Search Results for: Burlington

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.

Prosecutors charge Indian national with double homicide of mother and son

Maple Shade, NJ

A 38-year-old Indian national has been charged in the 2017 homicides of a mother and her young son in Maple Shade. Nazeer Hameed faces two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and one count of unlawful possession of a weapon.

The victims, Sasikala Narra, 38, and Anish Narra, 6, were found deceased in their Hamilton Road apartment on March 23, 2017. An autopsy revealed each died from multiple slash wounds to their necks, with evidence indicating Anish Narra was nearly decapitated by the attacker.

Hameed resided in the same apartment complex as the victims and was an acquaintance of the family through their workplace. After the incident, he returned to India, where he remains while the investigation proceeded.

Law enforcement identified Hameed as a person of interest due to his stalking behavior toward Hanumanth Narra, husband and father of the victims. Delays in filing charges were attributed to the pursuit of additional evidence and coordination with federal partners for potential extradition.

Physical evidence ultimately linked Hameed to the crimes. A blood droplet found at the scene was consistent with Hameed’s DNA. Efforts to secure a DNA sample from him in India faced repeated obstacles, including his refusal to cooperate.

A mutual legal assistance request to collect Hameed’s DNA was acknowledged by the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs, yet was not fulfilled. The case gained renewed attention as the investigation continued despite misinformation that suggested stagnation.

Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw expressed a commitment to justice for the victims. Chief Christopher J. Fletcher emphasized the emotional toll on investigators, keeping the memories of Sasikala and Anish as guiding reminders throughout the investigation.

Detectives employed various methods, including a subpoena that led to the collection of Hameed’s DNA from a company-issued laptop. A forensic examination of the laptop confirmed its connection to the blood evidence.

The motive for the killings remains unestablished, with prosecutors not required to provide one for conviction in New Jersey. The next steps involve efforts to extradite Hameed back to the United States.

Fletcher underscored the community’s outrage over the case and the duty of law enforcement to seek justice. The extradition authority rests with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of State.

Bradshaw urged cooperation between the U.S. and Indian governments to ensure Hameed’s extradition. The Indian Cultural Center of Southern New Jersey offered support during the investigation, with board member Jayesh Parikh acknowledging law enforcement’s efforts over the past years.

The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, Maple Shade Police Department, FBI, and New Jersey State Police. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Robert Van Gilst upon Hameed’s extradition.

Silent Witness Project honors victims of domestic violence

EVESHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ – Officers participated in the Silent Witness Project at Rowan College at Burlington County to honor local residents murdered through domestic violence. The event aimed to commemorate the lives lost due to such acts within the county.

Two Evesham residents were recognized during the ceremony. Theresa Krawiec, 47, was killed on August 8, 2007, suffocated in her sleep by her husband. He committed suicide while facing charges.

Lauren Nobel, 29, was murdered on April 19, 2005. She was stabbed multiple times in her home by her boyfriend, who then set fire to the residence. He received a 30-year prison sentence for her murder.

The project featured silhouettes representing those victims, sharing their stories and memories as part of the remembrance. The event underscored the community’s commitment to addressing domestic violence.

Evesham Township Police noted, “We will never forget both Lauren and Theresa.” The commemorative act reflects the ongoing effort to raise awareness about domestic violence.

The Silent Witness Project serves as a reminder of the impacts of domestic violence. It highlights the need for continued advocacy and support for victims and their families.

The community came together to honor the memories of individuals affected by these tragic events as part of a broader approach to prevent domestic abuse.

Tragedy strikes homes as communities unite against the scourge of domestic violence.