Issue 230, September 23, 2024

Manhunt Underway in Birmingham, Alabama After Mass Shooting Leaves Four Dead and 17 Injured, Blaze Bernstein's Family Confronts Killer in Court: Seeking Justice for Hate Crime

September 23, 2024

🕵️^{Trivia Question}

What was the largest manhunt in U.S. history, and what crime prompted it?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: Snapped: Women Who Murder | Beatrice Camper

A beloved cab driver is murdered while on duty. The investigation uncovers his wife's secret prison visits, an affair, and a potential conspiracy that complicates the search for his killer.

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What’s Happening Now

Manhunt Underway in Birmingham, Alabama After Mass Shooting Leaves Four Dead and 17 Injured

A manhunt is underway in Birmingham, Alabama, for multiple shooters who killed four people and injured 17 others in a shooting incident.

Police Chief Scott Thurmond stated that the shooters opened fire on a large group of people before fleeing the scene.

The shooters targeted one individual, believed to be the subject of a hit.

An investigation revealed the use of at least one fully automatic weapon during the shooting outside a lounge in the city.

At least four victims have life-threatening injuries.

The FBI and ATF are assisting in the investigation.

Mayor Randall Woodfin called for action to address the ongoing issue of gun violence.

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Blaze Bernstein's Family Confronts Killer in Court: Seeking Justice for Hate Crime

Six years after Blaze Bernstein's murder, his family faced his killer, Sam Woodward, in court.

The why of the killing was crucial to Jeanne Pepper and Gideon Bernstein, who endured delays and legal battles.

Blaze, a young gay and Jewish man, was targeted by hate.

Woodward, a former classmate, was found guilty of first-degree murder and a hate crime for killing Blaze.

His involvement in a neo-Nazi group added to the tragedy.

Blaze's legacy lives on in a kindness movement founded by his parents, who continue to spread positivity and inspire others to create a better world in his memory.

🛟 Safety Tip of the Day: If you witness or experience a hate crime, prioritize your safety. Avoid confrontation and find a safe place. Report the incident to authorities immediately.

Hate crimes are motivated by bias against someone's identity. They can escalate quickly, so personal safety is crucial. Avoiding confrontation reduces your risk of harm.

Find a safe location to gather your thoughts. Reporting the incident helps document the crime and prevents future incidents. Your report can aid law enforcement in identifying patterns and improving community safety. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

Cold Case Highlights

The Search for Sara Anne Wood: Family's Legacy of Hope and Advocacy

Sara Anne Wood, a 12-year-old girl abducted in 1993, remains missing despite killer Lewis Lent being behind bars.

Investigators continue the search, with family members like Dusty Wood, Sara's brother, sharing memories and keeping her legacy alive.

Lent has confessed to multiple abductions and murders, but the whereabouts of Sara remain unknown.

Despite extensive searches and interrogations, Lent's inconsistencies and manipulations hinder progress.

The Wood family finds solace in community support and advocacy for child safety.

As they participate in events like the Ride for Missing Children, they remember Sara and honor her memory, hoping for closure.

Cold Case Killer Arrested after DNA Evidence Links Him to Crime Scene, Brings Closure to Victim's Family

James Holloman, a 65-year-old man from Massachusetts, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection to a 1988 cold case killing of 25-year-old Karen Taylor.

DNA evidence from fingernail scrapings implicated Holloman as the perpetrator.

Investigators obtained a sample of his DNA, which matched the evidence from the crime scene.

Holloman was held without bail after pleading not guilty in court.

Prosecutors revealed that his DNA was found on Taylor's clothing and a cigarette in her bedroom.

Holloman is set to appear in court again on October 29.

This arrest brings closure to Taylor's loved ones after years of unanswered questions.

PODCAST: Crime Junkie | MURDERED: Mary Morris

Two women were murdered in Texas just days apart, with unsettling similarities that continue to puzzle investigators and their families.

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🔍^{Trivia Answer}
The largest manhunt in U.S. history was for Christopher Dorner.

Dorner was sought after he was accused of killing three people, including a police officer. His manifesto and threats against law enforcement led to a massive manhunt that spanned several states, involving multiple law enforcement agencies and extensive media coverage. The manhunt lasted for several days before Dorner was ultimately found and died in a standoff with police.