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Virginia Prosecutors wants November Execution Date for DC Sniper

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 15:18:00 +0000

Virginia prosecutors are asking a state court to set a November 9 execution date for John Allen Muhammad, convicted in a series of sniper-style shootings that terrorized the Washington area in 2002.

In a letter dated Wednesday, the State Attorney General's Office wrote that the date “has been carefully coordinated with the Governor’s office to insure his availability for any clemency petition Muhammad may wish to pursue.“ This move follows last month's denial of Muhammad's final appeal in U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Muhammad is sentenced to death for the Oct 9 2002 slayings of Dean Meyers, one of 10 people shot to death during the 2002 sniper rampage that terrorized the Washington area.

Muhammad and then teen accomplice Lee Boyd Malvo are suspected in other shootings and murders in Tacoma, Washington, Montgomery, Alabama, and the Washington, D.C., area.

Malvo is serving life in prison for his part.

Tropical Storm Fred Strengthens in the Atlantic

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:42:00 +0000

Tropical Storm Fred is strengthening in eastern portion of the Atlantic Ocean.

Tropical Storm Fred sustained winds increased to near 50mph, 285 miles southwest of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands.

Forecasters believe that Fred will become a hurricane in a few days, but they don’t think Fred will threaten land because it expected to make a gradual turn to the west-northwest and northwest over the next few days while also decreasing its forward speed.

Sinkhole Swallows half a Fire Truck

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:30:00 +0000

A broken water main created a sinkhole big enough to swallow half a fire truck in Valley Village, CA. The hole, which was spotted before dawn on Tuesday was created by a burst water main at Hartsook Street and Bellingham Avenue.

According to KTLA , "Engine 60 was on its way to check out the damage and the roadway apparently buckled, sending the truck nose-first into the crater."

Firefighters escaped unharmed.

Milwaukee Police links Man to 9 Slain Women

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:50:00 +0000

A Milwaukee man is in police custody after DNA linked him to the slayings of nine women, since 1986. Walter E. Ellis, 49 was captured when an officer spotted his car at a motel.

DNA was found on the victims ranging from the age of 16 to 41. They were killed between 1986 and 2007. Investigators believed most the victims were prostitutes. Ellis was arrested days after police matched a sample of his toothbrush to samples of the victims.

Ellis is charged with 2 counts of first-degree intentional homicide, charges that carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. Prosecutors expect more charges to be filed.

NFL star Merriman accused of choking Reality Star girlfriend

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:57:00 +0000

Shawn Merriman, a star linebacker for the San Diego Chargers, was arrested Sunday after reality star, Tila Tequila accused him of choking and restraining her.

According to the San Diego Sheriff's Department, the incident occured when Tequila tried to leave Merriman's residence. Merriman was charged with battery and false imprisonment and was later released on bail.

Tequila was taken to the hospital, where her condition was unknown.

UPDATE: According to TMZ Shawn Merriman has spoken about the incident that got him arrested yesterday....

"On September 6, 2009 the San Diego Sheriff's Department responded to a citizen's complaint that was initiated by Tila Nguyen (aka Tila Tequila). I was taken into custody based upon that complaint. At the time, I was concerned about her welfare given the intoxicated state she appeared to be in and I encouraged her to stay until safe transportation could be provided.

"We would all do our best to help a friend if we considered their actions to be detrimental to their personal safety. I in no way caused any harm to Ms. Nguyen, however, paramedics were called and she was examined but no injuries were reported. She was released and has since returned to Los Angeles, California.

"There have been no charges filed against me. I want to thank the San Diego Sheriff's Department for their professionalism. I will continue to cooperate fully with the Department, and I look forward to clearing my name regarding these false allegations. I want to put this behind me so I can continue to focus on a successful season for the San Diego Chargers."

Stop the Presses...Chris Brown is Mad at Oprah!

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:03:00 +0000

Thats right, the accused "woman beater" and R&B star Chris Brown is upset with Oprah.

According to the new issue in People's Magazine, Chris Brown says he felt like Oprah Winfrey's show about domestic violence which aired after he assaulted his ex-girlfriend, pop star Rhianna was a "slap in the face"

“I commend Oprah on being like, ‘This is a problem,’ but it was a slap in my face,” Brown told People. “I did a lot of stuff for her, like going to Africa and performing for her school. She could’ve been more helpful, like, ‘OK, I’m going to help both of these people out.’”

Are you kidding me? Earth to Chris Brown, Oprah did HELP, by dedicating her show to "All the Rhianna's of the World". Don't be angry because she didn't condone your actions or better yet didn't invite you on her show. When are you going to take responsibility?

BTW who goes against Oprah and expects to restart their careers? Here's some advice, accept the responsibility for your actions and stop the "poor me" defense, it won't get you anywhere.

Missing Boy Found Behind Wall at Grandma's House

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:21:00 +0000

A boy missing since 2007 was found behind a wall in his grandmother's house in Southern Illinois. Police arrested his mother and grandmother in connection with his disappearance.

The boy, 6 year old Richard Chekevdia, 6, and his mother, Shannon Wilfong, were hiding in a small hiding place behind the wall.

The boy and his mother disappeared in 2007 after a custody dispute between Wilfong and the boy's father. Police says thats Richard and his mother probably have not left the home since they were listed as disappeared.

This strange kidnapping case come days after news of the Jaycee Dugard kidnapping case made headlines.

Father Charged in Daughter's Hypothermia Death

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:21:00 +0000

Robert Aragon, the father of an 11-year-old girl who died of hypothermia after attempting to walk 10 miles in the snow, was charged with second-degree murder and felony injury to a child Tuesday.

Sage Aragon, 11, whose snow-covered body was found by rescue dogs at 2 a.m. beside a barbed wire fence, died of hypothermia.

Her body was found 2.7 miles from where the two began walking. The Associated Press reported that preliminary autopsy results showed she died of hypothermia. Officials reported that the temperatures in the area at the time the children were missing ranged from 27 degrees above zero to minus 5, with the snow being described by adults as being knee-deep for them.

Her 12-year-old brother, Bear, who got separated during the long trek in freezing weather, was found alive in a public restroom, wearing only his long underwear. The newspaper, quoting a county sheriff's office, says the boy had discarded his jacket, pants and shoes because of hypothermia-related delusion.

Aragon faces 10 years to life in prison if convicted.

Ill Gov Names Burris to U.S. Senate

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:15:00 +0000

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has just named Ronald Burris as his pick to replace Barack Obama in the United States Senate.

Blagojevich announced his decision in Chicago on Tuesday with the 71-year-old Burris at his side.

The governor praised Burris' integrity and said he hopes that the allegations against him don't "taint this good and honest man."

Burris says he's eager to get to work in Washington. He says he's proud of his accomplishments and vowed to uphold the integrity of the office.

Burris also refused to comment on the governor's "circumstances."

Palins daughter, Bristol gives birth to a boy

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:50:00 +0000

The daughter of former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin has given birth to a son, a magazine reported Monday.

Bristol Palin, 18, gave birth to Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston on Saturday, People magazine reported online. He weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces. Colleen Jones, the sister of Bristol's grandmother, told the magazine that "the baby is fine and Bristol is doing well."

The father is Levi Johnston, a former hockey player at Alaska's Wasilla High School.

Jena Six' teen shoots self, is treated

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:27:00 +0000

(AP)-Police say one of the teenagers arrested in the "Jena Six" case has been taken to the hospital after shooting himself in the chest.
Monroe, Louisiana, police Sgt. Cassandra Wooten says Mychal Bell's wound isn't life-threatening.

Wooten says the 18-year-old wounded himself around 7:40 p.m. in Monroe. He's been staying with a foster family there.

Wooten believes Bell was upset over media coverage of his arrest last week on a shoplifting charge.

He was one of six black teens charged with beating a white classmate at Jena High School in December 2006. The case aggravated racial tensions in the central Louisiana town and led to a massive civil rights demonstration.

Bell pleaded guilty in juvenile court to a charge of second-degree battery.

Vigilante killer Ellie Nesler dies at 56

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 21:22:00 +0000

Ellie Nesler, who sparked a national debate about vigilantism after killing her son's accused molester in a courtroom in 1993, has died of cancer.

The 56-year-old had battled breast cancer since 1994.

Nesler shot Daniel Driver five times in the head during a break in his preliminary hearing in a Tuolumne County courtroom. Driver had been accused of molesting four boys, including her son Willy.

She was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and served three years of a 10-year sentence before winning an appeal based on jury misconduct.

14 Pound Baby Born In Oklahoma

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:31:00 +0000

A baby girl weighing 14 pounds, 3 ounces was born in Mc Alester Regional Health Center. A Hospital Official said, "The largest baby even born at McAlester Regional Health Center."

Lillian Elizabeth Ross was born Friday by Caesarean section to Adrienne and Anthony Ross of Pocola. The baby already wears clothes made for children 6 to 9 months old.

Search Resumes For Missing Cruise Ship Passenger

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:24:00 +0000

Jennifer Seitz, a woman reported missing early Friday morning on board the Norwegian Pearl Cruise Ship, is still missing. American and Mexican authorities have been searching off the coast of
Mexico since the report. It is believed that Seitz, 36, went overboard.

According to the Coast Guard, the husband of 36-year old Jennifer Seitz reported her missing to cruise ship security personnel around 3:50 a.m. Friday.

The U.S. Coast Guard reported Sunday that surveillance video from a camera on the ship shows a woman falling overboard about 8:08 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 26.

The FBI is now involved in the investigation to determine if any foul play was involved. Special agents searched the Seitz's cabin when the ship docked in Miami Sunday morning, they also interviewed a number of passengers.

Cruise ship personnel conducted a comprehensive search of the ship. When they didn't find her, they then contacted the Coast Guard for assistance.

Tony Romo Collapses

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:14:00 +0000

It was a horrible day to be Tony Romo.

After losing to Philidelphia Eagles by 38 points on Sunday, Romo and the Cowboys return to lockeroom to lick their wounds.

In the shower is where Romo, collasped from an unexpected rib injury.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Tony was able to get up on his own after being looked at by medical staff.

Tony explains the reason for why he thinks he fell: "Um, you know, I was just a little banged up, I guess."

Mangini Out as Head Coach for the Jets

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:08:00 +0000

The New York Jets fired head coach Eric Mangini on Monday during a hastily-called early-morning press conference.

It was announced Mangini wouldn't attend the press conference, at which it was disclosed Mangini would no longer have an office at Jets headquarters.

The Jets (9-7) lost four of their final five games, spiraling from an opportunity at the AFC's top seed to a seat on the sidelines for the playoffs.

New York was thinking big things when Brett Favre arrived with the Jets and the club got off to an 8-3 start following a 34-13 victory at previously unbeaten Tennessee. The five-game winning streak gave the Jets a two-game edge in the AFC East division race.

However, a home loss to Denver was followed by a loss at San Francisco. After a win against Buffalo, the Jets let their playoff destiny slip away with defeats in Seattle and at home against Miami to finish at 9-7.

The process to replace Mangini will take more time, according to executive vice president and general manager Mike Tannenbaum, who consistently referred to the "process" and didn't move from that stance when names like Bill Parcells and Bill Cowher were floated as possible replacements.

Arrest details on mom of Bristol Palin's boyfriend

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:53:00 +0000

The mother of Bristol Palin's boyfriend sent text messages to two police informants discussing drug transactions before her arrest on felony drug charges, authorities say.

An affidavit filed Monday says Sherry L. Johnston sent text messages referring to "coffee" as a code for the drug OxyContin.

The 42-year-old Johnston was arrested last week after state troopers served a search warrant at her Alaskan home. She is out on bail.

Johnston is the mother of 18-year-old Levi Johnston. Gov. Sarah Palin announced in September that her 18-year-old daughter Bristol was pregnant and Johnston was the father.

Authorities say the case began in the second week of September -- a couple of weeks into Palin's campaign as Republican vice presidential candidate -- when drug investigators intercepted a package containing 179 Oxycontin pills. That led to the arrest of the suspects, who agreed to be informants.

According to the affidavit, Johnston sent a text message to one informant Oct. 1, writing: "Hey, my phones are tapped and reporters and god knows who else is always following me and the family so no privacy. I will let u no when I can go for cof."

Ten days after Johnston said there wasn't enough privacy for a drug sale, she texted again to set up a meeting at a store, according to the affidavit. The document says the informant received $800 to make a purchase, meeting investigators later with 10 pills of 80-milligram Oxycontin.

A second purchase was made the following day, authorities said. This time the informant wore a hidden camera and a microphone.

A third purchase occurred Nov. 26. The informant was wired for the transaction and this time police videotaped the meeting.

Eartha Kitt Dies at 81

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:44:00 +0000

Eartha Kitt, who rose from the Southern cotton fields to captivate audiences around the world with sultry performances as a singer, dancer and actress, died on Thursday at the age of 81. Kitt died of colon cancer for which she was recently treated at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York, said Andrew Freedman, a long-time friend and publicist.

Gunman in Santa suit kills 8 at party

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:38:00 +0000

A distraught man dressed as Santa Claus opened fire at a Christmas Eve party and then set the house ablaze, killing at least eight people, police said.

Several hours later, the shooter killed himself.

The body of Bruce Pardo, 45, was found with self-inflicted gunshot wounds early Thursday, hours after he had launched an assault on a party hosted by the parents of his ex-wife in the Los Angeles suburb of Covina, police said.

Pardo had knocked on the door of the home in a quiet residential neighborhood in Covina, 23 miles east of Los Angeles, just before midnight on Christmas Eve, police lieutenant Pat Buchanan said.

An eight-year-old girl who answered the door was shot in the face but survived before Pardo stormed into the home and began spraying revelers with bullets with a semi-automatic handgun.

Pardo was carrying a large present that turned out to be a homemade pressurized device to spray a flammable substance. Pardo is thought to have worked in the aerospace industry as an engineer, according to acquaintances.

Pardo was found dead from a single gunshot to the head at his home in Sylmar, approximately 25 miles away, a few hours later, police said.

Pardo's former wife and her parents are among the missing or dead.

Police officials said it is unclear whether the former wife, Sylvia Pardo, was at the party when the attack occurred or whether she was one of the injured.

Bruce Pardo had lived at the home alone, Zavala said. Court records show that his wife divorced him in September.

Neighbors said that until earlier this year, Bruce Pardo lived in the house with his former wife and her three children.

They were often seen walking their dog through the neighborhood.

'Sopranos' Actor Is Found Dead

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:35:00 +0000

John Costelloe, an actor who was best known to viewers of “The Sopranos” for his role as the gay lover of a mobster, has died, apparently of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, The Associated Press reported. Citing a New York City police spokesman, the A.P. said Mr. Costelloe, 47, was found dead in his Brooklyn home on Dec. 18. Mr. Costelloe, a former New York City firefighter, was cast in “The Sopranos” in 2006 as a short-order cook, Jim Witowski, known as Johnny Cakes. His character was involved with Joseph Gannascoli, who played Vito Spatafore, a mob henchman seeking to keep his gay life secret.

SoCal man killed by cops was 2004 murder suspect

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:15:00 +0000

A man shot and killed by police after a two-hour standoff near Los Angeles where he held his 7-year-old son hostage in a restaurant was a suspect wanted for the 2004 murder of his girlfriend, authorities said Wednesday.

The man killed was 38-year-old Manuel Benitez, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in a statement.

Authorities had been seeking Benitez since the slaying of Stephanie Spears in Hawthorne more than four years ago. Benitez had a son with Spears, and the child had not been seen since the mother was beaten to death with a dumbbell, according to his fugitive profile on the FBI Web site. The Web site said Benitez may have been traveling with the son, Benjamin.

The boy suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh in Tuesday's standoff but was expected to survive, said sheriff's Lt. Liam Gallagher.

The standoff began after a police officer noticed a man take a boy off the sidewalk and head to the restaurant. Benitez ignored the officer's orders to stop and barricaded himself inside, Batres said.

Benitez was declared dead at the Chinese restaurant in an El Monte strip mall after police threw a flash-bang grenade inside then exchanged gunfire with him, Gallagher said.

Benitez was charged with murder and a California warrant was issued for his arrest in May 2005, the FBI Web site said. A federal warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution was issued in March 2006. The FBI had offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

Water Main Breaks, Drivers Trapped

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:04:00 +0000

Crews scrambled to rescue motorists stranded in at least four feet of rushing water unleashed by a massive water main break early Tuesday just outside Washington, D.C.

At least 15 people in were rescued after the water main failed about 8 a.m. at River Road and Fenway Drive in Bethesda, Md., an official said. No injuries were reported.

Authorities said it was a 66-inch water main that broke on River Road near the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda.

Morning temperatures in the area were well below freezing.

California could be broke in 2 months

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:54:00 +0000

California's chief financial officer warned Monday that the state would run out of money in about two months as hopes of a Christmas budget compromise melted into political finger-pointing by the end of the day.

Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger began the day on a cheerful note, suggesting that negotiations with Democratic leaders could lead to a budget deal as early as this week to help close the $42 billion shortfall that is projected through June 2010.

But later in the day, legislative leaders criticized Gov. Schwarenegger and indicated that their work will be done after the New Year.

Assembly Speaker Karen Bass suggested to the governor that he should sign an $18 billion package Democrats sent to him last week containing both cuts and tax increases. But the Republicans refuse to negotiate on the deal, calling it "illegal".

Also Monday, state employee unions filed labor complaints to stop Schwarzenegger's plans to furlough workers as a way to deal with the state's ballooning budget deficit.

Last week, he ordered all state employees to take two days off a month without pay or a similar salary cut to save $1.3 billion in the coming fiscal year. He also ordered state agencies to cut their payrolls by 10 percent.

The Schwarzenegger administration referred calls to the state Department of Personnel Administration.

Greyhound Abandons 60 Passengers

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 06:21:00 +0000

Unsafe road conditions in Seattle brought Greyhound's fleet to a standstill on Sunday, which apparently is why they abandoned riders outside in 25 degree weather last night.

According to the Seattle PI, the bus dropped off the passengers outside a shelter at the Seattle Center, but the shelter turned them away because it was full. Before they could get back on the bus, it had left. The passengers called the police, who responded to the Greyhound bus station and found it closed for the night.

Luckily for Greyhound's customers, the Seattle Police Department stepped in to find shelter.

The company has no plans to issue refunds to any of their passengers,says a Greyhound spokesperson, although they will allow them to sleep in "heated buses" until they're allowed to depart again.

Jesse Grund alleged Casey Anthony and Mom Fought

noreply@blogger.com (mnl_1977) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 20:36:00 +0000

The ex-fiancee of Casey Anthony alleged that she and and her mother got into a huge a fight the night before Casey's daughter, Caylee went missing.

Grund told the Sheriff's Investigators about this incident and said that Lee Anthony, Casey's brother told him.

"It got into a very heated argument, which turned physical and Cindy started choking Casey," Grund said.

Casey Anthony, 22, has been charged with murder after lying to police about the whereabouts of her daughter. She waited one month before revealing her daughter was missing. Caylee was reported missing July 15.

Caylee's remains were discovered by Roy Kronk, an Orange County meter reader on December 11 near Caylee's grandparents' home.