Issue 105, April 01, 2024

Teen Charged with Murder after Fatal House Party Brawl, 94-Year-Old Man Killed in Hit-and-Run at Kansas Cancer Treatment Center

🕵️^{Trivia Question}

What legal term is a proceeding in which a criminal defendant is brought into court, told of the charges in an indictment or information, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: ‎Crime Junkie | The Joyce and John Sheridan Case

Since 2014, the demise of Joyce and John Sheridan has captivated the town of Skillman, New Jersey. Contrary to what certain city officials suggest, the narrative I present today is far from straightforward.

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What’s Happening Now

Teen Charged with Murder after Fatal House Party Brawl over Gold Chain Shock Community

17-year-old Talan Renner allegedly bragged about beating 16-year-old Preston Lord to death at a house party in Arizona, boasting about his strength.

The deadly attack occurred after a fight broke out over a gold chain.

Renner and six others have been arrested and charged, with disturbing messages and evidence linking them to the crime.

Witnesses described the violent attack and the aftermath, where Lord died from a brain injury.

Renner's parents are accused of trying to cover up the murder.

All seven suspects are facing charges, including first-degree murder and kidnapping.

The case has sparked outrage and demands for justice in the community.

94-Year-Old Man Killed in Hit-and-Run at Kansas Cancer Treatment Center: Nursing Assistant Faces Felony Charges

A 94-year-old man was struck and killed in a hit-and-run outside a Kansas cancer treatment center on Thursday.

The victim, William J. Ward, was hit in a parking garage by nursing assistant Kelsi Carmack.

Carmack, also an employee at the center, claimed she did not realize she had hit anyone and went to work immediately after the incident.

She now faces felony charges for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.

The University of Kansas Health System expressed shock and sadness over the tragic event, offering counseling to those affected.

Carmack's father apologized to the victim's family, stating his daughter never meant to harm anyone.

🍸 Safety Tip of the Day: Hosting Safe House Parties (with Teenage Kids)

Establish clear rules and boundaries before the party begins. Make sure all attendees understand the expectations regarding alcohol, drugs, behavior, and respecting the property. Enforce these rules consistently throughout the event to ensure everyone's safety and well-being. Additionally, consider having adult supervision or chaperones present to help monitor the party and address any issues that may arise.

Cold Case Highlights

Mystery Surrounds ‘Harpeth River Jane Doe’ Nearly 5 Decades Later

Nearly five decades have passed since a body was found in the Harpeth River in Davidson County, Tennessee in 1976.

The identity of the young girl remains a mystery, as investigators are unsure how she ended up in the river.

Her body showed signs of abrasions, suggesting possible foul play.

She was found wearing blue jeans, a white bra, and unique jewelry, including a bracelet and necklace.

A photo of a young boy found in her pocket led detectives to learn more about her connection to two men who claimed they had picked up the girl and her friend who ran away from a mental hospital in Minnesota.

The investigation into the "Harpeth River Jane Doe" continues, with efforts to uncover her true identity ongoing.

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Seeking Justice: The Unsolved Murder of Eduardo Cota and the Sheriff's Commitment to Finding Answers

The McNairy County Sheriff’s Office is seeking help in solving the 5 year old murder of Eduardo Cota.

Despite the passage of time, Sheriff Buck remains committed to following up on any leads, no matter how small, to bring closure and justice for the victim.

Recent technological advances provide hope for solving the case, with Sheriff Buck believing that new techniques in video enhancement and cellular analysis may finally identify the suspect(s).

Friends and family of Mr. Cota are assured that the Sheriff’s Office will continue their efforts until those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 731-645-1004.

‎PODCAST: Beyond All Repair | The Case

‎Reporter Amory Sivertson delves deeper into the case of Marlyne Johnson, the late mother-in-law of Sophia Johnson, as her murder is revisited through footage from Sophia's 2003 trial.

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🔍^{Trivia Answer}
Arraignment

In some jurisdictions, an arraignment may also be conducted via video conference, allowing the defendant to appear before the court remotely from a detention facility or another location. This practice is increasingly common, especially in cases where transporting the defendant to the courthouse would be logistically difficult or expensive.