Issue 194, August 2, 2024

Inmate Sentenced for Involvement in The Murder of Boston Gangster Whitey Bulger in Federal Prison, Family Devastated by Fatal Police Shooting of U.S. Air Force Airman and Tragic Loss of Teenage Brother

🕵️^{Trivia Question}

What year saw the peak of violent crime rates in the United States?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: ‎In The Dark | The Green Grass

A man in Haditha, Iraq, has a request for the In the Dark team: "Can you investigate how my family was killed?

Listen Now

What’s Happening Now

Inmate Sentenced for Involvement in The Murder of Boston Gangster Whitey Bulger in Federal Prison

An inmate, Paul J.

DeCologero, has been sentenced to over four years in prison for his involvement in the murder of notorious Boston gangster James "Whitey" Bulger at a West Virginia federal prison in 2018.

Prosecutors initially accused DeCologero and another inmate, Fotios "Freddy" Geas, of using a lock to repeatedly hit Bulger in the head.

However, DeCologero only served as a lookout during the attack.

Geas is facing murder and conspiracy charges and could receive a life sentence.

The Justice Department decided not to seek the death penalty for the pair.

The murder highlighted management failures and violence issues within the federal Bureau of Prisons.

Family Devastated by Fatal Police Shooting of U.S. Air Force Airman and Tragic Loss of Teenage Brother

Bodycam footage has been released of the fatal police shooting of U.S.

Air Force airman Roger Fortson in Florida.

Tragically, his 16-year-old brother, Andre Fortson, was also recently killed in a separate shooting in DeKalb County, Atlanta.

Senior Airman Fortson was shot in his home by a sheriff's deputy in May, sparking outrage and calls for justice.

The family is devastated by the loss of two young family members in a short period.

Investigations into both shootings are ongoing, with the deputy involved in Roger Fortson's death being fired due to excessive use of force.

📞 Safety Tip of the Day: Always lock doors and windows.

Securing your home by locking doors and windows is a fundamental step in protecting against burglary and home invasions. Criminals often look for easy targets, and an unlocked entry point can provide them with quick access. Ensure all doors and windows, including those on higher floors, are locked, especially when you leave the house or go to bed. Installing deadbolts, security bars, and alarms can further enhance your home’s security. By making it more difficult for intruders to enter, you reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime.

Cold Case Highlights

Desperate Search for Missing Daughter Sparks Community Effort and Reward Offer from Police

On January 15, 2016, Harriet Rivers received distressing news that her 30-year-old daughter, Ebonee Spears, was missing.

Ebonee had left all her belongings at home in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Harriet's family tried to locate Ebonee and found that she had gone to a community center seeking a ride and later appeared anxious at the local police department.

Despite numerous searches and interviews, there is no sign of foul play in Ebonee's disappearance.

Harriet and the community are determined to find Ebonee and bring her home safely to her daughter.

The Wilmington Police Department is offering a $5,000 reward for information on Ebonee's whereabouts.

The Disappearance of Jan Cotta: A Family's Decades-Long Search for Answers

Cotta family: Eight siblings - Jan, Robin, Brian, Doug, Tracy, Jay, Kevin, Chris.

Jan disappeared in 1973 at age 19 from their horse farm in Wall Township, NJ.

Possible pregnancy and secretive note found.

Boyfriend suspected but denied involvement.

Police believe Jan left willingly.

Family continues to search for answers despite parents' deaths.

Jan would be 69 years old now.

Wall Township PD still seeking information, urging cooperation.

Jan described as 5’4”, 118 lbs., with brown hair and blue eyes.

Last seen in Blue Land Lubbers jeans, white shirt with blue design, brown loafers, gold rings, and tweed purse.

PODCAST: ‎Stuff You Should Know | The One About Car Washes

‎The car wash, which takes you on a journey to sparkling cleanliness, is comprised of various tools developed over the last century. These tools have now been perfected to work together so seamlessly that the industry is booming.

Listen Now

🔍^{Trivia Answer}
1991.

The year 1991 marked the highest peak of violent crime rates in the United States. This period saw a significant rise in violent crimes, including homicides, aggravated assaults, and robberies. Several factors contributed to this surge, including the crack cocaine epidemic, economic disparities, and gang-related activities. Since then, violent crime rates have generally declined due to various factors such as improved law enforcement strategies, community policing, and socioeconomic changes.