Schools

Texas man sentenced to life for neighbor’s murder after shooting 32 times

Texas man sentenced to life for neighbor’s murder after shooting 32 times

Forney, TX A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his neighbor, marking a significant conclusion to a violent case. Trevor Rhea McEuen, 33, was found guilty of capital murder on Thursday by a Kaufman County jury.

Judge Shelton Gibbs IV handed down the sentence, denying McEuen the possibility of parole. Prosecutors chose not to pursue the death penalty, focusing instead on a life sentence under Texas law.

The incident occurred on May 1, 2023, when Aaron Martinez, 35, was shot multiple times on Neal Road. McEuen admitted to the shooting but claimed it was self-defense after previous harassment incidents.

Defense attorney Abigail Spain argued that McEuen believed he was justified in using deadly force, citing fear for his safety. The jury rejected this defense after deliberating for four hours following a four-day trial.

Kaufman County Sheriff Bryan Beavers expressed gratitude for the work of law enforcement and prosecutor’s office, stating that the verdict serves as a form of justice for the Martinez family.

Evidence presented during the trial revealed that McEuen used a semi-automatic rifle to shoot Martinez 32 times after a confrontation. Assistant District Attorney Robyn Beckham characterized the murder as an act of hatred.

Documents indicated ongoing neighbor disputes, including accusations of harassment and provocations leading up to the fatal incident. Court records stated that Martinez had attempted to reduce tensions by hiring workers to build a fence.

On that day, Martinez had left his property around 11 a.m. to procure construction supplies and lunch for his crew. Gunfire soon erupted, with deputies later discovering Martinez in his vehicle, having sustained fatal injuries.

Following a standoff, McEuen was arrested and later released on a $2 million bond before evading law enforcement by cutting off his ankle monitor. Authorities conducted a monthlong manhunt leading to his apprehension.

The victim’s memory was honored in an obituary celebrating his love for family, work, and activities such as horse riding. Martinez’s father expressed emotional relief following the verdict, emphasizing the significance of McEuen’s life sentence.

Students struck by vehicle at bus stop in North Carolina

Students struck by vehicle at bus stop in Buncombe County

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, NC – Two students were struck by a vehicle while waiting at a school bus stop Thursday morning. The incident occurred around 7:15 a.m. at the intersection of Bradley Branch Road and Founders Way in the T.C. Roberson District.

A driver turning into the neighborhood hit one intermediate and one middle school student as they waited for their bus. Both students were transported to a hospital with minor injuries. The driver initially left the scene but returned shortly after.

Sheriff Miller, along with Patrol Deputies and School Resource Officers, responded to the scene to assess the situation and provide assistance. North Carolina State Highway Patrol is handling the investigation.

BCSO District 1 Captain Dustan Auldredge emphasized the need for caution among drivers during the morning and afternoon commutes. He stated, “It is essential to be vigilant about the presence of children near school bus stops, stopped school buses, and within school speed limit zones.”

Captain Auldredge noted gratitude that no serious injuries resulted from the incident. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office will take enforcement action against any driver who passes stopped school buses or exceeds speed limits in designated school zones.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The community is reminded to stay alert and drive safely, especially near bus stops.

Doctoral student charged with drugging and raping women at USC

Doctoral student charged with drugging and raping women at USC

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has charged Sizhe Weng, 30, also known as Steven Weng, with multiple counts of sexual assault involving several women from 2021 to 2024 while he was a doctoral student at the University of Southern California.

District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman stated, “No one should ever have to endure the trauma of being drugged, sexually assaulted and stripped of their ability to consent.” He added that the prosecution team is committed to holding the defendant accountable for these actions and encourages any additional victims to come forward.

Weng, whose date of birth is August 16, 1995, faces charges in case number 25CJCF05617. He has been charged with one felony count of forcible rape, two felony counts of sodomy by controlled substance or anesthesia, one felony count of rape by controlled substance, and four felony counts of sexual penetration by controlled substance or anesthesia.

The charges allege that Weng raped three women after administering incapacitating drugs via food and drinks. Following his arraignment on September 2, Weng pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court granted the prosecution’s request to hold him without bail.

A preliminary hearing is set for January 14, 2026, in Department 31 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. If convicted, Weng faces a sentence of 25 years to life along with 56 additional years in state prison and would be required to register as a sex offender for life.

The case is being handled by Deputy District Attorney Catherine Mariano of the Sex Crimes Division and is currently under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Weng remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The charges against Sizhe Weng highlight the serious risks of sexual violence in academic environments.

School bus crash in Robbinsville injures driver and student

School bus crash in Robbinsville injures driver and student

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ – The Robbinsville Police Department responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a school bus crash on Hankins Road on Tuesday at approximately 7:38 a.m. A school bus transporting students to Pond Road Middle School left the roadway and collided with a tree.

Emergency responders assessed the driver and ten students at the scene. The driver was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center while one student was taken to Princeton Medical Center. No life-threatening injuries have been reported.

Families of the students involved have been notified directly by school officials. The crash occurred while the bus was traveling eastbound in the area of #125 Hankins Road.

The investigation into the incident is being conducted by Patrolman Colin Lockwood of the Robbinsville Police Department.

As the investigation continues, updates will follow.

This crash highlights the risks associated with school transportation.

Students treated to military showcase at Bensalem High School

Students experience military showcase at Bensalem High School

BENSALEM, PA — On Friday, Bensalem High School hosted a military event featuring four helicopters as part of the Navy and Marine Corps 250th celebration. Students, staff, and visitors were able to view the aircraft and engage with military aviators.

Navy and Marine Corps leadership addressed the student body during the event. Students learned about the various types of helicopters in service.

The Marine Corps band provided a musical performance for attendees. The event aimed to inspire young people to consider a future in military service.

Brigadier General Henry Dolberry, USMC, participated in the event and explained the specific roles of each helicopter. He also introduced Mayor Joe DiGirolamo and other local leaders to the military personnel present.

Coordination between the Bensalem School District, police, fire, and EMS services was crucial in ensuring public safety during the event.

The interaction allowed students to gain insights into potential military careers and the operations of the armed forces.

The display of military aviation served as a memorable experience for Bensalem High School’s community.

A unique opportunity unfolded for students as the military showcased its capabilities right on their school grounds.