Issue 211, August 27, 2024

Tragic Wrong-Way Crash Claims Lives of Groom-To-Be and Cousin on Eve of Wedding, Long Island Murder-Suicide Sheds Light on Family Dispute and Tragic Loss

🕵️^{Trivia Question}

What percentage of individuals with serious mental illness are involved in violent crime in the United States?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: MURDERED | Bryan "Nick" Moore

Nick, a pioneer antique hunter in Anderson, South Carolina, built his future on historical treasures. Now, detectives investigating his murder face similar questions: the origins and value of clues. As new leads emerge, they're narrowing down suspects, including jealous associates and rivals.

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What’s Happening Now

Tragic Wrong-Way Crash Claims Lives of Groom-To-Be and Cousin on Eve of Wedding

On August 26, 2024, tragedy struck as a groom-to-be, Kirk Walker, and his cousin, Robert McLaurin, were killed in a wrong-way crash on the Henry Hudson Parkway just one day before Walker's wedding.

The driver of the other vehicle fled the scene, leaving behind devastation for the families of the victims.

Instead of celebrating, loved ones gathered for a vigil to mourn the loss of the beloved couple.

Walker's father expressed his anger towards the driver responsible for the tragic incident.

The families of both victims shared their grief over the loss of two individuals taken too soon.

Long Island Murder-Suicide Sheds Light on Family Dispute and Tragic Loss

New details emerged Monday about the victims of a Long Island murder-suicide.

Tina Hammond, 64, and her 30-year-old daughter Victoria were killed by Tina's brother, Joseph DeLucia Jr., after a dispute about their late mother's estate.

The victims were described as inseparable and kind individuals.

Tina worked at a nearby meat market and had been living with her daughter in East Patchogue for about a year-and-a-half.

The tragic incident occurred during a family meeting to discuss selling their late mother's house.

Joseph DeLucia, who had a history of mental illness, turned a shotgun on his siblings and niece before ending his own life.

🏥 Safety Tip of the Day: When seeking help for a mental health emergency, mention the person's condition to guide responders in providing the right support.

Communicating the individual's mental health condition helps responders understand the context, which can lead to a more appropriate and supportive response, reducing the risk of escalation and ensuring proper care.

Cold Case Highlights

Volunteer Sonar Team Solves Decades-Old Mystery of Missing Mother and Daughter

A volunteer sonar team discovered the remains of an adult and a child inside a car submerged in a canal in South Florida, solving a nearly 50-year-old mystery.

The individuals are believed to be Doris Wurst and her daughter, Caren Wurst, who went missing in 1974.

Despite previous investigations yielding no leads, Sunshine State Sonar located the mother's 1961 Chevrolet Impala in the canal.

The family has been notified of the discovery, providing closure to a long-standing case.

DNA testing is currently underway to confirm the identities of the remains.

Sunshine State Sonar assisted in the search, using advanced sonar equipment to locate the submerged vehicle.

Cold Case Killer Confesses to Murder of Cathy Small in 1986

A serial killer, William Lester Suff, confessed to the cold case murder of 19-year-old Cathy Small in South Pasadena in 1986.

Small was found stabbed to death, and her case remained unsolved for decades.

Suff's DNA was found on her clothing, and he admitted to killing her after a fight.

He is already on death row for other murders and had a history of violence.

Small's family expressed gratitude for the closure this confession brings after years of pain.

The case highlights the importance of forensic science and collaborative detective work in solving cold cases and bringing justice to victims and their families.

PODCAST: Crimes of the Centuries | How Catherine of Aragon Changed Europe

The Catholic Church's influence in England waned significantly due to a determined woman who stood up against her husband’s attempt to replace her with a younger woman. Catherine of Aragon's legacy has endured for centuries, all starting with a pivotal act: her fight against bigamy.

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🔍^{Trivia Answer}
Less than 5%.

Despite common stereotypes, only a small fraction of individuals with serious mental illness are involved in violent crime. Research indicates that less than 5% of people with serious mental illnesses engage in violent behavior. This statistic challenges the misconception that mental illness is a major factor in violent crime and highlights the need for more nuanced understanding and appropriate mental health care.