December 01, 2023
Are you FOR or AGAINST the death penalty? Oklahoma Executes Phillip Hancock Amid Clemency Controversy
In a contentious decision, Oklahoma carried out the execution (their 4th and final this year) of Phillip Hancock, a death row inmate, despite a recent clemency recommendation from the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board. Hancock, convicted in 2001 for two murders, maintained his actions were in self-defense during a confrontation at an Oklahoma City residence. According to Hancock and his legal team, he entered an Oklahoma City residence unarmed, where the two victims, Robert Jett Jr., 37, and James Lynch, 58, were present. Hancock asserted that he was assaulted, beaten with a breakover bar, and threatened with a gun. In response, he managed to retrieve the weapon, ultimately using it to fatally shoot both men.Governor Kevin Stitt proceeded with the execution, emphasizing the finality of the justice system's two-decades-old verdict. The move has sparked debates within the state's Republican circles, with some advocating for a comprehensive review of the 36 pending death row cases in Oklahoma.
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A Cat’s Vet Bills Leads to a Wife’s Death
A Pennsylvania man, Barton Seltmann, 84, was arrested for the alleged murder of his wife, Margaret, 85, following an argument over their cat's veterinary care. The altercation escalated, resulting in a physical confrontation over financial matters related to the cat's medical expenses. Lower Pottsgrove Township police discovered Barton with blood on his hands, face, and clothing when responding to a call about an unresponsive woman. Evidence at the scene suggested that the victim sustained multiple blows to the head while lying on the kitchen floor. Barton faces first-degree and third-degree murder charges and is currently held without bond at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. Montgomery County Coroner's Office Forensic Pathologist Dr. Julia de la Garza confirmed Margaret's cause of death as blunt force injuries to the head, ruling it a homicide.
Woman charged with murder of social justice advocate Michael Latt after forcing her way into his apartment.
A 36-year-old homeless woman, Jameelah Michl, is facing murder and burglary charges for allegedly shooting and killing social justice advocate Michael Latt at his Mid-Wilshire home. The incident occurred on November 27, with Michl reportedly forcing her way into Latt's residence. The prosecutor claims Michl targeted Latt due to his association with a woman she had been stalking. If convicted, Michl could be sentenced to life in prison. Latt, a film marketing consultant with ties to Hollywood, founded Lead With Love, working on social justice campaigns alongside notable figures like filmmaker Ryan Coogler and musician-actor Common.
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The Mysterious Murder of Roller-Skating Rink Owner, Kenneth Tatar
In January 1997, Kenneth Tatar, a 27-year-old entrepreneur, joyously spoke to the media about the success of the World of Wheels, an indoor roller-skating rink his family had opened in Ashford. Six months later, tragedy struck as Tatar was shot dead in his home, next to the roller rink. Despite over 26 years passing, no one has been charged in his murder.Tatar, had actually survived a previous shooting, by his mother in 1990 in which he lost most of his leg. The motive for his murder remains unclear, but authorities insist the case is still actively investigated. The once-thriving roller rink, World of Wheels, eventually closed down after a fire leveled the building, adding another layer of mystery to this unsolved cold case. If you have any information, contact the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit at 716-938-2217.
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Decades-Old (1987) Roane County Cold Case Reopens as Authorities Identify Victim
n 1987, a call about a burning body near a dumpster on Highway 58 reached the Roane County sheriff's office. Chief Deputy Tim Hawn recalled the lack of DNA testing at that time, relying on a composite drawing by the University of Tennessee's Anthropology Department. She was identified as a female through forensic analysis. Although a DNA sample was sent to the FBI in 2009 with no breakthrough, now with the TBI's Unidentified Human Remains DNA Initiative, they were able to identify her.While details about the victim's identity are limited, authorities express their commitment to solving this long-standing mystery.The renewed investigation aims to bring closure to the victim's family and shed light on the circumstances surrounding the case.
