Convicted killer giggles in court as judge describes murder. Judge asks why he's laughing — and isn't amused by his answer.

A convicted killer was caught on video smiling and giggling in a Florida courtroom earlier this week as the judge described the murder. The judge soon asked why he was laughing — and most definitely wasn't amused by his answer.

Marcus Terry, 43, was found guilty last December of second-degree murder for killing his cellmate in the Dade Correctional Institute in Homestead in 2021, WTVJ-TV reported.

'I'm not sure why you're laughing.'

Terry was back in court Tuesday, and his attorney Steven Yermish requested that Judge Ellen Sue Venzer grant his client a new trial, claiming that inadmissible evidence made it into the December trial, the station said.

Venzer denied the motion for the new trial and continued with Terry's sentencing, WTVJ reported.

The judge described the murder — during which the victim was stabbed in the brain with a pen — and said "he shoved a pillowcase into his mouth. When the guards came in to find out what was going on, he was standing on top of this man, and his hand was bloodied," the station said.

During the murder description, however, Terry started to smile and giggle, according to WTVJ.

“I'm not sure why you're laughing," Venzer told Terry, the station said.

And how did the convicted killer respond?

"You are amusing," he told the judge, according to WTVJ.

As you might imagine, the judge didn't take kindly to Terry's response.

"I found nothing amusing about your behavior or the death of this gentleman," Venzer said, according to the station.

"God have mercy on your soul," the judge added while issuing a life sentence without the possibility of parole, WTVJ reported.

Terry can appeal his sentence, the station added.

Terry already was serving a life sentence for armed burglary and armed robbery when he killed fellow inmate Ray Matos, WTVJ said, citing court records.

The two had been cellmates for less than a week, the station said, citing a warrant.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Elderly woman found beaten to death with a hammer after husband talked about suicide pact, police say

Neighbors of an elderly couple in Florida were stunned to find out the wife had been beaten to death with a hammer and her husband had been arrested for the grisly crime.

The Groveland Police Department said officers were called to a residence on Way Point Drive in Lake County on Sunday at about 9 p.m. for a wellness check.

'Police found that DiFraia made comments about a suicide pact involving pills about a month before the gruesome incident.'

When they entered the home, they found 82-year-old Vincent DiFraia sitting in his living room with a vacant look on his face and bleeding from injuries they determined to be self-inflicted.

He was transported to Orlando Health South Lake Hospital for treatment.

When officers searched the rest of the house, they found his 84-year-old wife covered in blood while lying in bed. A hammer was found next to her, while the walls and ceiling of the bedroom were also splattered with blood, police said.

They also reported finding dried blood on the floor leading to the bathroom and in the bathroom sink.

Police said the woman had a "large impact wound" on the side of her head and had likely died 24 hours before she was found.

They found other bloody items as well.

During their investigation, police found that DiFraia made comments about a suicide pact involving pills about a month before the gruesome incident.

Police believe DiFraia killed his wife with the hammer and later cut his wrists with a knife before police entered the home.

DiFraia is being held at the Lake County jail on a charge of first-degree murder.

Neighbors told WESH-TV that the couple was a nice couple.

"We all still kind of just battling with it, and for the victim too, you know, she was a really nice lady as well," said one neighbor, who was not identified.

"For the most part, it's a quiet neighborhood; everybody get along," he added. "There's a lot of elderly people that live here, and most of the homeowners have been here since day one. And yeah, this is just sad and unfortunate."

His wife was identified as Evelyn DiFraia in the grand jury indictment of her husband.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Teen faces horrific rape and murder charges after 2-year-old foster child dies with suspicious injuries

The horrifying death of a 2-year-old boy in foster care is leading to intense scrutiny of local social workers in California.

The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office said in a press release that the unidentified suspect was 17 years old at the time of the alleged murder of his foster brother, known as "Baby Jaxon."

'Jaxon will never have any way to tell his own story. My office will speak for him and all the lost children as we seek justice.'

Officers of the San Jose Police Department Patrol responded to a report of an unresponsive child at a residence on Otono Court on April 5.

Police found the 2-year-old unresponsive in his crib and immediately transported him to a local hospital in critical condition. When Jaxon was placed on life support, medical personnel reported that the child had suspicious injuries.

After an investigation, detectives said they found evidence that the boy's foster brother had abused and sexually assaulted the child and placed him under arrest.

On April 9, Jaxon died of his injuries, and police began the investigation as a homicide.

Detectives said they discovered that the child had been placed into the foster care of a 40-year-old caregiver with a criminal history in February. She was arrested and booked but was later released.

The district attorney's office said it was seeking to charge the murder suspect as an adult.

In addition to numerous counts of sexual abuse and murder, the suspect was also charged with child assault causing death and assault with a hair tie.

The child's maternal aunt said the child was born premature and likely suffered from fetal alcohol syndrome as well as autism. She also claimed to have raised concerns about the foster family in February.

"Jaxon will never have a chance at life," a statement from District Attorney Jeff Rosen reads. "Jaxon will never have any way to tell his own story. My office will speak for him and all the lost children as we seek justice."

Critics are now demanding to know how the child was placed in a situation where he died only two months later. Jaxon reportedly was placed into foster care after his mother died and his father was unable to care for him, according to friends.

A union representing social workers of the Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children's Services confirmed that seven workers had been placed on administrative leave after the incident.

"This is a terrible and horrific case," Rosen added.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Former girls' high school basketball coach hit with 32 sex charges, including 'deviant sexual intercourse with a student'

A grand jury on Tuesday indicted a former Alabama high school girls' basketball coach who's facing 32 sex crime charges in connection with accusations that she sexually abused a student, according to multiple reports.

Paige Adams — former girls' basketball coach at Cold Springs High School — was arrested Tuesday and booked into the Cullman County Jail, according to jail records.

Before the accusations surfaced, Adams was described as 'a great role model for the young people of Cullman County.'

The 35-year-old was charged with two felony crimes: school employee engaging in a sex act or deviant sexual intercourse with a student and school employee having sexual contact with a student under the age of 19, AL.com reported.

Adams also faces 30 misdemeanor counts of a school employee distributing obscene material to a student.

Adams was released from jail after posting a $225,000 bond but is required to wear an electronic monitor.

"This 32-count grand jury indictment speaks for itself," Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker told WIAT-TV Tuesday.

WIAT obtained court records Wednesday stating that Adams asked the student to send her obscene material depicting sexual activity on at least two occasions, only days before she resigned March 25.

The outlet added that Adams sent obscene material to the student at least 28 times between Feb. 13 and March 9.

Adams — who was in her first year as the varsity girls' basketball coach at Cold Springs High School after being hired in March 2025 — resigned last month, and she was "escorted from school property," according to AL.com.

Cullman County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette stated last month, "Our sole focus is protecting the students of Cullman County Schools. We are going to do what is always right, as we always have."

1819 News reported that Barnette said of Adams, "This is the first formal complaint I have received regarding this employee. As soon as the concern was raised, an investigation was initiated. The employee chose to resign at that time."

Before the accusations surfaced, Barnette called Adams "a great role model for the young people of Cullman County," according to 1819 News.

WIAT reported that Adams' husband filed for divorce April 6 — just two weeks before she was arrested.

Adams' husband — the boys' basketball coach at Cold Springs High School — requested sole custody of their child, according to WIAT.

According to court documents, Adams and her husband had been married since 2015, but they separated in March when she resigned.

In April 2025, Adams' husband said he was excited that she was hired as the girls' basketball coach at the same school as him.

Adams' husband previously told the Cullman Tribune, "Now we can be at the same place on a nightly basis. Secondly, being a head coach can be difficult at times. Us being at the same place and being able to support each other through the ups and downs was important to us."

"And lastly, getting to have a front-row seat to watch Paige starting her journey as the head girls' coach at Cold Springs is special to me," the husband said.

Authorities did not disclose the age of the alleged victim or if the teen was a student at Cold Springs High School.

Adams' arraignment hearing is scheduled for May 22.

The Cullman County Sheriff's Office and the Cullman County Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to Blaze News' request for comment.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Mom of teen thug arrested after body-slamming, head-stomping much smaller girl says he's a 'humble,' 'quiet' Christian

The mother of a 14-year-old male who was arrested after being caught on a viral video body-slamming and head-stomping a much smaller girl on a Harlem street said her boy is a "humble," "quiet" Christian who “doesn’t provoke nobody,” the New York Post reported.

The attack against the 15-year-old victim took place on the corner of East 107th Street and 3rd Avenue in East Harlem around 3:30 p.m. Monday after she wouldn't give the boy her number, the Post said in a previous story.

'He don’t provoke nobody. But if you provoke him, he will lash out.'

The clip shows the considerably larger male standing in a crosswalk in front of his victim and warning that "I'll knock the s**t out of you right now."

Another male is heard off-camera encouraging the attacker: "Do it!"

When the girl attempts to cross the street, the attacker orders her, "Nah, you stand right here" as he points to the ground close to his feet.

The girl attempts to go around the attacker, but he puts his arm out and pushes her backward.

But the gutsy girl defiantly tells her attacker, "Get the f**k away from me, p***y!" and turns around and begins to walk away down a sidewalk.

Her attacker, who's wearing a mask over his mouth and nose, follows her, grabs her from behind, picks her up, and body-slams her into the sidewalk — and then stomps on her head while she's defenseless on the ground.

The Post said the attacker was arrested, charged with assault, and appeared in Manhattan juvenile court Thursday afternoon, after which he was remanded into custody.

The victim's mother told the Post her daughter — a ninth-grade student-athlete at East Harlem Scholars Academy Charter School — spent two days in a hospital and suffered a concussion, bleeding, potential brain injury, headaches, and an injured neck.

However, the attacker's mother — Selma Allen — claimed to the paper that the girl victim in the attack actually is the bully.

“He’s been complaining about her," she added to the Post. "I bring it to the principal’s attention, but he don’t address it. The way my son is being bullied, he doesn’t want to go to school.”

What's more, Allen told the Post after her son's court appearance that he's a "humble," "quiet" Christian who "doesn’t provoke nobody." She also told the paper that the girl shoved him just moments before the start of the video.

“It’s retaliation because she pushed him first,” Allen added to the Post, although the paper said she failed to "cough up additional footage she claimed she had of the victim pushing her son."

“He don’t provoke nobody," Allen also told the Post. "But if you provoke him, he will lash out.”

The attacker's mother also denied her son wanted the girl's phone number, the paper said, adding that the pair are friends who exchange messages on Instagram and WhatsApp.

The paper said the school didn’t immediately return a request for comment.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

14-year-old thug body-slams, head-stomps girl on Harlem street — reportedly after she wouldn't give him her phone number

A 14-year-old male was caught on video body-slamming and then head-stomping a girl on a Harlem street — reportedly after she wouldn't give him her phone number, the New York Post reported, citing police and sources.

The attack against the 15-year-old victim took place on the corner of East 107th Street and 3rd Avenue in East Harlem around 3:30 p.m. Monday after the school day was over, the Post said.

'He should get the death penalty.'

The clip shows the considerably larger male standing in a crosswalk in front of his victim and warning her that he'll "knock the s**t out of you right now."

Another male is heard off-camera encouraging the attacker: "Do it!"

When the girl attempts to cross the street, the attacker orders her, "Nah, you stand right here" as he points to the ground close to his feet.

The girl attempts to go around the attacker, but he puts an arm out and pushes her backward.

But the gutsy girl defiantly tells her attacker, "Get the f**k away from me, p***y!" and turns around and begins to walk away down a sidewalk.

Her attacker, who's wearing a mask over his mouth and nose, follows her, grabs her from behind, picks her up, and body-slams her into the sidewalk.

Apparently not satisfied with his feat of strength, he then stomps on her head while she's defenseless on the ground.

The Post, citing police and sources, said the girl suffered a concussion, and EMS took her to Harlem Hospital in stable condition.

The paper added that her attacker was arrested and charged with assault — and sources noted that he's due to appear in family court Thursday.

As you can imagine, those reacting to the incident are outraged. Here's a sampling of comments underneath the Post's video posted to YouTube:

"Arrest the cameraman as well," one commenter said. "He was enjoying it."
"He should get the death penalty," another commenter declared.
"It's NYC," another commenter wrote. "He'll get a $75 fine and be back on the streets."
"If that were my daughter, the cops would need to hold on to him for his safety," another commenter said. "He would leave earth."
"Utterly evil, doesn't matter what age," another commenter noted. "This is why we need [the] death penalty nationwide. Some people are beyond saving. We must protect regular normal civil people in society."

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

'Monster' guidance counselor admits to sexually abusing underage girl; promised to leave husband and kids for victim: Police

A former North Carolina guidance counselor faces decades in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing an underage girl, according to police. The ex-school staffer reportedly promised the victim that she would leave her family to be with her.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation said in a statement that an investigation was launched in February 2024 regarding accusations that a school guidance counselor was involved in an improper relationship with a student.

'A predator was lurking behind the walls of the counseling office, waiting for a victim.'

The investigation resulted in the arrest of 31-year-old Jessica Patrick Finley, a guidance counselor and volleyball coach at McDowell County High School.

Finley was charged with eight counts of indecent liberties with a child, six counts of statutory sex offense with a child, one count of sex act with a student, and one count of offenses involving a child under the age of 15.

"In April 2025, Finley declined a plea agreement and chose to proceed toward trial," the press release read.

On Thursday, Finley pleaded guilty to all charges in superior court.

A judge sentenced Finley to a minimum of 28 years and four months and a maximum of 40 years and six months in prison, police said.

At the time of sentencing, Finley already had served 778 days in jail, according to McDowell News.

Finley is required to pay a fine of $30,000 and register as a sex offender upon release.

The victim — now 17 years old — explained to the court that she originally sought counseling for anxiety and depression before her relationship with Finley began, according to McDowell News.

"I was seeking help during a time when I felt alone, and she took advantage of that," the victim said in court.

The victim knew the guidance counselor because Finley was a volleyball coach and the student played volleyball, according to McDowell News.

“A predator was lurking behind the walls of the counseling office, waiting for a victim,” the teen's older sister said in court, adding that "a day does not go by that we do not wonder what we could have done to prevent this nightmare for my sister."

The victim’s mother told the courtroom, "We would have beat the door hinges off that building to save her from that monster" and that "children are off limits. Period. No excuses and no exceptions."

A sobbing Finley told the court, "I would just like to say I am so sorry for my actions and the things I have caused, for pain I have caused, for the Carter family, my family, and my own children."

The McDowell News reported that Finley's attorney, Christopher Rumfelt, argued that Finley was suffering from postpartum depression and having marital issues around the time of the sexual abuse.

Rumfelt conceded regarding Finley, "This will follow her until the day she dies. She understands that and accepts that."

Officials with McDowell Public Schools confirmed to WHNS-TV that Finley resigned in February 2024, once the school district was made aware of the child sex crime allegations.

WLOS-TV obtained warrants revealing that Finley had sexual conversations through text messages with the 14-year-old student.

"Finley and (Minor Child 1) discussed details of their sexual encounters, as well as acts they wanted to perform on each other in the future," the warrants stated.

McDowell News reported, "Finley also had phone sex with the victim on one occasion."

The victim told investigators that Finley performed sexual acts on her on multiple occasions in Finley's guidance counselor's office at McDowell High School, according to WLOS.

Finley also told the underage girl that she would leave her family for her, according to warrants.

"Finley made statements to (Minor Child 1) regarding Finley leaving her husband and children to be with (Minor Child 1)," the warrants said.

The teen told investigators that she thought she was dating Finley, WLOS reported.

McDowell News reported, "The victim said she tried multiple times to stop seeing Finley. The victim said anytime she tried to stop the interactions, Finley would threaten to quit her job or kill herself."

The news outlet added that the victim said she felt trapped by the fear of being held responsible for Finley’s death.

Shanon Smith, a captain at the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office at the time of the crimes being reported, told McDowell News that Finley's father had been a deputy with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, and Finley's mother had worked with McDowell CrimeStoppers.

With a potential conflict of interest, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office handed over the investigation to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

McDowell Public Schools did not immediately respond to Blaze News' request for comment.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

17-year-old faces attempted murder charges in connection with mass shooting near University of Iowa

A 17-year-old faces five counts of attempted murder in connection with Sunday's mass shooting near the University of Iowa, in which five people were wounded — including three students.

Iowa City Police said Damarian M. Jones, 17, of Cedar Rapids, engaged in a fight around 1:45 a.m. in the 100 Block of East College Street in the Downtown Pedestrian Mall reportedly involving as many 40 people.

'Their lives have been forever changed by this senseless act of violence.'

Police said over the course of the fight, Jones obtained a firearm from another individual. During a break in the fight, police said Jones walked away from the other combatants, drew the weapon, and fired six times into the crowded Pedestrian Mall.

Police said five people were struck by gunfire:

One victim suffered a life-threatening wound to her head and remains in critical condition.
One victim was struck in the arm and chest, causing serious injuries requiring surgery.
One victim was struck in the leg, causing serious injuries requiring multiple surgeries.
One victim was struck in the side of the stomach, causing bodily injury.
One victim was struck in both legs, causing bodily injury.

Police said of the five victims struck by gunfire, two remain hospitalized.

"Their lives have been forever changed by this senseless act of violence," Iowa City Police Chief Dustin Liston said. "We pray for their full recovery and stand ready to support them in any way possible during this difficult time."

Police said "none of the victims were the target of this shooting, and there is no reason to believe they were otherwise affiliated with this incident."

By 3:05 a.m., investigators obtained images of Jones and other persons of interest in connection with the incident.

Image source: Iowa City Police

Over the course of the investigation, police said they recovered three firearms, numerous firearm accessories, and multiple rounds of ammunition. Police added that investigators received more than 150 tips and served nearly three dozen search warrants.

Jones — who hasn't been located, police said Wednesday — faces the following charges:

attempted murder (five counts)
willful injury assault causing serious injury (three counts)
willful injury assault causing bodily injury (two counts)
going armed with intent

Officials confirmed to Iowa's News Now that Jones is number three in the persons of interest photos sent out earlier this week.

Image source: Iowa City Police

Police said they are asking the public for assistance and that those with information are asked to contact the Iowa City Police Department at 319-356-5275. In addition, police said those in the area of the shooting with security cameras are asked to review their recordings and contact police with any potential video or information.

Iowa City Area Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information about this incident that leads to an arrest, police said. Crime Stoppers tips can be submitted via the P3 Tips app, online at iccrimestoppers.org, or by phone at 319-358-TIPS (8477), police said. All tips and calls are held in strict confidence and anonymity is guaranteed, police said, and individuals providing information are not required to reveal their identity to collect a reward.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Mother, pregnant teenage daughter, and son found 'brutally' murdered — one nearly decapitated, police say

Alabama police are investigating the brutal murder of a mother, her pregnant daughter, and her son, who were all found tied up in separate rooms of their home in Wilmer.

Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch said officers responded to the residence at about 2:30 a.m. Monday and found the "brutal scene" of murder.

'I hope and feel comfortable we'll have this animal or animals off the streets soon.'

Lisa Gail Fields, 46, was stabbed, her 17-year-old daughter Keziah Arionna Luker was shot, and her 12-year-old son Thomas Cordelle Jr. had his throat cut and was nearly decapitated, according to Burch.

"It was a brutal scene," Burch said. "If you've got a beef with an adult ... there's nothing worth killing over, but to murder two children brutally. ... I hope and feel comfortable we'll have this animal or animals off the streets soon."

Police also found an 18-month-old baby in the home who was unharmed.

"At this point, we don't suspect any kind of domestic or family-type situation," Burch said.

He went on to say the home was in a state of disarray, which could mean the perpetrators were searching for something. Police also believe there was more than one suspect involved because the three people had been subdued.

"It tells me that they had a plan coming in to bring zip ties or flex cuffs with them, so they had a plan," Burch added.

A family member found the horrific scene after the father of the unborn child could not reach Luker. The victims were all found with their hands tied behind their backs.

Police said they have some positive leads in the case.

"It's a senseless murder," Luker's father said to WALA-TV.

"She was a bubble of sunshine. A person that makes you smile," he added, "a person that'll make you laugh whenever you're down. She had empathy for everybody. She loved her brothers; she loved her mom; she loved all of us."

He added that she had just gotten her GED equivalent.

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Convicted killer giggles in court as judge describes murder. Judge asks why he's laughing — and isn't amused by his answer.

Elderly woman found beaten to death with a hammer after husband talked about suicide pact, police say

Teen faces horrific rape and murder charges after 2-year-old foster child dies with suspicious injuries

Former girls' high school basketball coach hit with 32 sex charges, including 'deviant sexual intercourse with a student'

Mom of teen thug arrested after body-slamming, head-stomping much smaller girl says he's a 'humble,' 'quiet' Christian

14-year-old thug body-slams, head-stomps girl on Harlem street — reportedly after she wouldn't give him her phone number

'Monster' guidance counselor admits to sexually abusing underage girl; promised to leave husband and kids for victim: Police

17-year-old faces attempted murder charges in connection with mass shooting near University of Iowa

Mother, pregnant teenage daughter, and son found 'brutally' murdered — one nearly decapitated, police say

Pro-Life Advocate Wins First Amendment Victory After Being Arrested By Biden Administration

No 'right to hijack': Christian ousted from Trump faith panel over anti-Zionist remarks

Mobs don’t get a veto over worship

'Agitated' cruise passenger was served 33 drinks in hours, subdued by security, injected with sedative, later died: Lawsuit

FBI director warns of Chinese hacking efforts to 'wreak havoc' on US critical infrastructure

Teen goes overboard the largest cruise ship in the world, family says officials 'barely telling us anything'

Jake Tapper says Nikki Haley's campaign exposes the 'very ugly side' of liberals — and predicts race-based attacks will backfire

We’ll keep you informed with top stories for conservatives who want to become informed decision makers.