Issue 29, December 14, 2023

Man Charged with Samantha Wall's Murder, Woman Found Guilty Of Kenneth Herring's Death

🕵️Trivia Question

What notorious criminal, also known as the "Unabomber," engaged in a nationwide bombing campaign in the United States from 1978 to 1995?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

What’s Happening Now

Man charged with murder of Detroit synagogue president Samantha Woll in non-hate crime incident.

A man has been charged with the murder of Detroit synagogue president Samantha Woll, according to Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

Michael Manual Jackson-Bolanos, 28, has been charged with felony murder, lying to a peace officer, and home invasion. The investigation found no evidence suggesting that Jackson-Bolanos knew Woll or that the murder was a hate crime.

Woll, 40, was found outside her home in the Lafayette Park neighborhood on October 21st. There were no signs of forced entry into her residence, leading investigators to believe she was stabbed inside her home before making her way outside.

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Hannah Payne found guilty on all counts in murder trial for Kenneth Herring's death in 2019, in Georgia.

Hannah Payne, a 25-year-old woman, has been found guilty of all eight counts she was facing in the murder trial for the death of Kenneth Herring in 2019.

The counts include malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. During the trial, Payne's attorney argued that she was not a killer and questioned who pulled the trigger when the gun went off. The prosecution argued that Payne was the sole aggressor in the case and acted with malice.

Payne testified that she was trying to be a messenger for the police when approaching Herring's truck but ignored instructions not to engage with him.

The trial began on December 6. Sentencing will take place on December 15.

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🔒 Safety Tip of the Day: 🎄✈️Holiday Travel - Secure Your Home 🏡

HomeAloneSafety: Before heading out for the holidays, channel your inner Kevin McCallister! Lock doors, set alarms, and create the illusion of an occupied home. Just like in "Home Alone," a well-protected house ensures peace of mind and keeps burglars at bay.

  1. 🔐Lock All Doors and Windows: Double-check that all doors and windows are locked before leaving.

  2. Use Timers for Lights: Set timers for lights to create the illusion that someone is home.

  3. 📬Hold Mail and Deliveries: Temporarily stop mail and package deliveries or ask a neighbor to collect them.

  4. Don't Publicize Your Trip: Avoid broadcasting travel plans on social media to prevent unwanted attention.

  5. Inform a Trusted Neighbor: Let a neighbor know about your absence; they can keep an eye on your home.

  6. Secure Valuables: Store valuable items in a safe or a less predictable location.

  7. Unplug Electronics: Save energy and reduce the risk of electrical issues by unplugging non-essential devices.

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your holiday travels with peace of mind, knowing your home is secure. And make sure all of your children are accounted for so they aren’t Home Alone 🚨🏡.

Cold Case Highlights

Montgomery County District Attorney Announces Breakthroughs in Three Cold Case Homicides, 15 Cases Solved by the Montgomery Cold Case Unit.

Montgomery County District Attorney Daryl Bailey called a Wednesday afternoon news conference to announce breaks in three Montgomery cold case homicides, one dating back to the early 1980s.Montgomery County District Attorney Daryl Bailey held a news conference to announce the breakthroughs in three cold case homicides in Montgomery. The cases, one dating back to the early 1980s, were solved by the 3-year-old Montgomery Cold Case Unit, which has now solved a total of 15 homicide cases.

The unit's work led to the signing of four warrants in three homicide cases.
The first case involved the murder of John Bogle in 1980, and an arrest warrant for capital murder was issued for suspect John Michael Irmer, who is currently in Boston. 
The second case involved the road rage killing of Jamie Lightsey in 2015, and a suspect named Darrell Demond Moorer was arrested.
The most recent case involved the robbery and murder of Steven White Jr. in 2018, and two suspects, Lonnie Helms III and Kennedy Wilson, have been indicted for capital murder.

Bailey commended the work of the Cold Case Task Force and warned other killers that they will be found and held accountable for their crimes.

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Man Convicted of Murder After 30 Years, Family Finds Closure

A man has been convicted by a jury in Walker County for a murder he committed nearly 30 years ago. 
In 1994, James Richard Harris was found dead, having been struck in the head and strangled, likely during a robbery. The crime scene showed signs of a struggle, with Harris' belongings missing or removed. The state crime lab's limited forensic technology hindered the investigation at the time.
In 1994, James Richard Harris was found dead, having been struck in the head and strangled, likely during a robbery. The crime scene showed signs of a struggle, with Harris' belongings missing or removed. The state crime lab's limited forensic technology hindered the investigation at the time.
In 2005, the GBI crime lab re-analyzed the evidence and identified a blood match to an individual other than Harris. Three years ago, a tip led to the arrest of Robert Allen Mowry, who had worked with Harris, and now he has been convicted of felony murder.

The Harris family, who had long sought answers, expressed relief with the conviction, although they acknowledge it won't bring their father back. 
Mowry has been sentenced to life in prison.

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🔍Trivia Answer

The "Unabomber" is Theodore Kaczynski, a domestic terrorist and former mathematics professor who conducted a series of bombings, targeting individuals involved with modern technology.