Police Blotter

Man threatens to kill roommate over lost pets during standoff with police

San Antonio, TX A 52-year-old man surrendered to police after a prolonged standoff at his residence. Bobby Rocha was taken into custody on Sunday following an hourslong confrontation with law enforcement.

The incident began on Saturday afternoon when Rocha’s roommate sought assistance from police after allegedly being threatened with a gun.

Rocha reportedly became upset after his pets were let outside by the roommate, who had known him since childhood.

According to an arrest affidavit, Rocha threatened to “chop him into pieces, and feed him to the cat” when the roommate returned without the pets.

Upon arriving at Rocha’s home, authorities attempted to establish communication but received no response. Reports indicate Rocha expressed a willingness to die inside the residence.

The standoff lasted approximately seven hours. Rocha eventually exited the home with his hands raised and was apprehended without further incident.

He faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and obstruction or retaliation. Rocha is currently being held at the Bexar County Jail on a $40,000 bond, with a court appearance scheduled for February 26, 2026.

Two arrested in Utica following narcotics investigation

Utica, NY A traffic stop on Oneida Street led to the arrest of two individuals on drug-related charges. The stop occurred on Thursday at approximately 9:40 PM amid ongoing complaints of narcotics activity in the Oneida Square area.

During the stop, officers discovered that a female passenger had an outstanding warrant, prompting her arrest. A subsequent search revealed suspected narcotics in her possession.

The driver, 67-year-old John Martarello of New Berlin, was asked to exit the vehicle, leading to a search that yielded a significant quantity of suspected cocaine. He was taken into custody and transported to the Utica Police Department.

Both Martarello and the female passenger, 47-year-old Noel Cianni-Bushnell of Utica, face multiple charges related to the incident. Martarello was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree and the seventh degree, in addition to vehicle and traffic law violations.

Cianni-Bushnell is charged with having a warrant for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and also criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree.

Man kills girlfriend and injures her sons in Akron shooting

Akron, OH

A man allegedly shot and stabbed his girlfriend, Rebecca Guthrie, leading to her death on Saturday morning. Gregory Tillman, 38, is charged with murder, assault, domestic violence, and other crimes related to the incident.

Guthrie, 44, was at home with her two sons when an argument escalated. Her 18-year-old son, Marquis Terrell, reported hearing gunshots and yelling.

Around 2:10 a.m., police arrived to find Guthrie with multiple stab wounds and a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead shortly after at a local hospital.

Tillman was located down the street and taken into custody. The injured son sustained a head injury and is recovering in the hospital.

Man charged with stalking Sandy Hook victim’s father

Portland, OR

Kevin Purfield, 58, faces multiple charges for allegedly stalking and harassing a father of a Sandy Hook victim. Prosecutors claim he contacted the father’s colleagues to assert that the victim “was never killed.”

Purfield was arraigned last week on ten counts of telephonic harassment and felony stalking. A probable cause affidavit from the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office details Purfield’s history of stalking mass shooting victims.

The affidavit describes him as a conspiracy theorist targeting families who have lost children. He reportedly showed up at the home of a city official’s employee in September.

In October, Purfield’s conduct intensified at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), where the Sandy Hook victim’s father works. Allegations indicate he began stalking the father in 2013 and has made contact intermittently since then.

On October 24, he allegedly contacted an OHSU employee, inquiring whether the father was employed there while making threats that the father would “get what was coming to him.”

On November 10, OHSU issued a permanent exclusion and no-contact order prohibiting him from any communication, warning that further contact could lead to arrest.

Despite the orders, Purfield continued to reach out to OHSU employees, calling at least ten times while leaving voicemails.

After being served a temporary restraining order on November 25, he is accused of calling OHSU and acknowledging that he had received the order while making derogatory remarks.

Purfield reportedly called OHSU multiple times the same day, making threats against the father and referencing his knowledge of the father’s residential address.

He was arrested later that evening and charged with stalking and telephonic harassment. Purfield remains in custody without bail and has a court date scheduled for December 5.

Woman charged with murder after fatal crash in Cordova

Cordova, TN A two-car crash has led to the death of a 56-year-old man and the arrest of his wife on murder charges. Sheila Ann Curtis, 56, was taken into custody over the weekend and charged with second-degree murder following the death of Derrick Curtis.

Shelby County deputies responded to a serious collision report on the evening of November 29 at around 9:55 p.m. Upon arriving, they found Derrick Curtis, who was severely injured, after a Chevrolet Colorado he was driving left the roadway and crashed into a ditch.

Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures as Derrick Curtis was transported to Regional One Health in Memphis, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Investigators later noted that Derrick Curtis had suffered stab wounds prior to the crash, marking them as contributing factors leading to the fatal accident.

Following the discovery of the stab wounds, detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit commenced an investigation. Evidence pointed to Sheila Curtis as the assailant.

A probable cause affidavit indicated first responders observed inconsistency between Derrick Curtis’ injuries and the damage from the collision. He reportedly communicated to paramedics that his wife had stabbed him before the crash.

In an interview, Sheila Curtis denied these claims, asserting she had been dropped off before the crash occurred. She also stated that an argument had occurred on their return from a funeral.

Witnesses reported a history of domestic violence between the couple, which complicates the situation further. A family member of Derrick Curtis revealed that they picked up Sheila Curtis shortly after the crash, who had mentioned an argument with her husband.

Currently, Sheila Curtis is held at the Shelby County Jail with a bond set at $500,000. A court appearance for a bond hearing is scheduled for Wednesday morning.

Tragic crash claims life of pregnant teenager and unborn child

Covington, GA

A pregnant teenager, Jaylah Donald, was killed in a DUI crash while riding with her mother. The fatal incident occurred when her mother, Takila Donald, allegedly backed out of a driveway improperly and was struck by a drunk driver.

Donald, 19, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her unborn child also did not survive.

Takila Donald suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to a local hospital, where she is currently on a ventilator. Family members expressed concerns about her recovery.

The driver of the other vehicle, Brandon Robinson, has been charged with DUI. Charges against Takila Donald are pending.

The crash took place while the Donalds were dropping off a neighbor after a Thanksgiving celebration. Jaylah’s family members learned of the tragedy when they arrived at the scene.

Jaylah’s father, Jonathan Ponds, spoke about his hopes of becoming a grandfather just hours before the accident. He expressed grief over the loss of both his daughter and grandchild.

Details of the crash include that Takila Donald failed to yield while entering the roadway. Robinson was traveling west on Fairview Road when the vehicles collided.

Witnesses reported the aftermath of the crash, describing the chaotic scene as emergency responders arrived. Investigation into the details of the crash is ongoing.

Man charged with abusing grandchildren in Texas home

Waco, TX
A 52-year-old man faces multiple charges of child abuse involving his grandchildren. Cody Wayne Ainsworth was arrested last week and is charged with three counts of injury to a child.

The investigation into Ainsworth began following a 911 call concerning potential child abuse in Waco. Officers arrived at a residence on First Street, where they spoke to Ainsworth’s stepdaughter, the mother of the children.

She reported ongoing arguments with Ainsworth related to his treatment of the kids. The mother described an incident where Ainsworth forcibly punished her 7-year-old son for using body wash while bathing.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Ainsworth allegedly forced the child to place his hand on the kitchen table and beat it repeatedly. The mother noted this type of punishment was common for Ainsworth.

Other allegations surfaced, including claims that Ainsworth used profanity and threatened the children with physical violence. Ainsworth’s wife provided investigators with recordings in which he threatened the boys.

She expressed her concerns in recorded conversations, calling Ainsworth’s treatment of the children abusive. During the investigation, a school nurse confirmed a report from one of the boys claiming to have injured his back due to Ainsworth tackling him.

One of the children had multiple documented injuries reported weekly by a teacher, including injuries to his stomach and elbows. Forensic interviews revealed a 4-year-old expressing fear of Ainsworth, who reportedly had whipped him with a belt.

Ainsworth is being held in McLennan County Jail on a bond set at $150,000. Records indicate he subsequently bonded out, though details about his court appearance remain unclear.

Three-judge panel knocks down Pam Bondi’s attempt to keep Alina Habba as acting U.S. attorney

Philadelphia, PA

A three-judge panel has ruled that Alina Habba cannot serve as the acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey. The ruling was issued on Monday by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

In a unanimous opinion, the court determined that Habba was disqualified from leading certain cases. The judges argued that the Trump administration’s efforts to position preferred candidates in U.S. attorney roles bypassed necessary Senate confirmation.

Senior U.S. Circuit Judge D. Michael Fisher emphasized the requirement for clarity and stability in the appointment of U.S. attorneys. The ruling specifically stated that the role requires a Senate-confirmed officer, and Congress has shown a desire for an experienced individual to step in during vacancies.

The panel found that Habba was not the first assistant when the vacancy arose and could not serve in the acting role. The judges highlighted that Habba’s dual title as a special attorney, granted by Bondi, did not confer the necessary authority to fulfill the duties of the U.S. attorney.

The court addressed the government’s argument that Habba qualified as the acting U.S. attorney. The judges ruled that a nominee who has not been confirmed by the Senate cannot assume acting duties after their nomination is withdrawn.

The ruling also criticized the delegation of powers to Habba through her special attorney title, which the court found inconsistent with statutory requirements. The judges concluded that allowing rejected nominees to serve as acting officers undermines separation of powers.

In a previous ruling, Chief U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann had disqualified Habba from certain cases due to similar concerns regarding her appointment’s legality.

After the Trump administration withdrew Habba’s nomination, she was appointed as a special attorney by Bondi. This decision was met with legal challenges following the expiration of her interim term.

The court’s ruling leaves the Department of Justice with options to seek en banc rehearing or escalate the matter to the U.S. Supreme Court. The appellate judges were not convinced by the administration’s claims about the impact of the ruling on government functionality.

The 3rd Circuit’s opinion emphasized the need for adherence to statutory limitations and Congress’ intent regarding acting officers. The court indicated that allowing a non-confirmed nominee to fill the role indefinitely would contravene established procedures and principles.

The panel’s decision mandates that Habba’s appointment as acting U.S. attorney does not comply with legal requirements, reinforcing the necessity for Senate confirmation in such appointments.

Burglar caught red-handed after terrifying home invasion

Wilkes-Barre, PA

A 22-year-old man is facing charges after allegedly breaking into a residence in Wilkes-Barre. Officers received a call early Sunday morning regarding a male entering a victim’s home on Wyoming Street.

When they arrived, they found the victim who identified the suspect as Jermaine Curtis. The victim reported that she awoke to Curtis standing over her, making threats including an explicit declaration of intent to harm.

After the victim requested Curtis leave, he reportedly punched her bedroom door, causing damage. She fled the residence in fear and called the police.

Officers pursued Curtis after witnessing him flee the scene. He was apprehended on North Pennsylvania Avenue and transported to City Headquarters for processing and arraignment.

Man arrested after knife attack on dog walkers in East Boston

East Boston, MA A 36-year-old man was placed under arrest on Wednesday night following an incident involving a knife. Officers responded to 131 Orleans Street at about 7:23 PM after reports of a suspect displaying a knife in the area.

Upon arrival, officers located the suspect and recovered a knife from his jean pocket. Two victims approached the officers, stating the suspect had threatened them while they were walking their dog.

Both victims fled as the suspect pursued them, and moments later, another victim reported that the suspect swung the knife and attempted to stab him. No injuries were reported from any of the incidents.

Diego Bautista-Perez of East Boston faces charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of disorderly conduct. He is expected to be arraigned in East Boston District Court.

Texas man threatens mass shooting during holiday calls to police

San Antonio, TX A 31-year-old man made terroristic threats against a popular tourist location and an NBA game on Thanksgiving. Christopher Stowe allegedly called the San Antonio Police Department’s Tip411 line multiple times throughout the day.

Between 1 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., Stowe left a series of messages outlining his intentions. In one communication, he stated, “I’m done and I’m going to do a mass shooting” and expressed a desire to kill people.

Stowe mentioned his body count would be “hopefully over 100” and declared himself the “next mass shooter.” The messages were deemed threatening and sparked concern for public safety.

Police traced the messages to Stowe’s phone. He was arrested Saturday and later posted a $50,000 bond.

His next court hearing is scheduled for February 25.

Police arrest couple for alleged murder of pregnant woman in Michigan

Boon Township, MI

A mother and stepfather have been arrested following the death of a pregnant woman in Northern Michigan. Rebecca Park, who was about 38 weeks pregnant, was reported missing on November 3 from her home near Cadillac.

Her body was discovered on November 25 along a hiking trail in the Manistee National Forest, but her baby has not been found. Bradly Bartholomew, 47, and Cortney Bartholomew, 40, face charges including murder, torture, and causing a miscarriage or stillbirth.

Both suspects reportedly planned and executed the alleged crime. Wexford County Prosecutor Johanna Carey detailed the case during a bond hearing, stating that the couple forced Park into the woods, stabbed her, and then cut her baby out, resulting in both deaths.

The police previously arrested Park’s fiancé and sister for unrelated charges. Richard Falor, 43, faces drug charges, while Kimberly Park, 21, is charged with tampering with evidence and lying to police.

Judges have set bonds for both Falor and Kimberly Park at $1 million and $750,000, respectively. During court proceedings, the judge moved to limit media coverage due to the case’s high profile, ensuring fairness for the defendants.

Friends and family have expressed devastation over Park’s death. Her adoptive mother stated that the family is heartbroken while they seek justice for Rebecca Park and her unborn child.

Mother and father arrested after possible fatal beating of daughter

Hartford City, IN A couple faces serious charges following alleged child abuse that has left their seven-year-old daughter critically injured. Jennifer Revis, 33, is charged with neglect of a dependent causing catastrophic injury, aggravated battery, and domestic battery. Ryan Revis, 28, is charged with neglect of a dependent causing catastrophic injury.

On Tuesday afternoon, officers responded to a residence on West Commercia Street for an unresponsive child. Medical personnel reported the severity of the young girl’s condition after she was transported to the hospital.

Doctors discovered numerous bruises and significant brain damage on the girl, and they expressed doubts regarding her survival. Jennifer Revis claimed her daughter had suffered a seizure following an argument but inconsistencies emerged during inquiries by law enforcement.

Further questioning of the mother revealed a pattern of abuse, contradicting her initial narrative about the seizure. She stated her anger escalated over her daughter’s alleged disrespect and admitted to striking her with a hammer.

In her statements, Jennifer Revis expressed regret for her actions and acknowledged her loss of control. Ryan Revis reportedly witnessed the injuries but did not intervene, citing a fear of losing custody of his other children.

The couple remains in custody at the Blackford County Jail, with their next court appearance scheduled for Wednesday.

Man charged in shooting rampage that left two dead in Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ A 21-year-old man has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder following a shooting spree that resulted in the deaths of two individuals. Adalberto Pablo Cordova Torres is also facing a charge for firing a weapon at a residence.

Cordova Torres allegedly began his violent escapade on November 11 when a homeowner discovered multiple bullet strikes at their property. On November 24, he shot Marcus Adams, leaving him dead near 19th Avenue and Greenway Road.

Less than a week later, on November 29, Andres Olguin was shot at a bus stop near 19th Avenue and Thunderbird Road. Both victims were pronounced dead at the respective crime scenes.

Toni Perez, Olguin’s mother, expressed disbelief at her son being targeted while sitting at a bus stop. She reported that detectives indicated Cordova Torres did not know Olguin, and that the random shootings left her seeking justice.

Adams was discovered early on November 24 after being shot multiple times. Evidence from the scene revealed 14 spent shell casings.

Olguin suffered 11 gunshot wounds. At the bus stop, law enforcement found 15 spent shell casings.

The Phoenix Police Department confirmed that ballistic evidence linked the two cases. Investigators collected surveillance footage which identified Cordova Torres at the crime scenes.

According to court documents, he was seen on video approaching both victims before firing and then fleeing on an e-bike. Cordova Torres reportedly used a 9mm handgun during the incidents.

His employer confirmed that he worked nights at a location between two to eight miles from the shooting sites. Cordova Torres is currently held on a $3 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court on December 11.

Man arrested after sending meth through bank drive-thru tube

Woodsfield, OH A 46-year-old man was recently apprehended for sending methamphetamine through a bank’s drive-thru pneumatic tube system. Jason G. Smith was booked on drug-related charges earlier this week by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred on a Sunday when a bank employee discovered a “crystal like substance consistent with methamphetamine” in a baggie that had passed through the bank’s air tubes. Further testing confirmed that the substance was indeed methamphetamine.

Investigation revealed that Smith inadvertently sent the package while conducting a routine banking transaction. He was later located by officers from the state’s Department of Natural Resources in nearby Wayne Township.

Following his detention, deputies recovered additional suspected drugs and drug-related items from Smith’s truck using a police dog. He was subsequently taken to the Monroe County Jail.

Details regarding Smith’s specific charges have not yet appeared on the public docket of the Monroe County court system. The sheriff’s office issued a public service announcement regarding the dangers of illegal drugs, emphasizing that they can be turned in at the Sheriff’s Office without consequence.

“Illegal drugs don’t belong in bank drive-thrus,” Sheriff Derek Norman stated. “They can be turned in safely.”

Man sentenced to 10 years after stabbing cousin during drunken dispute

Sioux City, IA A man has been sentenced to ten years in prison for stabbing his cousin during an altercation after a day of drinking. Tariq Thomas, 24, pleaded guilty to willful injury causing serious injury.

The incident occurred on Oct. 11 at a residence on South Lyons Street. During an argument around 6:10 p.m., Thomas reportedly grabbed a butcher knife, stabbing his cousin Saville Thomas in both the collarbone and the head with enough force to break the knife handle.

Saville Thomas left the home, staggering about 20 minutes away before authorities made contact with him. First responders transported him to a local hospital, where he underwent a six-hour surgery to remove the knife blade.

Mariah Thomas, 34, who was present during the incident, attempted to clean blood in the basement and along the driveway. She was arrested on Oct. 20 and charged with obstruction of justice. Mariah Thomas pleaded not guilty on Oct. 30 and is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 18.

Judge charged with DUI after crash into snowbank

Owatonna, MN An appeals court judge faces two counts of operating a vehicle while intoxicated following a crash. Renee Lee Worke, a Minnesota Court of Appeals judge, reportedly crashed into a snowbank while her blood-alcohol content registered at 0.16, twice the legal limit.

Deputies from the Steele County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident on Highway 14 near the Interstate 35 overpass Wednesday night around 9 p.m. Upon arrival, a deputy observed Worke exhibiting glassy eyes and slurred speech.

She claimed to have consumed one glass of wine two hours earlier at a friend’s house. The deputy noted her slow motor function and unsteadiness on her feet; she required assistance walking back to the squad car after the crash.

Worke submitted to a breathalyzer test, which indicated a blood-alcohol content of 0.16. She was then taken into custody at the Steele County Jail, from which she has since been released on bond.

Governor Tim Pawlenty appointed Worke to the Minnesota Court of Appeals in 2005. She has been re-elected multiple times, and her current term is set to end in 2031. Prior to her appellate appointment, Worke served as a district judge for nearly a decade.

Woman sentenced to life for role in fatal shooting and concealment of body

Charleston, WV
A West Virginia woman has been sentenced to life with mercy for her involvement in the murder of Cheyenne Johnson. Virginia Smith, 33, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, concealment of a dead body, and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony in February.

On Tuesday, Virginia Smith was given her sentence, marking a key moment in a case that has drawn significant attention. In October, her former boyfriend, Michael Smith, was convicted of second-degree murder following the shooting that occurred on April 29, 2021.

During Michael Smith’s trial, Virginia testified against him, claiming he ordered her to shoot Johnson.

Michael Smith admitted he killed Johnson after a verbal altercation, alleging she had stolen Virginia’s car. The confrontation escalated, resulting in Virginia and Johnson fighting, with the latter producing a knife.

In a moment of violence, Michael retrieved a rifle, threatened Johnson, and shot her in the head. Virginia asserted in court that he coerced her into the shooting.

Prosecutors presented testimony from a juvenile witness who claimed to have seen Virginia shoot Johnson. After the murder, Michael disposed of Johnson’s body in a well on Virginia’s property.

Her remains were discovered following tips that identified Michael’s actions. Virginia later informed law enforcement, leading to the recovery of Johnson’s body.

Virginia claimed she struggled with a drug problem at the time of the incident, which became a point of contention during the trial.

She also received a one to five-year sentence for the firearm charge and an additional ten years for concealment of a body. Virginia was credited for time served.

Michael Smith’s sentencing has not been scheduled.

Man charged with kidnapping after alleged Costco incident

Idaho Falls, ID – A Idaho woman reported a man attempting to kidnap her infant by taking her shopping cart. Michael Garrison Raine, 24, is charged with second-degree kidnapping and was released on $5,000 bail on November 28.

On November 20, Raine was captured on surveillance video at the Costco warehouse in Idaho Falls after the woman claimed he walked away with the cart containing her 4-week-old baby. The woman stated the cart was unattended but within her sight when she felt compelled to check on it.

When she turned around, she found the cart missing and began searching the store, later discovering it being pushed by Raine in a different aisle. He allegedly apologized, promising he would not do it again.

The woman filed a report with the Idaho Falls Police Department on November 25. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage showing Raine entering the store, taking a shopping cart, and approaching the book section where the incident occurred.

According to court documents, Raine was seen opening a book and smelling its pages before grabbing the cart with the baby and attempting to push it away. He later used the self-checkout and ate at the food court before leaving.

Police determined Raine was using a Costco membership registered to his roommate at Brigham Young University – Idaho Falls, where he is an enrolled student. An investigation later linked Raine’s vehicle to a nearby Marine Corps recruiting station.

On November 26, detectives detained Raine for questioning at the recruiting station regarding the incident. When asked about Costco, he initially said nothing out of the ordinary occurred.

After being reminded of the incident, Raine acknowledged it, stating he mistakenly took the wrong cart. He claimed he thought he had grabbed his empty cart and did not realize it contained a baby until confronted.

Raine expressed regret for the mistake but did not acknowledge an intention to commit kidnapping. He was charged with second-degree kidnapping and booked into the Bonneville County Jail on a $15,000 bond, which was later reduced to $5,000.

He was released and is scheduled for a court appearance on December 10.

Tragic shooting claims mother and two children as divorce proceedings unfold

Bonanza, AR Authorities are investigating the shooting deaths of Charity Beallis and her two children. The incident occurred at their home in Bonanza.

The Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office conducted a welfare check around 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Upon arrival, no one answered the door but they were let inside by two associates of the family.

Inside, they discovered Beallis and her children with apparent gunshot wounds. Autopsies are scheduled to determine their official causes of death. Investigators have executed search warrants and anticipate further inquiries.

No arrests have been made in connection with the case. Reports indicate that Beallis and her husband were finalizing their divorce, following a court hearing just two days before their deaths.

Her husband’s lawyer filed a motion to dismiss the case on the same day Beallis and her children were found. Local media has reported that Beallis’ husband faced legal trouble in February for choking her, previous to the divorce filing.

Court documents revealed that he pleaded guilty to third-degree battery in October. Beallis sought sole custody of her children due to the incident.

Her father, Randy Powell, believes Beallis’ husband is responsible for their deaths, citing financial motives and personal animosity as potential motives.