Issue 248, October 17, 2024

Teen Girls Accused of Killing Disabled Man in DC, Woman Gets Life for Fetus Theft from Pregnant Woman

October 17, 2024

🕵️Trivia Question

What tragic incident in 2012 highlighted the issues of gun violence and racial profiling in the United States, leading to nationwide protests and discussions about justice reform?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: Going West: True Crime | The Phantom Killer

In 1946, Texarkana was terrorized by moonlit attacks and murders. As local police, the FBI, and Texas Rangers investigated five murders and three assaults, numerous suspects emerged. This is the story of the Texarkana Moonlight Murders and the Phantom Killer.

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What’s Happening Now

Teenage Girls Accused of Beating Disabled Man to Death in DC, Allegedly Motivated by Boredom

Five teenage girls are accused of beating a disabled 64-year-old man to death in Washington, D.C. in October 2023.

The oldest suspect, a 15-year-old, testified that they committed the assault because they were bored.

The incident occurred on the 6200 block of Georgia Avenue leading to the death of Reggie Brown, who had trauma consistent with an assault.

The girls, aged between 12 and 15, chased Brown down and attacked him.

Prosecutors used a video showing the girls taunting and attacking Brown.

The 15-year-old witness confessed to feeling remorse after realizing the severity of their actions.

If convicted, the remaining suspects could face prison until the age of 21.

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Woman Sentenced to Two Life Terms for Killing Pregnant Woman to Steal Fetus

Amber Waterman of Pineville, Missouri has been sentenced to two life terms in prison for killing a pregnant Arkansas woman in order to pass off the woman's fetus as her own stillborn baby.

Waterman used a false name to contact Ashley Bush of Siloam Springs, Arkansas on Facebook and lured her to her home, where she caused the death of both Bush and her unborn child.

Waterman's husband, Jamie Waterman, pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact.

The judge described Waterman's crime as "graphic" and prosecutors emphasized the long-lasting pain caused by her actions.

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🌙 Safety Tip of the Day: Avoid Risky Situations, Especially at Night.

Being proactive about your safety means avoiding areas known for high crime rates, particularly after dark. If you need to go out, travel with a group and stick to well-lit, populated areas. Keep your phone charged and accessible, and let someone know your whereabouts. Avoid distractions, like using your phone, while walking, as it can make you an easy target.

Cold Case Highlights

Arrest Made in 31-Year-Old Cold Case Murder, Bringing Closure to Victim's Family

A former neighbor has been arrested in connection with a 31-year-old cold case murder.

The victim, a woman who was married at the time, was found dead in her home under suspicious circumstances.

The arrest comes after years of investigation and DNA evidence linking the suspect to the crime.

The victim's family has expressed relief and closure at the development in the case.

The suspect is currently awaiting trial and faces charges of murder and other related offenses.

The arrest serves as a reminder that justice can be served even decades after a crime is committed, bringing some sense of resolution to the loved ones of the victim.

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The Mysterious Case of Mary Josephine: A Three-Decade Mystery Solved with DNA Technology

In 1993, a baby girl was found abandoned on a Mississippi highway and her identity remained a mystery for nearly three decades.

Recently, advancements in DNA technology helped authorities identify the child as Mary Josephine.

The case of the unidentified baby sparked a nationwide investigation but remained unsolved until now.

The breakthrough in DNA testing has brought closure to the case and shed light on the circumstances surrounding Mary Josephine's abandonment.

Investigators are now working to piece together the events that led to her abandonment and determine who is responsible for leaving her on the highway.

The identification of Mary Josephine has brought renewed attention to the case and sparked hope for justice to be served.

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PODCAST: Murder in America | The Murder of a Child Star: The Tragic Tale of Judith Barsi

In today’s report, we delve into the tragic death of a child star that shook Hollywood and resonated deeply across America. This is a heartbreaking, unsettling, and infuriating account of abuse, neglect, and failures by those in authority.

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🔍Trivia Answer
The shooting of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman.

Trayvon Martin, an unarmed Black teenager, was shot and killed by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in Sanford, Florida, in February 2012. Zimmerman claimed self-defense, which sparked a national debate on gun laws, racial profiling, and the Stand Your Ground law in Florida. The case gained significant media attention, leading to widespread protests and the formation of the Black Lives Matter movement. It underscored the urgent need for discussions on race, justice, and gun control in America, making it a pivotal moment in contemporary social activism.