List of All Articles with Tag 'rica'

Residents in the Southwest are bracing for heavy rains and potentially catastrophic flooding as Hurricane Hilary is expected to pummel the region as a rare tropical storm beginning Sunday and lasting into next week.

A mother who was convicted of murder after giving cow’s milk to her malnourished infant son while fleeing from Hurricane Katrina could have her life sentence commuted. The Louisiana Board of Pardon and Parole has recommended release for 43-year-old Tiffany Woods who has been behind bars for the past 17 years for second-degree murder in the November 2005 malnutrition death of her five-month-old baby, Emmanuel. The decision of whether or not she’ll be released is now up to Governor John Bel Edwards. At a hearing on Monday, Ms Woods pleaded for her release in front of the board from the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women in Baker, where Warden Kristen Thomas said she was a “low-risk, low-need” inmate. “At that stage of my life I was a young mother who was trying to take care of her children the best she could. And I made some terrible decisions,” Ms Woods told the board, wiping her eyes. “But the woman who sits before you today, I’m not that same person.” Ms Woods, who was just 25 years old at the time, and her children were living in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina devastated the area in 2005. Just three weeks earlier, her son Emmanuel was released from the ICU after being born prematurely and with a condition that increases the risk of sudden death. The family fled to Shreveport, Louisiana where they stayed in several different accommodations including a sports arena and a motel before moving into a rental house. Ms Woods had been feeding the baby with formula until they ran out of food vouchers, she told the board. That’s when she decided to feed him cow’s milk. “The formula he was taking, he wasn’t swallowing. He was always throwing it up, and then we ran out of WIC (food) vouchers, so I decided to switch it … I switched it to organic milk. I thought he was doing better, but he wasn’t thriving,” Ms Woods said to the parole board. Emmanuel’s condition continued to get worse and he died in November 2005. Both Ms Woods and her husband were indicted for murder, and during the trial, the prosecution argued that even though Woods claimed she ran out of vouchers, there was food and beer in the fridge after the baby’s death, according to The Associated Press. Louisiana law allows murder convictions in accidental deaths resulting from a set of felonies that includes cruelty to juveniles. Also, unlike most states, Louisiana murder convictions carry a mandatory life prison sentence with no chance at parole for adults. Both of Emmanuel’s parents lost their appeals. The boy’s father, Emmanuel Scott, who is now 36, is also serving life in prison. He hasn’t applied for clemency. Ms Wood’s other children, who are now grown, were present for the board meeting earlier this week including Troy Woods who spoke in support of his mother and Nie’John Woods, who appeared via video from Alaska, where he serves in the US Air Force. He told The Messenger that the Louisiana pardon board's recommendation to release her could finally allow the family to heal after her arrest and conviction ripped it apart. “There were many difficulties growing up without her, moving from home to home as a child — with people who were not always caring or loving," he said. The board voted unanimously that Ms Woods should be granted her freedom. But that decision ultimately comes down to Governor John Bel Edwards. “I want to thank him for the consideration. For the first time in a very long time we have hope, which is a huge deal for myself and my siblings,” Nie’John added. Last year, the state board issued 105 recommendations for clemency, and Edwards granted 35 pardons and commuted sentences for 51 other people. Read More Nurse Lucy Letby found guilty of murdering seven babies in their hospital cots No death penalty for a Utah mom accused of killing her husband, then writing a kid book about death Rachel Morin suspect linked to LA assault on child as murdered hiker’s family speaks out - live updates

What drives Robert Mugabe's ouster, Emmerson Mnangagwa, as he seeks a second term in office?

Defence attorneys for Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger have argued that they don’t have all the DNA evidence from prosecutors at a pivotal motions hearing that could delay the highly anticipated trial. Mr Kohberger gave an awkward smile to the court as he returned to the Latah County Courthouse on Friday where six motions from the defence and the prosecution were being argued, including the process of how he was identified as a suspect and his alibi for the night of the murders. The hearing comes just six weeks before Mr Kohberger is set to stand trial for the 13 November 2022 slayings of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin at their home in Moscow. The proceedings began on Friday with Mr Kohberger’s defence team’s motion to compel prosecutors to share additional DNA evidence – specifically the lab results of three unidentified male DNA samples reportedly found at the crime scene. Prosecutors argued that they have provided everything and that they “can’t provide something that doesn’t exist”. “There has to be some level of trust in discovery,” Judge John Judge said. “You are all sworn attorneys.” He ordered the prosecution to reach back out to the lab to ensure there are no other results that the defence does not have. Mr Kohberger, 28, was a graduate student in criminal justice at Washington State University when he was arrested on 30 December at his parents’ home in Pennsylvania. He was then brought back to Idaho where a grand jury indicted him for the murders in May. A DNA sample from trash collected at Mr Kohberger’s family home was used to link him to a knife sheath found at the scene of the murders. Investigators said, “At least 99.9998% of the male population would be expected to be excluded from the possibility of being the suspect’s biological father.” But his defence team, who claim Mr Kohberger was “out driving” at the time of the killings, has argued against the use of forensic genealogy used to identify him and has asked for all the records from the forensic genealogy work. They are also seeking a stay in the trial proceedings arguing that the grand jury should have reached its conclusion “beyond a reasonable doubt” rather than based on probable cause. Prosecutors strongly oppose these motions. Judge John C Judge could grant, deny, or partially approve any parts of these motions. But depending on how he rules, there could be a delay in the 2 October trial date. Read More Bryan Kohberger’s defence seeks to undercut DNA evidence against him in Idaho murders case Bryan Kohberger finally reveals vague alibi for night of Idaho murders Bryan Kohberger asks judge to throw out Idaho murders indictment as prosecutors demand alibi

Footage of the arrest of Mario Fernandez, the man accused of orchestrating the murder of Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan, has been released by the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Mr Fernandez, a landlord, is accused of hiring one of his tenants, Henry Tenon, to ambush and kill Mr Bridegan near Jacksonville, Florida in February 2022. Mr Tenon reportedly admitted to police that he pulled the trigger the night Mr Bridegan was killed. The release of the arrest footage comes in the wake of a third arrest in the murder case. Mr Bridegan's ex-wife, Shanna Gardner-Fernandez — who is married to Mr Fernandez — was also arrested and charged with first degree murder. Mr Bridegan and Ms Gardner-Fernandez were embroiled in a contentious divorce proceeding prior to his death. In the recently released bodycamera footage obtained by News4Jax, Mr Fernandez can be seen sitting in handcuffs in the back of a pickup truck speaking with police investigators. He is then placed in the back of a patrol car. Mr Fernandez was arrested in March. In the footage, he can be heard reminiscing about using beepers and remembering phone numbers, laughing about being short, and asking about how deputies deal with tall people who are placed in the back of cramped patrol cars. He is facing first degree murder, conspiracy, and child abuse charges. He faces a potential death penalty if convicted. On the night of the shooting, Mr Bridegan was returning from his ex-wife's house near Jacksonville after dropping off two of his children. On his way home, he found a tire in the road blocking his path. When Mr Bridegan stepped out of his vehicle, he was shot — allegedly by Mr Tenon — and killed. Bullets hit the interior of Mr Bridegan's car, narrowly missing his toddler from another marriage. After the shooting Mr Bridegan's ex-wife said she was "devastated" by the murder and insisted she had nothing to do with his violent death. A grand jury indicted her on Thursday, after which he was taken into custody in Washington state. She moved out of Florida after Mr Bridegan was murdered. Ms Gardner-Fernandez's family issued a statement in the wake of her arrest. “Words cannot accurately express the depth of our sadness. Family is our top priority. We love our daughter and are focused on supporting her and our entire family as we help our grandchildren navigate this difficult and very confusing time," her parents, Shelli and Sterling Gardner, said. "For their sake and all involved, we caution against further speculation and request privacy as the legal process runs its course. In the meantime, we are thankful for the continued support, thoughtfulness and prayers being so generously shared by friends and loved ones.” Read More Jared Bridegan’s widow ‘not surprised’ by ex-wife’s arrest over Microsoft executive’s murder plot Microsoft exec Jared Bridegan was shot dead in a chilling ambush. Did his ex wife arrange it? Husband of Microsoft executive’s ex-wife could face death penalty for roadside murder

Two Nigerian hackers accused of targeting American children in an elaborate sexual extortion plot that led to 17-year-old Jordan DeMay’s death have pleaded not guilty to several charges, U.S. Attorney Mark Totten announced. Samuel Ogoshi, 22, and Samson Ogoshi, 20, of Lagos, Nigeria, were extradited to the US this week and were arraigned the next day on four counts, including charges that carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. The Ogoshi brothers were formally advised of the charges against them and entered not guilty pleas on 17 August. The charges stem from DeMay’s in March 2022, after being gripped by fear that his nude photos would be shared with the world. The exchange that led to the tragedy was initiated by three men far across the Atlantic posing as a woman on Instagram. The trio, who American prosecutors have since identified as Nigerian brothers Samuel and Samson Ogoshi, and Ezekiel Ejehem Robert, allegedly convinced the minor to send the explicit photos and then blackmailed him for $1,000. US Attorney Mark Totten said: ‘Today’s hearing is another step forward in the judicial process following the successful extradition of the Ogoshi brothers from Nigeria to the United States last Sunday.’ ‘My office is fully prepared to present the facts of the case during a fair trial.’ Read More A teen dead and two Nigerians extradited for sextortion. How a horror night on Instagram killed Jordan DeMay Two Nigerian brothers charged in sextortion that led to American teen’s suicide plead not guilty

Rachel Morin’s boyfriend has spoken out after Maryland Police revealed footage of the man believed to have murdered the mother-of-five. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office announced on Thursday that DNA found at the scene of Morin’s murder had been matched to the DNA left at a home were an unknown man broke into a home in Los Angeles and violently attacked a young girl back in March. The suspect, a Hispanic male aged 20-30, was caught on a home security camera leaving the LA home. “We believe this was a person that Rachel didn’t know, potentially a random act of violence,” Harford County Sheriff’s Office’s Colonel William Davis said on Thursday. Police are now asking for the public’s help in identifying him. “Unfortunately that suspect has not been positively identified, but he did leave behind his DNA,” Colonel William Davis said at a press conference. Morin’s boyfriend Richard Tobin took to social media following the briefing to say: “I hope they found this scum of the earth, justice for Rachel.” The break in the investigation comes nearly two weeks after Morin, 37, was last seen heading to the Ma & Pa Trail in Bel Air at around 6pm on 5 August. Her body was found near the trail the next day. Read More Maryland police have DNA matching Rachel Morin murder suspect and video images but no identity Rachel Morin’s mother breaks silence on daughter’s killing Maryland sheriff calls out ‘heinous coward’ who killed mother-of-five Rachel Morin Rachel Morin’s boyfriend speaks out after police name man wanted over sex assault as suspect in murder

In a sharp break from Arkansas education officials, the Little Rock School District said in a news release it will offer AP African American Studies for credit.

After navigating the daunting challenges to access the treatment she needed, Tescha Hawley started the Day Eagle Hope Project to help other Native American cancer patients. Today, her organization is addressing gaps in health care and nutrition for thousands on her reservation.

The region estimates at least 1,400 have died since a food corruption scam was uncovered in April.

Malaysia’s Yinson Holdings Bhd. secured $300 million from RRJ Capital for its floating production storage and offloading vessel

Rachel Morin's boyfriend spoke up after the Maryland police found DNA evidence of a man they believe killed the mother-of-five. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office announced on Thursday that the DNA found at the scene of Morin's death matched with DNA found at the scene of a March home invasion in Los Angeles where a young girl was attacked. “Unfortunately that suspect has not been identified, but he did leave behind his DNA,” Colonel Davis said. “Based on the DNA evidence, we consider the individual in the video we obtained from the Los Angeles Police Department to be the person that murdered Rachel Morin.” Police released a video of the individual, a shirtless man thought to be Hispanic and in his 20s, leaving the Los Angeles crime scene on a home security camera. Following the announcement, Morin's 27-year-old boyfriend, Richard Tobin wrote on Facebook: "I hope they found this s*** of the earth, justice for Rachel. Rip. love you rach." In a follow-up post he urged people to “please help identify this s*** bag”. According to The Baltimore Banner, Mr Tobin had given investigators a DNA sample and handed over his cell phone. While he was never officially named as a suspect in Morin's death or accused of any wrongdoing. people on social media pointed fingers at him due to his arrest records. Mr Tobin has two arrests for second-degree assault, and separate arrests for violating restraining orders, malicious destruction of property and drug possession dating back to 2014, court records show. Mr Tobin has also faced charges of being a fugitive from justice, resisting arrest and disorderly intoxication, according to Maryland judiciary case search records. He previously lashed out saying, he would "never do anything to her". "Yes I have a past but I also have 15 months clean and have changed as a person. Please," he wrote on social media. Morin was last seen around 6pm on 5 August when she allegedly went out for a run on the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air. The 37-year-old failed to return home that night and her boyfriend reported her missing. Just days before her murder, Morin and Mr Tobin had gone official on Facebook with their new relationship. Read More Rachel Morin update: Maryland police show video of potential suspect in Bel Air mother’s killing Rachel Morin – latest: Bel Air mother-of-five’s killer remains at large as Maryland police step up patrols Rachel Morin’s mother breaks silence on daughter’s killing