Issue 256, October 29, 2024

MS-13 Gang Member Arrested for Double Homicide, Woman Sentenced for Boyfriend's Murder in Suitcase Game

October 29, 2024

🕵️Trivia Question

Which high-profile double homicide in 1996 remains unsolved and involved the murder of a 15-year-old girl and her mother, leading to widespread public interest and media coverage?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: Anatomy of Murder | Key To Your Heart (Katelyn Markham)

A surprising phone call revives a decade-old murder case involving a 21-year-old. Two investigators are committed to seeking answers for her family and ensuring they receive their day in court.

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What’s Happening Now

MS-13 Gang Member Arrested for Double Homicide in Virginia

An MS-13 gang member, Marlyn Medrano-Ortiz, 18, was arrested in Virginia for the double homicide of Mijal Conejero-Romera and Diego Alexander Woollett in Sterling, Virginia on Aug. 28.

Both victims were 22 years old.

Medrano-Ortiz was charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.

The Loudon County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest and stated that the investigation involved numerous units and resources.

Sheriff Mike Chapman condemned MS-13 and emphasized the seriousness of the crime.

Medrano-Ortiz's arrest is part of ongoing efforts to combat the gang's presence in the area.

Watch Now / Read More

Woman Sentenced for Murder After Boyfriend Dies in Drunken Suitcase Game

Sarah Boone, 46, was found guilty of murdering her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr., after zipping him inside a suitcase and hitting him with a baseball bat during a drunken game.

A video showed Torres struggling to breathe inside the suitcase while Boone ignored his pleas.

She called 911 after finding him unresponsive, claiming they were playing a game.

Boone faces up to life in prison for second-degree murder, despite claiming self-defense.

Prosecutors disputed her claims, citing evidence of her mocking Torres as he suffocated.

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🎗️ Safety Tip of the Day: Practice Situational Awareness in Your Daily Life

Situational awareness is the ability to identify and respond to potential threats in your environment, which is critical in light of the rising number of violent crimes, including double homicides.

Cold Case Highlights

Colorado Man Arrested in Connection to 1999 Murder of Dale Williams

A Colorado man, Dan Bishop, was arrested for murder in connection to the 1999 disappearance of Dale Williams.

Williams, a business owner, was last seen after receiving a call for help.

His truck was found six weeks later, with a rifle linked to Bishop.

Despite previous questioning and surveillance footage, no arrests were made until recently.

The case was reopened in 2023, leading to Bishop's arrest in October.

Sheriff Lillard praised the team effort in solving the 25-year-old case.

Bishop is currently held on a $1m bond.

Williams's body has never been found.

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19th Century Cold Case Solved: DNA Testing Identifies Teenage Girl Found in Illinois Wall

The skull found in the wall of an Illinois home was identified as belonging to a teenage girl named Esther Granger, who died in 1866 from childbirth complications.

Through forensic genealogy, DNA testing confirmed the identification by matching the skull's DNA with a living descendant of Granger.

This case demonstrates the advancements in forensic technology and highlights the importance of cold case investigations.

The identification of Esther Granger represents the oldest case of unidentified human remains solved by Othram Laboratories, showcasing the success of modern DNA technology in solving historical mysteries.

The girl was buried in Lake County, Indiana, and was one of six children laid to rest in Batavia, Illinois, where her remains were found.

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PODCAST: My Favorite Murder | MFM Minisode 407

This week's hometown highlights: a chilling murder case in Chicago and the creation of a spine-tingling haunted house!

Listen Now

🔍Trivia Answer
The murders of 15-year-old Ashley and her mother, Sherry.

In March 1996, Sherry and her daughter Ashley were found murdered in their home in Kansas City, Missouri. The case went cold for years, leading to numerous theories and speculation about the identity of the killer. Despite extensive investigations and media coverage, the case remains unsolved, making it a haunting mystery that continues to intrigue the public and highlight the challenges of solving violent crimes. The case has sparked numerous discussions about community safety and the impact of unsolved murders on families.