Issue 313, January 24 2025

7 Texas Officers Shot Responding to Suicide Call; Seattle Officer Sentenced to 16+ Years for Fatal Homeless Shooting

January 24, 2025

🕵️^{Trivia Question}

In which city did the fatal shooting of homeless man Keith Vidal occur in 2014, leading to protests and public outcry?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: 48 Hours | The Black Widow

Raynella and Ed Dossett were prominent in Tennessee, but Ed's death from cancer and a farm accident shattered their lives. Six months later, Raynella married Ed's best friend, David Leath, who was later shot dead, with suspicions surrounding her involvement.

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What’s Happening Now

Seattle Police Officer Sentenced to Over 16 Years in Prison for Fatal Shooting of Homeless Man

A Seattle police officer was sentenced to over 16 years in prison for the fatal shooting of a homeless man he was trying to arrest for disorderly conduct.

This marked the first conviction under a Washington state law making it easier to prosecute officers for on-duty killings.

The officer, Jeffrey Nelson, was found guilty of second-degree murder and assault in the death of Jesse Sarey.

Judge Nicole Gaines Phelps sentenced Nelson to just over 16 1/2 years for murder and 6 1/2 years for assault.

Nelson's wife and fellow officers supported him, while Sarey's family expressed relief at seeing him held accountable.

🙅‍♂️Safety Tip of the Day: Always stay aware of your surroundings and avoid confrontations when encountering homeless individuals.

Homelessness can be associated with mental health issues, substance abuse, or extreme stress, which can sometimes lead to unpredictable behavior. Remaining calm and respectful while maintaining a safe distance helps avoid potential conflicts and ensures personal safety. It’s also important to call for professional assistance when needed, such as contacting local shelters or mental health crisis teams.

Cold Case Highlights

The Truck Stop Serial Killer: Convicted for Chilling Murder Spree Across State Lines

Bruce Mendenhall, known as "The Truck Stop Serial Killer," was convicted for the 2007 murder of Carma Purpura in Indianapolis.

He has been found guilty of three murders and is a suspect in other homicides across the country.

Mendenhall, a former truck driver, targeted victims at long-haul truck stops in Tennessee and Indiana.

The prosecutor's office described his acts as a "chilling murder spree." He was convicted thanks to a dedicated detective working across state lines.

Mendenhall faces up to 65 years in prison and showed no emotion during the verdict.

Purpura's family attended the trial, seeking resolution and accountability for their loss.

David Paul Cady Jr. Indicted for 1996 Murder of Mary Moore Searight Following Breakthrough DNA Evidence

David Paul Cady Jr., 54, was indicted for the 1996 murder of Mary Moore Searight in Paris, Texas.

Searight was found sexually assaulted, beaten, and strangled in her home, dying three days later at a Dallas hospital.

Cady, her tenant at the time, concealed a hand injury and his DNA was matched to swabs taken in 2023.

Cady was arrested in 2024 and remains in custody.

The case was eligible for the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative in 2021, leading to breakthroughs in the investigation.

Investigators identified Cady as the suspect nearly 30 years after the crime occurred.

PODCAST: Morbid | The Unsolved Murder of Melissa Witt

On December 1, 1994, 19-year-old Melissa Witt disappeared after planning to meet her mother in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Her body was found weeks later in the Ozark National Forest. Despite strong suspects, including serial killer Charles Ray Vines, her killer remains unidentified.

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🔍^{Trivia Answer}
Wilmington, North Carolina

Keith Vidal, a 18-year-old with schizophrenia, was shot and killed by a Wilmington police officer during a mental health crisis call. The incident led to protests over the handling of mental illness by law enforcement and sparked discussions on police training.