Issue 216, September 3, 2024

Four People Shot Dead on CTA Blue Line Train in Forest Park, Suspect in Custody, Elderly Navy Veteran Tragically Killed in Houston Carjacking, Suspect Still at Large

🕵️^{Trivia Question}

What was a key factor in the increase of carjacking incidents in the early 1990s in the United States?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: 20/20 | A Model Murder

An Instagram model's romance with an older man takes a tragic turn, culminating in his death. A witness offers a startling account of the fateful day.

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What’s Happening Now

Four People Shot Dead on CTA Blue Line Train in Forest Park, Suspect in Custody

Four people were shot and killed on a CTA Blue Line train in Forest Park, with the suspect in custody.

The victims were passengers on the train, with three found dead at the scene and a fourth dying at the hospital.

Police believe it was an isolated incident and that only one shooter was involved.

The suspect was apprehended on a CTA Pink Line train with the help of surveillance video.

Blue Line service was suspended between Forest Park and Austin.

Forest Park officials are calling for more security at the train station in light of the tragic incident.

Elderly Navy Veteran Tragically Killed in Houston Carjacking, Suspect Still at Large

Nelson Beckett, a 90-year-old US Navy veteran, was tragically killed in a carjacking near a retirement home in Houston on August 31.

The suspect attacked Beckett while he sat in his car, shot him, and drove off with the vehicle, ultimately running over Beckett as he fled.

Beckett, a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, was known for his humor, generosity, and strong faith.

Friends and family are devastated by the senseless crime, with one friend expressing disbelief at the brutal act.

A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspect, who remains at large.

Contact Houston Police with any information at 713-308-3600.

🚗 Safety Tip of the Day: Always be aware of your surroundings when entering or exiting your vehicle, especially in parking lots or isolated areas.

Carjacking, a violent crime where a vehicle is forcibly taken from its driver, can occur in various settings. Criminals often target individuals who are distracted or not paying attention. By staying vigilant and keeping an eye on your environment, you reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Lock your doors while driving, avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, and if you feel uneasy about your surroundings, consider moving to a safer location or waiting until you feel secure before exiting your vehicle.

Cold Case Highlights

Cold Case Murder Solved: Alabama Man Arrested for 2000 Killing of Georgia Pharmacist

A 63-year-old man, Clerance D. George, has been arrested in Alabama for the 2000 murder of Julie Ann McDonald in Georgia.

McDonald, a pharmacist, was found stabbed to death in her home.

Better crime lab technology and traditional police work led to George's identification as a suspect.

He was found with McDonald's checkbook, indicating they knew each other.

The case was reinvestigated in 2015-2016 and again in the last two years, with lab testing linking evidence to George.

The breakthrough in the case was a result of both technology and hard work by detectives.

McDonald's surviving relatives, a niece and nephew, have been notified of the arrest after 24 years of investigation.

Ice Cold Case: A Daughter's Quest for Justice

Madison McGhee was just 6 years old when she received the devastating news that her father had died in a supposed home invasion, later revealed to be a targeted shooting.

Now, at 28, she has taken it upon herself to investigate her father's unsolved murder.

Through interviews and research, she has created the podcast "Ice Cold Case" in hopes of shedding light on the true circumstances surrounding her father's death.

Suspicious of the official explanation, she wonders if her father's involvement in drugs or as a confidential informant played a role in his murder.

McGhee aims to humanize her father and bring closure to his case.

PODCAST: Generation Why | Stephanie Wasilishin

On July 9, 1993, 10-year-old Nikki Wasilishin awoke to police and learned her mother, Stephanie, had been fatally shot. After 30 years of no arrests, Nikki seeks justice, convinced of her mother’s murder.

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🔍^{Trivia Answer}
Rising car thefts and vehicle popularity.

During the early 1990s, carjacking incidents surged as criminals targeted high-value vehicles, which were easier to sell or use for other criminal activities. The increase in car theft rates made vehicles a prime target for carjackers, as stolen cars could be quickly resold or used in further crimes. Law enforcement agencies responded by implementing more stringent security measures and public awareness campaigns to combat this crime trend and reduce carjacking rates.