Category: Uncategorized

Appeal Filed in Carly Gregg Case Before Mississippi Supreme Court

JACKSON, Miss. — Attorneys for Carly Gregg, the Rankin County teenager sentenced to life without parole for killing her mother, have filed a 75-page appeal with the Mississippi Supreme Court, arguing her conviction and sentence violated state law and constitutional protections.

Gregg, who was 14 when the March 2024 crime occurred, was convicted of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and evidence tampering after a week-long trial. Prosecutors said she fatally shot her mother, Ashley Smylie, and tried to cover up the crime.

Her defense team now contends the trial was rushed—Gregg was indicted within two months and tried less than six months later—leaving little time to conduct medical evaluations, review mental health records, or prepare an adequate defense.

The appeal argues that state law does not permit a life-without-parole sentence for juveniles convicted of first-degree murder, only for capital murder under limited circumstances. Attorneys also say the court failed to hold a required Miller hearing, which evaluates parole eligibility for juvenile offenders, and improperly applied life without parole to an attempted murder conviction.

Further claims include alleged bias from prosecutors and the presiding judge, Dewey Arthur, whose comments about fearing negative publicity were cited as undermining fairness. The defense also pointed to intense media coverage and noted that jury questions during deliberations revealed confusion about parole eligibility.

The Mississippi Supreme Court will now decide whether to uphold Gregg’s sentence, order a new sentencing hearing, or send the case back for retrial.

ADOC Inmate Accused in Child Exploitation Sting in Limestone County

LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. — A convicted felon already serving time with the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) now faces new charges after authorities say he attempted to arrange sex with a child during an undercover sting.

The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) announced that 36-year-old Brandon Linedale Menniefee was identified in “Operation Summer Heat,” an online child exploitation investigation that has already resulted in 11 additional arrests.

Menniefee is an inmate at the North Alabama Community-Based Facility/Community Work Center, where he is serving sentences for manslaughter and first-degree robbery. He has been in state custody for 17 years and was scheduled for parole consideration in 2026.

Investigators allege that Menniefee engaged in explicit online conversations with someone he believed to be a minor, solicited sex, offered money, and arranged a meeting at a Decatur landfill where he was assigned to work. Authorities say Menniefee even suggested ongoing encounters and sent nude photos taken inside what appeared to be his prison dorm.

LCSO’s Criminal Investigations Division and Special Operations Team worked with ADOC officials to verify Menniefee’s identity. Warrants were obtained Tuesday for electronic solicitation of a child.

“It’s extremely troubling that an inmate convicted of manslaughter and robbery was able to obtain a device, get online, and attempt to arrange sex with someone he thought was a child,” said Captain Caleb Durden, CID Chief Investigator. “This case underscores the dangers of online access. Parents, please remember: giving your child access to the world also gives the world access to them.”

Tragedy in Tarrant County: Mechanic Daniel Lord Dies After Vehicle Accident

TARRANT COUNTY, Texas — The Kennedale community is mourning the loss of 43-year-old Daniel Lord, a beloved husband, father, and well-known figure in the mini-truck community, who tragically lost his life in a workplace accident on Monday, September 8, 2025.

Authorities say the accident occurred just after noon in the 4300 block of Eden Road. Lord was working beneath a truck at his shop when the jack holding up the vehicle suddenly failed. The truck collapsed, fatally crushing him before emergency crews could respond.

Kennedale Police, the Tarrant County Crime Scene Unit, and the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office are conducting a full investigation into the incident. Officials have not released additional details but confirmed that Lord died at the scene.

For family and friends, the tragedy has left an irreplaceable void. “For those who knew my son, Daniel Lord, I am sorry to say he passed away at the age of 43,” his grieving parent wrote in a heartfelt statement. “He was a welder and car fabricator who was well known in the mini-truck community. He leaves behind his wife and two children. He left this earth too early.”

Tributes from fellow welders, car enthusiasts, and longtime friends are already flooding social media, with many remembering Lord as not only a skilled craftsman but also a kindhearted man who was always willing to lend a hand.

The community now rallies around his family, honoring his life and legacy cut tragically short.

Fahey Links Daniel Penny Case to Shocking Murder of Iryna Zarutska

Jonathan Fahey says one of the first names that came to mind after learning of Iryna Zarutska’s brutal murder was Daniel Penny — a comparison that has already sparked debate and deepened public tension around crime, justice, and accountability in America.

Zarutska’s killing, which has shaken her community, immediately raised questions about public safety, self-defense, and whether ordinary citizens should step in when systems fail. Fahey’s reference to Penny — the former Marine charged after a deadly subway confrontation in New York — drew instant reactions. To some, Penny represents a controversial figure: a man hailed by supporters as a hero who acted in defense of others, but condemned by critics as an example of vigilantism gone too far.

On social media, the reactions came fast. “We need more of the Daniel Pennys in this country,” one commenter wrote, while another insisted, “Each case should be judged on its own facts and merits.” Others pointed to systemic issues, lamenting repeat offenders who slip through cracks in the justice system, only to return to the streets with tragic results.

For many, Fahey’s remarks struck a nerve because they highlight an uncomfortable truth — the line between protection and punishment is often blurred. Zarutska’s death is now at the center of that moral storm, leaving a community demanding justice and a nation once again wrestling with the question: Who is responsible for keeping people safe when the system falls short?

Trump Announces Release of Princeton Student Elizabeth Tsurkov After Two-Year Captivity

Former President Donald Trump revealed Tuesday that Princeton doctoral student Elizabeth Tsurkov has been released after being held captive for more than two years by Kata’ib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S.

Tsurkov, a Russian-Israeli dual citizen, was abducted in Baghdad in 2023 while conducting dissertation research. She had reportedly traveled to Iraq alone, entering the country with her Russian passport. According to Trump’s post on Truth Social, Tsurkov was “just released” and is now safe inside the American Embassy in Iraq.

“I will always fight for JUSTICE, and never give up,” Trump wrote. “HAMAS, RELEASE THE HOSTAGES, NOW!”

The former president emphasized that Tsurkov endured torture during her captivity, though her current medical condition has not been disclosed.

Tsurkov’s case drew international attention, with human rights groups and academic institutions calling for her release. In 2023, rallies were held in Gaza City by the Palestinian Prisoners Committee, demanding her freedom in exchange for Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons.

On Tuesday night, Fox News panelists Dr. Sheila Nazarian, Shirin Yadegar, and Rabbi Chaim Mentz discussed the breakthrough, linking it to broader hostage negotiations amid ongoing pressure on Hamas.

While details surrounding the circumstances of her release remain unclear, Trump’s announcement has sparked renewed calls for the immediate return of other hostages still held in the Middle East.

“Elizabeth’s freedom is a relief,” Yadegar said. “But all hostages need to come home—now.”

Judge Rules Teen Will Be Tried as Adult in Death of 13-Year-Old Ryland Calvert

FLORENCE, Ala. — A Lauderdale County judge has ruled that Cameron Phinizee, a teenager indicted for his role in the death of 13-year-old Ryland Calvert, will be tried as an adult.

The decision, announced Tuesday, comes after Phinizee requested youthful offender status following his July indictment for felony murder. Prosecutors say Phinizee and Calvert planned a robbery in March, during which Calvert was fatally shot at the Southern Oaks Village Apartments in Florence.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Calvert’s family members gave emotional testimony, urging the court to hold Phinizee accountable. “Because of his actions, Ryland didn’t return home,” said Calvert’s grandmother, Shari Riley. His great aunt, Glory Michael, echoed that sentiment, adding, “He made an adult decision that day and should be held accountable as an adult.”

District Attorney Chris Connelly argued Phinizee’s behavior fit that of an adult engaged in a dangerous crime, while defense attorney Tony Hughes insisted the teen had no criminal history beyond minor traffic citations. Supporters testified that Phinizee was “a kid who made a mistake” and deserved a chance at rehabilitation under youthful offender protections.

A Lauderdale County grand jury previously declined to charge the shooter, ruling the act was self-defense. However, jurors found Phinizee legally responsible for Calvert’s death.

With the court’s denial of youthful offender status, Phinizee now faces trial as an adult on felony murder charges. If convicted, he could face significant prison time.

DA May Pursue Harshest Penalties in Case of Man Accused of Raping 4-Year-Old

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Prosecutors say they will seek the maximum punishment for Anthony Jelks, who is accused of the brutal rape of a 4-year-old girl that left the child with a sexually transmitted disease.

Jelks was taken into custody last week following an intensive investigation by local law enforcement. Authorities allege that Jelks sexually assaulted the child, and medical reports confirmed the young victim contracted an STD as a result. The case has drawn outrage across Tennessee and beyond, with community members demanding justice.

According to reports, the District Attorney’s Office is weighing severe sentencing options, including surgical castration or, if warranted under law, the death penalty. “This is the type of predator who should never be allowed to harm another child,” one prosecutor stated. “We will pursue every legal avenue available to ensure he never walks free again.”

Community advocates say the case underscores the urgent need for tougher laws against repeat and violent sex offenders. “No child should ever endure something this horrific,” one activist said. “The public expects maximum accountability.”

Jelks remains in custody as prosecutors prepare their case. He faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated rape of a child. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Officials encourage anyone with information about Jelks or additional victims to contact investigators immediately.

“This is the justice we need to see for every child predator,” one parent said outside the courthouse.

Fort Payne Police, FBI Investigating Armed Robbery at PNC Bank

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne Police Department, in coordination with the FBI, is investigating an armed robbery that occurred Tuesday morning at the PNC Bank in downtown Fort Payne.

Authorities say the incident happened around 9:20 a.m. when a white male entered the branch at 200 Gault Avenue North. The suspect, described as wearing blue jeans, a long-sleeve button-down shirt, and a black ball cap, approached a teller while armed with a handgun.

According to investigators, the man handed over a note demanding money. The teller complied, and the suspect left the bank with approximately $3,000 in cash before walking northbound from the scene.

The Fort Payne Police Department quickly secured the area and confirmed that no injuries were reported during the robbery. Photos of the suspect and his vehicle have since been released to the public as part of the investigation.

While authorities continue searching for the man, officials emphasized there is currently no immediate threat to the public.

As a precaution, Fort Payne City Schools implemented a secure perimeter following the incident. School officials said the measure was taken to ensure student safety until investigators could assess the situation.

The case is now being investigated jointly by Fort Payne Police and the FBI. Anyone with information is urged to contact law enforcement.

“This was a bold crime committed in broad daylight, and we are asking the community to assist us in identifying and locating the suspect,” police said in a statement.

Former Alabama State Trooper Arrested on Prostitution, Computer Tampering Charges

LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. — A former Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) trooper is facing criminal charges after investigators say he solicited prostitution and tampered with a state database.

ALEA confirmed Tuesday that former Senior Trooper Paul Wesley Richey turned himself in to the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office on September 9. He was booked into the county jail on charges of solicitation of prostitution and computer tampering.

According to court documents obtained by News 19, investigators allege that Richey improperly accessed a restricted law enforcement database without authorization. The misconduct surfaced during an internal review, triggering a broader investigation by ALEA and the State Bureau of Investigation.

ALEA officials also confirmed that Richey resigned from his position on Monday, September 8, just one day before his arrest.

“While this matter remains under investigation, ALEA is committed to full accountability and transparency,” the agency said in a statement. “Our officers are held to the highest standards of integrity, and violations of public trust will not be tolerated.”

The exact details surrounding the solicitation charge have not been disclosed, but law enforcement officials emphasized that the case is ongoing and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Richey’s arrest marks the latest in a series of high-profile disciplinary actions against Alabama law enforcement officers in recent years, drawing renewed attention to officer conduct both on and off duty.

He remains in custody pending further court proceedings.

Steven Garcia Identified as Victim in Fatal Brownsville Hit-and-Run

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Authorities have identified 40-year-old Steven Garcia as the victim of a deadly hit-and-run crash in Brownsville on Tuesday afternoon.

Police reported that at approximately 12:23 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of International Boulevard and East Polk Street after receiving calls about a bicyclist struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, first responders found Garcia severely injured. Despite emergency efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators determined that Garcia had been riding his bicycle when he was hit. The driver of the involved vehicle failed to stop, provide aid, or remain at the location, instead fleeing immediately after the crash.

As of now, authorities have not released a description of the suspect vehicle, and the search for the driver continues. Police emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Law enforcement officials are urging the public to come forward with any information regarding the driver or the vehicle. Brownsville Crime Stoppers is offering a system for anonymous tips and may provide a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Community members can call 546-TIPS or submit tips online at www.p3tips.com.

The Brownsville Police Department expressed condolences to Garcia’s family and stressed the seriousness of hit-and-run crimes, highlighting the community’s role in helping solve the case.

As detectives work to gather more evidence, authorities are committed to ensuring justice for Steven Garcia and his loved ones.