Three Washington state police officers are on trial for the 2020 death of a Black man, with defense lawyers arguing that his death was due to drug use and not excessive force. The officers are accused of choking, shocking, and holding him facedown, and Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards has called for them to be fired. A verdict is expected soon, with the officers facing up to life in prison if convicted.
Posts published in “Crime”
The Sarasota County School Board in Florida voted to recommend the resignation of one of its members, Bridget Ziegler, due to her husband's involvement in rape and sexual battery allegations. The resolution passed on a 4-1 vote with Ziegler in opposition, and some board members expressed interest in sending a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis asking for her removal. The resolution is nonbinding, but it is a strong statement from the board, and it remains to be seen if Ziegler will step down.
Charles Adelson was sentenced to life in prison for the 2014 murder of his former brother-in-law, Daniel Markel, after being found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation. Evidence of wiretaps and secretly recorded conversations implicated Adelson in the crime, and the judge also sentenced him to 30 consecutive years on the lesser counts. Adelson maintained his innocence during the sentencing, and the case has highlighted the tragedy of Markel's two children being left without a father.
20 Israeli Soldiers Killed in Gaza Strip Ground Offensive, 13 from Friendly Fire and Other Accidents
20 Israeli Soldiers Killed in Gaza Strip Ground Offensive, 13 from Friendly Fire and Other Accidents
This article reports that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has revealed that 20 of the 105 soldiers killed since the start of the ground offensive in the Gaza Strip have died from friendly fire or other accidents. The IDF is conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the deaths and has urged its troops to exercise caution to prevent further casualties. Additionally, two hostages were recovered during an operation in the Gaza Strip on December 12.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has resulted in unprecedented death and destruction, with over 18,000 Palestinians killed and 80% of the population displaced. The United States has been increasingly isolated in its support of Israel, with the UN, EU and other countries calling for an immediate cease-fire. Protests around the world have been met with a heavy-handed response from Israeli security forces. The international community is now calling for both sides to come to the negotiating table and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Special Counsel Jack Smith is attempting to prevent the trial of former President Donald Trump from slipping past the 2024 presidential election by filing a request with the Supreme Court to take up the case and rule quickly. Trump is currently the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential primary and Smith is attempting to bypass the appeals court to prevent any delays that could push back the trial until after the election. The Supreme Court has yet to respond to Smith's request, and it remains to be seen whether Smith will be successful in his efforts.
This trial in Washington will determine the amount of damages Rudy Giuliani must pay to two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and her daughter Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, after he falsely accused them of fraud in the 2020 election. Lawyers for the two women played audio recordings in court of graphic and racist threats they received after Giuliani's baseless claims. On Tuesday, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss will take the stand as the fourth plaintiffs' witness, and the judge will then decide the amount of damages Giuliani must pay.
The Turkish Football Federation has announced the suspension of all league games in the country following a violent incident at the end of a top-flight match. MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca punched the referee and was joined by fans in a melee, sparking a debate over the safety of players, referees and fans in Turkish football. The federation has promised to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of all involved in the sport.