Issue 212, August 28, 2024

Florida Teen Allegedly Murdered by Mother's Boyfriend, Cause of Death Revealed as Strangulation, Fugitive Memphis Murder Suspect Captured by U.S. Marshals after 5 Months on the Run

🕵️Trivia Question

What U.S. city has consistently had the highest rate of burglaries per capita over the past decade?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: There and Gone: South Street | S1 E10: Saint Anthony

In the season finale of There and Gone: South Street, coincidences and connections unfold as the team digs into corruption. Meanwhile, a key advocate for Danielle and Richard is forced to retire.

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What’s Happening Now

Florida Teen Allegedly Murdered by Mother's Boyfriend, Cause of Death Revealed as Strangulation

Madeline Soto, a 13-year-old Florida teen, was allegedly murdered by her mother's boyfriend.

Her cause of death was revealed as strangulation after her body was found in a secluded wooded area in Osceola County.

Stephan Sterns, the boyfriend, has been charged with murder and was reportedly the last person to see Soto before she disappeared.

Documents show he had been sexually abusing Soto since 2022 when she was 11 years old.

Sterns also faces numerous other charges related to sexual crimes against children and is scheduled to appear in court on October 14.

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Fugitive Memphis Murder Suspect Captured by U.S. Marshals after 5 Months on the Run

Deario Wilkerson, 20, a Memphis murder fugitive, was captured by U.S. Marshals on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, after nearly five months on the run.

He was found hiding in the attic of a home on North Merton Street, one block away from where the deadly shooting took place.

During the search, Wilkerson fell through the ceiling and was arrested without incident.

He is currently held on a $6,065,000 bond.

Wilkerson had previously faced charges for burglaries and vehicle thefts in May 2023.

No hearing information is available at this time.

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🏠 Safety Tip of the Day: Install and Use Motion-Activated Lights Around Your Property.

Motion-activated lights can deter burglars by illuminating areas around your home when they detect movement. These lights make it difficult for burglars to approach your property unnoticed and can prompt them to reconsider their plans due to the increased risk of being seen. Position lights around entry points, driveways, and dark corners. Additionally, make sure to keep the lights well-maintained and use high-intensity bulbs for better visibility. This simple yet effective measure enhances the security of your property and contributes to a safer neighborhood overall.

Cold Case Highlights

The 1993 John Doe Homicide Victim in Kenosha County Identified as Ronald Louis Dodge, Bringing Closure to Family and Reopening Case for Investigation

Authorities in Kenosha County, Wisconsin have identified a 1993 John Doe homicide victim as Ronald Louis Dodge of the Menominee Indian Tribe.

Dodge was found dead in August 1993 near the Illinois state line with a gunshot wound.

His body was in an advanced state of decomposition.

The case has been reopened, and officials are urging anyone with information about Dodge to come forward.

After years of uncertainty, Dodge's family expressed gratitude for the diligent work of investigators that led to some closure.

The identification was made possible through technological advancements and collaboration with various agencies.

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DNA Evidence from Cigarette Leads to Arrest in 1993 Alaska Murder Case

New DNA evidence from a cigarette has led to an arrest in a 1993 Alaska murder case.

Dorothy Marie Silzel was found dead in her condo in Washington state, with evidence of sexual assault and homicide.

After advancements in DNA technology, Kenneth Kundert was identified as a suspect and arrested in Arkansas.

The DNA from a cigarette dropped by Kundert matched the evidence from the crime scene.

He has been charged with first-degree murder and awaits extradition to Washington.

This case highlights the importance of forensic genealogy in solving cold cases.

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PODCAST: Murder in The Morning | Judge Denies Karen Read's Motion to Dismiss Charges in Murder Case

Karen Read, accused of murdering her Boston police officer boyfriend John O’Keefe, faced a setback when the judge denied her motion to dismiss two major charges. The defense argued retrying Read would breach double jeopardy protections, but the judge disagreed, citing that the mistrial did not equate to an acquittal. The case, linked to a January 2022 incident, is set for retrial on January 27. The Norfolk DA's office supports the ruling, while the defense remains silent on the decision.

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🔍Trivia Answer
Anchorage, Alaska.

Burglaries are a major concern in the U.S., defined as unlawful entry with intent to commit theft or another crime. Rates vary based on economic conditions, urbanization, and law enforcement. High burglary rates are often linked to poverty, denser urban areas, and insufficient security measures. Effective community engagement and law enforcement strategies, like neighborhood watch programs, can reduce rates. Despite occasional spikes, advancements in technology, such as better surveillance and alarm systems, are aiding in crime reduction efforts.