Priest endorses child molestation

Over the weekend, it came to light that a priest who the Dutch Catholic Church will only identify as “Father Van B.” has been serving on the board of directors of a group dedicated to making pedophilia legal in the Netherlands.

The Salesian order priest worked for an adult-child sex advocacy group known as Martijn from 2008 until 2010. Last year, the group’s founder was arrested on child pornography charges.

Father Van B. recently told Dutch news network RTL Nieuws: "Society thinks these relationships are harmful. I disagree." He also said that he remains a member of Martijn.

Perhaps, even more shocking than this priest’s involvement in such a group, is the fact that his boss apparently knew about it.

Salesian order’s top Dutch official, Delegate Herman Spronck, also spoke with RTL and reportedly said that he was aware of Father Van B.’s pedophilic activities, his membership in Martijn and even two occurrences in which the priest was arrested and fined for indecent exposure, but did never considered ousting him from the order.

Spronck said: “Removing someone from the order is something you would only do in the case of grave moral transgression, such as rape. There was never any question of that.”

RTL also reports Spronck as claiming that children as young as 12 can have sexual relationships with adults without any harm done to their emotional health.

The Dutch Catholic Church is reportedly now investigating the case.

In 2010, Catholic bishops in Holland announced an inquiry into more than 200 allegations of sexual abuse of children by priests at parochial schools around the country.

Of course, Hampton Roads has not been immune from the ever-growing priest molestation scandals.

In 2002, allegations arose about a priest who worked at the former Norfolk Catholic High School. Father John Leonard was accused of sexual misconduct which took place over 20 years earlier at a seminary just outside Richmond, Va.

About a week after that story came out, two more students brought forth further allegations against Leonard, which took place at Norfolk Catholic. It was alleged that the priest took two teenaged boys into the bathroom and ordered them to pull down their pants, and then stared at their genitals.

During a news conference held by the Richmond Diocese, Bishop Sullivan was asked for a comment on the accusations about Father Leonard. Bishop Sullivan replied: “it wasn't that bad.” Many were outraged by the bishop's lack of concern, the incident prompted many area parishioners to leave the church for good.

In 2004, Leonard was convicted of assaulting two teenage boys in the 1970s. He received a suspended jail sentence and probation. Upon his conviction, he quit the priesthood.

In May 2003, the Diocese of Richmond received a report that Rev. Dwight Shrader, pastor of St. John the Apostle, in Va. Beach, had engaged in sexual misconduct toward a juvenile. Shrader was then placed on leave, pending an investigation. Then more victims came forward, in all, four males and one female.

Shrader cooperated with the investigation and according to Diocese officials, admitted to the misconduct. By August 2003, he had been forced to leave the priesthood and sent into “intensive counseling.”

Between 2003 and 2004, the Richmond Diocese, under Bishop Sullivan, dismissed five priests for sexual misconduct involving minors.

 

 

 

 

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National zoo researcher charged with poisoning cats, allowed to keep job

The Washington Humane Society has announced the arrest of Nico Dauphine, who was arrested last week for allegedly attempting to poison neighborhood cats in the Columbia Heights section of the city.

Dauphine has been charged with attempted cruelty to animals, if convicted she faces up to 180 days in jail and fine of $1,000.

Humane officers set up a stake-out to catch the person placing rat poison and antifreeze in cat food left out for the neighborhood feral cats, after a woman reported a possible poisoning.

Police reportedly have video surveillance footage implicating Dauphine in the poisonings.

Dauphine is researcher at the National Zoo's Migratory Bird Center and has written several articles in which blames for the destruction of wild bird species. One such article, entitled “Apocalypse Meow,” claims that cats kill billions of animals in the United States annually.

Despite the charges, Dauphine continues to work at the National Zoo.

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Reagan’s would-be assassin will be coming to Williamsburg more often

On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman approved more visits for John Hinckley Jr. to his mother's house in Williamsburg, Va.

In 2009, Judge Friedman gave Hinckley permission to apply for a driver's license and increased the length time he could visit his mother of visits to from six nights at a time to nine.

Now 55, Hinckley has been held at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington D.C. since he was found not guilty of attempting to murder President Ronald Reagan by reason of insanity in 1981.

On March 30, 1981, outside the Washington Hilton, Hinckley shot police officer Thomas Delahanty, Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy, and White House Press Secretary James Brady. Another one of Hinckley’s shots Hinckley did ricocheted off of Reagan’s limousine and struck the president in the chest.

While all of the shooting victims survived, Brady suffered a head wound and to this day, remains paralyzed on the left side of his body.

The attempted assassination was Hinckley’s sick attempt to garner the attention of actress Jodie Foster.

Shortly before the shooting, Hinckley wrote to Foster: “Over the past seven months I've left you dozens of poems, letters and love messages in the faint hope that you could develop an interest in me. Although we talked on the phone a couple of times I never had the nerve to simply approach you and introduce myself… the reason I'm going ahead with this attempt now is because I cannot wait any longer to impress you.”

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Doctor: "The only thing really spared were the soles of her feet."

On Monday, jurors began hearing testimony in the murder trial of Leon Lamar Surgeon, 39, who is accused of beating to death his girlfriend’s 3-year-old daughter.

On October 28, 2009, Chesapeake police and paramedics arrived at a home in the 3400 block of Clover Meadows Drive around 8:00 p.m., to find Alayah Mahone, 3, lying naked, unresponsive on the floor.

She was taken to Maryview Hospital, and later transferred to Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters (CHKD) in Norfolk, where she was pronounced dead four days later from severe head trauma.

Surgeon is charged with first-degree murder, malicious wounding and child abuse.

During Monday’s opening arguments, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Shannon Stutz told the jury: “He had issues with Alayah. He was frustrated with her because of potty training. You will hear statements he beat her and shook her.”

Dr. Christopher Foley, who treated the little girl, testified: “The only thing really spared were the soles of her feet.”

Dr. Foley, who works at CHKD, said that the swelling in her brain was so severe that blood could no longer circulate. “My prognosis was she was not going to survive this injury,” Foley stated.

Surgeon, who has pleaded not guilty, claims now that there was no premeditation in his actions.

His lawyer, Amina Matheny, told the court that while her client does not dispute the facts… “He did not intend to kill her.”

When police arrived at Surgeon’s home, he reportedly stated that Alayah had fallen and hit her head on the bathtub, and that her body was covered in bruises due to her frequent falls.

In July 2010, Dr. Suzanne Starling, who directs the Child Abuse Program at CHKD testified during a preliminary hearing: “She was covered from head to toe in bruises and abrasions.”

“She was beaten, shaken and left to die.” Starling added.

 

 

 

 

 

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The mysterious death of John P. Wheeler (w/audio interview)

On December 30, 2010, the body of a former Bush administration official who also led the effort to build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the Mall in Washington, D.C., was found in a landfill in Wilmington, Delaware. Police have ruled the death of John P. Wheeler III, 66, to be a homicide.

Newark Police spokesman Lt. Mark Farrall said that Wheeler had not been reported missing before they received a call that a body had been dumped from a garbage truck at the landfill.

Police believe Wheeler's body was dumped into a garbage bin in Newark sometime before the truck arrived to empty it.

The Wilmington News Journal reports that Wheeler was last seen traveling on an Amtrak train from Washington to Wilmington, last Tuesday. 

Wheeler was a highly decorated Vietnam veteran and served in the Reagan administration as well as both Bush administrations. 

During the Reagan years, Wheeler served as chairman of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. He went on to found the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program, which helps veterans find jobs. He also helped to create the Earth Conservation Corps during the George H.W. Bush administration. From 2005-2009, Wheeler served as a special assistant to George W. Bush.

Wheeler, a Hampton High School alumnus, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1966, and had degrees from both Yale and Harvard.

Wheeler was also an expert on the use of chemical and biological weapons, and was working for the MITRE Corporation at the time of his murder.

To date, police have made no arrests in Wheeler’s murder.

Listen to the audio at left to hear Gen. Thomas McInerney USAF (Ret.) speak at length about Wheeler and the strange circumstances surrounding his death…

 

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Saggy pants foil rape suspect’s escape attempt

On Monday, police in Memphis arrested Richard D. Graham, 22, after a short chase through an apartment complex.

According to court documents, the suspect had trouble escaping because his pants kept falling down around his knees.

Police stopped Graham on an unrelated matter and discovered that Graham had an outstanding arrest warrant for a rape of a 14-year-old girl last October. Graham ran but fell “multiple times while running due to his pants being around his knees,” the arrest report reads.

Graham has been charged with rape, evading arrest, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. He is currently being held in the Shelby County Jail without bond.

In 2004, Virginia state Del. Algie Howell Jr. (D-Norfolk) gained world-wide attention when he introduced what was  soon to be known as the “droopy drawers bill.”

Del. Howell proposed fining people $50 for wearing pants that sagged down, exposing their rear ends.

The American Civil Liberties Union claimed the measure to be unconstitutional and though Howell himself is black, he was accused of racism for deriding the urban fashion statement.

The bill failed, but since then, many localities across the nation have adopted similar laws.

Among those cities which have anti-“sagging” ordinances are Riviera Beach, FL and Lynwood, IL and in Flint, MI, wearing baggy pants too far below your waist can get you a fine of $500 and up to a year in jail.

 

 

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The mysterious death of John P. Wheeler (w/audio interview)

On December 30, 2010, the body of a former Bush administration official who also led the effort to build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the Mall in Washington, D.C., was found in a landfill in Wilmington, Delaware. Police have ruled the death of John P. Wheeler III, 66, to be a homicide.

Newark Police spokesman Lt. Mark Farrall said that Wheeler had not been reported missing before they received a call that a body had been dumped from a garbage truck at the landfill.

Police believe Wheeler's body was dumped into a garbage bin in Newark sometime before the truck arrived to empty it.

The Wilmington News Journal reports that Wheeler was last seen traveling on an Amtrak train from Washington to Wilmington, last Tuesday. 

Wheeler was a highly decorated Vietnam veteran and served in the Reagan administration as well as both Bush administrations. 

During the Reagan years, Wheeler served as chairman of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. He went on to found the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program, which helps veterans find jobs. He also helped to create the Earth Conservation Corps during the George H.W. Bush administration. From 2005-2009, Wheeler served as a special assistant to George W. Bush.

Wheeler, a Hampton High School alumnus, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1966, and had degrees from both Yale and Harvard.

Wheeler was also an expert on the use of chemical and biological weapons, and was working for the MITRE Corporation at the time of his murder.

To date, police have made no arrests in Wheeler’s murder.

Listen to the audio at left to hear Gen. Thomas McInerney USAF (Ret.) speak at length about Wheeler and the strange circumstances surrounding his death…

 

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Doctor: "The only thing really spared were the soles of her feet."

On Monday, jurors began hearing testimony in the murder trial of Leon Lamar Surgeon, 39, who is accused of beating to death his girlfriend’s 3-year-old daughter.

On October 28, 2009, Chesapeake police and paramedics arrived at a home in the 3400 block of Clover Meadows Drive around 8:00 p.m., to find Alayah Mahone, 3, lying naked, unresponsive on the floor.

She was taken to Maryview Hospital, and later transferred to Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters (CHKD) in Norfolk, where she was pronounced dead four days later from severe head trauma.

Surgeon is charged with first-degree murder, malicious wounding and child abuse.

During Monday’s opening arguments, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Shannon Stutz told the jury: “He had issues with Alayah. He was frustrated with her because of potty training. You will hear statements he beat her and shook her.”

Dr. Christopher Foley, who treated the little girl, testified: “The only thing really spared were the soles of her feet.”

Dr. Foley, who works at CHKD, said that the swelling in her brain was so severe that blood could no longer circulate. “My prognosis was she was not going to survive this injury,” Foley stated.

Surgeon, who has pleaded not guilty, claims now that there was no premeditation in his actions.

His lawyer, Amina Matheny, told the court that while her client does not dispute the facts… “He did not intend to kill her.”

When police arrived at Surgeon’s home, he reportedly stated that Alayah had fallen and hit her head on the bathtub, and that her body was covered in bruises due to her frequent falls.

In July 2010, Dr. Suzanne Starling, who directs the Child Abuse Program at CHKD testified during a preliminary hearing: “She was covered from head to toe in bruises and abrasions.”

“She was beaten, shaken and left to die.” Starling added.

 

 

 

 

 

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Saggy pants foil rape suspect’s escape attempt

On Monday, police in Memphis arrested Richard D. Graham, 22, after a short chase through an apartment complex.

According to court documents, the suspect had trouble escaping because his pants kept falling down around his knees.

Police stopped Graham on an unrelated matter and discovered that Graham had an outstanding arrest warrant for a rape of a 14-year-old girl last October. Graham ran but fell “multiple times while running due to his pants being around his knees,” the arrest report reads.

Graham has been charged with rape, evading arrest, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. He is currently being held in the Shelby County Jail without bond.

In 2004, Virginia state Del. Algie Howell Jr. (D-Norfolk) gained world-wide attention when he introduced what was  soon to be known as the “droopy drawers bill.”

Del. Howell proposed fining people $50 for wearing pants that sagged down, exposing their rear ends.

The American Civil Liberties Union claimed the measure to be unconstitutional and though Howell himself is black, he was accused of racism for deriding the urban fashion statement.

The bill failed, but since then, many localities across the nation have adopted similar laws.

Among those cities which have anti-“sagging” ordinances are Riviera Beach, FL and Lynwood, IL and in Flint, MI, wearing baggy pants too far below your waist can get you a fine of $500 and up to a year in jail.

 

 

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Reagan’s would-be assassin will be coming to Williamsburg more often

On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman approved more visits for John Hinckley Jr. to his mother's house in Williamsburg, Va.

In 2009, Judge Friedman gave Hinckley permission to apply for a driver's license and increased the length time he could visit his mother of visits to from six nights at a time to nine.

Now 55, Hinckley has been held at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington D.C. since he was found not guilty of attempting to murder President Ronald Reagan by reason of insanity in 1981.

On March 30, 1981, outside the Washington Hilton, Hinckley shot police officer Thomas Delahanty, Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy, and White House Press Secretary James Brady. Another one of Hinckley’s shots Hinckley did ricocheted off of Reagan’s limousine and struck the president in the chest.

While all of the shooting victims survived, Brady suffered a head wound and to this day, remains paralyzed on the left side of his body.

The attempted assassination was Hinckley’s sick attempt to garner the attention of actress Jodie Foster.

Shortly before the shooting, Hinckley wrote to Foster: “Over the past seven months I've left you dozens of poems, letters and love messages in the faint hope that you could develop an interest in me. Although we talked on the phone a couple of times I never had the nerve to simply approach you and introduce myself… the reason I'm going ahead with this attempt now is because I cannot wait any longer to impress you.”

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Reagan’s would-be assassin will be coming to Williamsburg more often

On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman approved more visits for John Hinckley Jr. to his mother's house in Williamsburg, Va.

In 2009, Judge Friedman gave Hinckley permission to apply for a driver's license and increased the length time he could visit his mother of visits to from six nights at a time to nine.

Now 55, Hinckley has been held at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington D.C. since he was found not guilty of attempting to murder President Ronald Reagan by reason of insanity in 1981.

On March 30, 1981, outside the Washington Hilton, Hinckley shot police officer Thomas Delahanty, Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy, and White House Press Secretary James Brady. Another one of Hinckley’s shots Hinckley did ricocheted off of Reagan’s limousine and struck the president in the chest.

While all of the shooting victims survived, Brady suffered a head wound and to this day, remains paralyzed on the left side of his body.

The attempted assassination was Hinckley’s sick attempt to garner the attention of actress Jodie Foster.

Shortly before the shooting, Hinckley wrote to Foster: “Over the past seven months I've left you dozens of poems, letters and love messages in the faint hope that you could develop an interest in me. Although we talked on the phone a couple of times I never had the nerve to simply approach you and introduce myself… the reason I'm going ahead with this attempt now is because I cannot wait any longer to impress you.”

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The mysterious death of John P. Wheeler (w/audio interview)

On December 30, 2010, the body of a former Bush administration official who also led the effort to build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the Mall in Washington, D.C., was found in a landfill in Wilmington, Delaware. Police have ruled the death of John P. Wheeler III, 66, to be a homicide.

Newark Police spokesman Lt. Mark Farrall said that Wheeler had not been reported missing before they received a call that a body had been dumped from a garbage truck at the landfill.

Police believe Wheeler's body was dumped into a garbage bin in Newark sometime before the truck arrived to empty it.

The Wilmington News Journal reports that Wheeler was last seen traveling on an Amtrak train from Washington to Wilmington, last Tuesday. 

Wheeler was a highly decorated Vietnam veteran and served in the Reagan administration as well as both Bush administrations. 

During the Reagan years, Wheeler served as chairman of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. He went on to found the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program, which helps veterans find jobs. He also helped to create the Earth Conservation Corps during the George H.W. Bush administration. From 2005-2009, Wheeler served as a special assistant to George W. Bush.

Wheeler, a Hampton High School alumnus, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1966, and had degrees from both Yale and Harvard.

Wheeler was also an expert on the use of chemical and biological weapons, and was working for the MITRE Corporation at the time of his murder.

To date, police have made no arrests in Wheeler’s murder.

Listen to the audio at left to hear Gen. Thomas McInerney USAF (Ret.) speak at length about Wheeler and the strange circumstances surrounding his death…

 

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The mysterious death of John P. Wheeler (w/audio interview)

On December 30, 2010, the body of a former Bush administration official who also led the effort to build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the Mall in Washington, D.C., was found in a landfill in Wilmington, Delaware. Police have ruled the death of John P. Wheeler III, 66, to be a homicide.

Newark Police spokesman Lt. Mark Farrall said that Wheeler had not been reported missing before they received a call that a body had been dumped from a garbage truck at the landfill.

Police believe Wheeler's body was dumped into a garbage bin in Newark sometime before the truck arrived to empty it.

The Wilmington News Journal reports that Wheeler was last seen traveling on an Amtrak train from Washington to Wilmington, last Tuesday. 

Wheeler was a highly decorated Vietnam veteran and served in the Reagan administration as well as both Bush administrations. 

During the Reagan years, Wheeler served as chairman of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. He went on to found the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program, which helps veterans find jobs. He also helped to create the Earth Conservation Corps during the George H.W. Bush administration. From 2005-2009, Wheeler served as a special assistant to George W. Bush.

Wheeler, a Hampton High School alumnus, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1966, and had degrees from both Yale and Harvard.

Wheeler was also an expert on the use of chemical and biological weapons, and was working for the MITRE Corporation at the time of his murder.

To date, police have made no arrests in Wheeler’s murder.

Listen to the audio at left to hear Gen. Thomas McInerney USAF (Ret.) speak at length about Wheeler and the strange circumstances surrounding his death…

 

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Reagan’s would-be assassin will be coming to Williamsburg more often

On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman approved more visits for John Hinckley Jr. to his mother's house in Williamsburg, Va.

In 2009, Judge Friedman gave Hinckley permission to apply for a driver's license and increased the length time he could visit his mother of visits to from six nights at a time to nine.

Now 55, Hinckley has been held at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington D.C. since he was found not guilty of attempting to murder President Ronald Reagan by reason of insanity in 1981.

On March 30, 1981, outside the Washington Hilton, Hinckley shot police officer Thomas Delahanty, Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy, and White House Press Secretary James Brady. Another one of Hinckley’s shots Hinckley did ricocheted off of Reagan’s limousine and struck the president in the chest.

While all of the shooting victims survived, Brady suffered a head wound and to this day, remains paralyzed on the left side of his body.

The attempted assassination was Hinckley’s sick attempt to garner the attention of actress Jodie Foster.

Shortly before the shooting, Hinckley wrote to Foster: “Over the past seven months I've left you dozens of poems, letters and love messages in the faint hope that you could develop an interest in me. Although we talked on the phone a couple of times I never had the nerve to simply approach you and introduce myself… the reason I'm going ahead with this attempt now is because I cannot wait any longer to impress you.”

Powered By iWebRSS.comread interesting immigration news opinions

The mysterious death of John P. Wheeler (w/audio interview)

On December 30, 2010, the body of a former Bush administration official who also led the effort to build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the Mall in Washington, D.C., was found in a landfill in Wilmington, Delaware. Police have ruled the death of John P. Wheeler III, 66, to be a homicide.

Newark Police spokesman Lt. Mark Farrall said that Wheeler had not been reported missing before they received a call that a body had been dumped from a garbage truck at the landfill.

Police believe Wheeler's body was dumped into a garbage bin in Newark sometime before the truck arrived to empty it.

The Wilmington News Journal reports that Wheeler was last seen traveling on an Amtrak train from Washington to Wilmington, last Tuesday. 

Wheeler was a highly decorated Vietnam veteran and served in the Reagan administration as well as both Bush administrations. 

During the Reagan years, Wheeler served as chairman of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. He went on to found the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program, which helps veterans find jobs. He also helped to create the Earth Conservation Corps during the George H.W. Bush administration. From 2005-2009, Wheeler served as a special assistant to George W. Bush.

Wheeler, a Hampton High School alumnus, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1966, and had degrees from both Yale and Harvard.

Wheeler was also an expert on the use of chemical and biological weapons, and was working for the MITRE Corporation at the time of his murder.

To date, police have made no arrests in Wheeler’s murder.

Listen to the audio at left to hear Gen. Thomas McInerney USAF (Ret.) speak at length about Wheeler and the strange circumstances surrounding his death…

 

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Reagan’s would-be assassin will be coming to Williamsburg more often

On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman approved more visits for John Hinckley Jr. to his mother's house in Williamsburg, Va.

In 2009, Judge Friedman gave Hinckley permission to apply for a driver's license and increased the length time he could visit his mother of visits to from six nights at a time to nine.

Now 55, Hinckley has been held at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington D.C. since he was found not guilty of attempting to murder President Ronald Reagan by reason of insanity in 1981.

On March 30, 1981, outside the Washington Hilton, Hinckley shot police officer Thomas Delahanty, Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy, and White House Press Secretary James Brady. Another one of Hinckley’s shots Hinckley did ricocheted off of Reagan’s limousine and struck the president in the chest.

While all of the shooting victims survived, Brady suffered a head wound and to this day, remains paralyzed on the left side of his body.

The attempted assassination was Hinckley’s sick attempt to garner the attention of actress Jodie Foster.

Shortly before the shooting, Hinckley wrote to Foster: “Over the past seven months I've left you dozens of poems, letters and love messages in the faint hope that you could develop an interest in me. Although we talked on the phone a couple of times I never had the nerve to simply approach you and introduce myself… the reason I'm going ahead with this attempt now is because I cannot wait any longer to impress you.”

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Virginia Beach man indicted for infant’s brutal murder

On Tuesday, a grand jury indicted Kevin Custer, 32, on second degree murder charges for the smothering death of a 6-week-old infant last October.

The baby was killed on October 21, 2010.

According to court documents, Custer “shook the baby and threw the baby on the bed. The baby hit its head on [the] headboard.” He then “took a pillow and put it over the baby's face and suffocated the infant.”

Police say that Custer became angry after being awoken by the crying infant.

Custer is also facing felony child abuse charges.

If convicted, Custer could face a sentence of up to 50 years in prison.

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ODU students charged in home invasion robbery

On Tuesday, Norfolk police announced that four Old Dominion University students have been charged in a home-invasion robbery near the campus which occurred on April 29.

According to court documents, the robbers forced their way into an apartment in the 1000 block of W. 39th Street, holding the occupants at gun and knifepoint as they stole money and electronic devices from a bedroom.

Those charged are:

- Justin Smith, 20, of the 4600 block of Elkhorn Ave., charged with abduction, robbery, breaking and entering, use of a firearm and conspiracy to commit a felony. He is a sophomore.

- Briana Gray, 19, of the 4700 block of Elkhorn Ave., charged with abduction, robbery, breaking and entering, conspiring to commit a felony and three counts of use of a firearm. She is a freshman.

- Bradley Chapman, 19, and Brandon Chapman, 23, both of Richmond, charged with abduction, robbery, breaking and entering, conspiring to commit a felony and three counts use of a firearm. Both are freshman.

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Convicted cop-killer Abu Jamal gets another chance to beat the death penalty

On Tuesday, the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals ordered a new sentencing hearing for convicted Philadelphia cop-killer, Mumia Abu-Jamal (born Wesley Cook). In January 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court threw out a lower court ruling which blocked Abu-Jamal's death sentence for the murder a Philadelphia police officer nearly three decades ago.

However, the High Court also recommended that the Third Court of Appeals take another look at Mumia’s claims that the jury in his capital case had not been instructed properly.

Tuesday’s ruling will likely send the case back to the Supreme Court.

Immediately following the ruling, Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams: “We are going to forward and ask the Supreme Court to ensure that the defendant receives the death penalty. We believe that the Supreme court will agree it was the standard and it was appropriate for the law at that time.”

The proceedings are but the latest in the ongoing saga for the cop-killer, turned celebrity.

This year will mark the 30th anniversary of the murder of Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner. While the voice of Officer Faulkner has been silent for nearly three decades, his killer is very much alive and his voice is heard quite often. The former Black Panther who goes by the name Mumia Abu-Jamal gives numerous interviews, delivers college commencement speeches, and even has a street named in his honor.

On December 9, 1981, Officer Daniel Faulkner made a routine traffic stop of the car driven by William Cook (Abu-Jamal's brother). Cook exited the vehicle and began to struggle with Officer Faulkner. Abu-Jamal happened to be across the street, witnessing the altercation, he ran over and shot Faulkner in the back. Faulkner returned fire and hit Abu-Jamal in the chest. However, Abu-Jamal then stood over the officer as he lie on the ground emptying his revolver into the young officer, shooting him once in the face.

Fellow officers arrived at the scene and saw Officer Faulkner lying in the street in a pool of blood, while Abu-Jamal sat gasping for air on the curb. Faulkner was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead later that night. Abu-Jamal was taken into custody and charged with Faulkner's murder.

In 1982, Abu-Jamal was convicted of murder and sentenced to death.

Despite the overwhelming facts, Abu-Jamal has maintained his innocence and his lawyers have brought forth dozens of appeals. In 2001, they shopped the case to Federal District Court Judge William Yohn who actually overturned the death sentence. On March 17, 2006 the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania filed an appeal with the U.S. Third Circuit, to reinstate the execution of Abu-Jamal. Gov. Ed Rendell has promised to sign the death warrant.

For many years, former District Attorney Lynne Abraham fought doggedly to reinstate the death penalty for Abu-Jamal. She often characterized his conviction as "the most open-and-shut case" she had ever tried. Abraham has pointed out that despite his claims of innocence, Abu-Jamal "has never produced his own brother, who was present at the time of the murder, yet he has offered up various individuals who would claim that one trial witness or another must have lied; or that some other individual has only recently been discovered who has special knowledge about the murder; or that someone has fallen out of the skies, who is supposedly willing to confess to the murder of Officer Faulkner."

Among the many facts that Abu-Jamal has not been able to explain is how he received the bullet wound in the chest, nor why he was discovered at the murder scene. Despite his obvious guilt, groups such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the NAACP have continued to support Abu-Jamal for the last 30 years.

Since imprisoned, Abu-Jamal published a book, has been interviewed by Vanity Fair and National Public Radio, and even given commencement speeches via videotape to Evergreen State College, UC Santa Cruz, Antioch College, and Occidental College. He has also received a Bachelor's Degree from Goddard College as well as a Master's Degree from California State University, both courtesy of the taxpayers.

The convicted cop-killer has even won international acclaim. In 2007, the city of Paris awarded Abu-Jamal with an honorary citizenship. Fellow Black Panther Angela Davis attended the ceremony and accepted the award on his behalf. In 2006, the French city of Saint-Denis named a street after the murderer.

Among his supporters calling for a new trial are Fidel Castro, Nelson Mandela actors Danny Glover, Ossie Davis, Susan Sarandon, and Ed Asner.

In 1994, Maureen Faulkner (Daniel's widow) learned that National Public Radio was planning to air a series of taped monologues by Abu-Jamal. It was at that time that she began her work to educate the public about the circumstances of her husband’s murder, and campaign to reinstate Abu-Jamal's death sentence.

Officer Daniel Faulkner was a five year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department as well as a U.S. Army veteran. At the time of his murder, Faulkner was attending classes in pursuit of his bachelor's degree as he had hopes of becoming a criminal prosecutor. He left behind his young wife, Maureen, the two were married for only a year when he was killed.

.

 

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Guilty pleas in violent Mexico-based fake document ring that operated in Norfolk

On Wednesday, U.S. Attorney Neil H. MacBride announced that three members of a fraudulent document trafficking organization with operations in 19 cities and 11 states, including three in Virginia, have pleaded guilty to racketeering.

The indictment alleges that the three Virginia cells were located in Richmond, Manassas and the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area. The criminal enterprise also operated in Arkansas, North Carolina, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Indiana, Kentucky and Rhode Island.

Eulalio Alcantara-Cruz, 33, of Manassas, Va.; Jorge Alejandro Gonzalez-Garcia, 35, of Mishawaka, Ind.; and Gabriel Soberanas-Grada, 21, of Greensboro, N.C., all entered guilty pleas to racketeering conspiracy charges.  Each faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced in September.

The federal indictment states: “Israel Cruz Millan, a/k/a “El Muerto,” 28, of Raleigh, N.C., managed the organization’s operations in the United States, overseeing cells in nearly a dozen states that produced high-quality false identification cards to illegal aliens.  He allegedly placed a manager in each city, each of whom supervised a number of “runners” who distributed business cards advertising the organization’s services and helped facilitate transactions with customers. The cost of fraudulent documents varied depending on the location, with counterfeit Resident Alien and Social Security cards typically selling from $150 to $200. Each cell allegedly maintained detailed sales records and divided the proceeds between the runner, the cell manager, and the upper level managers in Mexico. The indictment states that from January 2008 through November 2010, members of the organization wired more than $1 million to Mexico.”

According to investigators, the organization drove competitors out of their territory by posing as customers setting up meetings and violently attacking them when they arrived. The attacks included binding the victims’ hands, feet and mouth; beating them; and threatening them with murder. At least one victim allegedly died from one of these beatings.

Millan and 16 others were arraigned in Richmond before U.S. District Judge James R. Spencer in December 2010. In all, arrest warrants for 30 individuals were issued, most of whom are in the country illegally.

Each of the defendants is charged either with conspiracy to produce and transfer false identification documents, involvement in a money-laundering conspiracy, or both.

Officials say that in Richmond on May 28, 2010, one of those charged, delivered counterfeit Resident Alien (green card) and Social Security cards to an informant for a fee of $200 only one day after the source provided his photograph and information.

Western Union wire transfers were the preferred way of moving profits around.

Nearly all of the defendants speak only Spanish and translators will be needed throughout their trials.

In January 2009, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested three men in Norfolk, for producing phony identification documents for illegal aliens. The document mill was being run in a house on Galveston Avenue, in the Wards Corner section of the city, an area which in recent years has seen a large influx of illegal aliens.

The men, Patrocinio Castro-Quijano, Gerardo Ortega-Cortes and Onofre Dela Cruz-Vite are all in the country illegally.

According to ICE special agent Kevin Hogancamp, all three of the suspects admitted to producing the fake documents, selling them for $150 each.

Investigators determined that the group produced hundreds of green cards as well as Social Security cards.

Earlier that same year, another document ring was discovered operating in Norfolk as well.

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Prosecutor: Woman set fire to church due to unrequited love

On Monday, Louisa County Commonwealth's Attorney Tom Garrett announced that Felicia Armstrong, 51, has pleaded guilty to the arson and burglary of St. John Baptist Church. The crime occurred in January and caused $22,000 in damages to the structure.

According to Garrett, the woman was upset after her romantic pursuit of a firefighter ended in failure. The man attended services at the church.

Armstrong has also been charged in several other fires.

Garrett told reporters: “I cannot conceive why someone would burn any building much less a place of worship. Her efforts to obtain attention of her love interest were misguided, criminal and absolutely wrong.”

Armstrong will be sentenced on July 18, and faces up to 30 years in prison.

 

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Infant’s body found wrapped in plastic bag in Newport News

On Sunday night, Newport News police were called to a home in the 2600 block of Woodbridge Drive in the Denbigh section of the city, after the remains of a newborn baby were found in the home’s attached storage area.

According to police spokesman Lou Thurston, the body was found inside a plastic bag by a male resident.

The man’s girlfriend reportedly lives there as well but was not home when the grisly discovery was made.

The remains were taken to the Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy.

Police are asking that anyone with information on this case call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

Virginia law allows for mothers to drop their unwanted babies off at any hospital or fire station throughout the state, with no questions asked, up to 14 days after the child’s birth.

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Guilty pleas in violent Mexico-based fake document ring that operated in Norfolk

On Wednesday, U.S. Attorney Neil H. MacBride announced that three members of a fraudulent document trafficking organization with operations in 19 cities and 11 states, including three in Virginia, have pleaded guilty to racketeering.

The indictment alleges that the three Virginia cells were located in Richmond, Manassas and the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area. The criminal enterprise also operated in Arkansas, North Carolina, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Indiana, Kentucky and Rhode Island.

Eulalio Alcantara-Cruz, 33, of Manassas, Va.; Jorge Alejandro Gonzalez-Garcia, 35, of Mishawaka, Ind.; and Gabriel Soberanas-Grada, 21, of Greensboro, N.C., all entered guilty pleas to racketeering conspiracy charges.  Each faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced in September.

The federal indictment states: “Israel Cruz Millan, a/k/a “El Muerto,” 28, of Raleigh, N.C., managed the organization’s operations in the United States, overseeing cells in nearly a dozen states that produced high-quality false identification cards to illegal aliens.  He allegedly placed a manager in each city, each of whom supervised a number of “runners” who distributed business cards advertising the organization’s services and helped facilitate transactions with customers. The cost of fraudulent documents varied depending on the location, with counterfeit Resident Alien and Social Security cards typically selling from $150 to $200. Each cell allegedly maintained detailed sales records and divided the proceeds between the runner, the cell manager, and the upper level managers in Mexico. The indictment states that from January 2008 through November 2010, members of the organization wired more than $1 million to Mexico.”

According to investigators, the organization drove competitors out of their territory by posing as customers setting up meetings and violently attacking them when they arrived. The attacks included binding the victims’ hands, feet and mouth; beating them; and threatening them with murder. At least one victim allegedly died from one of these beatings.

Millan and 16 others were arraigned in Richmond before U.S. District Judge James R. Spencer in December 2010. In all, arrest warrants for 30 individuals were issued, most of whom are in the country illegally.

Each of the defendants is charged either with conspiracy to produce and transfer false identification documents, involvement in a money-laundering conspiracy, or both.

Officials say that in Richmond on May 28, 2010, one of those charged, delivered counterfeit Resident Alien (green card) and Social Security cards to an informant for a fee of $200 only one day after the source provided his photograph and information.

Western Union wire transfers were the preferred way of moving profits around.

Nearly all of the defendants speak only Spanish and translators will be needed throughout their trials.

In January 2009, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested three men in Norfolk, for producing phony identification documents for illegal aliens. The document mill was being run in a house on Galveston Avenue, in the Wards Corner section of the city, an area which in recent years has seen a large influx of illegal aliens.

The men, Patrocinio Castro-Quijano, Gerardo Ortega-Cortes and Onofre Dela Cruz-Vite are all in the country illegally.

According to ICE special agent Kevin Hogancamp, all three of the suspects admitted to producing the fake documents, selling them for $150 each.

Investigators determined that the group produced hundreds of green cards as well as Social Security cards.

Earlier that same year, another document ring was discovered operating in Norfolk as well.

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Virginia Beach man indicted for infant’s brutal murder

On Tuesday, a grand jury indicted Kevin Custer, 32, on second degree murder charges for the smothering death of a 6-week-old infant last October.

The baby was killed on October 21, 2010.

According to court documents, Custer “shook the baby and threw the baby on the bed. The baby hit its head on [the] headboard.” He then “took a pillow and put it over the baby's face and suffocated the infant.”

Police say that Custer became angry after being awoken by the crying infant.

Custer is also facing felony child abuse charges.

If convicted, Custer could face a sentence of up to 50 years in prison.

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Woman charged in fatal hit-and-run of wheelchair bound man

On Friday, Hampton police charged Rosonda Monikia Brown, 31, after allegedly crashing into a man in a wheelchair on W. Mercury Boulevard which resulted in the man’s death. The victim, identified as 58-year-old Edward Bruton was killed on the night of April 14th.

According to police, Brown was driving a 2007 Toyota Camry eastbound on when she hit the man as he attempted cross the street in his wheelchair. Bruton was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said Brown left the scene and returned after an extended period of time.

Brown has been charged with one count of felony hit and run resulting in death.

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Convicted cop-killer Abu Jamal gets another chance to beat the death penalty

On Tuesday, the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals ordered a new sentencing hearing for convicted Philadelphia cop-killer, Mumia Abu-Jamal (born Wesley Cook). In January 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court threw out a lower court ruling which blocked Abu-Jamal's death sentence for the murder a Philadelphia police officer nearly three decades ago.

However, the High Court also recommended that the Third Court of Appeals take another look at Mumia’s claims that the jury in his capital case had not been instructed properly.

Tuesday’s ruling will likely send the case back to the Supreme Court.

Immediately following the ruling, Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams: “We are going to forward and ask the Supreme Court to ensure that the defendant receives the death penalty. We believe that the Supreme court will agree it was the standard and it was appropriate for the law at that time.”

The proceedings are but the latest in the ongoing saga for the cop-killer, turned celebrity.

This year will mark the 30th anniversary of the murder of Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner. While the voice of Officer Faulkner has been silent for nearly three decades, his killer is very much alive and his voice is heard quite often. The former Black Panther who goes by the name Mumia Abu-Jamal gives numerous interviews, delivers college commencement speeches, and even has a street named in his honor.

On December 9, 1981, Officer Daniel Faulkner made a routine traffic stop of the car driven by William Cook (Abu-Jamal's brother). Cook exited the vehicle and began to struggle with Officer Faulkner. Abu-Jamal happened to be across the street, witnessing the altercation, he ran over and shot Faulkner in the back. Faulkner returned fire and hit Abu-Jamal in the chest. However, Abu-Jamal then stood over the officer as he lie on the ground emptying his revolver into the young officer, shooting him once in the face.

Fellow officers arrived at the scene and saw Officer Faulkner lying in the street in a pool of blood, while Abu-Jamal sat gasping for air on the curb. Faulkner was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead later that night. Abu-Jamal was taken into custody and charged with Faulkner's murder.

In 1982, Abu-Jamal was convicted of murder and sentenced to death.

Despite the overwhelming facts, Abu-Jamal has maintained his innocence and his lawyers have brought forth dozens of appeals. In 2001, they shopped the case to Federal District Court Judge William Yohn who actually overturned the death sentence. On March 17, 2006 the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania filed an appeal with the U.S. Third Circuit, to reinstate the execution of Abu-Jamal. Gov. Ed Rendell has promised to sign the death warrant.

For many years, former District Attorney Lynne Abraham fought doggedly to reinstate the death penalty for Abu-Jamal. She often characterized his conviction as "the most open-and-shut case" she had ever tried. Abraham has pointed out that despite his claims of innocence, Abu-Jamal "has never produced his own brother, who was present at the time of the murder, yet he has offered up various individuals who would claim that one trial witness or another must have lied; or that some other individual has only recently been discovered who has special knowledge about the murder; or that someone has fallen out of the skies, who is supposedly willing to confess to the murder of Officer Faulkner."

Among the many facts that Abu-Jamal has not been able to explain is how he received the bullet wound in the chest, nor why he was discovered at the murder scene. Despite his obvious guilt, groups such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the NAACP have continued to support Abu-Jamal for the last 30 years.

Since imprisoned, Abu-Jamal published a book, has been interviewed by Vanity Fair and National Public Radio, and even given commencement speeches via videotape to Evergreen State College, UC Santa Cruz, Antioch College, and Occidental College. He has also received a Bachelor's Degree from Goddard College as well as a Master's Degree from California State University, both courtesy of the taxpayers.

The convicted cop-killer has even won international acclaim. In 2007, the city of Paris awarded Abu-Jamal with an honorary citizenship. Fellow Black Panther Angela Davis attended the ceremony and accepted the award on his behalf. In 2006, the French city of Saint-Denis named a street after the murderer.

Among his supporters calling for a new trial are Fidel Castro, Nelson Mandela actors Danny Glover, Ossie Davis, Susan Sarandon, and Ed Asner.

In 1994, Maureen Faulkner (Daniel's widow) learned that National Public Radio was planning to air a series of taped monologues by Abu-Jamal. It was at that time that she began her work to educate the public about the circumstances of her husband’s murder, and campaign to reinstate Abu-Jamal's death sentence.

Officer Daniel Faulkner was a five year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department as well as a U.S. Army veteran. At the time of his murder, Faulkner was attending classes in pursuit of his bachelor's degree as he had hopes of becoming a criminal prosecutor. He left behind his young wife, Maureen, the two were married for only a year when he was killed.

.

 

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Redskins’ Haynesworth charged with sexual abuse, offered plea deal

On Tuesday, Washington Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, 29, was charged with misdemeanor sexual abuse for an incident which occurred in a Washington D.C. hotel in February.

According to the U.S. attorney's office, in the early morning hours of Feb 13, Haynesworth pushed his credit card down the front of a waitress’ dress and fondled her breast.

If convicted, the All-Pro lineman could face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

However, on Wednesday, prosecutors filed their offer of a plea deal in D.C. Superior Court. If Haynesworth agrees to plead guilty to a charge of simple assault they will in-turn drop the sexual abuse charge.

He has until May 17th to accept the deal.

Of course, Haynesworth is also scheduled for trial next month in Virginia on assault charges.

A week before he allegedly fondled the D.C. cocktail waitress, he turned himself into Fairfax police to face an assault charge, following a road rage incident.

According to Fairfax police spokeswoman, Officer Shelley Broderick, the assault occurred on February 2nd, around 9:15 a.m., when Joel Velazques, 38, believed the driver of a truck behind him was tailgating, and made a "non-verbal hand gesture."

The two were traveling along the Fairfax County Parkway.

When the two stopped at a red light, Haynesworth exited his vehicle and allegedly assaulted the other driver

Velazques reported that Haynesworth came to the driver's side window, and shouted: "You're not so tough now," and punched him in his nose. Velazquez never got out of his car.

Velazques was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries and released.

That too, was not the defensive lineman’s run-in with the law.

In March 2009, Haynesworth was indicted on two traffic charges following a December 2008 car crash in Tennessee. Haynesworth was driving his Ferrari over 100 mph when he hit another vehicle, which left the other driver partially paralyzed.

Haynesworth has also been suspended multiple times for excessive violence during games.

On October 1, 2006, Haynesworth, was playing for the Tennessee Titans in a game against the Dallas Cowboys, when he removed the helmet of Cowboys center Andre Gurode and stomped on his head.

Haynesworth opened a gash on Gurode's forehead, which required 30 stitches to close.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Haynesworth for five games over the incident.

 

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Virginia Beach man indicted for infant’s brutal murder

On Tuesday, a grand jury indicted Kevin Custer, 32, on second degree murder charges for the smothering death of a 6-week-old infant last October.

The baby was killed on October 21, 2010.

According to court documents, Custer “shook the baby and threw the baby on the bed. The baby hit its head on [the] headboard.” He then “took a pillow and put it over the baby's face and suffocated the infant.”

Police say that Custer became angry after being awoken by the crying infant.

Custer is also facing felony child abuse charges.

If convicted, Custer could face a sentence of up to 50 years in prison.

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Redskins’ Haynesworth charged with sexual abuse, offered plea deal

On Tuesday, Washington Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, 29, was charged with misdemeanor sexual abuse for an incident which occurred in a Washington D.C. hotel in February.

According to the U.S. attorney's office, in the early morning hours of Feb 13, Haynesworth pushed his credit card down the front of a waitress’ dress and fondled her breast.

If convicted, the All-Pro lineman could face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

However, on Wednesday, prosecutors filed their offer of a plea deal in D.C. Superior Court. If Haynesworth agrees to plead guilty to a charge of simple assault they will in-turn drop the sexual abuse charge.

He has until May 17th to accept the deal.

Of course, Haynesworth is also scheduled for trial next month in Virginia on assault charges.

A week before he allegedly fondled the D.C. cocktail waitress, he turned himself into Fairfax police to face an assault charge, following a road rage incident.

According to Fairfax police spokeswoman, Officer Shelley Broderick, the assault occurred on February 2nd, around 9:15 a.m., when Joel Velazques, 38, believed the driver of a truck behind him was tailgating, and made a "non-verbal hand gesture."

The two were traveling along the Fairfax County Parkway.

When the two stopped at a red light, Haynesworth exited his vehicle and allegedly assaulted the other driver

Velazques reported that Haynesworth came to the driver's side window, and shouted: "You're not so tough now," and punched him in his nose. Velazquez never got out of his car.

Velazques was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries and released.

That too, was not the defensive lineman’s run-in with the law.

In March 2009, Haynesworth was indicted on two traffic charges following a December 2008 car crash in Tennessee. Haynesworth was driving his Ferrari over 100 mph when he hit another vehicle, which left the other driver partially paralyzed.

Haynesworth has also been suspended multiple times for excessive violence during games.

On October 1, 2006, Haynesworth, was playing for the Tennessee Titans in a game against the Dallas Cowboys, when he removed the helmet of Cowboys center Andre Gurode and stomped on his head.

Haynesworth opened a gash on Gurode's forehead, which required 30 stitches to close.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Haynesworth for five games over the incident.

 

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Convicted cop-killer Abu Jamal gets another chance to beat the death penalty

On Tuesday, the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals ordered a new sentencing hearing for convicted Philadelphia cop-killer, Mumia Abu-Jamal (born Wesley Cook). In January 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court threw out a lower court ruling which blocked Abu-Jamal's death sentence for the murder a Philadelphia police officer nearly three decades ago.

However, the High Court also recommended that the Third Court of Appeals take another look at Mumia’s claims that the jury in his capital case had not been instructed properly.

Tuesday’s ruling will likely send the case back to the Supreme Court.

Immediately following the ruling, Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams: “We are going to forward and ask the Supreme Court to ensure that the defendant receives the death penalty. We believe that the Supreme court will agree it was the standard and it was appropriate for the law at that time.”

The proceedings are but the latest in the ongoing saga for the cop-killer, turned celebrity.

This year will mark the 30th anniversary of the murder of Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner. While the voice of Officer Faulkner has been silent for nearly three decades, his killer is very much alive and his voice is heard quite often. The former Black Panther who goes by the name Mumia Abu-Jamal gives numerous interviews, delivers college commencement speeches, and even has a street named in his honor.

On December 9, 1981, Officer Daniel Faulkner made a routine traffic stop of the car driven by William Cook (Abu-Jamal's brother). Cook exited the vehicle and began to struggle with Officer Faulkner. Abu-Jamal happened to be across the street, witnessing the altercation, he ran over and shot Faulkner in the back. Faulkner returned fire and hit Abu-Jamal in the chest. However, Abu-Jamal then stood over the officer as he lie on the ground emptying his revolver into the young officer, shooting him once in the face.

Fellow officers arrived at the scene and saw Officer Faulkner lying in the street in a pool of blood, while Abu-Jamal sat gasping for air on the curb. Faulkner was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead later that night. Abu-Jamal was taken into custody and charged with Faulkner's murder.

In 1982, Abu-Jamal was convicted of murder and sentenced to death.

Despite the overwhelming facts, Abu-Jamal has maintained his innocence and his lawyers have brought forth dozens of appeals. In 2001, they shopped the case to Federal District Court Judge William Yohn who actually overturned the death sentence. On March 17, 2006 the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania filed an appeal with the U.S. Third Circuit, to reinstate the execution of Abu-Jamal. Gov. Ed Rendell has promised to sign the death warrant.

For many years, former District Attorney Lynne Abraham fought doggedly to reinstate the death penalty for Abu-Jamal. She often characterized his conviction as "the most open-and-shut case" she had ever tried. Abraham has pointed out that despite his claims of innocence, Abu-Jamal "has never produced his own brother, who was present at the time of the murder, yet he has offered up various individuals who would claim that one trial witness or another must have lied; or that some other individual has only recently been discovered who has special knowledge about the murder; or that someone has fallen out of the skies, who is supposedly willing to confess to the murder of Officer Faulkner."

Among the many facts that Abu-Jamal has not been able to explain is how he received the bullet wound in the chest, nor why he was discovered at the murder scene. Despite his obvious guilt, groups such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the NAACP have continued to support Abu-Jamal for the last 30 years.

Since imprisoned, Abu-Jamal published a book, has been interviewed by Vanity Fair and National Public Radio, and even given commencement speeches via videotape to Evergreen State College, UC Santa Cruz, Antioch College, and Occidental College. He has also received a Bachelor's Degree from Goddard College as well as a Master's Degree from California State University, both courtesy of the taxpayers.

The convicted cop-killer has even won international acclaim. In 2007, the city of Paris awarded Abu-Jamal with an honorary citizenship. Fellow Black Panther Angela Davis attended the ceremony and accepted the award on his behalf. In 2006, the French city of Saint-Denis named a street after the murderer.

Among his supporters calling for a new trial are Fidel Castro, Nelson Mandela actors Danny Glover, Ossie Davis, Susan Sarandon, and Ed Asner.

In 1994, Maureen Faulkner (Daniel's widow) learned that National Public Radio was planning to air a series of taped monologues by Abu-Jamal. It was at that time that she began her work to educate the public about the circumstances of her husband’s murder, and campaign to reinstate Abu-Jamal's death sentence.

Officer Daniel Faulkner was a five year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department as well as a U.S. Army veteran. At the time of his murder, Faulkner was attending classes in pursuit of his bachelor's degree as he had hopes of becoming a criminal prosecutor. He left behind his young wife, Maureen, the two were married for only a year when he was killed.

.

 

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Woman charged in fatal hit-and-run of wheelchair bound man

On Friday, Hampton police charged Rosonda Monikia Brown, 31, after allegedly crashing into a man in a wheelchair on W. Mercury Boulevard which resulted in the man’s death. The victim, identified as 58-year-old Edward Bruton was killed on the night of April 14th.

According to police, Brown was driving a 2007 Toyota Camry eastbound on when she hit the man as he attempted cross the street in his wheelchair. Bruton was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said Brown left the scene and returned after an extended period of time.

Brown has been charged with one count of felony hit and run resulting in death.

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