Girl, 14, repeatedly stomps, punches head of another girl in class: Cops. Victim hospitalized; suspect released to guardian.



A 14-year-old girl repeatedly stomped and punched the head of another 14-year-old girl in a Delaware high school classroom last week, police said — and while the victim was hospitalized, the suspect was released to a guardian.

What are the details?

Delaware State Police said the suspect entered a classroom in Lake Forest High School in Felton around 1 p.m. Dec. 19 and repeatedly punched and stomped on the victim’s head. Felton is just over an hour south of Wilmington.

Teachers removed the suspect from the classroom, and a school resource officer detained the suspect, police said.

The parent of the girl who was attacked took the victim to an area hospital, where she was treated for serious head injuries, police said.

The suspect on Saturday turned herself in on a charge of second-degree felony assault, police said, adding that she was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released to a guardian on a $5,000 unsecured bond.

How are folks reacting?

Commenters on a story about the incident posted to Yahoo News were incredulous over the extreme violence and how the legal system is handling things:

  • "Stomping a person's head is not assault, it is attempted MURDER," one commenter said. "Stomping the head is the prison method inmates use to kill. This little murderer's so-called parents should be be charged also."
  • "Felony assault? How about felony attempted murder. You punch someone that is assault; you stomp on someones head, that is attempted murder," another commenter added. "Make an example out of her. Charge her as an adult and send her to prison for at least 25 [years]. If she does not get in trouble in prison then she can get out; if she gets into trouble, then she stays there for life. She did this once; she will be able to do it again."
  • "We'll just a do a restorative circle, talk about why you stomped the girl, make sure you understand that 'you cannot stomp on the girl's head,' talk about who[se] fault this really is, like society, or some mythical mental condition, or some systemic 'thing,' we'll give you a cookie and hot chocolate, make sure you're okay and your feet aren't sore from stomping on the girl's head ... if they are, we'll massage them for you, then send you back to class ... this approach has made school violence so much more rare and much less severe than it was 25 or 30 years ago, right?" another commenter wondered.

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Teen hospitalized after Delaware state trooper allegedly 'beat the living hell' out of boy over ding-dong-ditch game, officer suspended



A Delaware state trooper has been suspended for allegedly beating a 15-year-old boy after the teen played the ding-dong-ditch game at the officer's home. The Delaware state trooper has been suspended after officials reviewed the bodycam video.

On Monday, a teenager and three of his friends participated in the ding-dong-ditch game on homes in Wilmington, Delaware. The game is a children's prank in which participants ring the doorbell of a home, and then the pranksters run away before the occupants of the home get a chance to open the front door.

The pranksters reportedly carried out the hijinks on a home that was owned by a Delaware state trooper.

The Delaware state trooper and his partner allegedly hunted down the teens. About 45 minutes after the prank, the state trooper and his partner allegedly confronted the teens.

The family's attorney, Samuel Davis, claimed that the state trooper pulled up behind the teens with the lights activated on his police cruiser. He allegedly ordered the boys to lie down on the ground.

The family of one of the teens only identified as "Jayden" accused the officer of police brutality.

USA Today reported, "The teen, who was eventually hospitalized with a broken orbital bone and concussion, was then handcuffed and pushed face down on the concrete, where the trooper put his knee on the teen's neck."

The lawyer for the family alleges that the state trooper handcuffed the teen, put him in the back of the cruiser, and then used one hand to shine a light in the boy's eyes, and the other hand to "hit him with a haymaker" punch.

The outlet added that the teenagers were taken to the parking lot of a hardware store. At that point, the lawyer claims that another state trooper advised that the boys be taken to the hospital because of their worrisome injuries.

The family of the boy has requested access to the police bodycam video and dashboard cam footage of the alleged incident.

Davis said, "We believe that the truth is going to come out in short order. The family wants the truth, and they want this trooper or troopers to be held accountable for these violent acts."

Jayden's aunt wrote on Facebook, "The two state troopers arrested my (nephew’s) friends, then beat the living hell out of (my) nephew."

The aunt claimed that the troopers "almost killed" her 15-year-old nephew.

She posted photos of Jayden's alleged injuries suffered during his encounter with the state trooper. Photos apparently show the teen with his face bloodied and swollen.

The aunt claimed that Jayden suffered from a concussion, bruises, and a broken orbital bone around his eye — which will require surgery.

"Additionally, we are also investigating whether or not there was any failure to intervene by other DSP personnel who were present at the time of the incident. We assure you that a comprehensive investigation is underway and we are examining all available evidence. At our core, the Delaware State Police values our community's trust and we will provide additional details as we are able," Delaware State Police said after reviewing bodycam footage, according to WDEL.

The Department of Justice Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating the alleged incident and suspended the suspected officer after reviewing the police bodycam video. However, they did not name the officer reported to be involved in the alleged assault.

Police said the investigation is ongoing.

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Trooper suspended after 15-year-old says he was beaten while playing ding-dong-ditch www.youtube.com

Democratic state senator accused of punching woman in face, gets arrested. The charges? Offensive touching and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors.



A Delaware Democratic state senator was accused of punching a woman in the side of her head amid a domestic dispute Sunday and later was arrested on misdemeanor charges of offensive touching and disorderly conduct.

What are the details?

Delaware State Police said troopers were dispatched to the Taverna Rustic Italian Restaurant in Wilmington around 6:20 p.m., where a 44-year-old woman said state Sen. Darius J. Brown, 39, punched her in the side of her face after the pair began arguing about a social media post.

Police said after Brown assaulted the victim, he got up from the booth where he and the victim were sitting and threw a glass of water, which shattered. Brown then left the restaurant and wasn't there when police arrived.

The victim sustained some redness to the side of her face but did not require any medical attention, police said.

Troopers then obtained warrants for Brown's arrest on misdemeanor charges of offensive touching and disorderly conduct, police said.

Brown turned himself in Tuesday and was processed and arraigned, then released on his own recognizance, although he was given a no-contact order with the victim, police said.

'Presumption of innocence'

Brown was absent from Tuesday's legislative session, and WDEL-FM said he didn't return the station's request for comment.

Dave Sokola — a Democrat and the state Senate's president pro tempore — told WDEL he'd consider taking formal action against Brown but that "presumption of innocence" must be maintained.

"Accusations of domestic violence are serious and in direct conflict with the values of the Delaware Senate Democratic Caucus," Sokola said, according to the station. "However, a presumption of innocence is one of the most sacred principles in the American criminal justice system. I will carefully consider whether any formal actions are warranted in the coming days as we learn more about this incident."

Call for resignation

Jane Brady, chairwoman of the Delaware Republican Party, called for Brown to resign if the allegations are true, according to the Cape Gazette.

"The behavior that has been reported, if true, is reprehensible and warrants his resignation," Brady said in a press release, the paper noted. "If Senator Brown refuses to resign, we call on the Senate to conduct an inquiry and expel him for conduct unbecoming an elected official."

More from the Gazette:

Brady cited to the bipartisan effort to expel former Republican Rep. John Adkins of Millsboro. "The circumstances are remarkably similar to the Adkins matter. In that case, Republicans recognized the need to act and did so. The Democrats should hold the members of their caucus to the same high standard," she said.

In 2006, then Republican representative Atkins, was stopped in Ocean City for suspected driving under the influence and a few hours later was charged with offensive touching in connection with an argument with a former wife. He resigned his seat but was re-elected in 2008, running as a Democrat. Atkins retained the seat by 69 seats in a 2012 challenge by Republican Rich Collins, but lost the seat by 352 votes in 2014 to Collins, who has held the seat since.

Murdered Delaware Cpl. Keith Heacook's cousin issues fiery remarks on how media treats slain officers, gets rousing response



Delmar Police Department Cpl. Keith Heacook's cousin tore into the media on Monday during Heacook's funeral.

What's a brief history here?

The fallen officer — a 22-year veteran of the department who was weeks away from retirement — was laid to rest on Monday after Randon T. Wilkerson reportedly beat him to death during a late April domestic call in which Heacook was the only officer to respond.

Heacook was rushed to Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, Maryland, where he was placed on life support. True to the officer's prior wishes, he was kept on life support for organ donation.

Grave understaffing has plagued the Delmar, Delaware, police department for years.

The town of Delmar straddles the Delaware-Maryland state line.

What are the details?

During the Monday funeral, Heacook's cousin Larry Schwartz — a retired law enforcement officer — took to the church's platform to memorialize his fallen family member.

"On April 24, Keith was getting ready for his midnight shift," Schwartz said. "Your thoughts are not, 'What's going to happen to me today?' It's, 'Does the kid have a game? Do I gotta go to the bank? Am I getting enough sleep for my side job?'"

Detailing the call that took the well-loved officer's life, Schwartz continued, "In that home, he met an attacker, an unarmed man. Keith fought hard for his life. He had so much to live for. Was he thinking of his wife Susan? His son Matthew? His mother Anita?"

"Giving everything he had to make sure he could get back to his family, but that didn't happen because in the real world, criminals don't always comply and unarmed criminals can kill you," he added. "This caused a nightmare these first responders will have for the rest of their lives, but here we are today paying tribute for our hero."

Pointing to how the media often covers police officers' deaths when compared to suspects' deaths, Schwartz added, "If Cpl. Heacook had to take the [bad] actor's life, what would have happened to his life? It would've been hell. The media would've been here in full force ... 'Unarmed this, unarmed that' every night without fail."

"Keith would have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation was conducted," he continued. "That investigation would have taken weeks, if not months, to complete. During that time, Keith's life would have been put under a microscope, as it's easy for folks who have no idea about police work. His family would be shunned. Even when Keith was cleared, that does not generate enough news."

Speaking directly to Delmar leaders, Schwartz demanded, "Are you going to make changes so this doesn't happen again, or are you going to let it roll the dice? Because I can assure, this can happen again."

Calling out Delmar Police Chief Ivan Barkley, Schwartz said, "Chief Barkley, you're the leader, this is the time for your voice to be heard. I heard your newscast when you said you needed more manpower. Chief, stand up and fight for your officers. Don't be silenced, they deserve it."

"To the federal and state politicians — what are you saying to the men of law enforcement when you shout, 'Defund the police' and 'Strip them of qualified immunity,' yet you keep qualified immunity for yourselves," he added. "Stop listening to the loudest voices. Listen to the voices that law enforcement protect. ... FYI you know who hates bad officers the most? The good cops out there doing the job every day of the week."

"Let his name be a beginning, not an end," Schwartz concluded. "Good change can come from this. Let it happen."

Cpl. Keith A. Heacook Funeral Serviceyoutu.be

Leaders weigh in

Delmar Police Department Cpl. Kevin McCahill said that Heacook was an ideal police officer with the "true heart of a servant."

"He fought the good fight with dignity and grace," McCahill said.

McCahill also said that the fallen officer was a "gentle giant, strong as an ox, a giant teddy bear, and a happy-go-lucky fellow" who was "always smiling" and "would do anything for anyone."

"Keith helped anyone who needed help," he added. "That was Keith's way — he never wanted credit."

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R), also in attendance at Monday's service, said that his family, friends, and co-workers should focus on the legacy Heacook left behind in the wake of his death.

“We pray that you find solace knowing that his sacrifice will not ever be forgotten and that he's a true hero," Hogan said. "Keith's legacy will forever live on through the countless lives that he touched throughout his incredible life."

"There was nothing he wouldn't do for the residents of his community," Hogan continued. "Keith spent more than two decades serving and protecting others, and he brought honor to his badge each and every day. He acted immediately without regard for his own safety. The heinous crime that followed which resulted in unspeakable tragedy is a reminder of the risks that our men and women in blue face every single day. And it's on the worst of days that we ask the very best of them."

The Maryland Republican added, "Cpl. Keith Heacook will have the eternal gratitude of two states that will forever be in his debt."

Delaware Gov. John Carney (D), who was also at Heacook's funeral, said, "Thank you for sharing your husband, your brother, son, your father with us, and for making him the kind of man willing to put his uniform on every single day to protect his neighbors and be a peacemaker for this little town too big for one state."

Carney continued, "To Cpl. Heacook's family and the Delmar Police Department, we know you're feeling the collective grief of this whole community right now on both sides of the line. I hope you also feel the collective support, and the pride, and appreciation that we all feel when we think of you and when we think of your fallen brother. Put simply, you represent the best in all of us, and your courage and dedication to service lifts us up today during this very difficult time."

"He wasn't just doing his job, he was trying to help his neighbors. He was running toward the danger to protect his neighbors from that danger; he went to hat residence to be a peacemaker," Carney said. "I find that my only consolation is knowing the incredible good in peacemakers like Cpl. Heacook and other law enforcement officers, who are willing to risk their lives to keep the rest of us safe, and in the end, that that good will prevail."

'It comes from the heart'

According to WRDE-TV, the service featured several voicemails from Heacook to his family members.

One such message featured a cheerful Heacook leaving a message that said, "Hi honey! Enjoy your day at work. Have fun, work hard, earn that dollar, so you can take me out somewhere, 'bye!"

In another recording, Heacook could be heard saying, "I'm sorry you missed my call too because I was bringing sexy back, 'bye."

"Love you!" a third message relayed. "Mean it! It comes from the heart!"

Source: Hunter Biden's gun was taken by Hallie Biden in 2018, thrown into a supermarket garbage can, went missing — and no arrests were made



A source with knowledge of the situation has revealed to TheBlaze that in October 2018, Hunter Biden's handgun was taken from his vehicle without his knowledge by Hallie Biden — the widow of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's son Beau — and placed it in a garbage can outside a Delaware supermarket.

But after a subsequent search the gun couldn't be found, the source said. And after law enforcement was contacted and both Hunter Biden and Hallie Biden were questioned, the source said no arrests were made and no charges were filed.

TheBlaze on Thursday left a message with Delaware State Police asking why no arrests were made or no charges were filed, but the Delaware State Police did not immediately reply.

In addition, the source also said agents from the United States Secret Service as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives visited the shop where Hunter Biden purchased the gun prior to any report being filed.

What are the details?

In 2018, Hallie Biden and Hunter Biden were in a relationship and had gone public with it a year before. They ended their relationship in 2019. On the date of the incident in question — Oct. 23, 2018 — the source with knowledge told TheBlaze that Hallie Biden searched through Hunter Biden's vehicle, found a handgun, removed it, and then later threw it a garbage can outside a supermarket.

The source added that later Hallie Biden contacted Hunter Biden, told him what she did, and that Hunter Biden told her to go back and get the gun — but upon attempting that, she couldn't find the gun.

When Hunter Biden arrived at the supermarket, the source with knowledge said he told law enforcement the gun was purchased earlier in October, that he used it for target practice, and that he kept it in his vehicle instead of Hallie Biden's house so it was not near her children.

Neither Hallie Biden nor Hunter Biden were forthcoming on why Hallie Biden would take the gun and throw it in a supermarket trash can, the source with knowledge said.

The source added to TheBlaze that when Hunter Biden was asked by law enforcement if he had contacted anyone about this incident, he asked if that meant his father, Joe Biden, and then said, "I have never called my dad for anything" and that he always handled his own affairs.

After about two hours no gun was located, and the source with knowledge said law enforcement let Hunter Biden and Hallie Biden leave the scene of the incident. The source added that Hunter Biden retrieved the case for the gun, which included its serial number, and turned it over to law enforcement. The source then said a description of the gun and its serial number were entered into the National Crime Information Center site, and a face page was completed for a Theft of Firearm report.

The scenario potentially implicates a number of Delaware laws, including laws that make it a crime to leave a loaded firearm where children might easily retrieve it.

Visit by Secret Service and ATF

The source with knowledge also said AFT and Secret Service agents visited the shop where Hunter Biden purchased the gun prior to any report being filed.

The source said ATF asked the shop owner for the file on Hunter Biden's gun purchase — and that a copy was provided. In addition, the source said Secret Service agents also visited the shop prior to any report being filed, and that they needed to find the gun.

It was not immediately clear why the Secret Service would have properly been involved in the investigation since Hunter Biden's last day of Secret Service protection was July 8, 2014.