Police Blotter

Tennessee babysitter sentenced to 20 years for tossing toddler into cot

Clarksville, TN A former day care worker was sentenced on Thursday to 20 years in prison for abusing a 13-month-old girl in her care. Sarah Jo Fuson, 24, was convicted of aggravated child abuse and child abuse in October.

Fuson will serve her sentence without the possibility of parole. She received an additional four-year sentence to run concurrently.

During the hearing, Judge David Wolfe noted Fuson’s lack of remorse prior to the hearing and quoted her earlier claim, “I shouldn’t F–ing be here, I didn’t do anything.” Witnesses reported inconsistencies in Fuson’s statements regarding her actions during the incident.

The incident occurred in January 2023 at the Tylertown Learning Center in Clarksville. A video shown during the trial depicted Fuson forcefully slamming the child into a cot multiple times. Medical experts warned that the child might suffer from serious injuries, including a concussion.

Fuson faced allegations after the child returned home with visible injuries. Parents’ complaints led to an investigation that ultimately ended in Fuson’s termination from the day care.

The defense claimed misinformation about the child’s injuries circulating rapidly in the community. The jury sided with the state and found Fuson guilty after reviewing the evidence.

In a statement during sentencing, Fuson expressed regret. Her mother also addressed the court, emphasizing Fuson’s positive attributes and their family’s need for her presence.

The victim’s mother spoke about the profound impact the incident had on her child and family, calling for the court to consider the child’s trauma. The case will have lasting effects on the victim and her family.

Woman faked paternity test with nephew in custody battle

Trumbull, CT A woman has been charged with perjury and tampering with evidence in connection with a paternity test scandal. Kristen Hogan, 33, allegedly attempted to mislead a court during a custody dispute by presenting her nephew as her son for a DNA test.

According to an arrest warrant, Hogan had previously told the court that her husband was not the biological father of her children. The court had ordered a paternity test, which Hogan arranged to be conducted in April.

Unknown to her, a private investigation firm was monitoring her actions. Surveillance determined that she brought her nephew to the lab instead of her son for the test. The boy was identified as Hogan’s sister’s child in the investigators’ report.

A conversation with her sister revealed that she had no prior knowledge of Hogan’s actions and was upset to learn that her child was involved in the situation. The investigation also revealed that Hogan’s mother was unaware of the paternity test arrangement.

A former boyfriend corroborated that the child taken for testing was Hogan’s nephew. A hearing in December showed surveillance footage that prompted the judge to conclude that Hogan did not provide truthful testimony.

Hogan turned herself in on Thursday and posted a $50,000 bond. She is set to appear in court on December 23. In a separate case, she faces charges of attempted murder related to accusations of poisoning her husband using antifreeze. Her next court date in that matter is January 27, 2026.

Man sentenced for brutally attacking seven-year-old girl in Detroit park

Detroit, MI A 74-year-old man has been sentenced to seven to 15 years in prison for slashing a seven-year-old girl’s throat at a park. Gary Lansky pleaded guilty but mentally ill to assault with intent to murder and assault with a dangerous weapon.

During the sentencing on Thursday, 36th District Court Judge Malaika D. Ramsey issued the sentence following the attack that traumatized Saida Mashrah. Lansky was also sentenced to one to four years for a separate assault charge, to be served concurrently.

Saida addressed the court, expressing her fear and trauma from the incident that occurred in the daylight on October 8. She described how the attack affected her daily life, saying she did not want to go outside or sleep.

Lansky confronted the girl while she was playing in Ryan Park and cut her throat with a pocketknife. After the attack, Saida managed to escape and received assistance from a neighbor who helped stop the bleeding.

Witnesses intervened and restrained Lansky until law enforcement arrived in the afternoon. Saida required three stitches to treat her wounds from the incident.

Her family has since filed a civil lawsuit seeking $50 million. At the sentencing hearing, a statement on behalf of Saida’s mother expressed the emotional impact of the attack on their family.

Local civil rights leaders criticized the case’s handling, expressing disappointment over a lack of hate crime charges. Lansky offered an apology to Saida’s family during the hearing, taking responsibility for his actions.

Man accused of smothering mother after argument about his life choices

Holly, MI

A 39-year-old man faces charges for allegedly smothering his mother to death. James Robert Hall has been charged with first-degree murder, unlawfully driving away an automobile, and larceny in a building.

The incident occurred on November 24 at their home on Ash Street. Hall’s mother, Kristine Lynn Hall, 59, had recently allowed him to move in.

Hall stated that after his mother called him to her bedroom, she began to scold him about his life choices. He became frustrated and used a pillow to smother her to death.

After the incident, Hall reportedly stole money and jewelry from his mother and drove her vehicle to Kalamazoo, approximately 140 miles away. There, he allegedly rented a hotel room and used the stolen money to gamble.

On the following day, Holly police were dispatched to the home after a family member found Kristine Hall dead. The family member reported that multiple attempts to contact her had gone unanswered, which was unusual.

Upon investigation, police discovered Kristine’s vehicle was missing. The family member forced a back door open and found her deceased in bed.

Officers noted that she appeared natural with no immediate visible signs of injury. The family member mentioned that Kristine was afraid of her son and would not allow him to drive her vehicle.

Investigators observed bruising on Kristine’s neck, indicating a struggle. A search for Hall and the vehicle began.

Hall reportedly used a store phone to call his father and confessed to killing his mother, mentioning thoughts of self-harm. Kalamazoo police located him in Kristine’s stolen vehicle and took him into custody.

Holly police were informed by Kristine’s daughter that Hall had admitted to killing his mother. During an interview, Hall reiterated his confession.

The Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Kristine’s death a homicide caused by strangulation and suffocation. Hall was booked into Oakland County Jail and arraigned on charges related to his mother’s death, with bond denied.

Holly Police Chief Jerry Narsh expressed condolences to Kristine’s family. Hall is scheduled for a court appearance on December 23.

Man charged with murder after targeted highway shooting claims life of pregnant woman

Arlington, TX A man has been arrested following a targeted shooting that resulted in the death of a pregnant woman. Malik Miner, 29, faces charges of first-degree murder, deadly conduct, and three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The incident occurred on a stretch of Interstate 20 in early November. Bre’Asia Johnson, 29, was driving when gunfire erupted.

Johnson’s boyfriend pulled over at a QuikTrip gas station to call for help after they were struck by bullets. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before 8 p.m., while her boyfriend sustained injuries requiring hospital treatment.

Detectives confirmed Johnson was pregnant, and her unborn child also died from the attack. Two children in the vehicle were not seriously injured despite one being struck by falling glass from shattered windows.

Another vehicle was caught in the gunfire, but no injuries were reported among its occupants. Law enforcement recovered two different caliber shell casings from the highway.

Witness interviews and surveillance footage led to Miner’s identification as the suspect. Evidence suggests the shooting was targeted rather than a result of road rage.

Police discovered Miner had a prior relationship with Johnson and was in conflict with her boyfriend. A search of Miner’s residence yielded his cellphone, which contained previous communications between him and Johnson’s boyfriend.

Cell phone location data indicated that Miner was present at the crime scene at the time of the shooting. It also suggested he followed the victims in the moments leading up to the attack.

Following his arrest on Thursday evening, Miner declined to speak to law enforcement.

Title: Man charged in brutal death of mother, body left in trash can

Westminster, CO

A man has been charged in the death of the mother of his children. Thomas Perales, 38, faces multiple charges including first-degree murder and tampering with a deceased human body.

On Monday, the Westminster Police Department reported a “suspicious” death near Willowbrook Park. The victim has been identified as 37-year-old Annette Valdez.

Valdez’s body was discovered in a garbage can; authorities believe she died approximately six days prior to the discovery.

Perales was arrested on Tuesday after he was reportedly the last person seen with Valdez. He is her ex-boyfriend and father of her children.

According to police, Perales was living in homelessness and allegedly transported Valdez’s body in a shopping cart before moving it to the park. During questioning, he reportedly admitted to killing Valdez and described how he “paraded her around.”

Valdez’s brother, Adam Larson, indicated a history of domestic abuse. He stated the family attempted to help her escape the relationship, but she always returned to Perales.

Recent domestic violence incidents had been reported, with Valdez contacting her mother while watching Perales attempt to break into her apartment.

Perales had been released from jail the previous month and Valdez’s family believes her death was preventable, attributing it to failures in the judicial system.

Valdez is remembered on a GoFundMe page as a “beloved daughter, sister, mother, and friend.” The family expressed devastation and described her as a person whose kindness and laughter impacted everyone around her.

Trial reveals shocking allegations against Canadian foster parents charged with murder

Milton, ON

A trial is currently underway for Brandy Cooney, 43, and Becky Hamber, 45, accused of killing their foster son. The women face multiple charges, including first-degree murder and failing to provide necessities for life. They have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Cooney testified this week, asserting that she and Hamber provided care for the 12-year-old boy, referred to as L.L., while also supporting his younger brother, J.L. She admitted to restraining the boys, stating they were a threat to themselves and others.

In her testimony, Cooney claimed they used zip ties on the boys’ wet suits to prevent self-harm. They also occasionally secured helmets to their heads to stop them from hitting themselves, according to reports.

Prosecutors allege that the boys were forced into zip-tied wet suits, confined to their rooms for lengthy periods, and limited to pureed food. Cooney stated that restraints were a last resort, though she acknowledged using them frequently.

During cross-examination, Assistant Crown Attorney Monica MacKenzie questioned Cooney’s reasoning for these measures, suggesting the injuries the women claimed could have been avoided. Cooney insisted that the children caused many injuries but indicated that medical attention was never sought.

On December 21, 2022, L.L. was found unresponsive in their home, reportedly emaciated and covered in vomit. He later died, with pathologists suggesting possible hypothermia or cardiac arrest linked to severe malnourishment as the cause.

Records indicate disturbing communication between Cooney and Hamber regarding their treatment of the boys. Two days before L.L. died, a search for “I hate my child” appeared on an iPad in their home. Further exchanges indicated a lack of concern for the boys’ basic needs.

The trial, which started in mid-September, continues to reveal troubling evidence about the treatment of the boys, who were placed with Cooney and Hamber in 2017. J.L., now 13, has testified against the pair.

Charges dropped against man accused of kidnapping baby from Costco

Idaho Falls, ID

Charges against Michael Garrison Raine have been dismissed following accusations that he kidnapped a four-week-old baby at Costco. The dismissal was announced during a press conference on Thursday.

Raine, 24, was arrested in November and charged with second-degree kidnapping after he was reported to have taken a woman’s shopping cart containing her baby. The incident reportedly occurred on November 20 at the Costco warehouse in Idaho Falls.

Bonneville County Prosecutor Randy Neal and Idaho Falls Police Chief Bryce Johnson stated that surveillance footage contradicted the initial claims made by the baby’s mother. The complete video from the store revealed that there was no evidence supporting her version of events.

According to police, Raine mistakenly took the woman’s cart, believing it was his own. After realizing his error, he attempted to return to the woman to apologize, stating that he was unaware of the situation.

At the press conference, Neal described how the review of the surveillance footage indicated that Raine did not exhibit any stalking behavior toward the woman. The detectives also noted that Raine had walked into the aisle with his own shopping cart, a detail not visible in earlier recordings.

Neal explained that detectives recreated the scene with the woman and found discrepancies between her memory and the footage. He emphasized that her recollections were not entirely accurate based on video evidence.

Raine’s case has raised questions about the implications of misunderstandings during routine shopping trips. Remaining details surrounding this situation will continue to unfold as authorities assess the context of the event.

Man arrested for road rage attack on elderly couple

Oak Lawn, IL A 41-year-old man faces charges after a road rage incident left a 73-year-old man with serious injuries. D’Angelo Groce has been charged with two counts of aggravated battery, according to local police.

The incident occurred in late November at a gas station intersection. The elderly couple was attempting to merge into a turning lane when Groce’s truck allegedly cut them off.

Deborah, the man’s wife, confronted Groce after he collided with their vehicle. She reported that Groce pushed her, causing her to fall and injure herself.

As Joseph, who suffers from dementia, tried to assist his wife, Groce allegedly punched him, leaving him on the ground. Eyewitnesses witnessed the assault and called the police.

Groce reportedly threatened Joseph during the attack. Joseph sustained multiple injuries, including a broken nose and jaw.

Deborah documented the financial impact of the incident, describing over $2,000 in vehicle repairs and additional medical costs exceeding $7,000.

Groce has a prior criminal history that includes convictions for burglary, domestic violence, and battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault. He is being held at the Cook County Jail without bond and is scheduled for a court appearance on December 19.

Man sentenced to life for fatal McDonald’s shooting over refund dispute

Houston, TX A man was sentenced to life in prison for killing an attorney during a confrontation at a McDonald’s. Anthony Landry, 59, received the sentence on Thursday after a jury found him guilty of murder in just 20 minutes.

The incident occurred on May 4 when Landry became irate over his missing Filet-O-Fish sandwich patty. Witnesses reported that he yelled at employees, prompting Jeffrey Limmer, 46, to intervene and ask Landry to leave.

Limmer pushed Landry outside the restaurant, only for Landry to return moments later with a handgun. He shot Limmer nine times, causing critical injuries.

Attempts to save Limmer failed, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Landry turned himself in to authorities a week after the shooting.

Limmer was an associate at a Houston law firm and known for his inclination to de-escalate conflicts. His sister described him as someone who fought for justice and cared deeply for friends and family.

Court records indicated that Landry had been out on bond for a prior aggravated assault charge at the time of the shooting.

81-year-old man charged with attempted murder after shooting at Subway restaurant

Lake City, MN An 81-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after shooting the owner of a Subway restaurant with whom he had an ongoing feud. William Piar faces multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder and multiple counts of assault.

The shooting occurred Wednesday afternoon near the 1300 block of North Lakeshore Drive. Eyewitnesses indicated that Piar began firing a gun at the Subway building around 1:30 p.m.

A man, identified only as the restaurant owner, was shot in the abdomen during the incident. Reports suggest that Piar and the victim had been engaged in property disputes for years.

Lake City police arrived to find Piar in his backyard wearing dark clothing. Officers instructed him to show his hands, but he refused to comply and kept one hand in his coat pocket.

An officer deployed a less-than-lethal shotgun loaded with bean bag rounds, hitting Piar and prompting him to reveal a firearm. Officers then commanded him to drop the weapon, but he did not comply, leading them to fire additional bean bag rounds.

At one point, Piar reportedly asked officers to shoot him. After further attempts to subdue him with bean bag rounds, he fell to the ground and dropped his weapon, with one hand bleeding heavily.

Police handcuffed Piar and attended to his injury. Meanwhile, the victim was found inside the restaurant, bleeding and in significant pain, attended to by family and Subway employees.

Once the situation was secure, the shooting victim was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Piar appeared in court on Friday and was assigned a bail of $2 million. He is scheduled to return to court next month.

The restaurant was reportedly open, and customers were present during the shooting.