Woman missing for over a year found buried beneath garage after chilling tip from suspected killer's friend: DA



The body of a Massachusetts woman who was missing for more than a year was discovered by police buried under a garage after a tipster revealed to authorities a chilling confession his friend allegedly made, the district attorney said.

Jill Kloppenburg, 47, was reported missing on Feb. 26, 2025.

'At some point, he made a jerking motion, which caused him to pull the trigger, discharging a firearm and shooting Jill in the chest.'

According to the FBI, Kloppenburg was last seen leaving her residence in Lowell on Jan. 2, 2025. The FBI said Kloppenburg was living in temporary housing with roommates.

While there had not been any promising leads regarding the location or status of the missing woman, authorities received a tip last week that broke the case wide open.

On March 10, 2026, a tipster reported a possible homicide to the Nashua Police Department in New Hampshire, according to a press release by the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office.

The Middlesex County District Attorney's Office revealed:

The reporting party told police that his friend, a man named Shawn Sullivan, had allegedly told him that he had killed a woman named “Jill” at this home in or around January 2025, and that he had allegedly shot her and buried her under the floor in the garage of the Audrey Avenue home in Tyngsborough where he was living.

On March 15, officers from the Tyngsborough Police Department, Tewksbury Police Department, and Massachusetts State Police executed a search warrant at the home.

Officers saw what appeared to be a "large, patched area in the garage," the district attorney's office said in a statement.

Investigators utilized ground-penetrating radar technology to scan the entire garage floor and confirmed an "area that appeared to be cut and patched."

WCVB-TV reported that the patched area in the garage measured approximately five feet long and three feet wide.

Police discovered human remains in a bag buried under the garage floor of the home. The DA said the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has identified the remains as Jill Kloppenburg.

The preliminary findings by the medical examiner also indicate that Kloppenburg sustained a gunshot wound.

Officers with the Tyngsborough Police Department arrested 40-year-old Shawn Sullivan on March 15.

On Tuesday, Sullivan was arraigned in Lowell District Court on charges of murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, and improper disposal of human remains in connection with the shooting of Kloppenburg.

Sullivan was ordered held without bail.

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Prosecutors claimed Sullivan said he shot the woman while showing her a gun in his bedroom, WCVB reported.

"The defendant said he was with Jill and holding a firearm while falling asleep. At some point, he made a jerking motion, which caused him to pull the trigger, discharging a firearm and shooting Jill in the chest," prosecutor Ceara Mahoney said.

Mahoney added, "He stated that Jill soon died, and if there was a chance for her survival, he would have called for help. Instead, the defendant kept Jill’s body in his room for a couple of days."

"He then brought Jill’s body to the garage, where he dug a hole in the concrete, placed her body in the hole, and then filled the hole," Mahoney stated.

The Boston Globe reported that Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said in a press conference on Monday, "Police were able to learn that the last record of any communication from Ms. Kloppenburg’s cell phone was on Jan. 14, 2025.

Ryan added, "Police were able to learn that Ms. Kloppenburg was someone known to Mr. Sullivan, that she had been in his home, and that he had allegedly been with her around the time of her disappearance."

Sullivan's attorney, Ryan Sullivan, described his client's actions as "inexcusable," but said they still warranted a charge of involuntary manslaughter rather than murder.

"He's been emotional in speaking to the police and speaking with me," the attorney said. "This has been something that’s been greatly weighing on him. His decisions in the aftermath, although regretful, don’t equate to him having malice of committing any sort of act designed to do this. It’s a tragic, tragic accident."

Teresa Brink, a friend of Kloppenburg, told reporters outside the courthouse, "She didn’t deserve that, no. Absolutely not. She didn’t deserve that. Nobody does. Nobody. She's a human. She's a mother, a friend, a sister, a daughter."

Sullivan is scheduled to appear in court on April 17.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information about the case is urged to contact the Massachusetts State Police at 781-897-8300.

The Massachusetts State Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Blaze News.

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'Today' host Savannah Guthrie's mother, 84, vanishes from home after missing church; police warn: 'We have a crime scene'



"Today" host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, has gone missing under mysterious circumstances. Police suspect she may have been abducted from her home in Arizona.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department said in a statement that the 84-year-old was last seen Saturday night at her home in Catalina Foothills, just north of Tucson.

'She didn't walk from there. She didn't go willingly.'

During a Monday press conference, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said that Guthrie's disappearance was first reported Sunday morning after a church friend noticed she was absent from services and alerted one of her adult children.

"The family went to the house. I'm thinking they spent some time looking for her themselves before they called us," Nanos said, according to ABC News.

However, Guthrie could not be found, and now investigators believe foul play may have been involved.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety said in a statement, "All her personal belongings, to include her wallet, cell phone, and vehicle, were still there, but she was nowhere to be found."

CBS News reported that Nanos added, "We saw some things at the home that were concerning to us."

"We believe now, after we've processed that crime scene, that we do in fact have a crime scene, that we do in fact have a crime, and we're asking the community's help," Nanos added.

Nanos warned, "I hope we find her safe and sound, but we can't ignore what's in front of us."

Sgt. David Stivers of the Pima County Sheriff's Department revealed that investigators found "circumstances on scene that we believe are suspicious in nature."

Sheriff Nanos told People magazine that investigators "have taken what we believe is biological DNA-type evidence, and we are submitting it to our labs."

Law enforcement sources reportedly said investigators found blood inside Guthrie's home.

The Los Angeles Times reported, "The sources, who were not authorized to discuss the case publicly, said there were signs of forced entry. It's unclear whose blood was found inside the house."

Pima County Sheriff's Department spokesperson Kevin Adger told the Los Angeles Times, "At this point, investigators believe she was taken from the home against her will, possibly [in the] middle of the night. Detectives are looking into a possible kidnapping or abduction."

Nanos said, "I believe she was abducted, yes. She didn't walk from there. She didn't go willingly."

The sheriff said no motive has been established, and there is no early indication Guthrie was targeted because she is the mother of Savannah Guthrie. Yet, he cautioned, "We can't dismiss that."

Nanos told CBS News that investigators "will certainly" examine the possibility that Guthrie was targeted.

The sheriff said, "Was she being stalked? Did she have some people out there harassing her or something?"

Nanos added, "We're not going to dismiss any angles, for sure, but right now, immediately, we don't know of anything like that."

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Nanos urged Guthrie's neighbors to review home security cameras to see if they notice anything suspicious from last weekend.

"They still might see something," Nanos stated. "Maybe it's somebody walking by. Maybe it's some vehicle driving by at that time of day."

A search-and-rescue team is utilizing drones, helicopters, and heat sensors to try to track down the missing woman.

Two sources told CBS News that the FBI is assisting in the investigation.

Guthrie's family is working with law enforcement to help find her.

Nanos noted that Guthrie was "not of good physical health, and so naturally we are concerned," Newsweek reported. Nanos added that her physical challenges and age limited her ability to move around.

"She did not leave on her own, we know that," Nanos stated.

Guthrie's family told investigators that she did not have cognitive issues, and the sheriff added, "She's very alert, and she's of good, sound mind."

"This is not a dementia-related; she is as sharp as a tack," Nanos said. "The family wants everybody to know this isn't somebody who just wandered off."

Nanos said during the press conference, "This is an 84-year-old lady who suffers from some physical ailments, has some physical challenges, is in need of medication — medication that, if she doesn't have in 24 hours, it could be fatal."

The sheriff's department said Guthrie is 5 feet 5 inches tall, has brown hair and blue eyes, and weighs 150 pounds.

Savannah Guthrie was absent from the "Today" show Monday and Tuesday as authorities attempted to locate her mother, but the anchor issued the following statement Monday:

On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support. Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom. We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Department at (520) 351-4900.

On Monday night, Savannah Guthrie asked her Instagram followers for prayers:

We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope. We believe in goodness. We believe in humanity. Above all, we believe in Him.

Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment.

We need you.

"He will keep in perfect peace those whose hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord," a verse of Isaiah for all time for all of us.

Bring her home.

Police are asking the public for help in locating Guthrie.

"Every detail matters. Even small tips could make a difference," the Pima County Sheriff's Department said. "Please share this post to help us reach more people. Thank you for your continued assistance and support."

A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for her disappearance.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department established a tip line; anyone with information is urged to contact the department at 520-351-4900.

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5th-grade teacher — accused of having 'sexual conversation' with child under 12 — now slapped with far more shocking charges



A Kentucky school teacher — who is accused of having a "sexual conversation" with a child under the age of 12 — has been hit with more severe additional charges, according to authorities.

Sydne Graf is a 36-year-old 5th-grade math teacher at Smyrna Elementary School in Louisville.

'Graf is now facing serious and shocking child sex abuse charges.'

The arrest citation obtained by Blaze News said that police determined that a "5th-grade math teacher engaged in sexual conversations with a 5th-grade student."

WDRB-TV reported that the Jefferson County Public Schools Police informed the Louisville Metro Police Department that Graf "engaged in sexual conversations" with the student during a "nontraditional instruction day" with remote learning.

"Detectives were able to review conversations between the juvenile victim and suspect," the arrest citation states.

"Screenshots and video recordings of the conversations depict images of the suspect as well as her name, Sydne Graf, displayed in the top left corner," the arrest citation notes.

According to WDRB, "LMPD detectives reviewed the conversations between Graf and the student, which included discussions of oral sodomy with the student."

Police said Graf was arrested when she attempted to pick up the young student near his home on Dec. 15, 2025.

The arrest citation stated that Graf confessed to having the "previous mentioned conversations" with the minor when questioned by police.

Graf was initially charged with procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means.

However Graf is now facing serious and shocking child sex abuse charges.

Citing court documents, WLKY-TV reported that Graf was indicted on charges of first-degree rape of a victim under 12 years of age, first-degree sodomy of a victim under 12 years of age, unlawful transaction with a minor, and possession of a controlled substance on Jan. 20.

WHAS-TV referenced the arrest citation, which said officers searched Graf's vehicle and discovered hydrocodone and Adderall pills.

The Louisville Courier-Journal reported that Graf pleaded not guilty to all of the charges on Jan. 21.

Graf is on house arrest with a cash bond set at $500,000.

A judge ordered Graf to have no contact with minors unless supervised by another adult and to have no internet access except on her phone.

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According to WAVE-TV, Smyrna Elementary Principal Amanda Cooper sent a letter to parents regarding the situation.

"We have been made aware that the Crimes Against Children’s Unit (CACU), JCPS PD, and LMPD are investigating an allegation involving one of our staff members," Cooper told parents.

Cooper said Graf has since been reassigned by the school, and she will not have any contact with students during the investigation.

Cooper noted that she "cannot disclose anything more at this time" because it is an active investigation.

Cooper urged any students with anxiety about the arrest to utilize the school's mental health practitioner or counselor.

According to the alleged X social media account of Smyrna Elementary School, Graf was previously involved with the school's wrestling team.

A spokesperson for the Louisville Metro Police Department informed Blaze News that there are no further updates at this time.

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Final words revealed from Marine who survived war — but was gunned down at home in Facebook Marketplace trap



A decorated U.S. Marine veteran — who reportedly survived dangerous military missions overseas — was shot and killed at his Missouri home during what was supposed to be the sale of an iPhone on Facebook Marketplace, according to police. The distinguished service member allegedly spent the last moments of his life delivering a heartbreaking message to his family.

According to KOMU-TV, police were dispatched around 8:15 p.m. Jan. 18 concerning reports of gunshots at a residence in Columbia.

'While stationed in Baghdad, Burke founded the Oasis Church.'

The Columbia Police Department said in a statement that 42-year-old Michael Ryan Burke was shot at his home.

Citing court documents, the New York Post reported that Burke was trying to sell his iPhone 15 Pro for $585 after arranging the sale on Facebook Marketplace.

Court docs said Burke provided a buyer with his address, and around 8:10 p.m. one of the suspects messaged the seller: "I'm here."

Moments later, the transaction reportedly spiraled into violence, and Burke was shot. He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

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Police arrested Alexis Baumann, Kobe Aust, and Joseph Crane, all 18 years old, along with a fourth individual whom authorities identified as a juvenile.

Citing court documents, the New York Post reported that one suspect confessed to investigators that they had "arranged to meet with the victim under the ruse of buying the victim's cell phone."

The Post reported that Baumann told investigators she drove the group to Burke's home, and Crane and the juvenile went inside.

KOMU-TV in a separate story reported that Baumann confessed to investigators that she heard three gunshots from inside the home and recalled that the juvenile ran out of the home; the suspects drove away from the crime scene, according to court documents.

Citing the probable cause statement, WDAF-TV reported that detectives used traffic cameras to determine that the suspects' car traveled in the direction of a nearby Walmart.

Just after the shooting, Burke's stolen phone was sold at an ecoATM at a nearby Walmart, according to court documents.

Court documents indicated that surveillance cameras caught Baumann and the juvenile suspect selling the phone at Walmart.

A day before Burke was killed, the juvenile stole another cell phone under the guise of a Facebook Marketplace sale, according to court documents. The Post reported that the juvenile told the alleged victim, "If you touch me, I'll shoot you."

Baumann and Aust were arrested on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and first-degree burglary; Crane and the juvenile were arrested on charges of second-degree murder, armed criminal action, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, and unlawful use of a weapon, Columbia Police said.

All three 18-year-old suspects are being detained without bond at the Boone County Jail, while the unidentified juvenile is being held at the Boone County Juvenile Office.

(L to R) Kobe Aust, Alexis Baumann, Joseph Crane. Image source: Boone County (Mo.) Jail

Jerry Reifeiss — who met Burke 24 years ago as a fraternity brother at Mizzou's Sigma Nu — revealed the Marine's heartbreaking last goodbye.

Reifeiss told KRCG-TV that Burke contacted his mother and sister: "He texted them saying that, 'Hey, I'm dying, and I love you.'"

"That was just Ryan," Reifeiss continued. "He always put people in front of him and wanted to make sure people knew how he felt."

Before he died, Burke reportedly called 911 and gave a description of his attackers to the dispatcher.

"He didn't want to go on to the next life and pass away without providing some information to us here that would bring justice to these people and let people know he always loves them," Reifeiss said.

Reifeiss said of the arrests, "I'm very happy the police did their job and were able to get these people very quickly, assuming these are the correct people."

Burke's obituary said he served as a "Force Reconnaissance Marine in the United States Marine Corps, holding the rank of Staff Sergeant, with both active-duty and reserve service."

Burke was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. From 2014 to 2021, Burke served as a medic in Baghdad.

While stationed in Baghdad, Burke founded the Oasis Church. According to his obituary, Burke also founded Holy Smokes — a men's Bible study group. Burke also preached and taught in Uganda, the Philippines, Kenya, the U.K., and throughout the U.S.

The obituary states, "He was deeply committed to creating lasting impact, helping fund schools and churches in Africa and Asia, including support for 14 churches in the Philippines."

One of Burke's passions was fighting human trafficking, and he worked both locally and internationally to help victims.

Burke also served as a firefighter with the city of Columbia.

Police said there is an "active and ongoing investigation" into the alleged murder.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Columbia Police Department at 573-874-7652 or call CrimeStoppers at 573-875-8477.

The Columbia Police Department did not immediately respond to Blaze News' request for comment.

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What was to be fun Florida trip ends in 'cold-blooded' triple murder: Elderly tourists dead, suspect earlier beat murder rap



A Florida man is accused of going on a killing spree and gunning down three elderly tourists during their vacation near Disney World. The suspect previously beat an attempted murder charge with an insanity defense, according to court records.

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office said in a recent statement that officers responded to reports of a shooting near a residence in Kissimmee around 12:13 p.m. Jan. 17.

'It was cold-blooded, it was premeditated ... absolutely no issues.'

Police said they "discovered three adult males deceased in front of the home" and that "all three victims suffered from apparent gunshot wounds."

Deputies quickly located and arrested the suspect — 29-year-old Ahmad Jihad Bojeh.

Bojeh is facing three counts of premeditated murder and one count of resisting arrest without violence, according to Osceola County Jail records. Bojeh is being detained at the Osceola County Jail without bond.

"There is no threat to the community, as the suspect responsible for these horrific and senseless murders has been apprehended by Osceola County deputies," said Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon.

Blackmon told the Tampa Bay Times that Bojeh lived next door to the rental property where the tourists were staying.

"It was cold-blooded, it was premeditated ... absolutely no issues," Blackmon told Fox News. "There was no conflict between these people. This was just random. And this happened to be the person who lived next door."

After securing a warrant, deputies searched Bojeh's residence and recovered two firearms, police said. Police noted that the firearms were being examined to see if they were used in the fatal shootings.

Sheriff Blackmon described Bojeh as a "frequent flyer" with police and added to Fox News that he is "a threat to the neighborhood all the time," citing repeated calls for service involving the suspect.

Blackmon said the motive for the shooting is unclear; the investigation into the killings remains ongoing.

Fox News reported that the three friends — 68-year-old Douglas Kraft of Columbus, Ohio, 70-year-old Robert Kraft of Holland, Michigan, and 68-year-old James Puchan of Galena, Ohio — attended a car show together. Two of the slain tourists were brothers.

Families and friends of the slain victims released a joint statement to WKMG-TV: "With heavy hearts, we confirm the deaths of our beloved husbands, fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, and friends."

The statement added that the tourists visited the Mecum Car Show in Kissimmee and were staying at a local Airbnb rental property.

"While waiting for assistance after rental car trouble and preparing to travel home, they were being observed from a distance by an unknown individual who was well-known to local law enforcement," the statement read.

The tourists were "approached and senselessly murdered" in a "random, tragic act," the families stated.

"Our families are left with an unexpected, unimaginable loss that cannot be put into words," the statement said.

"We ask for privacy, prayers, and respect as we mourn and begin to process this tragedy," the families concluded.

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Previously, Bojeh reportedly was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder but was released back on the streets on the grounds of insanity.

WOFL-TV reported that deputies with the Osceola County Sheriff's Office arrested Bojeh in 2021 for attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and two counts of criminal mischief in connection with an alleged shooting at a Wawa convenience store and gas station.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier wrote on the X social media platform, "Prior to State Atty [Monique H.] Worrell's suspension, Ahmad Jihad Bojeh was acquitted of attempted first-degree murder with a firearm and aggravated battery."

Uthmeier continued, "It appears she didn't put up a fight to Bojeh's use of the insanity defense, and he was allowed to go free." The attorney general added, "This guy, literally named Ahmad 'Jihad' Bojeh, shoots three tourists after being acquitted of multiple violent crimes on grounds of insanity."

Uthmeier also declared, "This is why I've proposed Florida's legislature narrow the insanity defense. Violent criminals should not be set free to hurt others!"

He also told WOFL, "If there's a risk of them harming others, we need to ensure they're locked up."

Law enforcement sources told the New York Post that Bojeh was banned from owning firearms as part of his insanity plea.

WOFL reported that Bojeh was arrested in 2019 for retail theft.

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to Blaze News' request for comment.

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Texas fugitive wears hoodie with chilling message on it amid arrest in connection with woman's 'suspicious death'



A Texas fugitive was dressed in a hoodie with a menacing message on it amid his arrest in connection with what authorities called a woman's "suspicious death."

The Azle Police Department said in a statement that it had worked with United States Marshals, Texas Rangers, the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division, and the Parker County Special Crimes Unit to locate and arrest Kruz Dean Wanser on Jan. 15.

'She will be remembered for her creativity, humor, and the unwavering love that radiated from within her.'

Police said Wanser was a "wanted fugitive, who was sought in connection to the suspicious death of 37-year-old Margaret Pennington."

Police said Pennington was found dead inside an Azle residence on Jan. 11.

"At this time, the cause of death is still pending," law enforcement stated; the Tarrant County Medical Examiner is conducting the autopsy.

Police on Jan. 12 announced that Wanser was a "person of interest" in the suspicious death investigation and offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Police said Wanser was arrested three days later and charged with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair a human corpse, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and parole violation.

In his mugshot, Wanser wore a blue hoodie with the following message on it: "I will put you in a trunk and help people look for you. Stop playing with me."

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Police did not reveal any relationship between Wanser and Pennington and did not name a motive for her death.

According to Tarrant County court records the New York Post reviewed, Wanser was charged with evading police with a vehicle in 2021 and drug possession in 2022 and in July 2025.

Pennington's obituary states she was "deeply loved by her family and friends."

"Margaret had a creative and sentimental spirit. She found comfort in baking, crocheting, enjoyed music, had a keen interest in genealogy, and loved collecting vintage treasures that carried history and meaning," her obituary reads.

Pennington is survived by her mother, father, former husband, and his three children, and she "cherished her role in helping raise" the kids.

"Margaret's life was a tapestry of complexity, yet she embodied the essence of humanity and the profound love she shared," the obituary reads. "She will be remembered for her creativity, humor, and the unwavering love that radiated from within her."

The obituary cites 1 Corinthians 13:4, 7: "Love is patient, love is kind. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

Police are urging anyone with information about the case to contact them at 817-444-3221.

While police don't mention Wanser's hoodie message in their Facebook post, plenty of commenters sure noticed it. The following are but a few of the more than 1,000 reactions:

  • "You know that saying, 'Dress for the job you want, not the job you have' really applies here," one commenter wrote.
  • "I don't know if what the hoodie says can be used as evidence, but please find DNA on it and photograph it as evidence so it at least makes it into the court documents," another user said.
  • "I mean, have we checked the trunk?" another commenter asked.
  • "Sometimes jokes write themselves..." another user observed.
  • "The hoodie is not a good look bud," another commenter stated.

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Wife suspects her church deacon husband of cheating — then she uncovers secret bathroom videos that trigger police search



A Tennessee husband and now-former church deacon has been criminally charged after his wife, who was holding his phone during a medical procedure, allegedly discovered videos of an underage babysitter in their bathroom, police said.

Christopher Thomas Collins, 42, was arrested Jan. 14 after police reportedly found explicit content on his cell phone. Collins is being detained on a $50,000 bond, according to Hamilton County Sheriff's Office records.

'Through the course of a marriage counseling session, Chris Collins’ wife revealed that she had found videos on her husband’s phone of a minor.'

Citing the police affidavit, WTVC-TV reported that Collins handed his phone over to his wife while he was undergoing a medical procedure.

Collins' wife suspected her husband of cheating, so she searched his phone for evidence of infidelity, according to the affidavit.

But the wife found explicit videos and a photo of the couple's former babysitter inside a hidden folder in the photo gallery, the affidavit said.

The wife informed investigators that the videos appeared to be recorded from small cameras placed inside a downstairs bathroom at Collins’ home in Hixson, which is about an hour and a half southeast of Nashville. Investigators found the secret cameras, and they seemed to be positioned toward the shower and toilet, court documents said.

The wife told deputies that Collins told her he installed the cameras to spot rats, according to court docs.

The police affidavit said the wife told investigators she deleted the files but then took screenshots from the "recently deleted" folder.

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Photo by wbritten via iStock / Getty Images Plus

The wife sought guidance from Abba's House church, where her husband had been a deacon.

The affidavit revealed that staff members of the church encouraged the wife to contact police. Shortly afterward, officers arrived to interview Collins' wife, court docs said.

Police were concerned that Collins would delete the evidence, so officers were dispatched to confront him, according to the affidavit.

Officers conducted a traffic stop to detain Collins, where they obtained his cell phone, and he gave police authorization to conduct a search of his home in Hixson, according to court documents.

Officers seized two SD cards from small cameras and an older cell phone, police said.

According to the affidavit, a camera was positioned near a water heater in the bathroom and aimed toward the shower and toilet.

Court documents stated Collins admitted to investigators that he knew about the cameras in the bathroom and confessed to using a mobile application to view images on his cell phone.

Collins admitted to police that he saw a naked image a camera captured and kept it for a while before deleting it, according to the affidavit.

A forensic examination of Collins' cell phone revealed nine video files from the bathroom cameras, time-stamped in 2025, according to the court documents.

The court documents stated investigators said the videos show a girl changing clothes, using the toilet, and entering and exiting the shower.

Police determined that recordings were made without the girl's knowledge or consent and in a place where she had a reasonable expectation of privacy, according to the affidavit.

Authorities determined the files were child sexual abuse material, court documents state.

Collins was arrested and charged with nine counts of especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor for each file found on the phone.

The offense of especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor in Tennessee makes it unlawful for a "person to knowingly promote, employ, use, assist, transport, or permit a minor to participate in the performance of, or in the production of, acts or material that includes the minor engaging in sexual activity; or simulated sexual activity that is patently offensive."

On Thursday, a spokesman for Abba's House said Collins was stripped of his church deacon title upon his arrest.

The church issued the following statement to WDEF-TV:

Through the course of a marriage counseling session, Chris Collins’ wife revealed that she had found videos on her husband’s phone of a minor. We immediately reported it to the police, and they are handling the situation. We are caring for his wife and kids during this tragic time. Chris Collins had been a member of the church for four years and served as a deacon. He has been removed from that role.

Collins is no longer listed on the church's website.

Abba's House pastor Ronnie Phillips Jr. told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that the church paid for a hotel for Collins' wife and will pay for counseling and cover her bills until she can get back on her feet.

Collins appeared in court on Tuesday morning, according to WCTV.

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to Blaze News' request for comment.

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Brazilian au pair turns on former lover during murder trial, says he plotted wife's death by luring stranger from fetish site



The trial of a Virginia man accused of orchestrating a scheme to have his wife killed began Tuesday. The man's former au pair, who prosecutors say was having an affair with him, testified that another man was lured to the crime scene through a fetish website.

As Blaze News previously reported, 40-year-old Brendan Banfield was arrested in September 2024 and indicted in connection with the February 2023 double murder that occurred in his home in Herndon — which is approximately 20 miles west of Washington, D.C.

'He mentioned his plan to get rid of [Christine].'

Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis and Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano announced in a statement that officers "descended upon an appalling scene" on Feb. 24, 2023.

Officers discovered Christine Banfield — Brendan Banfield's 37-year-old wife — in an upstairs bedroom suffering from stab wounds to her upper body. She was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Police said 39-year-old Joseph Ryan was found dead in the home from apparent gunshot wounds to his upper body.

Investigators soon set their sights on Brendan Banfield and Juliana Peres Magalhaes — the family's Brazilian au pair, who was 21 when she began working for the family in October 2021.

Chief Davis stated, "We know Brendan Banfield and Juliana Magalhaes, the family au pair, were involved in a romantic relationship at the time of the murders."

According to WJLA-TV, Magalhaes claimed she began an affair with Banfield in August 2022.

When Magalhaes asked Banfield about the possibility of him divorcing Christine, WJLA reported that he allegedly told the au pair that a divorce would cost too much money and that he didn't want to split child custody.

"He mentioned his plan to get rid of [Christine]," Magalhaes told prosecutors, according to the New York Post. "Initially, he didn't know what he would do. He just mentioned that he would think about it [and] let me know when he thought about it."

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Citing prosecutors, WTOP-TV reported that two months before the murders, Magalhaes and Banfield went to a shooting range; Banfield then returned to the range on Jan. 28, 2023, and bought a Glock from the range.

WJLA added that Magalhaes claimed Banfield instructed her to get a new phone and Apple ID and ordered her to park in a different location on the day of the murders.

Citing prosecutors, Fox News noted that Banfield — a former IRS special agent — was impersonating his wife on a fetish website for a month. Ryan was then "summoned to the couple's million-dollar Herndon home" through the site, according to the New York Post.

Court documents also show Magalhaes told investigators that Ryan was framed as a home intruder.

'There's somebody here; I shot him. But he stabbed her. She's bleeding. She's got several marks on her neck. What do I do?'

Court TV reported that Ryan went by the username "TacoSupreme7000" on the site and responded to the messages, believing he was talking to Christine Banfield. Court TV added that Magalhaes read messages aloud to the jury, saying that she and Brendan asked Ryan to bring restraints and a knife to the Banfield home.

Magalhaes on Tuesday testified that "Christine ... yelled back at Brendan, saying, 'Brendan, he has a knife.' That's when Brendan first shot Joe."

According to NBC News, lead prosecutor Jenna Sands told the courtroom this week, "Brendan enters the bedroom, first shooting Joe in the head, picks up the knife that Joe had brought and stabs Christine repeatedly in the neck. He directs Juliana to shoot Joe a second time with her gun. This time the bullet enters Joe's chest with Christine dead or dying."

Magalhaes was arrested in October 2023 in connection with Ryan's alleged murder.

Magalhaes was originally charged with second-degree murder but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter in October 2024. She will be sentenced after Banfield's trial.

According to CNN, Banfield was heard identifying himself as a federal agent in the 911 call to report the stabbing and shooting.

Banfield reportedly told the emergency dispatcher, "There's somebody here; I shot him. But he stabbed her. She's bleeding. She's got several marks on her neck. What do I do?"

Banfield's attorney, John Carroll, questioned Magalhaes' motivation for taking a plea deal after nearly a year of protesting her innocence.

"The whole reason she was arrested was to flip her against my client," Carroll claimed.

WDCW-TV reported that Brendan Banfield was charged with aggravated murder in connection with his wife's death, plus child abuse and endangerment charges, since the Banfields' 4-year-old daughter was at home at the time of the deadly shooting and stabbing.

If convicted on all of the charges, Banfield faces a maximum punishment of life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 13 additional years of incarceration, a judge said on Monday, WDCW reported.

Banfield pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Fairfax County Police Department and Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Blaze News.

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Critical detail leads police 400 miles to surgeon accused of killing ex-wife and her new husband



A Chicago surgeon is accused of shooting and killing his ex-wife and her new husband at the couple's home in Ohio, according to police. The murder suspect was caught 400 miles away from the crime scene, after the alleged killer revealed damning evidence to authorities.

Nearly nine years after his divorce, 39-year-old Michael David McKee now stands accused of executing his ex-wife and her husband of nearly five years.

'We will continue to honor their lives and the light they brought into this world.'

Spencer and Monique Tepe were found dead on Dec. 30 at their home in the Weinland Park neighborhood of Columbus.

Citing court documents, WCMH-TV reported that the grisly discovery came after Columbus police received a 911 call at 9:03 a.m. Dec. 30 from a co-worker of Spencer Tepe, who was concerned that he had not shown up for work that morning.

"He's been reliable, and we cannot get in touch with him, his wife, his family, anybody that lives in that house," the co-worker stated. "He is always on time, and he would contact us if there's any issues. ... We're very, very concerned, and this is very out of character, and we can't get in touch with his wife, which is probably the more concerning thing."

During a wellness check, police reportedly discovered the couple's bodies.

Citing police records, WSYX-TV reported that Spencer Tepe was shot multiple times, and Monique Tepe had at least one gunshot wound to the chest.

The affidavit said the couple's two children, ages 1 and 4, and the family dog were found in the house unharmed.

Police records said there were no obvious signs of forced entry into the Tepes' home, and no firearm was found at the crime scene.

McKee was arrested Saturday morning in Rockford, Illinois, according to jail records from the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators zeroed in on a critical detail to locate the suspected killer.

Surveillance video recorded near the crime scene showed a person of interest walking in an alley, WBNS-TV reported, adding that detectives believed the video linked McKee to a car that arrived shortly before the shooting and left moments afterward.

Police later tracked the vehicle nearly 400 miles away in Rockford where Illinois officers confirmed the vehicle was registered to McKee, according to court documents.

Citing the affidavit, the New York Times reported that police said evidence indicated McKee had been "in possession" of the vehicle before and after the deadly shootings.

Records show McKee, a vascular surgeon, holds active medical licenses in Illinois and California, the Times added.

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McKee initially was charged with two counts of murder in the couple's deaths.

But on Monday, the charges against McKee were upgraded to premeditated, aggravated murder, records show.

The Columbus Division of Police told CNN that "detectives believe they met the elements" for McKee to face the more serious offense but did not specify what those elements are.

Premeditated, aggravated murder is a more serious offense and carries a possible life sentence without parole or the death penalty. That’s compared to 15 years to life in prison for murder.

Murder charges require prosecutors to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant "purposely cause[d] the death of another," according to the Ohio Revised Code.

For aggravated murder, the state must prove the defendant committed the killing with "prior calculation and design," according to the Ohio Revised Code.

Aggravated murder also can apply if the death occurred during the course of committing a separate serious crime, such as rape or burglary.

McKee waived his right to an extradition hearing, according to CNN, which noted: "A public defender representing McKee requested a speedy return to Ohio to plead not guilty in the case."

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The Tepe family said McKee's arrest represents an important step toward justice for Monique and Spencer.

The family said in a statement to WLS-TV, "Monique and Spencer remain at the center of our hearts, and we carry forward their love as we surround and protect the two children they leave behind. We will continue to honor their lives and the light they brought into this world."

The family also stressed, "Nothing can undo the devastating loss of two lives taken far too soon, but we are grateful to the city of Columbus Police Department, its investigators, and assisting law enforcement community whose tireless efforts helped to capture the person involved."

McKee married Monique Tepe — who was using her maiden name of Sabaturski at the time — on Aug. 22, 2015, according to court documents reviewed by USA Today. The couple divorced in May 2017, the documents note.

The pair had no children together, records show.

Monique and Spencer Tepe married in December 2020, according to their obituary, which reads, "Spencer and Monique met online and quickly grew their relationship into a solid foundation of love and respect with a side of goofiness."

The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to Blaze News' request for comment.

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Career criminal with over 20-year-long rap sheet reportedly gets sweetheart plea deal — now a beloved teacher is dead



A career criminal killed a beloved North Carolina teacher in a horrific home invasion, according to police — and new reports suggest the suspect previously received a sweetheart plea deal that allowed him back on the streets.

The Raleigh Police Department said in a statement that officers responded to a report of a burglary just after 6:30 a.m. Jan. 3.

'It was like a horror movie.'

Police said the victim — 57-year-old Zoe Welsh — indicated a man was inside her home.

"While still on the phone with dispatch, the suspect began to assault her," police stated.

Police said Welsh was suffering from life-threatening injuries when officers arrived at her home. However, Welsh later died at a hospital.

Officers arrested 36-year-old Ryan Camacho, and he was taken into custody without incident.

Camacho was charged with murder and felony burglary. He was denied bond and is being detained at the Wake County Detention Center.

Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce said of Welsh, "I am deeply heartbroken for this mother, friend, and mentor to many in our community, and for the unimaginable trauma her family must endure."

Boyce added, "The arrest of the suspect sends a strong message that criminal acts will not be tolerated in the city of Raleigh."

This investigation remains ongoing.

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Welsh had taught AP biology and forensic science at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh since 2006, a school spokesperson told WTVD-TV.

"Her loss is deeply felt by all of us who had the privilege of working with her and learning in her classroom," the school spokesperson said.

Calysa Sauls, one of Welsh’s former students, told WRAL-TV, "She really cared for her students. She definitely was one of those teachers who was passionate about the subject that she taught."

Olivia Alvarez — Welsh's house cleaner for years — added to WTVD, "I'll remember her smile; she was always happy."

Alvarez added, "I love you, Zoe, so much, you are now with God, and this man is going to pay, he's going to pay."

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein (D) wrote, "Zoe Welsh, by all accounts, was a special teacher and person. My heart goes out to her family and students, who have suffered a traumatic loss from another senseless act of violence."

Camacho reportedly has a lengthy criminal history spanning over 20 years but allegedly has benefited from generous plea deals.

In December, a judge dismissed breaking-and-entering charges against Camacho after a mental competency examination, WRAL noted in a separate story.

Prosecutors recommended that Camacho be involuntarily committed to a mental hospital, but that request was denied by Judge Louis Meyer, according to District Attorney Lorrin Freeman.

Freeman told WRAL, "Based on the evidence that was available to the court at the time, the court did not find that he met the threshold for involuntary commitment. For involuntary commitment, the judge has to make a finding that they are a danger to themselves or others."

Meyer did not immediately respond to Blaze News' request for comment.

WRAL reported that Camacho's lengthy rap sheet includes charges of assault with a deadly weapon, breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, malicious conduct by a prisoner, injury to personal property, injury to real property, trespassing, stalking, and probation violations.

In 2025, Camacho reportedly got a sweetheart plea deal that allowed him back on the streets.

Citing public records, WRAL reported that Camacho faced up to a four-year prison sentence for four felony charges — but all the felonies were reduced to a single misdemeanor.

What's more, Camacho in 2021 attempted to escape from the Piedmont Correctional Institution in Salisbury, according to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.

Freeman on Monday said "he has spent a lot of time bouncing between the prison system and the local jails over the last few years and has really been in custody all but maybe a total of 12 months within the past six years."

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Wes Phillips — a long-time Raleigh resident — claimed he was forced to move after Camacho, his former neighbor, allegedly harassed and stalked his family nearly a decade ago.

In the spring of 2016, Phillips said he discovered two tires on his car were slashed and a mirror was torn off while a mirror on his wife's car also was torn off.

According to the Raleigh News and Observer, Phillips questioned Camacho about the vandalization of the cars, "The lightbulb sort of went on for me at that point, and I asked him, 'Did you touch my [expletive] car?'"

Phillips alleged that Camacho walked toward him and "cocked his fists into a fighting position." Phillips' wife reportedly broke things up.

In October 2016, as Hurricane Matthew hit North Carolina, Phillips noticed Camacho outside his home.

"It was like a horror movie, like he was standing there in a black jacket, staring at us in front of our house during a hurricane," Phillips told WRAL-TV. "Not talking, like making sure that we knew who he was."

Just days later, Phillips alleged that after he entered his vehicle and locked the doors, Camacho "was pulling on the door, trying to get in."

WRAL reported, "Security video from that day showed a man throw a rock into the windshield of Phillips' car and then through the sunroof, before punching and kicking the vehicle."

Phillips' landlord let him end the lease early so he and his family could move away from Camacho, but the suspect allegedly showed up at Phillips' new townhome with a gun.

Phillips explained, "He shot into our building where he thought that we lived. That's something that stays with us."

Citing court documents, WRAL reported that no one was injured in the shooting, but Camacho was arrested and spent two years in prison.

In fear of violence from Camacho, the Phillips family armed themselves with "lethal and non-lethal protection measures."

Phillips noted, "It's not like there weren’t signs. We were really adamant about the danger that we felt we were in, and perhaps other people were in, and it just wasn’t taken seriously."

Phillips said that there was a complete failure that led to a "woman being killed."

Phillips continued, "My wife and I are asking ourselves right now as we think about what happened this past week, how close did we come to being that person, and could that have been prevented?"

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