Issue 234, September 27, 2024

Transgender killer sentenced for gruesome murders and MTA bus hijacking in LA

September 27, 2024

🕵️Trivia Question

Who was the first woman to be executed in the United States after the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: Betrayal Weekly | Introducing REDRUM True Crime

REDRUM True Crime is a podcast that shines a light on the real victims of crime. Each episode tells a new story, diving into the lives impacted by tragedy. Real life, real victims, real crime—this is REDRUM, hosted and created by Grace Cordell.

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What’s Happening Now

Transgender Killer Receives Harsh Sentences for Gruesome Murders

Alex Ray Scott, a convicted killer, was sentenced to 22 years-to-life in prison for the stabbing death of New York City antiques dealer, Kenneth Savinski.

Scott, who transitioned into a woman while in jail, also received 45 years in prison for a separate gruesome killing in Oklahoma.

The brutal murder of Savinski shocked the community and devastated his loved ones.

Scott met Savinski on a dating app and was found guilty of the murder, which involved multiple injuries.

Scott stole credit cards from the victim after the crime.

Prosecutors linked Scott to another murder case in Oklahoma, where remains were found.

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Fatal Shooting and Hijacking on MTA Bus in Los Angeles Leads to High-Speed Chase

In Los Angeles, a suspect fatally shot a passenger on an MTA bus before hijacking it and leading police on a high-speed chase for over an hour.

The incident began at around 12:45 a.m.

when police received a 911 call about a shooting and hijacking.

The suspect shot at least one person and forced the driver to drive northbound as other passengers exited the bus.

The LAPD's SWAT team eventually stopped the bus at 2:05 a.m.

The injured victim was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition and later succumbed to injuries.

The incident is now being treated as a homicide investigation.

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👀 Safety Tip of the Day: Always trust your instincts. If something feels off or makes you uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to remove yourself from the situation or seek help.

Many convicted killers have had warning signs or behaviors that were overlooked. For instance, in cases like that of Ted Bundy, friends and acquaintances often noted odd behaviors but didn't act on their instincts. Trusting your gut can help you avoid potentially dangerous situations, whether it’s recognizing a harmful relationship or sensing that someone’s behavior is suspicious. Being aware and proactive about your safety can significantly reduce your risk of encountering violence.

Cold Case Highlights

Closure Finally Achieved in Cold Case Murder of Mother and Daughter After Deathbed Confession by West Virginia Man

A West Virginia man in his 80s recently admitted to the cold case killing of a 41-year-old woman, Susan Carter, and her 10-year-old daughter, Natasha "Alex" Carter, in 2000.

The bodies were found the same day the confession was made.

The man, Larry Webb, died just hours before their remains were discovered.

Webb shot Susan in a financial dispute, then killed Natasha to avoid detection.

He confessed on his deathbed at Mount Olive Correctional Complex in Fayette County.

Natasha's father expressed gratitude for closure at the press conference.

The case remained unsolved for over two decades until the FBI reinvestigated in 2021.

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Former NBA Player Orlando Johnson Finds Closure and Continues Thriving in Basketball Despite Mother's Unsolved Murder

Orlando Johnson, a former NBA player and current international basketball star, has kept the memory of his mother, Vicki Johnson, alive as he climbed the basketball ranks to the NBA.

After 32 years, Vicki Johnson's murder has been solved, bringing closure to Orlando and his family.

Despite tragic beginnings, Orlando continues to excel in professional basketball globally.

His determination and drive stem from his challenging past and the inspiration he draws from his family.

Police recently identified Vicki Johnson's killer, shedding light on the tragic events that have affected Orlando and his family for decades.

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PODCAST: Dateline True Crime Weekly with Andrea Canning

Tune in to this week’s Dateline: True Crime Weekly with Andrea Canning for exclusive wiretaps in the Donna Adelson case and insights into Bob Lee’s murder, plus financial fraud prevention tips from Vicky Nguyen.

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🔍Trivia Answer
Lisa Montgomery.

Lisa Montgomery was convicted of the murder of Bobbie Jo Stinnett in 2004. She strangled Stinnett, who was eight months pregnant, and then cut the baby from her womb, intending to abduct the child. Montgomery's case garnered significant attention due to her mental health struggles, including a history of abuse. After numerous appeals and debates over her competency, she was executed by lethal injection in January 2021, becoming the first woman executed federally since 1953. Her case highlighted ongoing discussions about mental illness and the death penalty in the U.S.