Issue 201, August 13, 2024

Man Charged With Murder and Attempted Murder After Stabbing Parents in Ohio Altercation, Joshua Hunsucker Accused of Attempting to Poison Daughter and Frame In-Laws in Murder

August 13, 2024

🕵️^{Trivia Question}

What landmark U.S. Supreme Court case established that a defendant must have the specific intent to kill in order to be convicted of attempted murder?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

‎PODCAST: Cold Case Files | Beauty Queen Killer

In 1978, beauty queen Tana Woolley moves into her first apartment on her own. Shortly after her arrival, Tana is discovered murdered, and everyone in her building is thrust into the spotlight as a potential suspect.

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What’s Happening Now

Man Charged With Murder and Attempted Murder After Stabbing Parents in Ohio Altercation

Kenneth Mortimer, 40, was arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder, and felonious assault after fatally stabbing his mom and wounding his dad in Ohio.

The incident occurred after an argument escalated when his mom refused to let him stay overnight at their home.

Mortimer grabbed a knife and attacked his parents, with his dad currently in serious condition at the hospital.

Bond set at $2 million.

Joshua Hunsucker Accused of Attempting to Poison Daughter and Frame In-Laws in Murder

Joshua Hunsucker, a North Carolina man previously charged with murdering his wife using eyedrops in 2018, is now accused of trying to poison his daughter with the same method.

In February 2023, he allegedly administered the substance to his daughter, landing her in the hospital.

Prosecutors claim this was an attempt to frame his wife's parents for his wife's death.

Hunsucker was also accused of falsely claiming his in-laws assaulted him.

He remains in custody facing various charges, including murder and witness intimidation.

Authorities fear his actions may escalate, posing a threat to his children and in-laws.

🔒 Safety Tip of the Day: Enhance your safety by installing locks, alarms, and surveillance cameras at home.

Home security measures can act as deterrents and provide evidence in case of a security breach. Installing robust locks, alarms, and surveillance cameras can make it harder for potential threats to access your home and help authorities in investigations. Enhanced security helps create a safer environment and provides peace of mind.

Cold Case Highlights

At Witt's End – The Unsolved Mystery of Melissa Witt's Murder

Melissa Witt, 19, was abducted and murdered in 1994 in Arkansas.

Her killer remains unidentified after nearly 30 years.

Investigators found signs of struggle at a bowling alley parking lot where she was last seen.

Her body was discovered naked, strangled, and robbed six weeks later in a forest.

A new Hulu docuseries, "At Witt's End – The Hunt for a Killer," explores the case.

Various leads, including a local serial killer, were pursued but remains unsolved.

Speculations continue over Witt's mysterious killing.

Forgiving Andrea Yates: A Husband's Journey of Healing and Forgiveness

Rusty Yates, the ex-husband of convicted child killer Andrea Yates, has forgiven her and maintains contact.

The couple discusses their deceased children, who would be adults now if not for their mother's actions.

Andrea Yates, found not guilty by reason of insanity, is currently in Kerrville State Hospital.

Rusty Yates, a former NASA engineer, reflects on his wife's actions and expresses forgiveness towards her.

PODCAST: ‎Snapped | Women Who Murder: Helen Frazier

‎When a seemingly straightforward murder case becomes tangled in complex narratives, the police find that their key witness is much more connected to the killer than they originally thought.

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🔍^{Trivia Answer}
The landmark case is United States v. Moser (1969).

In United States v. Moser, the Supreme Court clarified that for a conviction of attempted murder, the prosecution must prove that the defendant had the specific intent to kill, not just the intent to commit a crime that could result in death. This decision underscored the necessity of proving a defendant's specific intent to achieve a conviction for attempted murder, distinguishing it from other crimes where general intent might suffice.