Issue 44, January 5, 2024

Man Charged With Murder For 3 People Found In The Mountains, Man Killed By Employee, What Do You Think? Judge Rules Killing As Justified

January 05, 2024

🕵️^{Trivia Question}

In the 1970s, this ordinary citizen, without formal detective training, successfully solved a series of crimes and became known as the "East Area Rapist" or "Original Night Stalker." Who was this amateur sleuth?
^{Answer at the bottom of the newsletter}

What’s Happening Now

Utah man charged with first-degree murder for killing three individuals in Tooele County's mountains.

Cesar Matias Sevilla-Aleman, a man from Utah, has been charged with multiple first-degree felony charges for allegedly murdering three individuals whose bodies were discovered in Tooele County's mountains.

The victims, Rocio Baneulos-Bustamante, Carlos Sepulveda-Montes, and Zamir Sanchez-Hernandez, went missing in 2022 and were later found buried together in April 2023.

Sevilla-Aleman's phone records placed him in the vicinity of the missing victims during the same time frame, and he was overheard discussing the shootings and burials of multiple people.

An autopsy confirmed that all three victims died from gunshot wounds.

Sevilla-Aleman was already in jail for an unrelated non-fatal shooting incident at the time of his arrest.

Man Found Dead in Salt Lake City Warehouse, Employee Arrested for Murder

A 65-year-old man, who managed a warehouse in Salt Lake City, was found dead and one of his employees has been arrested for his murder.

Nathan David Evans, 41, has been charged with murder and obstruction of justice.

Police were called to the warehouse after reports of a deceased man in an office.

The victim had suffered multiple injuries and was found with a plastic bag over his head.

During a search of the warehouse, detectives discovered a hammer, a trash bag filled with blood-soaked items, and a bloody pocket knife.

Evans, who is homeless, had evidence linking him to the crime.

The victim's identity has not been released, and the motive is still under investigation.

Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown commended the officers and detectives for their dedication and quick action.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police department.

Judge Rules Woman Justified in Killing Intruder in Salt Lake City Home

A judge in Salt Lake City has ruled that a woman was legally justified in killing a man who broke into her home, regardless of whether she knew him or if he had belongings in the house.

Lashawn Denise Bagley, 23, had been charged with murder and multiple counts of firearm discharge after shooting Demetrius Allen during a break-in.

Bagley called 911 to report the intrusion, and the judge determined that self-defense was presumed to be reasonable in such a situation.

The judge dismissed all charges against Bagley, stating that she had the right to protect herself in her own home.

Safety Tip of the Day: Home Intruder

In case of a home intruder prioritize your safety by staying calm, act quickly to find a secure hiding spot, and lock or barricade the door if necessary. Contact emergency services discreetly. First and foremost, avoid confrontation whenever possible.

Cold Case Highlights

Man Arrested in Connection with 12-Year-Old Unsolved Murder Following Tips from Docuseries and Advances in DNA Technology.

47-year-old Eric Craig Hodges of Nevada City has been arrested in connection with the murder of 63-year-old Delbert Wilder in Grass Valley.

This arrest comes 12 years after the discovery of Wilder's body in his home.

The Nevada County Sheriff's Office credited a docuseries called "Murderer Among Us" for generating tips and phone calls that led to the arrest.

The sheriff's office also mentioned advancements in DNA technology that aided in identifying Hodges as the suspected gunman.

Hodges is currently held at the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility on a murder charge without bail.

The case had remained unsolved for years until recent developments.

Watch Now - Cold Case Series 1: Murderer Among Us

Amateur Sleuth and YouTuber Helps Crack Cold Case of Missing Navy Veteran with Discovery of Unidentified Remains.

A cold case involving the disappearance of Navy veteran Donnie Erwin in rural Missouri over a decade ago has gained new traction after a YouTuber and amateur sleuth helped lead police to unidentified human remains.

James Hinkle, the videographer, spent a year tracing Erwin's relatives and searching for him, documenting his efforts on his YouTube channel.

He eventually discovered Erwin's car submerged in a small pond near his home.

The Camden County Sheriff's Office believes the remains found in the pond are those of Erwin, pending forensic examination.

The case had been dormant for years, frustrating investigators and Erwin's family.

Hinkle's skills as a scuba diver and drone pilot helped him uncover the car's whereabouts and reignite the investigation.

🔍^{Trivia Answer}

Michelle McNamara, an investigative journalist and author, played a crucial role in uncovering the identity of the East Area Rapist/Original Night Stalker through her relentless pursuit and dedication to solving the case.