Issue 90, March 11, 2024

Man Arrested and Charged with Hate Crime Murder at Dog Park, Arrest Made in Murder of Derek Franklin Walls

March 11, 2024

🕵️Trivia Question

What is the term for a crime scene investigation method that involves searching outward from a central point, often used in large outdoor areas?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: Last Seen Alive | The Kelle Ann Workman Case

In a rural Missouri community, the haunting memory of a young woman's abduction and murder from a cemetery lingered for 35 years. Finally, three men have been charged with her killing. Join us for a special breaking update episode of Last Seen Alive as we uncover long-awaited investigative breakthroughs in the shadow of the Ozark Mountains.

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What’s Happening Now

Florida Man Arrested and Charged with Hate Crime Murder at Dog Park

Gerald Declan Radford, 65, has been arrested and charged with murder after fatally shooting John Walter Lay, 52, at a dog park in Florida.

Radford has been charged with second-degree murder with a hate crime enhancement.

Friends of Lay believe Radford targeted him due to his sexuality.

Lay's friends claim Radford harassed him for years.

Video evidence of Radford threatening Lay surfaced before Lay's death, leading some to believe the shooting was premeditated.

Hillsborough County Sheriff described Radford's actions as motivated by hatred.

Lay's friends and family are grateful for the arrest and hope to see justice served.

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Arrest Made in Murder of Derek Franklin Walls in Madison County

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office arrested Kyle Hayden Lewter, 36, for the murder of 54-year-old Derek Franklin Walls found dead in a home on Capshaw Road in Harvest.

Deputies responded to a report of a deceased male and discovered Walls' body inside.

It was revealed that the two men knew each other and had a physical altercation leading to Walls' death.

Lewter was taken into custody and held without bond under Aniah’s Law at the Madison County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing.

Subscribe to WAFF 48 for updates on this developing story.

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🏳️‍🌈 Safety Tip of the Day: LGBTQ+ Safety: Staying Vigilant Against Hate Crimes

A crucial safety tip for members of the LGBTQ+ community is to stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe in a situation, consider leaving or seeking help from nearby allies or authorities. Additionally, consider traveling with friends or in groups, especially in unfamiliar or potentially hostile environments.

Cold Case Highlights

Douglas County Sheriff's Office Seeks Public Help to Solve 1981 Murder of James Ihm

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is seeking public assistance in solving the 1981 murder of James "Jim" Ihm.

Despite one person admitting to the crime, investigators are asking for more information to fully close the case.

Ihm's body was found in Douglas County, with Richard "Rick" Eastridge of Littleton being arrested in connection to the murder in 2023.

Eastridge later took his own life.

The public is urged to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Cold Case Unit with any information.

Ihm, originally from Sedalia, had planned to meet Eastridge to finalize a drug transaction before his death.

Various agencies have contributed to the ongoing investigation.

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The Family of a Murdered Mother of Three from Marshall County Continues Their Fight for Answers

The unsolved death of Jennifer Hinote, a mother of three from Marshall County, continues to haunt her family.

Hinote went missing in December 2013 and was found dead in January 2014, ruled as a homicide.

Despite efforts from law enforcement, the case has gone cold, leaving her loved ones desperate for answers.

The family has set up a reward fund to encourage more leads in the investigation.

As the anniversary of her death passes, they hope someone will come forward to bring closure and justice for Jennifer.

To share any information on the case, contact the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office at 256-571-7851.

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‎PODCAST: Gone Cold | Ricochet, Part 5: The Impact

‎In Old City, Philadelphia, Jhalil Shands, 25, was on a date with his high school sweetheart when assailants fatally shot him. Despite living a cherished life, Jhalil found himself ensnared in a perilous world. In the concluding episode of "Ricochet," we explore the aftermath with Jhalil's family and grieving mothers, alongside insights from psychologists on trauma's impact, racial dynamics, and fostering alternative paths for youth.

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A radial search is a method used in investigations where authorities expand their search area outward from a central point, typically the location where a crime or incident occurred, in order to gather evidence, locate suspects, or find missing persons or objects.