Issue 67, February 7, 2024

Triple Murder Suspects Captured for Norristown Killing, 33-year-old Woman Pushed 3-year-old Onto Train Tracks

🕵️^{Trivia Question}

Where did the worst tragic American railway accident happen?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: Crime Junkie | The Case of Maura Murray

Over the past 20 years, everyone's been buzzing about Maura Murray's case, not knowing what's true and what's just gossip. But now, Julie Murray, Maura's sister, is giving us the real scoop for the first time, straight from the source who knew her best.

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What’s Happening Now

Triple Murder Suspects Captured by U.S. Marshals in New York for Norristown Killing

Three males have been captured by the U.S. Marshals in New York in connection to a murder that occurred in Norristown in January 2024.

The suspects, identified as Damon Brantley Jr., Daquan Allen, and Jerry Butler, were sought on charges of First-Degree Murder, Second-Degree Murder, and Robbery related to the killing of William Carter.

Thanks to the public and media sharing the defendants' photos, their arrest happened quickly.

The Philadelphia U.S. Marshals, NY/NJ U.S. Marshals, and the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force were instrumental in safely apprehending the defendants.

The murder took place when Norristown Police responded to a report of shots fired and found Carter dead and robbed on the sidewalk.

Brantley was identified as the shooter, and video surveillance showed him and the other suspects running away from a stolen vehicle and robbing Carter before Brantley shot him.

A search of Brantley's girlfriend's apartment yielded evidence connecting him to the murder, including an extended magazine and ammunition.

Brantley had been driving the stolen vehicle multiple times before their capture in New York.

The three defendants are currently awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania.

33-year-old Woman Found Guilty But Insane for Pushing 3-year-old Onto Train Tracks, Sentenced to Psychiatric Facility

A 33-year-old woman named Brianna Workman has been found guilty, except for insanity, for pushing a 3-year-old girl onto train tracks and will spend up to 10 years in a state-run psychiatric facility.

The incident occurred at the Gateway Transit Center MAX platform in Northeast Portland on December 28, 2022.

Workman shoved the child without provocation, causing her to fall face-first onto the tracks.

Bystanders quickly rescued the girl, who suffered a severe headache and had a red mark on her forehead.

Workman has been placed under the care of the Psychiatric Security Review Board and will be held at the Oregon State Hospital.

🚂 Safety Tip of the Day: Being Safe Around Trains

Always stay behind the safety line when near train tracks, and never attempt to cross them while the barriers are down or lights are flashing. Trains can approach quickly and quietly, so it's crucial to be vigilant and patient to avoid accidents.

Cold Case Highlights

UPDATE: The Unsolved Triple Murder Case of Barbara Wilson-Watterman, Bianca Wilson, and Felicia Council: 30 Years of Perplexing Investigators

The unsolved triple murder case of Barbara Wilson-Watterman, her daughter Bianca Wilson, and babysitter Felicia Council continues to perplex investigators 30 years later.

The victims were found shot execution-style in their home in Jersey City's Lafayette Gardens Public Housing Complex.

The horrifying discovery shocked the community, and Wilson-Watterman's partner was the one who made the grisly find.

At the time of her death, Wilson-Watterman worked as a secretary for the state Division of Youth and Family Services.

This cold case remains open, with authorities still searching for answers and justice for the victims.

UPDATE: Renewed Efforts to Solve Road Rage Killing: Cold Case Detective and Foundation Unite to Bring Justice to Chris Murzin and Other Unsolved Homicides

On Sunday, it will be three years since Chris Murzin was killed in a road rage shooting.

His killer remains at large, but there are new efforts to solve the case.

The Dallas Police Department has assigned a cold case detective to the investigation, and Murzin's widow has created The Chris Murzin Foundation to fund additional tools and experts in intelligence and law enforcement to help solve the case and other unsolved homicides.

Murzin was a beloved father and had helped revamp a park in University Park for children with special needs.

Despite accepting the loss, the family still feels his absence.

Detective Brian Fillingim is leading the investigation and is focusing on new technologies and tools.

He urges the public to provide any information they may have.

The foundation aims to bridge the gap between high-tech companies and law enforcement to help solve crimes and bring justice to families like the Murzins.

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‎PODCAST: Ridiculous Crime | Why Agatha Christie Wanted to Get Away

‎Just like how Lenny Kravitz needed a break sometimes, back in 1926, Agatha Christie felt the same vibe. Why did the queen of mystery decide to vanish? Well, it's got something to do with her hubby. But trust me, the whole story is way crazier than you'd imagine!

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🔍^{Trivia Answer}
Pennsylvania

One of the deadliest train accidents in US history occurred on September 15, 1953, in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Railroad's "Red Arrow" commuter train collided head-on with a freight train near Bryn Mawr, resulting in 79 fatalities and over 117 injuries.