Issue 244, October 11, 2024

Accused Killer of Nursing Student Laken Hope Riley Faces Motions Hearing, Teen Arrested for Grandmother's Death

October 11, 2024

🕵️Trivia Question

What high-profile assault case in 1991 brought national attention to the issue of domestic violence and led to significant changes in legislation?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: Cime Junkie | MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF: Bethany Deaton from Kansas City

When a 27-year-old woman is discovered dead in the back row of a minivan at a Kansas City park, the circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear. However, as investigators dig deeper, they uncover a tangled web of complexities that no one could have anticipated.

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What’s Happening Now

Accused Killer of Nursing Student Laken Hope Riley Faces Motions Hearing Ahead of Trial

Jose Ibarra, accused of killing nursing student Laken Hope Riley, is facing a motions hearing in Athens-Clarke County Superior Court before his upcoming trial.

Ibarra pleaded not guilty to charges including murder.

The trial is set to begin in November, with jury selection starting on Nov. 13.

Riley's body was found on the University of Georgia campus, sparking a national debate over immigration policies.

Ibarra, who entered the U.S. illegally from Venezuela, has been charged with various crimes related to Riley's death.

The judge will hear arguments on motions, including a request to move the trial and exclude evidence.

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Teen Arrested for Allegedly Beating Grandmother to Death in Family Dispute

An 18-year-old teen, Wyatt Testerman, is in custody after allegedly beating his grandmother to death during a family dispute in Erlanger, Ky.

Police responded to a report of an assault and found Testerman outside the residence.

Inside, they found 74-year-old Cheri Oliver with head trauma, who later died in the hospital.

Testerman faces a murder charge and is held on $500,000 bond in Kenton County Jail.

He could face 20 years to life in prison if convicted.

Testerman showed no emotion during his arraignment and is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 15.

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🍻 Safety Tip of the Day: Limit Alcohol Consumption in Social Settings.

While enjoying social gatherings, be mindful of your alcohol intake. Excessive drinking can impair your judgment and reduce your ability to recognize potential dangers. Stay aware of your surroundings and maintain control to better protect yourself from possible assault situations.

Cold Case Highlights

53-Year-Old Charged with 31-Year-Old's Cold Case Murder in Flint

53-year-old Eric Dukes has been charged with the murder of 31-year-old Shannon Holihan in Flint, Michigan.

The cold case investigation led to enough evidence for the arrest, with Dukes facing felony murder and carjacking charges.

The case, which had remained unsolved for 26 years, marks one of the first successes of the Flint Police Department's cold case investigation unit.

Chief Terrence Green highlighted the importance of funding from ARPA and the Mott Foundation in solving cases.

Dukes allegedly met Holihan at a LGBTQ bar before the murder, which is believed to have been a hate crime.

Justice has finally caught up, showing the significance of tips in solving cold cases years later.

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Unsolved Murder of Ballet-Loving Teenager Haunts New Jersey Town

Sharon Thor, a ballet-loving teenager, was murdered in Franklin, New Jersey, 40 years ago.

Her body was found in a wooded area near her home.

Sharon's family still struggles with grief, seeking closure and justice for her murder.

Despite living in a low crime rate area, the case remains unsolved.

Sharon's niece, Samantha, wishes she could have met her aunt and longs to know the truth about her murder.

The family hopes for answers soon and urges anyone with information to contact the Franklin Township Police Department at (732) 873-5533 ext 2020 or the TIPS hotline at (732) 873-7277.

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PODCAST: True Crime Weekly | Fallout from the Karen Read trial: The Ponzi and Poison Case

In this episode, the lead investigator on the Karen Read case faces criticism over his involvement in another murder investigation. We also explore new developments in the case of a West Virginia pharmacist, already imprisoned for fraud, who is now confronting murder charges. Additionally, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we speak with an expert about how to support friends in abusive relationships.

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🔍Trivia Answer
The case of Anita Hill and Clarence Thomas.

In 1991, Anita Hill testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee that she had been sexually harassed by Clarence Thomas, who was then a Supreme Court nominee. The televised hearings sparked widespread public discourse about sexual harassment and women's rights, shining a light on domestic violence and workplace assault. This case played a crucial role in raising awareness and ultimately contributed to changes in laws and policies regarding sexual harassment and assault in the workplace, influencing future discussions on consent and victim support.