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Karmelo Anthony's Lawyer Seeks New Trial in Track Meet Killing, Citing Withheld Evidence and 'Shadow Docket'

Karmelo Anthony's Lawyer Seeks New Trial in Track Meet Killing, Citing Withheld Evidence and 'Shadow Docket'

Karmelo Anthony's lawyer is requesting a new trial following his conviction and 35-year sentence for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet. The defense argues that an agreement between the prosecution and original defense team to withhold evidence, along with the use of a 'shadow docket' by the original judge, compromised Anthony's right to a fair trial. Prosecutor Bill Wirskye confirmed that both sides agreed to hold back evidence, including Anthony's text fantasizing about stabbing someone and Metcalf's history of fighting and using racist language, to de-escalate racial tensions surrounding the case. The original judge in the case was removed, and a new judge, Michael Chitty, is now considering the motion for a retrial.

Karmelo Anthony's Lawyer Seeks New Trial Citing Procedural Errors and Undisclosed Evidence

Karmelo Anthony's Lawyer Seeks New Trial Citing Procedural Errors and Undisclosed Evidence

Defense attorney Russell Wilson is requesting a new trial for Karmelo Anthony, who was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the killing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet near Dallas. Wilson argues that the original trial was marred by errors, specifically an off-the-record agreement between legal teams that limited access to proceedings and allowed for a 'shadow docket' to shield character information about both sides. This agreement, according to Wilson, led to crucial details being withheld from the jury, including Anthony's alleged obsession with guns and knives and Metcalf's history of fighting and using racist language. The prosecutor, Bill Wirskye, contends that Anthony received a fair trial and that his original attorneys had agreed to the terms. The hearing is ongoing, and a ruling on the retrial request is pending. This development follows the recent removal of the original trial judge, Judge John Roach, from the case, with Judge Michael Chitty now assigned to consider t...

Judge removed from Texas track meet killing case as Karmelo Anthony seeks retrial

Judge removed from Texas track meet killing case as Karmelo Anthony seeks retrial

The trial judge who presided over the case of the Texas teenager convicted of fatally stabbing a 17-year-old athlete at a high school track meet was ordered removed from the case as the defendant seeks a new trial and appeals his conviction

St. Louis Police Release Video of Deadly Soulard Shooting, Seek Public Assistance

St. Louis Police Release Video of Deadly Soulard Shooting, Seek Public Assistance

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) has released surveillance video of a deadly shooting that occurred in Soulard on June 28, appealing to the public for assistance in their investigation. The video shows a gunman opening fire during a fistfight in the 700 block of Carroll Street, resulting in the death of 20-year-old Darwin Maldonado Vargas, who was struck in the neck. Homicide detectives have identified the shooter and are working to establish a timeline of events leading up to the incident. Despite the identification of a suspect, the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office recently declined to file charges, a decision that Vargas’ aunt, Kyla Daniels, stated was based on a self-defense claim. SLMPD officer Oliver Poggioli urged witnesses to come forward to help bring justice to Vargas and his family, asking anyone with information to contact the homicide division or CrimeStoppers for anonymous tips and a potential cash reward.

Omaha Boxer Steven Nelson Acquitted in Shooting Case

Omaha Boxer Steven Nelson Acquitted in Shooting Case

Omaha boxer Steven Nelson, 38, has been found not guilty in connection with a shooting that injured a 14-year-old girl in March 2024. The verdict was delivered after a bench trial on Thursday. Nelson had been facing charges of assault, use of a gun to commit a felony, and shooting at an occupied vehicle. The accusation stemmed from an incident where Nelson was alleged to have shot the teenager after his vehicle was reportedly stolen from the area of 39th and Farnam streets. Nelson is a professional boxer and coach at B&B Sports Academy, an Omaha native who previously held the WBO-NABO super middleweight title. His professional record stands at 20-2 with 16 knockouts.

Prosecutors Allege Political Targeting in Charlie Kirk Murder Case, Citing Engraved Bullet and Note

Prosecutors Allege Political Targeting in Charlie Kirk Murder Case, Citing Engraved Bullet and Note

Prosecutors are asserting that the murder of Charlie Kirk was politically motivated, presenting evidence that includes a bullet engraved with the words "Hey Fascist! CATCH!" and a handwritten note from the accused, Tyler Robinson. The note, allegedly left for Robinson's roommate, Lance Twiggs, stated, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it." Robinson is charged with aggravated murder and has not yet entered a plea. The prosecution contends that Kirk's opposition to same-sex marriage and gender-affirming care contrasted sharply with Robinson's reported romantic relationship with Twiggs, who had considered gender transition. This evidence is central to the prosecution's argument for aggravating factors that could make Robinson eligible for the death penalty. Defense attorneys have questioned the strength of the evidence for political motivation, particularly regarding a text message attributed to Robinson, and have also argued against a sentence enhancement for endangering others, sta...

EFCC Arraigns Three Individuals for Visa Fraud in Oyo State

EFCC Arraigns Three Individuals for Visa Fraud in Oyo State

The Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Motunrayo Emmanuel, Awotunde Olugbenga, and Idowu Sunday before Justice Olusola Adetujoye of the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State. Emmanuel and Olugbenga face a 47-count charge, including forgery, uttering of documents, and obtaining money by false pretense, totaling N23,404,600. They allegedly defrauded Oluwatobi Adeoluwa Iyanda and Oyewale Tunji Bello by falsely promising to secure Canadian visas and flight tickets. One specific count details the creation of a forged Canadian Visa dated June 20, 2025. Separately, Idowu Sunday was arraigned on a four-count charge for defrauding Okanlawon Tunji Ajao of N6,650,000 under the guise of securing a Canadian visa for his family. All defendants pleaded not guilty, and the court adjourned the matters to August 26, 2026, for bail application hearings, remanding the defendants in Agodi Correctional Centre.

Judge John Stevens Criticizes Defendant's Courtroom Attire and Criminal History in Felony Theft Hearing

Judge John Stevens Criticizes Defendant's Courtroom Attire and Criminal History in Felony Theft Hearing

During a felony theft announcement hearing, Judge John Stevens sharply questioned defendant Wilton Joseph Sylvester regarding his courtroom attire, extensive criminal record, and personal choices. Sylvester faces enhanced charges due to a history of theft convictions. Judge Stevens compared the solemnity of the courtroom to a church, emphasizing the importance of respecting legal proceedings. He highlighted that Sylvester's numerous prior theft convictions, which the defendant estimated at around 15, elevate even minor theft offenses to felonies for life. The judge pressed Sylvester on his long history of making 'bad choices' and challenged his claim of changing his life, especially given his role as a family man. Sylvester attempted to downplay his past by stating his previous cases were in Louisiana, an excuse Judge Stevens quickly dismissed, pointing out that crimes are handled similarly across the United States.

Anchorage Officials Report Success in Criminalized Camping Law One Year After Implementation

Anchorage Officials Report Success in Criminalized Camping Law One Year After Implementation

Anchorage officials, including Police Chief Sean Case, report that the city's criminalized camping law, implemented over a year ago, is effectively contributing to their broader strategy for addressing homelessness. The law prohibits camping in specific high-priority zones, such as near schools, playgrounds, on trails, or adjacent to high-speed roads. Since its enforcement began in September, officers have interacted with over a thousand individuals, with 89% voluntarily complying and moving on. The law allows police to clear homeless camps immediately without prior warning. While most interactions result in voluntary compliance, 109 cases have been forwarded to the city prosecutor's office, with over half still pending and six convictions, one of which is currently on appeal. Officers have also identified individuals with unrelated outstanding warrants during these enforcement actions.

Texas teen convicted in fatal stabbing at track meet seeks a new trial and judge

Texas teen convicted in fatal stabbing at track meet seeks a new trial and judge

The case of a Texas teenager convicted of fatally stabbing a 17-year-old track athlete from a rival team during a high school meet in suburban Dallas is back in court this week

Jack Bulger, Brother of Notorious Gangster Whitey and Politician Bill, Dies at 88

Jack Bulger, Brother of Notorious Gangster Whitey and Politician Bill, Dies at 88

Jack Bulger, the younger brother of notorious gangster James 'Whitey' Bulger and former Massachusetts Senate President William 'Bill' Bulger, has died at the age of 88. His life was significantly shaped by his relationships with both brothers. While Bill Bulger helped Jack secure a position as clerk-magistrate of the Boston Juvenile Court, a role he held until 2001, Jack's loyalty to Whitey ultimately led to his downfall. After Whitey went on the lam in 1994, Jack assisted him by paying for a safe deposit box and communicating with him via prearranged phone calls. Jack subsequently lied to federal grand juries about these interactions, leading to his conviction in 2003 for lying to two grand juries and obstructing efforts to capture his brother. He was sentenced to six months in prison and six months of house arrest, and was stripped of his pension. This contrasted with Bill Bulger, who, despite being forced to resign as president of the University of Massachusetts due to his admissions about speaking with...

Winnipeg Man Arrested in Minnesota for Falsely Reporting Kidnapping

Winnipeg Man Arrested in Minnesota for Falsely Reporting Kidnapping

A Winnipeg man was arrested in Minnesota after admitting to fabricating a kidnapping report. Police in Minnesota stated that the 37-year-old man falsely claimed he was abducted in Winnipeg, driven across the international border, and hundreds of kilometers into the U.S. The North Dakota Highway Patrol initially received a report on a Saturday about a 31-year-old Manitoba man abducting the 37-year-old. The vehicle involved was tracked to Alexandria, Minnesota, approximately 460 kilometers southeast of Winnipeg. The alleged victim reportedly broke free and ran into a store, leading to the arrest of another man. However, Chief Scott Kent of the Alexandria Police Department confirmed that the 37-year-old man later conceded the kidnapping report was untrue and that he had falsely reported the crime. Both individuals knew each other prior to the incident.