Issue 50, January 15, 2024

Iowa HS Principal Passes, FBI Shows Homicides Decreased From 2022

🕵️^{Trivia Question}

How long would it take for a person to die of strangulation?
^{Answer at the bottom of the newsletter}

What’s Happening Now

Iowa High School Principal Passes Away After Heroic Actions During School Shooting.

An Iowa high school principal, Dan Marburger, passed away on Sunday after being critically injured in a shooting at Perry High School on January 4.

Marburger's wife, Elizabeth, announced the tragic news on a GoFundMe page for the family.

Governor Kim Reynolds ordered flags at all state facilities to be lowered to half-staff in Marburger's honor and expressed her sympathies to his wife and family.

Marburger had been hailed as a hero for his actions during the shooting.

He attempted to distract the shooter, Dylan Butler, allowing other students to escape.

Reynolds commended Marburger's bravery and selflessness, stating that he will be remembered for his heroic actions.

Marburger had been a teacher in the Perry school district for nearly 30 years and was known for his passion for education, coaching, and love of sports.

Homicide Rates Decline in US Major Cities, but Concerns over Crime Remain High

Homicides in the US have significantly declined in 2023 across major cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Phoenix.

According to data from police departments, these cities saw homicides fall by over 10%.

National data from the FBI also shows an 8.2% drop in all violent crime, including a 15.6% drop in murders, compared to the previous year (2022).

This trend is seen in cities of varying sizes and across different regions of the country.

Experts credit the decline to the reopening of services, targeted crime-fighting strategies, improved partnerships within law enforcement, and reduced court case backlogs.

However, while homicides are trending downward, public concerns about crime remain high.

Additionally, motor vehicle thefts have increased by 10.1% during this period compared to the previous year.

🤲 Safety Tip of the Day: How can individuals defend themselves from strangulation?

Focus on vulnerable areas to weaken the attacker's grip. This might include the eyes, nose, throat, or groin. Strikes to these areas can provide an opportunity to escape. If possible, use your legs to kick the attacker, aiming for sensitive areas. This can create distance and may provide an opportunity to escape.

Cold Case Highlights

COLD CASE SOLVED: The Cold Case of 5-Year-Old Justin Turner - Arrest Made Decades Later with New Scientific Evidence.

Investigators have charged Victor Lee Turner and Megan R. Turner with murder in the death of 5-year-old Justin Turner, whose body was found strangled in a cabinet behind their home in South Carolina in 1989.

Despite initial suspicions about the couple's involvement in the killing, the charge against Megan Turner was dropped due to insufficient evidence.

However, recent scientific advancements enabled investigators to link microscopic fibers found on Justin's shirt to a ligature that was discovered at the Turner's home.

The evidence collected in 1989, combined with the new findings, led to the arrest of the Turners, who are now held without bail.

Unveiling the Truth: A Louisiana Family's Relentless Pursuit for Justice Through Key Photographs

A Louisiana family's relentless pursuit to prove their daughter's death was a homicide is captured through a collection of key photographs.

These photos serve as crucial evidence in the family's quest for justice.

Megan Parra's mysterious death was initially ruled as a suicide, but her family strongly believes it was a homicide.

The family tirelessly investigates the case, navigating through police reports and surveillance footage to gather supporting evidence.

The photographs, obtained through various sources, highlight important details and discrepancies in the official narrative.

They capture crucial moments, such as the discovery of bloodstains and signs of struggle, contradicting the original ruling.

The family's determination is evident as they meticulously piece together their own investigation.

Through these photographic revelations, they hope to shed light on the truth behind Megan Parra's death and finally obtain the justice they firmly believe she deserves.

Watch Now / Read More

🔍^{Trivia Answer}
_{5 Minutes}

_{It takes approximately five minutes for strangulation to result in death. However, if someone is strangled effectively, they would lose consciousness within seconds as the blood is constricted from flowing to their head.}