Issue 136, May 14, 2024

Man Charged with Murder in Death of Girlfriend Megan Bodiford, Two Men Sentenced for Killing Toddler in Brooklyn Gang Shooting

🕵️^{Trivia Question}

In legal terms, what crime is typically defined as an intentional killing that is not premeditated or planned, nor committed in a reasonable "heat of passion"?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: True Crime Obsessed: Girl in the Picture

A young mother's mysterious death and her son's subsequent kidnapping unravel a decades-long mystery about her true identity, revealing a murderous federal fugitive at the heart of it all.

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What’s Happening Now

Man Charged with Murder in Death of Girlfriend Megan Bodiford, GoFundMe Set Up for Funeral Expenses

Jarrett Davis has been charged with murder and other crimes related to the death of Megan Bodiford.

Bodiford, 24, disappeared after expressing concerns to a friend that her boyfriend, Davis, was going to harm her.

She was found fatally shot inside her vehicle five days later.

Davis was taken into custody after a search warrant and has been charged with murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, unlawful possession of a firearm, arson, and desecration of human remains.

A GoFundMe has been set up to cover funeral expenses.

For help with domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Two Men Sentenced for Killing Toddler in Brooklyn Gang Shooting

Two men, Dashawn Austin, 28, and Akeem Artis, 27, were charged for the killing of 22-month-old Davell Gardner Jr. in Brooklyn, New York in July 2020.

They were sentenced in May 2021 after being convicted in April. Both men are members of a violent street gang.

Austin was seen entering a vehicle driven by Artis, who then shot into a park, injuring four people, including Gardner who later died.

Austin was convicted of second-degree murder and Artis of first-degree manslaughter for Gardner's death, as well as other charges related to gang-related crimes.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez emphasized the need to combat gun violence.

🏞️ Safety Tip of the Day: Playing in Parks with Children Safely

When in a park with children, it is crucial to maintain visual contact with them at all times. Parks can be large and crowded, making it easy for kids to wander off or get lost. Setting a designated meeting spot can help if you get separated. Additionally, teaching your children to stay within a certain distance and to recognize park staff or security personnel for assistance can enhance their safety.

Cold Case Highlights

Colorado Springs Police Solve 1977 Cold Case Murder Using Genetic Genealogy, Identify Deceased Suspect.

Colorado Springs police announced on May 8 that they had identified a suspect in the 1977 fatal stabbing of 14-year-old Maria Loraine Honzell while she was babysitting.

The suspect, William Charles Kernan, Jr., died in 2010.

Despite his death, police believe they have solved the cold case murder after nearly 50 years.

Using genetic genealogy, authorities were able to link the male DNA profile found at the scene to Kernan.

The case went cold when investigators couldn't identify a suspect, but now they are confident that Kernan was responsible for the murder.

The case has been closed.

Arrest in Cold Case Murder Brings Closure to Georgia Family

A Georgia family is finding closure decades after their loved one's murder.

Edrick Lamont Faust, 48, appeared in court facing charges in connection with the death of former UGA law student Tara Louise Baker.

Baker's body was found in her apartment after a fire in 2001.

The investigation into her death remained unsolved for over two decades until Faust's arrest.

Family friend Cameron Jay, who started a podcast to bring attention to the case, hopes the arrest brings hope to other families seeking justice.

The Baker family released a statement emphasizing remembrance for Tara's life.

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‎PODCAST: The Letter Season 2 | A Peek Behind the Curtain

‎Host Amy Donaldson began researching and reporting for Season 2 when she discovered a personal connection to the murder case, raising a potential conflict of interest. Join Amy, co-writer Andrea Smardon, and Sheryl Worsley for a discussion about ethics and how to handle finding out your spouse is involved in the story.

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🔍^{Trivia Answer}
Second-degree Murder

Second-degree murder is a legal classification of homicide that involves an intentional killing that is not premeditated or planned in advance, nor committed in the "heat of passion" that could reduce the crime to manslaughter. Unlike first-degree murder, which involves premeditation, second-degree murder generally involves intent to cause serious harm or death at the moment of the act, but without prior planning or consideration.