Issue 96, March 19, 2024

Kansas Settles $1 Million Lawsuit Over Failure to Protect Murdered 7-Year-Old, James A. Merritt Sentenced to Life in Prison

🕵️Trivia Question

What legal term describes the intentional killing of another person without premeditation or deliberation, often encompassing acts committed with malice aforethought or during the commission of certain felonies?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: ‎SERIALously | The Story of Brittney Wood

A young mother disappears mysteriously while authorities uncover a disturbing investigation into a family sex ring.

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What’s Happening Now

Kansas Settles $1 Million Lawsuit Over Failure to Protect Murdered 7-Year-Old Adrian Jones

In 2015, Kansas settled a lawsuit for $1 million regarding the murder of 7-year-old Adrian Jones.

The lawsuit alleged that the state's child welfare agency failed to remove Adrian from an abusive home, where he was starved, tortured, and ultimately killed.

Adrian was living with his father and stepmother in Kansas City, Kansas, when he died.

Both are serving prison sentences for his murder.

The lawsuit argued that the state and social workers had opportunities to intervene but did not.

The settlement was approved by Gov. Laura Kelly and legislative leaders to avoid prolonged litigation and focus on improving the child welfare system.

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James A. Merritt Sentenced to Life in Prison for Second-Degree Murder and Related Charges in Illinois State Police Investigation

James A. Merritt was sentenced to life in prison for second-degree murder by the Illinois State Police following an investigation.

Merritt, a 35-year-old from Morehouse, Missouri, was also convicted of armed criminal action, tampering with physical evidence, and trafficking for sexual exploitation.

The charges stem from the discovery of a body in rural Pulaski County, Illinois, in March 2020.

The victim was identified as 18-year-old Haley Decker from Normal, Illinois, who was reported missing earlier that month.

Merritt was linked to the crime through digital evidence found at his home and was ultimately found guilty in a New Madrid County court.

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🛑 Safety Tip of the Day: Reporting Child Abuse Safely

Report suspected child abuse or neglect to your state's Child Protective Services (CPS) agency or local law enforcement. In case of emergency or immediate danger, call 911. Provide detailed information and observations to authorities while maintaining confidentiality and prioritizing the safety of the child.

Cold Case Highlights

Police Identify Second Suspect in 50-Year-Old Murder Case of Maryland Teenager; Investigation Continues

Authorities have identified a second suspect in the murder of a 16-year-old girl from Maryland over 50 years ago.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department named Donald Willard as a suspect in the death of Pamela Lynn Conyers, following the identification of the first suspect, Forrest Clyde Williams III.

Both suspects are deceased, but police are still investigating the case and potential connections to other crimes.

Conyers went missing after attending a high school event and was later found strangled near her abandoned car.

Advanced technology and DNA evidence led to the identification of the suspects.

The investigation is ongoing to uncover more details about the murder.

Contact the police with any information.

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Verdict Reached in 1980 Cold Case Murder of Barbara Tucker: Suspect Found Guilty

After Nearly 45 Years, Suspect Convicted in Mt. Hood Community College Student's Cold Case Murder.

Robert Arthur Plympton, 60, found guilty of the 1980 kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder of 19-year-old Barbara Tucker.

New DNA evidence led to breakthrough in the case. Convicted of first-degree murder and four counts of second-degree murder after trial before Multnomah County Circuit Judge Amy Baggio, held from Feb. 26 to March 15.

Plympton awaits sentencing on June 21.

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PODCAST: ‎Casefile | Olga Chardymova

‎In 2002, 10-year-old Russian girl Olga Chardymova embarked on her first solo walk to her grandmother's house. Tragically, her journey ended abruptly when she encountered a monstrous predator. Years later, her parents faced another tormenting monster as authorities uncovered a shocking and horrifying truth that shook the nation.

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🔍Trivia Answer
Second-degree Murder

Second-degree murder typically refers to the intentional killing of another person with malice aforethought but without premeditation or deliberation. It may also apply to killings that occur during the commission of certain felonies, known as felony murder. The specific elements and definitions of second-degree murder can vary by jurisdiction.