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Las Vegas man allegedly murdered by cellmate days before release

Las Vegas, NV A man serving time for larceny was allegedly murdered by his cellmate at High Desert State Prison just days before his scheduled release. The victim’s family has filed a lawsuit against the Nevada Department of Corrections, claiming officials failed to protect him despite warnings from his cellmate.

Jacob Herman, 35, was reportedly stabbed and strangled by an inmate serving a life sentence for brutal murders. The lawsuit outlines systemic issues such as overcrowding and understaffing at the prison, asserting that these factors contributed to Herman’s death.

The lawsuit reveals that Herman’s cellmate, identified as “King,” had previously threatened him and exhibited a violent history. Despite the warnings, prison officials placed the two men in the same cell block in the days leading up to the incident.

On July 16 at approximately 2:50 a.m., King allegedly killed Herman and later informed corrections officers of the incident. The family of Herman claims the Nevada Department of Corrections acted with indifference to the threats made against him.

Herman had entered the Nevada Department of Corrections on May 20, 2024, after being convicted of larceny from a person. The complaint highlights King’s previous convictions, including the violent murders of a mother and her child.

Herman’s family seeks accountability from prison officials, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future. Following the incident, the Nevada Department of Corrections did not respond to requests for comment.

Woman charged with murder after deadly fentanyl overdose in Ridgefield casino hotel

Ridgefield, WA A woman faces multiple charges after allegedly drugging and killing a man at the ilani Casino Hotel. Raylin Benzie, 34, reportedly sought to rob her victim, identified only as “Arslan,” after he offered her $1,200 in casino winnings for sex on October 4.

Benzie allegedly forgot her usual drugs and used fentanyl instead, resulting in the man’s death. She texted a friend the following morning, stating, “I PANICKED AND DID SOMETHING DUMB” and requested help leaving the scene.

The victim was discovered unresponsive on October 5 in a hotel room on the 10th floor. Surveillance footage captured Benzie entering and leaving the room, initially with Arslan, then returning later with another man.

Benzie was arrested on October 31 and charged with first-degree murder, controlled substances homicide, and other offenses. Her bail was set at $10 million, and a trial is scheduled for January 26, 2026.

Day care worker sentenced to 10 years after toddler abuse caught on video

Lindale, TX

Catherine Guziejka, a 45-year-old day care worker, has received a 10-year prison sentence for abusing multiple toddlers at Punkin’ Doodles Day Care. The abuse occurred over several months and was documented through security footage.

Guziejka pleaded guilty in September to charges of injury to a child with intent to cause bodily injury. The incidents took place between July and October when Guziejka was observed kicking children in the back and performing other abusive actions.

Smith County assistant district attorney Richard Vance stated Guziejka received the longest sentence permissible for her offense. Victim families expressed dissatisfaction with the severity of the sentence.

Investigations began on October 23 when an employee reported Guziejka after viewing surveillance footage. This review led to the discovery of 134 instances of Guziejka assaulting at least six 2-year-olds.

The court heard multiple reports of Guziejka kicking toddlers while they were seated and using other forms of aggression. Victims were seen being forcibly held down or dragged to changing tables.

Melanie Dawn Law, the former owner of the day care, confirmed to police that Guziejka had been abusing children since July. Guziejka was terminated from her position once the footage was revealed, and all pertinent videos were handed to investigators.

Sheriff Larry Smith remarked on the fortunate circumstance that no serious injuries occurred, noting only minor bruises were reported among victims.

Guziejka’s defense attorneys cited her low IQ in an attempt to explain her behavior. However, Vance highlighted that the children showed no clear reason for the ongoing abuse, raising concerns about their long-term mental health.

Young boy planned murder for months before killing neighbor and boasting online

Fairfax, OH

A 14-year-old boy pleaded guilty to the murder of Sheila “Denise” Tenpenny, 64, in her home. The boy entered a plea deal that included charges of aggravated murder, aggravated burglary, and strangulation.

On February 2, Tenpenny was alone in her home on Germania Street when the boy attacked, causing blunt-force trauma before strangling her to death. The victim put up a fight, resulting in her acquiring hair from the attacker and leaving his DNA under her fingernails.

Investigators found scratches on the boy’s face and blood throughout the house. Following the murder, he posted on social media, stating, “This one was a fighter.”

The boy had planned the crime for months, researching online. He asked questions about how to choose a victim and how to handle a police interrogation.

Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation Agent David Ward remarked on the chilling nature of the crime given the boy’s age. He mentioned that the investigative team had seen DNA mistakes that ultimately aided in identifying the assailant.

As part of the plea deal, the boy will be held at the Ohio Department of Youth Services until he turns 21. Tenpenny is remembered as a kind individual who touched the lives of those around her.

Man bludgeons co-worker to death with sledgehammer after grudge

Cokato, MN A man is charged with second-degree murder following the fatal assault of a 20-year-old female co-worker. David Delong, 40, is accused of killing Amber Czech with a sledgehammer at the Advanced Process Technologies building early Tuesday morning.

Surveillance footage shows Delong leaving his workstation and approaching Czech’s station before striking her. He is alleged to have swung the sledgehammer multiple times.

According to the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, Delong confessed to the act, stating he had intended to kill Czech. He reportedly admitted to harboring resentment towards her.

First responders arrived to find Czech deceased on the floor, suffering from severe head trauma and blood loss. A bloody sledgehammer was located near her.

A witness reported that Delong mentioned hitting her with a hammer, indicating Czech’s location. Delong quickly became a suspect in the investigation.

Wright County Attorney Brian Lutes is reviewing the case, with consideration of elevating the charges to first-degree murder. Delong faces up to 40 years in prison and is scheduled for an initial court appearance on November 24.

Man accused of breaking into homes of deceased victims in Alabama

Alabaster, AL A man is in custody for burglarizing homes of individuals who recently died. Peter Michael Petitti, 40, has been arrested following a traffic stop after he allegedly broke into a residence to steal property from a deceased individual.

This incident marks the second time in three months Petitti has committed such offenses during mourning periods. The Alabaster Police Department linked him to the burglaries through video surveillance and his specific method of operation.

Petitti reportedly checked obituaries and social media to target his victims. Alabaster Police Detective Andrew Rowan stated that it’s reasonable to assume obituaries may have informed Petitti’s actions based on the circumstances.

The first burglary incident occurred in August, while the latest event took place on Sunday. In the latter case, he was identified after attempting to enter a home in the Park Forest neighborhood.

The previous break-in involved significant damage to doors and theft of minor valuables. Originally charged with fourth-degree burglary, Petitti now faces additional charges, including third-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools.

Petitti was out on bail by August 20, before being arrested again on November 9, with his bond revoked the following day.

Detective Rowan expressed disdain for Petitti’s actions, describing them as disturbing and said the victims’ families should not endure such violations during their time of grief.

The stolen items included jewelry and family heirlooms. The police have initiated efforts to recover the missing possessions.

Petitti is currently held in Shelby County Jail without bond as a precaution against further offenses.

Father sentenced for leaving children in sweltering car while visiting adult store

Phoenix, AZ Four children were left in a parked car that reached 124 degrees while their father, Ascencio Largo, visited an adult store. Largo, 38, was sentenced this week to four months in jail and 10 years of probation following an incident in July.

Largo was arrested on eight felony counts after a passerby reported the children inside the vehicle. Police arrived to find the car turned off and the windows rolled up, immediately recognizing the danger posed to the children.

After rescuing the children, officers provided water and placed them in a marked patrol SUV with air conditioning to cool down. The children, all under the age of 10, exhibited signs of heat distress, with body temperatures ranging from 99.7 to 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

During a court hearing, a prosecutor remarked on the immediate risk of death in this scenario. The judge noted the severity of the situation, critiquing Largo for his actions, stating he could have exited the store to discover his children had died.

Reports indicated that Largo appeared to be intoxicated at the time of the incident and had not responded to multiple announcements by store employees about the parked car. Emergency responders noted that the children were visibly suffering, sweating profusely and exhibiting red skin.

Largo attempted to exit the store through a back door when questioned by officers. His initial denial that the car belonged to him changed when he encountered emergency vehicles surrounding the Nissan.

The incident has drawn significant attention, highlighting the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially in extreme heat.

Suspect arrested in deadly car dealership shooting

Macomb County, MI A man dissatisfied with his vehicle purchase allegedly shot and killed two individuals at a car dealership. Terrance Sandles, 46, was arrested following the shooting on Nov. 7 at Star Auto dealership.

Sandles confronted Marvan Batoo, the owner, regarding a 2007 GMC Hummer he bought for $3,000. Following an argument that was captured on surveillance footage, Sandles reportedly opened fire at Batoo and customer Ghaith Baban, killing both men.

Batoo and Baban were shot at close range. Their bodies were discovered by an employee returning from a delivery.

Surveillance footage captured Sandles during the confrontation and as he fled the scene. License plate readers identified the vehicle he used to leave the area.

Sandles was located on Nov. 8 at a hotel in Romulus, where authorities found two guns, one believed to be the murder weapon, along with stolen cash and a significant amount of cocaine. He was booked into the Macomb County Jail without bond.

Charges against Sandles include two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of armed robbery, as well as various firearm and drug offenses. He was arraigned on Monday, and his next court date is set for Nov. 24.

Mother accused of threatening her children during TikTok livestream

Jefferson City, MO A Missouri mother faces serious charges after allegedly threatening to kill her children during a TikTok livestream. Elena Lujan, 30, is accused of making disturbing remarks to her 3 and 7-year-old kids in the early hours of Saturday.

Lujan reportedly told her children, “I’m sick of you,” and “Go to sleep before I f—ing kill you,” while appearing intoxicated. Police arrived at her apartment around 2 a.m. after receiving reports of the livestream.

Upon their arrival, officers found Lujan passed out in the children’s room with an open bottle of tequila on the kitchen counter. Broken glass littered the floor, and her children were found sleeping in separate areas of the apartment.

The probable cause statement details Lujan’s threats, including comments that suggested a desire to harm her children. She allegedly told one child, “I’ll kill her and then you’ll be the reason why she’s dead.”

Lujan was taken into custody after struggling to wake up due to her level of intoxication. While being transported, she reportedly spit at an officer and refused to take a breathalyzer test.

The statement notes that she is the only adult living in the home and concludes with her making numerous threats to kill her children. Lujan has been charged with child abuse and is currently being held at the Cole County Jail without bond.

An arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday.

Man pleads guilty to DWI deaths in Missouri crash

Mexico, MO A Missouri man received a conditional sentence following a guilty plea in connection to the deaths of two individuals in a drunk-driving incident. Joshua Frye, 24, pleaded guilty on Monday to charges of driving while intoxicated causing death, reckless driving, and DWI causing serious injury.

The fatal crash occurred on July 12, as Frye drove on the wrong side of South Clark Street in Mexico. Court documents reveal that Frye drove at an excessive speed before striking an oncoming vehicle, leading to a head-on collision.

Prosecutors described the incident as careless and imprudent. The victims were identified as Kristian Pritchett, 22, and Austin Terry, 27, who were passengers in Frye’s vehicle during the crash.

A third person, Elliot Kitson, 29, sustained injuries but survived the incident. The driver of the other vehicle reported that Frye’s car lost control on a curve shortly before impact at approximately 6:30 a.m.

Following the crash, law enforcement discovered multiple alcoholic beverages inside Frye’s vehicle. During court proceedings, Audrain County Prosecutor Jacob Shellabarger announced that Frye was sentenced to 15 years for the vehicular homicide charge and additional time for the other charges.

These sentences will run concurrently, but they are suspended pending Frye’s completion of a 120-day treatment program. He has been in custody since the crash due to his own injuries.

The victims’ families expressed opposition to the plea deal. They communicated their desire for Frye to serve the maximum possible punishment, emphasizing the irreversible losses they suffered.

Shellabarger noted Frye’s lack of a prior criminal history when discussing the plea deal. He addressed the severe consequences of Frye’s actions, reaffirming the gravity of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Frye will face probation if he completes the treatment program. He will also be subject to strict terms of probation should he be released.