Issue 111, April 09, 2024

Arizona Hot Air Balloon Crash Link to High Ketamine Levels in Pilot, Brutal Murder at Damon's Beverage: Coworker Pleads Not Guilty

🕵️^{Trivia Question}

What class of controlled substance does ketamine belong to in the United States?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: ‎Anatomy of Murder | Double Take

Following the disappearance of a woman, the search swiftly evolves into a homicide inquiry. The revelation of the perpetrator and the unexpected motive for the crime leaves everyone astounded.

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What’s Happening Now

Arizona Hot Air Balloon Crash Link to High Ketamine Levels in Pilot

A hot air balloon pilot crashed in Arizona, with toxicology reports showing high levels of ketamine in his system.

The crash killed four people and injured one.

The pilot, Cornelius Van Der Walt, had 60 times the threshold of ketamine in his blood.

The crash occurred while 13 people, including skydivers, were in the balloon.

The NTSB released a preliminary report, stating the balloon was descending with a deflated envelope.

The cause of the crash is still unknown.

The pilot's death was due to crash-related injuries.

Investigations into the crash can take up to 24 months to complete.

Watch Now / Read More

Brutal Murder at Damon's Beverage: Coworker Pleads Not Guilty and Faces Trial in June

The body of 52-year-old Angela Bragg was found at Damon's Beverage in Waterville, Maine.

Spridal Hubiak, her coworker, has pleaded not guilty to her murder.

Surveillance video showed Hubiak stabbing Bragg after locking the doors.

Despite her pleas to stop, he continued to attack her.

Another coworker found Bragg's body the next day.

Hubiak was later found and shot by police in Arkansas.

He is currently being held without bail, with a court hearing scheduled for June 11th.

💊 Safety Tip of the Day: Responsible Use of Ketamine

When using ketamine for medical purposes, always follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully and never self-administer or misuse ketamine for recreational purposes. Misuse of ketamine can lead to serious health risks, including addiction, hallucinations, and respiratory depression. Always use ketamine under the supervision of a qualified medical professional in a controlled medical setting.

Cold Case Highlights

Cold Case Victim Identified: 17-Year-Old Girl Found in California Vineyard 45 Years Ago Identified as Karen Marie Heverly from Pennsylvania

A body found in a California vineyard 45 years ago has been identified as 17-year-old Karen Marie Heverly of Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania.

The girl had traumatic injuries and her death was ruled a homicide.

Following DNA testing and leads provided by a forensic lab, officials were able to identify the victim.

The investigation, which was reopened in 2023, remains ongoing.

The Las Vegas Justice League and Project Justice helped fund the cold case research.

Anyone with information is asked to call 909-890-4904.

The discovery occurred in Rancho Cucamonga, about 50 miles east of Los Angeles.

Justice Elusive but Within Reach: The Unsolved Case of Bridgette Gearen

Bridgette Gearen, 28, was raped and strangled on Crystal Beach in 2007.

Her daughter, Kyra, was 2 at the time.

Despite suspects in the past, no arrests have been made.

Her fiancé, Brandon Portie, believes multiple men followed and attacked her.

Investigators have new evidence and are close to solving the case.

No arrests or charges have been made yet.

Portie hopes for justice and closure for Bridgette's family after years of waiting.

He believes those responsible should be held accountable in this life.

The family hopes that this time, justice will finally be served.

Watch Now / Read More

PODCAST: ‎Crime Junkie | MISSING: Steven Clark

‎During a stroll with his mother along the United Kingdom's seaside, a young man pauses for a restroom break and mysteriously disappears. Despite over 30 years of searching, his family has yet to find any trace of him.

Listen Now

🔍^{Trivia Answer}
Schedule III

Ketamine is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States, meaning it has recognized medical uses but also has the potential for abuse and dependence. While it is legal for medical use when prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider, its recreational use is illegal and considered a form of drug abuse. Additionally, ketamine is regulated differently in various countries, with some having stricter controls or outright bans on its use.