Issue 269, November 18, 2024

New Orleans Police Investigate Fatal Shootings at Second Line Parade; 19-Year-Old Arrested for Texas Man's Death

November 18, 2024

🕵️^{Trivia Question}

What is a "justifiable homicide"?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: 20/20 | Fatal Disguise

Days after a mysterious figure is spotted lurking outside his home, a young father is found dead following the drop-off of his son at preschool.

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What’s Happening Now

New Orleans Police Investigating Fatal Shootings During Second Line Parade

New Orleans police are investigating two shootings near a popular parade route on Sunday afternoon that left two dead and 10 others wounded.

The first shooting occurred at about 3:38 p.m. in the 1800 block of Almonaster Avenue during the Nine Times Second Line parade.

Eight victims were taken to a local hospital, while two others were found shot at a different location.

One victim died at the scene and the other at the hospital.

The shootings prompted the immediate shutdown of the parade.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the authorities.

Watch Now / Read More

19-Year-Old Woman Arrested for Fatal Shooting of Texas Man During Facebook Marketplace Sale

A 66-year-old man from Texas was fatally shot while attempting to sell a cellphone on Facebook Marketplace.

Amaya Medrano, 19, has been arrested and charged with capital murder in connection to the incident.

The victim, Ahmad Alkhalaf, was found dead at a gas station in Oak Cliff by Dallas Police after responding to a shooting report.

Surveillance footage shows the suspect shooting Alkhalaf and fleeing the scene.

Medrano was identified through her distinctive tattoos and the stolen phone being listed on the same Facebook account as the victim had interacted with.

She is currently in custody with a $1 million bond.

The Dallas Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward.

👍 Safety Tip of the Day: Learn basic self-defense techniques and keep a personal safety tool handy.

Knowing how to defend yourself in threatening situations can significantly increase your chances of staying safe. Basic self-defense moves—such as how to break free from grabs, protect vital areas, and use your body’s natural weapons (elbows, knees, and fists)—can help you create an opportunity to escape. Additionally, carrying a personal safety tool, like pepper spray or a whistle, can be an effective deterrent against attackers. It’s also important to practice situational awareness—trust your instincts and avoid dangerous situations when possible. Empowering yourself with knowledge and tools can give you the confidence to act if needed, helping you protect yourself in dangerous circumstances.

Cold Case Highlights

Oregon Man Arrested in Connection to 43-Year-Old Indiana Cold Case Killing

An Oregon man, Gregory Thurson, has been arrested in connection to a 43-year-old cold case killing in Indiana after his DNA was found on a cigarette.

The victim, John Blaylock, was brutally slain in Griffith, Indiana in 1981.

Detective John Mowery Jr. re-opened the case in 2018 and with the help of his father, identified a familial match through DNA analysis.

Thurson was arrested in Eugene, Oregon and extradited to Lake County where he is being held.

It is unclear if he has legal representation or when he will appear in court.

The case was investigated by the Griffith Police Department.

84-Year-Old Arrested for Cold Case Murder from 1974 Thanks to Genetic Genealogy Breakthrough

84-year-old Jon K. Miller was arrested in connection with the 1974 cold case murder of Mary K. Schlais in Wisconsin.

Sheriff Kevin Bygd announced the arrest, stating that through genetic genealogy, authorities were able to track down Miller.

He confessed to being involved in Schlais' homicide when presented with the evidence.

The victim, Schlais, was found dead with stab wounds in 1974.

Investigators used DNA technology advancements and worked with the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center in New Jersey to solve the case.

Miller is currently in custody at the Dunn County Jail and is expected to spend the rest of his life in prison.

PODCAST: Wondery Morbid | Peter Bryan

On April 25, 2004, Peter Bryan, an inmate at Broadmoor Hospital, killed fellow inmate Richard Loudwell. Shockingly, this was Bryan's third murder in just two months, despite his history of violence and mental health issues, raising serious questions about his release and lack of surveillance.

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🔍^{Trivia Answer}
A killing that is legally deemed acceptable, such as in self-defense.

A justifiable homicide occurs when someone is killed as a result of self-defense or in other circumstances where the killing is considered legally excusable, such as in cases where law enforcement officers use deadly force in the line of duty.