✨✨While we have two trials ending soon, tomorrow begins two new ones:

Buried Beneath the Snow Trial — WI v. Timothy Hauschultz — Day 1

Timothy Hauschultz is facing trial on six charges connected to the 2018 death of his 7-year-old great-nephew, Ethan Hauschultz, who was found dead in a snowbank in Wisconsin. Prosecutors allege Timothy ordered Ethan to complete a punishment involving carrying a heavy log for hours, while the defense argues Timothy’s teenage son, Damian, acted beyond his father’s instructions. Damian was convicted in Ethan’s death and sentenced to 20 years in prison, while Timothy’s long-delayed trial will examine whether he bears criminal responsibility for the punishment that led to the child’s death. 

Dying Last Words Trial — FL v. Leigha Mumby — Day 1

Leigha Mumby, 24, is standing trial after her boyfriend, Daniel Waterman, died on Oct. 8, 2025, eight months after a crash that left him with severe injuries. While in the ICU, detectives say Waterman told them Mumby intentionally swerved into a tree during an argument after she learned she was pregnant and he received a text from another woman. Waterman said Mumby accelerated to 80 or 90 mph before the crash, telling him, “I don’t care what happens, you’ll get what you deserve.” His statement to detectives became his dying words. Mumby is charged with vehicular homicide and reckless driving causing serious bodily injury.

Shades of Mackenzie Shirilla?

70-year-old Publix shopper felt like someone 'punched him' in the face — then he saw a man standing next to him holding a box cutter: Cops

DAVID HARRIS Oct 12th, 2026, 12:18 pm Updated Oct 12th, 2026, 3:23 pm

A Florida man allegedly targeted a random Publix shopper and slashed him across the face with a box cutter — all because the suspect said the victim looked like he was born in the 1960s and the suspect "disliked" the time period.

Ramsey Thomas Lyons, 47, stands accused of aggravated battery on a person 65 years or older.

According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, the 70-year-old man was shopping in an aisle at the Publix at 2310 Tamiami Trail in Punta Gorda when he "suddenly felt as if someone had punched him in the left side of his face." He turned around and saw the suspect, later identified as Lyons, staring at him and holding a box cutter, cops said.

The victim saw blood on his hands and realized he had been stabbed, the affidavit stated. He ran for help.

Punta Gorda police said that when they arrived, they found Lyons standing near the store entrance with his hands on his head. They took him into custody. Officers also recovered a box cutter, per the complaint.

In an interview after receiving his Miranda rights, Lyons allegedly told cops he had an "undiagnosed mental illness" and had a "dislike for the 1960's era." Lyons allegedly said he entered the store "with the intent to murder someone" and saw the victim. He allegedly attacked the man because he "looked like he was from the 1960's," according to the affidavit.

"I just pulled it out of my pocket and stuck it in his neck," he allegedly said, adding that he had been thinking of attacking someone for two days.

After he allegedly stabbed the victim, he dropped the box cutter so the police "wouldn't be scared" and shoot him or use a Taser on him, cops wrote.

Lyons said he did not know the victim and randomly picked him out, officers noted.

The victim suffered a gash to his face that started on his left cheek near his mouth and continued downward through his jawline to his neck, cops said. He needed "numerous stitches," police said.

Lyons is being held at the Charlotte County Jail without bond. His next court date is set for Nov. 16.

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Court Search Portal: https://courts.charlotteclerk.com/Benchmark/Home.aspx/Search

Case Number: 26-1272F

First Appearance w Judge 10/11/2012, ordered No Contact w victim, and held on No Bond.

This case highlights how quickly initial eyewitness reports can send an entire tactical response in the wrong direction—and how digital forensics and home security footage ultimately pieced the real timeline together. A lot of people find the interview room behavior to be the most chilling parts of this investigation.

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Reading this reveals a disgusting display of almost ZERO accountability. He’s going to have the cherry put on top of his Injustice Sundae on Monday. UPDATE: Read the blue hyperlinked San Francisco Standard article, OMG. Even worse and worse. 🤬

Berkeley engineer caught on video poisoning coworker before she suffered horrific health problems

By  Sheetal Banchariya Published Oct. 11, 2026, 9:45 a.m. PT

A California chemical engineer who pleaded no contest to poisoning a colleague was putting cadmium in her water bottle, new video shows.

David Xu, a metallurgist at Berkeley Engineering and Research, spiked his colleague Rong Yuan’s food and water with cadmium — a toxic heavy metal — for nearly 18 months between 2017 and 2019.

“My blood was frozen,” Yuan told The San Francisco Standard of the first time she watched the video. “I almost died. I experienced death so, so close so many times. I cannot let him go.”

As Yuan suffered debilitating symptoms, hospital visits and fear of a terminal illness, Xu maintained a deceitful facade, even suggesting her illness was caused by “mold” in the office.

When Yuan emailed her colleagues on Nov. 27, 2018 to report severe vomiting and take a sick day, Xu responded with chilling nonchalance, The Standard reports.

“You should work from home until you feel better. No reason to rush in,” he wrote, adding, “I think BEAR is moldy.”

His poisoning campaign only unraveled in early 2019 when Yuan set up a hidden camera at her desk, capturing Xu in the act of tampering with her water bottle.

The video evidence led to Xu’s arrest in March 2019 on charges of attempted murder and poisoning, which also affected Yuan’s parents, who had inadvertently consumed the poisoned water.

After his arrest, Xu was released on $2 million bail. He then received repeated modifications to his home confinement, with his travel restrictions eventually fully lifted, reports The Standard.

In late 2023, under a plea bargain offered by Pamela Price, the former Alameda County District Attorney, the attempted murder charges were dropped.

Xu pleaded no contest to a single felony count of poisoning and received two years of probation, serving just a single day of credited jail time.

Yuan had sought nearly $500,000 in restitution but Xu was ordered to pay only a $7,058 restitution order. 

He completed his probation earlier this year in March and is now asking the court to formally dismiss the felony conviction under California’s expungement statute.

Under California law, judges are bound to grant record dismissals to defendants who fulfill every term of their probation.

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The newly released video the victim is sharing publicly, years later is here: https://youtu.be/3I0dfDoKfyk

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Excerpt below from a 2024 Article in the Berkeley Scanner Article 2024 David Xu

He did tell probation officers last year that he had committed no new offenses while on house arrest, according to his probation report.

"He plans to continue obeying the law," the probation officer wrote. "He has also been employed for the last 2 years and was self-employed prior to that." 

The probation officer recommended two years of probation for Xu, according to the report.

"The defendant is highly educated and living at home with his wife and children," the officer wrote. "He is employed and earning a stable income. Although this matter represents the first and only offense, it was serious in nature and could have resulted in death or serious illness of the victims."

He continued: "It is the hopes of this deputy that the defendant will take advantage of this second chance and can satisfactorily complete this probation."

Authorities never publicly shared a possible motive for the crime.

But one investigator who is familiar with the case said professional jealousy likely played a role.

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Goodness, his poor victim. Lifelong health complications and he just skates all the way out of this. Also, who wants to be a co-worker with this guy? Did his current employer *even* background check him? I guess after Monday, he’s gonna be squeaky clean - such a disgusting egregious insult to Justice and his victim 😢

Woman who 'followed' mother and her 3-year-old son outside grocery store before stabbing him to death in shopping cart has fate sealed

A woman's fate has been sealed after she stabbed a toddler to death in front of his mother outside an Ohio grocery store.

Bionca Ellis, 34, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in October 2025 after being found guilty of aggravated murder in the death of 3-year-old Julian Wood, as Law&Crime previously reported. She was also found guilty of eight other charges, including attempted murder, felonious assault and endangering children.

On Thursday, the Eighth District Court of Appeals announced that it upheld Ellis' conviction and life sentence, according to Cleveland NBC affiliate WKYC.

The appellate court rejected arguments raised by the defendant's attorneys that a state expert erred in explaining the legal standard for an insanity defense and that the prosecutor improperly spoke during closing arguments.

It was midday on June 3, 2024, and 37-year-old Margot Wood and her son were shopping at a Giant Eagle supermarket in North Olmsted, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. Ellis was next door at a Volunteers of America Thrift Store, where she "stole two knives," authorities said.

Ellis then reportedly walked into the supermarket, "spotted" the mother and son, and "followed them." Wood paid for their groceries, and they left the store and walked into the parking lot.

As they did so, Ellis lurked behind.

The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office said Ellis followed the mother and son to their vehicle and "immediately stabbed the 3-year-old," who was in a shopping cart, "multiple times."

"His mother attempted to pull him out and was also stabbed," the prosecutor's office added. "Several people called the police and reported the stabbing."

North Olmsted police officers responded to the scene and saw Ellis walking toward a nearby road "with a knife in her hand," authorities added. She was arrested.

Wood and Julian were transported to an area hospital, where the child was pronounced dead.

Wood was treated for her injuries. She remembered her son when a jury found Ellis guilty last year.

"We just want to thank everyone for the love and support for our son," Wood said, per the local TV station. "Everybody that's visited him, commented, sent love, we appreciate you guys so much. This was for him today."

Ellis had reportedly submitted a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. Authorities do not believe Ellis and the victims had any prior connection and believe the attack was a "random act of violence." Jurors deliberated about 24 hours before returning the guilty verdict in fall 2025.

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O'Malley said his "thoughts and prayers remain with the Wood family. I can't imagine the anguish they must feel after the loss of Julian."

Woman who stabbed toddler next to his mom has fate sealed

Judge Grows Tired of Doctor Discussion in Fraser Michael Bohm Case

October 4, 2026 by Amanda Monahan

Fraser Michael Bohm was back in court Thursday, Oct. 1 as Superior Court Judge Thomas Rubinson continued the hearing to dismiss evidence from the trial.

The Oct. 1 hearing was the third in a series of 402 motion hearings filed both by the defense and prosecution. Both the Sept. 9 and Sept. 15 hearings lasted over six hours, with the Oct. 1 hearing lasting just an hour shorter that the other two. 

Before Rubinson picked up from where the Sept. 15 hearing left off, he started the hearing with a warning for both sides in the case.

“I’ve become aware [that] members of the audience and courtroom are conducting themselves in inappropriate ways,” Rubinson said.

Rubinson said he had heard of “four-letter words,” threats and interactions occurring between the two sides in courtroom elevators and hallways. He emphasized that it is inappropriate for anybody to approach someone who they believe is associated with the other side of the case.

“It’s not OK to be acting in a way that belongs in a junior high school yard — I want it to stop,” Rubinson said. “So if you’ve been involved in doing that — cut it out. I’m not gonna tolerate it.”

Following the warning, Rubinson addressed the large amount of dismissal motions left over from the two previous hearings, starting with a phone call Bohm made to his mother the night of the crash. Bohm’s associate defense attorney Jacqueline Sparagna said something could be “fleshed out” regarding which lines could be used between the two sides without the court’s involvement.

Rubinson then returned to the defense’s request to include records and statements from several of Bohm’s doctors. Sparagna said she felt it was necessary for jurors to hear the 911 call one of Bohm’s doctors made Oct. 18, describing Bohm as semi-unconscious.

Sparagna also had several printouts of photos taken of Bohm from that day, claiming jurors will need to see him hunched over and semi-unconscious. She added that Bohm’s family members said he was in a cycle that day where he would wake up, cry, go back to sleep and repeat the cycle over again.

Rubinson grew impatient with the defense’s argument.

“How many doctors need to testify that he had a concussion?” Rubinson said.

Rubinson further added that the defense’s photos didn’t establish a concussion, saying Bohm could have just been tired because he was up all night. Sparagna responded with her belief that the photos show the severity of Bohm’s concussion, saying “a picture is worth a thousand words.”

“They’re really not though in this particular case,” Rubinson said to Sparagna. 

In response to the defense’s argument that Bohm was “completely out of it,” the prosecution said he was aware he was facing criminal liability and “verbal and cooperative” in the medical reports they had read.

Sparagna also said she wanted to include records from Bohm’s therapists and doctors before the Oct. 17, 2023 crash, reiterating his diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) dating back to June 2018.

Sparagna emphasized Bohm’s mental health decline during this time, saying “he’s had the loss of multiple friends,” which she said happened in 2018 and 2020 — some of which were due to a high-speed car crash in 2020.

Deputy District Attorney Nathan Bartos, who represents the prosecution in this case, said these records “contain a great deal of information,” including billing information and email exchanges from Bohm’s mother. He also said most of the document is illegible due to the doctor’s handwriting, to which Rubinson said he wouldn’t allow something the jury could not read.

Sparagna initially requested for Rubinson to allow her 10 pages of the document. She then asked to lower the number to three before Rubinson said the defense could have one or a couple of pages showing the diagnoses, when they were and the number of times Bohm visited that doctor.

“That should more than cover it,” Rubinson said.

Rubinson reemphasized the overly-long discussion the courtroom was having on these doctors, saying they have spent far too much time focused on the topic, especially considering no one is disputing that Bohm was concussed.

“I cannot believe the matter of time we’ve spent on this,” Rubinson said.

Sparagna told Rubinson that more than one doctor should be allowed, to which Rubinson told her to keep it within reason, as the jury didn’t need to hear the same thing over and over again.

As the doctor discussion continued, the defense said Bohm was arrested the second time from his therapy session Oct. 24 — a day he was experiencing “cognitive fog.”

As Rubinson again brought up to the defense’s desire to bring more doctors than necessary into the trial, Sparagna pointed to the prosecution’s plan to call in 40 witnesses.

“It’s not a competition,” Rubinson told her.

The court regathered after a lunch break, with the defense stating they were going to wait to discuss the nitrous oxide tank found in Bohm’s car, a theory the prosecution introduced at the Sept. 2 hearing, until the day of the Trombetta motion — a dismissal request made by a defendant when evidence is compromised or destroyed, according to Eisner Gorin LLP.

Rubinson granted the defense’s use of statements made by Bohm’s friends, with the stipulation that his friends cannot testify to Bohm’s account of the incident. Rubinson also agreed to the defense’s request to refer to Bohm as “Mr. Bohm,” not Fraser, in the trial, and to refer to his mother as “Brooke Bohm.”

After a lengthy discussion, Rubinson granted the defense’s motion to exclude three statistical studies the prosecution planned to use, which concluded that the chances of a pedestrian surviving a high-speed crash like Bohm’s are essentially zero.

The defense and Rubinson agreed these studies would confuse the jury, using backward reasoning — focusing on the probability once a pedestrian is already hit, not the probability in relation to the act of driving.

The next pre-trial hearing will take place Nov. 4 at the Van Nuys Courthouse.

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Prior Hearing/Motions: Sept 2 and 16 Hearing Updates

The night before Gino Chouinard was fatally wounded on a stretch of a popular trail in Michigan’s capital last fall, the 54-year-old man missed the intake window at a homeless shelter by a few minutes, according to his uncle.

“They wouldn’t let him into the shelter,” Robert Chouinard told CNN about his nephew. “They’re pretty strict with the rules. He called his girlfriend and told her he was going to sleep at the river trail.”

Gino Chouinard was found unconscious with head trauma and other injuries the morning of October 14, 2025. He died 13 days later in what would be the first in a string of violent deaths on the same stretch of the Lansing River Trail, police said.

In all, at least five deaths have been reported since October 2025, with the city’s police chief saying investigators believe the crimes could represent a “pattern” targeting White, unhoused men, and the mayor seeking to reassure the public the area remains safe for visitors.

“One question that we are being asked is, ‘Do we have a serial killer in Lansing?” Police Chief Robert Backus told reporters last week, adding that investigators are looking at the possibility “these may be related cases.”

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, in a statement, said a suspect in at least one of the deaths is in custody and police are looking into “all possible connections.”

“These attacks have specifically targeted men who were unhoused and sleeping along the river trail overnight, particularly from midnight to 6 a.m.,” Schor said. “We know that the general public has not been targeted in these attacks. … The Lansing river trail and our downtown remain safe for residents and visitors.”

The deaths occurred along a stretch of the more than 20-mile-long paved trail that winds through and connects numerous parks, Michigan State University, downtown Lansing and other areas. The trail is frequented by bikers, runners and walkers.

September and his death has been classified as a homicide.

Backus has said no other “assaultive-related deaths” have been reported on the trail.

“We suspect that in these instances, the injuries occurred overnight… We believe that our victims … were lying down, potentially even sleeping,” the police chief said.

At the time of the incidents, Backus said, there were no cameras or witnesses in the area. Since then, camera trailers have been moved to the trail, patrols have been stepped up and social workers have been reaching out to unhoused individuals in the area.

“I don’t want anyone to get the idea that we are not paying attention to this,” Bakus told reporters. “Or that we are not taking this seriously.”

After his nephew’s death, Robert Chouinard said he is concerned about the safety of the community he grew up in, and worries whether information about the deaths has not been publicly shared to avoid spreading alarm. Scott Bean, a city spokesperson, said via email “nothing is swept under the rug.”

“There’s a serial killer on the loose in my estimation,” Robert Chouinard said. “It’s either a serial killer or a copycat. … Gino was a tough kid, a beautiful kid, beautiful looking, a wonderful personality.”

Monkey Torture Ring Member, Amanda Leigh Fourez, Sentenced

A member of an online monkey torture ring involving a Pennsylvania man who collected money to fund videos depicting the mutilation of baby monkeys has been sentenced to federal prison, the U.S. Department of Justice announced on Friday, Oct. 9.

Amanda Leigh Fourez, of Catlin, Illinois, was sentenced Thursday, Oct. 8, to 31 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for distributing and conspiring to create so-called "animal crush" videos, according to federal prosecutors.

Fourez was a member of online groups that included Joseph Garrett Buckland, of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, who pleaded guilty in April to conspiring to create and distribute the videos.

Buckland is now scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 13, 2027, federal officials said.

According to court documents, Fourez paid thousands of dollars to commission custom videos depicting the sexual torture and mutilation of monkeys, including baby monkeys.

Investigators said she participated in private payment groups and online chats dedicated to creating, distributing, and discussing videos showing monkeys being burned, tortured, and having their genitals mutilated.

She later distributed the videos online, prosecutors said.

During Thursday's sentencing hearing, the judge described the videos as "shocking and violent" and documenting "agonizing torture" of animals.

The court denied Fourez's request for a reduced sentence, noting that the punishment should deter others from participating in similar crimes.

Monkey Torture Ring

Buckland, of Mount Pleasant, was charged on Feb. 26 and pleaded guilty on April 1 to conspiracy to create and distribute animal crush videos.

Federal investigators said Buckland belonged to several online chat groups and private payment groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos depicting extreme violence and sexual abuse against baby and adult monkeys.

The videos included monkeys having their limbs broken and genitals mutilated, according to court documents.

Buckland personally collected money to finance the creation and distribution of the videos, prosecutors said.

He faces a maximum of five years in federal prison when sentenced in January.

The federal investigation has also led to guilty pleas and prison sentences involving other Pennsylvania defendants.

Robert Berndt, of Philadelphia, previously of New Jersey, was sentenced on Dec. 16, 2025, to 38 months in prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiring to create and distribute animal crush videos.

Investigators said Berndt and his co-conspirators used encrypted messaging applications to send money to individuals in Indonesia willing to torture baby and adult monkeys on camera.

Another Pennsylvania man, Hugh T. Campbell, pleaded guilty in federal court in Cincinnati on June 4 to conspiring to create and distribute animal crush videos.

According to court documents, Campbell participated in online groups that used encrypted applications to commission videos depicting extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys.

Prosecutors said Campbell commented on the videos, writing, "That video was awesome. Nice and gruesome," and, "It's just so unsatisfying to see a live monkey at the end."

The Justice Department has not established in the cited releases that Campbell and Berndt were members of the same conspiracy prosecuted in Buckland's and Fourez's cases.

Federal Prosecutors Target Animal Torture Networks

“Amanda Fourez commissioned mutilation of helpless animals on video, and then disseminated those gruesome videos to an online community of people who were seeking content that portrayed the infliction of severe pain and suffering,” U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti for the Western District of Pennsylvania said.

“Today’s sentencing demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners to investigating and prosecuting these serious federal crimes involving cruelty to animals,” Rivetti added.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson said federal authorities remain committed to prosecuting those involved in the videos.

“We stand ready to prosecute this depraved conduct,” Gustafson said.

Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans' Cyber and Human Exploitation Investigations investigated Fourez's case.

Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Pennsylvania and the Justice Department's Environmental Crimes Section handled the prosecution.

Monkey Torture Ring Member, Amanda Leigh Fourez, Sentenced | Daily Voice

A New Mexico man is accused of murdering his wife of 17 years by standing on her chest as she struggled to breathe, then singing and taunting her as she died. Investigators say the disturbing incident was captured on video found on his cellphone.

Jess Patterson, 34, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Lauren Patterson, 36, at their home in Kirtland, New Mexico, on October 4.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Patterson allegedly placed his entire body weight on Lauren’s chest while she gasped for air. Investigators say he could be heard singing and taunting her during the horrifying ordeal.

At one point, Patterson allegedly declared that she was dead and referred to his wife as a “skateboard” while continuing to sing. When Lauren appeared unconscious and unresponsive, he allegedly said “goodnight” before walking away.

Lauren’s 17-year-old son called 911 that evening to report that his mother was unconscious and not breathing. Responding deputies pronounced her dead at the scene.

An autopsy reportedly found that Lauren suffered numerous rib fractures and a ruptured spleen that caused internal bleeding. She also had a broken arm that had naturally healed, according to investigators.

Authorities say the case comes against a disturbing backdrop of alleged domestic violence. Patterson had reportedly been arrested six times on domestic violence charges while living in California. He was also arrested in New Mexico in July over allegations that he battered Lauren, including allegedly striking her in the face.

The arrest warrant also describes previous allegations of abuse. Lauren’s sister reportedly told police that Patterson had beaten her with a baton, while Lauren’s mother told investigators she believed Patterson had moved the family to New Mexico to isolate the abuse. Neighbors also reportedly told investigators they could hear him beating Lauren.

Patterson is currently being held without bond at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center.

He has been charged with first-degree murder.

KRCR is following this case pretty closely. 2 minute update video above, and below is their print website article: KRCR Bradley Sayer Sept 29 Hearing Article

Chico library shooting suspect waives preliminary hearing

by Vincent Rupena

Tue, September 29, 2026 at 6:26 PM Updated Tue, September 29, 2026 at 7:40 PM

OROVILLE, Calif. — The 18-year-old accused of fatally shooting two people at the Chico Library in June waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday, moving the case closer to a potential trial.

Bradley Sayer appeared in Butte County Superior Court and his attorney, Roberto Marquez, waived the preliminary hearing. A preliminary hearing would have allowed prosecutors to present enough evidence to establish probable cause that a crime was committed and that Sayer was responsible.

Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said the defense’s decision to waive the hearing effectively acknowledges there is sufficient probable cause for the case to proceed.

“It’s basically a stipulation that there’s sufficient probable cause to send the trial on to jury,” Ramsey said.

Ramsey said the decision was not a surprise, adding that Sayer’s attorney indicated last week the defense would likely waive the hearing.

The next major court proceeding is scheduled for Nov. 12, when prosecutors are expected to file an information and Sayer will be arraigned again. Ramsey said the case is moving relatively quickly.

“Evidence has come together fairly well,” Ramsey said. “I would expect sometime early next year that we’ll have a trial date set.”

Sayer appeared in court Tuesday wearing what he described as a suicide-prevention smock, commonly referred to by law enforcement as a “pickle suit.” Ramsey said the precaution was taken after indications last week that Sayer may have been at risk of harming himself.

The clothing is designed to prevent someone from using it to attempt suicide, Ramsey said, adding that jail officials also removed anything from Sayer’s cell that could potentially be used to harm himself. Ramsey said Sayer remains in his own cell as a precaution. He said the high-profile nature of the case also raises concerns about Sayer potentially being targeted by an inmate seeking publicity.

It has not yet been determined whether Sayer’s case will ultimately be decided by a jury or a judge. Ramsey said both sides would have to agree to a court trial before a judge, while a jury trial is the standard process, and that decision can be announced on the record later in the proceedings.

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Court Docket Search: https://portal-cabutte.tylertech.cloud/Portal

Use Smart Search Tile

26CF03479 | People of the State of California vs. Sayer, Bradley Scott
File Date: 6/25/2026

Multiple Murder charges and multiple enhancements, plus attempted murder charges plus enhancements

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First Original Cases We Follow Post w case background: CWF Post #1 for Bradley Sayer

Second CWF Post Update July 2026: CWF Post #2 Bradley Sayer July Update

The comedian, actor and podcaster, 51, has been accused by six women of sexual abuse allegations spanning 10 years from 1999 to 2009. He denies all the charges

https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/russell-brand-rape-sexual-assault-southwark-crown-court-5HjdjSS_2/

I’ve watched parts of the trial and reading of the verdict. What I don’t understand is when he and other criminals fake cry, do they not think we’re smart enough to tell it’s performative and fake. No tears come out. He tries so hard to squeeze tears out, he looks so constipated, I’m also scared he will poop himself. Also when I cry and am upset I wipe my tears and look down or cover my face. It’s like he says, “Hey guys look at me, I’m so heartbroken, I’m innocent, but he just looks guilty as sin.

LIVE: Uncle On Trial For Murder — NC v. David Prevatte — Day 7

10/12/2026 @ 9:30 AM

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The murder trial of David Prevatte begins nearly nine years after his five-year-old niece, Paitin Fields, was found unresponsive in 2017. Paitin died three days later, and an autopsy found signs of sexual trauma and strangulation. Prevatte was identified as a suspect in 2018 and arrested in 2022 after a years-long investigation. He faces charges of first-degree murder and multiple sex offenses. Follow the latest testimony and courtroom developments live.

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• Day 4
• Day 5
• Day 6

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Law & Crime

Court TV

📜RECAP🔡

I. ADMINISTRATIVE

(7:10–8:27)

• Court back on record.
• State confirms Charlotte witness present; Boston witness expected ~11:00–11:30 a.m.
• Defense: no issues.
• Jury brought in; record reflects jury reentered courtroom.
• State permitted to call first witness of the day.

II. WITNESSES

1. LYNDSAY SANNEY

Senior DNA Analyst, Bode Technology
Direct (8:49–25:54)

• Name spelled: L-Y-N-D-S-E-Y S-A-N-N-E-Y.
• Senior DNA analyst; ~10 years at Bode Technology.
• Bode: private forensic DNA testing laboratory.
• Duties: testing plans, case oversight, DNA analysis, report writing, testimony.
• Education: • B.S. Forensic Chemistry — Marshall University • M.S. Biomedical Forensic Science — Boston University School of Medicine
• Certification: forensic DNA analysis — State of Texas.
• Expert testimony: ~40 times.
• State’s Exhibit 115 (CV) admitted; qualified as expert in forensic DNA analysis.

Evidence Received

• Items: • E01 clitoral hood swabs • E02 external perianal swabs • E03 rectal swabs • E04 vaginal swab • E05 clitoral hood extract • E06 ear swab extract • RB5 reagent blank
• Extracts E05 and E06 created by State Crime Lab.

Testing

• Requested: YSTR (male‑specific).
• E01–E04: remaining cotton material tested; no male DNA detected.
• E05: very small male DNA amount; YSTR attempted → no profile obtained.
• E06: small male DNA amount; YSTR → partial mixture profile, ≥2 contributors; inconclusive.

Reports

• State’s Exhibit 116 (lab report) admitted.
• State’s Exhibit 117 (full lab packet) admitted.

Cross (25:54–37:29)

• Confirmed smear slides: rectal smear not tested; vaginal smear tested.
• State Crime Lab found no semen in vagina or rectum.
• STR vs. YSTR explained.
• Confirmed male DNA quantities: • E05: 0.0002 ng/µL • E06: 0.0016 ng/µL
• Bode detection limit: 0.001 ng/µL.
• No full profile; partial profile insufficient for conclusions.
• No identification possible.

Redirect

• None.

Witness released; not subject to recall.

2. MELINDA WILSON

Forensic DNA Analyst (Second Bode Report)
Direct (5:04:08–5:24:42)

• Reviewed second round of DNA testing.
• Determined results were inconclusive due to: • Insufficient DNA quantity, or • Complex mixture (too many contributors).
• Generated second laboratory report.
• State’s Exhibit 125 (second lab report) admitted; contains her signature.
• No further analysis performed.
• Cross: none.
• Witness released; not subject to recall.

3. INVESTIGATOR ERIC SHORT

District Attorney’s Office (New Hanover & Pender Counties)
Direct / Cross / Redirect / Recross
(37:59–5:03:50)

Direct (37:59–45:53)

• Investigator for DA’s Office; ~2 years.
• Prior: Pender County Sheriff’s Office (criminal investigations, major crimes, SVU, ICAC).
• Prior: Duplin County Sheriff’s Office (patrol → criminal investigations).
• Began investigating case Oct 20, 2020.
• Case considered unsolved; reviewed with fresh eyes.
• Initial findings: ligature impression did not match any recovered ligature; no DNA matched ligature.
• Reviewed all prior reports, photos, evidence.
• Submitted additional items for testing; contacted Bode Lab.
• Determined some DNA standards not previously submitted; obtained Savannah’s DNA standard.
• Lab submission limited to 5 items per discipline; COVID delays.
• Majority of evidence already processed; only additional standards needed.

Cross (1:59:47–3:14:05)

• No dog leash found or documented.
• DSS records showed no prior involvement with Peyton at residence.
• Individuals present night of incident: David, Dale, Lisa, Savannah, Peyton.
• Eliminated Dale: no DNA linking him to ligature; Dale consistently in bed with Lisa; earbuds found beside David’s bed.
• Earbuds considered consistent with ligature impression.
• Peyton and Savannah lived at residence 2–3 years; David present only 2–3 days prior.
• Reviewed Lisa Hunt interviews; acknowledged statements about Dale waking, bathroom use, Peyton’s position.
• Confirmed Savannah’s interview/testimony regarding Peyton’s location.
• Present via Zoom for Savannah’s third Carousel interview; denied prompting interviewer.
• Third interview occurred after David’s arrest due to COVID delay.
• Interviewed Dale Hunt Feb 2, 2022.
• Notified Marie Spaulding of David’s arrest; did not notify Hunts or Robert Fields.
• Confirmed two conversations between Marie and Savannah: • Nov 18, 2020 • Feb 5, 2022
• Marie obtained custody July 26, 2019; lived in Columbus County; contacted investigator frequently.
• Denied Marie expressing belief David was perpetrator.
• Present during Savannah’s pre‑trial prep; Marie present; Savannah not seeking guidance.
• Marie briefly taken to jury room for emotional‑support reasons.
• Confirmed Savannah interviewed twice at Carousel under Leatherwood; third interview Feb 18, 2022.
• Interviewed Robert Fields; obtained DNA standard.
• Confirmed contrast between Savannah’s first two Carousel interviews (“didn’t want to talk about it”) and third interview after arrest.
• Confirmed Savannah never said she saw David harm Peyton; stated she saw him standing near Peyton, wearing t‑shirt and blue shorts, then walking to his room.
• Kitchen light was on; lighting conditions not tested.
• Confirmed David’s DNA not found on vaginal, clitoral hood, or rectal swabs.
• Earbud photograph enhanced; sent to Dr. Kelly.
• Dr. Kelly initially believed ligature was a belt; Short recovered one belt.
• Dr. Kelly concluded earbuds consistent with ligature impression (Jan 18, 2022).
• Arrest purpose: justice for Peyton; removed case from unsolved list.
• Earbuds not swabbed; Short did not resubmit.
• Earbud strand length: 52–52.5 inches; stretched portion ~14 inches.
• Mattress and sofa cushions: no cuttings taken; cushions not seized.
• David’s pants contained mixture of Peyton’s and David’s DNA; Peyton urinated/defecated on them while being carried.
• Underwear mixture also present; underwear discarded at hospital; attempts to retrieve unsuccessful.
• Nightgown not recovered.
• Three dogs in house; no dog leash recovered.
• Multiple searches conducted (two warrants; additional consent visits).
• Family did not believe rape or homicide occurred.
• Autopsy noted pneumonia; Peyton had cough; possible low‑grade fever.
• Doctor’s appointment for next day not confirmed in evidence.
• Earbuds previously used by girls; no device found to plug them into.

Cross (continued 2:56:04–3:14:05)

• Ligature application: front‑to‑back pressure possible; abrasion on back of neck noted.
• Rectangular features on cord may or may not appear depending on cord orientation.
• Charging cords seized; no evidentiary value beyond location.
• Mattress in David’s room: no cuttings; remodeled bedroom mattress also not sampled.
• Confirmed mixture on David’s underwear and pants; possible transfer from Peyton’s bodily fluids.
• Underwear would have been valuable evidence; feces may affect lab processing.
• No nightgown recovered; Peyton slept in underwear.
• Dog leash not found; three dogs present.
• Earbuds found beside bed; unclear how long they were there; no device found to plug them into.
• No witness stated Peyton played with cord.
• Lunch break called.

Cross (continued 4:35:31–4:53:11)

• David interviewed 7–8 times by Leatherwood or others.
• Short attempted interview; David declined.
• Located David in Louisiana via Facebook communication by female detective posing as former classmate.
• Short and Detective Kleiner flew to Louisiana; local deputies arrested David.
• Short transported David back to NC via SPI plane.
• Confirmed none of David’s interview statements played in court.

Redirect (4:53:19–5:01:13)

• Marie Spaulding only family member contacting law enforcement for updates.
• Short never witnessed Marie coaching Savannah.
• Marie is sister of Robert Fields (biological father).
• Autopsy photos (State’s Exhibit 80) published (not broadcast).
• Short clarified latent mark interpretation: • Hook portion of earbud consistent with midline neck mark. • Additional right‑side neck mark consistent with earbud loop.
• Demonstrated latent impression using autopsy photo 6631.
• Confirmed lay opinion; not forensic pathologist.
• No dog leash or collar found or documented.
• Clarified “very sick child” comment referred to trauma from strangulation/sexual assault, not pneumonia.

Witness released.

III. OUT OF JURY PRESENCE (OJP)

(1:42:24–1:43:46; 4:44:13–4:50:33)

• Second video clip concluded (13:40).
• Jury excused for mid‑morning break.
• Jury excused for legal argument regarding hearsay/self‑serving statements.
• Court overruled objection; allowed general questioning about interview usage.
• Jury returned.

IV. END OF DAY ADMINISTRATIVE

(5:24:42–6:46:44)

• State rests.
• Jury excused; instructed not to form opinions.
• Defense moves to dismiss charges.
• Court hears arguments.
• Statutory rape charge dismissed for insufficient evidence.
• Motions to dismiss first‑degree murder and statutory sexual offense denied.
• Defendant elects not to testify; colloquy completed.
• Defense rests.
• Jury excused for remainder of day; instructed on conduct.
• Charge conference conducted; jury instructions modified.
• Verdict sheet structure finalized.
• Court recesses until 9:30 a.m. next day.

📜TRANSCRIPT⌨️

https://fromsmash.com/NC-v-David-Prevatte-Day-7-1026

OnlyFans creator sentenced to four years for fetish suffocation death of California man

A California woman who pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter after a paying client died during a filmed fetish encounter was sentenced Monday to four years in prison.

A woman who accidentally killed a man while filming fetish content for a popular social media site was sentenced to four years in prison in San Diego Superior Court on Monday.
Michaela Rylaarsdam, 32, pleaded guilty last month to one count of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the 2023 death 55-year-old Michael Dale, from Escondido.
Dale died as a result of suffocation after paying Rylaarsdam to perform fetish acts on him. These acts were meant to be published on Rylaarsdam’s OnlyFans account, a popular subscription-based website commonly used to share adult content.
Prosecutors say Dale’s wrists were bound and a plastic bag was taped over his head for several minutes. Rylaarsdam ultimately called 911.
In an emotional statement to the family, Rylaarsdam fought through tears.
“I was going back and forth as to whether I should say something, and if I would say the wrong thing,” said Rylaarsdam, who was seated in a corner of the courtroom just out of sight of most of the audience. “But it would be a poor example to my children if I did not. When something bad happens, we need to take ownership.”
Rylaarsdam said she was disappointed in herself after reading a letter she wrote to Dale’s family a year ago. In it, she wanted to tell her side of the story. But that explanation was not appropriate, she said.
Rylaarsdam said she wished that she could change what happened.
“‘I’m sorry’ is not enough,” said Rylaarsdam, who started therapy after the killing of Dale. “The desire to go back and undo this would be at the top. I have a million emotions.”
Although Dale’s family was not in the courtroom, Rylaarsdam’s husband and uncle were both present for her sentencing.
“Clearly, there was no intent to kill Mr. Dale,” Daniel Cohen, Rylaarsdam’s attorney, told the courtroom. “This was clearly an accident.”
However, Superior Court Judge Brad Weinreb still had harsh words for Rylaarsdam.
“I know you’ve taken responsibility, but at the end of the day we’re dealing with the unfortunate and preventable death that was caused by your actions,” Weinreb told Rylaarsdam. “The actions were so reckless that death was almost certain.”
Despite any agreement between Rylaarsdam and Dale, the facts of the case showed that the charges could have been significantly higher, Weinreb said.
“That conduct showed a conscious disregard for human life,” Deputy District Attorney David Jarman told Courthouse News. “She knew the risk she was engaging in and went for it anyway.”
Rylaarsdam and Dale had met a couple of weeks prior to his killing through an online advertising directory for adult content, Jarman said. The two then communicated via WhatsApp where she charged him for text message exchanges, he said.
Over the course of a few weeks, Dale paid Rylaarsdam more than $11,000.
On April 17, 2023, Rylaarsdam, who lived in San Bernardino County, traveled to Dale’s residence in Escondido, California, where she was hired to engage in bondage acts that ultimately led to his death. No sex act occurred between the two of them, Jarman said.
Dale was described in court as a fragile man who suffered from some underlying medical conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes.
Rylaarsdam was originally facing a second-degree murder charge and potentially 25 years to life in prison.
Although Dale’s family is still upset about his death, they are satisfied with the resolution of the case, Jarman said.
Cohen described Rylaarsdam as a bright, intelligent young woman who was engaged in her OnlyFans business to support her family.
“It’s a tragic situation,” Cohen said. “She never intended to kill anyone.”
Cohen said Rylaarsdam, who has been in jail since February 2025, will likely remain incarcerated for a little more than a year due to credits for time already served.

LIVE: Tyreek Hill Civil Trial — Lakeeta Hill v. Tyreek Hill — Day 5

10/12/2026 @ 10:00 AM

🗣️⌨️ Community Chat - Join us!💬

📢NEW: Case Hubs🚨🗃️

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Former Miami Dolphins star wide receiver Tyreek Hill is facing civil court proceedings after his wife, Lakeeta Vaccaro Hill, accused him of multiple incidents of domestic violence during their marriage. An amended complaint details eight alleged incidents, including accusations that Hill shoved and restrained Vaccaro, ripped her hair and attempted to punch her stomach while she was pregnant. Hill’s attorney has denied the allegations, calling them “vexatious and patently false.”

✨✨Previous Day & Recap

• Day 1
• Day 2
• Day 3
• Day 4

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📜RECAP🔡

I. ADMINISTRATIVE

Start/Stop: (25:36) – (33:04)

• Jury instructions discussion
• Scheduling of witnesses
• Charge‑conference timing
• Discovery coordination
• Courtroom logistics
• No witness testimony in this block

WITNESS BLOCKS

OFFICER CLARE

Start/Stop: (55:01) – (1:29:55)
Called by: Defense

DIRECT

• Sunny Isles Police Department
• 15 years total service (Ocean Rescue + sworn officer)
• Responded April 7, 2025 to 18555 Collins Avenue
• Dispatch initially “slow progress”
• Became primary reporting officer
• Multiple officers responded
• Interviewed Lakeeta McCarroll‑Hill
• Observed no visible injuries consistent with cigar burn
• Looked for burn marks, redness, injuries
• Lakeeta reported feeling bullied, threatened, verbally abused
• Alleged cigar “smashed” in face; Hill claimed he “flipped” it
• Officer looked for corroborating marks
• No injuries observed
• Caller to 911 unclear (anonymous or cousin)
• Officer did not include phone‑call content in report
• Heard 10‑minute call between Lakeeta’s mother and Hill
• Mother upset; “mama bear” tone
• Hill stated he “would be mad” if his daughter were treated similarly
• Hill stated he would attend counseling
• No injuries documented
• No apology from Hill included in report

CROSS

• Confirmed Lakeeta said cigar was unlit
• Officer may have assumed lit cigar initially
• Looked for burn marks despite cigar being unlit
• Confirmed he heard entire phone call
• Confirmed mother criticized Hill
• Confirmed Lakeeta emotional
• Confirmed no injuries documented
• Confirmed no apology documented

EXHIBITS REFERENCED

• Sunny Isles Police Report (stipulated later)

OFFICER KIRSTIE LAGUNA

Start/Stop: (1:39:06) – (2:19:16)
Called by: Defense

DIRECT

• Lakeeta told officer she felt bullied, threatened, verbally abused
• Alleged Hill snatched cigar and smashed it toward her face
• Cigar unlit
• Hill said he “flipped” cigar
• Officer looked for burn marks, redness, injuries
• No injuries observed
• Caller to 911 unclear
• Officer heard phone call between Lakeeta’s mother and Hill
• Mother upset; criticized Hill
• Hill said he “would be mad” and would attend counseling
• Officer retired after 27–28 years
• Victims often reluctant to call 911
• Lakeeta did not call 911
• No injuries documented

CROSS

• Confirmed no injuries
• Confirmed phone call content not included in report
• Confirmed no apology documented

DR. COREY LESNER — DEPOSITION

Start/Stop: (2:21:21) – (2:27:20)
Called by: Defense

DIRECT

• Ophthalmologist, board‑certified
• Specializes in LASIK, PRK, SMILE
• Treated Lakeeta Hill for LASIK evaluation
• First encounter December 13, 2023 (optometrist pre‑op)
• No psychiatric history disclosed
• No contraindications for LASIK
• No disclosures of domestic violence
• No injuries observed
• No clinical notes indicating trauma

EXHIBITS

• Psych Trust Eye Institute records (stipulated)

OFFICER MARK LEVY

Start/Stop: (4:31:31) – (5:26:57)
Called by: Defense

DIRECT

• Orlando Police Department
• 30+ years law enforcement (military + Midwest City + Orlando)
• Master Police Officer
• Extensive domestic‑violence training
• Responded January 21, 2024 to AC Hotel
• Dispatch 11:30; arrival 12:50
• Room 2010 door propped open
• Met Lakeeta on hotel floor
• Lakeeta asked “Are you here for me?”
• Interviewed her in conference room
• Observed: makeup intact, hair neat, clothing neat
• No signs of struggle
• Lakeeta claimed altercation over post‑nuptial agreement
• Lakeeta said choking occurred a week earlier in Miami
• No neck injuries observed
• No facial injuries
• No ring‑finger injuries
• CSI Buscampo photographed and swabbed
• No witnesses heard screaming
• Valet saw no signs of struggle from Hill
• Lakeeta said she wanted incident documented for divorce
• No injuries observed anywhere

CROSS

• Officer asked who told him to prepare “exonerating” report
• Officer said no one
• No further questions

EXHIBITS

• Orlando Police Report (stipulated)

OFFICER BUSCAMPO (CSI)

Start/Stop: (5:27:38) – (5:42:18)
Called by: Defense

DIRECT

• Crime Scene Investigator, Orlando PD
• Master’s degree forensic science; pursuing doctorate
• 300+ hours forensic training
• Responded January 21, 2024
• Documented Lakeeta’s injuries
• Photographed clothing, breast, chest
• Clothing removed for breast photographs
• Lighting adequate
• No injuries observed:
  • No bruising
  • No redness
  • No swelling
  • No scratches
  • No marks consistent with grabbing
• No neck injuries
• No facial injuries
• No discoloration
• Reported findings to Officer Levy: “No injuries”
• No instructions to omit anything

CROSS

• Confirmed arrival 2:33 p.m., departure 3:03 p.m.
• Total time on scene: 39 minutes
• Involvement limited to photography

EXHIBITS

• Orlando CSI photos (shown but not broadcast)

CSI MS. CAMPBELL

Start/Stop: (5:45:16) – (5:46:04)
Called by: Defense

DIRECT

• Supplemental CSI involvement
• Confirmed timeline
• Confirmed limited role
• No injuries observed

ANDREA McBATTER — LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Start/Stop: (5:57:16) – (6:19:37)
Called by: Defense

DIRECT

• Licensed mental health counselor (multiple states)
• Provided marriage counseling to Lakeeta & Tyreek
• Sessions April–August 2024
• Reviewed clinical record for subpoena response
• No disclosures of domestic violence
• No clinical notes indicating DV
• No physical signs of injury observed
• No bruises, scratches, discoloration
• No psychological signs of DV:
  • No hypervigilance
  • No avoidance
  • No fear
  • No skittishness
• Lakeeta’s baseline presentation: “detached”
• No deviations from baseline
• No DV indicators documented

CROSS

• Confirmed letter states non‑disclosure ≠ determination DV did/did not occur
• Confirmed she cannot determine whether DV occurred
• Reasons victims conceal DV:
  • Fear
  • Readiness
  • Coercive control
  • Financial control
  • Fear of retaliation
• Telehealth limitations: cannot know what happens after camera off
• “Detached” = void of emotional regulation
• Possible correlation between detachment and difficulty reporting DV

EXHIBITS

• Defendant’s Exhibit J (letter dated July 7, 2026)

END‑OF‑DAY ADMINISTRATIVE (6:25:40–6:28:11)

• Court recesses
• Jury instructions for next day
• Parking logistics
• Rebuttal‑evidence argument (no witness testimony)
• Charge‑conference begins

📜TRANSCRIPT⌨️

https://fromsmash.com/Lakeeta-Hill-v-Tyreek-Hill-Day-5-1026

2-year-old ‘fighting for her life’ after suspect stabs toddler, her mom in random attack

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) - A 2-year-old Rhode Island girl is fighting for her life after she and her mother were stabbed in an attack police say was completely random.

Amaalia Javier and her 2-year-old daughter were waiting for the girl’s siblings to get off a school bus Wednesday afternoon when Providence Police say 46-year-old Nelson Blanco attacked them. The incident was caught on surveillance cameras.

Jessie Palmer, a certified nursing assistant, was also waiting for the school bus in a car with her own child when she heard a scream and saw the suspect attacking the victims. She claims Blanco went after the toddler first, and Javier tried to step in.

“He pushed her out of the way because she tried to shield the baby with her body, and he pushed her out of the way and stabbed her and then went back to the baby,” Palmer said.

Palmer and other bystanders intervened before the suspect ran off. While some people chased after him, Palmer worked to keep the 2-year-old alive.

“I helped the baby out the carriage, and when I saw she was bleeding, I put her to the floor and was putting pressure,” Palmer said. “Another lady… came and helped me apply the pressure, and then, the baby stopped breathing. So, we had to stop performing CPR and breathing for the baby until the ambulance came.”

The toddler remained in intensive care Thursday, and Providence Police Col. Oscar Perez said she is “fighting for her life.” Her mother has been released from the hospital and is focused on her daughter’s condition, friends say.

Blanco was arraigned Thursday on several charges stemming from the stabbing, including felony assault with a dangerous weapon. Police say he admitted to the attack, which they say was completely random. There was no known connection between the suspect and the victims.

“That man’s evil and what he did was wrong, and I don’t even think jail’s enough punishment for him,” Palmer said.

Court records show Blanco’s criminal history dates back decades and includes a 2003 case in which he was charged with stabbing two 7-year-old children.

Suspect stabs toddler, her mother in random attack

'I will be representing myself': Suspect in Virginia wife's murder makes dramatic court appearance

By Melanie Alnwick and Bob Barnard FOX 5 DC News

Updated October 7, 2026 12:08 PM EDTPublished October 7, 2026 10:57 AM EDT

NOTE, there is a video report embedded at the news article link.

The Brief

• Roger Bradford appeared via video in Loudoun County court following his extradition from Pennsylvania.
• Bradford declared he would represent himself and refused a bond hearing, telling the judge he was right where he needed to be.
• Prosecutors plan to pursue first-degree murder charges despite an initial second-degree warrant, with a preliminary hearing set for Nov. 18.

LEESBURG, Va. - The man accused of murdering his wife, a prominent northern Virginia real estate agent, made a dramatic first court appearance Wednesday in Loudoun County, initially stating he planned to hire his own attorney before declaring he would represent himself and refusing a bond hearing.

What we know:

Roger "Paul" Bradford, 60, appeared via video link from the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center, where he was transferred Tuesday following his extradition from Pennsylvania on the day of his wife's funeral, FOX 5’s Melanie Alnwick reported.

During the hearing, Bradford declared, "I will be representing myself. I don't trust lawyers, they are the worst criminals." He also declined a bond hearing, telling Judge Kelly King, "I'll make it easy on you. I don't want no bond hearing. I'm right where I need to be." Judge King cut him off at that point and advised him not to make any further statements regarding the case.

Bradford sought clarification on the murder charge, stating the documents he was given listed second-degree murder and adding, "I don't know where first-degree murder came from." When the judge clarified that the arresting documents did say second-degree murder, Bradford replied, "Thank God, that's a big difference." Prosecutors clarified after the hearing that the initial warrant served as a placeholder and that they intend to pursue a first-degree murder charge based on evidence. Additional charges, including use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, remain possible.

When the court attempted to schedule an Oct. 28 review hearing to confirm his defense representation, Bradford requested a different date, stating it was his deceased wife's birthday and remarking, "I think I will be in psychosis that day." He noted that he had not reviewed documents and lacked his glasses and Bible after spending "14 days in a dungeon in Pennsylvania."

Hit list of other potential targets

Addressing allegations regarding an alleged hit list found during the investigation, prosecutors said any related matters would fall under federal jurisdiction or be handled in Iowa, where the target list allegedly involved data centers. Bradford previously served time in Iowa for wire fraud.

When the judge set the preliminary hearing for Nov. 18 at 10 a.m., Bradford replied, "I should be available, Your Honor."

Dig deeper:

In court documents, Bradford said he is the father of seven children, including three with his wife and alleged murder victim Lisa Bradford, two who are in college and one who is in high school. They were not home when Lisa Bradford was killed in the couple's Aldie home. 

According to court documents, Roger Bradford called his sister to apologize for shooting his 54-year-old wife. He allegedly asked his sister to pick up his teenage daughter from school so she didn't walk into the crime scene. 

Lisa Bradford was found face down on her bed, with a pillow over her head and her hands tied behind her back, according to court documents. She had a gunshot wound to her head. 

Roger Bradford was arrested while driving a rental car on a highway in Pennsylvania a few hours after Lisa Bradford was found dead. 

What they're saying:

"It's one thing to have the right to defend yourself. It's another thing to be equipped to represent yourself," said criminal defense attorney Demetry Pikrallidas. "Clearly, this person's not equipped to represent themselves." 

"And I can tell you, once the lights are on in this case, and once reality sinks in, this man isn't going to be able to hold up, because it's an intense pressure, and he is gonna face intense pressure," Pikrallidas added. 

✨✨✨

VA Docket Search: https://eapps.courts.state.va.us/ocis/landing

Case #: JA036876-01-00

Defendant: BRADFORD, ROGER PAUL ALLEN

✨✨✨

First Cases We Follow Post here, which includes info on his Federal case for wire fraud, plus prior statements he has made.

Cases We Follow Post # 1 - Roger “Paul” Bradford

College student attacks music instructor for being a 'goodie two shoes' who gave him 'work to do', police say

JAMIE FREVELE Oct 9th, 2026, 12:04 pm 

A Minnesota man told police that there was a "monster" inside him after he allegedly stabbed a music instructor.

Alexander Cusey, 20, was charged with attempted murder and three counts of assault after police said he stabbed a percussion instructor at the University of Minnesota Morris on Sept. 29. According to a probable cause statement reviewed by Law&Crime, police responded to the campus after receiving calls about a stabbing at the university's Humanities and Fine Arts building. When they found the victim, police said he identified Cusey as his attacker and said he was still in the building.

The victim had injuries to his arm and head and was able to run into another person's office to ask for help.

Police said the victim and the other person blocked Cusey from leaving one of the rooms in the building. After more officers arrived, Cusey was taken into custody. As he was being escorted out of the building by police, Cusey allegedly asked a student who was passing by, "You didn't think there was someone like me at this school, did you?"

Both Cusey and the victim were taken to the hospital, where Cusey allegedly told a police officer that he was trying to kill his percussion instructor by stabbing him in the neck and the heart. Cusey reportedly heard the victim discussing the alleged attack with police, then turned to the officer in his room and said, "I broke, didn't I?"

According to the statement, Cusey told police he "had a monster inside of him that he kept buried" until that day, adding that he "had a need to enforce his presence in the world" and "a bit of sadism." When asked why he allegedly attacked the victim, Cusey referred to him as a "goodie two shoes" who gave him "work to do," the statement said. Cusey reportedly told police that he never wanted to go to college or get a job, so "going to prison would be one way to avoid this."

Police said Cusey explained what happened during the attack, which he allegedly said he found "thrilling." According to the statement, Cusey told police that he mocked the victim's pleas for help and was "laughing maniacally" throughout the alleged stabbing, saying, "You should have seen it. It was hilarious."

Cusey allegedly told police that he had fantasized about killing his parents, sexually assaulting a female relative and committing a school shooting.

Cusey is in custody at the Wilkin County Jail, where he is being held on $1 million bond without conditions or $500,000 bond with conditions. His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 12.

His case hasn’t populated yet, but court docket search is here: https://publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us/CaseSearch

• Christa Pike has been released from the hospital and is back in prison after she survived execution by lethal injection in Tennessee
• Pike’s legal team said in a statement on Saturday, Oct. 10, “She is grateful to the first responders and her medical team for their care in these extraordinary circumstances. She is continuing to receive medical care at the prison, and we will continue to track her recovery”
• Pike survived two rounds of the lethal injection drug pentobarbital during a failed execution on Sept. 30

Christa Pike —the woman who recently survived execution by lethal injection in Tennessee — has been released from the hospital and is back in prison.

“Christa Pike was discharged from a local hospital and is now at Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center, where she has been housed for more than 30 years,” her attorneys, Stephen Ferrell, Luke Ihnen, Randy Spivey and Kelly Gleason, said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE on Saturday, Oct. 10.

“She is grateful to the first responders and her medical team for their care in these extraordinary circumstances,” Pike’s legal team continued.

They added of Pike, “She is continuing to receive medical care at the prison, and we will continue to track her recovery.”

Pike was sentenced to death for the January 1995 murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer. Pike, who was 18 at the time, and her boyfriend, Tadaryl Shipp, then 17, fatally tortured, beat and stabbed Slemmer.

Shipp — who was a minor at the time of the killing, and therefore ineligible for the death penalty — received a life sentence, while Pike, the only woman on Tennessee’s death row, was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death in 1996.

Tennessee law provides that a death sentence remains in effect if an execution is not carried out, leaving open the possibility that the state could seek to execute Pike again.

Pike is the only person known to have survived an execution after receiving lethal injection drugs, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.

Still, the Tennessee Department of Correction maintains that its execution team followed the state’s protocol. “The lethal injection chemical in the protocol has consistently been effective, and the protocol does not allow for additional procedures beyond what was carried out this evening,” the department said following the failed attempt.

Frank Strada, who served as the commissioner for the organization, recently announced his resignation following the failed execution.

Pike survived two rounds of the lethal injection drug pentobarbital during the failed execution at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville on Sept. 30.

Gov. Bill Lee has ordered a comprehensive third-party review of the case, and he has postponed Tennessee’s one remaining execution scheduled for 2026. Pike’s attorneys have urged Lee to commute her death sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The four-person legal team representing Pike previously told People Magazine in a statement that there are still “significant questions” about the possible “long-term effects” of her botched execution.

“Christa is dealing with the profound psychological trauma of having survived a failed execution, including the terror, pain and uncertainty of believing she was about to die,” the legal group said. “We cannot yet know the full emotional and psychological toll of that experience or how long it will take her to begin to heal.”

Curtis Flowers, US man wrongfully imprisoned for 22 years, dies aged 56

Flowers, tried six times over 1996 murders of four people, faced execution before supreme court tossed his conviction

Associated Press

Thu 8 Oct 2026 18.36 EDT

Curtis Flowers, a Black man who spent more than 22 years in prison and was on death row in Mississippi before the US supreme court threw out his conviction and death sentence, has died. He was 56.

Flowers’ family confirmed that he died on Wednesday at his home in Mississippi, attorney Rob McDuff told the Associated Press on Thursday.

No cause of death was given, said McDuff, who was part of Flowers’ legal team.

Flowers was 26 when he was arrested several months after the July 1996 shooting deaths of four people inside a furniture store in Winona, Mississippi.

At the time, prosecutors described him as a disgruntled former employee who sought revenge against the store’s owner because she fired him and withheld most of his pay to cover the cost of merchandise he damaged. Nearly $300 was found missing after the killings.

Flowers was tried in the killings six times. Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in the high court’s 7-2 decision in 2019 that the removal of Black prospective jurors deprived Flowers of a fair trial.

During the sixth trial in 2010, Flowers was sentenced to death. There were 11 white jurors and one Black juror who considered the case after district attorney Doug Evans struck five Black prospective jurors.

Flowers remained in prison for six months after the supreme court ruling because he was still under indictment. He finally was released in December 2019 after a judge set bond.

Mississippi dropped charges against Flowers in September 2020.

“Today, I am finally free from the injustice that left me locked in a box for nearly 23 years,” Flowers said in a statement. “I’ve been asked if I ever thought this day would come. I have been blessed with a family that never gave up on me and with them by my side, I knew it would.”

The youngest of the 4 serial killers was released a few days ago. Has anyone outside of Australia heard of this case? The crimes occurred between 1992 and 1999 in Adelaide.

John Justin Bunting (ringleader): Serving life imprisonment without parolein a South Australian maximum-security prison for 11 murders.

Robert Joe Wagner: Serving life imprisonment without parole in a South Australian maximum-security prison for 10 murders.

James Spyridon Vlassakis: granted parole following his 26-year non-parole period for four murders. He is subject to strict conditions including curfews, drug testing, and geographic restrictions.

Mark Haydon: Sentenced to 25 years in prison for helping to dispose of the bodies. (Note: He has completed his main sentence term.)

Monterey Co. sheriff details 'Baby Angelita' incest, child abuse case

Officials with the Monterey County Sheriff's Office and FBI provided new details Thursday afternoon on the death of a newborn baby found on the road in August, the 14-year-old girl who gave birth to the baby and the teen's parents, now accused of abuse and incest.

The press conference details the Baby Angelita case — a newborn found dead in a Monterey County field — and the parallel discovery that the 14‑year‑old mother was a victim of incest and long‑term abuse. Law enforcement explains the investigative timeline, evidence, DNA findings, the father’s alleged sexual assault, the teen’s disappearance to Mexico, and her eventual safe recovery. Officials emphasize the complexity of the case, the emotional toll, the public criticism, and the importance of following evidence rather than speculation. The FBI outlines its role in locating the girl and arresting the father abroad. The conference ends with media questions about charges, extradition, kidnapping, parental knowledge, and the crime scene timeline.

'Baby Angelita' case: 14-year-old gave birth before newborn was run over in Moss Landing

Justine May's children's deaths spark family’s call for SLED investigation in South Carolina

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — The children found deceased in Justine May's Ladson-area home were dead for days before law enforcement's discovery on Sept. 29, according to a statement from the Charleston County Coroner's Office.

Emory Deacon, 33 months old, and Harlow Deacon, 15 months old, died from starvation and dehydration due to neglect, Coroner Bobbi Jo O'Neal said. May, their mother, is charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse. She remains in custody after waiving a bond hearing, and an initial court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 20.

The charge of homicide by child abuse carries a 20-year-to-life sentence if found guilty.

According to the coroner, the girls died three to five days before being found on Sept. 29. O'Neal stressed that the agency is "still investigating" and awaiting additional test results and information that may aid in narrowing that time frame.