Tag: Americas

IONE, Calif. (TCN) — Officials announced this week that a woman who died during a conjugal visit with her husband at a state prison had been strangled.

KCRA-TV reports that on Nov. 13, 2024, at around 2 a.m., David Brinson called officers using a family visit phone at Mule Creek State Prison and said that his wife, Stephanie Dowells, became unresponsive during her visit. Officers rendered aid until paramedics arrived and took over. She was pronounced dead at 2:51 a.m.

The Amador County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday, March 17, that Dowells died by strangulation. Officials are investigating her death as a homicide.

According to KXTV-TV, Dowells was at the prison for a family visit, which, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, occurs “in private, apartment-like facilities on prison grounds and last approximately 30 to 40 hours.”

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation told KXTV in a statement, “Family visits are a privilege, and incarcerated persons must apply and meet strict eligibility criteria to be approved. Only those who demonstrate sustained good behavior and meet specific program requirements are considered. These visits are designed to support positive family connections and successful rehabilitation.”

Records show Brinson, 54, is serving life in prison without the possibility of parole. He has been incarcerated since 1994. KCRA reports Brinson was convicted of four counts of murder with a firearm enhancement.

No arrests or charges have been made.

Dowells’ mother described her daughter to KCRA as “the most giving, kindhearted person.”

Her daughter-in-law said Dowells and her husband would read the Bible together. She explained, “He was in school in there because she was pushing him to try to be this better person.”

• Woman who died while visiting incarcerated husband at Mule Creek State Prison was strangled, sheriff says – KCRA
• A woman visited her husband in prison and ended up dead | Here’s what we know – KXTV
• Family demands answers after woman was killed during Mule Creek State Prison visit – KCRA

Source: True Crime Daily

TAMPA, Fla. (TCN) — An 18-year-old man faces a charge of murder after allegedly severely beating an elderly woman who then died months after the attack.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, on Dec. 26, shortly before 7 a.m., deputies responded to the University Area Park and found a “severely injured woman who had been brutally attacked and robbed.” Surveillance footage allegedly showed that the suspect, Antonio Gueits, approached the victim, 65-year-old Cerida Charon, and hit her in the face, causing her to fall.

While Charon was on the ground unconscious, the sheriff’s office alleges Gueits “stomped on her head” and caused multiple broken bones and a brain bleed. Gueits allegedly stole Charon’s purse and fled, but deputies took the suspect into custody later that day.

Charon remained hospitalized after the attack and was pronounced deceased around three months later, on March 16. The Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office determined Charon died of complications from blunt force trauma and ruled her death a homicide.

On March 17, authorities charged Gueits with first-degree murder. He also faces charges of robbery less than $750, aggravated battery great bodily harm victim over 65, tampering with physical evidence, robbery $750 or more but less than $20,000, and felony battery.

Sheriff Chad Chronister said, “This was a completely senseless and inhumane attack over nothing more than a purse. This innocent woman was left unconscious, suffering, and fighting for her life for months because of this man’s horrific actions. Now, with her tragic passing, we will make sure he is held fully accountable for this brutal crime.”

• Man Charged with Murder Following December Assault – Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

Source: True Crime Daily

In this episode of True Crime News The Sidebar Podcast: Terri Austin joins host Joshua Ritter to break down the biggest cases making headlines across the nation. They discuss the latest evidence in the University of Idaho slayings as Bryan Kohberger’s lawyers fight to have the death penalty taken off the table, Kimberly Sullivan allegedly holding her stepson captive for over 20 years, and Nichole Rice’s ongoing trial for the fatal stabbing of her roommate Anita Knutson.

Source: True Crime Daily

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (TCN) — A 34-year-old woman will spend the next several years behind bars after pleading guilty to killing her 2-month-old son. The infant was found dead in a couch cushion with drugs in his system.

Court records show Jennifer Cooper entered the plea for second-degree murder, second-degree cruelty to children, and possession of a controlled substance just days before her trial was scheduled to begin on March 18. WSAV-TV reports a judge sentenced Cooper to eight years in prison with 12 years of probation following her release in connection with the death of her son Randy Taylor Jr.

On Aug. 3, 2023, Chatham County Police Department officers responded to a home on Quacco Road and found the deceased infant. Cooper was reportedly at the scene, and officers arrested her.

According to WTOC-TV, prosecutors claimed Cooper gave her son a bottle, then fell asleep on the couch. Cooper’s husband returned home that night and reportedly asked where Taylor Jr. was. Cooper reportedly “discovered that she was laying on top of the baby, who was found cold to the touch within the couch cushion.”

A Chatham County prosecutor said at one of Cooper’s court hearings that the “living conditions in the home were deplorable, to say the least,” and there were drugs near where the boy was found. Both Cooper and Taylor Jr. tested positive for meth. WSAV reports a detective also testified that injuries were found on his “neck, back, swelling near the eyes, blood on the baby’s face, and then an indention on top of the head.”

Another of Cooper’s children died on the same couch a year prior from sudden infant death syndrome.

• State of Georgia vs Jennifer Lee Cooper
• Chatham mother accused of killing baby pleads guilty to murder – WSAV
• Chatham Co. mother accused of murdering her baby denied bond, 11/13/2023 – WTOC
• Jennifer Cooper indicted on child murder charges after previously pleading not guilty, 10/5/2023 – WSAV

Source: True Crime Daily

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. (TCN) — A couple will spend time behind bars in connection with the death of their malnourished baby, who was found in a dirty playpen caked with dried feces.

On March 17, the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office said a judge sentenced 27-year-old Margaret Lehman to 13 years and 30-year-old Mark Brittian Jr. to 13 1/4 years in prison for the aggravated manslaughter of their 11-month-old daughter, Marcelyn Brittian.

In September 2021, the Leesburg Police Department responded to the couple’s home to a report of an unresponsive infant. Officers reportedly noticed the home was in “deplorable conditions with a heavy odor of garbage and rotting food throughout the house.”

Police located Marcelyn Brittian in a dirty playpen, and she was “covered in dirt and dried feces.” Authorities attempted lifesaving measures on the child, but hospital professionals later pronounced her deceased.

According to prosecutors, investigators asked Lehman and Brittian Jr. about their child’s death, and they both said the victim and their 3-year-old child were “happy and healthy.”

Further investigation revealed Brittian Jr. had allegedly called two other people 15 minutes before calling law enforcement that morning. Medical examiners also determined the 11-month-old girl likely hadn’t eaten in around two to three days and was “extremely malnourished.” Officials arrested and charged the baby’s parents, and family members took custody of the 3-year-old.

State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit Bill Gladson said, “This is disgusting. The most vulnerable of our society has been victimized by the most evil. At least in prison, they’ll both receive food, unlike their innocent children.”

• Lake County Couple Sentenced in Manslaughter Case of Their 11-Month-Old Child – Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office

Source: True Crime Daily

FREDERICK, Colo. (TCN) — Authorities recently arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of fatally stabbing a young mother near her children almost 18 years ago.

According to a news release from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), on April 6, 2007, Frederick Police responded to a home on Larkspur Circle and discovered 25-year-old Jessica Bejarano’s body in the bathroom with a single stab wound to her chest. Bejarano’s two kids, ages 4 and 2, were inside the residence at the time.

Per an affidavit reviewed by KUSA-TV, Bejarano’s 4-year-old daughter told police she witnessed a large man come into her home and kill her mom. The CBI said officials investigated multiple leads, including the victim’s husband, but they learned he was at work when his wife was killed.

The case went cold for decades until authorities obtained a DNA sample and learned it was a match to Darrell Burklund.

According to KUSA, investigators interviewed Burklund multiple times throughout the years, as well as family members and other people connected to the maintenance company the victim hired for home repairs. Burklund reportedly worked as a contractor for a maintenance company Bejarano used.

Bejarano allegedly said she was “creeped out” by Burklund, who would do some of her repairs. The suspect’s boss reportedly fired him because of customers’ concerns regarding his behavior.

According to the CBI, authorities interviewed Burklund and arrested him on March 14 on a charge of second-degree murder. Burklund reportedly told authorities he knew the victim’s husband wasn’t home when he went to her home and knocked on the door. Burklund and Bejarano allegedly got into a dispute, and she scratched him before he “lost it” and stabbed her. Burklund reportedly fled to Nebraska and threw the knife he used to stab her out of his window while driving.

Burklund was booked into the York County Sheriff’s Detention Center and will appear for an extradition hearing before he’s transported back to Colorado to face charges.

According to KUSA, Burklund wrote a note to the victim’s daughter after his confession apologizing for his crimes. Part of the letter said, “If I could go back to that day I could [guarantee] things would be different. The things I put your family thru has worked on me all this time. As is your case my family meant everything to me. I don’t expect your forgiveness my conscience will torture me the rest of my life. If I could turn back the hands of time you, your brother, and dad would enjoy your mom while you were growing up. I’m so sorry this happened.”

Burklund was 54 years old when he allegedly killed Bejarano.

In a statement, CBI Director Chris Schaefer said, “This arrest is the culmination of years of tireless work by our investigators for the unwavering pursuit of justice for Jessica Bejarano and her family.”

The victim’s mother, Cece Merrow, added, “We are grateful for the diligent and hard work of the CBI and its cold case team (especially Agent Kevin Koback). We never gave up hope. Chris Schaefer, who was on Jessica’s case from day one, made a promise that he would not retire until Jessica’s case was solved. He has kept his promise.”

• 72-Year Old Arrested in 2007 Frederick Homicide of Young Mother – Colorado Bureau of Investigation
• ‘My conscience will torture me the rest of my life’ | DNA evidence connects 72-year-old to 2007 Colorado murder – KUSA
• York County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center

Source: True Crime Daily

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (TCN) — A 31-year-old man is in custody for allegedly battering a 25-year-old woman, threatening to kill her, and throwing her 1-year-old daughter off a balcony.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, on March 13, Milwaukee Police Department officers went to Froedtert Hospital regarding a child abuse claim and spoke with a 25-year-old woman who claimed Jaimann Eiland hurt her and her daughter. The woman reportedly told police that she got home at around 5 p.m. and heard her daughter cry. She asked Eiland what happened, and he allegedly claimed the girl ran into him. The woman and Eiland argued because she didn’t believe him, at which point Eiland allegedly picked up the 1-year-old and began shaking her.

Eiland allegedly put the girl down, then pushed the child’s mother. The mother sprayed Mace at Eiland before trying to call for help. Eiland, however, allegedly took her phone away and told her, “You gone die today.”

The mother brought her daughter out to a second-story balcony, but Eiland reportedly followed and grabbed the 1-year-old by the neck. Eiland and the woman reportedly started fighting over the child and pulled her back and forth as Eiland held her in the air. WITI-TV reports Eiland allegedly “intentionally threw” the child off the balcony before beating the woman for about a minute.

Eiland is married to the woman’s mother.

Eiland reportedly went to a local police precinct for an interview and described his fight with the mother as a “tug of war” over the child and that she fell over the balcony.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the child was taken to the hospital, where she was treated for abrasions to her forehead and cheek, as well as other bruising on her body. She did not sustain any skeletal or cranial fractures. The drop from the balcony to the street was nearly 16 feet. The girl’s mother has a sprained finger and required stitches on her forehead.

Court records show Eiland is charged with substantial battery — intending bodily harm, domestic abuse — infliction of physical pain or injury, and child abuse — high probability/great harm. His bond was set at $15,000. If he bonds out, Eiland must wear a GPS monitor and cannot have any contact with the victims.

• Milwaukee woman claims family member assaulted her and threw her child off a 15-foot balcony – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
• Child dropped from second-story balcony; Milwaukee man charged – WITI
•  Wisconsin vs. Jaimann Laurenze Eiland

Source: True Crime Daily

PROVO, Utah (TCN) — Investigators closed a cold case this week after they positively identified the remains of a John Doe found in the desert 42 years ago.

According to the Provo Police Department, 17-year-old Robby Peay ran away from a youth treatment center in Salt Lake City on Oct. 7, 1982. He was reported missing to the Provo Police Department and listed in national databases after he failed to return.

About four months later, in February 1983, a body was found in Arches National Park in Moab with a gunshot wound to the head. Police said the victim “appeared to have similar characteristics to Peay,” but officials could not positively identify the remains due to the amount of decomposition. He became listed as a John Doe.

Several months later, officials discovered Peay’s truck in Lake Powell, 350 miles from Moab. Police did not have any additional leads at the time, so the case went cold. His family filed for him to be declared legally dead in 1990, and they placed a gravestone for him in Provo Cemetery.

Peay’s disappearance remained a cold case until 2018 when a Provo Police detective entered the teen’s information into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). A forensic dentist reportedly noted that Peay’s X-ray data had the incorrect number. When fixed, the data “resulted in a high percentage match with the John Doe” found in Arches in 1983. However, the Office of the Medical Examiner required DNA for a positive identification.

Investigators learned Peay had been adopted at birth, so they worked to unseal court paperwork regarding his adoption. He did not have any living direct biological family members, but genealogical testing led detectives to an uncle. He provided detectives with the “much-needed DNA sample for comparison testing.”

Provo Police detectives filed to exhume the remains found in Arches. Around the same time, NamUs reportedly learned another agency had the John Doe’s DNA on file, and after comparison, it came back as a match to Peay.

Detective Sergeant Nick Patterson said in the statement, “Working cold cases as a detective is both challenging and time-consuming. Sifting through old files and photos, trying to reconstruct the past, can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But the moment you uncover that long-awaited lead — the one that has eluded investigators for years — makes all the effort worthwhile.”

• 1982 Missing Person Cold Case Solved – Provo Police Department

Source: True Crime Daily

Twenty-one-year-old Kelcey Fike was a beloved daughter and friend ready to live happily ever after with the love of her life in a humble mobile home. Tragically, the home caught fire, and responders found Kelcey’s lifeless body in the bedroom and her cherished dog deceased in the living room. But investigators determined the flames were a coverup for a brutal killing, and years later, the case remains unsolved.

Source: True Crime Daily