Tag: Americas

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (TCD) — A former University of Richmond basketball star was sentenced to prison this week for killing his 10-year-old son and leaving his body in a freezer.

WRIC-TV reports a judge sentenced Kassceen Weaver to 35 years behind bars, but he will reportedly only serve 20 of them in connection with the death of his son, Eliel “Adon” Weaver. He was convicted in July of felony murder, concealing a dead body, and child neglect. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports Chesterfield County prosecutors requested Weaver be sentenced to 55 years behind bars, saying Weaver’s actions were “depraved” and “reprehensible.”

Although Weaver was arrested in May 2021 and charged several months later, police reportedly believe Adon Weaver died in October 2018, according to WRIC. The autopsy indicated he died from blunt force trauma injuries to the skull as well as fractured ribs, though some of the wounds reportedly showed signs of healing.

Weaver reportedly spanked and hit his son in the past, and on the night the child died, Weaver called his wife, Dina Weaver, and said Adon Weaver was not breathing. Weaver reportedly tried to administer CPR to the boy, but he did not call 911 for medical assistance.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports Weaver’s attorneys argued the boy lived with an “underlying medical condition” that resulted in him dying. His attorneys said Weaver acted out of “omission, not commission.”

Adon Weaver died Oct. 23, 2018. His father reportedly left the child’s body in a crib for several days, but then it “started to smell.” After that, Weaver put the boy’s body in a vacuum-sealed bag and left it in a freezer for two years until its discovery.

Police reportedly began looking into the case after Dina Weaver’s brother contacted law enforcement about the boy’s disappearance.

Weaver reportedly played basketball at the University of Richmond for two years between 1993 and 1995.

MORE:

• Father who killed son, put his body in freezer sentenced in Chesterfield court – WRIC
• Former University of Richmond basketball star sentenced for killing son, hiding body in freezer – Richmond Times-Dispatch
• Kassceen Weaver found guilty on all charges on Thursday, 7/13/2023 – WRIC
• Virginia dad charged with murder of son who was found in freezer, 10/21/2021 – TCD

TRUE CRIME DAILY: THE PODCAST covers high-profile and under-the-radar cases every week. Subscribe to our YouTube page and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You can also subscribe to our True Crime Daily newsletter.

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PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (TCD) — A 14-year-old male is being charged with murder for allegedly shooting and killing his sister because a family argument ensued over Christmas gifts.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, on Sunday, Dec. 24, deputies responded to 2357 22nd Ave. SW regarding a shooting and found 23-year-old Abrielle Baldwin and 14-year-old Damarcus Coley both suffering from gunshot wounds. Medics transported Baldwin to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. Coley was also taken to another hospital in stable condition.

Detectives learned during the investigation that Baldwin, Coley, their brother, 15-year-old Darcus Coley, and Baldwin’s 11-month-old and 6-year-old sons went Christmas shopping with their mother.

According to Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Darcus Coley allegedly “was jealous that their mother was getting Damarcus more gifts than he was receiving.” This reportedly led to a “family spat about who was getting what, what money was getting spent on who.”

The family made their way to their grandmother’s house, where the argument continued. At one point, Damarcus Coley allegedly pulled out a .40 caliber handgun and threatened to shoot Darcus Coley in the head. Another relative reportedly made Darcus Coley go outside. The statement says Baldwin told her brothers to “stop arguing because it was Christmas,” but then Damarcus Coley allegedly threatened to shoot her and her 11-month-old, whom she had in her baby carrier. Then, he reportedly shot her in the chest.

Gualtieri said in the press conference the bullet punctured both of her lungs, causing her to bleed to death.

Then, Darcus Coley allegedly took out his .45 caliber handgun and shot Damarcus Coley in the stomach. He dropped the firearm in a neighboring yard and fled to Clearwater, where he was later arrested. Darcus Coley reportedly called their mother, then was taken to a mental health facility “due to self-harm statements.” He will be transferred to a juvenile detention facility at a later date.

Damarcus Coley was arrested on charges of first-degree murder, child abuse, and delinquent in possession of a firearm, while Darcus Coley is facing charges of attempted first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.

According to Gualtieri, Damarcus Coley’s criminal record dates back to when he was 12 years old and includes charges such as grand theft auto, minor in possession of a gun, burglary, and more. Darcus Coley was arrested in May for allegedly committing several auto burglaries.

MORE:

• Homicide Arrest – Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
• Sheriff Gualtieri Discusses Christmas Eve Murder – Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (TCD) — A 30-year-old man stands accused of killing his father, whose remains were found buried behind a home in November.

According to the Birmingham Police Department, Donald Cash was last seen in late September. Officers upgraded his case to a critical missing person investigation in October because investigators believed he was in danger.

On Monday, Nov. 6, personnel with the Birmingham Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons Division and Tactical Operations Precinct conducted a search warrant at a home at 1437 Brighton Road and found human remains in the backyard. The Jefferson County Coroner determined the victim had been fatally shot.

Detectives initially arrested Donald Cash’s son, Ledarius Cash, on a charge of abuse of a corpse. He was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on $250,000 bond.

On Wednesday, Dec. 27, the Jefferson County Coroner positively identified the victim as Donald Cash.

According to police, detectives obtained a warrant against Ledarius Cash on suspicion of his father’s murder. He remains held in the Jefferson County Jail.

MORE:

• Donald Cash Critical Missing Person Investigation Update – Birmingham Police Department
• Critical Missing, 10/19/2023 – Birmingham Police Department 
• Missing man’s son arrested after remains are found buried in backyard, 11/15/2023 – TCD
• Jefferson County Jail Records

TRUE CRIME DAILY: THE PODCAST covers high-profile and under-the-radar cases every week. Subscribe to our YouTube page and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You can also subscribe to our True Crime Daily newsletter.

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LISLE, Ill. (TCD) — A 51-year-old babysitter stands accused of stabbing two girls, ages 4 and 1, while babysitting the children in their home.

According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, on Nov. 17, shortly after 5 p.m., the Lisle Police Department responded to a report of a suicide attempt at a home on Matson Lane. At the scene, officers found a young girl in the bathroom covered in blood. Police observed the other child sitting on the kitchen floor covered in blood as well.

Police located the girls’ babysitter, Jennifer Kouchoukos, wearing blood-soaked clothing. She was reportedly in the bathroom where the first child was found.

The two children were rushed to a local hospital and later transferred to Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Officials also transported Kouchoukos to a hospital for medical treatment.

Further investigation revealed Kouchoukos allegedly stabbed the girls multiple times in their back and chest areas while babysitting them. Police reportedly recovered blood-stained knives at the scene, as well as an empty bottle of wine and a nearly empty bottle of rum.

Following her release from the hospital, Kouchoukos was booked into the DuPage County Jail.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and Lisle Chief of Police Kevin Licko said Kouchoukos appeared in court on Wednesday, Dec. 27, and was charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated battery to a child under 13, and two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Kouchoukos was denied pretrial release, and the State filed a motion for a psychiatric evaluation of her. She is scheduled to appear in court again on Jan. 12, 2024, for her arraignment.

The state’s attorney’s office did not disclose the children’s current condition.

Berlin said in a statement, “This is an extremely disturbing case for all those involved.”

Licko added, “What a horrific incident our officers were faced with, I cannot praise them enough.”

MORE:

• Pre-Trial Release Denied for Naperville Woman Accused of Stabbing Two Young Girls While Babysitting – DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office

TRUE CRIME DAILY: THE PODCAST covers high-profile and under-the-radar cases every week. Subscribe to our YouTube page and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You can also subscribe to our True Crime Daily newsletter.

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PHOENIX (TCD) — A 38-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder and other charges after her daughter was found dead inside a trash can on Christmas Eve.

According to Arizona Republic, on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 8 p.m., Phoenix Police Department officers went to 31st Avenue and Thomas Road after someone reported finding a body in a trash can. When they arrived, officers discovered a deceased juvenile female between 5 and 7 years old inside a plastic tote.

One day after the girl’s body was found, one of Sophia Simmons’ friends reportedly called police and said Simmons allegedly told the caller she beat her daughter and it “went too far.” Simmons reportedly said she left her house after the beating, and when she returned, her daughter was not responsive. Simmons purportedly left the girl’s body in the trash can five days after she died.

KTVK-TV, which cites court documents, reports the little girl had both new and healing injuries on her body.

Phoenix Police reportedly surveilled Simmons’ home and allegedly found evidence that someone tried altering the suspected crime scene. KTVK reports some of Simmons’ furniture was outside and there was water all over the home. A search warrant of Simmons’ phone reportedly showed she was driving back to Arizona from California. Data from the phone also allegedly indicated she was near the same dumpster where her daughter was found.

Maricopa County records show Simmons is being charged with first-degree murder, child abuse, and abandonment/concealment of a dead body.

MORE:

• Phoenix mother arrested on suspicion of killing daughter, leaving body in dumpster – Arizona Republic
• Mom arrested after young daughter found dead in dumpster behind Phoenix business – KTVK
• State of Arizona vs. Sophia Simmons

TRUE CRIME DAILY: THE PODCAST covers high-profile and under-the-radar cases every week. Subscribe to our YouTube page and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You can also subscribe to our True Crime Daily newsletter.

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STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (TCD) — A 40-year-old woman faces trial after allegedly attacking her boyfriend’s elderly mother in June.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office announced Dec. 28 that Laura Tisdelle was formally charged and bound over to court in connection with the alleged torture and abuse of her boyfriend’s 80-year-old mother.

According to the prosecutor’s office, on Wednesday, June 21, Tisdelle’s boyfriend came home following a five-day trip and found his mother “restrained to the bed, severely beaten and laying in her own urine and feces.” Officials transported the victim to the hospital to treat her critical injuries.

Tisdelle was reportedly the victim’s sole caregiver at the time.

Prosecutors charged Tisdelle with torture, first-degree vulnerable adult abuse, unlawful imprisonment, and domestic violence.

Tisdelle is set to appear in court again on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

In a statement, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said, “We are committed to pursuing justice for the alleged torture and abuse inflicted upon this elderly woman. This commitment drives us to passionately advocate for the dignity and well-being of individuals who are unable to protect themselves.”

MORE:

• Woman Bound Over to Macomb County Circuit Court for Torturing Elderly Woman – Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
• Woman Arraigned for Torturing Elderly Woman, 6/23/2023 – Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office

TRUE CRIME DAILY: THE PODCAST covers high-profile and under-the-radar cases every week. Subscribe to our YouTube page and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You can also subscribe to our True Crime Daily newsletter.

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CHILLICOTHE, Mo. (TCD) — Gypsy Rose Blanchard, 32-year-old whose story became widespread through true crime documentaries and television miniseries, was released on parole early Thursday morning.

The Springfield News-Leader reports Blanchard left the Chillicothe Correctional Center Thursday, Dec. 28, at approximately 3 a.m. after serving 85% of her 10-year sentence for her role in the death of her mother, Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard.

Dee Dee Blanchard suffered from Munchausen syndrome by proxy and made her daughter and doctors believe Gypsy Blanchard had cancer and other diseases. Blanchard often had to undergo treatments for sicknesses she never actually had. Blanchard was confined to a wheelchair and made to believe she could not walk, which resulted in gifts and other compensation from charities and organizations to help fund the treatment.

Dee Dee Blanchard was found stabbed to death in their home June 14, 2015, according to the Springfield News-Leader. Investigators learned Blanchard met her boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, on a dating website and later worked with him to have him kill Dee Dee Blanchard. Authorities tracked Blanchard and Godejohn to his home state of Wisconsin, where they were later arrested.

Blanchard pleaded guilty in July 2016 to second-degree murder. Godejohn was sentenced to life in prison, though he is reportedly trying to appeal for a new trial.

MORE:

• Gypsy Blanchard released from prison early Thursday morning, Missouri DOC confirms – Springfield News-Leader
• Everything you need to know about Dee Dee and Gypsy Rose Blanchard, 5/10/2017 – Springfield News-Leader

TRUE CRIME DAILY: THE PODCAST covers high-profile and under-the-radar cases every week. Subscribe to our YouTube page and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You can also subscribe to our True Crime Daily newsletter.

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SAN ANTONIO (TCD) — Police are investigating a “very, very perplexing crime scene” after a missing pregnant teen and her boyfriend were found fatally shot inside a car.

Eighteen-year-old Savanah Nicole Soto was reported missing to the Leon Valley Police Department after she was last seen Friday, Dec. 22, at approximately 2 p.m. Police said Soto was pregnant and already past her due date, which “caused significant concern among her family members after missing an essential medical appointment.”

According to KENS-TV, Soto was supposed to be induced Saturday, Dec. 23, because she was overdue by a week, but she never showed up to the appointment.

Her family contacted the San Antonio Police Department, and police issued a CLEAR Alert, which is used for “locating and rescuing missing, kidnapped or abducted adults or adults who are in immediate danger of injury or death, as well as aid in locating any potential suspect.” The alert said Soto was likely traveling in a gray Kia Optima.

In a press briefing Tuesday, Dec. 26, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus announced officers located two deceased adults inside a gray Kia on the 5900 block of Danny Kaye. He believes the victims are Soto and her boyfriend, 22-year-old Matthew Guerra.

McManus said detectives are investigating the case as a “possible murder,” which he called “complex.” He thinks the victims were in the car for “possibly three to four days.”

KENS reports an updated police report indicated the victims died from apparent gunshot wounds and that an unborn child had also been killed. Police are reportedly investigating it as a capital murder case.

MORE:

• Missing Person Alert – Leon Valley Police Department
• Clear Alert – Texas Department of Public Safety
• Chief McManus briefing on a murder investigation on the 5900 block of Danny Kaye – San Antonio Police Department
• Pregnant teen and boyfriend found dead, family says; SAPD investigating as capital murder case – KENS

TRUE CRIME DAILY: THE PODCAST covers high-profile and under-the-radar cases every week. Subscribe to our YouTube page and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You can also subscribe to our True Crime Daily newsletter.

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CROMWELL, Conn. (TCD) — Police arrested a 24-year-old woman on suspicion of drowning her 2-year-old child and engaging in a destructive car pursuit.

Connecticut State Police announced Devoni Miller’s arrest on Thursday, Dec. 21. She was charged with murder, first-degree reckless endangerment, interfering with an emergency call, reckless driving, evading responsibility in operation of other vehicles, and risk of injury to a child.

According to the arrest warrant, on Sept. 11, at around 5:20 p.m., troopers responded to the area of Route 9 South Exit 25 in reference to a car accident. Police later learned Miller caused the accident.

The car crash victim reportedly said Miller “never slowed down before striking her vehicle.” After hitting the car, the victim said Miller “proceeded to back up and strike her vehicle two more times while attempting to evade the scene.”

According to the warrant, Miller fled toward the Route 9 South Exit 25 on-ramp and hit another car in front of her. She fled at a high rate of speed and eventually ended up hitting a metal beam guardrail near the Connecticut River.

At approximately 5:31 p.m., a 911 caller said she saw Miller pull over with a child in her arms. The victim reportedly got out of her car to check on Miller. Miller allegedly went up to the witness and hugged her, stating “You can’t call 911, I can’t go back there. They are going to take me back there.”

According to the warrant, the witness told police Miller kept trying to pull away her phone. The witness eventually called 911 from her car, but Miller reportedly made her way into the vehicle and ended it. Miller then exited the witness’ car and reportedly drove off with her child.

According to the warrant, Cromwell Police and Connecticut State Police K-9 units responded to the area to find Miller and her child. They reportedly found her walking near Route 9 North toward the car crash site.

At the time, Miller was allegedly only in her underwear, but she “appeared mostly calm and uninjured.”

Police asked about her clothes, and Miller reportedly said, “I had to get rid of it.” She also said that her child was “floating.”

According to the warrant, Miller pointed toward the water and said police should look for her child there. She reportedly “made statements that included ‘just kill me’ when asked if she wanted to stay warm and sit in a car.” Additionally, the warrant alleges Miller told police “I’m not crazy, just a little depressed,” and “Just take me to jail.”

Portland Fire Department personnel found the child on a pile of rocks in the Connecticut River. The victim was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead at around 9:23 p.m.

During an interview with detectives, the warrant alleges Miller’s family said she “began acting strange” around the time of her child’s birthday, and she seemed “disinterested and emotionless.”

Miller allegedly made “multiple physical and emotional outbursts towards family” before the drowning death of her child.

Police said Miller’s bond was set at $1 million, and she is in the custody of the Connecticut Department of Corrections pending her arraignment on Dec. 22.

MORE:

• State Police Investigate Cromwell MVA on Route 9, Suspicious Death – Connecticut State Police
• Arrest Warrant – Connecticut Superior Court

TRUE CRIME DAILY: THE PODCAST covers high-profile and under-the-radar cases every week. Subscribe to our YouTube page and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You can also subscribe to our True Crime Daily newsletter.

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In this episode of True Crime Daily The Sidebar Podcast: Host Joshua Ritter reviews some of the most-watched trials of 2023, including high-profile convictions, surprising verdicts, and murder mysteries that may finally be reaching their conclusion.

Tweet your questions for future episodes to Joshua Ritter using the hashtag #TCDSidebar.

YouTube: Shocking murders defy explanation; Convicted predators face justice – TCD Sidebar

TRUE CRIME DAILY: THE PODCAST covers high-profile and under-the-radar cases every week. Subscribe to our YouTube page and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You can also subscribe to our True Crime Daily newsletter.

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