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Extended Surveillance Footage Reveals Fatal Stabbing on Charlotte Light Rail

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Newly released surveillance footage has shed further light on the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, aboard Charlotte’s Lynx Blue Line light rail train on August 22, 2025.

The video, compiled from several synchronized cameras, shows the suspect, 35-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., rise from his seat behind Zarutska before producing a pocketknife and attacking her while she was distracted on her phone. After the assault, Brown is seen walking through the train with the weapon in hand, leaving blood behind.

At one point, he removed his bloodied hoodie and waited calmly for the next station before exiting. Passengers nearby appeared either unaware of the severity of the incident or chose not to intervene.

The killing, described by officials as a “brutal and senseless act of violence,” has reignited debate over public safety on Charlotte’s transit system.

Brown, who is homeless, has a lengthy criminal record dating back to 2014, including armed robbery and multiple assault convictions. He was released from prison in 2020, re-arrested in 2021, and remained free despite his record at the time of the attack.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles thanked media outlets that withheld graphic video clips “out of respect for Iryna’s family,” but critics argue that downplayed coverage highlights broader issues of crime and accountability.

City Council candidate Edwin Peacock and former Matthews Mayor Jim Taylor have both called for stronger safety measures on public transit, warning that community confidence in the system is at risk.

Zarutska, who was working at Zepeddie’s Pizza, was still in her work uniform at the time of her death. The restaurant paid tribute, saying, “We lost not only an incredible employee, but a true friend… her light will be missed every single day.”

Brown remains in custody facing murder charges.

TBI Issues AMBER Alert for 8-Year-Old Hancock County Girl

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has issued an AMBER Alert for an 8-year-old girl from Hancock County who was last seen in Sneedville.

Authorities are asking the public’s help in locating Samantha Shelly, described as 4 feet 2 inches tall, weighing approximately 55 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. Officials emphasized that Shelly has a medical condition that may affect her ability to return safely without assistance, making the search especially urgent.

The alert, issued early Wednesday morning, has already prompted a widespread response across the region, with law enforcement agencies and community members mobilizing to assist in the effort. The TBI has not released additional details regarding the circumstances of her disappearance, but officials are urging vigilance from residents statewide.

“Every moment counts in cases like this,” a TBI spokesperson said. “We are asking anyone who may have seen Samantha or has information about her whereabouts to come forward immediately.”

Authorities encourage the public to look out for children matching Samantha’s description, especially in and around Sneedville and neighboring communities.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office at 423-733-2249 or call the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

The TBI reminds the public that even the smallest detail could be crucial in bringing Samantha home safely. The investigation remains ongoing, and further updates will be provided as new information emerges.

West Liberty Woman Faces Serious Charges in Child Abuse Case

West Liberty, KY – A Morgan County woman is facing a series of disturbing charges connected to child sexual abuse. Authorities confirmed that Kayla Conley, 40, of West Liberty, has been indicted on multiple counts involving minors.

According to court records, Conley faces charges of complicity to first-degree sexual abuse involving a juvenile under the age of 16. She has also been charged with complicity to second-degree rape involving a female under 14 years of age, as well as several counts of complicity to third-degree rape involving a female under 16. In addition, Conley is charged with complicity to third-degree sodomy involving a female under 16.

The allegations stem from incidents that were investigated in 2023. While details of the case remain limited due to the involvement of minors, authorities have confirmed that the children impacted are now in foster care. Officials stress that steps have been taken to ensure their safety and well-being while the judicial process continues.

Child exploitation and abuse cases are taken very seriously under Kentucky law. First-degree charges typically carry the most severe penalties, while second- and third-degree charges also bring significant consequences. Legal experts note that complicity charges indicate involvement in or facilitation of the crimes, even if the accused was not the direct perpetrator.

The case has drawn widespread concern within the community, as residents react with shock and outrage. Court proceedings are ongoing, and further updates are expected as the investigation continues.

In Loving Memory of Marjorie Eileen Amighetti (1928–2025)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Marjorie Eileen Amighetti, who left this world peacefully in her sleep on September 8, 2025, at the age of 97.

Born and raised in central Illinois during the Great Depression, Marge learned resilience and determination from an early age. Her father worked as a tenant farmer on land owned by George J. Mecherle, founder of State Farm Insurance, while her family also shared close ties with the Belt family, founders of Steak ’n Shake. From both families, she drew inspiration in perseverance, hard work, and visionary spirit—values that guided her throughout her life.

In 1969, Marge created what became one of St. Louis’ most beloved culinary treasures: the Amighetti’s Special sandwich. She devoted eight months to perfecting its recipe, testing it with St. Ambrose students until it earned unanimous approval. “I did something right,” she would often say with a smile. Her creativity and determination helped transform Amighetti’s into a cherished institution, with flavors that continue to delight generations.

Known affectionately as “Fiesty,” a nickname lovingly given by her father, Marge lived life with energy, faith, and passion. She often said, “Tony Bennett left his heart in San Francisco; I left mine on The Hill.” Her favorite words—“Trust in God, believe in yourself, and dare to dream”—were not only a motto but a way of life.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Friends and loved ones are invited to honor her memory by sharing stories, meals, and moments that reflect the legacy she built with love.

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.