Missing 12-Year-Old Georgia Girl Found in Ohio with 34-Year-Old Man She Met Online.

A 12-year-old girl from Gainesville, Georgia, whose disappearance sparked a widespread search, has been found in Dover, Ohio. Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch announced on Friday that Maria Gomez-Perez was discovered on Thursday in the company of a Guatemalan man who has since been arrested.

“I come to you with some very great news,” Sheriff Couch shared during a press conference. “Maria Gomez-Perez has been found safe in Dover, Ohio, and she should be on her way home to Gainesville with our investigators within the hour.”

Maria was last seen at her father Andres Gomez's home on May 29 in Gainesville, which is about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta. She was reported missing the following day, leading to a massive search effort. Local authorities and businesses offered a $50,000 reward, and volunteers covered the community with posters, flyers, and billboards in hopes of finding her.

Investigators discovered that Maria had been communicating online with men, expressing her desire to leave home. They believe Antonio Augustin, a 31-year-old man (though Ohio jail records list him as 34), drove from Ohio to Georgia to pick up Maria and took her back to his home in Dover.

“Let me be very clear on this: Maria is the victim in this case,” Sheriff Couch emphasized. “And remember, she’s 12 years old.”

The breakthrough in the case came when Maria contacted her father through a new Facebook account last week, telling him she was safe but would not return home and asking him to stop searching for her. Investigators used this message to trace the Facebook page's internet address, leading them to a phone number associated with a residence in Dover.

Four sheriff's investigators traveled to Ohio, where they found Maria at a city swimming pool. According to Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Capt. Adam Fisher, Augustin was arrested, and Maria was safely recovered after he drove them from the pool to a Walmart in nearby New Philadelphia. Maria was then examined by medical personnel.

Augustin is currently held on a Georgia charge of interference with custody, and Ohio officials may later pursue charges of rape and other crimes. Sheriff Couch indicated that additional criminal charges are likely against Augustin in Georgia as well.

As of Friday, Augustin had not appeared before a judge, and no bail had been set. He does not have an attorney who could comment on his behalf. An extradition hearing to Georgia is expected next week, with Ohio officials planning to prosecute him after legal proceedings conclude in Georgia. Federal immigration officials have placed a detainer on Augustin, suggesting possible deportation, though his immigration status remains unclear. His only previous encounter with law enforcement in Tuscarawas County was a 2021 citation for driving without a license and with an open container of alcohol.

The initial response to Maria’s disappearance faced criticism, particularly because the Georgia Bureau of Investigation did not issue an Amber Alert, believing the case did not meet the criteria. Gainesville, known for its large Hispanic community working in the poultry processing industry, saw a significant community effort to bring attention to Maria’s case.

“It’s hard to put into words what we saw. I just really, really am proud of our community,” Gainesville Mayor Sam Couvillon said to The Times of Gainesville on Friday. “Our Hispanic community really stood up and made their presence known, shining a light on this missing child.”

Sheriff Couch concluded with a warning to parents about monitoring their children's online activity.

“Technology is a wonderful thing. It helped us locate Maria. But technology can also be used for evil. It’s why Maria was able to leave Gainesville with a stranger and travel nine hours away from home,” he said. “So please know what your children are doing and who they’re communicating with. They're our most vulnerable and our most valuable citizens, and it is our duty to take care of them.”

Arrests Made in Shooting Death of Jacksonville Rapper Julio Foolio

Tampa, FL – Tampa police announced multiple arrests Monday in connection with the shooting that resulted in the death of Jacksonville rapper Julio Foolio, whose real name is Charles Jones. The tragic incident occurred on June 23 at a Holiday Inn on Fowler Avenue.

Jones, 26, was reportedly seeking a room at the hotel after being kicked out of an Airbnb where he had been celebrating his birthday. It was during this time that he was gunned down. Police revealed that three individuals were arrested in Jacksonville, facing charges of premeditated first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Additionally, two other suspects have warrants out for their arrest.

The suspects are alleged members of rival Jacksonville gangs who collaborated to orchestrate the murder in Tampa. According to police, Jones had posted his location online multiple times prior to the shooting, allowing the suspects to track him. They followed him from place to place before ambushing his car at the Holiday Inn. In the attack, three other individuals were injured but survived their wounds.

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Tampa Police made a joint announcement about the arrests of Sean Gathright, 18, Alicia Andrews, 21, and Isaiah Chance Jr., 21. These individuals were apprehended by JSO SWAT, CPR, and Gang Unit members on Saturday afternoon. They are currently held at the Duval County Pre-Trial Detention Center, awaiting transfer to Tampa to face murder charges.

“This case remains under thorough investigation,” authorities stated. “There’s no place you’ll be able to hide if you commit crime in Jacksonville or any other city in the state of Florida,” emphasized Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters.

The tragic loss of Julio Foolio has resonated deeply within the community, highlighting the ongoing issues of violence and the perils faced by individuals in the public eye. Tampa police have yet to release the mugshots of the arrested individuals as the investigation continues.

Man Arrested After Threatening to Kill Former Employer During Confrontation.

A 39-year-old man, Tito Evan-Lloyd, was arrested on Monday morning after allegedly threatening to kill everyone at a business during a heated confrontation, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Around 10:30 a.m., deputies responded to the 4400 block of Eagle Falls Place following reports of an armed individual. Officials stated that Evan-Lloyd was agitated over a paycheck dispute and confronted his former employer while brandishing a concealed firearm.

Witnesses reported that Evan-Lloyd, in a fit of rage, waved the gun and issued threats to kill everyone present. Following the incident, he fled the scene.

Deputies later located Evan-Lloyd at a residence on the 400 block of Royal Palm Empress Drive in Ruskin, where he was apprehended without incident. He is now facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, felon carrying a concealed weapon, and felon in possession of a firearm.

"It is shocking that someone would resort to such extreme measures over a $75 matter. Violence and intimidation have no place in Hillsborough County," said Sheriff Chad Chronister in a statement. "The suspect's actions were a serious threat to public safety, and our deputies did an outstanding job in bringing him into custody quickly."

Suspect Arrested in Shooting of 7-Month-Old Baby in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia police have arrested 28-year-old Dominique Billips in connection with the shooting of a 7-month-old baby boy on Thursday night. The incident occurred on the 4000 block of Meridian Street in the Holmesburg neighborhood.

Disturbing footage obtained by Action News captures the gunman approaching and opening fire on the baby and his parents outside their home. In the video, the child's mother can be heard screaming, "My baby," repeatedly after the shots were fired.

Lieutenant Denis Rosenbaum of the Philadelphia police expressed disbelief over the incident: "You knew they had a stroller, what makes you walk up to someone with a stroller and shoot them?" According to the police, one of the bullets struck the baby in the leg. When officers arrived at the scene, however, the parents were not present.

"The mother and father, who had initially gone to the hospital, left the location because of fear from police due to outstanding warrants," explained Rosenbaum. Authorities later brought the parents in for questioning and learned about an argument that had taken place earlier on the 7900 block of Frankford Avenue.

With the help of business surveillance video from the area, police were able to get a clearer image of the suspect. The investigation revealed that the argument was over a $100 narcotics debt. "One of the detectives from a different squad recognized one of the females involved from another shooting in August 2022, where she was the victim," Rosenbaum noted.

A tip provided the name of the offender, which matched the identity the detective had suspected. Police reported that arrangements were being made for the baby, who was in stable condition at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), to be released to family members.

The outstanding warrants for the parents were nonviolent, according to police. "It's sad. You see she points the gun at the mother of the baby, who is also a juvenile, and fires. Luckily she missed. A 7-month-old baby might not remember that, but that story is always going to be there," Rosenbaum commented.

Billips faces charges including Aggravated Assault, Violation of the Uniform Firearms Act (VUFA), and other related offenses.

Tragic Incident: Tennessee Girl Faces Murder Charges Over iPhone Dispute

A 12-year-old girl in Tennessee is facing severe legal repercussions after allegedly suffocating her 8-year-old cousin, Demeria Hollingsworth, in a dispute over an iPhone. The incident, which has shocked the local community, occurred at their grandmother’s house, where the children were spending the summer.

Rayana Smith, Demeria's mother, expressed her heartbreak to WREG-TV. “Last time I saw my baby, she was smiling, giving me kisses, telling me she will see me when it’s time for her to come back home,” Smith recounted tearfully. “She’s never coming back home.”

Smith shared that she had received a call about the cousins arguing over an iPhone. Reflecting on the situation, she lamented, "I wish I would have just gone to get my kid. But they were having fun for the summer and I didn't think she would kill my baby."

The tragic event was captured on the home's surveillance cameras. According to prosecutors, the footage depicts a chilling sequence where the 12-year-old allegedly suffocated Demeria with clothes on the bed, then meticulously cleaned up the scene and repositioned Demeria's body to make it appear as though nothing had happened.

"I consider this to be one of the most disturbing, violent acts committed by either an adult or juvenile that my office has prosecuted," stated Prosecutor Frederick Agee.

The 12-year-old cousin, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, is facing charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. Prosecutors are pushing for the girl to be tried as an adult due to the gravity of the crime.

The cousin is set to turn 13 next week. The community and legal authorities alike are grappling with the implications of such a violent act committed by someone so young. This case has sparked a broader conversation about juvenile crime and the appropriate legal response.

This incident has left the community in shock and mourning, raising questions about the nature of youth violence and the role of technology in exacerbating conflicts. As the legal process unfolds, the family and community members are left to cope with the devastating loss of a young life and the profound consequences for another.

The tragic circumstances surrounding Demeria Hollingsworth’s death serve as a stark reminder of the potential for everyday disputes to escalate into unthinkable violence.

Chicago Postal Carrier of over 15 years fatally sh*t to death in front of West Pullman home.

In a heartbreaking incident, a postal worker was shot and killed while on duty in the West Pullman neighborhood of Chicago's South Side on Friday. The shooting occurred just before 11:40 a.m. on South Harvard Avenue.

Witnesses reported seeing a car approach the victim's USPS truck before hearing at least 10 gunshots. According to the police, the attacker, described only as a male, confronted 48-year-old Octavia Redmond and opened fire, leaving her with multiple gunshot wounds. Redmond was rushed to Christ Hospital in critical condition but was later pronounced dead.

Octavia Redmond was a dedicated postal worker, a wife, and a grandmother who had served as a letter carrier for over 15 years. Her tragic death has left her family, friends, and community in mourning. A flag flew at half-staff outside a South Side union hall in her honor.

Elise Foster, President of the National Association of Letter Carriers, expressed the fear and outrage felt by postal workers. "They need to be prosecuting them. We are federal employees. How dare you? And, you just think you can get away with it? My members are scared to go to work," Foster said. She emphasized the personal loss, noting that Redmond's husband, also a letter carrier and assistant union steward, is deeply affected by this senseless act of violence.

Residents on Redmond's route, like Kim Sanders who works at a nearby group home, are equally devastated. They described the neighborhood as normally quiet and are shocked by the incident.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service Chicago Division is offering a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to the shooter's arrest and conviction. Spencer Block of the Postal Inspection Service stressed the seriousness of the crime, stating, "One of our own, a postal employee, we take it as seriously as anything, because this is why we're here."

As of Friday night, no one was in custody, and the motive for the shooting remains unknown. Area Two detectives are actively investigating the case. Foster's words resonate with the community's grief: "It was not worth it. You took a beautiful soul."

Octavia Redmond's death is a tragic reminder of the risks faced by postal workers and the profound impact of violence on our communities.

Tragic Sugar Daddy-Sugar Baby Relationship Ends in Grisly Murder

In a shocking and grisly crime, a 22-year-old woman and her 19-year-old friend are behind bars after allegedly killing the woman's sugar daddy and severing his thumb to access his Cashapp. The disturbing case, which has gripped the local community, highlights the dangers and complexities of sugar daddy-sugar baby relationships.

According to NBC 4, Tiffany Taylor Gray, 22, was in a sugar baby relationship with Fasil Teklemariam, 53. The relationship, characterized by financial transactions in exchange for companionship, took a dark turn when Fasil was found dead in his apartment on April 5. His body, bearing blunt force trauma injuries and stab wounds, lay undiscovered for three days. Even more shockingly, one of his thumbs was missing.

Investigators pieced together the events leading up to the murder through witness statements and surveillance footage. A witness reported seeing Tiffany, along with her 19-year-old friend Audrey Miller, at Fasil's apartment. The two allegedly attacked and killed him before cutting off his thumb, intending to use it to access his Cashapp and other financial applications on his phone.

Surveillance footage from Fasil's apartment complex showed Tiffany, Audrey, and two other men entering and leaving the building in the days following the murder. They reportedly used Fasil's key fob to re-enter the apartment and steal valuable items, including electronics and jewelry. Fasil's phone was last pinged near Tiffany's apartment in Washington, D.C.

The investigation also revealed a troubled history between Tiffany and Fasil. He had previously reported her to the authorities for allegedly stealing his phone and transferring money to herself via Cashapp without his permission. This prior incident, coupled with the evidence gathered, led police to arrest Tiffany and charge her with first-degree murder and armed felony murder. Audrey was also arrested and charged with the same crimes. One of the men seen with them on surveillance footage has been arrested, but charges have not yet been filed against him.

As the investigation continues, police are still searching for Fasil's thumb and the stolen devices. The gruesome nature of the crime has shocked the community and raised questions about the risks inherent in

As the investigation continues, police are still searching for Fasil's thumb and the stolen devices. The gruesome nature of the crime has shocked the community and raised questions about the risks inherent in sugar daddy-sugar baby arrangements. This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of how dangerous these relationships can become when financial motivations intersect with violence and exploitation.

Wife put weed killer in husband’s drink because she felt he was ungrateful after throwing him a 50th birthday party .

A Missouri esthetician was allegedly caught putting weed killer in her husband's soda because he was "not appreciative" of the 50th birthday party she threw for him, police said.

Michelle Y. Peters, 47, of Lebanon, was arrested Monday and charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action, according to court documents.

During an interview with authorities, Peters reportedly admitted she wanted to be "mean" to her husband due to his lack of appreciation for the party. The husband, whose name was redacted from the documents, had earlier informed the Laclede County Sheriff's Office that he believed his wife was poisoning him, according to the probable cause affidavit.

The husband claimed he first noticed that the Diet Mountain Dew from the two-liter bottle he kept in their garage refrigerator "tasted weird" around May 1. Initially, he ignored the strange taste but continued drinking the soda. A few weeks later, he began experiencing symptoms including a sore throat, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, and was coughing up thick, brown-yellow mucus, according to the police report.

Growing suspicious, the husband reviewed security camera footage from the garage dated June 12. He then tried changing his routine and putting new, untampered bottles in the refrigerator, only to find that Michelle allegedly continued to mix the soda with weed killer. The original bottle of Roundup was nearly empty, and a new bottle was ready to replace it, the husband claimed.

When the husband mentioned feeling sick to Peters, she allegedly suggested he "probably had COVID" and should "stay away from the grandkids," the warrant stated. The husband expressed uncertainty about whether his wife was having an affair or intended to collect on his $500,000 life insurance policy. He also noted that she had significantly reduced the money she was transferring from a business account to their personal account.

Confronted with the video evidence, Peters told officers she "should have just divorced" her husband, whom she described as "selfish."

After her formal arrest, Peters stated that her actions stemmed from her husband's lack of appreciation for the party she had organized. She pleaded not guilty to both charges and is being held without bond. Her next court hearing is scheduled for July 2.

Illegal Migrant Fatally Shoots Two Workers at Texas Chick-fil-A.

Two workers were shot and killed by an illegal migrant at a Chick-fil-A in Irving, Texas on Wednesday. This incident adds to the troubling pattern of crimes linked to asylum seekers.

The suspect, 37-year-old Oved Bernardo Mendoza Argueta from El Salvador, was charged with capital murder. According to police, the shooting occurred around 3:40 p.m. inside the fast-food restaurant. One victim, Patricia Portillo, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the identity of the second victim is being withheld until the family is notified.

After the shooting, Argueta fled the scene in a silver 1997 Honda sedan. Authorities tracked him down and arrested him early Thursday morning around 2:50 a.m. Irving police confirmed that Argueta had an ICE hold due to his immigration status.

This incident highlights the ongoing concerns about crime and public safety involving individuals seeking asylum in the United States.

A White West Virginia couple is behind bars after police discovered that they neglected and abused their black adoptive children

A white couple from West Virginia is facing serious charges after police discovered they had been neglecting and abusing their black adoptive children, allegedly making them perform labor under conditions likened to slavery.

Donald Ray Lantz, 63, and Jeanne Kay Whitefeather, 62, were arrested in October 2023 after law enforcement responded to a report of child neglect at their residence. Upon arrival, police found a 14-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl locked in a shed on the property. The teenagers reported that they had been confined there all day with only a small RV porta-potty and no access to running water. They revealed that they had last been given food around 6 a.m. that morning.

The teens described their living conditions as horrendous, stating they were forced to sleep on the hard concrete floor of the shed. Surveillance footage later corroborated their claims. The 14-year-old boy was found to have open sores on the bottoms of his feet, indicating prolonged neglect.

Later the same day, police discovered three more children, aged 6, 9, and 11, outside the home. All five children were visibly malnourished and emitted strong body odors, suggesting prolonged lack of proper care. The initial findings led to the immediate arrest of Lantz and Whitefeather on charges of child neglect, with each being held on a $250,000 bond.

Despite the couple’s claims of poverty, they managed to post their substantial bail in February, raising suspicions among prosecutors. Further investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse and exploitation. According to testimonies from neighbors and the children, Lantz and Whitefeather allegedly forced the children to perform labor under conditions they likened to slavery, driven by racial prejudice.

In court, Lantz and Whitefeather have vehemently denied the allegations. However, the weight of evidence and consistent testimonies from multiple witnesses have painted a grim picture of systemic abuse and exploitation.

As the legal proceedings continue, the case has sparked outrage and calls for justice within the community. Advocacy groups and child protection services have rallied around the children, ensuring they receive the care and support they need.

This case highlights critical issues surrounding child welfare and the responsibilities of adoptive parents. It underscores the need for stringent oversight and rigorous background checks in the adoption process to prevent such tragic cases of abuse.

As the community grapples with the revelations, there is a collective call for systemic changes to protect vulnerable children from such horrendous treatment in the future. The hope is that justice will be served, and the children will find healing and safety away from the horrors they endured.

Missing Hiker Found Alive After 10 Days.

A California man, Lukas McClish, 34, was stranded for ten days in the Santa Cruz Mountains after getting lost on a hike. McClish had set out for what he thought would be a brief three-hour hike on June 11, but the hike took a dangerous turn due to the recent wildfires that had destroyed local landmarks, making navigation difficult.

When McClish failed to show up for a Father’s Day dinner on June 16, his family reported him missing, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation. According to CNN affiliate KGO, the rescue effort was spearheaded by the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office, and McClish was eventually found on June 21, thanks to a drone. The drone located him in Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the oldest state park in California, known for its ancient coast redwood trees.

During his time in the wilderness, McClish had to rely on his resourcefulness and the natural water sources around him. “I just made sure I drank a gallon of water every day,” he told KGO. He found water in creeks and waterfalls, which was crucial for his survival as he hiked through the forest each day, calling out for help.

McClish's ordeal left him exhausted and with a lost voice, but he suffered no major injuries. He was found with only the clothes he left in: a pair of pants, hiking shoes, a hat, a flashlight, and a pair of folding scissors. “I left with just a pair of pants, my hiking shoes, and a hat,” he said. “I had a flashlight and a pair of folding scissors, like a Leatherman tool. And that was about it.”

Witnesses had reported hearing someone calling for help, but pinpointing the exact location proved difficult. The drone from the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office played a crucial role in locating McClish. Cal Fire San Mateo highlighted the challenging search in an X post, expressing relief at finding McClish safe.

Reflecting on his experience, McClish expressed deep gratitude for the search and rescue teams. “Seeing the number of search and rescue workers who worked to find me was really humbling,” he said. “It was an awesome experience.”

Tragic Shooting at Tampa Hotel Leaves One Dead, Three Injured

TAMPA, Fla. — In the early hours of Sunday morning, a tragic shooting in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Tampa North on East Fowler Avenue resulted in one fatality and left three others hospitalized. The incident, which occurred around 4:40 a.m., has prompted a thorough investigation by the Tampa Police Department.

According to Public Information Officer Jonee Lewis, two cars were targeted, and a total of four people were shot during the attack. Despite the severity of the situation, guests inside the hotel did not need to be evacuated. However, police officers remain on-site to provide assistance and address any concerns. Officers are also escorting guests in and out of the hotel to ensure their safety.

The Tampa Police Department is urging the public to come forward with any information that might aid in the investigation. “If you saw something or heard something, any little detail can help us figure out what happened this morning,” Lewis emphasized during a news conference.

As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the shock and sadness of the incident. Authorities are committed to uncovering the details of the shooting and bringing those responsible to justice.