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Man indicted for murder-for-hire related to body burning and burial

Bibb County, AL

John Wesley Collum, 57, faces a capital murder-for-hire indictment for involvement in the death of Oscar De Santiago Soto, 36. Prosecutors allege Collum participated in killing Soto and disposing of his body along with a 1998 Ford Ranger.

According to court documents, Collum was hired with unidentified accomplices to assist in the murder earlier this year. He is accused of placing Soto’s body in a hole, setting it ablaze, and burying it with a backhoe.

The indictment outlines that Soto’s remains were buried in close proximity to where his vehicle was last seen. Investigators indicate that Soto was driving the Ford Ranger when he went missing on June 18.

Evidence suggests Collum allegedly committed the acts between June 18 and June 27. He is charged with capital murder for pecuniary gain, hindering prosecution, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with physical evidence.

Police have confirmed that another suspect was apprehended, though formal charges remain unreported. Collum is currently held in the Bibb County Jail without bond as he awaits trial set for September 2026. He maintains a not guilty plea.

Robbery suspect arrested after police surveillance

Utica, NY Police units responded to a robbery at a convenience store on Mohawk St and Eagle St on November 28 at about 10:30 PM. The store employee reported that a male entered, displayed a handgun, and demanded cash and merchandise.

The suspect fled after receiving the items. The Criminal Investigations Division reviewed surveillance footage and canvassed the neighborhood to find a suspect vehicle and its registration.

On November 29, police monitored the suspect’s residence. When the suspect left his house, police conducted a traffic stop with the help of UPD Patrol.

The suspect, identified as Joseph Ruffule, 58, was detained and taken to the Utica Police Department. A search of his residence uncovered the weapon used in the robbery, which turned out to be a BB gun pistol, as well as an AR-15 style rifle.

Ruffule is charged with robbery in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.

15-year-old charged for fatal shooting of bicyclist in Orlando

Orlando, FL – A 15-year-old boy faces charges for the shooting death of a 17-year-old bicyclist. Tommy Lagree Jr. is charged with second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a minor.

Lagree turned himself in after the incident on September 26, when he allegedly shot Jahriel Huertas in the head.

Witnesses alleged that Lagree was in a parked van with two friends, smoking marijuana and displaying a handgun before the shooting occurred.

At approximately 6 p.m., Huertas encountered Lagree and was shot as he rode his bicycle. Following the gunfire, witnesses reported seeing several individuals fleeing the scene.

Law enforcement arrived and found Huertas on the roadway, suffering from a gunshot wound. First responders transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A helicopter located the residence of at least two individuals who fled with Lagree after the shooting. The deputies detained the individuals, leading to a thorough investigation.

Lagree, accompanied by his attorney, later arrived to turn himself in, stating that he was involved in the shooting. Law enforcement officers also seized the handgun used in the incident.

Two individuals present during the incident identified Lagree as the shooter.

Lagree has been charged as an adult and is scheduled to appear in court on December 1. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear.

Miami mom chokes daughter over housework dispute

Miami, FL A mother is facing charges after allegedly choking her teenage daughter during an argument over cleaning. Jamika Jackson, 36, was involved in a physical confrontation with her 16-year-old daughter the day before Thanksgiving.

The dispute escalated after the daughter expressed frustration about housework. According to the criminal complaint, the incident began with Jackson slapping her daughter on the mouth, followed by throwing her to the floor.

The daughter reported that Jackson then placed her in a choke hold from behind, making it difficult for her to breathe. A witness to the altercation stated that the girl pleaded for her mother to stop.

While in the choke hold, Jackson allegedly bit her daughter on the arm. Police reported that the victim had several injuries, including a small laceration in her mouth and a bite mark on her arm.

After being read her rights, Jackson admitted to the altercation and acknowledged her actions during the confrontation. She has since pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Court records indicate that an arraignment hearing is scheduled for January 23.

Arrest made after child abuse incident during diaper change

Louisville, KY A man is in custody after reportedly injuring a child during a diaper change. Jorge Jesus Perez-Ramirez, 29, was arrested on Wednesday and faces charges of first-degree assault and first-degree criminal abuse of a child aged 12 or under.

According to jail records, Perez-Ramirez unlawfully took custody of his girlfriend’s child. The alleged abuse occurred on October 14 when the child was taken to urgent care with severe injuries before being transferred to a children’s hospital for further medical assessment.

Staff at the hospital determined the child’s injuries resulted from abusive head trauma. Reports indicate the child remains in critical condition.

Court documents reveal that Perez-Ramirez “manifested extreme indifference to the value of human life” by treating the child in a way that caused such severe injuries. He pleaded not guilty and is currently being held at Louisville Metro Detention Center on an immigration detainer.

A preliminary hearing is set for December 8. The charge of child abuse carries potential penalties of 10 to 20 years in prison under Kentucky law.

Mother charged with filing false report in Arkansas child endangerment case

Jonesboro, AR – Lyrica Maisha Noble has been charged with one count of filing a false report regarding her infant son. The case initially involved charges against the child’s father, Larry Donell Lee, 27, for child endangerment.

The incident took place on November 6 outside a residence on Churchill Drive. At that time, Noble claimed her child had been left outside unattended for nearly half an hour.

Noble recently acknowledged that she was at home when Lee returned the child to her. This admission contradicts her initial claims that she was not present during the incident.

The change in Noble’s story occurred two days after the initial report. In her initial version, she stated the child was left in a car seat on the porch and had vomit on them.

On November 21, her account shifted. She admitted to law enforcement that she had been home during the incident and had retrieved the child immediately after Lee informed her the infant was outside.

Noble’s admissions led to the filing of charges against her for providing false information. She was arrested and booked into the Craighead County Detention Center, though she is not currently listed on the jail roster.

Noble’s court appearance is scheduled for January 23, according to court records.

Fiance and sister arrested in missing Michigan woman’s case after body recovery

Baldwin, MI

The fiance and sister of a missing Michigan woman are in custody following the discovery of a body resembling the woman. Rebecca Park, 22, was last seen by her mother outside her Cadillac home on November 3.

A body was found by searchers along a hiking trail in Manistee National Forest on November 25, about 35 miles south of Traverse City. Wexford County Sheriff Trent Taylor stated that the individual found resembled Rebecca Park.

Sheriff Taylor described the situation as tragic and expressed hope that it could bring closure. Park’s fiancé, Richard Falor, 43, was arrested later that evening on multiple charges. Hours later, around 1 a.m. on November 26, Kimble Park, 21, was also taken into custody.

Falor faces two counts related to methamphetamine distribution. Kimberly Park has been charged with tampering with evidence, lying to police, and filing a false report.

As of now, there is no official link between these charges and the disappearance of Rebecca Park. An autopsy will be conducted to confirm the identity of the recovered remains, although family members reportedly confirmed it was Rebecca.

During a court appearance on the following Wednesday, Kimberly Park’s bond was set at $750,000, while Falor’s bond was set at $1 million. Both are considered threats to the community and flight risks.

Due to national media focus on the case, 84th District Court Judge Corey Wiggins ordered livestream coverage of the proceedings to cease. Judge Wiggins emphasized the need to ensure a fair trial for the defendants.

Details surrounding the status of Rebecca Park’s child remain undisclosed. Her due date was reportedly November 18.

Rebecca Park’s adoptive mother expressed her heartbreak and the challenges faced by the family during this distressing time.

Mother accused of torturing infant for crying

Phenix City, AL

A mother has been charged with attempted murder and child abuse after allegedly torturing her four-month-old daughter. Mireira Lucero, 28, is being held on an $85,000 bond at the Lee County Detention Center.

On Monday at approximately midnight, witnesses reported Lucero attempting to suffocate her daughter at a home on the 200 block of Lee Road. Multiple individuals observed violent actions, including choking and shaking the infant.

Emergency responders received a 911 call at about 12:38 a.m. that indicated Lucero was trying to smother her child. Court documents reveal that Lucero not only shook her baby but also placed blankets and pillows on top of her, and grabbed the infant by the throat.

Following the incident, emergency personnel transported the infant to a local hospital where she appeared alert and in good health. Law enforcement arrested Lucero and she was subsequently placed in jail.

Phenix City is located in eastern Alabama, near the Georgia border.

Boy injured after accidentally shooting himself with father’s firearm

Omaha, NE A five-year-old boy is recovering after he accidentally shot himself with a gun that fell from his father’s pocket. The boy was injured in the arm on Sunday.

Trae Colvin, 28, faces charges of child abuse, according to Douglas County corrections records. Omaha police arrested Colvin and cited the boy’s mother, Gabrielle Gutierrez, for two counts of misdemeanor neglect.

Prosecutors allege that Colvin put the firearm in his pocket after driving home with the child. He reportedly fell asleep on his bed with the boy and his seven-month-old sibling nearby.

Colvin told police he did not hear the gunshot but realized the boy was injured when he saw blood. He allegedly put the gun in a safe before leaving the house to call the boy’s mother.

Gutierrez said that Colvin frequently kept the gun in his pocket rather than securing it in the safe. The boy’s mother expressed concern about the firearm being accessible to the children prior to the incident.

Child Protective Services intervened and removed both children from the home. The five-year-old is expected to make a full recovery.

Havre de Grace couple plans retirement with $500,000 lottery win

Havre de Grace, MD A local couple is set to transition from semi-retirement to full retirement after winning $500,000 in a Maryland Lottery scratch-off game. The winner claimed the prize on November 26 at Lottery headquarters in Baltimore.

He referred to the win as a “game changer” and expressed excitement about having more leisure time. Although he plans to enjoy his newfound wealth, he indicated that staying busy would still be a priority.

The winning ticket was a $20 Gifts of Green scratch-off. The couple had also recently won $20,000 on a Ravens scratch-off ticket last month.

The lucky winner intends to share his winnings with family members and is considering a vacation, possibly to Italy. He noted that while he has played scratch-offs for years, these recent wins are the largest he has ever achieved.

Previously, his biggest wins were around $1,000. He plans to continue playing but likely less frequently.

Post Road Liquors in Havre de Grace will also benefit as the store receives a $1,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

The Gifts of Green game has been on sale since October 17 and started with seven top $500,000 prizes. Following this win, only six of those prizes remain unclaimed. The game also features six unclaimed $25,000 prizes and numerous other prizes ranging from $20 to $5,000.

Annapolis man charged after aiming gun at caroling girls

Annapolis, MD A 58-year-old man is facing charges after reportedly pointing a firearm at a group of 12-year-old carolers. The incident occurred on Saturday night around 8:30 p.m. in the vicinity of the 1700 block of Point No Point Drive.

Paul Susie has been charged with first- and second-degree assault along with additional charges. The Anne Arundel County Police Department confirmed the man’s arrest following the confrontation.

Three girls were singing Christmas carols and approached Susie’s home, where one of them knocked on his door to inform him of their activity. Susie allegedly aimed a gun at them from a window inside his residence during this encounter.

Responding officers later arrested Susie, who admitted to drinking alcohol prior to the incident. Police reported that Susie’s front stoop was well-lit at the time.

A .40-caliber Glock handgun, which Susie possessed legally, was recovered at the scene. He has also been charged for handling a handgun while under the influence.

District C-11 cops nab armed robbery suspect in drug bust

BOSTON, MA A suspect linked to an armed robbery report was arrested in Dorchester on Wednesday afternoon. Officers responded to a report of a robbery at 262 E 8th Street around 3:19 PM.

A potential suspect was seen entering a bodega with a bandana over his face. Officers arrived and saw the man walking outside of the store and approached him.

The individual fled, prompting a foot pursuit. Despite multiple orders to halt, the suspect continued to run.

The suspect entered a backyard on Knowlton Street before the officer caught up to him and placed him in handcuffs.

A subsequent investigation revealed that the suspect had outstanding warrants for armed robbery, assault and battery, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Further warrants related to drug trafficking were also discovered.

During the arrest, officers found 68 grams of fentanyl, 29 grams of crystal meth, and five grams of crack cocaine.

Officers also recovered a scale with white powder residue and $1,124 in cash.

Dempsey Allen, 28, of Milford, faces multiple charges, including trafficking of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

He is expected to appear in South Boston District Court for the arraignment.

70-year-old man charged with elder abuse after assaulting his mother

Phenix City, AL A 70-year-old man has been charged with second-degree elder abuse after allegedly beating his 95-year-old mother. John Earl Black was arrested following a report from his brother.

Black was taken into custody on Tuesday and is being held on a $30,000 bond. The incident was reported to law enforcement on Monday at approximately 8 a.m.

A man approached sheriff’s deputies, stating his brother had assaulted their mother. When authorities inspected the vehicle, they found the elderly woman with injuries, including two black eyes and Band-Aids on her arms and legs.

Upon questioning, the victim indicated she had been struck by her son and confirmed this was not the first occurrence. The assault took place at her home on Lee Road 498.

During the arrest, deputies discovered Black had a previous similar charge dating back to April 2022. He pleaded guilty to that charge in January and received a two-year probation sentence.

This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding elder abuse in the community.

Man arrested in firearm bust during traffic stop

Boston, MA On Thursday afternoon, officers assigned to District B-3 arrested Nicholas Knight, 32, of Dorchester, on various firearm offenses. At 2:30 AM, officers observed a motor vehicle speeding towards Gallivan Boulevard.

Officers activated their cruiser’s emergency lights and sirens to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle slowed down before stopping a short distance ahead.

As officers approached, they noticed a holstered firearm in the open glove compartment. The suspect was ordered out of the vehicle and placed in handcuffs.

District Detectives responded to confirm the firearm was a Smith & Wesson SD9 VE, loaded with fourteen rounds, and determined it had been reported stolen.

Knight faces multiple charges, including carrying a firearm without a license and possession of a large capacity firearm.

He also received a citation for speeding, exceeding the posted limit.