Issue 302, January 9, 2025

Sebastian Zapetacalil Acquitted of Subway Fire Charges, Michael Edgington Sentenced to 25 Years for Murder

January 09, 2025

🕵️^{Trivia Question}

What is the most common type of crime reported in the United States?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: 20/20 | True Crime Vault: Tainted Love

When a man is brutally murdered, his wife and her suspected lover are thrust into the spotlight as potential suspects.

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What’s Happening Now

Sebastian Zapetacalil Acquitted of Subway Fire Charges Due to Lack of Evidence

Sebastian Zapetacalil, a homeless man accused of starting a subway fire in New York City, has been found not guilty after a jury determined that there was not enough evidence to convict him.

The prosecution's case relied on witnesses who identified Zapetacalil as the suspect, but the defense argued that their testimonies were unreliable due to inconsistencies and lack of credibility.

The jurors ultimately sided with the defense, leading to Zapetacalil's acquittal.

Michael Edgington Sentenced to 25 Years for Murder

Michael Edgington has been sentenced to 25 years for the murder of Sydney Palmer, a transgender woman, in a California hotel room.

Edgington admitted to strangling Palmer after discovering she was transgender, claiming he acted in a "moment of panic." This case highlights the ongoing issue of violence against the transgender community and the need for greater awareness and protection of transgender individuals.

The judge emphasized the importance of showing respect and dignity towards all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.

📞 Safety Tip of the Day: Never share your personal information over the phone or online unless you're certain of the recipient's identity.

Scammers often use phone calls or online messages to trick people into revealing sensitive information like bank account numbers or passwords. Always verify the identity of the person or organization requesting information, and avoid sharing personal details through unsecured or unfamiliar channels.

Cold Case Highlights

Uncovering the Truth: Efforts to Identify Samuel Little's Victims Continue

The article discusses the ongoing efforts to identify the victims of serial killer Samuel Little, whose remains were found decades ago.

Law enforcement agencies are collaborating with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in a new push to identify the victims through DNA testing and other investigative techniques.

Little has claimed to have killed over 90 people, with many of his victims being women who were marginalized and vulnerable.

The identification of these victims is crucial in bringing closure to their families and in achieving justice for those who were senselessly murdered.

Investigation Launched as Body Found Near US-Canadian Border in Ontario

A man's body was found near the US-Canadian border in Ontario, and authorities suspect foul play.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are leading the investigation, and the Ontario Provincial Police are assisting.

The identity of the victim has not been released, and it is unclear how long the body had been there before its discovery.

The remote location of the crime scene is hindering the investigation process.

Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.

PODCAST: Dateline NBC | The Watcher

Keith Morrison and Josh Mankiewicz discuss Keith's episode "The Watcher" about Lauren Giddings’ 2011 disappearance in Macon, Georgia. After discovering her remains, investigators identified a close suspect. They also discuss new case developments and answer social media questions.

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🔍^{Trivia Answer}
Larceny-theft

Larceny-theft, which involves stealing property without violence, is the most frequently reported crime in the U.S. It accounts for a significant portion of property crimes, surpassing burglary and motor vehicle theft.