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Indiana mother fatally shot three days after filing for protection from husband

Indianapolis, IN

A mother in Indiana who sought a protective order against her husband on Christmas Day was shot and killed three days later. The woman’s 10-year-old daughter called 911 to report the incident on Sunday afternoon, stating that her father had shot her mother and fled the scene in a gray Toyota Tundra.

Court documents reveal that Jeri Mains filed the order describing a history of domestic violence, including allegations of being assaulted with kitchen tongs by her husband, Cecil Mains. The children witnessed the violent incidents that had been reported to police, leading to the protective order request.

A judge could not process the order filed on December 25 due to court closures for the holiday. The couple had argued in prior weeks leading up to Jeri’s death, with allegations of physical fights and threats made by Cecil.

Cecil Mains allegedly shot Jeri in front of their four children before abandoning her body in the driveway. He was arrested the next day following a traffic stop after police identified his vehicle.

Local reports indicate that Jeri’s GoFundMe page expresses the family’s ordeal, highlighting the emotional impact on her surviving children aged 19, 17, 14, and 10. Cecil Mains remains in custody at the Marion County Jail facing a preliminary murder charge.

Couple charged after baby suffocates in filthy trailer

Nampa, ID

A couple has been charged following the death of their 12-day-old baby in a trailer described as filthy. According to court documents, the child suffocated and was then moved to a house by the parents.

Brian Lemke, 31, and Allysen Armenta, 28, reportedly texted each other after their child’s death instead of contacting authorities. Both are facing multiple charges, including felony injury to a child and hiding evidence.

On Thursday, Lemke made a 911 call at 3:32 a.m. regarding the baby’s condition. Officers arrived at a house on Lone Star Road where Lemke claimed the infant died, though the child was later found to be moved from a different location.

Investigators found the trailer filled with trash and other hazardous materials. Armenta was discovered hiding in a camp trailer and was taken into custody.

The couple has prior convictions for child endangerment in Idaho. Reports indicate that their other children have been removed from their custody in the past due to unsafe living conditions.

Both Lemke and Armenta are scheduled to appear in court next month for preliminary hearings.

Florida woman charged with murder of 97-year-old mother

West Palm Beach, FL A Florida woman has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of her 97-year-old mother. Martha Jo Blake, 66, was arrested after her mother, Patricia Blake, was found dead at home on Tuesday.

An autopsy revealed that Patricia Blake’s death was a homicide, with indications of strangulation. Martha Blake reportedly told police she assisted her mother in ending her life at her request.

When deputies arrived at the scene, Martha Blake stated that her mother had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease and a thyroid disorder. Following the autopsy, evidence led officials to reassess the circumstances surrounding her mother’s death.

The medical examiner found details inconsistent with natural death, including a lack of post-mortem blood pooling. There were also several signs of violence present.

Martha Blake had previously stated that she and her mother discussed options for “death with dignity” with her mother’s doctor in Maine, who indicated that Patricia was not eligible due to a lack of terminal illness.

She told authorities that discussions on suicide had occurred but no lethal means were available at the time.

Martha Blake is currently being held without bond at the Main Detention Center in West Palm Beach. Her next court appearance is set for January 25, 2026.

Man sentenced to over a decade for throwing baby against wall during video game rage

Milwaukee, WI A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to abusive conduct that left his infant son critically injured. Jalin A. White’s actions stemmed from frustration while playing a basketball video game.

In a plea agreement, White admitted to physically abusing his 8-month-old son and neglecting him, resulting in great bodily harm. Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Anderson M. Gansner accepted the plea and sentenced him to serve 12 years with seven years of probation.

The incident occurred on November 5. White was watching his son alone in a rented room while the child’s mother left to run an errand.

When she returned, the mother found the infant, identified as JW in court documents, in distress. The child was barely breathing, with visible signs of injury, prompting the mother to seek immediate medical assistance.

Upon arrival at a nearby hospital, the child was diagnosed with skull fractures and multiple broken ribs along with other serious injuries. Medical staff performed CPR to revive JW after he lost his pulse.

During police interviews, White provided inconsistent versions of how the boy sustained his injuries. Ultimately, he admitted to throwing JW against the wall in a moment of frustration related to the video game NBA2K.

He claimed that while holding the boy, he became frustrated with the game’s outcome and hurled the child toward the wall. White noted the impact was so severe that he repeatedly emphasized how hard the child hit the wall.

In his final court appearance, he received a nine-year sentence for the physical abuse charge and a three-year sentence for neglecting the child. He was credited with 419 days spent in pretrial detention.

White will also be required to complete post-incarceration programs and treatment. He is prohibited from using corporal punishment on any child in his care.

Mother forced to dig up son’s remains after funeral home grave site blunder

Portland, OR

A mother must exhume her son’s remains following a funeral home’s grave site error. The court has ruled that the grave belongs to another family who purchased the plot years ago.

Paula Tin Nyo’s son, Tyber Harrison, died in 2016. His ashes were interred in a memorial vault at the Skyline Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home.

In a recent lawsuit, the company admitted to double-booking the grave site. A judge determined that the site should be designated for the Reser family, whose son passed away in 2019.

The Multnomah County civil jury found the funeral home negligent for the error. However, they concluded that the emotional distress claimed by Tin Nyo was not warranted due to a breach of contract on her part.

Tin Nyo’s lawyer reported that the contract restricted the addition of human cremains. The attorney described the case as profoundly sad.

Skyline attempted to resolve the issue by refunding Tin Nyo a portion of her payment and offering to relocate the vault a few feet away. They stated that they had taken full responsibility for the mistake.

The Reser family is interred near the site and reportedly intends to place a memorial bench where Harrison’s remains were.

The funeral home began excavation of Harrison’s vault on Tuesday. They expect the complete removal to occur in the coming weeks.

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.

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 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.

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.

Prison guard locks social workers in office over child support dispute

Warner Robins, GA A Georgia prison guard has been arrested after allegedly imprisoning social welfare workers in an office. Quantraves Hall, 25, faces multiple charges of false imprisonment and terroristic threats.

The incident occurred late last week at the Georgia Department of Family and Child Services offices. Hall reportedly became upset regarding his child support payments and entered the building demanding answers.

After locking the front door, he prevented four employees from leaving. Hall is accused of berating the staff, expressing anger over his financial obligations, and attempting to access a restricted area.

Security personnel eventually removed him from the premises. Police arrived shortly afterward to take statements from the affected employees.

One of the social workers experienced hyperventilation during the interview, showing visible distress over the situation. Hall had already departed by the time officers arrived.

He later returned to the police station voluntarily and spoke with investigators. Hall acknowledged locking the door but claimed he had unlocked it afterward. He admitted to cursing at the staff but became contentious during the questioning.

The following day, Hall was terminated from his position with the Georgia Department of Corrections after being charged. The department issued a statement underscoring its commitment to public safety and condemning Hall’s actions.

After being detained in the Houston County Jail, he posted bond. No court dates are currently scheduled for Hall’s case.

Headline: Neighbor’s gun practice leads to deadly Christmas shooting

Duncan, OK

A woman was shot in a tragic incident on Christmas while sitting on her front porch. Cody Wayne Adams, 33, has been charged with first-degree manslaughter in connection with the shooting.

Police report that the woman was on County Road 1800 when she was struck by a bullet fired by Adams, who was testing a new firearm.

Witnesses indicate she was with family and holding a baby when the shooting occurred around 3:15 PM.

Family members heard gunshots in the area prior to the incident, with the victim reportedly commenting about the new gun before collapsing after being shot in the upper arm and chest.

Deputies and first responders arrived shortly and pronounced her dead at the scene.

Neighbors later informed police that they had seen Adams practicing with a Glock 45 in his backyard.

He admitted to shooting at a target and acknowledged the woman had died from a gunshot wound nearby.

Authorities learned from witnesses that Adams was firing approximately twenty rounds that day, targeting a Red Bull can.

During questioning, Adams appeared emotional and confessed he was shooting toward the ground without understanding the risk.

He appeared in court on Friday and was assigned a bond set at $100,000.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 26, 2026.

Teen on the run after fatal shooting of mother and wounding of father

Freeport Township, PA Law enforcement is searching for an 18-year-old who allegedly shot and killed his mother and wounded his father earlier this week. Jarrod Noll is wanted in connection with the homicide and attempted homicide.

The incident transpired on December 26 at a home on Garrison Ridge Road. Just before 2 p.m., state troopers responded to reports of a shooting.

Officers found a woman and a man at the scene, each suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were transported to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia for medical attention.

The woman later died from her injuries, while the man remains in stable condition. Investigators later determined that the victims were a married couple and identified their son as the suspect.

Noll fled the scene on foot prior to law enforcement’s arrival. An extensive search of the area surrounding the residence did not yield any results.

Authorities expanded their search and are requesting the public’s assistance in locating Noll. The suspect is described as a white male with brown hair and a mustache, approximately six feet tall with a normal build.

At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a camouflage hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and brown boots. Noll may be armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on Noll’s whereabouts is urged to contact Pennsylvania State Police or call 911. The public is advised against approaching the suspect if sighted.

Two photographs from a gas station surveillance camera have been released, allegedly showing Noll. The investigation into the circumstances of the shooting is ongoing.

Man pleads guilty to killing grandfather with mother’s help

Houghton, MI A 22-year-old man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his grandfather, who was found shot in his home. Jacob Kempainen entered his plea this week in Houghton County court, resulting in the dismissal of an open murder charge along with conspiracy and firearm charges.

As part of the plea agreement, Kempainen is required to cooperate and testify against his mother, Margaret Kempainen, who is charged alongside him but has not been offered a plea deal. Local prosecutors indicated that they are focused on securing a conviction against her.

On December 7, Kempainen and his 50-year-old mother allegedly traveled from Wisconsin to Michigan for the purpose of visiting his grandfather. The victim’s son became concerned after noticing a debit card transaction made by the pair in Bruce Crossing, prompting fears that his father may have been in danger.

Just days later, Alvin Kempainen sent a message indicating he had just welcomed his family to his home but subsequently ceased all communication. On Tuesday, December 19, deputies from the Houghton County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to conduct a wellness check at his residence, where they discovered he had suffered an apparent gunshot wound to the head.

First responders pronounced the victim dead at the scene. Jacob and Margaret Kempainen were apprehended by police after being located traveling south on Interstate 35 towards Iowa.

In an unusual twist, Jacob Kempainen reportedly claimed that malevolent spirits were responsible for his grandfather’s death, while his mother suggested that the victim was not her father-in-law.

Following Jacob’s plea, prosecutors emphasized the need for a conviction against Margaret Kempainen. Houghton County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Helmer remarked that a recent ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court limited prosecutorial leverage in plea negotiations due to Jacob’s age at the time of the murder.

Jacob Kempainen is scheduled for sentencing in the next three months, while Margaret Kempainen’s jury trial is set for next month.

Man charged with murder in brutal baseball bat attack on former mother-in-law

Trumbull, CT

A Trumbull mother was attacked with a baseball bat the day after her 70th birthday. Ylli Shtopaku, 46, was charged with the murder of Lida Shape.

The incident took place at the Ten Trumbull apartment complex on April 28. Shape returned home with an acquaintance when she was approached and attacked by Shtopaku around noon.

Witnesses report the attack lasted 92 seconds. Shape lived in the complex with Shtopaku’s ex-wife and their two children.

It was determined the two were no longer related due to a family divorce several years earlier. Upon arrival at the scene, police found Shape lying on her back, beaten and gasping for air.

A neighbor identified Shtopaku to the police. He allegedly claimed Shape had “tried to kill me for all my life” and that he acted in retaliation.

Shtopaku stated he had seen Shape at a mall food court, followed her home, and confronted her before grabbing a bat from his car. He blamed her for his divorce, loss of his house in Monroe, and financial difficulties.

Local news reported prosecutors offered a plea deal to Shtopaku on Friday, though details remain undisclosed.

Shtopaku is being held on a $3 million bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 19, 2026.

Florida woman faces lengthy prison term after infant death

West Boca Raton, FL

A Florida woman entered a guilty plea for the death of her newborn son. Bianca R. Desouza, 23, pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter of a child and neglect of a child causing great bodily harm on Thursday.

The case stems from an incident that occurred on May 2, 2022. At 4:56 p.m., emergency responders arrived at a residence in West Boca Raton following a call about an unresponsive infant.

The infant’s grandmother reported finding the baby unresponsive in Desouza’s bedroom. The child was transported to West Boca Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Desouza gave birth to the child in her bed but did not seek medical assistance after the birth. She reported that after holding the infant until he stopped crying, she left him on the bed while taking a shower.

Desouza indicated she was unaware the child had died until her mother entered the room. The mother reported Desouza had experienced significant stress regarding the impending birth and potential adoption of the child.

Desouza was released from a psychiatric facility on May 11, 2022. She later expressed regret and explained her confusion during the labor process.

The Palm Beach County medical examiner classified the infant’s death as a homicide due to asphyxia. The report noted that the mother did not attempt to reposition the baby during or after the birth.

Desouza’s plea agreement stipulates a prison sentence of up to 45 years. Sentencing is set for January 29, 2026.

Texas man allegedly ambushes pregnant ex-girlfriend in home invasion

Fort Worth, TX A Texas man is accused of breaking into his pregnant ex-girlfriend’s home and shooting her and her mother. Christopher Mike, 32, allegedly entered through a back door and hid inside until Sylvia Scott arrived on Tuesday with her mother, Allura Stewart.

Scott reported that she was shot in the neck as she entered through the garage door. Stewart described the incident, stating Mike appeared unexpectedly and shot her daughter before turning the gun on her.

Stewart managed to escape after being shot and called 911. The shooting occurred in front of Mike’s three children, who authorities say were not targeted but are now experiencing nightmares.

Scott indicated that Mike had been violent during their relationship, which ended recently. She believes he tracked her location using an Apple iPad he had left with her.

Online records indicate Mike faces charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, and kidnapping. He was being held without bond and is scheduled for a court appearance on January 5, 2026.

Florida man allegedly shot ex-girlfriend’s father during dispute

Miami Gardens, FL – A man has been charged with second-degree murder following the shooting death of Yasmany Rodriguez Fernandez. Sylvester Grice-Jordan, 32, is accused of fatally shooting Fernandez after a dispute over a dog.

Police responded to the 3300 block of NW 177th Terrace shortly after 7 p.m. on Thursday. Officers found Grice-Jordan holding a rifle; he complied with orders to drop the weapon.

Fernandez was discovered dead on the porch with multiple gunshot wounds. Inside the home were the victim’s wife, stepdaughter, and an eight-month-old baby.

Fernandez’s stepdaughter stated she had been in a relationship with Grice-Jordan, and the couple had lived at the residence since April. Following issues with the suspect, Fernandez’s wife asked him to leave on December 15.

Grice-Jordan was asked to retrieve his dog after it soiled the residence. He came back to the home, causing an argument with Fernandez.

As the two men verbally confronted each other, both had previously been armed but did not hold the weapons. Grice-Jordan moved outside, followed by the victim, where another argument ensued.

Witnesses heard a gunshot, and Fernandez yelled for them to call 911. Surveillance footage captured Grice-Jordan demanding keys and counting down from five while pointing the rifle at Fernandez’s head.

Following the countdown, Grice-Jordan allegedly fired several more shots at the victim. He was taken into custody and remains at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center without bond.

A hearing is scheduled for Monday morning.

Suspect pulls gun on officer during Walmart shoplifting incident

Canton, OH

A shoplifting incident at a Walmart escalated dramatically when a suspect attempted to shoot a police officer. The attempted shooting occurred after the suspect, identified as Shane Newman, was detained for allegedly stealing merchandise.

Body camera footage captured the moment Newman, 21, drew a firearm while seated in a security office with a companion. According to reports, he pointed the gun at the officer’s head and pulled the trigger, but the weapon malfunctioned.

A loss prevention officer intervened, yelling and attempting to grab the gun from Newman. The police officer quickly jumped in and subdued Newman before he could fire again.

The officer later recounted the encounter, stating the gun was pointed directly at him when the trigger was pulled. The intervention of the loss prevention officer was critical, and the officer expressed gratitude for the employee’s quick actions.

A spokesperson for Walmart praised the employee’s bravery to maintain safety in the store. Jessie Carpenter, Walmart’s asset protection operations coach, stated the company prioritizes the safety of customers and associates and will support the ongoing police investigation.

Court documents reveal Newman faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and felonious assault against an officer. He reportedly possessed approximately 50 Molly pills at the time of the incident. Newman is currently held at the Stark County Jail on a $1 million bond. His companion, Katerina Jeffrey, faces charges of complicity in the robbery and is held on a $500,000 bond.

Their next court appearance is set for Tuesday. Canton Police Chief John Gabbard emphasized the need for community support for law enforcement. He highlighted the persistent risks officers face while serving the public.

Three Ohio brothers sentenced to decades in prison for deadly shooting of 12-year-old girl

Dayton, OH

A 24-year-old man was sentenced to 67 years in prison for his role in the shooting that killed a 12-year-old girl. Antawan Benson received the sentence on Monday in connection to the death of Isabella Carlos.

Benson and his brother, Javen Conner, were found guilty on multiple charges earlier this month. The charges included murder and discharging a firearm into a habitation.

On August 22, the brothers confronted a woman in Trotwood over a social media post involving a relative. Children were present in the vehicle at the time of the confrontation.

Later that night, the brothers fired an AK-47 and an AR-15 at three homes around 12:30 a.m. on August 23. Inside one of the homes, Isabella was found sleeping in her bed when the gunfire struck.

Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. The brothers were indicted approximately two weeks after the incident.

Judge Gerald Parker noted the disturbing details surrounding Isabella’s death. He emphasized that she likely did not die immediately and that she suffered in her final moments.

The judge expressed frustration over Benson and Conner posting images of their empty firearm clips on social media after the shooting. He criticized their actions as “false bravado.”

A family member of Isabella spoke at the sentencing, highlighting the loss and impact on the family.

Conner is scheduled for sentencing on January 8.