Police Blotter

California mom accused of letting baby die in hot car during spa visit

Bakersfield, CA A California woman faces serious charges after allegedly leaving her infant in a hot car while she attended a cosmetic procedure at a medical spa. Maya Hernandez, 20, is being tried for the death of her 1-year-old son, Amillio, who died due to overheating in the vehicle.

During testimony on Monday, Hernandez defended her actions, stating she did not believe her liquid Brazilian butt lift would take as long as it did. The procedure, known to take longer than the 15-20 minutes she anticipated for lip filler, ended with tragedy for her family.

A witness, an aesthetics injector at the spa, testified that she suggested Hernandez wait in the car due to delays at the facility. The witness indicated Hernandez did not mention her children were in the car or express urgency during their interaction.

Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Hernandez checked her Apple Watch 45 times while waiting inside. They asserted that she failed to check on her children despite outdoor temperatures reaching 101 degrees Fahrenheit.

Text messages sent from the spa informed Hernandez she could bring her children into air conditioning. After finishing her procedure, Hernandez discovered her son unresponsive in the vehicle and attempted to cool him down.

Hernandez has been charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter, and two counts of child cruelty. The jury’s decision awaits as the trial continues.

Texas man kills girlfriend and hides body in barrel

Houston, TX
A man allegedly shot his girlfriend while she slept and then concealed her body in trash bags. Jesus Varela, 48, is accused of killing Christelrose Angel Ramirez, 33, on December 1 at their home in Independence Heights.

During a court hearing last week, a judge stated that Varela threatened his nephew and allegedly forced him to assist in disposing of Ramirez’s body. Prosecutors claim Varela shot Ramirez while she was in bed, resulting in blood spatter throughout the bedroom.

Family members described Ramirez as a victim of domestic violence. Her father, Ricardo Ramirez, expressed a desire for justice and condemned the act, stating no one deserves to die in such a manner.

A friend of Varela’s nephew reported the incident to authorities. The nephew later admitted he was compelled by Varela to participate in the body disposal and alleged that Varela had assaulted him.

Authorities located Ramirez’s body by tracing her phone signal to a wooded area where her remains were discovered. Varela has been charged with murder, assault, and unlawful restraint.

Currently held on bonds totaling $240,000, Varela is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.

Lawsuit filed after woman dies from allergic reaction in jail

Golden, CO

The family of a 27-year-old woman has filed a wrongful death lawsuit following her death while in custody at the Jefferson County Detention Center. Ashley Raisbeck reportedly suffered a fatal allergic reaction due to medical negligence, according to court documents.

Raisbeck was arrested shortly before her death for false reporting and was undergoing detox treatment when she experienced severe symptoms after being administered medication. Medical staff allegedly disregarded her known allergy to penicillin, instead administering Keflex, a synthetic version of the drug.

The suit names multiple defendants, including the sheriff’s office and 11 medical personnel. Raisbeck died on December 16, 2023, after experiencing severe gastrointestinal and cardiovascular symptoms linked to the medication, which documented medical records noted she had refused in the past.

Despite prior warnings regarding her allergy, Raisbeck was administered Keflex seven times during her incarceration. In the days leading up to her death, her symptoms worsened significantly, including low blood pressure and increased heart rate.

On the morning of December 16, jail staff discovered Raisbeck unresponsive. Her condition was critical when paramedics arrived at the facility later that morning, and she was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival at the hospital. An autopsy indicated that dehydration and shock from intussusception were contributing factors to her death.

The family’s attorney claims that previous investigations failed to adequately recognize malpractice. The lawsuit emphasizes the responsibility of medical staff to heed Raisbeck’s medical history concerning her allergies.

Man sentenced to decades in prison for murder of ex-girlfriend in front of child

Berlin, NH A 38-year-old man has received a lengthy prison sentence for the murder of his ex-girlfriend while their daughter was nearby. Dustin Mark Duren was sentenced last week to between 45 years and life in prison.

A jury convicted him of second-degree murder, reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child. Prosecutors stated that Duren and Caitlyn Naffziger were in a custody dispute over their two children at the time of the murder.

On February 29, Duren attempted to force Naffziger out of his apartment while she held their four-year-old daughter. As she sat on the couch in a pink unicorn blanket, Duren shot Naffziger in the head.

Witnesses reported seeing Duren with the children in an Applebee’s parking lot after the incident. The children were unharmed.

During the trial, Duren claimed he felt threatened by Naffziger, which the jury rejected after approximately five hours of deliberation.

Naffziger’s family members spoke at Duren’s sentencing, expressing the emotional toll the murder has had on them. They described the brutality of her death and the years of control Duren exerted over Naffziger.

Testimony revealed that the daughter recalled the event, stating that her “mommy had lots of blood.”

Tim Smith, Naffziger’s stepfather, described the murder as the culmination of domestic violence, asserting that Duren resorted to murder to maintain control.

Wife accused of murdering husband found with knife claims it was an accident

City, State Abbreviation A 71-year-old woman is on trial for allegedly murdering her 84-year-old husband with a kitchen knife. Daryl Berman claims her husband David Berman “slipped” onto the knife, which she used while eating a chicken salad sandwich.

Witness testimony revealed that Daryl Berman wrote “bye bye” in a calendar on the same day her husband died. She described her actions in court, saying she lay down next to her husband’s body multiple times before it was removed from the home.

Initially ruled an accident, David Berman’s death prompted further investigation that allegedly implicated Daryl Berman. The couple’s home remained the scene until police ordered an undertaker to retrieve the body.

Daryl Berman testified that she heard a noise before finding her husband lying face down with a knife in his chest. She stated that David Berman made a gurgling sound as she discovered him.

During police interviews, Daryl Berman struggled to understand the scene’s severity, thinking the blood was “gravy.” She contacted authorities for assistance while she and a dispatcher worked to revive her husband.

Under questioning, Daryl Berman strongly denied any involvement in her husband’s death. Medical experts in court found her version of events to be implausible due to the details surrounding the stab wound and an injury on David Berman’s finger.

Daryl Berman’s trial continues this week with no motive presented by police regarding David Berman’s death.

Man fires 17 shots at clerk trying to stop fight in Missouri store

Kansas City, MO A convenience store clerk was shot multiple times while attempting to break up a fight at a local gas station. The incident occurred shortly after 8:30 p.m. on November 18 at the Phillips 66 Xpress Mart on Prospect Avenue.

Clerk Craig Washington, 41, was found on the ground with several gunshot wounds to his torso, back, and forearms. Surveillance footage showed suspect Adrian Stallings, 27, entering the store to purchase alcohol and reacting violently when he believed people were laughing at him for being short on cash.

Aggressive verbal exchanges led to Stallings threatening a bystander. During the escalation, Washington intervened to separate the parties involved, prompting Stallings to draw a firearm and shoot Washington, who attempted to crawl away while dropping his own gun.

Witnesses reported Stallings standing over Washington and firing additional shots while issuing threats. A total of 17 shell casings were recovered from the scene. Stallings fled the location in a dark-colored Chevrolet sedan.

He was arrested two days later and faces charges including second-degree murder and armed criminal action. Washington’s mother expressed her distress over her son’s death, noting the ongoing violence in the area and her concerns for his safety while working.

Stallings currently remains in the Jackson County Jail without bond, with a court appearance set for December 30.

Man sentenced to life for stabbing mother during car dispute

Bladensburg, MD

Reginald English has been sentenced to life in prison with 72 years suspended for murdering his 72-year-old mother. A dispute over the use of her car escalated into violence, leading to the fatal attack on Lorena Royster.

English was convicted after a courtroom trial revealed he stabbed Royster in the neck on April 3. Court documents indicate that he was found by police 40 miles away later that night after jumping into Cox Creek.

English, 53, had been wearing a woman’s engagement ring at the time of his discovery. Prosecutors emphasized the somber age of Royster in their request for the sentencing.

During the trial, evidence showed English argued with his sister over the title of the car while jailed for the murder. He was found guilty on August 7 following the July proceedings.

Royster’s family expressed their sentiments after the sentencing. Her stepdaughter remarked on the significance of the 72 years being memorable for English throughout his life.

Court records reveal that English has appealed his conviction.

Guilty verdict in tragic drunk driving crash that killed father and two children

Statesville, NC

Austin Harmon has been found guilty of causing a deadly crash resulting in the deaths of a father and his two children. The incident occurred in June 2022 when Harmon, who had a blood alcohol level of 0.12, struck a golf cart carrying the victims.

Michael Marlowe, along with his children Bentley Marlowe, age five, and Jada Marlowe, age thirteen, died from injuries sustained in the collision. Harmon’s actions also resulted in serious injuries to Marlowe’s fiancée Amy Mills and their two-year-old daughter Bailey.

During the trial, Mills recounted the harrowing moment leading up to the crash, stating she knew they were about to be hit. Doctors later amputated part of her leg due to her injuries. Mills described the desperate attempt to save her daughter, who suffered severe injuries.

Harmon was convicted of DWI and felony serious injury by motor vehicle. The jury deliberated for six hours before reaching their verdict.

In court, Teagan Murphy, a family friend who survived the crash, expressed feelings of guilt for being alive when others were not. Michael Marlowe’s father addressed Harmon, emphasizing the lasting impact of the tragedy on the family.

Harmon received a sentence of 20 to 30 years in prison. His attorney stated he was “inconsolable” after the crash and wished to undo the tragic events.

Man accused of killing deputy claims mental incompetence to dodge death penalty

Lake Elsinore, CA A man charged with the murder of a Riverside County sheriff’s deputy is allegedly feigning mental incompetence to evade the death penalty. Jesse Ceazar Navarro, 45, faces charges of murdering Deputy Darnell Calhoun and discharging a firearm with intent to kill.

Navarro’s case has garnered attention due to the special circumstances that render him eligible for capital punishment. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office has stated its intention to pursue the death penalty.

Prosecutors argue that Navarro is manipulating the legal process to avoid accountability. Deputy District Attorney Marcus Garrett accused Navarro of planning to escape responsibility, citing the defendant’s ability to multitask and retain information.

A forensic psychologist confirmed Navarro’s competency to stand trial, noting her professional assessment. The prosecution also referenced a conversation between Navarro and his wife during his incarceration, where he reportedly expressed confidence in their plan.

In contrast, the defense claims Navarro suffers from mental deficiencies linked to bullet fragments in his head. A judge ruled last year that evidence warranted a mental competency trial.

The shooting incident that resulted in Calhoun’s death occurred on January 13, 2023, at a residence on Hilldale Lane. Calhoun was the first officer to respond to a domestic violence call and was shot multiple times after arriving on the scene.

Another deputy who attempted to assist Calhoun was also shot at during the incident. Both Navarro and Calhoun were hospitalized following the exchange of gunfire.

Calhoun was pronounced dead at the hospital, while Navarro was detained after being shot.

District Attorney Mike Hestrin praised Calhoun’s bravery, highlighting his dedication to community safety amid a dangerous situation.

If Navarro is deemed mentally incompetent, he could be placed in a facility for treatment under California law. The case remains under scrutiny as the legal proceedings unfold.