6-year-old boy was stapled to wall and shot with BB gun before his death, Detroit police say



Prosecutors accused a mother and her boyfriend of horrifically torturing her 6-year-old child before he died of his injuries in Detroit.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald in charging documents said 25-year-old Elaina Rose Jennings and her 32-year-old boyfriend Daniel John Giacchina stapled her boy to a wall and shot him with a BB gun several times.

'We have spent over 100 hours reviewing extremely disturbing videos and photos, as well as text messages and Facebook chats describing the horrific things that happened to this 6-year-old boy.'

The disturbing abuse was discovered after firefighters and police were called July 30 to the couple's residence at a mobile home community.

The mother called police to report that her son, Giovanny “Chulo” Jennings, wasn't breathing, but emergency personnel found injuries all over the unconscious boy's body. The child was rushed to a children’s hospital where he was pronounced dead just before midnight the same day.

Police arrested Giacchina on a slew of charges, including gun charges and lying to a police officer. The mother also was charged with lying to an officer.

After a medical examination of the child's body, prosecutors filed additional charges against the couple.

“He died from blunt force trauma to his abdomen and a perforated bowel after a lengthy period of confinement and abuse,” said McDonald.

She went on to say that autopsy photos showed numerous bruises and wounds to the child's body.

“Chulo had pervasive bruising to his abdomen, which was also bloated and distended,” McDonald continued. “He had an apparent BB wound to his shin. First responders and emergency room personnel noted extensive external injuries as well."

The couple was charged with murder and first-degree child abuse after the results of the autopsy. The charges are punishable by life in prison.

“We have spent over 100 hours reviewing extremely disturbing videos and photos, as well as text messages and Facebook chats describing the horrific things that happened to this 6-year-old boy,” McDonald added.

Prosecutors said the victim's younger siblings witnessed horrendous beatings the boy suffered. The couple was charged with lying to police after they attempted to blame the child's biological father for the abuse — an assertion that the findings of the investigation contradicted.

You can view a video report from WDIV-TV here; it includes photos of the boy and the accused couple.

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'It was an ambush': Michigan sheriff's deputy, father of 3, shot dead as community deals with 'soul-crushing' loss



A Michigan sheriff's deputy – who is also a father of three young children – was shot and killed in an alleged ambush. Those in the community say the police officer's murder is a "soul-crushing" death.

Oakland County Sheriff's Deputy Bradley Reckling – a 30-year-old father of three – had been trailing a reported stolen vehicle on Saturday night in Detroit. The alleged stolen vehicle – a 2022 Chevy Equinox – was reportedly stolen earlier in the day from the Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights.

Reckling – a member of the department's auto theft unit – was following the car in an unmarked law enforcement vehicle.

Suddenly, the stolen vehicle reportedly stopped, the individuals exited the car, and shot Reckling.

“The car suddenly stopped. Individuals exited that stolen vehicle and opened fire on our deputy. It was an ambush. That obviously triggered a whole bunch of things. The deputy was struck in the head, struck in the chest, the torso area. At 22:50 the officer down call went out. Obviously Detroit police and MSP flooded the area very quickly I’d like to thank and commend them for that," Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said at a press conference on Sunday.

Police arrested three individuals believed to have been involved in the murder ofDeputy Reckling.

Bouchard stated, "They were doing what they do, being good detectives running down a lead on a car that had recently been stolen and trying to locate it. They do that every day, and lots of times they find a car abandoned and they call for a tow truck. This situation turned out not to be that at all. And that's the other thing about this job. You don't know what day will become that day."

Reckling was married with three children ages 5, 4, and 1. He was expecting a fourth child with his wife before his sudden death.

Reckling had been with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office for nine years.

"You can just see in the faces and the eyes of our people how soul-crushing this is," Bouchard said.

Bouchard asked for prayers and donations to the Mission Oakland charity to financially support Reckling's family after his murder.

Bouchard added, "Our mission is to be there for them."

Oakland County Sheriff's Deputy Matthew Morrison said of Reckling:

Brad was a loving husband, father, and amazing friend. He loved the outdoors. He was an amazing fisherman, loved to hunt, and enjoyed growing his farm and raising animals. Brad spent several months remodeling his home, giving his wife and three girls the best place to call home. Anyone who knew Brad knows it doesn’t take long for him to start cracking jokes and get him laughing. He was a great worker and amazing friend who would do anything for anyone. He was a prime example of what great parent, husband, and friends means, and he is loved by many and will be truly missed.

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Sheriff Bouchard Press Conference Regarding Deputy Bradley Reckling www.youtube.com

Prominent Detroit synagogue president found stabbed to death near her home, motive is still unknown



A prominent Detroit synagogue president was found stabbed to death outside of her home on Saturday morning. Michigan authorities are urgently attempting to piece together the facts of the apparent murder, and determine the motive for the tragic killing.

Police found multiple stab wounds on a lifeless body that led to a trail of blood leading to the victim's home – where police believe the crime was committed, Detroit deputies said in an email.

Michigan authorities identified the victim as 40-year-old Samantha Woll. Authorities pronounced Woll dead at the scene at around 6.30 a.m. on Saturday.

NBC News reported, "Authorities said a 911 caller early Saturday reported a person lying on the ground unresponsive at Woll's home. Police discovered multiple stab wounds on Woll’s body and found a trail of blood leading to her house, where they believe the crime occurred."

Woll was best known for being the Board President of Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue.

The Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue said of Woll, "We are shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Samantha Woll, our Board President. May her memory be a blessing."

The Washington Post previously reported, "Woll was well known in Democratic politics, working on campaigns for local candidates and as the political director for Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s reelection campaign during the 2022 midterm election and as a deputy district director for Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) for two years, starting in 2019, according to her LinkedIn page."

In 2017, the Detroit Jewish News selected Woll as one of its "36 under 36," describing her as "co-chair of the American Jewish Committee’s ACCESS Detroit Young Leadership Program and founder of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit, a grassroots organization aimed at building relationships between young adults of those faiths."

An investigation is underway, and the FBI is assisting. A motive still remains unknown.

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Detroit synagogue president found dead outside her home www.youtube.com

Single mom purchases Detroit home and finds thieves have stolen water heater and furnace — then the community saves the day



A single mom's dream turned into a nightmare when she found out that thieves had stolen a furnace and a water heater from a home she had just bought in Detroit, Michigan.

"I was lost, I was so lost I honestly thought I was going to have to give it up and try to figure out something else," said Keyana Hunter to WJBK-TV.

The mother of two children said she had gone to the home after signing the final purchase papers and found that the lockbox outside was missing. After hiring a locksmith to gain entry to her new home, she discovered someone had stolen the expensive appliances.

She was told her insurance would not cover the theft. Her realtor also was no help.

"There's nothing that they could do," she said.

Hunter decided to ask for help from the community and posted a donation page on GoFundMe.

That's when Kenneth MacIver of Kona Air Heating and Cooling heard about the story.

"My wife saw the story and it feels good to help somebody out," he told WJBK-TV.

MacIver coordinated the donations in order to restore Hunter's appliances to her home.

"It was the community that helped raise the money for the equipment. We put in the free labor," said MacIver. "Carr Supply helped us get some cost off on the equipment. She had a family member supply the tankless water heater so our equipment cost came to around $4,000. We were pretty much right where the goFundme hit."

MacIver threw in central air conditioning to upgrade what the home previously had.

"I hope more people see a company do something for somebody to help them and pick up on that same idea - help people," said MacIver.

Hunter thanked MacIver and his entire team with tears streaming from her eyes.

Here's the local news report from WJBK-TV:

Furnace and water heater stolen from single woman's new Detroit home www.youtube.com

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Barricaded gunman accused of kidnapping child and killing over BBQ chicken wings had posted low bond for violent crime



29-year-old Deveius Monta Weathers of Eastpointe, Michigan, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 31-year-old Ronnie Charles Ray II. The argument that allegedly precipitated Ray's murder, a police chase, a barricaded gunman situation, and the use of a child as a human shield was over barbequed chicken.

On August 21, Weathers attended a barbeque in Detroit. According to Anna Posigian, Wayne County assistant prosecuting attorney, Weathers became embroiled in an argument with Ray about chicken wings. Around 9:30 p.m., he allegedly "produced a handgun and shot the victim twice and left the scene in his car."

The following day, police tracked Weathers down to a home in the 8490 block of Heyden Street. Despite efforts made by the police to stop him, Weathers again managed to drive away at a "high rate of speed." Police gave chase but were unable to pull him over.

Weathers is said to have scuttled his vehicle on Pierson Street and rushed inside a home in the 8200 block. Taking a 2-year-old he allegedly kidnapped (now believed to be his niece), he barricaded himself upstairs.

Standoff with barricaded gunman ends on Detroit’s west side youtu.be

The ensuing standoff with police lasted five-hours. In the negotiations between Weathers and the police, he reportedly offered to trade the 2-year-old for a pack of cigarettes.

In the fifth hour, he exited the home holding the 2-year-old in front of him.

The Detroit Police Department took Weathers into custody. He has been charged by the Wayne County prosecutor's office with first-degree murder, kidnapping, carrying a concealed weapon, third-degree fleeing and eluding, and felony firearm and has been ordered held without bail.

In 2020, Weathers allegedly shot at his girlfriend and mother of his child nine times. He was released after posting a $1,000 bond.

That same year, former Detroit Police Chief James Craig lamented how the violent criminals his officers were routinely detaining were being released back onto the streets. "We arrest these violent criminals, but in so many cases they get a plea deal and go back on the streets to commit more crimes, and then everyone blames the police if crime goes up."

Democrat Wayne County prosecutor Kym L. Worthy told Craig to stop complaining. She defended the release of violent criminals, citing a heavy caseload and too few prosecutors on hand. "We have the largest amount of felony cases in the entire state. We are always chronically understaffed. In a perfect world, I would have 275 [assistant prosecutors]."

According to Neighborhood Scout, on the crime index (with 100 being safest), Detroit has a score of 3, with a crime rate of 22.58 violent crimes per 1,000 residents. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crime in Detroit are 1 in 44.

14-year-old boy accidentally shot his younger brother with an 'uzi-style' gun in Detroit, police say



Detroit Police said that a 14-year-old boy accidentally shot his younger brother with an "uzi-style" gun on Sunday afternoon.

The incident happened at about 2:20 p.m. near the intersection of Alcoy Avenue and Fairmount Drive.

The older boy told the police that he was pushing an inoperable go-kart down the street with his brother when a wild dog came out of the woods and approached them. The boy pulled the "uzi-style" gun from under the seat of the go-kart and tried to shoot the dog, according to police.

Instead, the 12-year-old brother was shot in the ankle.

Police recovered the weapon from a nearby garage and the child was sent to the hospital.

"The child is in Stable condition he was shot in the ankle, pretty tough little kid, he was wandering around like nothing was happening. He was taken to St. John’s, hopefully he’s going to be just fine," said Detroit police assistant chief Charles Fitzgerald.

Investigators said the parents are coopering with police but have said they don't know where the kids obtained the weapon.

"How a 14-year-old can push a go car down the street with weapon an Uzi style, this isn’t a handgun, it’s an Uzi style with an extended magazine, terrifying," Fitzgerald added.

A separate incident had far worse results.

Police said that a group of minors at a gathering in the Riverfront Towers were playing with a gun when it went off at about 4 a.m. on Sunday. A 14-year-old girl was shot in the neck and killed in that incident.

WXYZ-TV reported that 85 minors were shot in the city of Detroit in 2021.

Fitzgerald says that he's lost count of how many have been shot so far in Detroit this year.

"The citizens of this city should just be outraged with this," he told WXYZ. "And it's horrible that I've lost count already, and we're talking July of 2022."

Here's more about the shootings:

2 children shot in Detroit over span of 12 hours on Sundaywww.youtube.com

Michigan HS closed after 8-10 adult men charge into building past security and fight with students



A high school just outside Detroit, Michigan, was closed Wednesday and will switch to virtual learning for remainder of the week following a shocking incident in which nearly a dozen unidentified adult men charged into the school past security and began fighting with students.

In a notice to parents posted on the school's Facebook page, Oak Park Schools Superintendent Jamii Hitchcock said the incident took place just before 3 p.m. on Tuesday, when eight to ten unidentified adult males "pushed past security and staff and forced their way into our high school building and began fighting with [Oak Park High School] students and security personnel."

The superintendent said that staff and security personnel immediately responded to the fight and acted in defense of the students. He added that no weapons were used in the altercation and and that, thankfully, no injuries were reported.

The school reported the incident to the Oak Park Department of Public Safety but by the time officers arrived, the adult male suspects had fled the scene.

The department confirmed to the Detroit Free Press on Wednesday that an investigation is ongoing. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage and conducting witness interviews. So far, one suspect has been identified but no arrests have been made.

District officials believe the fight was triggered by a separate altercation that took place outside school over the weekend, but details remain scarce.

“At Oak Park Schools, violence of any kind will not be tolerated," Hitchcock insisted in the notice. "We are making every effort to identify those who trespassed on school property, entered our building, and instigated violence against our students and staff. We plan to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law."

The district leader added that he has requested additional law enforcement to be present at the high school and is exploring additional security measures.

He also implored anyone who has information about the incident to contact the police department.

Oak Park High School closed Wednesday following Tuesday afternoon fight www.youtube.com

One parent commenting on the district's Facebook notice said, "I live in Oak Park, and I'm glad none of my kids attend this sorry school district."

"I know, it sucks. They need police to be the security guards at this point," another commenter added.

Video of the wild brawl has yet to be released to the public.

Detroit mom in custody after allegedly stabbing her 2-year-old son in the chest



A mother in Detroit, Michigan, was taken into police custody over the weekend after allegedly stabbing her 2-year-old son in the chest.

The heinous incident occurred on Detroit's west side, somewhere in the vicinity of 7 Mile Road and Pierson Street, according to reports from WJBK-TV and WDIV-TV.

Police claim the mother drove her son to his father's home on Saturday morning, April 2. By the time she got there, the child had already been stabbed once in the chest. It was not immediately clear what weapon had been used.

The father allegedly responded by quickly transporting the toddler to a nearby hospital for treatment prior to police arriving on the scene. Thankfully, he is expected to fully recover from his injuries.

Though the investigation is in its early stages, police said they believe the mother is the one who committed the shocking crime.

"The evidence and everything we have points to [her being] the one who actually committed this," said Detroit Police Commander Arnold Williams.

Williams noted that the mother — who has not been identified by police or the local media — initially argued that her boyfriend, the child's father, was responsible for stabbing the child. But early evidence pointed in the opposite direction.

"The boyfriend was at his home sleeping. He had cameras around his house, so at this time we believe the mother was responsible for the violence against her own child," Williams said.

Investigators are still trying to determine a motive in the case as well as work out exactly when and where the violence was committed. At this point, they believe it happened in the car on the way over to the father's house.

In a media interview near the scene of the crime, Williams expressed shock and frustration at the violence.

"Children are those gems that we protect, and any time that they are the victims of violence that we perpetrate on them is a sad thing," he said. "We have violence that occurs throughout our city all the time, and this violence is perpetrated by the mother of her own child."

2-year-old boy stabbed in chest; mother is in custody www.youtube.com

Woman pregnant with twins in critical condition after boyfriend allegedly set her on fire; suspect gets $50K bond



A 26-year-old Michigan woman pregnant with twins was set on fire by her boyfriend, according to the Detroit Police Department. The suspect — who has a lengthy rap sheet — could be released from jail if he pays as little as $5,000.

Devonne Marsh, 41, is accused of pouring lighter fluid on his pregnant girlfriend and setting her on fire after the couple got into an argument at their home on Jan. 14.

The unnamed mother-to-be — who is six and a half months pregnant with twins — suffered third-degree burns on 60% of her body and is in critical condition, according to WJBK-TV.

"How do you do this to another human being? I can’t — it’s unimaginable," Detroit Police Commander Michael McGinnis said. "Just incredibly traumatic injuries. I did see pictures and I just — the pain she must be suffering, I can’t imagine."

Police say the woman was initially afraid of naming her alleged attacker for fear of retaliation.

"I want to applaud her for coming forward. I want to again let her know that she is not alone," Sgt. Kyla Williams, who is in charge of the Detroit Police Department's Domestic Violence Unit, said. "She has the men and women of the Detroit Police Department to support her."

McGinnis added, "We just hope that he remains in custody through the trial process so the victim can heal without fear of any kind of retribution from him."

At this point, it is unknown whether the twins will survive, according to police.

"They don’t even have a chance — they don’t have a fighting chance at life," Williams said of the unborn babies.

Devonne Marsh was arrested and charged with kidnapping/abduction, aggravated/felonious assault, and violation of the controlled substance act, according to WDIV-TV.

Marsh is reportedly a parole absconder with a lengthy criminal record with past charges involving drugs, guns, and assault. The suspect allegedly also has warrants for his arrest in Macomb County and a pending case in Livonia.

Despite the callousness of the alleged crimes and his prior violent criminal record, WJBK reported that his bond was set at $50,000 at 10%. Marsh could get out of jail if he pays $5,000.

A spokeswoman from the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office told WJBK that prosecutors don't believe the bond is high enough for Marsh and are filing a motion to increase the bond next week in court.

\u201cI want to applaud her for coming forward. I want to again let her know that she is not alone,\u201d said Sgt. Kyla Williams of Domestic Violence. \n\nAny victim of crime or anyone with information about a crime should feel safe coming forward to police. #OneDetroitpic.twitter.com/2DW5aIWiAl
— Detroit Police News (@Detroit Police News) 1642716011

VIDEO: Woman opens fire on driver at close range. She reportedly thought driver was recording her while she urinated.



A woman in Detroit, Michigan, sent a barrage of bullets flying at the driver of a vehicle last week because she thought the individual was recording her while she urinated, police said.

The suspect, who has not been identified, was caught on surveillance video committing the shocking crime outside a liquor store on Detroit's east side last Wednesday, according to WJBK-TV.

Police said that the suspect was relieving herself in the parking lot when she casually turned around and opened fire on a silver Kia Rio, striking the vehicle several times. She reportedly believed that the driver, a 25-year-old woman, was recording her while she peed.

As the shots rang out, the driver was fortunately able to speed away unharmed. Following the shooting, the suspect and several others fled the scene in a black SUV that looked like a Mercury Mountaineer, WWJ-TV reported.

Woman who shot at car thought she was recorded urinating in parking lot, says DPD www.youtube.com

Witnesses speaking with WJBK confirmed the details of the incident.

"We heard the gunshots like bop, bop, bop, bop, bop. And I look to my left and I saw the red hoodie," said one witness, who wished to remain anonymous. "It was someone right here with a red hoodie on."

"I was asking the cashier, I said it was a dude out here a minute ago shooting his gun. And he was like, 'That wasn't a dude, that was a whole female — we got it all on camera,'" the witness added.

The driver has denied that she was recording the suspect while she urinated. Though police note that even if the woman was recording the act of public indecency, the suspect's actions were anything but justifiable.

"The suspect clearly has no regard for human life and she has to get off the streets as soon as possible," said Detroit Police Department 2nd Deputy Chief Rudy Harper.

Police are asking witnesses and other members of the public to come to them with any information they might have about the suspect.

"It's hard to watch, it's hard to fathom that someone would do something like this," Harper said. "At this point, we're asking the community for their help, if they know something please speak up."