Search Results for: claims

Wife accused of murdering husband found with knife claims it was an accident

City, State Abbreviation A 71-year-old woman is on trial for allegedly murdering her 84-year-old husband with a kitchen knife. Daryl Berman claims her husband David Berman “slipped” onto the knife, which she used while eating a chicken salad sandwich.

Witness testimony revealed that Daryl Berman wrote “bye bye” in a calendar on the same day her husband died. She described her actions in court, saying she lay down next to her husband’s body multiple times before it was removed from the home.

Initially ruled an accident, David Berman’s death prompted further investigation that allegedly implicated Daryl Berman. The couple’s home remained the scene until police ordered an undertaker to retrieve the body.

Daryl Berman testified that she heard a noise before finding her husband lying face down with a knife in his chest. She stated that David Berman made a gurgling sound as she discovered him.

During police interviews, Daryl Berman struggled to understand the scene’s severity, thinking the blood was “gravy.” She contacted authorities for assistance while she and a dispatcher worked to revive her husband.

Under questioning, Daryl Berman strongly denied any involvement in her husband’s death. Medical experts in court found her version of events to be implausible due to the details surrounding the stab wound and an injury on David Berman’s finger.

Daryl Berman’s trial continues this week with no motive presented by police regarding David Berman’s death.

Man accused of killing deputy claims mental incompetence to dodge death penalty

Lake Elsinore, CA A man charged with the murder of a Riverside County sheriff’s deputy is allegedly feigning mental incompetence to evade the death penalty. Jesse Ceazar Navarro, 45, faces charges of murdering Deputy Darnell Calhoun and discharging a firearm with intent to kill.

Navarro’s case has garnered attention due to the special circumstances that render him eligible for capital punishment. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office has stated its intention to pursue the death penalty.

Prosecutors argue that Navarro is manipulating the legal process to avoid accountability. Deputy District Attorney Marcus Garrett accused Navarro of planning to escape responsibility, citing the defendant’s ability to multitask and retain information.

A forensic psychologist confirmed Navarro’s competency to stand trial, noting her professional assessment. The prosecution also referenced a conversation between Navarro and his wife during his incarceration, where he reportedly expressed confidence in their plan.

In contrast, the defense claims Navarro suffers from mental deficiencies linked to bullet fragments in his head. A judge ruled last year that evidence warranted a mental competency trial.

The shooting incident that resulted in Calhoun’s death occurred on January 13, 2023, at a residence on Hilldale Lane. Calhoun was the first officer to respond to a domestic violence call and was shot multiple times after arriving on the scene.

Another deputy who attempted to assist Calhoun was also shot at during the incident. Both Navarro and Calhoun were hospitalized following the exchange of gunfire.

Calhoun was pronounced dead at the hospital, while Navarro was detained after being shot.

District Attorney Mike Hestrin praised Calhoun’s bravery, highlighting his dedication to community safety amid a dangerous situation.

If Navarro is deemed mentally incompetent, he could be placed in a facility for treatment under California law. The case remains under scrutiny as the legal proceedings unfold.

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.

Tragic crash claims life of pregnant teenager and unborn child

Covington, GA

A pregnant teenager, Jaylah Donald, was killed in a DUI crash while riding with her mother. The fatal incident occurred when her mother, Takila Donald, allegedly backed out of a driveway improperly and was struck by a drunk driver.

Donald, 19, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her unborn child also did not survive.

Takila Donald suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to a local hospital, where she is currently on a ventilator. Family members expressed concerns about her recovery.

The driver of the other vehicle, Brandon Robinson, has been charged with DUI. Charges against Takila Donald are pending.

The crash took place while the Donalds were dropping off a neighbor after a Thanksgiving celebration. Jaylah’s family members learned of the tragedy when they arrived at the scene.

Jaylah’s father, Jonathan Ponds, spoke about his hopes of becoming a grandfather just hours before the accident. He expressed grief over the loss of both his daughter and grandchild.

Details of the crash include that Takila Donald failed to yield while entering the roadway. Robinson was traveling west on Fairview Road when the vehicles collided.

Witnesses reported the aftermath of the crash, describing the chaotic scene as emergency responders arrived. Investigation into the details of the crash is ongoing.

Tragic shooting claims mother and two children as divorce proceedings unfold

Bonanza, AR Authorities are investigating the shooting deaths of Charity Beallis and her two children. The incident occurred at their home in Bonanza.

The Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office conducted a welfare check around 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Upon arrival, no one answered the door but they were let inside by two associates of the family.

Inside, they discovered Beallis and her children with apparent gunshot wounds. Autopsies are scheduled to determine their official causes of death. Investigators have executed search warrants and anticipate further inquiries.

No arrests have been made in connection with the case. Reports indicate that Beallis and her husband were finalizing their divorce, following a court hearing just two days before their deaths.

Her husband’s lawyer filed a motion to dismiss the case on the same day Beallis and her children were found. Local media has reported that Beallis’ husband faced legal trouble in February for choking her, previous to the divorce filing.

Court documents revealed that he pleaded guilty to third-degree battery in October. Beallis sought sole custody of her children due to the incident.

Her father, Randy Powell, believes Beallis’ husband is responsible for their deaths, citing financial motives and personal animosity as potential motives.