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Former Mississippi officers to be sentenced after pleading guilty to torture of Black men

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(NEW YORK) -- Six former Rankin County, Mississippi, law enforcement officers are set to be sentenced beginning Tuesday morning after pleading guilty to federal charges stemming from the racially motivated torture of two Black men during an incident that took place on Jan. 24, 2023.

Former Rankin County sheriff's (RCSO) deputies Brett McAlpin, Christian Dedmon, Hunter Elward, Jeffrey Middleton and Daniel Opdyke, along with Joshua Hartfield, a former Richland police officer, pleaded guilty to a total of 16 federal charges related to the torture and physical abuse of three Rankin County men in two unrelated incidents, according to a statement released by U.S. Department of Justice on Aug. 3, 2023.

The charges include civil rights conspiracy, deprivation of rights under color of law, discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy to obstruct justice and obstruction of justice. 

According to the charging documents, the incident on Jan. 2023 took place when a white neighbor claimed in a complaint to McAlpin, the chief RCSO investigator, that she observed "suspicious activity" from Black men staying at a nearby property.

McAlpin asked Dedmon, who was an RCSO investigator at the time, to look into the incident, and Dedmon proceeded to reach out to a group of shift officers who called themselves "The Goon Squad" because of their "willingness to use excessive force and not report it," according to the documents.

During the incident, the officers beat Jenkins and Parker, sexually assaulted them with a sex toy and shocked them with Tasers for roughly 90 minutes while handcuffed, according to court documents obtained by ABC News. Jenkins was also shot in the mouth by Elward, per the DOJ.

And while Jenkins was bleeding on the floor, instead of providing medical aid, the officers "devised a false cover story to cover up their misconduct" and proceeded to "plant" and "tamper with evidence" to corroborate their story, the DOJ said.

"The defendants in this case tortured and inflicted unspeakable harm on their victims, egregiously violated the civil rights of citizens who they were supposed to protect, and shamefully betrayed the oath they swore as law enforcement officers," DOJ Sec. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a statement on Aug. 3, 2023. "The Justice Department will hold accountable officers who abuse the public trust that is essential to public safety."

The officers admitted that on Jan. 24, 2023, they entered a home where Jenkins and Parker were staying in Braxton, Rankin County, Mississippi, where they handcuffed and arrested the two men "without probable cause to believe they had committed any crime, called them racial slurs, and warned them to stay out of Rankin County," the DOJ said in a statement on Aug. 3, 2023, announcing the guilty pleas.

According to the federal charging documents obtained by ABC News, sentencing maximums range from three years in prison for lesser offenses to life in prison for the most serious offense of discharging of a firearm during a crime of violence.

The two victims -- Michael Jenkins and Eddie Parker -- spoke out during a press conference Monday morning about the enduring trauma of the experience as their attorneys called on the judge to give the former officers the "maximum sentence."

"I'd like to thank everybody for supporting us and believing in us," said Jenkins, who was shot in the mouth during the incident. "It's been very hard for me this past year. I'm just looking forward to justice tomorrow. I hope they do right. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst."

Parker, who is set to testify during the sentencing hearings this week, per his attorney, said that it's been a "hard year," and he's glad that the day of sentencing, which was delayed twice before, has finally come.

"Everything needs to be done right because everything was done wrong," Parker said. "What's done already, man, can't be erased; it can't be taken back. I relive this every day."

Malik Shabazz, the lead attorney for Jenkins and Parker, said that his clients have "been through a lot of trauma" and called on U.S. District Judge Tom Lee to give each of the former officers the "maximum sentence."

"The day of justice has finally come," he said. "That's an important day, not only in Mississippi, but this is an important day for accountability for police brutality, all throughout America. Police officers are watching this sentencing … they're watching to see whether law enforcement in Mississippi and law enforcement in America will be held sufficiently accountable for their acts of torture and brutality."

The officers have not responded to ABC News’ requests for comment.

Dedmon, Elward and Opdyke also pleaded guilty to three additional federal felony offenses related to a separate incident that took place on Dec. 4, 2022, per the DOJ.

The U.S. The Department of Justice launched an investigation into the incident in Feb. 2023, along with the FBI, amid outrage from the community and as attorneys for Jenkins and Parker filed a notice of claim for a $400 million federal lawsuit. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation also investigated the case that led to state charges against the officers.

"It's in court, and we're fighting," Shabazz told ABC News on Monday when asked about the status of the lawsuit.

In an Oct. 2023 response to the complaint obtained by ABC News, the officers denied the allegations alleged in the lawsuit.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Books allegedly tossed in the trash at NYC school sparks investigation

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(NEW YORK) -- The New York City Department of Education is investigating claims that hundreds of new books -- many that were about people of color and LGBTQ identities -- were thrown in the trash at a Staten Island school after the NYC news outlet The Gothamist first reported the discovery.

The outlet reported that several of the discarded books, found at PS 55 The Henry M. Boehm School, had notes written on them potentially citing reasons for their removal.

For example, a book about Native American history called We Are Still Here had a note that read "negative slant on white people," while a note on the immigration story My Two Border Towns, read "our country has no room and it’s not fair," according to The Gothamist. The outlet stated that another book thrown out was about singer and activist Nina Simone, which had a note that read: "This is about how Black people were treated poorly but overcame it. (Can go both ways)." ABC News could not independently verify this information.

In a statement to ABC News, the department stated it is conducting an investigation "to understand what happened in this situation."

"Our public schools do not shy away from books that teach students about the diverse people and communities that make up the fabric of our society," a Department of Education spokesperson said. "We do not condone the messages found on these books."

According to a department spokesperson, PS 55 school leadership has said it will ensure that policies and procedures will be followed in the future related to discarded books or other material.

Libraries and schools across the country are facing a growing battle over book-banning efforts, according to recently released data from the American Library Association. About 47% of the titles targeted last year were by or about people of color or the LGBTQ community, the data showed.

The ALA recorded a record-breaking total of 4,240 unique book titles targeted for removal or restriction in schools and libraries in 2023, topping the previous record of 2,571 unique titles in 2022.

Many of the efforts to target books came from politicized groups or individuals demanding the censorship of multiple titles -- often dozens or hundreds at a time -- which drove the surge in book challenges, the ALA said.

"Should a parent feel concerned about the literature in their child’s classroom, they are encouraged to reach out to the teacher, principal, or superintendent," said the department. "If a parent chooses to move forward with challenging a book, a Materials Evaluation Committee is formed to review and evaluate the book."

PS 55 school officials have not yet responded to ABC News' requests for comment.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Judge rules evidence related to "Access Hollywood" tape admissible in Trump hush money trial

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(NEW YORK) -- The judge overseeing former President Donald Trump’s criminal prosecution in New York has denied Trump’s attempts to exclude evidence related to the Access Hollywood tape and testimony from key witnesses from his upcoming criminal trial, but prosecutors will not be permitted to play the infamous tape to jurors.

The defense argued Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer, should not be allowed to testify because he has a history of lying, arguing that calling him to the witness stand would amount to suborning perjury.

Judge Juan Merchan rejected the argument.

“This Court has been unable to locate any treatise, statute or holding from courts in this jurisdiction or others that support defendant’s rational that a particular witness should be kept off the witness stand because his credibility has been previously called into question,” Merchan said.

He also will allow Stormy Daniels to testify since she is the recipient of the $130,000 hush payment at the center of the case, writing, “The probative value of the evidence is evident.“

Merchan also ruled that prosecutors will not be permitted to play the Access Hollywood tape -- on which Trump is overheard bragging about how he approaches women -- to the jury or introduce it into evidence. However, prosecutors are allowed to elicit testimony about the tape and how it prompted Trump to fear its impact on his presidential aspirations.

"Thus, the tape helps establish Defendant’s intent and motive for making the payment to Daniels and then attempting to conceal them," the ruling said.

Trump is facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records after being indicted by a Manhattan grand jury.

In court documents unsealed April 4, prosecutors alleged Trump engaged in a "scheme" to boost his chances during the 2016 presidential election through a series of hush money payments made by others and the falsification of New York business records to cover up that alleged criminal conduct.

In a statement of facts accompanying the indictment, Manhattan prosecutors allege Trump made payments to his lawyer to reimburse him for a payment the lawyer made to one woman.

Trump, who has denied all wrongdoing, pleaded not guilty to all 34 counts.

Trump’s criminal trial in New York has been delayed until at least mid-April.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Trump, co-defendants start appeals process for ruling that let Fani Willis stay on Georgia case

Jason Marz/Getty Images

(ATLANTA) -- Former President Donald Trump and some of his co-defendants in the Fulton County election interference case on Monday kicked off the process to appeal the judge's disqualification ruling that ultimately kept District Attorney Fani Willis on the case, asking the court in a new motion to grant a certificate of immediate review.

"A criminal defendant is entitled to a disinterested prosecutor," the Monday filing states.

Trump and his co-defendants must be granted the certificate by Judge Scott McAfee, who oversees the case, in order to appeal his ruling on the disqualification issue up to the Georgia Court of Appeals. If McAfee declines to grant the certificate, they cannot appeal the ruling at this time. If Trump and his co-defendants are granted the certificate, it is left to the Georgia Court of Appeals to determine if they will take it up -- a move some legal experts say could result in a pause in the case.

Nathan Wade, the lead prosecutor in the Fulton County election interference case, resigned Friday as special prosecutor following a ruling by the judge overseeing the case. Wade's resignation came hours after McAfee declined to outright disqualify Willis, but ruled either she or Wade must step aside from the case due to a "significant appearance of impropriety" stemming from a romantic relationship between Willis and Wade.

Per the judge's ruling, Wade's resignation means Willis and the rest of her team will remain on the case.

The joint filing Monday afternoon from Trump, Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, Michael Roman and others states Wade's resignation is "insufficient" to "cure the appearance of impropriate the Court has determined exists." The filing also notes the lack of "appellate guidance" previously on the issue.

"Whether District Attorney Willis and her Office are permitted to continue representing the State of Georgia in prosecuting the Defendants in this action is of the utmost importance to this case, and ensuring the appellate courts have the opportunity to weigh in on these matters pre-trial is paramount," the filing states.

In his ruling, McAfee ultimately decided the defendants failed to prove that Willis' romantic relationship with Wade -- and their subsequent travel -- amounted to a conflict of interest. But McAfee said there was a "significant appearance of impropriety" left with the case.

The filing from Trump on Monday also states that "immediate appellate review" is needed of the order "based upon the personal stake that she has acquired in this prosecution," saying the appellate court would likely find Willis' disqualification is "required" based solely on the appearance of impropriety.

Trump and his codefendants also warned that if the certificate is not granted and the case goes to trial but then is later overturned on appeal, that would "likely require the retrial of every convicted defendant."

"Given the length and complexity of the trial(s) in this case ... either the Court nor the Parties should run an unnecessary risk of having to go through that process more than once," the filing states.

The motion restates the defendants' position that "relevant case law requires dismissal of the case, or at the very least, the disqualification of the District Attorney and her entire office."

McAfee's highly anticipated ruling on Friday followed a contentious, monthslong disqualification effort spearheaded by Trump and his co-defendants over allegations of misconduct against Willis, which she has fiercely denied.

Roman and several other Trump co-defendants first sought Willis' disqualification from the election case over allegations that she benefited financially from her romantic relationship with prosecutor Wade, whom she hired for the case, through vacations they took that were often booked on his credit card.

Willis and Wade admitted to the relationship, but said it "does not amount to a disqualifying conflict of interest" and that the relationship "has never involved direct or indirect financial benefit to District Attorney Willis." The DA testified that she often paid Wade back in cash for trips they took.

McAfee held several days of hearings to hear arguments over the allegations, during which both Willis and Wade took the stand to deliver emotional testimony.

Outside of allegations of financial misconduct, a debate later emerged over the exact timeline of their romantic relationship. Trump's attorney said both Willis and Wade were "not truthful" when they testified that the relationship began in 2022, after Wade was hired in 2021, urging the judge to disqualify them based on that testimony alone.

Willis' office dismissed the defendants' overall disqualification efforts as "absurd" and said there was "absolutely no evidence that [Willis] received any financial gain or benefit." They insisted that in order to disqualify her, the law requires the judge to find evidence of a conflict of interest or forensic misconduct.

Trump and 18 others pleaded not guilty last August to all charges in a sweeping racketeering indictment for alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in the state of Georgia.

Defendants Kenneth Chesebro, Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis and Scott Hall subsequently took plea deals in exchange for agreeing to testify against other defendants.

The former president has dismissed the district attorney's investigation as being politically motivated.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


EPA bans remaining uses of cancer-causing asbestos in the US

Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call

(WASHINGTON) -- The Environmental Protection Agency on Monday announced a United States ban on the ongoing use of chrysotile asbestos -- a carcinogen that the agency estimates is linked to more than 40,000 U.S. deaths each year.

The announcement comes as part of President Joe Biden's Cancer Moonshot initiative, which is using federal resources to make progress on cancer research and treatment.

"While the use of asbestos in the United States has been declining for decades, the use of chrysotile asbestos has continued to this day. Because of its resistance to heat, fire and electrical conduction, it has remained in use for a variety of construction and industrial products," EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a Monday press call.

"But the science is clear and settled," Regan added. "There is simply no safe level of exposure to asbestos."

Chrysotile asbestos is the only known form of asbestos currently used in or imported to the U.S. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer and other health issues, Regan said. It is also linked to more than 40,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, according to the EPA.

"Asbestos has harmed people across the country for decades, and under President Biden's leadership, we are taking decisive action to ban its use and advance this administration's historic environmental justice agenda," White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory said in a news release. "This action marks a major step to improve chemical safety after decades of inadequate protections, helping advance President Biden's Cancer Moonshot goal to end cancer as we know it."

The EPA previously tried to ban asbestos in most products under the Toxic Substances Control Act in 1989, but the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the ban could apply only to products that would use asbestos for the first time. Continued use of asbestos in existing products was permitted.

Asbestos is currently used in the U.S. in products such as brake linings and gaskets in cars and in the production of chlorine.

Monday's ban is the first the EPA has issued for existing chemical use since Congress updated the Toxic Substances Control Act in 2016, which changed the process for evaluating and addressing safety concerns.

"The failed asbestos ban from over 30 years ago was the reason why we needed to rewrite TSCA. And why Congress did so with almost unanimous support in 2016," said Michal Freedhoff, assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. "Today's rule is important for public health, but it's also a symbol of how the new law can and must be used to protect people."

Regan called the ban a "sign of what's to come."

"The Biden administration is transforming the way EPA is using the new chemical safety law to do what it was meant to do -- protect people from toxic chemicals," he said.

The EPA has set compliance deadlines for the ban to transition away from different uses of chrysotile asbestos, attempting to provide a reasonable transition period while discontinuing the use of asbestos in each product as soon as possible, the agency said.

"At EPA, protecting public health and the environment is our privilege and our greatest responsibility," Regan said. "And today's rule is a major step forward in helping us to achieve our goals."

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Capitol Police wearing body cameras in pilot program to build public trust

USCP

(WASHINGTON) -- The U.S. Capitol Police on Monday started wearing body-worn cameras as part of its pilot program to protect its officers and members of Congress as well as enhance public trust, its chief said.

Seventy Capitol Police officers will wear the body cameras during the 180-day program. Eleven Capitol Police cruisers will be outfitted with dashboard cameras that will automatically record if a cruiser's emergency lights are triggered.

"I was confident that the cameras would do two things. First, they would remind the public just how challenging the law enforcement profession can be," Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said in a news release. "Second, the cameras would also showcase the great work our cops do day in and day out. This is a great accountability tool for everyone."

Body cameras will not be used inside buildings on the Capitol or during interactions with members of Congress, Capitol Police said, as a measure to "protect the constitutional duties of members of Congress."

"The cameras will record public interactions requiring a police response," Capitol Police said in the release.

Officers will inform people if they are being recorded at the beginning of an interaction, and the cameras will record video and audio when officers use firearms or tasers, Capitol Police said.

The program comes after a review of Capitol security released following the Jan. 6 attack recommended Capitol Police use body-worn cameras to improve police accountability and protect officers from false accusations.

Once the pilot program is completed, a task force including sworn and civilian supervisors in the department will use feedback to analyze the program, and Manger will send a recommendation regarding a permanent body worn camera program to congressional stakeholders.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


New video shows missing student Riley Strain briefly speak with police on night he vanished in Nashville

Metro Nashville PD

(NASHVILLE, Tn.)-- Newly released video shows missing college student Riley Strain briefly speak with a police officer on the night he vanished in Nashville, Tennessee.

Officer Reginald Young came across Strain, 22, while responding to a car burglary on Gay Street, south of the Woodland Street Bridge, on the night of March 8, according to Nashville police.

Around 9:50 p.m., Strain walked by alone. The officer asked how he was doing, and Strain responded, "I’m good, how are you?"

"No video has been discovered that shows Riley away from Gay St after the 9:52 p.m. timeframe," police said Monday.

Strain disappeared on the night of March 8 after drinking in Nashville's Broadway area, according to police. The University of Missouri senior was visiting Nashville with his Delta Chi fraternity brothers for their formal, his family said.

Police earlier released video showing Strain at 9:47 p.m., crossing the street with a group and checking his phone. He then stopped and changed directions for a moment before proceeding down the street behind the group.


3 separate shootings erupt within 1 hour in Jacksonville Beach, Florida

ABC News/WJXX

Three separate, unrelated shootings erupted within an hour in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, on Sunday night, leaving one person dead and several hurt, according to authorities.

The first shooting was reported at 7:50 p.m. when two people started firing guns near the Best Western Hotel, Jacksonville Beach police said on Monday.

One bystander was injured and both suspects were injured, police said.

At 8:13 p.m., a man fired shots while running in front of businesses, police said. No one was hurt, police said.

The gun was recovered but police said they are still looking for the suspect.

One person was killed in the third shooting, which unfolded around 8:31 p.m. near Sneakers Bar, police said.

Authorities said they are looking for three suspects who displayed guns.

The downtown district and bar area and the Jacksonville Beach beachfront have been "locked down," and will remain shut down until further notice, Sgt. Tonya Tator told reporters Sunday night.

"We've got a lot of work ahead of us to figure out everything, put all the pieces together," she said.

ABC News' Jessica Gorman, Darren Reynolds and Okelo Pena contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Suspect charged with multiple counts of murder in 2-state crime rampage: Prosecutors

WPVI

A suspect accused of killing three family members, including his 13-year-old sister, in a Philadelphia suburb and then fleeing to New Jersey is now in custody, officials said.

The suspect -- identified as 26-year-old Andre Gordon Jr. -- was initially reported to be barricaded with hostages inside a residence in Trenton midday Saturday, hours after the shootings unfolded at two residences in Falls Township, Pennsylvania, police said.

Following an hourslong standoff, police received information that Gordon was possibly on the street, according to Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson. The suspect, who was found walking several blocks from the home, was apprehended without incident Saturday evening, Wilson said.

Gordon may have "slipped out" of the residence before police were able to establish a perimeter around the home, Wilson said.

Residents in the home and neighboring residences had been safely evacuated while authorities presumed Gordon to be barricaded inside, police said.

Gordon had been sought in connection with shootings that occurred Saturday morning at two homes in Levittown, a community within Falls Township, officials said.

Gordon allegedly carjacked a vehicle in Trenton before traveling to the area and "forcibly" breaking into both homes, according to Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn. He was armed with an AR-15-style assault rifle, according to Falls Township Chief of Police Nelson Whitney.

Gordon was charged in Pennsylvania with three counts of first and second-degree murder, aggravated assault, robbery and other charges, according to court documents. In New Jersey, Gordon was charged with first-degree carjacking and weapons offenses, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said in a statement Sunday.

"The string of violent acts ... is the latest in a horrific litany of illustrations of how illegal guns and assault rifles can empower one aggrieved and disturbed actor," Platkin said. "We will pursue justice for the victims and hold the defendant accountable for his reprehensible actions."

Falls Township officers were first dispatched to a residence on Viewpoint Lane at approximately 8:52 a.m. ET on Saturday where two people had been fatally shot, police said. The victims were the suspect's 52-year-old stepmother, Karen Gordon, and his 13-year-old sister, Kera Gordon, according to Schorn.

Three other family members in the house, including a minor, managed to hide and "avoid being shot by Gordon as he went through the house searching for them," Schorn told reporters during a press briefing on Saturday.

A 25-year-old woman was then shot and killed at a residence on Edgewood Lane at approximately 9:01 a.m., police said. The victim, Taylor Daniel, shared two children with the suspect, Schorn said.

Four other people were present in the home at the time, including the two children and Daniel's mother, Schorn said. She suffered non-life-threatening injuries after Gordon allegedly bludgeoned her with the assault rifle, Schorn said.

Gordon is accused of then stealing a 2016 dark gray Honda CRV at gunpoint to flee back to Trenton. The carjacking occurred at approximately 9:13 a.m. in the parking lot of a Dollar General in Morrisville, police said. The operator of the vehicle was unharmed.

The Honda CRV was recovered unoccupied in Trenton at approximately 11:38 a.m. on Saturday, according to Falls Township police.

Authorities in Trenton have not recovered a rifle, Wilson said. P

The suspect was expected to be brought to the Trenton Police Department for processing and eventually extradited to Pennsylvania, according to Wilson.

Schorn said she could not speak to a motive at this time or the suspect's past criminal history.

Chief Whitney said police have had "minor" contacts with Gordon in the past but "nothing that would indicate anything like this would happen."

The suspect is believed to be unhoused and has ties to the Trenton area, police said.

Schorn said they will investigate "every aspect" of how he came into possession of the firearm.

Police in Falls Township had issued a shelter-in-place warning amid the search for the suspect that has since been lifted.

A shelter-in-place advisement in nearby Middletown Township was similarly lifted.

The Bucks County St. Patrick's Day parade scheduled for Saturday morning was canceled due to police activity, according to Pennsylvania State Sen. Steve Santarsiero.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Police discover Riley Strain's bank card amid college student's disappearance

@MNPDNashville/X

Authorities discovered a clue in the case of missing University of Missouri college student Riley Strain, Sunday, who vanished while visiting Nashville earlier this month.

Nashville Police announced Strain's bank card was found Sunday on the embankment between Gay Street and the Cumberland River, near Riverfront Park, in a post on X (formally known as Twitter). "The search for him continues," Nashville PD added.

Strain was visiting Nashville on Friday, March 8, when he went missing after being kicked out of a bar on Gay Street in the city's Broadway area, Nashville police said.

The 22-year-old was last seen by friends at 9:52 p.m. after he was kicked out of Luke Bryan's bar, Luke's 32 Bridge, police said.

Strain and his Delta Chi fraternity brothers were in Nashville for a formal, according to Strain's parents.

"He was excited 'cause he was out, and he was sending me pictures at the different bars they were going to. And he was having fun with his fraternity brothers," his mom, Michelle Whiteid, told ABC News.

Surveillance video from a nearby business showed the 22-year-old walking alone as he stumbled down a street at 9:46 p.m. An additional angle showed Strain running and falling down.

There's no indication of foul play and no indication Strain was in a fight or argument with anyone that night, Nashville Police Sgt. Robert Nielsen said at a March 14 news conference.

The last known surveillance video footage of Strain showed him walking north between James Robertson Bridge and Woodland Street Bridge, Nielsen said, adding that no one else was around him.

Authorities are searching by foot, by drone and by boat, including using boats with sonar equipment, Nielsen said.

"He's a good kid. He was down here looking forward to a fun weekend," Strain's dad, Ryan Gilbert, told ABC News. "We want to bring him back home safe."

Strain's parents and stepparents have been in Nashville for days helping with the search.

The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission said it is investigating whether Strain was overserved before his disappearance.

"There are no specific rules or statutes that governs escorting out intoxicated patrons from their businesses or providing assistance in getting someone home," the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission said in a statement. "However, state law prohibits serving alcoholic beverages to someone who is visibly intoxicated. A violation is a class A misdemeanor. The TABC has opened an investigation into this matter to see if any violations have occurred."

TC Restaurant Group, operator and owner of Luke's 32 Bridge, said earlier this week that it's working with police "to provide security camera footage and any other potentially helpful information to aid in the search for Riley Strain. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones for his safe return."

Strain is a senior majoring in business and interdisciplinary studies, according to the University of Missouri.

"Our thoughts are with Riley's family as the search continues," Angela King Taylor, interim vice chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Missouri, said in a March 11 statement.

"The Delta Chi Fraternity is deeply concerned for the safety of Riley Strain, a valued member of our Missouri Chapter," the fraternity said in a March 11 statement. "Our thoughts and hopes are with Riley's family and our Missouri Chapter during this challenging time."

Anyone with information is asked to call Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Suspect in fatal New Mexico State Police officer shooting captured: Officials

New Mexico State Police

The suspect wanted in the killings of a New Mexico state trooper and a South Carolina paramedic was captured Sunday following a shooting involving law enforcement, authorities said.

The suspect, Jaremy Smith, was taken into custody in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, after leading police on a chase that resulted in a shooting involving at least one deputy from the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, according to the New Mexico State Police.

Smith is suspected in the fatal shooting of New Mexico State Police officer Justin Hare early Friday and the slaying of Phonesia Machado-Fore, a South Carolina paramedic who was reported missing on Thursday, authorities said.

The 33-year-old suspect, who was identified on Saturday by police, was the subject of a massive manhunt. New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler had said during a news conference, "Jaremy Smith, we are coming for you."

Bernalillo County Sheriff's deputies spotted Smith driving a car in Albuquerque at about 8 a.m. local time, officials said. Smith allegedly led deputies on a chase that ended in his arrest, according to authorities.

"The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office is currently in the area of Unser and Anderson Hill for a deputy-involved shooting," the agency said in a social media post, referring to a neighborhood in southwest Albuquerque. "The Multi-Agency Task Force has initiated an investigation."

No deputies were injured in the incident, officials said.

Hare was gunned down around 5 a.m. Friday after answering a call to help a disabled motorist on Interstate 40 near Tucumcari, about 235 miles east of Albuquerque near the Texas border, officials said.

When Hare pulled up behind the disabled BMW, the suspect exited the vehicle and approached the officer's passenger side window, Weisler said.

"A short conversation ensued about repairing his tire and possibly getting a ride back to town when, without warning, the suspect pulled out a firearm and shot Officer Hare," Weisler said during Saturday's news conference.

The suspect then walked to the driver's side of the patrol car and allegedly shot Hare again, Weisler said. He alleged that Smith pushed Hare into the passenger seat and drove off in the patrol car with the mortally wounded officer.

When Hare did not return several attempts to contact him, an officer was sent to the scene and saw Hare's patrol car driving at a high speed on a frontage road along the Interstate 40 road, Weisler said. Hare managed to set off a distress signal, sending an emergency signal to dispatch, police said.

Police eventually located the patrol car, crashed and empty, Weisler said. Hare was later found critically injured by the side of a road and taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

During the investigation, police learned the car Smith was driving at the time of the encounter with Hare was registered to Machado-Fore, a paramedic for Florence County, South Carolina, Emergency Medical Services, authorities said.

Machado-Fore was found dead outside of Lake View in Dillon County, South Carolina, on Friday after she had been reported missing by her family, according to the Marion County Sheriff's Office. An autopsy has been scheduled for Monday.

Smith has an "extensive" criminal history dating back decades in South Carolina and has ties to the Albuquerque area, Weisler said.

Before Smith's arrest, warrants were issued charging him with Hare's murder.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


2 killed, 5 injured in DC shooting, police say, as search for suspect continues

X/@DCPoliceDept

A suspect in a shooting that left two people dead and five injured early Sunday in a historic neighborhood of Washington, D.C., remained on the loose and unidentified, according to police.

The shooting erupted around 3 a.m. at the intersection of 7th Street NW and P Street NW, about seven blocks east of Logan Circle and four blocks north of Mt. Vernon Square, police said. The shooting occurred near the Kennedy Recreation Center.

Law enforcement in Washington, D.C., were searching Sunday for a suspect who they said fled on foot following a deadly shooting.

"We're asking anyone who may have any information related to this incident or may have witnessed it, to contact the Metropolitan Police Department," Executive Assistant Chief Jeffrey Carrol said during a news conference Sunday morning.

Investigators were searching for a Black man with "average build, wearing light pants, blue shirt," according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

"Last seen on foot southbound on 7th Street NW," the department said. "DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911."

Carroll said officers called to the scene found seven adults, who had all been shot.

"The initial information that we have at this time is that a total of seven people were shot at this location, two of which have since been pronounced deceased," Carroll said.

The names of the two people killed were being withheld by police pending notification of their relatives.

Carrol said the other shooting victims were hospitalized, but did not release information on their conditions.

A motive for the shooting remains under investigation, police said.

Sunday's shooting came amid a 35% increase in homicides in Washington, D.C., this year compared to the same period in 2023, according to police department crime statistics. There were 274 homicides in all of 2023 in Washington, D.C., a 35% jump from 2022, according to the statistics.

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Suspect in fatal shootings in Philadelphia suburb barricaded in New Jersey residence with hostages: Police

WPVI

(FALLS TOWNSHIP, Pa.) -- An "extremely dangerous" suspect accused of killing three people, including his 13-year-old sister, in a Philadelphia suburb is barricaded with hostages at a residence in New Jersey, officials said.

The suspect -- identified as 26-year-old Andre Gordon Jr. -- was reported barricaded inside a residence in Trenton at 12:22 p.m. local time, hours after the shootings unfolded at two residences in Falls Township, Pennsylvania, police said.

All residents of the home involved in the barricade situation, as well as the residents of neighboring homes on the same side of the street, have since been evacuated without injury, Trenton Police Department Det. Lt. Lisette Rios confirmed to ABC News Saturday afternoon. Gordon is believed to be in the residence alone, Rios said.

There is a large police presence around the residence. Officers can be heard urging Gordon to surrender in footage from the scene.

Police said Gordon is believed to be armed with an AR-15-style assault rifle used in the shootings and additional weapons.

The suspect knew the victims in the shootings, which occurred Saturday morning at two homes in Levittown, a community within Falls Township, officials said.

Gordon allegedly carjacked a vehicle in Trenton before traveling to the area and "forcibly" breaking into both homes, according to Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn.

Falls Township officers were first dispatched to a residence on Viewpoint Lane at approximately 8:52 a.m., where two people had been fatally shot, police said. The victims were the suspect's 52-year-old stepmother, Karen Gordon, and his 13-year-old sister, Kera Gordon, according to Schorn.

Three other family members in the house, including a minor, managed to hide and "avoid being shot by Gordon as he went through the house searching for them," Schorn told reporters during a press briefing on Saturday.

A 25-year-old woman was then shot and killed at a residence on Edgewood Lane at approximately 9:01 a.m., police said. The victim, Taylor Daniel, shared two children with the suspect, Schorn said.

Four other people were present in the home at the time, including the two children and Daniel's mother, Schorn said. She suffered non-life-threatening injuries after Gordon allegedly bludgeoned her with the assault rifle, Schorn said.

Gordon is accused of then stealing a 2016 dark gray Honda CRV at gunpoint to flee back to Trenton. The carjacking occurred at approximately 9:13 a.m. in the parking lot of a Dollar General in Morrisville, police said. The operator of the vehicle was unharmed.

The Honda CRV was recovered unoccupied in Trenton at approximately 11:38 a.m., according to Falls Township police.

Schorn said she could not speak to a motive at this time or the suspect's past criminal history.

Falls Township Chief of Police Nelson Whitney said police have had "minor" contacts with Gordon in the past but "nothing that would indicate anything like this would happen."

The suspect is believed to be unhoused and has ties to the Trenton area, police said.

Schorn said they will investigate "every aspect" of how he came into possession of the firearm.

Police in Falls Township had issued a shelter-in-place warning amid the search for the suspect that has since been lifted.

A shelter-in-place advisement in nearby Middletown Township has similarly been lifted.

The Bucks County St. Patrick's Day parade scheduled for Saturday morning was canceled due to police activity, according to Pennsylvania State Sen. Steve Santarsiero.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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Suspect in New Mexico trooper shooting named, linked to South Carolina woman found dead

New Mexico State Police

(DILLON COUNTY, S.C.) -- The suspect in the murder of a New Mexico State Police officer has been identified as Jaremy Smith of Marion County, South Carolina, and he has been linked to a South Carolina woman who was found dead Friday, according to police.

Phonesia Machado-Fore, a South Carolina first responder, was found dead after she had been reported missing by family on Thursday. The New Mexico suspect was driving her car when the trooper was murdered, according to South Carolina's Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

Warrants have been issued for Smith in the murder of New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare. Hare was fatally shot after responding to a call early Friday on Interstate 40, according to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Machado-Fore's body was found outside of Lake View in Dillon County. An autopsy has been scheduled for Monday.

The link was made when New Mexico State Police called South Carolina's Marion County Sheriff's Office on Friday to inform them that Machado-Fore's car was involved in the murder of one of their officers.

Federal, state and local authorities worked together to identify the driver and find Machado-Fore, ultimately finding her body in the course of their investigation.

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One dead, Five injured in shooting at Indianapolis bar

Jeremy Hogan/Getty Images/STOCK

(INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.) -- At least one person is dead and five others have been injured after a shooting inside a bar in Indianapolis.

The shooting took place shortly after 1 a.m. on Saturday morning at an establishment in Indianapolis, Indiana, on the 800 block of Broad Ripple Avenue when officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) were working in the are and heard shots being fired inside a nearby business, according to a statement released from IMPD early Saturday morning detailing the incident.

“When officers arrived, they located a total of five adult male victims with injuries consistent with gunshot wound(s),” IMPD said. “Those officers provided first aid to those victims on the scene. Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) arrived shortly after and transported those victims to area hospitals.”

One male victim was pronounced deceased by medical personnel after arrival, while another male victim was able to transport himself to a local area hospital for treatment after being shot in the same altercation, authorities said.

“IMPD homicide and aggravated assault detectives responded to the scene to begin the investigation,” police said. “The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency responded to identify and collect potential forensic evidence.”

The Marion County Coroner’s Office will is now assisting in this case and they will determine the exact manner and cause of death of the one male victim. The conditions of the other five victim are currently unknown.

The identity of the man who was killed in the shooting has not yet been made public but the coroner’s office said they would release the name of the victim once his next of kin has been notified.

No suspects are currently in custody and the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact the IMPD Homicide Office at 317.327.3475. Alternatively, they can call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317.262.8477 to report an anonymous which could lead to a cash reward of up to $1,000 if the information leads to a felony arrest.

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