Police Blotter

Massachusetts man shoots wife during domestic dispute

Leominster, MA A man has been charged with shooting and killing his wife during an altercation at their home. James Marsh, 64, faces charges including assault with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon resulting in serious bodily injury.

On Friday, a 911 call led police to the couple’s residence on Union Street. Officers found a man sitting on a couch with a gun, and a woman motionless beneath a blanket.

When responding officers entered the home, one reported hearing a moaning sound. Upon entering further, they encountered James Marsh, who was holding the weapon.

The woman, identified as 62-year-old Ann Marsh, was later pronounced dead at the scene. James Marsh barricaded himself inside the residence for several hours before surrendering to police.

He appeared in court on Monday. Prosecutors stated that an altercation with his wife led to the shooting incident. The nature of the death has been described as domestic, and the case remains under investigation. The next court date for Marsh is scheduled for Friday, where charges may be upgraded.

Florida man charged in fatal shooting of teen trying to break up argument

Boynton Beach, FL A 24-year-old man has been arrested for the shooting death of a 17-year-old during a domestic altercation. Trenton Robinson faces second-degree murder charges with a firearm, according to court records.

The incident occurred on December 28 at a residence on Northwest Ninth Avenue. Josiah Jones was shot in the abdomen and later died at Delray Medical Center.

Witnesses say Robinson was picking up his son from the boy’s mother when an argument broke out. The 17-year-old attempted to intervene and separate the parents during the escalating conflict.

During the confrontation, Robinson and Jones ended up on a bed while grabbing hold of each other. At that moment, Josiah was shot.

Robinson was taken into custody at the scene. He reportedly said, “I f–d up. It was an accident,” following the shooting.

The mother of the deceased teenager told police she heard the argument and asked Josiah to intervene. After hearing a “pop,” she found her son on the ground.

Both of Josiah’s sisters provided similar accounts of the events leading up to the shooting. They described how Robinson attempted to remove his gun while stating, “get off me.”

The defendant maintained the shooting was accidental in a post-arrest interview. He claimed he was trying to secure the gun from his sweatshirt pocket when it discharged.

Robinson is currently held at the Palm Beach County Jail without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 26, 2026.

Man charged with stabbing friend on Christmas Eve in hotel room

Addison, IL

A hotel guest is facing serious charges after allegedly stabbing a fellow guest on Christmas Eve. Uberclein Vazquez Villareal, 40, has been charged with armed violence and aggravated battery.

Prosecutors say the incident occurred while the victim was trying to sleep after celebrating with Vazquez Villareal. The victim was left hospitalized with multiple stab wounds.

According to a press release from the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, the attack took place as the victim and another individual were sharing a hotel room. The third person left the room briefly for a phone call, only to return and find the scene covered in blood.

When officers arrived, they found a man hiding behind the hotel front desk reporting a stabbing. Upon entering Room 345, they encountered Vazquez Villareal in the hallway with blood on his hands.

The victim was discovered lying on an inflatable bed with stab wounds to the upper chest and torso. Emergency services transported him to a local hospital.

Investigators revealed that Vazquez Villareal allegedly harassed the victim before the stabbing took place. He reportedly used a 4.5-inch blade during the attack.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin stated the violence involved is unacceptable. Vazquez Villareal is being held without bond, and his next court appearance is scheduled for January 20, 2026. The condition of the victim remains unknown.

Arrest of teacher sparks outrage after alleged abuse of own children

Chattanooga, TN A local elementary school teacher has been arrested following allegations of abusing her children. Heather Pecht, 47, was taken into custody by the Chattanooga Police Department on Friday.

Pecht faces two counts of child neglect after her children reported that she had attacked them while they were in a car. Court documents reveal that the incident occurred at Ruby Falls in Lookout Mountain on Friday.

The children’s father noticed injuries on their hands and inquired about them. The children apparently identified Pecht as the cause of their injuries.

According to the details in court documents, the children were in the backseat of the car when Pecht demanded her phone back from them. As they attempted to return it, she is accused of pinching one child and biting another.

The father, who lives separately from Pecht, contacted law enforcement after returning home with the children. He reported that he had previously alerted authorities about Pecht’s behavior, but no action was taken.

All three children told police that the abuse had been ongoing for years. Officers validated the children’s claims by observing similar injuries.

The father and children spoke with the Child Advocacy Center and provided matched accounts of the events. The father was granted emergency custody of all three children.

Pecht is employed as a first-grade teacher at Lookout Mountain Elementary School. Hamilton County Schools has not commented on her employment status.

She posted bond after her arrest and is scheduled to appear in court again on January 27, 2026.

Man arrested after shooting over snacks in Louisville

Louisville, KY – Kenneth Beals, 57, is facing charges after allegedly shooting a woman in the arm over an argument about snacks. The incident occurred on Sunday evening when the victim confronted Beals about him eating snacks she had brought for her children.

Police responded to reports from the University of Louisville Hospital after the woman arrived with a gunshot wound to her arm. According to the victim, Beals pulled out a firearm after she asked if he had taken the snacks.

Beals reportedly admitted to eating the snacks before firing the weapon at her. The woman sustained a non-life-threatening injury and was treated at the hospital.

Witnesses at the scene, including the victim’s aunt, reportedly confirmed Beals as the shooter. The confrontation began when the aunt alerted the victim to Beals consuming the food intended for the children.

The victim drove herself to the hospital at around 7:03 p.m. Beals has been charged with second-degree assault and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.

He is currently being held at the Louisville Metropolitan Detention Center on a $5,000 bond. An arraignment was held on Monday, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 6, 2026.

Florida woman arrested for child abuse and threats to set ex-husband on fire

Fort Myers, FL

Krysten Ann Happel, 36, is facing charges for child abuse and issuing threats against her daughter’s father. She has been charged with one count of cruelty toward a child without great bodily harm.

The incident occurred on Christmas Day, when Happel allegedly sent disturbing messages and videos to a friend regarding her daughter. Law enforcement obtained a probable cause statement detailing the incidents involving the child.

In the messages, Happel referred to the child’s father in derogatory terms, expressing a desire to harm him. One message included a boastful threat to watch him burn to death.

Video evidence reportedly shows Happel abusing her daughter by battering her head and covering her face with a blanket. Police noted that the child’s young age made her particularly vulnerable to injury.

Happel also verbally berated the child during the incident, making disparaging comments.

A friend of Happel contacted the police requesting a wellness check on the child after receiving the troubling messages. This friend had previously offered to help the family.

Happel and her daughter were located at a Salvation Army branch, where authorities found the child in poor condition. The girl was “soaked in her own urine,” suggesting a lack of proper care.

During questioning, Happel reportedly admitted to the actions depicted in the video and confirmed she sent the threatening messages.

Happel is currently in custody at the Lee County Jail with a bond set at $7,500. Her court appearance is scheduled for January 26, 2026.

Man accused of murdering wife in front of teenage son after drunken night

Bakersfield, CA A man has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting his wife, Ana Karen Robles, in their home on November 26. Manuel Robles reportedly opened fire with an AR-15 in front of their 15-year-old son following claims that his wife had cheated.

Witnesses report that the couple was arguing before the shooting. The son intervened and described the situation as his mother lay on the bed and his father stood over her with a handgun.

According to court documents, Manuel Robles fled the scene in his pickup truck and crashed it before being arrested. Police found Ana Robles at the home with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced her dead at the scene.

Body camera footage captured Manuel Robles allegedly stating, “I f—ed up.” He expressed remorse to officers, claiming he had blacked out after drinking “almost two fifths of vodka” prior to the incident.

Robles allegedly mentioned his wife’s infidelity and suggested he should have forgiven her. He reportedly said, “She didn’t deserve that,” adding, “She made a mistake and I killed her for it.”

After the shooting, the son described how his father returned with the AR-15 and repeatedly fired at Ana Robles. Witnesses cited that shortly after, Manuel Robles threatened to take his own life before his son managed to wrest the firearm away.

While being taken into custody, Robles allegedly asked officers if Ana Robles had survived the shooting. He reportedly asked multiple times, “Tell me she’s okay.”

Manuel Robles is charged with first-degree murder and is set to appear in court on February 11, 2026. He is currently being held without bail.

Great-grandmother charged with attempted murder after botched murder-suicide

Pierson, FL A great-grandmother has been arrested for attempting to kill her disabled great-granddaughter during an alleged murder-suicide incident. Deborah Collier, 69, faces one count of attempted murder in the first degree.

The events transpired on Monday afternoon in and around DeLand and Pierson, a region situated about 30 miles from Daytona Beach. A letter discovered at Collier’s residence raised alarm, leading law enforcement to consider her suicidal and search for her in a silver Chrysler Pacifica.

Upon locating the vehicle, deputies found Collier’s great-granddaughter, 13-year-old Sophia Abbott, asleep in the passenger seat. The deputy observed that Sophia was breathing normally and showing no immediate signs of distress.

Collier informed officers that Sophia, who is non-verbal, autistic, and incapable of independent movement, could potentially become aggressive if awakened. Backup was requested to ensure both Collier and Sophia received appropriate assistance.

As the situation unfolded, a second deputy arrived and discovered signs of distress surrounding Sophia, including white pill residue and signs of urination. Paramedics were called in to assist, and Sophia was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

A search of the vehicle revealed prescription medications and a letter that expressed Collier’s despair related to her family situation. The letter contained a plea and described Collier’s desire for peace from the stress imposed by caregiving for Sophia.

During discussions with law enforcement, Collier explained the challenges of caring for Sophia, stating that both she and her husband had been the girl’s sole guardians. Collier outlined Sophia’s severe disabilities, which require constant care and have posed significant physical challenges for her and her spouse.

Collier mentioned that her husband was often critical of her and that tensions had escalated within the family due to caregiving issues. She expressed her concerns about Sophia’s future and her own inability to cope.

Law enforcement documented Collier’s comments, including her acknowledgment of the letters found in the vehicle. Collier indicated that the letters were part of her planning process, and she reflected on her intentions concerning Sophia.

Ultimately, Collier admitted to having thoughts of ending their lives. She expressed the belief that if she could not care for Sophia, she could not leave her behind.

Collier remains in custody at the Volusia County Jail with no bond. She is scheduled to face arraignment on January 22, 2026.

Couple arrested after dead brother-in-law found in home

Canton Township, PA A Pennsylvania woman, Debbie Bebout, is expected to plead guilty to felony theft for allegedly cashing her deceased brother-in-law’s Social Security checks. Debbie, 64, and her husband, James Bebout, 68, appeared remotely during a preliminary hearing on December 26 in connection with several charges including theft, criminal conspiracy, and abuse of a corpse.

James Bebout reported on January 16 that he discovered his brother, Michael Bebout, dead after bringing him breakfast. When police arrived, they found only skeletal remains, indicating that Michael had been deceased for several months.

During the hearing, Greene-Washington Regional Police Corporal Adrian Poux described the overwhelming odor at the Bebouts’ home. Poux noted that the conditions were among the worst he had ever encountered.

James Bebout stated that his wife was the primary caregiver for his brother. On the day of discovery, Debbie was in jail on a bench warrant, prompting James to take on the caregiving role that morning.

Poux testified he believed James Bebout was aware of the situation, stating he was “dazed” when informed of the circumstances.

Further investigations revealed that Debbie Bebout allegedly pretended to care for her brother-in-law while collecting $6,189 in Social Security payments. The funds were reportedly utilized for groceries and living expenses.

While Debbie will plead guilty, James Bebout has denied involvement in the scheme, asserting he was unaware of his brother’s death until that January morning. His defense attorney indicated that she did not implicate him in the crime.

Assistant District Attorney Robert West argued that the pervasive smell in their shared home indicated James Bebout’s complicity. A judge agreed, asserting that “inaction is action” in regard to the deceased body.

Debbie Bebout is expected to receive a sentence of time served, while James Bebout is scheduled for trial on conspiracy to commit theft and a misdemeanor charge of abuse of a corpse. He remains in custody with a $6,000 cash bond, and an arraignment has been set for January 27, 2026.

Couple arrested after child goes to neighbor’s house looking for food

Whitewater, WI

A Wisconsin couple has been charged with multiple counts of child abuse and neglect after one of their children sought food at a neighbor’s home. Wilber Copeland, 42, and Megan Cis, 33, were arrested on Tuesday after Lincoln County sheriff’s deputies responded to a call from a neighbor.

The neighbor reported that one of Copeland and Cis’s eight children had arrived at her home asking for food. The child informed the neighbor that their parents were absent and that there was no food available in their RV.

Upon investigation, deputies observed unsanitary conditions inside the RV, including inadequate heating, spoiled food, dog feces, and marijuana. The children reported that their parents ordered them to clean the RV during their absence and that Cis had physically abused them on multiple occasions.

According to the children, Cis once choked one child and punched her in the ribs, resulting in visible injuries. The children also stated that they were instructed to lie about the situation to avoid getting in trouble.

Upon their return, deputies located additional marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the RV. Copeland and Cis face charges including child neglect, possession of THC, and possession of paraphernalia. Cis has been additionally charged with child abuse.

Cis was booked into Lincoln County Jail and posted a $2,500 bond on Wednesday. She is set to appear in court for a status conference on January 12, 2026. Copeland remains in custody with a $5,000 bond, with his arraignment scheduled for January 28, 2026.

Woman allegedly shoots boyfriend over cookies in Twin Falls

Twin Falls, ID – Katheryn Welch, 53, faces charges after allegedly shooting her boyfriend in the leg during a dispute over Christmas cookies. She was arrested on December 23 for aggravated battery, destruction or concealment of evidence, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to court documents, deputies from the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting call at the couple’s home. Upon arrival, deputies found a man with bloodstains on his pants and a gunshot wound near his right knee.

The 911 call originated from a relative of the boyfriend, who reported the incident occurred days prior. When questioned, the injured man confirmed that Welch was in the house but did not initially specify where he had been shot. A deputy later prompted him, and he acknowledged his injury.

Welch exited the home with her hands raised and claimed the shooting was accidental, stating it followed an argument over cookies. She reportedly admitted to disposing of the gun along the road.

Deputies obtained a search warrant and found blood spatter and a .22-caliber bullet casing inside the home, along with a substance identified as methamphetamine. The firearm was not located during the search.

Welch was booked into the Twin Falls County Jail and posted a $75,000 bond for release on Monday. Her next court appearance is scheduled for January 9, 2026.