Fatal Stabbing Outside McDonald's: 16-Year-Old Girl Loses Life in Alleged Sweet-and-Sour Sauce Dispute 

A 16-year-old girl has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of another 16-year-old female outside a McDonald’s in Washington, D.C. The incident, described by authorities as a dispute over sweet-and-sour sauce, resulted in the death of Naima Liggon from Waldorf, Maryland.

According to Metro Police, they responded to a report of a juvenile with stab wounds early Sunday morning. Liggon succumbed to her injuries at a hospital. The fatal stabbing occurred outside a McDonald’s in the 1900 block of 14th Street, Northwest. Liggon was transported to the hospital in a privately-owned vehicle. The police arrested a 16-year-old female, also from Waldorf, charging her with second-degree murder while armed. The suspect was found in possession of a knife during the arrest.

Detective Brendan Jasper testified at a D.C. Superior Court hearing, stating that the fatal stabbing stemmed from a dispute over sweet-and-sour sauce among three girls outside the restaurant. Liggon and another girl allegedly assaulted the 16-year-old suspect, who, based on surveillance footage, did not initially fight back. As Liggon and the other girl were about to enter a vehicle, the 16-year-old suspect approached Liggon with a 7.5-inch pocketknife, stabbing her in the abdomen and chest.

Prosecutors reported that the suspect was located a block away. The court heard that Liggon and the suspect, part of a group from Oxon Hill, Maryland, had driven to a party in D.C. After the party, they went to the McDonald’s. The suspect’s attorney claimed self-defense, emphasizing the lack of a prior criminal history. D.C. Superior Court Judge Sherri Beatty-Arthur ordered the juvenile suspect to be held until a new hearing on Friday, stating, "At the end of the day, someone is dead over a dispute over sauce."

Naima Liggon's mother, Joy Liggon, called the incident "senseless" and expressed disbelief that a fight over sweet-and-sour sauce could lead to murder. Naima Liggon was a student at Thomas Stone High School in Waldorf, and the school community received a statement from the principal expressing condolences and asking for thoughts and prayers for Liggon’s family and friends.

Fatal Stabbing Outside McDonald's: 16-Year-Old Girl Loses Life in Alleged Sweet-and-Sour Sauce Dispute

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California Mother Undergoes Limb Amputation Due to Bacterial Infection After Consuming Undercooked Tilapia 

A California mother, Laura Barajas, underwent amputation of all her limbs after consuming undercooked tilapia, leading to a severe infection. Purchased from a local market in San Jose last month, the fish was prepared and eaten at home by Barajas. Her friend, Anna Messina, detailed the situation in a GoFundMe campaign, explaining that Barajas spent over a month in the hospital battling an infection caused by Vibrio vulnificus bacteria. On Wednesday, she underwent the drastic measure of limb amputation.

Messina urged support for Barajas' family during this challenging time, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of such incidents that could impact anyone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory on September 1, warning of an uptick in Vibrio vulnificus bacterial infections in the United States due to rising water temperatures.

Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium thriving in warmer Gulf of Mexico waters, causes approximately 80,000 illnesses in the U.S. annually, according to the CDC. In a separate incident in Galveston, Texas, a man died over Labor Day Weekend after consuming oysters contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus.

Symptoms of a Vibrio vulnificus infection include watery diarrhea, stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Additionally, infected wounds may exhibit redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration, and discharge. The CDC identifies the most common cause of Vibrio infections as the consumption of undercooked or raw oysters and shellfish, advising against such practices. Proper cooking and hand hygiene, especially after handling raw shellfish, are recommended preventive measures. The CDC also cautions individuals with open wounds to avoid saltwater exposure to minimize the risk of Vibrio infection.

California Mother Undergoes Limb Amputation Due to Bacterial Infection After Consuming Undercooked Tilapia

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Florida Single Mom Falls Victim to Elaborate Scam: Concrete Driveway Stolen After Putting Home on Market, Leaving Her with $10k Replacement Bill 

A Florida mother faced a costly scam after putting her home up for sale, as scammers orchestrated the removal of her driveway, leaving her with a $10,000 bill for replacement just weeks before her planned move.

Amanda Brochu listed her home in Apopka, Florida, for sale in December. Soon after, individuals arrived at her $289,000 property, attempting to measure her concrete driveway. One contractor revealed that a person named Andre had inquired about a driveway replacement quote at Brochu's address but backed out when asked for payment and proof of ownership.

As Brochu was preparing to leave for the holidays, she received a doorbell camera notification that crews were tearing up her driveway. Upon her return, she found her driveway gone, having fallen victim to a scam where scammers enlist contractors to work on homes, leaving the homeowner responsible for the bill.

The contractor Brochu confronted showed her text messages indicating that Andre had received a $7,200 quote for driveway replacement and had agreed to it but claimed he couldn't provide the deposit. Brochu contacted the Orange County Sheriff's Office, leading to an attempt to contact Andre.

Initially, Andre denied the accusations and hung up on the police, later stating it was a mistake and providing them with a supposed contractor's number, which turned out to be the Orlando airport's phone number. Subsequently, her driveway was removed, leaving a dirt track.

Unable to afford the $10,000 replacement cost, Brochu sought help. A local radio sponsor, upon learning about the incident, offered to replace the driveway for free. Brochu plans to donate the funds raised from her GoFundMe to charity.

Brochu's real estate agent, Rocki Sanchez, expressed shock at the situation and learned it might be part of a scam. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom house is currently listed on Zillow for $289,990, with a commitment to install a new driveway before closing.

Florida Single Mom Falls Victim to Elaborate Scam: Concrete Driveway Stolen After Putting Home on Market, Leaving Her with $10k Replacement Bill

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Two Boys, Aged 12 and 17, Accused of Killing Three Teens in Marion County; $10,000 Reward for Capture of At-Large Suspect 

Two teenagers, aged 12 and 17, are facing first-degree murder charges in Marion County after allegedly killing three teenagers, while another suspect, a 16-year-old, remains at large. The victims, two girls and a boy, were found with gunshot wounds in the Ocklawaha area over the past week.

Sheriff Billy Woods disclosed that the suspects fled the scene after simultaneously killing the three teenagers, leaving behind substantial evidence. The arrested individuals are Robert Robinson, 17, and Christopher Atkins, 12, both charged with first-degree murder. The third suspect, Tahj Brewton, 16, is still on the run.

A $10,000 reward has been announced for information leading to Brewton's arrest, and Sheriff Woods urged anyone with knowledge about his whereabouts to come forward.

While the motive for the shootings does not appear to be linked to gang rivalry, Sheriff Woods mentioned that all the teenagers, both suspects and victims, were associated with gangs. The suspects were known for committing burglaries and robberies in the area, obtaining the gun used in the killings through these criminal activities.

The sheriff emphasized that the suspects and victims had previously collaborated on burglaries and robberies but had a falling out, leading to the tragic turn of events. Sheriff Woods stated, "There is no honor among the thieves, and at some point, these three individuals turned on our three victims and murdered them."

Two Boys, Aged 12 and 17, Accused of Killing Three Teens in Marion County; $10,000 Reward for Capture of At-Large Suspect

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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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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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Uber Driver Caught on Camera Sexually Assaulting Woman After Pretending to Rescue Her 

A man who sexually assaulted a woman under the guise of rescuing her from another attack has pleaded guilty to the crime, captured on a live webcam. Kerry Calvin Gasag received a 10-year sentence for sexually violating a 34-year-old woman at a Florida tourist hotspot. Initially perceived as a rescuer when he posed as an Uber driver, Gasag later demanded sex, prompting the victim to escape the vehicle in panic. Gasag pursued and raped her near the Southernmost Point buoy in Key West. The entire incident was recorded on the tourist hotspot's live webcam, leading to prompt intervention by a Boston-based emergency services dispatcher, who contacted local police.

The dispatcher, monitoring the webcam, reported, "I could almost swear that I saw somebody get raped." The footage depicted Gasag restraining the woman in a headlock, resisting his advances, and the subsequent assault behind the iconic landmark. Witnesses and the live webcam assisted in locating the victim, who was found nude, crying, and screaming. Gasag returned to the crime scene that night to collect the victim's clothes in an attempt to conceal evidence.

Despite the video evidence, it took two years for Gasag to be arrested and charged with sexual battery, false imprisonment, and evidence tampering. Assistant Monroe County State Attorney Joseph Mansfield revealed that Gasag, facing up to 25 years in prison if the case went to trial, received a 10-year sentence with five years probation for pleading guilty.

The initial attacker, Jorge Calderon Nunez, alleged to have been involved in the earlier assault, is currently held in Miami-Dade County jail on a $225,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court later this month on charges related to the previous attack.

Uber Driver Caught on Camera Sexually Assaulting Woman After Pretending to Rescue Her

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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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 Report Reveals Kansas Agency Investigated Family of Girl 5 Times Before Her Tragic Death

Child welfare authorities investigated the family of a 5-year-old Kansas girl, Zoey Felix, five times in the 13 months preceding her tragic rape and murder, as detailed in a report released on Tuesday. Despite allegations of neglect and drug use by her mother, authorities were unable to confirm these claims, and the family consistently declined to offer assistance.

5-year-old Kansas girl Raped and Killed at Homeless Campsite

The State Department of Children and Families report revealed that, in one instance, the agency verified the mother's failure to properly supervise Zoey but placed the girl with her father, deeming no safety concerns. Subsequent allegations in late August regarding drug use and lack of utilities in the home resulted in seven unsuccessful attempts by child welfare officials to contact the family over the next month.

Tragically, Zoey died on Oct. 2 at a gas station where fire crews were unable to resuscitate her. Neighbors believe Zoey and her father had been camping in a grove of trees on a nearby vacant lot. Mickel Cherry, a 25-year-old homeless man, faces charges of first-degree murder, rape, and capital murder in connection with Zoey's death. The circumstances of Zoey's demise have not been disclosed by authorities.

Governor Laura Kelly expressed her dismay at Zoey Felix's "unacceptable tragedy" and announced plans to advocate for legislation expediting information release in cases of child abuse or neglect-related deaths. The current practice involves delayed summaries from the Department of Children and Families, with full case reports released after the completion of prosecution, often taking over a year.

An information vacuum in Zoey's case persisted as a judge sealed the arrest affidavit supporting criminal charges against Cherry, citing concerns about jeopardizing witness safety and potential evidence destruction.

Neighbors had previously reported concerns about Zoey's well-being, describing her as wandering the neighborhood in a distressed state. The summary from the Department of Children and Families indicated that the first tip about Zoey was received on Sept. 8, 2022, alleging poor home conditions and possible drug use in the presence of a child. Although the mother tested negative for drugs, the agency offered help, which the family declined.

The summary further detailed incidents, including an unsupervised child complaint in November 2002, an arrest of Zoey's mother for driving under the influence with Zoey in the car, and subsequent investigations that led to offers of help being declined by the family. Despite repeated attempts to contact the family in September after a complaint about drug use and lack of utilities, authorities were unsuccessful. Concurrently, police visits to the home did not locate Zoey, as her father claimed she wasn't living there.

Following Zoey's tragic death, the Department for Children and Families has pledged to launch a thorough investigation, opening another inquiry in response to the circumstances surrounding Zoey's demise.

In Other SMH America News

Laura Barajas of San Jose, Calif., lost her limbs after eating contaminated fish. Vibrio vulnificus is commonly called a “flesh-eating bacteria” as it can cause necrotizing fasciitis, according to the CDC, which is “a severe infection in which the flesh around an open wound dies.”

Report Reveals Kansas Agency Investigated Family of Girl 5 Times Before Her Tragic Death

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