Issue 197, August 7, 2024

Florida Woman Arrested for First-Degree Premeditated Murder of Deputy in Ambush Attack, California Parolee Stabs Walmart Employee to Death in Lake Elsinore

🕵️Trivia Question

In what year did the FBI update its definition of rape to be more inclusive and comprehensive, including all genders and non-consensual acts?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

‎PODCAST: Cold Case Files | Second Story Rapist

‎After the Second Story Rapist terrorizes Sacramento County, investigators can't find a suspect. As the statute of limitations nears, the DA employs an unprecedented legal strategy to seek justice.

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What’s Happening Now

Florida Woman Arrested for First-Degree Premeditated Murder of Deputy in Ambush Attack

Julie Ann Sulpizio, a Florida woman, was arrested in connection with an ambush attack that killed one deputy and injured two others.

She faces charges including first-degree premeditated murder of a law enforcement officer.

The incident occurred when deputies responded to reports of a disturbance and were met with gunfire, resulting in Deputy Bradley Link's death.

Sulpizio made religious comments during the attack, accusing others of being sinners.

She also mentioned her husband's involvement in killing their neighbors.

Sulpizio showed no remorse and had been under observation in the hospital before her arrest.

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California Parolee Stabs Walmart Employee to Death in Lake Elsinore

A California parolee who was released from prison earlier this year randomly stabbed to death a Walmart employee in Lake Elsinore on Monday.

Lonnie Hinton, 29, turned himself in to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department after the unprovoked killing.

Authorities stated that there was no interaction between the suspect and the victim prior to the assault.

Hinton, who had been released from prison earlier that year, was arrested on suspicion of murder and booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center.

Walmart expressed condolences for the victim, Jessica Morales, and stated that they will continue to support their associates during the investigation.

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🎒 Safety Tip of the Day: Educate Yourself About Consent and Always Verify.

Understanding what constitutes clear and affirmative consent is crucial for preventing sexual assault. Consent must be explicit, enthusiastic, and ongoing, meaning both parties must actively agree to engage in sexual activity. Always verify that consent is freely given and can be withdrawn at any time. Educating yourself and others about these principles helps create a culture of respect and safety, ensuring that everyone involved is comfortable and fully aware of the mutual agreement.

Cold Case Highlights

Unearthing the Truth: The Ongoing Mystery of the Monster of Florence

A new DNA discovery in Italy could reveal the identity of the "Monster of Florence," a serial killer responsible for a string of murders in the 1970s and 80s, including the deaths of several young couples.

The DNA was found on a bullet from a 1985 case, linking it to other unsolved murders.

Despite previous convictions, doubts remain about the true culprit.

Families of the victims hope this new evidence will bring closure, but caution is advised by experts.

The case, plagued by political violence and multiple suspects, continues to mystify authorities and remains a haunting unsolved mystery.

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The Unsolved Murder of Shannon Hercutt: A Sister's Search for Justice

On a calm, warm summer night in August 2009, Penny Stephens' life was forever changed when she received the devastating news of her sister Shannon Hercutt's tragic accident.

Shannon's body was found in her crashed Escalade near Dollywood amusement park in Tennessee.

Initial suspicions of foul play arose due to a suspicious gash on Shannon's head.

Despite a lack of concrete evidence, Penny believes her father Ted Hercutt, who had a rocky relationship with Shannon, was somehow involved.

Years later, Penny confronted Ted on national television, accusing him of orchestrating Shannon's murder for financial gain.

The case remains an active murder investigation, with authorities awaiting further evidence testing.

Shannon is remembered as a strong, ambitious businesswoman, and her family continues to seek justice for her death.

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PODCAST: ‎Anatomy of Murder | Betrayed

A father is shot in his garage. Investigators quickly uncover clues, but unraveling the complete truth proves more challenging.

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🔍Trivia Answer
The FBI updated its definition of rape in 2013.

In 2013, the FBI revised its definition of rape to be more inclusive, reflecting a broader understanding of the crime. The new definition specified that rape includes "the penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim." This change aimed to encompass a wider range of non-consensual sexual acts and recognize the experiences of all genders, thereby improving the accuracy and inclusivity of crime statistics and reporting.