Police Blotter

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.

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.

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.

Man arrested for brutal murder of wife in Illinois

Batavia, IL A man has been arrested and charged with murdering his wife in a violent incident at their apartment. Hector Luvianos-Barrera, 37, faces two counts of first-degree murder following the attack on Tuesday.

The event occurred early Tuesday morning at an apartment on Church Street. Luvianos-Barrera called 911 at approximately 4:30 a.m. and was found outside the residence by police.

Inside the apartment, officers discovered his wife, Noemi Parada Narvaez, 43, with severe injuries. Paramedics performed lifesaving measures, but she died at the scene.

Police described the incident as domestic-related. The Kane County Coroner’s Office confirmed the victim’s identity.

During a court hearing on Christmas Eve, Assistant State’s Attorney Tyler Cox presented disturbing details about the attack. Cox stated that Luvianos-Barrera stabbed Narvaez between 20 and 30 times in the head and an additional 20 to 25 times in her back, neck, and chest.

The prosecutor also reported that the defendant struck Narvaez’s body with a hammer multiple times. The victim sustained extensive lacerations and a fractured skull.

Luvianos-Barrera claimed that he acted in self-defense during the incident. The prosecution described the attack as excessively violent and unprovoked.

The couple allegedly consumed alcohol before the situation escalated. Luvianos-Barrera stated that Narvaez accused him of infidelity and began to throw objects.

He also reported that he attempted to calm his wife but discovered she was armed with a knife. The defendant claimed that he wrested the knife away from her before the attack began.

Court records indicate he admitted to stabbing Narvaez and hitting her with the hammer. He was found with his wife lying face down, covered with a blanket.

Luvianos-Barrera remains detained in the Kane County Jail without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 2.

Babysitter slaps infant, causing serious injuries and brain bleed

Fort Wayne, IN An infant sustained serious injuries after a babysitter allegedly slapped and backhanded the child. Emily Duran, 27, faces charges of neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury and battery to a child under 14 that resulted in serious bodily injury.

Police responded to a local hospital on December 11 after receiving a report about an injured infant. The incident is said to have occurred in the 100 block of West Superior Street earlier that day.

The parents had left their 7-month-old son with Duran shortly before 7 a.m. They reported that the child appeared well when they departed. Upon returning home around 5 p.m., the parents noticed “deep purple bruising” on the child’s face.

Duran sent a text to one of the parents claiming the boy had fallen. In a later recorded conversation, she stated the child’s injury occurred when he fell off a bench at a park.

Concerned about the injuries, the parents took their son to the hospital. Doctors later diagnosed the child with a brain bleed and determined that the injuries were the result of abuse.

Medical experts reported that the injuries could not have occurred accidentally. They stated that the extent and nature of the injuries indicated that they were inflicted.

Police located Duran later in the week for questioning. After being read her rights, she allegedly admitted to slapping the boy “as hard as you would slap an adult.”

Duran was taken to the Allen County Jail, where she posted bond. She is scheduled for a court hearing on January 12.

Mother accused of drug use as her infant drowns in bathtub

Burlington, VT Law enforcement is actively searching for Briana Arnold, a mother facing charges linked to the drowning of her three-month-old daughter. Officials claim Arnold was under the influence of narcotics during the incident.

Warrants for her arrest include involuntary manslaughter, cruelty to a child, and possession of narcotics. The Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations is leading the manhunt for Arnold.

The drowning occurred around 1 p.m. on a recent Thursday at an apartment on Main Street, as reported by Burlington Police. Responding officers found Arnold attempting CPR on her child, who was transported to a nearby hospital but later died.

Following the incident, CUSI executed a search warrant at the residence, which revealed fentanyl in an open container on the stove. Toxicology tests conducted on Arnold’s blood discovered benzoylecgonine, fentanyl, norfentanyl, and methadone.

The infant, identified as Sapphira Tanita Perez Sanchez, was determined to have died from drowning, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Police assert Arnold left her daughter unattended in a bathtub while it filled with water.

Arrest warrants were signed on October 27. Arnold has acknowledged the warrants and has been in contact with law enforcement but has not surrendered or met with officers.

Law enforcement encourages the community to assist in locating Arnold by contacting CUSI or the local police department.

Couple arrested after body found buried in backyard amid search for missing mother

Jackson, MS

A husband and wife are in custody following the discovery of a body in their backyard during a search for his missing mother. Authorities began their investigation after a family member reported 81-year-old Carol Ryan missing.

Ryan was expected to be at a nursing home in Brandon, just outside Jackson, but family had not heard from her for several months. On Tuesday, Jackson Police Chief Tyree Jones confirmed details of the case to reporters.

The investigation led to the home of 50-year-old John Ryan and his 48-year-old wife, Samantha Ryan. Police stated that all three had lived at the residence at one time.

Investigators obtained a warrant and searched the backyard with cadaver dogs that indicated the presence of human remains. They brought in excavators and discovered a body wrapped in a tarp and covered with concrete in a grave approximately six to eight feet deep.

A medical examiner will identify the remains and determine the cause and manner of death. The human remains were buried long before Carol Ryan was reported missing, according to the police chief.

The search for Carol Ryan remains active until the identity of the remains is confirmed.

John Ryan and Samantha Ryan face one count each of desecration of a human corpse. John Ryan is being held at Hinds County Jail on a $100,000 bond, while Samantha Ryan’s bond is set at $75,000.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may follow as more evidence comes to light.

Man suspected of double murder at Chipotle remains at large

Brockton, MA A 23-year-old man, Davinci Leonard, is wanted in connection with a double murder outside a Chipotle restaurant. Leonard is accused of fatally shooting two individuals, 18-year-old Cevannah Alvarez and 15-year-old Tymari Albertson, on March 22.

Leonard has been indicted on two counts of first-degree murder and several other firearm-related offenses. He has been missing since the shooting occurred.

An argument allegedly broke out between Leonard and Albertson prior to the shooting. Leonard then reportedly opened fire, hitting both victims, who later died at local hospitals.

Following the incident, authorities identified Leonard as the prime suspect but were unable to locate him. David Mosley-Lott, 32, and Jaylen Speed, 24, were arrested for allegedly assisting Leonard in evading capture. Both men have pleaded not guilty to accessory charges.

A witness described the chaotic scene, indicating that a public event was happening at the time. The U.S. Marshals Service, in collaboration with state and local police, is offering a reward of up to $7,500 for information leading to Leonard’s arrest.

Leonard is approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs around 140 pounds. Officials have stated he may have altered his appearance by cutting his hair short.

Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz has urged Leonard to surrender to law enforcement.

Texas woman charged with murder after Christmas Eve shooting

San Antonio, TX – A Texas woman has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of her boyfriend on Christmas Eve morning. Courtney Renee Hooper, 36, allegedly shot her 42-year-old boyfriend, who has not been publicly identified, during an argument over a car and a cellphone.

Bexar County Sheriff’s deputies responded around 6:30 a.m. to the 100 block of Mallow Grove for reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest; paramedics attempted lifesaving measures but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Hooper was taken into custody shortly after the incident. According to law enforcement, the dispute escalated dramatically, leading to the shooting. Local news captured her arrest as she was being transported to jail.

She claimed she was protecting herself when asked for a statement. Sheriff Javier Salazar noted that she presented a video to investigators, believing it would clear her name, yet it increased suspicion against her.

Salazar described the case as clear-cut after viewing the footage. He also indicated that the address had a history of previous domestic-related calls, though most involved individuals other than the victim.

The sheriff highlighted a concerning trend where domestic violence incidents tend to rise during holidays. He stressed the importance of addressing domestic violence, as it often escalates without intervention.

Hooper remains in custody at the Bexar County Jail without bond. She is scheduled for a court hearing on March 24.

Mother accused of shooting son over disrespect during Christmas brunch

Miami, FL A woman is facing charges after allegedly shooting her son outside a restaurant on Christmas Day. Roseita Lavette Smith, 50, has been charged with aggravated battery with a weapon after the incident outside the Red Rooster restaurant.

Smith was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center just after midnight on Friday, and she is being held without bond.

Reports indicate that the altercation began during a brunch inside the Red Rooster on Northwest 2nd Avenue, where Smith accused her son of disrespecting her and other family members.

The argument escalated and moved outside around 3 p.m. as the two were in her vehicle.

As the son exited the vehicle, Smith allegedly followed him and fired a single gunshot, hitting him in the thigh.

Emergency responders found the victim on the ground, bleeding from the wound, and transported him to a local hospital, where he was reported in stable condition.

Following the shooting, Smith allegedly fled the scene but was located by police later that day.

Smith reportedly claimed self-defense, stating her son threatened her after refusing to exit her vehicle, and explained that she feared for her safety based on past encounters.

The victim identified Smith as the shooter, resulting in her arrest.

Mother sentenced for abandoning children in filthy home

Vandergrift, PA – A Pennsylvania mother has received her sentence after leaving her children in hazardous living conditions while she was away with her boyfriend. Heidi Beer, 35, faces three to 23 months in prison for her actions.

Upon her release, Beer will serve three years of probation and six months of electronic monitoring at her residence. She previously pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including endangering the welfare of children.

Beer and her mother, 69-year-old Leslie Ann Keller, were arrested after police were called to the home due to a reported fight on July 28. Officers discovered the children living in unsanitary circumstances, with evidence of neglect throughout the property.

Investigators noted a strong odor coming from inside the house. The living area was littered with feces, rotten food, and pooling urine on the floors.

Four children, aged 9 to 16, were home alone, with the eldest stating that Beer had not returned for several days. The situation was further complicated by the absence of water and a broken shower spigot.

Beer was reportedly living with her boyfriend in Pittsburgh while her children were left behind. The boyfriend had encouraged her to abandon the children, promising a better life without them.

Keller, who lived nearby, was aware of the appalling conditions but had not intervened. One child disclosed that they would fill cat litter containers with water from her house, as their own home had no running water.

As Keller was shown the home during the police investigation, she attempted to reprimand the oldest child for the mess. An officer corrected her, emphasizing that the children were not responsible for the deplorable conditions.

Keller faces similar charges of endangering the welfare of children and awaits arraignment.

Intoxicated driver crashes into family, killing three

Richmond, TX

A woman faces multiple charges following a tragic crash that claimed the lives of three family members. Majesti Faith Lee, 27, was charged with intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault after the incident.

The crash occurred early Saturday around 2 a.m. on South Highway 99 near Houston. A family of four, including Lizbeth Rodriguez Contreras, 27, Diego Pena Jr., 26, and two young children, was driving north when Lee allegedly drove south in the northbound lanes and collided with their vehicle.

Contreras and her daughter, Camila, were pronounced dead at the scene. Diego Pena and the couple’s three-year-old son were transported to a local hospital, where Diego later died. As of Wednesday, the young boy is reported to be in critical but stable condition.

Lee sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was also hospitalized before being arrested. Investigators believe alcohol played a role in the incident.

Following her arrest, Lee was jailed on a bond set at $1,050,000. Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan expressed condolences for the family, emphasizing the dangers of impaired driving.

A GoFundMe campaign has been created to assist the surviving family members, highlighting the profound loss endured by these individuals. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving decisions.

Man sentenced to life for deadly home invasion

Gainesville, FL A 52-year-old man, Patrick Watson, received a life sentence without parole for orchestrating a home invasion that resulted in the death of 20-year-old D’halani Armstrong. A jury in Alachua County found Watson guilty of first-degree murder, armed home invasion, solicitation to commit armed burglary, and felony possession of a weapon.

Prosecutors revealed during the trial that Watson had hired three individuals, providing them weapons, money, and information about the target. On July 19, 2022, the hired men attacked Armstrong’s home, and Watson had promised them a share of the proceeds from the crime.

Testimony during the trial came from the accomplices who accepted plea deals, detailing their involvement in the crime. Watson faced multiple charges and was convicted on all counts.

Court documents indicate that one accomplice stayed in a car while two others entered the home. Armstrong was shot soon after they entered, and her uncle, Dovico Miles, confronted the intruders, managing to disarm one and returning fire as they fled.

The defense attorney argued the testimony was unreliable, suggesting there was no substantial evidence against Watson. The jury reached its verdict, and the presiding judge affirmed that Watson would spend the rest of his life in prison.

Prior charges against Miles were dropped, and the three accomplices—Tiara Luckie, Jason Ward, and Alderious White—all testified against Watson, ultimately securing his conviction.

Man charged in brutal death of girlfriend’s 2-year-old daughter

Philadelphia, PA A 21-year-old man is accused of killing his girlfriend’s daughter in a violent incident. Sean Hernandez faces charges including murder and obstruction of justice.

Hernandez allegedly beat 2-year-old Key’Monnie Bean, leaving her in a basement with severe injuries. He reportedly suffocated the girl before departing the scene.

Two other individuals in the home at the time, Anthony Lowrie, 21, and Alycia McNeill, 20, are charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly misleading investigators.

The child’s mother has not been charged; however, she is believed to have been present during the incident.

On Thursday, a response team arrived at the 2100 block of South Beechwood Street following a call, the details of which remain unclear. Officers discovered Key’Monnie unresponsive in the basement and transported her to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

Prosecutors indicated that the child may have faced prior abuse leading up to this incident. They assert Hernandez, who may also be known by the alias Raafi Gorham, is responsible for the child’s death.

“There are indications that there perhaps were objects used,” Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski stated, remarking on the severity of the injuries.

District Attorney Larry Krasner expressed deep emotion regarding the tragic case, highlighting the outrage over the loss of the young victim.

Key’Monnie’s father, Ta’Shaun Walls, shared his desire for the maximum punishment for Hernandez and criticized the child’s mother for her actions during the attack.

Hernandez remains in custody with a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 5, 2026.

Man charged in child abuse case involving toddler’s near-fatal injuries

Beaumont, TX A 28-year-old man is facing charges after allegedly inflicting severe injuries on his girlfriend’s one-year-old daughter. Howard Dewayne Walker Jr. was arrested following an incident that occurred while the child’s mother was at a doctor’s appointment.

Police responded around 1 p.m. Tuesday to a hospital where the child arrived in critical condition. Medical staff noted that the girl showed signs consistent with child abuse and subsequently airlifted her to a Houston hospital.

An arrest affidavit indicated that the girl was intubated and had severe facial swelling, bruising, and multiple burn-like lesions. Blood was also found around her left ear.

Prior to the incident, the child’s mother had left her and another child in Walker’s care around 10 a.m. He later texted her about the situation, prompting family members to visit the home.

Witnesses reported that the girl was unresponsive and had visible injuries, including a swollen eye. They observed Walker applying a frozen orange juice can to her face.

Upon arrival, officers noted the strong smell of bleach and found evidence of an attempt to clean up blood. Walker was initially detained on unrelated municipal warrants.

During questioning, he first denied being present when the child sustained her injuries, blaming a babysitter and then his girlfriend. He later admitted to being the only adult with the girl at the time but claimed her injuries were due to an allergic reaction.

Medical professionals informed detectives that the child’s injuries were consistent with inflicted trauma and required significant force. She was later found to have facial fractures, a liver laceration, and active internal bleeding.

The toddler is currently listed in critical condition. Walker remains in the Jefferson County Correctional Facility with a bond set at $1 million.

Mother charged with murder in baby daughter’s tragic death

Logan, OH

A mother has been charged with murder following the death of her ten-month-old daughter. Daisha Somers, 27, is accused of causing severe injuries to her child, Ka’myla Somers, which included multiple skull fractures and signs of significant internal trauma.

The child was found unresponsive in November 2022, after Somers and her boyfriend, Jerry Johnson, claimed she fell from her bed. Investigators later determined the extent of Ka’myla’s injuries did not match the explanation provided.

Both Somers and Johnson allegedly heard a loud noise before discovering the child on the floor. They did not call emergency services and opted to transport her to a hospital in their vehicle several hours later.

On Friday, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced charges against Somers that included murder and felonious assault. Johnson, who is not Ka’myla’s father, faces charges of child endangerment but has not been charged with murder.

Somers reportedly admitted to using methamphetamine, while Johnson acknowledged being intoxicated from alcohol consumption. Johnson stated he found the baby unresponsive while Somers was doing laundry elsewhere.

After being transported to the hospital, Ka’myla was placed on life support and later pronounced dead on November 23, 2022.

A Hocking County grand jury issued the indictment last week. Somers is currently being held without bond following her arrest in West Virginia.

Initial charges of child endangerment against both individuals were dismissed in April 2023 as prosecutors worked to gather necessary evidence for a murder indictment. Delays in the case were largely attributed to the reliance on forensic evidence and expert testimony regarding the medical information related to the case.

A GoFundMe campaign launched in Ka’myla’s memory described her as a vibrant child who brought joy to those around her.

Missouri man charged after violent parking lot attack over dog incident

Pleasant Hope, MO

A man was charged after allegedly attacking another individual at a middle school basketball game. Charles Cooper confronted the victim in the parking lot, accusing him of hitting his dog with a car.

Witnesses reported the assault at Pleasant Hope Middle School. Cooper, wielding a metal flashlight, allegedly beat the 21-year-old victim while making threats about bloodshed.

During the attack, Cooper reportedly said, “You made my dog bleed internally, now I’m going to make you bleed internally.”

The confrontation began when the victim stepped outside for fresh air, as he became irritated with the game. An account from a probable cause statement reveals that Cooper approached the victim, yelling accusations.

The victim acknowledged hitting something on his way to the game but claimed he was unaware it was a dog. Following the altercation, Cooper allegedly knocked the victim to the ground and continued to assault him.

Multiple witnesses observed the incident and reported Cooper’s aggressive behavior. One female bystander yelled for him to stop, to which he responded with further justifications for his actions.

The victim sustained injuries and required hospitalization due to the attack. Cooper faces charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action, as outlined in court documents.

Teen arrested for fatal stabbing over missing vape

Baytown, TX An 18-year-old has been arrested following the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old during a confrontation in a high school classroom. Aundre Matthews allegedly stabbed Andrew Meismer over a missing $21 vape pen at Sterling High School on Wednesday at approximately 11:15 a.m.

Prosecutors reported that a teacher witnessed a struggle after Meismer sought permission to leave the classroom. Shortly thereafter, the teacher heard cries for help and found Matthews with his arm around Meismer’s neck.

Despite attempts to remove Matthews’ arm, the teacher observed blood coming from Meismer’s neck. Surveillance footage indicated that both boys entered the classroom together, where Matthews accused Meismer of taking his vape.

A fight ensued, with a witness stating that she saw significant blood following the altercation.

Upon arrest, Matthews claimed he confronted Meismer regarding the vape before searching his pockets and discovering a pair of scissors, which he took from Meismer. Following this, Matthews allegedly stabbed Meismer in the neck during the confrontation.

Matthews’ attorney stated that the defendant has no prior criminal history. However, a former teacher mentioned Matthews had faced in-school suspensions for prior altercations.

Local educators expressed concern about escalating discipline issues at the school. Matthews remains in Harris County Jail, with a bond set at $3 million.

His next court appearance is scheduled for January 7, 2026.

Mom arrested in Miami after attacking teen on cruise

Miami, FL A 38-year-old Minnesota mother was arrested after allegedly tackling a teenager on a Carnival Cruise ship. The incident occurred on Sunday while the cruise was docked in Florida.

Paetra Grandsberry was reportedly frustrated after a group of teenagers allegedly attacked her two sons. As she spoke with a security guard regarding the matter, Grandsberry ran after a group of children, claiming one of them had struck her sons.

Witnesses say Grandsberry tackled one teen and instructed her children to assist her. The boy managed to break free and return to safety.

Grandsberry later informed police that she realized she had mistakenly identified the teen as one of the attackers. Upon her arrest, she was charged with child abuse without great bodily harm.

Following the incident, deputies from the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office detained Grandsberry. The teenager involved stated that he did not seek medical attention after the alleged attack.

Grandsberry was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where she remains on a $2,500 bond.

Father faces charges after children endure perilous hike in Utah

Salt Lake City, UT A father is accused of endangering the lives of his three children during a treacherous hike in the Wasatch Mountain Range last week. Micah Smith, 31, faces six felony counts related to child torture and aggravated child abuse, which could lead to a significant prison sentence. His defense attorney seeks to limit media exposure related to the case, arguing that it could negatively impact the children.

Defense attorney Kayla Mahoney filed a motion in Salt Lake County court requesting that cameras be banned from the courtroom. The motion states that images of their father in handcuffs may harm the minors emotionally.

The argument posits that any exposure to courtroom images is unnecessary for the children. The motion highlights a “reasonable likelihood” that media coverage may adversely affect their well-being.

The hiking incident occurred in early October at Big Cottonwood Canyon. There, Smith took his children, ages 2, 4, and 8, on the Broads Fork Trail, which is rated “hard.”

As conditions deteriorated, Smith allegedly ignored pleas from his children and their mother to turn back. The charging documents recount multiple instances where the children expressed discomfort and requested to leave.

Failing to heed his daughter’s concerns as the storm approached, Smith stated it was a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. When conditions worsened, he left the children alone early in the morning to seek help.

The family was rescued by a search and rescue team utilizing a helicopter. Investigators discovered evidence on Smith’s phone showing his wife’s repeated inquiries about the children’s safety.

Moreover, a video showed his daughter worrying about freezing to death. The prosecution has yet to respond to the defense’s motion regarding courtroom cameras.

Couple charged after attempting to sell baby for beer at campground

Rogers, AR

A couple in Arkansas has faced legal consequences for attempting to sell their baby for a six-pack of beer. Darien Urban, 22, pleaded guilty to accepting compensation for adoption and received a sentence of three years in prison, with three years suspended.

Shalene Ehlers, 21, accepted a plea regarding two counts against her and received a lighter sentence, being placed on six years of state-supervised probation.

The couple’s actions were first reported earlier this month at Beaver Lake Hide-A-Way Campground, where they allegedly offered their six-month-old child in exchange for cash and alcohol.

Witnesses reported that Urban and Ehlers tried to give the baby to a man who had offered beer. They signed a contract stating they were surrendering their parental rights in exchange for $1,000.

According to an affidavit, multiple witnesses confirmed the attempted sale, which included a recording of the two signing the contract. The couple was said to have had discussions about exchanging the baby for the promised money.

A call to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office prompted a response from deputies, leading to the baby being taken from the alleged sellers. The child, showing signs of neglect, was subsequently transported to a hospital for evaluation.

Neither parent is permitted to contact their child, now a toddler, following plea agreements. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as both Urban and Ehlers face ongoing repercussions from their actions.