Showing posts with label General Public. Show all posts
Showing posts with label General Public. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

DoorDash Driver Apprehended and Charged in Connection with Alleged Attempted Sexual Assault 

In north St. Louis County, a DoorDash driver, Travaye Gaines, has been arrested and charged with an alleged sexual assault, a disturbing incident that unfolded in Spanish Lake.

Viewers are cautioned as the details of the incident are unsettling. According to prosecutors, Gaines stands accused of sexually assaulting a customer inside her apartment. The victim, who opened the door for her food delivery, reported that Gaines forced his way inside, removed her towel, and assaulted her. Fortunately, she managed to escape and seek help from a neighbor.

Following the incident, the victim received a FaceTime call from an unknown number, revealing Gaines engaging in inappropriate behavior. With the assistance of DoorDash, the police were able to determine Gaines' location.

Travaye Gaines now faces charges of burglary, attempted rape, sexual misconduct, and resisting arrest in connection with the disturbing event.

DoorDash Driver Apprehended and Charged in Connection with Alleged Attempted Sexual Assault

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Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Mother of Three in Houston Faces Homelessness Pursuing Social Media Influencer Dreams 

A mother named Kieria Jones and her three children find themselves without a home in Houston after relocating from Tallahassee to pursue dreams of becoming a social media influencer in 2024.

Expressing her initial motivation for the move, Jones explained, "It's mainly what I came to Houston for. That's where most of all of my favorite YouTubers are from."

Despite having no personal transportation, Jones managed to rent a car by utilizing disability checks for her son. However, her children expressed a desire to return to Florida with their grandmother, given the challenging circumstances.

"If I feel like I'm putting too much on them with me being stressed, then I would go back," Jones informed Houston Mayor John Whitmire.

Initially employed at Denny's upon arriving in Houston, Jones was able to afford a motel room, but the financial strain became overwhelming over time. Aware that her decisions significantly impact her three kids, Jones and her children sought refuge in a warming center during the January 16 freeze, prompted by dropping temperatures rendering the streets unsafe.

Unfortunately, the warming center unexpectedly closed on January 17 at noon, catching Jones off guard. Mayor Whitmire stepped in to connect her with assistance to address her precarious situation.

Mother of Three in Houston Faces Homelessness Pursuing Social Media Influencer Dreams

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Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Alleged Shoplifter Ignites Confrontation by Setting Store Clerk Ablaze 

A store employee, who made an attempt to thwart a man's third theft within a single day, found himself set ablaze during the encounter. Surveillance footage captured the disturbing moment when the assailant doused the worker with lighter fluid and ignited him.

The victim, identified only as Suraj for safety concerns, suffered second and third-degree burns on his face, neck, chest, and shoulder as a result of the attack. Speaking from his hospital bed, Suraj expressed the trauma he and his family are currently enduring.

"It's terrible. You know, I'm still in trauma right now, me, my family," he shared, highlighting the excruciating pain he endures during wound cleaning, describing it as "like over 10."

Having been a clerk at Appian Food and Liquor in El Sobrante for approximately five years, Suraj revealed that while dealing with shoplifters is not uncommon, an incident of this magnitude had never occurred before. On that fateful day, he and a coworker confronted a repeat offender who had stolen lighter fluid on multiple occasions. Suraj attempted to intervene, while his colleague grabbed a bat for protection.

"He just splashed lighter fluid on my face, and I was so scared at that moment," recounted Suraj. "I tried to cover his hand, but I don't know. I don't remember. He just lit the fire on me, you know. I just rushed to the restroom, and I just splashed water on my face."

The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office apprehended the suspect, 38-year-old Kendall Burton, a homeless individual in El Sobrante. Burton faces charges including assault with a deadly weapon, battery, arson, and robbery, and is being held without bail.

Expressing the need for increased safety measures, Suraj emphasized, "First of all, I would like to say nobody has to go through this kind of situation, and the small stores should have more security or something like that. The workplace should be safer."

Suraj, anticipating several surgeries and a prolonged recovery, is supported by his wife, Sabeena Parajuli, who initiated an online fundraiser to alleviate the burden of medical bills. He shared that his family is deeply affected, noting, "They cry all the time when they come here."


In Other SMH America News

Travis Kelce's ex-girlfriend Maya Benberry has branded the NFL player a 'narcissist and a cheater' - while revealing that she has been getting death threats from Taylor Swift's 'angry fans' after choosing to speak out about their budding romance.

Alleged Shoplifter Ignites Confrontation by Setting Store Clerk Ablaze

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Thursday, December 21, 2023

FBI Discovers 40 Human Skulls and Spinal Cords Used as 'Decorations' in Kentucky Home Raid 

On Tuesday, a Kentucky resident named James Nott was taken into custody following an FBI operation that uncovered numerous human remains and skulls repurposed as macabre decorations throughout his residence, authorities disclosed.

40 Human Skulls, Spinal Cords, and More Found Inside Kentucky Man's Home

The investigation into James Nott, a 40-year-old from Mt. Washington, Kentucky, was initiated by the FBI in connection with a probe into firearms and the trafficking of human remains. Upon approaching Nott's home on Tuesday, law enforcement officials inquired about other occupants, to which he disturbingly responded, "Only my dead friends."

Reports from WDRB revealed that the FBI found approximately 40 human skulls, spinal cords, femurs, and hip bones within Nott's residence. Shockingly, the skulls were utilized as ornamental pieces around his furniture and home, with one even adorned with a head scarf and another discovered in Nott's bed.

Aside from the human remains, authorities recovered an AK-47 rifle, a .38 revolver, and ammunition from Nott's residence. Additionally, WLKY, a local news outlet, reported the discovery of black powder primers, electric blasting caps, a detonation cord, and inert grenade components. The FBI disclosed that Nott had advertised the sale of remains on his public Facebook page the previous month. Investigations further revealed Nott's prior communication with an individual in Pennsylvania who possessed human organs and had affiliations with others engaged in selling human remains.

Among those connected to this network was Cecil Lodge, a morgue manager associated with the Harvard Medical School Anatomical Gift Program. Lodge, too, was reportedly exploiting Facebook for the illicit trade of stolen remains. The FBI's awareness of Lodge stemmed from information provided by a Pennsylvania man, who divulged details about a network involved in the sale and transportation of human remains.

James Nott appeared before the Western District of Kentucky on Tuesday for his initial hearing and underwent a detention hearing on Wednesday. Presently, the sole charge stemming from this investigation is possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which could lead to a maximum sentence of 10 years if Nott is convicted. The case is under joint investigation by the FBI and the Mt. Washington Police Department.


In Other SMH America News

A Florida mother killed her two children and then herself in an apparent murder-suicide after losing a child custody battle with her ex.

FBI Discovers 40 Human Skulls and Spinal Cords Used as 'Decorations' in Kentucky Home Raid

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Monday, December 18, 2023

Disturbing Footage Captures Police Rescuing Malnourished and Abused Children Confined in Cages in Las Vegas Residence 

A disturbing video has surfaced, revealing the rescue efforts of Las Vegas police as they intervened to save young children allegedly subjected to abuse, starvation, and confinement in cages by their parents.

According to court transcripts obtained by TV station 8NewsNow, one of the older children was brutally beaten to the point where the father, Travis Doss, expressed concerns to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police that the 11-year-old might already be deceased.

Sickening video shows cops rescue starved, beaten kids locked in cages from Las Vegas horror house 

The child reported being forced to share meager food supplies with siblings, going days without eating. A detective involved in the case recalled the child's account, stating that he stole discarded food, arguing that it wasn't theft if the items were from the trash. The child expressed constant hunger, indicating that he had to share a single large fry from McDonald's with all six siblings. The detective revealed that the child claimed to be confined in a cage "all day, every day."

Doss, the father of seven children, has been indicted on 40 charges, including child abuse, according to court records. The distressing bodycam footage from the police shows officers entering a cramped, one-bedroom apartment where they discovered six children aged 2 to 11, left alone with two dogs. Shockingly, two of the children, the 11-year-old boy and his 9-year-old brother, were found crouched inside a padlocked cage typically used for pets.

The 11-year-old exhibited severe injuries, including swollen-shut black eyes, numerous marks, bruises, and emaciation. The child disclosed instances of being beaten with cords, belts, and a pan by his father. Amanda Stamper, the biological mother of the 2-year-old child and stepmother to the others, also faces seven counts of child abuse, as per the indictment.

The LVMPD bodycam footage portrayed a challenging situation, with the children initially refusing to open the door for 15 minutes, following instructions not to admit strangers. After a maintenance worker convinced one of the children to open the door, the police discovered the children in the apartment with dogs.

The video captures the 11-year-old describing how his father had assaulted him inside the cage. Officers can be heard offering reassurance to the children, emphasizing that they are not at fault, and promising to provide assistance. Doss allegedly claimed he had "no choice" when questioned about confining the children in cages.

Contrary to the disturbing circumstances revealed in the footage, Doss, a rapper known as "Trap Montana," showcased a glamorous lifestyle on his Instagram, featuring images of him in exotic cars, mansions, and casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. Posts from September 2020 depicted Doss enjoying a beach day with his children, while another from June 2019 showed him fishing with four of the children and Stamper. Stamper's public defender argued that she was also a victim of Doss' abuse, pointing to her Instagram posts as potential evidence of her vulnerability to serious mistreatment if she had taken any action against Doss.


In Other SMH America News

The way a neighbor in Queens handled a noise complaint against the family that lives on the other side of his fence is now the subject of a lawsuit that alleges racist acts.

Disturbing Footage Captures Police Rescuing Malnourished and Abused Children Confined in Cages in Las Vegas Residence

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Saturday, December 16, 2023

 Texas Resident in $16 Home Forced to Leave After 8 Months

Kenneth Robinson, known for residing in a $340,000 home in Flower Mound, Texas, for eight months after submitting a $16 filing fee under the law of "adverse possession," has been ordered to vacate the property. Robinson claimed the right to occupy the home after the owner abandoned it due to foreclosure, and the mortgage company reportedly went out of business. A judge in Denton County ruled in favor of the current lienholder, Bank of America, allowing them to remove Robinson from the property.

Man Buys $300,000 House for $16, Neighbors Are Furious

Despite gaining local fame and creating a website and eBook about his unconventional living situation, Robinson complied with the court's decision and moved out. Adverse possession, a common law concept developed in the 1800s, allows individuals to claim clear title to a property after publicly occupying it for a specific period, usually ten years. The growing number of abandoned homes resulting from the foreclosure crisis has led to increased interest in adverse possession.

While some websites provide instructions on how to pursue adverse possession, critics argue that taking another's property without payment is an un-American notion. The National Association of Realtors stated that adverse possession is not common and not on their radar. Despite the legal aspects, ethical concerns arise, with some asserting that what may be legally permissible is not necessarily ethically right. Robinson's former neighbors criticized his actions, suggesting that if he wanted the house, he should have purchased it like everyone else. Critics emphasize the importance of respecting property rights, even in challenging circumstances.


In Other SMH America News

Nicholas' death was entirely– excruciatingly – needless and avoidable. We will get justice for him, the other children and their families.” Authorities discovered a trap floor and drugs hidden in the Bronx day care center where a 1-year-old boy died of a suspected fentanyl overdose, the NYPD said.

Texas Resident in $16 Home Forced to Leave After 8 Months

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Friday, December 15, 2023

Payless Successfully Markets Discount Shoes at Luxury Prices

Payless ShoeSource executed a clever marketing stunt by creating a fake luxury brand called Palessi, enticing fashion influencers to pay exorbitant markups of up to 1,800 percent for the retailer's shoes. The bargain store set up a temporary, high-end store in Los Angeles, featuring gold mannequins and a statue, and invited 60 influencers to its launch party. These fashion insiders, recruited from the street and social media, unknowingly paid prices ranging from $200 to $645 for shoes typically sold by Payless for $19.99 to $39.99.

Payless sold discount shoes at luxury prices — and it worked

The influencers praised the supposed luxury brand's design and quality, unaware that the shoes were from Payless. The elaborate prank aimed to challenge perceptions and remind consumers of Payless's combination of stylish relevance and affordability. The participants were later informed of the stunt, and while they received refunds, they were allowed to keep the shoes.

DCX Growth Accelerator, the advertising agency behind the campaign, strategically chose the name Palessi, playing on the cachet of Italian design. The campaign's goal was to bring Payless back to its roots of appealing to pragmatic American consumers, highlighting the contrast with elite fashion brand prices. The stunt underscores the power of branding in shaping perceived value and resonating with cultural codes, according to Doug Cameron, DCX Chief Creative Officer. The campaign, featuring stunned influencers, is set to air on cable networks throughout the holiday season.


In Other SMH America News

A man has been arrested and a woman remains hospitalized after deputies say the couple was involved in a vehicle crash as they tried to flee from authorities in a Polk County subdivision following reports of car burglaries.

Payless Successfully Markets Discount Shoes at Luxury Prices

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Thursday, December 14, 2023

Florida Homeowner Discovers $38K in Damages as Squatters Vandalize Property Upon Eviction 

Upon checking her home in Jacksonville before putting it up for sale, Pattie Peeples encountered an unexpected and troubling situation. Discovering two individuals inside her residence, claiming to be tenants, Peeples was informed that they had allegedly signed a lease and had a right to be there. The situation escalated when Peeples found a dog and ten puppies on the porch.

Squatter Cause $38,000 in Damages & Kick Homeowner Out of Her Own House

Despite involving the police, Peeples was informed that it was a civil matter, and law enforcement could not intervene. Determined to address the issue, Peeples initiated a formal eviction process through the courts. After weeks of legal proceedings, the court ordered the sheriff to remove the alleged squatters.

In the 24-hour notice period before their eviction, the individuals vanished, leaving Peeples to reclaim her property. However, the home had suffered extensive damage amounting to $38,000, including holes in the walls and cabinets torn out.

Peeples suspects that the alleged squatters intentionally vandalized the property as an act of revenge before departing. Highlighting the vulnerability of leaving a house vacant in the current real estate market, Peeples emphasizes the risk of attracting squatters, regardless of the location in the United States.


In Other SMH America News

Tiffanie Lucas pleaded not guilty Monday to two counts of murder. In November, police said a neighbor found her two sons - 6-year-old Maurice Baker Jr. and 9-year-old Jayden Howard - shot inside Lucas' home on Bentwood Drive. A judge ruled to keep Lucas' bond at $2 million.

Florida Homeowner Discovers $38K in Damages as Squatters Vandalize Property Upon Eviction

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Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Heroic Ascent: Man Climbs 19-Story Building Like Spider-Man to Rescue Bedridden Mother

 The individual who successfully climbed a blazing 19-story building in West Philadelphia last week wasn't attempting to flee the inferno, contrary to initial assumptions.

The man, known only as Jermaine, undertook this daring feat to rescue his bedridden mother on the 15th floor, all while nursing an injured hip. In an interview with CNN affiliate WPVI, the 35-year-old hero shared that he received a distress call from his sister on Thursday night, informing him that their mother was trapped in her apartment building engulfed in flames.

Black Philadelphia Man Goes Viral After Scaling 19-Story Building to Save His Mom

Upon arriving at the scene, Jermaine attempted to access the building through the front door, but it was obstructed by the police. Despite being denied entry due to non-functional elevators, Jermaine insisted he could use the stairs, to which the officers responded, "We can't let you in."

Driven by the unwavering determination to save his mother, Jermaine, who had injured his hip earlier that day, relied on sheer adrenaline. Armed with wire cutters, he scaled the balconies, navigating through the fenced-in structure. Describing his ascent, Jermaine explained, "When I grabbed a gate, at the top of the gate, there was a ledge. Then I could step on top of the ledge and reach up to the other gate and keep climbing my way up."

His primary concern was his mother's safety, emphasizing, "She can't get out of the bed or walk around, so if there's a fire, she needs help out." Upon reaching his mother, Jermaine discovered that she was unharmed, and the fire was under control. He expressed, "She was more shocked. She's not surprised by the things that I do for her. She knows I'll go over and beyond for her."

The fire was reportedly initiated by a malfunctioning trash compactor, leading to four individuals and three firefighters being treated for smoke inhalation. Jermaine descended the building as effortlessly as he ascended, with his descent captured on video and widely shared online. He anticipated potential arrest upon reaching the ground, but a police officer, understanding the circumstances, informed him that no crime had been committed.

Reflecting on the incident, Jermaine acknowledged the leniency shown by the police officer, stating, "He did cut me a break. He understood the circumstances. He knew—when your adrenaline is pumping and your mom is up there, you're thinking she's dying—you'd do anything you can."


In Other SMH America News

From frightening outbursts to furious judges, “Court Cam” gives viewers an in-depth examination of some of the most stunning and emotional courtroom moments caught on camera. Hosted by Dan Abrams, each episode includes interviews with judges, witnesses, and victims who give a first-hand account of what really happened during these intense courtroom moments. This comprehensive look at how the action unfolds allows viewers to sit in the courtroom as they witness crazy courtroom moments from the most high-profile trials to minor court proceedings.

Heroic Ascent: Man Climbs 19-Story Building Like Spider-Man to Rescue Bedridden Mother

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 Children Aged 5-10 Placed in Care Following Discovery at Drag Party with Deceased Trans Woman, Drugs, and Sex Toys in Cluttered Residence

Four children, aged five to 10, have been placed in protective care following a distressing incident in a squalid Boston apartment. First responders discovered the lifeless body of a black trans woman amidst a disturbing scene of sex toys and drugs.

Four Kids Found at Drag Party with Dead Trans Woman's Body on the Floor Drugs & Sex Toys Everywhere

Emergency services were alerted by an unconscious person report at 11 am last Saturday. Upon arrival, they encountered six adults, seemingly men dressed as women, who were uncooperative and denied the presence of children in the residence. The kids were ultimately found in a cramped room, concealed by an adult man wearing a wig, amid filth and a pervasive stench.

City Councilor Erin Murphy revealed that the partygoers tried to impede a firefighter from discovering the children. "When he opened the door, he saw four children and what I believe are two adults in the back room, and it was really disturbing to him," Murphy conveyed, emphasizing the children appeared frightened.

Authorities are treating the incident as a death investigation resulting from cardiac arrest, and no arrests have been made as of Wednesday. The apartment exhibited hoarding, extreme uncleanliness, and an abundance of sex toys and drug paraphernalia. The children were promptly removed from the hazardous environment and placed under the care of child protective services, where their physical and mental well-being was evaluated.

The nature of the relationship between adults and children remains unclear. The police report indicated no suspicion of alcohol or drug consumption, although the deceased woman's cause of death is yet to be determined. At-Large City Councilor Michael Flaherty asserted that the woman found on the floor likely succumbed to an overdose. He also mentioned the discovery of a man in a wig claiming to be the father of the children.

Neighbors expressed trauma over the incident, describing the scene as disturbing. Safety concerns were raised, with one resident stating she hadn't felt secure in the apartment complex for years, emphasizing the need for increased police presence. Another neighbor mourned the loss of the deceased woman, a friend of her neighbor, describing the situation as very sad.

The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families was notified due to the apartment's conditions, prompting an investigation. Council President Ed Flynn labeled the discovery as "inhumane and horrific," highlighting the need for oversight of housing inspections and eviction practices. The Boston City Council is scheduled to convene to address the situation, ascertain the details, and explore ways to enhance living conditions in public housing in Boston.


In Other SMH America News

Los Angeles police deny there is a connection between the deaths of two models whose bodies were found in luxury apartments just days apart — despite the women’s similar professions and the proximity of their homes.

Children Aged 5-10 Placed in Care Following Discovery at Drag Party with Deceased Trans Woman, Drugs, and Sex Toys in Cluttered Residence

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