Issue 340, March 5 2025

Controversial Release: Accused Cop Killer Granted $1M Bond, G$ Lil Ronnie & Daughter Shot in Dallas

March 05, 2025

🕵️^{Trivia Question}

Which U.S. state was the first to abolish the death penalty for capital murder?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: Anatomy of Murder | Eerily Calm (Bobbie Jo Stinnett)

A shocking murder of a pregnant woman and the kidnapping of her unborn child leave investigators stunned. Time is running out to locate the baby and catch the killer.

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What’s Happening Now

Controversial Release: Accused Cop Killer Granted $1 Million Bond Sparks Outrage

Dremone Francis, a Texas man, is accused of murdering a police officer.

He was released on $1 million bond, to the outrage of law enforcement, as he is charged with capital murder and poses a public safety risk.

The judge, a Democrat, set the bond against prosecutors' wishes.

Francis and another suspect are accused of fatally shooting Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Fernando Esqueda.

The decision to release Francis on bond has sparked criticism and concerns about public safety.

Ankle monitoring is viewed as insufficient to prevent a threat.

Mayor John Whitmire denounced the judge's decision during a press conference.

G$ Lil Ronnie and Daughter Fatally Shot in Dallas Car Wash Attack: Suspects at Large

A Texas rapper known as G$ Lil Ronnie and his five-year-old daughter were tragically shot and killed in a targeted shooting at a car wash in Dallas.

The gunmen approached them in a white Kia and opened fire, resulting in the deaths of both victims.

Ronnie Smith's aunt expressed shock at the incident, stating that he was a family man and did not deserve to be targeted.

The suspects, described as Black males, remain unidentified, but one warrant has been issued for a capital murder arrest.

The car wash where the shooting occurred has been closed to aid the investigation.

Four murders have already occurred in Forest Hill, Texas, this year.

👮‍♂️ Safety Tip of the Day: Always remain calm and respectful when interacting with a police officer.

If you’re stopped by a police officer, it’s important to stay calm, keep your hands visible, and avoid sudden movements. Address the officer respectfully, answer questions clearly, and comply with any reasonable requests, like showing your ID or registration. This helps ensure a smooth interaction and can prevent misunderstandings or escalation. If you're unsure of your rights, it's okay to politely ask if you're being detained or if you're free to go. Staying respectful and composed can help de-escalate potential tensions and make the encounter safer for both you and the officer.

Cold Case Highlights

Collaboration with Moxxy Forensic Investigations to Identify Cold Case Victim With Severe Pelvic Deformity

The Wilmington Police Cold Case Unit is collaborating with Moxxy Forensic Investigations to identify a body discovered on April 8, 1978, in a landfill on Terminal Avenue.

The victim, believed to be a 17 to 25-year-old African American man with a severe pelvic deformity, was found wearing specific clothing.

Moxxy Forensic Investigations suspects ties to Georgetown County, South Carolina, and the State of Delaware, with potential surnames related to the victim.

Additionally, a facial reconstruction has been created by a forensic artist depicting the victim's appearance.

Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Olivia McCarter at Moxxy Forensic Investigations or the WPD Cold Case Unit.

Man Evades Authorities for Decades by Assuming Dead Man's Identity and Defrauding Social Security Scheme Posing as Dead College Mate Unravels

Stephen Craig Campbell, 76, was captured in New Mexico last week after assuming a dead man's identity for decades and defrauding around $140,000 in social security benefits.

He was evading authorities for planting explosives outside his estranged wife's boyfriend's home in 1982.

Campbell vanished after posting bail and reappeared as Walter Lee Coffman, who died in 1975.

His scheme unraveled in 2019 when renewing his driver's license.

During his capture, authorities found 57 firearms and ammunition.

Campbell faces fraud charges and potential extradition to Wyoming for the 1982 bombing.

He appeared in federal court in New Mexico.

PODCAST: Park Predators | The Boat

When two renowned fishermen are shot dead in a remote Florida state park, authorities are left without leads. However, a new theory soon surfaces, pointing to another victim of foul play within the same close-knit fishing community.

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🔍^{Trivia Answer}
Michigan

Michigan became the first state in the United States to abolish the death penalty in 1846. Since then, several other states have followed suit, although capital punishment is still legal in many states.