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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Man sentenced to life for strangling ex-girlfriend and disposing of body in Maryland

Silver Spring, MD A man has been sentenced to life in prison with 40 years suspended for murdering his ex-girlfriend. Francisco Lara-Garcia, 33, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for the death of 20-year-old Keylin Chavez Dominguez.

The couple began dating in early 2021 in Honduras and later moved to Rockville, a suburb of Washington D.C. Lara-Garcia became jealous when Dominguez began a relationship with another man in August 2022.

Chavez Dominguez was last in contact on December 30, 2022, sending a message to her new boyfriend. When she did not make further contact, he reached out to Lara-Garcia, who claimed not to know her whereabouts.

Under pressure from family members, Lara-Garcia reported Chavez Dominguez missing on January 2, 2023. Statements made during this report indicated inconsistencies, leading to suspicion of his involvement.

On January 28, 2023, a man’s discovery of a body concealed in trash bags beneath the eastbound Intercounty Connector confirmed the worst fears. An autopsy determined the victim had been beaten and strangled to death.

Lara-Garcia attempted to flee the region, but was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Missouri on February 1, 2023. In a subsequent interview, he admitted to killing Chavez Dominguez during an argument over music.

Following the argument, Lara-Garcia allegedly punched her multiple times, causing her to fall to the ground. He strangled her until she was lifeless and then transported her body in trash bags to a bridge, where he disposed of her remains before celebrating New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia.

Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their efforts in seeking justice for Chavez Dominguez’s family. The investigation revealed Lara-Garcia’s deceit, which misled both police and the victim’s loved ones for an extended period.

Foster mother and guardian charged with murder of 9-year-old girl found in river

Fayette County, PA Prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty against Kourtney Eutsey, 31, and Sarah Shipley, 35, who are accused of killing 9-year-old Renesmay Eutsey and discarding her body in a tote bag along a river. The two have been charged with first-degree murder, and the Fayette County District Attorney’s Office has filed notices of aggravated circumstances.

Renesmay was reported missing on a Saturday. Her body was discovered on September 4 in a bag on the Youghiogheny River’s shore bank. Eutsey is identified as both a blood relative and the legal guardian of the victim while also caring for her own children at the time.

Shipley served alongside Eutsey as a legal guardian for Renesmay. An affidavit indicates that as officers prepared to search Eutsey’s home, a young child approached them and expressed regret over not being truthful about the incident. The child stated, “I’m never going to see my baby sister again because she’s in heaven” and alleged that Eutsey killed Renesmay before placing her body in a tote bag.

The affidavit also details the child’s claims of overhearing conversations between Eutsey and Shipley regarding disposing of Renesmay. The sibling alleged witnessing abuse, stating that both women were “yelling at the victim and kicked her in her stomach.”

Renesmay weighed 45 pounds when found, exhibiting signs of abuse and neglect, including cigarette burns. Reports indicate that other children in the household were similarly abused.

Medical assessments revealed that two of the children had missing teeth due to being pulled forcibly. One child, an 11-year-old girl, could not read, and a 6-year-old boy was found malnourished and dehydrated during examinations.

In the wake of the arrests, the children from the home have since been placed with another family member. Renesmay’s biological mother voiced dismay, asking why her daughter was treated in such a manner.