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Mom’s interviews sought to be excluded in toddler’s homicide case

Moorhead, MN An attorney for Valerie Zamora is pushing to exclude her interviews with police from court. Zamora, 33, faces charges in the death of her 20-month-old son, Jose, who died in May after the family reportedly stopped at a Walmart to purchase Pedialyte on the way to the hospital.

Zamora was arrested following an investigation that determined she may have been responsible for the child’s death. On May 15, Zamora, her partner, and their daughter brought Jose to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead at 11:05 p.m.

During court proceedings on Monday, Zamora’s defense attorney argued that the recorded interviews conducted after Jose’s death should not be permitted as evidence. The attorney claimed Zamora was not advised of her Miranda rights during the three police interviews, which took place at the hospital and later at the police station.

Detective Katie Schultz testified that Zamora voluntarily spoke with police, stating she could end the conversation at any time since she was not under arrest. Zamora’s attorney, Michael Minard, argued the defense should prevail as the client had requested legal representation during the third interview.

Police noted that Zamora initially provided inconsistent statements regarding her son’s health leading to his death. She reportedly expressed concerns about social services taking her children away when asked why she hesitated to seek medical help the previous day.

Witnesses informed investigators that they had urged Zamora to take Jose to the hospital before his condition worsened. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Zamora entering Walmart at 10:12 p.m., just moments before Jose began showing serious symptoms.

Zamora is currently held at Clay County Jail facing a charge of second-degree murder following her extradition from Cass County.

Man charged with murder of girlfriend after months of torture

Saginaw, MI A man faces charges of murder following the death of Kelley K. LaLonde, who suffered extensive injuries and was on life support for months. Jonathan M. Zieroff is accused of abusing LaLonde, resulting in over 50 distinct injuries.

Details of the case emerged during a preliminary hearing on Monday. Prior to LaLonde’s death, Zieroff had already been charged with felony assault with intent to murder.

LaLonde’s mother reported her missing after she failed to respond to calls or show up for work. On September 12, she visited Zieroff’s home where police found LaLonde in dire conditions.

Officers observed LaLonde unresponsive and showing signs of severe neglect. She was taken to the emergency room, where medical staff identified multiple injuries including a fractured skull.

Zieroff was not home when police arrived. His mother stated he had left earlier to meet a friend and provided different explanations regarding LaLonde’s injuries.

During the hearing, a nurse practitioner testified regarding her examination of LaLonde. She identified 52 distinct injuries, indicating they could not be very old and described the severity of the wounds.

An autopsy confirmed blunt force trauma as the cause of death and classified the manner of death as homicide. Following the findings, investigators executed a search warrant at Zieroff’s residence, gathering evidence related to the case.

Zieroff was located in a wooded area nearby and taken into custody. Prosecutors requested that the case be bound over to circuit court for charges of torture and open murder. Despite concerns about the strength of the evidence, the judge ruled there was sufficient basis for the trial.

LaLonde is remembered in her obituary for her vibrant spirit and love of family and sports. A GoFundMe page reflects the support she received and the impact of her loss on those close to her.

Shooting incident leads to arrest of juvenile with loaded handguns

Utica, NY A shooting incident on the 1200 block of Taylor Ave prompted a police response after a ShotSpotter alert identified gunfire. Officers discovered multiple shell casings outside a home and learned that no injuries occurred despite rounds entering the residence.

Investigators from the GIVE Unit reviewed surveillance footage and identified individuals involved in the incident. A subsequent 911 call on Thursday reported shots fired at the same residence.

Upon investigation, officers found that no recent shooting had taken place. A dark-colored vehicle had threatened the tenants, while video showed a 16-year-old male exiting the residence aiming what appeared to be a firearm at the vehicle.

Police interviewed the tenants and secured consent for a search of the home. During the search, they located the lower receiver of a handgun, a loaded magazine, and a loaded 9mm handgun similar to what the video depicted.

The juvenile was taken into custody for processing and had previously been found with a loaded handgun this year.

He faces charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and criminal possession of a firearm. His guardians have assumed responsibility, and he is scheduled to appear in Oneida County Family Court.

The investigation into the shooting incident from earlier in the week is ongoing.

Oklahoma woman charged with attempted murder of husband over oxygen supply

Claremore, OK

Naomi Austin, 73, faces charges of attempted murder and abuse by a caretaker. She was arrested late Saturday for allegedly unplugging her husband’s oxygen supply while telling him to “just die.”

Her 77-year-old husband contacted emergency services claiming Austin had disconnected his oxygen and refused to reconnect it.

This incident was not the first of its kind. On October 11, firefighters responded to a similar call regarding his oxygen supply being tampered with.

Investigators uncovered text messages in which Austin expressed animosity toward her husband. In one message, she reportedly stated, “I hate [victim],” and in another, “He needs to die soon.”

An affiliate reported that during a conversation with a family realtor, she sought assistance in facilitating her husband’s death.

Sheriff Scott Walton commented on Austin’s arrest, emphasizing the necessity of the action taken despite her age.

Jail records reveal that Austin is being held without bond and has a court date scheduled for November 12.