Tag Archives: investigators

National Guards suspected shooter Rahmanullah Lakanwal’s naked photo goes viral; Afghan national reportedly overstayed his visa after entering US under Biden administration

Economic Times ^ | November 26, 2025 | Mukesh Thapliyal Posted on by Morgana Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who reportedly entered the US in 2021 under then-President Joe Biden’s ‘Operation Allies Welcome’ and later overstayed his visa, has become the focus of a possible act of international terrorism. A viral photo shows him almost naked as first responders load him into an ambulance after the attack. Investigators say he allegedly ambushed two National Guard members near the White House. The shooting left both guards critically injured, and with the motive still unknown, Lakanwal’s background and actions have drawn intense public and political scrutiny. 1 posted on by Morgana To: Morgana I’d like to think our guys stripped his clothes off for the purpose of public humiliation. 2 posted on by reasonisfaith (What are the personal implications if the Resurrection of Christ is a true event in history?) Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by.
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4354806/posts

SW Miami-Dade priest arrested after confrontation with woman donating to church turns violent, authorities say

SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) A 72-year-old Southwest Miami-Dade priest was arrested after a confrontation with a woman dropping off donations at a church escalated into a physical struggle, according to authorities. Jesus Gabriel Saldana was charged with burglary of an occupied conveyance, battery on a person 65 or older and misdemeanor criminal mischief following the Nov. 6 incident at St. Kevin Catholic Church on Southwest 42nd Street. Police said the victim arrived at the church around 11: 40 a. m. to donate items and attempted to photograph the donations alongside a politically themed poster. According to the arrest report, Saldana, identified as the church priest collecting donations, told her she was not allowed to take pictures and ordered her to leave. When she asked for her donations back, a verbal argument ensued, authorities said. According to authorities, the victim began photographing Saldana, prompting him to lunge at her. Bystanders separated the two, but Saldana then allegedly reached into the woman’s vehicle without permission for unknown reasons. The struggle continued as the victim got into the driver’s seat, and police say Saldana battered her while attempting to pull her out of the vehicle. During the altercation, he allegedly ripped off the rearview mirror and damaged the vehicle’s gear selector. Investigators said the woman, who has a history of cardiac issues, later drove herself to a hospital, where she was admitted. Saldana also reached into her vehicle again and dumped out her purse on the ground while searching for her phone, the report states. Saldana turned himself in at the Miami-Dade Police Midwest District Station on Saturday. He was arrested and taken to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Copyright.
https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/sw-miami-dade-priest-arrested-after-confrontation-with-woman-donating-to-church-turns-violent-authorities-say/

Anna Kepner and Her 16-Year-Old Stepbrother Were Like ‘2 Peas in a Pod,’ According to Grandmother

The grandparents of Anna Kepner, the 18-year-old cheerleader found dead aboard a cruise while on a family holiday, say that the teen was very close with her 16-year-old stepbrother, who is now a possible suspect in the case. The 16-year-old boy has not been named a suspect by the FBI, which previously confirmed to PEOPLE it is investigating the case. Kepner, of Titusville, Fla., was found dead on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship on Nov. 8 by a member of the ship’s housekeeping staff. No suspects have been publicly named. However, in court filings related to a custody dispute, Kepner’s stepmother Shauntel Hudson claimed that investigators say her 16-year-old son Kepner’s stepbrother may be subject to a criminal case following the teen’s death. (Shauntel’s last name is listed as “Kepner” in several media reports, but court documents identify her as Shauntel Hudson.) Shauntel Hudson’s ex-husband who is the 16-year-old’s biological father also said in a petition filed with Brevard County that the teen is a “suspect in the death of the step child during the cruise,” according to the filing obtained by PEOPLE. The attention on the stepbrother, however, appears to have caught the Kepner family by surprise. Kepner’s grandmother, Barbara Kepner, told ABC News in an exclusive interview that the family was close-knit especially Anna and her 16-year-old stepbrother. “They were just like brother and sister,” Barbara said, adding that they were “two peas in a pod,” “I know that those two kids cared about each other in the right way,” Barbara said, while declining to comment about the scrutiny on Anna’s stepbrother. Anna is being remembered for being a “thoughtful” and “nurturing” member of the family who took special care of her siblings, “taking them to the park, Halloween Horror Nights, or just out for fun,” her loved ones said in an online obituary. “She had a big, beautiful heart, often sending random ‘I love you’ messages or little gestures that made someone’s day,” read part of the obituary. Stepbrother of teen who died on cruise ‘does not remember’ what happened, teen’s grandmother says Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Much remains unknown about the circumstances surrounding Anna’s death and the ensuing investigation as authorities remain tight-lipped about the case.
https://people.com/anna-kepner-stepbrother-two-peas-pod-says-grandmother-11855666

Denville Police Arrest Resident on Multiple Weapons Charges Following Investigation

MORRIS COUNTY A Denville man is facing a series of weapons-related charges after police executed a search warrant at his Beaver Brook Lane residence following reports of gunfire in the neighborhood. According to police, the investigation began on November 15, 2025, when the Denville Police Department received an anonymous complaint that an individual, later identified as 27-year-old Robert Benyo, had been discharging firearms in the area during various evenings in recent weeks. Detectives located additional witnesses and received multiple similar complaints regarding the alleged activity. Based on the information gathered, investigators applied for a search warrant for Benyo’s residence, which was authorized by a Superior Court judge. During the execution of the warrant, officers recovered multiple illegal firearms. Benyo was secured at the scene, transported to Denville Police Headquarters for processing, and then lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a future court appearance. Charges Filed Benyo has been charged with the following offenses: 2C: 39-3F(1) Prohibited weapons and devices 2C: 39-3J Illegal possession of a magazine 2C: 39-7B(1) Certain person not to have a weapon 2C: 39-5D Unlawful possession of a weapon 2C: 39-5B(1) Unlawful possession of a handgun 2C: 39-5C(1) Unlawful possession of a rifle 2C: 58-15A Minor’s access to a loaded firearm Benyo remains in custody at the Morris County Correctional Facility awaiting a future court date.
https://parsippanyfocus.com/2025/11/23/denville-police-arrest-resident-on-multiple-weapons-charges-following-investigation/

Two people arrested during Mount Sinai massage parlor raid

In response to community complaints, Sixth Precinct Investigative Unit officers, in conjunction with Town of Brookhaven Investigators, Building Inspectors and Fire Marshall, investigated Lee Spa, located at 331 Route 25A, and arrested two employees. Tao Wang, 42, of Flushing, and Chao Ma, 41, of Port Jefferson were both charged with Unauthorized Practice of a Profession. The Town of Brookhaven issued summonses and issued a cease and desist to the business. Wang and Ma were both issued Desk Appearance Tickets and are scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.
https://tbrnewsmedia.com/two-people-arrested-during-mount-sinai-massage-parlor-raid/

JSO investigating woman found dead on 14th Street

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a woman was found dead Monday afternoon on the 1300 block of West 14th Street. JSO responded to a call about a possible stabbing around 1: 10 p. m. They found an unresponsive woman in her 50s. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene. Investigators said the woman was last seen on Friday at her rooming house. Even though the call was about a stabbing, JSO says the circumstances around her death are still unclear. Detectives are working to piece together what happened. They encourage anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/jso-investigating-woman-found-dead-041036911.html

Jets player ‘clings to life’ after NYC shooting, report

Here’s the stories you’ll be talking about on the New Jersey 101. 5 Morning Show on Monday: The winds were whipping this weekend and much of that wind will stay with us as we start the new week. I did my best to get our Christmas lights up outside, but it seems like as soon as I got one decoration up, the wind tore it down. When do you put up your holiday lights and decorations? If we get a mild day ahead of Thanksgiving, I prefer to get the lights and other decorations up. Sunday would have been perfect, if not for the wind. There is some good news as we begin the week: Flights should be back to normal at Newark and the rest of the nations airports. The FAA lifted restrictions that had been imposed during the government shutdown because air traffic controllers were not reporting for work. A tragedy in Somerset County: A police officer and his family are safe, but lost all their possessions in a devastating fire. There are ways you can help. And will the House vote to release the Epstein files this week? President Trump now says they should. Even if the house approves the release, there may not be enough votes in the Senate. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know to start a new week in the Great Garden State. ⬛ Reward offered after Newark shooting leaves boy, woman dead 🚨Gunfire on a Newark street leaves a 10-year-old boy and a 21-year-old woman dead 🚨Authorities offer a $10,000 reward as investigators search for the shooter 🚨Newark’s mayor calls it a “dark and devastating day” following the double killing NEWARK A $10,000 reward is being offered to find those responsible for firing the shots that left a 10-year-year old boy and 21-year-old woman dead on Saturday. Over a dozen shots were fired around 7 p. m. on the 300 block of Chancellor Avenue in Newark’s South Ward, according to Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II. The boy and the woman were pronounced dead at University Hospital. An 11-year-old male, a 19-year-old male, and a 60-year-old male were also injured. They were in stable condition as of Saturday night. At least 17 evidence markers were on the street and sidewalk following the shooting, according to a report from ABC 7 Eyewitness News. Stevens did not disclose the circumstances of the shooting or the identities of the victims. A $10,000 reward is being offered by the Essex County Sheriff’s Crime Stopper program for information leading to an arrest in the case. ⬛ New tickborne meat allergy kills NJ man in first confirmed death 🍔 New Jersey pilot becomes first confirmed fatality from alpha-gal syndrome 🍔 The man collapsed and died just hours after eating a hamburger 🍔 Lone star ticks are spreading, with established populations in 12 counties A pilot from New Jersey is the first confirmed death from a disturbing new meat allergy spread by the lone star tick, according to a study. It explains why the 47-year-old man died on his bathroom floor just hours after consuming a hamburger in September 2024, according to University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers. First documented fatality from alpha-gal syndrome in the U. S. The report was published According to the report, the man had no significant past medical history that would explain his death. Several details, including the victim’s name and where he lived in New Jersey, were not released in the study. It’s only been publicly released that his family lived in the suburbs. ⬛ Jets player ‘clings to life’ after NYC shooting, says report 🚨 NY Post reports Jet’s cornerback Kris Boyd was shot in NYC. 🚨 His injuries are said to be critical. New York Jet’s cornerback Kris Boyd was involved in a shooting early Sunday morning in New York City, the New York Post is reporting. The Post says the 29-year-old was shot in the abdomen and was “clinging to life” at a city hospital. Police have not confirmed any of the details of their investigation. A representative of the Jets said they were “aware of the situation” but offered no further comment. Boyd is in his first year with the Jets, but has not seen playing time since suffering a shoulder injury during a preseason game. According to the Post, Boyd was with two other Jets players at a trendy restaurant in Manhattan because he “felt the vibe was off.” The shooting took place just moments after the three players left. ⬛ Community rallies around local cop and his family who lost everything in a fire 🔥 Fire totally destroyed the home of a Somerset Count police officer 👮‍♂️ Officer Vito Spadea and his family are o. k. ♥ Community members rally around the family to offer help A devastating fire destroyed a home in the Martinsville Section of Bridgewater Township this weekend. The fire has left a Somerville Police officer and his family with nothing. The community has rallied around officer Vito Spadea, who lived with his wife and two young daughters in the home. The family is safe, but they lost everything in the fire. An online fundraiser has raised close to $100,000 for the Spadea family. There is no word on a cause of the fire. ⬛ FAA lifts order slashing flights ✈ Flight restrictions had been in place during the government shutdown. ✈ Commercial airlines are allowed to resume their regular schedules. ✈ Airline leaders expressed optimism operations would rebound in time for the Thanksgiving travel period. Airlines can resume their regular flight schedules beginning Monday at 6 a. m. EST, the agency said. The announcement was made in a joint statement by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. Citing safety concerns as staffing shortages grew at air traffic control facilities during the shutdown, the FAA issued an unprecedented order to limit traffic in the skies. It had been in place since Nov. 7, affecting thousands of flights across the country. ⬛ In reversal, Trump says House Republicans should vote to release Epstein files ❎ After fighting it for months, President Trump says Epstein files should be released. ❎ Trump says, ‘We have nothing to hide.’ ❎ The House is expected to approve the release this week. There may not be enough votes in the Senate. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump said House Republicans should vote to release the files in the Jeffrey Epstein case, a startling reversal after previously fighting the proposal as a growing number of those in his own party supported it. “We have nothing to hide, and it’s time to move on from this Democrat Hoax perpetrated by Radical Left Lunatics in order to deflect from the Great Success of the Republican Party,” Trump wrote on social media late Sunday after landing at Joint Base Andrews following a weekend in Florida. Trump’s statement followed a fierce fight within the GOP over the files, including an increasingly nasty split with Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who had long been one of his fiercest supporters. The New Jersey 101. 5 Morning Show airs from 6 10 a. m. on New Jersey 101. 5. Join the conversation by calling 1-800-283-1015 or download the NJ101. 5 app. You can reach him at eric. scott@townsquaremedia. com.
https://nj1015.com/jets-chris-boyd-shot/

NBA Expands Gambling Investigation, Requests Cell Phones From Multiple Teams

The NBA has requested documents, phones, and other electronic records from multiple franchises, including the Los Angeles Lakers, as part of its expanding investigation into illegal sports betting, according to The Athletic. This move comes amid growing scrutiny from Congress following federal charges filed last month against several individuals connected to NBA teams.

The investigation gained momentum after former NBA player and longtime LeBron James associate Damon Jones was arrested and accused of selling private injury information to gamblers involving two unnamed Lakers stars. Prosecutors allege that Jones used inside access—earned through his close relationship with James—to tip bettors on at least two occasions. Jones has pleaded not guilty to these charges.

As part of the ongoing probe, investigators from the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, which was hired by the NBA, have contacted multiple teams requesting access to devices and records. At least 10 Lakers employees are expected to be approached. Assistant trainer Mike Mancias and executive administrator Randy Mims, both longtime members of James’ inner circle, have already cooperated by voluntarily turning over their phones.

NBA spokesperson Mike Bass emphasized the league’s commitment to uncovering the full scope of the alleged scheme. “The NBA engaged an independent law firm to investigate the allegations in the indictment once it was made public,” the league stated. “Everyone has been fully cooperative.”

It is important to note that LeBron James, Mike Mancias, and Randy Mims have not been accused of any wrongdoing nor have they been named in any federal filings. However, their close proximity to Damon Jones has placed the Lakers at the center of the inquiry.

This scandal follows several recent gambling-related cases involving NBA personnel. Miami’s Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups were arrested last month on federal charges linked to illegal betting activities. Rozier was accused of planning to manipulate his performance to influence betting outcomes in a 2023 game, while Billups was charged with defrauding players through illegal poker games—not for leaking injury information.

Additionally, the government has cited illegal bets connected to the Orlando Magic and Portland Trail Blazers. Among these allegations, a Magic player allegedly informed a gambler that the team planned to “tank” an April 2023 matchup. That unnamed player is no longer with the franchise.

The NBA has already banned former Toronto Raptors two-way player Jontay Porter for betting violations. In response to the widening scandal, the league is expected to implement stricter rules surrounding injury reporting to help prevent future misconduct.
https://www.complex.com/sports/a/markelibert/nba-requests-cell-phones-teams-amid-expanding-gambling-investigation

Mother of missing 9-year-old California girl is arrested. Authorities say it’s not related to her daughter’s disappearance

**Mother of Missing California Girl Arrested on Unrelated Felony Charge**

The mother of a missing 9-year-old California girl, Melodee Buzzard, was arrested Friday on a felony charge of false imprisonment. However, officials say the arrest is not directly connected to the ongoing search for her daughter.

Investigators looking into Melodee’s disappearance discovered that her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, had recently “prevented a victim from leaving a location against their will,” according to a news release from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities stressed that “this crime is not connected to the search for Melodee,” and declined to share further details so as not to impede the investigation. The identity of the victim in the false imprisonment case has not been released.

The arrest comes about a week after the FBI served search warrants on Buzzard’s home, a storage locker, and the rental car in which Melodee was last seen. The high-profile search for Melodee has drawn national attention. Investigators have shared surveillance images showing the child in apparent disguise—a hoodie pulled over her head and a wig at a car rental agency last month.

According to officials, Ashlee Buzzard swapped wigs throughout the trip, possibly “to avoid recognition during travel.” Over the course of three days, Buzzard and her daughter traveled through Nebraska, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and Kansas in a rental car, which was observed at times with “a false or switched” license plate.

The rental car returned to the family’s home in Lompoc, California—about 55 miles northwest of Santa Barbara—on October 10, with Ashlee Buzzard driving. Melodee was not seen in the car. The last confirmed sighting of the child was the previous day, captured on video surveillance near the Colorado-Utah state line.

Melodee was reported missing on October 14 by a school administrator concerned about her extended absence—not by a family member. When authorities visited the mother’s home, Melodee was not there and no verifiable explanation for her whereabouts was given. Officials also noted that Ashlee Buzzard has remained uncooperative and has not provided any confirmation regarding Melodee’s location or welfare.

While Ashlee Buzzard’s arrest occurred during the missing persons investigation, the sheriff’s office emphasized, “it is not directly related to Melodee’s disappearance.” Detectives remain focused on locating Melodee and confirming her safety.

Anyone who has seen Melodee or has information about her whereabouts is urged to contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office or leave an anonymous tip.

It is not immediately clear whether Ashlee Buzzard has an attorney. She will be booked at Santa Barbara County jail, where bail is set at $100,000, officials said.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/09/mother-of-missing-9-year-old-melodee-buzzard-is-arrested-authorities-say-its-not-related-to-her-daughters-disappearance/

Hospital police officer shot and killed in North Carolina emergency department struggle

**Police Officer Shot and Killed During Struggle at North Carolina Hospital**

**GARNER, N.C. (AP)** — A police officer was shot and killed during a struggle in the emergency department lobby at a North Carolina hospital on Saturday morning.

The incident occurred around 9 a.m. at the WakeMed Garner Healthplex. WakeMed Campus Police Officer Roger Smith was tragically killed, according to a statement from WakeMed.

A “person of interest” in connection with the shooting is currently in custody, the Garner Police Department said in a statement. Hospital officials are working closely with local police and state investigators as the emergency department lobby remains closed.

Further details about the circumstances of the shooting have not been immediately released.

“Law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe, and we are forever grateful for Officer Smith’s sacrifice,” North Carolina Governor Josh Stein said in a statement on X.

Garner is a city of about 31,000 people located just south of Raleigh in central North Carolina. The WakeMed police department oversees security at six facilities within the health care system, including the hospital in Garner. Officers are fully sworn law enforcement officials and receive all the police training required under state law.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
https://ktar.com/national-news/hospital-police-officer-shot-and-killed-in-north-carolina-emergency-department-struggle/5772907/