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Army ID's Ft. Hood Shooting Victims

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Military officials have identified the three soldiers killed in a mass shooting at Fort Hood on Wednesday as SFC Daniel Michael Ferguson, of Mulberry, Fla., SSG Carlos Alberto Lazaney Rodriguez, of Aquadilla, Puerto Rico, and Sgt. Timothy Owens, of Effingham, Ill.

"We have completed the next of kin notification on the three fallen soldiers, and I can now confirm publicly their identities," Lt. Gen. Mark Milley, the commanding general at Fort Hood, said during a briefing Friday.

Ferguson was a transportation supervisor who had been deployed to Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. Lazaney Rodriguez was a unit supply sergeant who had served in Kuwait and Iraq. Owens was a heavy vehicle driver who had also been deployed in Iraq and Kuwait.

Army officials say Spc. Ivan Lopez opened fire at the post following an argument killing three and wounding 16 others. Since the shooting, the soldier's mental health has been under scrutiny. On Friday, his family released a statement from their native Puerto Rico saying "he must have been in his right mind."

Milley said Friday that the shooter's mental health was not a "direct precipitating factor" in the shooting.

Of the survivors, Milley said 10 of the 16 injured in the shooting have been released and returned to duty.  Of the six that remain hospitalized, three are in Temple and three are at Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood. Those in Temple are in fair condition and are expected to remain hospitalized for several more days.

Doctors said Thursday they expect no other fatalities from the mass shooting.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 9 at Fort Hood.  The time for the memorial has not yet been determined and further details are to come.

Service records for each of the soldiers killed in the mass shooting are listed below.


Daniel Michael Ferguson

RANK: Active Duty: Entered as a Private in July 1993, promoted to Sgt. 1st Class October 2004

HOME OF RECORD: Mulberry, Fla.

MOS: Transportation Management Coordinator (88N)

STATUS:  Active Army

SERVICE:
July 1993: Basic Training, Fort Jackson
October 1993: Advanced Individual Training, Fort Eustis, Va.
December 1993 to January 1995: Headquarters Garrison Support Battalion, Fort Sill, Okla.
January 1995 to August 1997: 14th Transportation Battalion, Camp Ederle, Italy August 1997 to November 1999: Headquarters Garrison Support Battalion, Fort Sill, Okla.
November 1999 to November 2002: 1st Armored Div Support Command, Rose Barracks, Germany and Wiesbaden, Germany November 2002 to May 2006: 384th Transportation Detachment, Fort Eustis, Va.
May 2006 to May 2007: 18th Engineer Brigade, Heidelberg, Germany May 2007 to June 2009: 7th Army, Heidelberg, Germany June 2009 to September 2010: 15th Sustainment Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas September 2010 to Present: 49th Transportation Center, Movement Control Battalion, Fort Hood, Texas

DEPLOYMENTS: 
Afghanistan: June 2012 to March 2013
Iraq: September 2009 to May 2010
Kuwait: October 2004 to September 2005
 Kuwait: January 2003 to August 2003

AWARDS:
Bronze Star Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (3 Awards)
Army Commendation Medal (5 awards)
Army Achievement Medal (2 awards)
Army Good Conduct Medal (6 awards)
National Defense Service Medal (2 awards) Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Kosovo Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Armed Forces Service Medal Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3 Awards) Army Service Ribbon Overseas Service Ribbon (4 awards) NATO Medal


Carlos Alberto Lazaney Rodriguez

RANK: Staff Sergeant (SSG), effective May 2006

HOME OF RECORD: Aguadilla, Puerto Rico (at time of enlistment)

MOS: Quartermaster Corps, Transportation, Unit Supply Specialist (92Y)

STATUS:  Active Army

SERVICE:
January 1994 to present
January 1994 to May 1994: Training, Fort Benning, Georgia May 1994 to January 1997: 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina January to April 1997: Inactive Army Reserve April to November 1997: 311 Quartermaster Company, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico (Army Reserve) November 1997 to August 1998: 32nd Transportation Group, Tampa, Florida (Army Reserve) August 1998: Reenlisted in Active Army August 1998 to February 2001: 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia February 2001 to July 2002: U.S. Army Garrison Fort Monroe, Virginia July 2002 to October 2005: Recruiting Battalion, Cleveland, Ohio October 2005 to June 2007: 1098th Transportation Company, 24th Transportation Battalion, Fort Eustis, Virginia June 2007 to January 2009: 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas January 2009 to November 2010: 57th Military Police Company, 728th Military Police Battalion, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii November 2010 to February 2012: 558th Military Police Company, 8th Military Police Brigade, Helemano Military Reservation, Hawaii February 2012 to present: 21st Combat Support Hospital, 1st Medical Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas

DEPLOYMENTS:  
Iraq: July 2009 to July 2010 and April 2007 to April 2008
Kuwait: December 1998 to April 1999

AWARDS:
Army Commendation Medal (4 awards)
Army Achievement Medal (3 awards)
Army Good Conduct Medal (6 awards)
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal with 2 campaign stars Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon Army Service Ribbon Overseas Service Ribbon (2 awards) Army Superior Unit Award Army Recruiter Badge (Silver) with 2 gold stars Combat Action Badge Parachutist Badge Driver and Mechanic Badge with driver, wheeled vehicle clasp


Timothy Wayne Owens

RANK: Sergeant (SGT), effective March 2007

HOME OF RECORD: Effingham, Illinois (at time of enlistment)

MOS: Transportation, Motor Transport Operator (88M)

STATUS:  Active Army

SERVICE:
June 2004 to present
June 2004: Enlisted in Army
June to October 2004: Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma October 2004 to January 2010: 396th Transportation Company, 87th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, Fort Stewart, Georgia  January 2010 to January 2011: 160th Signal Brigade, Arifjan, Kuwait January 2011 to Present: 154thTransportation Company, 49th Movement Control Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command, Fort Hood, Texas

DEPLOYMENTS: 
Kuwait: January to December 2010
Iraq: January to December 2005

AWARDS:
Army Commendation Medal (3 awards)
Army Achievement Medal (4 awards)
Army Good Conduct Medal (2 awards)
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon Army Service Ribbon Overseas Service Ribbon Combat Action Badge Driver and Mechanic Badge with driver, wheeled vehicle clasp



Photo Credit: NBC 5 News

Police Arrest Man Accused of Making Fake Dispatch Calls

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Police have arrested a Massachusetts man for making fake dispatch calls across Litchfield County. 

According to police, troopers in Pittsfield, Massachusetts took 35-year-old Adam Perrilli into custody Friday.

Perrilli, of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, is accused of making at least eight fake emergency radio transmissions that interfered with and interrupted emergency calls for services between Dec. 25, 2013 to Jan. 6, 2014.

Police said he sent ambulances out to non-emergencies and canceled calls to actual fires.

After receiving the fake calls, state police conducted a criminal investigation and believe Perrilli used a lost or stolen portable radio or electronic device.

Officials said equipment like this is so readily available. There's nothing really high-tech about the crime, but it is highly unusual.

"There are some safeguards that we have in place, but this person was able to override a couple of them," John Barbagallo, of Litchfield County Dispatch, said.

State police released recordings of the false emergency radio transmissions made over the Litchfield County Dispatch system, which dispatches fire and ambulance crews in northwestern Connecticut.

"That distribution assistance by the media led to several leads being developed by Detectives and many leads were a direct result of the public being made aware of the incident and coming forward with information," state police said.

Listen to the calls here:

·    Police released this call on Jan. 10th.
·    Police also released this call on Jan. 10th.
·    Police released this fake dispatch.
·    You can listen to another false dispatch here.

Perrelli was arraigned Friday in a Massachusetts Court where he waived extradition and was taken into custody by Connecticut State Police.

He was charged with first-degree reporting a false incident, first degree reckless endangerment, interruption of computer service, computer crime in the third-degree, interfering with an officer and tampering with physical evidence.

He is being held on a $150,000 bond and will be arraigned in Connecticut on Monday.

The investigation is continuing and state police said additional arrests are possible.

Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 860-626-1821. Calls will be kept confidential.
 




Photo Credit: NBC 5

Tyson Recalls Chicken Nuggets

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Tyson Foods is recalling about 75,320 pounds of frozen, fully-cooked chicken nuggets — among them some bags sold at Sam's Club stores nationwide — because they may contain small pieces of plastic.

The following products are subject to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recall:

  • 5-pound bags of "Tyson Fully Cooked White Meat Chicken Nuggets - 16142-928" with a "Best if Used By" date of "Jan 26 2015" or Feb 16 2015." The manufacturer codes "0264SDL0315 through 19" and "0474SDL0311 through 14" can also be found on the bags. These products were produced Jan. 26, 2014 or Feb. 16, 2014 and shipped nationwide to one retail warehouse club chain.
  • 20-pound bulk packs of "Spare Time Fully Cooked Nugget-Shaped Chicken Breast Pattie Fritters w/Rib Meat - 16142-861" with identifying case codes of "0264SDL0315 through 19" and "0474SDL0311 through 14." These products were produced Jan. 26 and Feb. 16, 2014 and were shipped for institutional use in Indiana and Arkansas.              

The product bags bear the establishment number "P-13556." 

Tyson said the affected 5-pound packages were sold at Sam's Club locations nationwide and that products sold in smaller packages or at any other retailer are not affected by this recall.

The problem was discovered after the firm received consumer complaints that small pieces of plastic were found in the products. The problem was traced to a product scraper inside a blending machine.

The company has received reports of minor oral injury associated with consumption of these products. FSIS has received no additional reports of injury or illness from consumption of these products.  Anyone concerned about an injury or illness from consumption of these products should contact a healthcare provider.       

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Tyson Foods Consumer Services toll free at 866-328-3156.

Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at www.AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. "Ask Karen" live chat services are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.



Photo Credit: AP

Argument Led to Ft. Hood Shooting

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The mental health of Fort Hood gunman Spc. Ivan Lopez, who killed three fellow soldiers and wounded 16 before killing himself, was not the main factor in his deadly shooting rampage Wednesday, military officials said Friday, although Lopez's family has said he "must not have been in his right mind."

"His underlying medical conditions are not a direct precipitating factor. We believe that the immediate precipitating factor was more likely an escalating argument in his unit area," Lt. Gen. Mark Milley, the commanding general at Fort Hood, said at a news conference Friday afternoon.

He said investigators were still examining Lopez's combat experience but have so far uncovered no specific traumatic events, wounds in action, contact with the enemy or other events.

According to the father of one of the injured soldiers, Army Sgt. Jonathan Westbrook, Lopez opened fire after he tried to pick up a leave form and was told to come back later. NBC News reported that Theodis Westbrook, the victim's father, said his son told him that the gunman was "told to come back the next day to pick it up" and then left, returned with a gun and opened fire.

Lopez's father has said his son "must not have been in his right mind" and that a number of factors could have led to deadly mass shooting at the Army post Wednesday.

Ivan Lopez Sr., in a statement from his native Puerto Rico, said his son was a calm family man and good son who defended his nation. The family added that Lopez "was under medical treatment and the passing of his mother, his grandfather and the recent changes when transferring to the base surely affected his existing condition."

The gunman's family released the following statement. Below is a translation of the original:

Facing the tragedy that occurred on April 2 in Fort Hood, TX, the family of the Puerto Rican soldier Iván López is concerned and asks for prayers for those affected and deceased by the unfortunate incidents. Iván López, father of the soldier, is still in shock and described his son as a calm family man, a young worker who always looked out for the well-being of his home and a good son.

"This situation has caused great pain. I ask for prayers for the affected families, even more so when there is still an ongoing investigation. My son must not have been in his right mind, he wasn't like that," said Iván López, Sr.

As an active soldier he defended the nation and received medals. He also worked honorably as a policeman on the island. According to his father, the soldier was under medical treatment and the passing of his mother, his grandfather and the recent changes when transferring to the base surely affected his existing condition because of his experiences as a soldier. No more comments shall be made during the investigation conducted by authorities.

-López Family

Army CID Gives Updates on Shooting Investigation

Chris Gray, the spokesperson for the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, said Friday that numerous reports of gunfire from several locations led to the confusion and chaos of two gunmen being reported on the post.

Army officials said more than 150 investigators from a variety of military, federal and state agencies are involved in the investigation that encompasses a two-block area. The crime scene includes the interior of three buildings and three outside locations.

Gray said the shooting most likely began following a verbal altercation with soldiers from Lopez's unit and that after the shooting began, Lopez traveled to two other locations and continued firing.

As Lopez approached an MP, Gray said there was a verbal exchange and that the MP fired one round toward Lopez. Officials do not believe this round hit Lopez, though that will ultimately be confirmed by the medical examiner.  After the MP fired, Lopez pulled out his weapon, pointed it toward his head and fired a single round, officials said.

Army investigators believe Lopez acted alone and have found no evidence of any link to any domestic or international terrorist or extremist group.

Six Remain Hospitalized; Discharged Survivors Return to Duty

Ten of the 16 injured have been treated and released from the hospital and are back on duty, Milley said Friday. Of the remaining six, three are being treated at Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood and three in fair condition are being treated at Baylor Scott & White in Temple.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 9.  The time for the memorial has not yet been determined and further details are to come.

UConn Students Head to Texas to Support Huskies

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It takes a special kind of fan to wake up at 5 a.m. and get on a bus for a 30-hour road trip, but that is what UConn students did this morning to get to the Final Four.

The UConn men will be taking Florida on in the Final Four in Texas on Saturday.

The university undergraduate student government organized the bus trip and sold 50 tickets at $100 apiece.

Students who are taking the trip said they are hoping to see the Huskies continue to beat the odds and win it all.

“We’re on a roll right now. We’re trying to hit our stride. I think Shabazz (Napier) is going to go off, score a lot of points,” Patrick  Bowen, a UConn freshman, said.

Kaille Himes, a junior, was originally going to fly to Texas, but decided to take the bus instead.

"I really wanted to go. I live and breathe UConn basketball and when our president suggested a bus, I thought, the more the merrier," Himes said.

The bus left just after 6 a.m. and should pull into the Dallas area by 1 p.m. on Saturday, just a few hours before the big game.

Students plan to stay in Texas as long as UConn keeps winning.

 

Crash on I-95 North Sends 3 to Hospital

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Three people were taken to the hospital after a multivehicle crash on Interstate 95 Northbound in Stratford.

The crash happened around 1:20 p.m.and involved a jack-knifed tractor trailer carrying paper goods, a rolled over service van, two passenger vehicles, and a pickup. Firefighters had to cut the roof off one passenger vehicles and remove a door to get to the patient.

Three victims were transported to Bridgeport Hospital and three people declined treatment at the scene.

None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening, officials said.

State Department of Transportation crews were called to clear the debris.

I-95 was completely shut down for the duration of the incident.



Photo Credit: Connecticut Department of Transportation Traffic Cameras

New Playground in Honor of Sandy Hook Shooting Victim

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It was an evening of celebration, laughter, and love. On Friday kids scrambled all over the new purple playground in Elizabeth Park in Hartford dedicated to Ana Grace Marquez-Greene.
 
"It's just a way she lives on, and as a parent who's lost a child so young, you do want your children to live on. And this is a way for us to do that," said Ana's mom Nelba Marquez-Greene.
 
Born in Hartford, Ana spent a lot of time at the park, so it was important her playground stood there. It's all part of the Sandy Ground Project, which is building 26 playgrounds for each of the victims of the Sandy Hook shooting.
 
Covered with her artwork, Ana's opened on what would have been her eighth birthday.
 
"Give a little window of joy to these families that have suffered so much is our privilege, our blessing," said Bill Lavin, founder of The Sandy Ground: Where Angels Play Foundation.
 
During the ceremony everyone learned and danced a bit of salsa, something Ana would do. Her mom handed out books from Ana's own collection. She gave Governor Dannel Malloy The True Story of the Three Little Pigs.
 
As soon as the ribbon was cut the kids climbed inside to take a look around and play the instruments Ana loved.

Her family hopes kids play there for years to come and that it will be a place of peace and ring with laughter in remembrance of their little girl.
 
"Every time a kid gets on that playscape and plays and touches a note on the piano or touches their hands to the bongos so music will rise into the air, hopefully Ana will be remembered with the beauty and the person that she was," said Ana's dad, Jimmy Greene.
 
The next playground will be built in honor of seven-year-old Grace McDonnell. The project will begin on April 24th in Mystic.


 



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Navy Rescuing Sick Baby on Boat

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A complex rescue mission to help a sick baby on a boat off the coast of Mexico was well underway Saturday, as officials reported the little girl is "healing" after receiving medical attention from pararescuers.

The one-year-old girl, her 3-year-old sister and her parents from San Diego set sail two weeks ago for the latest leg of their trip around the world.

The family is sailing aboard a 36-foot boat named the "Rebel Heart," blogging and posting pictures online.

On Thursday, the Bay Area’s 129th Rescue Wing received a call from the U.S. National Guard about a “seriously ill” girl aboard the boat located about 900 nautical miles off the coast of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Two rescue helicopters took off Thursday to join the rescue mission.

After a five-hour flight, a team of four “Guardian Angel” pararescuemen jumped into the open ocean to board the Rebel Heart.

The California Air National Guard unit based out of Moffett Field reported that they had reached the family who were in "good spirits."

As of Saturday afternoon, the four pararescumen stayed on board to keep close tabs on the baby and give her medical care. 

After checking the girl’s vitals, the crew determined the girl was in stable condition.

"While her condition has stabilized, she still requires medical treatment," said a release from the California Air National Guard.

NBC 7 has learned the baby may suffer from some type of salmonella and has been given antibiotics.

To complicate things, rescuers have discovered the sailboat has no power and no capability of steering itself.

It's reportedly close, compact quarters on the boat, but all are making due, and the family is very thankful, officials said. 

Organizers are now planning their next step, and they continue to be concerned with the baby's health risk.

According to the 129th Rescue Wing's Twitter page, San Diego-based Navy frigate USS Vandegrift is assisting in the rescue mission and is expected to reach The Rebel Heart by 10 p.m. Saturday.

The small patient will then be transferred to the Vandergrift at first light Sunday.

Two HH 60G Pave Hawks helicopters and a Combat Shadow refueling tanker are on standby near Cabo San Lucas, as are airmen at Moffett Federal Airfield.  

The family’s latest leg around the world was to take them across the Pacific Ocean towards the South Pacific Islands and eventually New Zealand.

The girl's mother, Charlotte Kaufman, has chronicled her adventures of sailing across the world while pregnant and had them published in San Diego Magazine.

The couple keep travel blogs showing that they are "working our way around the world."

Eric Kaufman's blog states that he is in his mid 30s and a USCG-licensed captain, in addition to his day job for a financial services company.

He is also a scuba diver.

Charlotte said she is a former high school teacher and founder of an Etsy blog called Red Charlotte.

The 129th Rescue Wing will be live tweeting the rescue at @129RQW.


 



Photo Credit: 129th Rescue Wing Twitter

Woman in Animal Torture Porn

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A Miami woman, who allegedly engaged in sex acts while killing chickens and rabbits in an animal torture pornographic video, was arrested on Friday.

Sara Zamora, 28, was charged with eight counts of animal cruelty for her role in a video called “SOS Barn,” according to the Miami Herald, which first reported the story.

The video shows her and other pornographic actresses torturing and killing chickens, rabbits and other animals for the “sexual gratification of its viewers,” according to police.

In one clip of “SOS Barn,” police said Zamora is seen groping a man’s genitals with one hand while cutting a chicken’s neck with hedge clippers with her other hand, the Herald reported. She also karate-chopped the necks of several rabbits and admitted to killing them.

Videos that depict animal torture and death is illegal under Florida law.

The video was shot at the home of Adam Redford, who is already on probation for a similar animal cruelty case in Lee County last year, according to a police report. Redford has not yet been charged in this recent case as of Friday night.

Police arrested Zamora while she was already in jail for failing a probation drug test, according to the Herald. She was on probation for a laundry list of other offenses including grand theft with a firearm, credit card fraud and cocaine possession. She would have been released Friday had it not been for the “fickle finger of fate,” said defense attorney Theodore Mastos, according to the Herald

As of Friday night, NBC6 could not reach Mastos for comment.

Miami-Dade detectives learned about the video from animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

 



Photo Credit: MDPD

"Pillowcase Rapist" Ordered to Move

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A man known as the "Pillowcase Rapist" who terrorized much of California in the 1970s and 1980s was ordered Friday to be released to a location in the unincorporated Palmdale area.

The court order, which will be the subject of an upcoming public hearing, comes months after residents of Lake Los Angeles campaigned to keep Christopher Hubbart out of the nearby area.

Hubbart, 62, has admitted to raping 38 women in California between 1971 and 1982 -- about two dozen of which occurred in LA County. He was released to the Bay Area in 1979, where he raped 15 more women. He has been held in mental institutions since his release.

The ruling came down today in Santa Clara Superior Court. Hubbart will have around-the-clock security after his release.

The plan drew a quick response from authorities in Southern California.

"I will continue to oppose Hubbart's release," Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said. "My top priority is to protect our community.

"If Hubbart is housed in Los Angeles County, my office will work with law enforcement to make sure that he is closely monitored at all times and that all terms and conditions of his release are strictly enforced."

The location is the second proposed for Hubbart. In November, the owner of a Lake Los Angeles residence withdrew his property from consideration after protest from neighbors.

A public hearing is scheduled for May 21 in San Jose regarding the new proposal.

New Haven Mourns Loss of Another Teen

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Community members mourned the loss of a New Haven teen who was shot and killed in the city late Thursday night.

Friends and family returned to the scene of the crime on Daggett Street Friday night to say goodbye to 16-year-old Torrence Gamble, a student at Riverside Academy who lost his life when he was shot in the head. He died at the hospital just after 3 a.m. Friday.

Gamble’s death is the sixth homicide of the year in the city, and he’s the second New Haven teen to be killed in the past two weeks.

Taijhon Washington, 17, was killed in the Newhallville section of the city March 24.

Mayor Toni Harp met with New Haven high school principals Friday in an effort to crack down on violent crime among city teens.

No arrests have been made in connection with the crime.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

New Haven Leaders Work to Curb Teen Violence

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Community leaders in New Haven and Mayor Toni Harp are demanding the violence to stop after the shooting death of another teenager.

Sixteen-year-old Torrence Gamble was the most recent victim of violent crime. He was shot in the head Thursday night on Daggett Street, and police were still looking for the gunman.

“He was good kid he aint gotta go like that,” said Tavares Johnson. The crime happened just feet away from his home. “It’s close to where I live its scaring my family.”

Johnson lost another friend March 24 when 17-year-old Taijhon Washington was shot and killed by Lilac and Butler streets.

Washington’s half-brother was with him at the time. He was also shot and survived. No arrests have been made.

“It’s hard," said Johnson. "I feel like I’m losing a lot of friends. I’m tired of losing friends."

Community leaders have had enough and have called for the violence to end.

“It needs to stop. The question is, how do we get it to stop?” said Bishop Theodore Brooks.

Mayor Toni Harp is fed up too.

"New Haven is once again struck by sadness today after one of its children was struck by gunfire and killed last night - the latest example of heartbreaking violence on our city streets," Harp said in a statement.

Harp met with high school principals on Friday in an effort to find a solution and prevent future crimes. 

She said she planned to have teachers, coaches and church leaders go door to door and talk to families to gain a better understanding of how to help New Haven teens.

“We desperately need to find a way to stem violence so we don't have to bury our young people,” Brooks explained.

The outreach should start in the next few weeks.

 

Girl Shot, Killed in Home

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Police say an 11-year-old girl was accidentally shot and killed in her Mantua home while her mother was just down the hall in the bathroom.

Investigators say 11-year-old Jamara Stevens was killed when she and her three siblings, a 14-year-old boy, 7-year-old girl and 2-year-old boy, were playing with a .357 caliber handgun with an extended barrel in their home on the 3800 block of Wallace Street just before 10 a.m. Saturday.

Tiffany Goldwire and her four children were in her bedroom, when she went to use the bathroom, according to police.

At that point, the kids located the loaded firearm, which was left on top of the refrigerator by a male friend who visited the home earlier that morning, and the eldest child retrieved it, according to reports.

While playing with the weapon, the 2-year-old boy pointed the loaded, cocked gun in the direction of his 11-year-old sister and it discharged, striking her in the arm, according to authorities.

Investigators say the bullet then traveled through her chest, hitting her heart.

The girl was taken to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where she was pronounced dead at 10:20 a.m.

The surviving children and Goldwire were taken to police headquarters, where the mother was questioned for nearly five hours, according to reports.

Police say this is not the first time they have been to the Mantua home and that Goldwire is not cooperating.

Detectives say they are trying to figure out who owned the handgun, which they found on Goldwire's bed.

After the shooting occurred, neighbors and relatives could be seen visibly upset outside of the Mantua home as members of CeaseFire arrived in the neighborhood to post signs calling for an end to shootings.

No charges have been filed as homicide detectives continue to investigate.

Also on NBC10.com:

 



Photo Credit: NBC10.com

2 Injured, 1 Seriously, in East Windsor Rollover Crash

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Emergency crews responded to a serious rollover crash at Wapping Road and Plantation Road in East Windsor.

Two people were injured,one seriously, after a driver lost control and the car rolled Saturday afternoon. Officials at the scene said speed was a factor.

The victims have not been identified. Authorities said the more seriously injured occupant was taken to Hartford Hospital for treatment.

Wapping Road was closed between Morris Road and Plantation Road for several hours. It has since reopened.

No additional information was immediately available.

Check back for updates. 


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Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Police Searching for Gas Station Armed Robbery Suspect

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Milford police are searching for a man believed to have robbed a Shell gas station at gunpoint Friday night.

According to police, the robbery happened just before 11:00 p.m. when a man wearing a black mask entered the gas station, produced a handgun, confronted the clerk and demanded cash.

The suspect took an undisclosed amount of money and several packs of Newport cigarettes before fleeing the store, police said.

No one was injured during the robbery.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall and was wearing a denim jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective McDonnell at 203-783-4756, or send an email to gmcdonnell@ci.milford.ct.us.

 

 



Photo Credit: NBC 5 News

Man Arrested for Having Loaded Gun at Bradley Airport

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A Meriden man is facing serious charges after TSA officers found him with a loaded gun at Bradley International Airport.

According to state police, Gary Vernon, 61, was arrested last Friday when he tried to get a loaded .380 caliber handgun through a security check point.

Vernon was arrested and charged with circumventing airport security.

He was released on a $500.00 bond and is expected to appear in court on April 10th.



Photo Credit: AP

UConn Fans Celebrate a Victory in Storrs

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If you couldn't be in Texas for UConn's win against the Florida Gators, Gampel Pavillion in Storrs was the place to be.
 
A loud roar could be heard from inside and outside Gampel as thousands of students who'd come there to watch the game rushed the court screaming and flailing in celebration before it had even ended.
 
Feeling the rush of Husky pride, they spilled onto the streets.
 
"Husky proud? Through the roof. See Gampel? Ten times higher than Gampel right there," said UConn Junior Thomas Umrysz.
 
"It's crazy. It's awesome," said UConn grad student Laura Mainelli. "Just shows you how much the fans love it, and how much basketball is a part of the heart of UConn."
 
It was excitement and chaos as students ran all over the courtyard. A DJ had music and smoke going to keep fans energized, and at times the excitement even overwhelmed fans.
 
"I love every bit of it. Everyone running around, everyone getting together. It's like a big family over here," said UConn Junior Shane Quadrato.
 
UConn says more than 8,000 students were at Gampel celebrating and overall they were respectful though 20 people were arrested.

"The Storrs campus was active this evening, with a large crowd of UConn fans celebrating tonight's big win. I'm pleased to say the vast majority of our students have been both respectful and responsible. As of 10:30 p.m., there have been relatively few arrests. UConn police and state police will continue to be engaged on campus throughout the night," said Chief of Police Barbara O'Connor.
 
Many outside Storrs had their doubts UConn could make it so far, but Saturday night the Huskies proved them wrong. Students say there's no stopping them now.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Family With Sick Baby Rescued

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A San Diego family and their seriously ill baby, who were stuck on a sailboat  hundreds of miles off the Mexico coast, have boarded a Navy rescue ship Sunday morning, only to find they were the topic of international headlines.

The family is now defending their decisions in an statement issued from USS Vandegrift, their rescuing ship.

Two weeks ago, Eric and Charlotte Kaufman and their daughters, 1-year-old Lyra and 3-year-old Cora, set sail on a new leg of their around-the-world journey.

But Thursday, they set out a satellite distress call, saying Lyra had become violently sick. On top of that, their boat had lost its steering and communication abilities.

In a large coordinated effort, the California Air National Guard’s 129th Rescue Wing worked with the Navy to send four pararescuemen, who jumped from a plane into the ocean and climbed aboard the Rebel Heart boat to treat Lyra.

By Saturday, they said the baby’s condition had stabilized while they waited for further transportation from the Vandegrift.

According to a Facebook post from Charlotte’s sister, Sariah English, the Navy frigate made contact with the family just after 4 p.m. Saturday.

USS Vandegrift stayed about five miles from the boat through Saturday night as its crew planned how to get the family off the boat.

"The bottom line is the safety and security of not only the family members that are on board, but also of all the personnel that are involved to save the infant. That is paramount," said 2nd Lt. Roderick Bersamina with the 129th Rescue Wing.

Around 8 a.m., Vandegrift sailors used an inflatable boat to bring the infant, family and the four pararescumen aboard the Navy ship. 

All were in stable condition, the Coast Guard announced Sunday.

"We are proud of our choices and our preparation, and while we are disappointed that we lost our sailboat and our home, we remain grateful for those who came to our aid and those family and friends who continue to encourage and support us," Eric and Charlotte wrote in a statement issued from the Vandegrift. Their full statement is below. 

The family reportedly was given one trip to get their things off the boat – as much as they can carry -- before sailors sunk the Rebel Heart in the ocean, according to a Facebook update English posted Sunday evening. 

She said the Kaufmans will be taken via helicopter to San Diego, expected to arrive Tuesday morning.

Navy Commander Charlie Brown said to keep in mind that they are more than 1,000 miles from the city -- the same distance as San Diego to Houston.

The couple's decision to live with two young daughters on a 36-foot boat has raised questions about their maritime lifestyle.

Among their strongest critics is Charlotte's brother, James Moriset.

 "It is crazy. It is nuts. My thoughts about it were -- bringing kids on a trip like that and then having the second one along the way and bringing a younger kid along on the trip, it was just -- I do feel very firmly that yes, that was crazy," said Moriset. 

But the Kaufmans defended their choice in their statement released Sunday: 

"First, we would like to express how grateful we are to the men and women of the Coast Guard, California Air National Guard and Navy who rescued our family, especially the pararescuemen and crew of USS Vandegrift. We are very thankful to be safe and well. We also appreciate all the concern, thoughts and prayers of everyone back home for the health of our daughter Lyra. She is doing well now, and her medical condition continues to improve.

"We understand there are those who question our decision to sail with our family, but please know that this is how our family has lived for seven years, and when we departed on this journey more than a year ago, we were then and remain today confident that we prepared as well as any sailing crew could. The ocean is one of the greatest forces of nature, and it always has the potential to overcome those who live on or near it. We are proud of our choices and our preparation, and while we are disappointed that we lost our sailboat and our home, we remain grateful for those who came to our aid and those family and friends who continue to encourage and support us. Thank you."

It’s unclear what caused Lyra to fall ill. English said she had diarrhea, fevers, a large rash and had been vomiting.

In a post on her blog, Charlotte had said on March 11 that both she and Lyra had tested positive for salmonella.

Officials have not announced where they are taking the baby to be treated.

English flew into San Diego Sunday to await their return. 

"I am going between crying and jumping up and down. I'm really excited for that moment," said English. 

She told NBC 7 that Charlotte and Eric requested to stay at a Navy base hotel and then travel to New Mexico, where English lives.

Because the family will have to abandon most of their possessions, English is working with friends in San Diego to collect donations to give the Kaufmans when they arrive.



Photo Credit: TheRebelHeart.com

One Shot in New Britain Diner Parking Lot

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New Britain police are investigating after one person was shot early Sunday morning.

Police were called to the New Britain Diner, 1130 Corbin Ave. on reports that someone had been shot.

When they arrived just after 2 a.m., the found one person in the diner parking lot suffering from a gun shot wound. 

The victim was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

State and local police are investigating.

Man Shot in Face in Bridgeport

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 A man was shot in the face early Sunday morning in Bridgeport.

Police were called to 231 Ogden St. for reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they discovered one victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the face.

The victim was transported to Bridgeport Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

According to police, the suspect fled he scene in a pick up truck.

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