. First responders found Taylor face down on the ground, and lifesaving efforts were attempted but he did not survive.

Bartik was taken into custody at the scene and subsequently charged with murder after an investigation. Law enforcement confirmed that no students were involved in the incident.

Bartik remains in custody at Collin County Jail with a bond set at $750,000.

A road rage dispute escalated into tragedy as a young man lost his life in a school parking lot.

Allegheny County Police mourns the loss of EOD K9 Bentley

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Allegheny County Police Department announced the death of retired explosive detection K9 Bentley. Bentley passed away this morning after a two-year battle with cancer.

Bentley served alongside retired Patrol Officer Chris Miller for four years at Pittsburgh International Airport. The K9 unit retired last year.

During his service, Bentley was instrumental in ensuring security at the airport, contributing to the safety of travelers. He passed peacefully at home with Officer Miller and his family present.

The Allegheny County Police expressed gratitude for Bentley’s service and dedication to the community. Bentley’s contributions as an EOD K9 will be remembered by the department.

“The loss of Bentley touches all of us within the department,” said the police statement. The public is encouraged to reflect on Bentley’s service and impact on community safety.

The department has shared photographs in memory of Bentley, showcasing moments from his career. Community members are invited to pay their respects and honor Bentley’s legacy.

Bentley’s passing marks a significant loss for both the police department and the broader community he served.

EOD K9 Bentley’s legacy serves as a reminder of the important role canine units play in public safety.

Schenectady police probe possible human remains discovery

SCHENECTADY, NY — The Schenectady Police Department is investigating the discovery of what appears to be human remains on Westover Place. A work crew found the remains, prompting authorities to respond to the scene.

The area is currently being treated as an active crime scene. Police have not yet released additional details regarding the remains or the investigation.

Officials will provide more information as it becomes available. Investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the discovery.

The investigation continues to unfold, and the public is urged to stay tuned for updates.

This shocking finding raises serious concerns about safety in the area.

As authorities search for answers, the community is left to ponder the implications of such a discovery.

North Carolina man sentenced to life for brutal murder of girlfriend’s son

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. — Joseph Ray Carroll, 54, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of his girlfriend’s 15-year-old son, Casey Johnson. Carroll received the sentence after being convicted of first-degree murder and two counts of felony child abuse last week.

The incident leading to the conviction occurred in 2021. Prosecutors stated Carroll killed Johnson by repeatedly banging his head against the floor. The assault occurred while the victim’s younger sister witnessed the event.

Richmond County District Attorney Jamie Adams addressed the case, stating, “I cannot adequately express the horrors these children experienced at the hands of this defendant.” She noted the long-lasting impact it has had on the children involved, the jurors, and the community.

Casey’s mother, Michelle Johnson, initially admitted to injuring her son but later became the subject of a courtroom video showing Carroll instructing her to align their narratives. Johnson faces charges of accessory after the fact and felony child abuse.

Child abuse experts described Casey’s injuries as comparable to those sustained in a car accident. Reports indicated that Carroll had subjected Casey and his two younger sisters to dehydration, beatings, and sleep deprivation during a two-year period.

Testimony from Casey’s sister revealed the lasting trauma inflicted by Carroll. She stated, “Joe made us so weak so that we couldn’t fight back,” indicating the psychological and physical damage caused by Carroll.

Following the court ruling, the sisters have been placed in the custody of their aunt and uncle. Family members expressed belief that Casey would be pleased with the verdict, as it provides safety for his sisters.

This tragic case highlights the profound impact of domestic violence within families and the legal repercussions for those who commit such acts.