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Thursday, December 14, 2023

Texas Woman Receives Death Sentence for Fatally Assaulting Pregnant Friend and Abducting Unborn Child


Texas Woman Receives Death Sentence for Fatally Assaulting Pregnant Friend and Abducting Unborn Child 

A 29-year-old Texas woman, Taylor Rene Parker, has been sentenced to death for the 2020 murder of her pregnant friend, Reagan Simmons-Hancock, and the abduction of the unborn baby, Braxlynn Sage Hancock. The Bowie County jury deliberated for less than an hour before finding Parker guilty of capital murder by terror threat or other felony last month. The recent sentencing comes after the jury determined that Parker posed a continuing threat to society, and there were no significant mitigating circumstances in her background.

Killer Realizes She's Been Caught After Cutting Baby Out Of Victim's Stomach

During the trial, several family members of the victim provided victim impact statements. Reagan's sister, Emily Simmons, expressed the pain of losing her sister and how it affected important life events like her upcoming wedding. Reagan's mother, Jessica Brooks, directly addressed Parker, describing her as an "evil piece of flesh demon" and highlighting the brutal act of tearing her daughter open and taking the baby.

First Assistant District Attorney Kelley Crisp recounted the gruesome murder scene in her closing statement, emphasizing the horrific circumstances and the mother's fight for her child. The court heard details of the murder, involving over 100 stab wounds, defensive wounds on the victim's hands, a fractured skull, and other injuries inflicted with various objects.

The investigation began when Hancock's mother discovered her daughter's lifeless body on October 9, 2020, with a large amount of blood throughout the house. Parker was apprehended less than an hour later, holding a newborn infant, and claiming it as her own. However, medical personnel determined that Parker had not given birth to the child.

Prosecutors argued that Parker's motive was to steal Reagan's baby to maintain a lie she had told her boyfriend about being pregnant. The brutal nature of the crime and the extensive injuries inflicted on the victim played a significant role in the jury's decision to sentence Parker to death.

Judge John Tidwell formally sentenced Parker to death, stating, "You have been found guilty of capital murder and punished by Texas law to death. I formally sentence you to death." Parker has been taken to death row following the sentencing.


In Other SMH America News

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest following months of speculation over his health.

Recording Reveals Trump Discussing Classified Document Retained Post-White House Exit


Recording Reveals Trump Discussing Classified Document Retained Post-White House Exit 

Former President Donald Trump is facing increased scrutiny as federal prosecutors have reportedly obtained an audio recording from a summer 2021 meeting where Trump acknowledges holding a classified Pentagon document related to a potential attack on Iran. This revelation contradicts Trump's claim that he had declassified all relevant material upon leaving the White House.

CNN Releases Video Proving Trump Was Knowingly Sharing Classified Documents

Multiple sources familiar with the investigation have stated that the recording indicates Trump was aware of retaining classified information after his presidency but was cautious about the limitations on his ability to declassify records post-presidency. Although CNN has not listened to the recording, sources describe Trump's comments as suggesting a desire to share the information.

Special counsel Jack Smith, leading the Justice Department investigation, is focusing on this meeting as part of the criminal inquiry into Trump's handling of national security secrets. Prosecutors have questioned witnesses, including General Mark Milley, one of the highest-ranking national security officials from the Trump era.

The meeting occurred in July 2021 at Trump's golf club in New Jersey, involving individuals working on the autobiography of Trump's former chief of staff, Mark Meadows. The attendees lacked security clearances, and the discussion reportedly revolved around a document related to an alleged plan to attack Iran.

While Meadows' autobiography recounts a similar meeting, Trump's reference to a document allegedly prepared by Milley is disputed. Investigators have questioned Milley about the incident, and the recording is considered crucial evidence in a potential case against Trump.

The revelation comes amid Trump's third bid for the presidency, raising questions about his legal exposure. Trump has denied any wrongdoing, attributing leaks to political motives and calling the Justice Department's investigation shameful interference in the election.

The investigation has shown signs of nearing completion, although no criminal charges have been filed yet. The recording, capturing Trump discussing a classified document, sheds light on both his actions at Mar-a-Lago and the events in Bedminster a year earlier.

Trump's various explanations for the handling of declassified documents have raised concerns. His legal team has provided conflicting statements, ranging from a standing declassification order to documents being inadvertently packed up at the end of the administration. The lack of clarity on the declassification process remains a focal point in the ongoing investigation.


In Other SMH America News

The New Hampshire father of two who died after an incident at Gillette Stadium during the New England Patriots game Sunday had been punched in the face and knocked unconscious by a Miami Dolphins fan, according to a witness.

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Heroic Ascent: Man Climbs 19-Story Building Like Spider-Man to Rescue Bedridden Mother


Heroic Ascent: Man Climbs 19-Story Building Like Spider-Man to Rescue Bedridden Mother

 The individual who successfully climbed a blazing 19-story building in West Philadelphia last week wasn't attempting to flee the inferno, contrary to initial assumptions.

The man, known only as Jermaine, undertook this daring feat to rescue his bedridden mother on the 15th floor, all while nursing an injured hip. In an interview with CNN affiliate WPVI, the 35-year-old hero shared that he received a distress call from his sister on Thursday night, informing him that their mother was trapped in her apartment building engulfed in flames.

Black Philadelphia Man Goes Viral After Scaling 19-Story Building to Save His Mom

Upon arriving at the scene, Jermaine attempted to access the building through the front door, but it was obstructed by the police. Despite being denied entry due to non-functional elevators, Jermaine insisted he could use the stairs, to which the officers responded, "We can't let you in."

Driven by the unwavering determination to save his mother, Jermaine, who had injured his hip earlier that day, relied on sheer adrenaline. Armed with wire cutters, he scaled the balconies, navigating through the fenced-in structure. Describing his ascent, Jermaine explained, "When I grabbed a gate, at the top of the gate, there was a ledge. Then I could step on top of the ledge and reach up to the other gate and keep climbing my way up."

His primary concern was his mother's safety, emphasizing, "She can't get out of the bed or walk around, so if there's a fire, she needs help out." Upon reaching his mother, Jermaine discovered that she was unharmed, and the fire was under control. He expressed, "She was more shocked. She's not surprised by the things that I do for her. She knows I'll go over and beyond for her."

The fire was reportedly initiated by a malfunctioning trash compactor, leading to four individuals and three firefighters being treated for smoke inhalation. Jermaine descended the building as effortlessly as he ascended, with his descent captured on video and widely shared online. He anticipated potential arrest upon reaching the ground, but a police officer, understanding the circumstances, informed him that no crime had been committed.

Reflecting on the incident, Jermaine acknowledged the leniency shown by the police officer, stating, "He did cut me a break. He understood the circumstances. He knew—when your adrenaline is pumping and your mom is up there, you're thinking she's dying—you'd do anything you can."


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From frightening outbursts to furious judges, “Court Cam” gives viewers an in-depth examination of some of the most stunning and emotional courtroom moments caught on camera. Hosted by Dan Abrams, each episode includes interviews with judges, witnesses, and victims who give a first-hand account of what really happened during these intense courtroom moments. This comprehensive look at how the action unfolds allows viewers to sit in the courtroom as they witness crazy courtroom moments from the most high-profile trials to minor court proceedings.

'We Share Love': The Reason Behind a Mexican Mayor's Marriage to an Alligator


 'We Share Love': The Reason Behind a Mexican Mayor's Marriage to an Alligator

The mayor of San Pedro Huamelula in Mexico, Victor Hugo Sosa, recently participated in an unusual union, marrying a reptile named Alicia Adriana as part of an ancestral ritual aimed at bringing prosperity to his community, reports AFP. San Pedro Huamelula is a town predominantly inhabited by the Indigenous Chontal people.

Mexican Mayor Marries An Alligator

Local tradition refers to the reptile as "the princess girl." This unique form of matrimony, spanning 230 years, commemorates the day when two Indigenous groups established peace through a symbolic marriage. According to the custom, a Chontal king, now represented by the mayor, wed a princess girl from the Huave Indigenous group, symbolized by the caiman.

The union is believed to establish a connection with the earth's emblem, seeking blessings from the all-powerful for essential elements like rain, seed germination, and overall peace and harmony for the Chontal community, explains Jaime Zarate, a chronicler of San Pedro Huamelula.

Before the ceremony, AFP notes that the reptile is paraded from house to house, adorned with a ribboned headdress, allowing residents to hold her and partake in a dance. Her snout is securely bound. Subsequently, she is dressed in a white bridal costume and transported to the town hall for the unique ceremonial event.


In Other SMH America News

A 2020 video of Iranian lawmakers chanting “death to America” in parliament has been falsely linked to a September 2023 prisoner swap deal worth $6 billion between the two countries.

Children Aged 5-10 Placed in Care Following Discovery at Drag Party with Deceased Trans Woman, Drugs, and Sex Toys in Cluttered Residence


 Children Aged 5-10 Placed in Care Following Discovery at Drag Party with Deceased Trans Woman, Drugs, and Sex Toys in Cluttered Residence

Four children, aged five to 10, have been placed in protective care following a distressing incident in a squalid Boston apartment. First responders discovered the lifeless body of a black trans woman amidst a disturbing scene of sex toys and drugs.

Four Kids Found at Drag Party with Dead Trans Woman's Body on the Floor Drugs & Sex Toys Everywhere

Emergency services were alerted by an unconscious person report at 11 am last Saturday. Upon arrival, they encountered six adults, seemingly men dressed as women, who were uncooperative and denied the presence of children in the residence. The kids were ultimately found in a cramped room, concealed by an adult man wearing a wig, amid filth and a pervasive stench.

City Councilor Erin Murphy revealed that the partygoers tried to impede a firefighter from discovering the children. "When he opened the door, he saw four children and what I believe are two adults in the back room, and it was really disturbing to him," Murphy conveyed, emphasizing the children appeared frightened.

Authorities are treating the incident as a death investigation resulting from cardiac arrest, and no arrests have been made as of Wednesday. The apartment exhibited hoarding, extreme uncleanliness, and an abundance of sex toys and drug paraphernalia. The children were promptly removed from the hazardous environment and placed under the care of child protective services, where their physical and mental well-being was evaluated.

The nature of the relationship between adults and children remains unclear. The police report indicated no suspicion of alcohol or drug consumption, although the deceased woman's cause of death is yet to be determined. At-Large City Councilor Michael Flaherty asserted that the woman found on the floor likely succumbed to an overdose. He also mentioned the discovery of a man in a wig claiming to be the father of the children.

Neighbors expressed trauma over the incident, describing the scene as disturbing. Safety concerns were raised, with one resident stating she hadn't felt secure in the apartment complex for years, emphasizing the need for increased police presence. Another neighbor mourned the loss of the deceased woman, a friend of her neighbor, describing the situation as very sad.

The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families was notified due to the apartment's conditions, prompting an investigation. Council President Ed Flynn labeled the discovery as "inhumane and horrific," highlighting the need for oversight of housing inspections and eviction practices. The Boston City Council is scheduled to convene to address the situation, ascertain the details, and explore ways to enhance living conditions in public housing in Boston.


In Other SMH America News

Los Angeles police deny there is a connection between the deaths of two models whose bodies were found in luxury apartments just days apart — despite the women’s similar professions and the proximity of their homes.

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Murder Charges Filed Against 12-Year-Old in Alleged Killing of Sonic Employee


Murder Charges Filed Against 12-Year-Old in Alleged Killing of Sonic Employee 

A murder charge is facing both a 12-year-old and a 20-year-old following a tragic incident at a Sonic Drive-In in Keene, where a 32-year-old employee, Matthew Davis, was shot and killed during a confrontation with a customer on Saturday night.

12-Year-Old Charged With Murder After Killing Sonic Employee With An Assault Rifle

A makeshift memorial with flowers and a cross has emerged outside the Sonic Drive-In on Old Betsy Road in Keene in memory of Matthew Davis, a father and employee who lost his life in the line of duty. According to Keene Police, the shooting occurred around 9:40 p.m. during an altercation in the parking lot. Angel Gomez, 20, was with several passengers and behaving disorderly when Davis approached him for urinating in the parking lot, as reported by Keene Police Chief James Kidd.

The confrontation escalated into a physical altercation, during which a 12-year-old, who was in Gomez's car, reportedly retrieved an assault rifle and fired six rounds at Davis, striking him multiple times. Despite being airlifted to a nearby hospital, Davis succumbed to his injuries.

After the incident, Gomez and the 12-year-old fled the area, but Gomez later returned to the scene and was apprehended. The police located the 12-year-old in Rio Vista, where he was taken into custody. The minor's identity is being withheld due to legal considerations. Both he and Gomez are now facing murder charges.

The Sonic restaurant remained closed on Monday, with community members visiting to leave flowers in honor of Davis. Jane Baggett, a resident, expressed the community's desire to show support and love during this difficult time. A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to assist Davis's family with funeral expenses and provide support for his 10-year-old son.

In response to the tragedy, a Sonic spokesperson released a statement expressing sadness and noting that the franchisee is fully cooperating with local authorities in their investigation. Keene is located approximately 30 miles south of Fort Worth in Johnson County.


In Other SMH America News

Two men were arrested Monday on charges that they helped establish a secret police station in New York City on behalf of the Chinese government, and about three dozen officers with China’s national police force were charged with using social media to harass dissidents inside the United States, authorities said Monday.

Armed Assailant Robs Woman, Proceeds to Make Inappropriate Advances on Facebook: 'You Were Too Pretty to Rob'


Armed Assailant Robs Woman, Proceeds to Make Inappropriate Advances on Facebook: 'You Were Too Pretty to Rob' 

An Indianapolis woman faced a terrifying ordeal when a suspect, identified as Damien Boyce, allegedly robbed her at gunpoint, coercing her to connect with him on Facebook following the incident.

Amber Beraun recounted the night in May when Boyce approached her as she retrieved her mail, brandishing a firearm, as reported by WRTV. Refusing to allow him entry into her home, Beraun handed over approximately $100 in cash. Unsatisfied with the loot, Boyce then insisted that she add him as a friend on Facebook.

Gunman Demands Woman Befriends him on Facebook After Breaking in her Home

Attempting to defuse the situation, Beraun complied, hoping that the gesture would prompt Boyce to leave. However, her act of compliance seemed to embolden the alleged assailant.

Shortly after the robbery, Beraun received messages from Boyce, who not only expressed attraction but also made inappropriate advances towards her. One message reportedly stated, “Damn, you were too pretty to rob,” with another promising to reimburse her.

Despite Beraun's attempts to maintain a placating tone in her responses, Boyce persisted in contacting her, going so far as to invite her to "come chill."

The traumatic incident left Beraun shaken, instilling a sense of paranoia about the safety of her normally tranquil Indianapolis neighborhood. She expressed concern about the possibility of criminals scouting for opportunities in the area.

“It makes me a little on edge knowing that people walk up and down the street, looking for places to commit crimes,” she remarked. “It makes it a little different when you hear noises at night.”

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department revealed that Boyce had been arrested and charged in a separate armed robbery on June 12. During this incident, Boyce allegedly shot two individuals and assaulted another with a brick following a dispute. After barricading himself, a SWAT team was deployed, and Boyce surrendered to the police.

Boyce faces charges including burglary, unlawful possession of a weapon, criminal recklessness, and battery in connection with the armed robbery of Beraun. He is currently held on a $7,500 bond.


In Other SMH America News

A Bronx day care provider, her husband and his cousin have been indicted on murder and other charges on suspicion of exposing four children – including a 1-year-old who died – to fentanyl at the day care center last month, the Bronx district attorney's office said Thursday.

Surveillance Footage Reveals 2018 Incident: 29-Year-Old Man Steals Passenger Plane at Seattle Airport, Embarks on Hour-Long Joyride, and Intentionally Crashes It on Remote Island, Resulting in His Death


Surveillance Footage Reveals 2018 Incident: 29-Year-Old Man Steals Passenger Plane at Seattle Airport, Embarks on Hour-Long Joyride, and Intentionally Crashes It on Remote Island, Resulting in His Death 

Recently released surveillance footage captures the chilling moment a Seattle Airport baggage handler, 29-year-old Richard Russell, stole an Alaska Airlines plane before deliberately crashing it on a remote island, resulting in his own death.

New Video Shows Man Stealing Horizon Air Plane In 2018 Incident

Port of Seattle authorities have made public the airport surveillance video, providing a real-time account of the incident from both inside the terminal and on the tarmac.

In the footage, Richard Russell, wearing a black T-shirt with the words 'The Sky's No Limit,' is seen passing through airport security. More than five hours later, he emerges on the tarmac in the cargo area, using a tow vehicle to move the propeller aircraft onto a taxiway.

As air traffic control attempts to make contact, Russell, unnoticed by co-workers nearby, enters the cockpit and takes off in the Q400 Turboprop. Communicating with the control tower, he mentions, 'Seattle ground Horizon guy. About to take off. It's gonna be crazy.'

Subsequent ground video captures Russell performing stunts over Puget Sound, with his radio communication expressing a surreal situation. He even jokes with air traffic controllers about securing a job as a pilot with Alaska Airlines if he lands successfully.

Despite the controllers' pleas for a safe landing, Russell's responses remain erratic, expressing concerns about potential repercussions. He contemplates jail time and acknowledges the rapid depletion of fuel.

Two F-15 fighter jets from Portland are dispatched to intercept the plane but are unsuccessful. One hour and 13 minutes after takeoff, Russell intentionally crashes the plane on an island, taking his own life. Witnesses describe barrel rolls and loop-the-loops during the incident.

The FBI investigation found no evidence of flight training, but Russell was familiar with starting an airplane, having watched instructional videos online. In cockpit audio, he mentions playing video games, indicating a minimal need for assistance.

The FBI concluded the incident as suicide, ruling out broader criminal activity or terrorism, affirming Russell acted alone. Born in Key West, Florida, Russell moved to Alaska as a child, later settling in Seattle and joining Alaska Airlines. Despite passing background checks, Russell's tragic actions shocked witnesses, prompting a brief airport shutdown and flight suspensions.


In Other SMH America News

A driver in Nebraska was pulled over for having a bull in the passenger seat of his car. NORFOLK, Neb. -- Police in Nebraska pulled over a driver with an unusual passenger, a full-sized watusi bull named Howdy Doody