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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Father reveals chilling words mother spoke after allegedly killing her 1-year-old daughter on New Year's Day



A Louisiana woman has been charged with murder after police said she fatally shot her 1-year-old daughter on New Year's Day.

The Sulphur Police Department said a shooting was reported around 8:21 p.m. at a home on Quelqueshue Street. Sulphur is a little over three hours west of New Orleans.

'I almost lost two babies. I lost one because her mama wanted to send her to God.'

Police said a 1-year-old girl "had been shot and killed."

The investigation revealed that the girl was "shot and killed by her mother, Kristin Bass," police said.

Officers arrested the 28-year-old mother, and she was charged with first-degree murder. Her bond was set at $10 million.

KPLC-TV reported that the slain child's father, Bradley Moss, told investigators he heard a boom and ran into a room to find their 1-year-old daughter shot and Bass holding a gun.

Meanwhile, the couple's 2-year-old child was crying for help, according to the station.

The father of two reportedly said, "I almost lost two babies. I lost one because her mama wanted to send her to God."

Moss added, "[My older daughter] said, 'Help me, daddy.' And Kristin said, 'I just sent our baby to God.'"

Moss said Bass then uttered, "Now I gotta get her."

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Moss identified the shooting victim as Acelynn Moss, according to KPLC.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services took custody of the surviving toddler, according to Moss.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding the case to contact Sgt. Jeremy Cain at 337-527-4558.

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

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Pregnant woman found dead; now sordid family-affair accusations and mystery of her baby's grisly fate emerge: Court docs



The mother of a slain pregnant woman found in a Michigan forest has confessed to committing grisly acts against her daughter and her unborn grandson, according to new court documents. The case also has taken a shocking twist as sordid accusations of illicit family affairs have emerged.

As Blaze News reported earlier this month, 22-year-old Rebecca Park — who was approximately 38 weeks pregnant — was reported missing Nov. 4, according to the Wexford County Sheriff's Office.

'Your baby is gonna die.'

Following weeks of intense searches for the missing pregnant woman, Park's body was found in the Manistee National Forest on Nov. 25 — just three days after she was due to give birth. However, Park's child was no longer in her womb.

The Michigan Department of Attorney General stated that 40-year-old Cortney Bartholomew and 47-year-old Bradly Bartholomew "lured" Park to their home in Wexford County. Cortney Bartholomew is Park's biological mother, who gave up her daughter for adoption as a young child; Bradly Bartholomew is her stepfather.

"The couple then allegedly tortured Park in an attempt to remove the unborn infant, resulting in the death of both," the attorney general said.

According to MLive, Wexford County Prosecutor Johanna Carey said, "Mr. Bartholomew brought Rebecca to their home, forced her into another vehicle, and took her into the woods, where they stabbed her, forced her to lie on the ground while they cut her baby out, ultimately causing her death and the death of the baby."

Cortney initially denied any involvement in the murder of her daughter, according to police.

However, Cortney later confessed to cops that Park was still conscious when she cut the baby out of her daughter while Bradly held a knife to her throat, according to court documents.

Cortney claimed she cut the baby out of Rebecca in an attempt to save the child so she could then take him to his father, court documents allege.

According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by UpNorthLive, "When she cut the baby out, Cortney said that Rebecca was still conscious, and Bradly was holding the knife to her throat."

Court docs added that Cortney told Rebecca to lie back and said, "Your baby is gonna die."

The affidavit said Bradly told law enforcement that the baby was not alive when the child was cut out of the womb. Cortney informed investigators that the baby was not breathing or crying when the child was removed from the womb, court documents state.

Court docs also indicate that Bradly told detectives that after Cortney couldn't revive the baby, she said, "The bitch killed my baby."

According to the affidavit, Bradly accused Cortney of killing her daughter because she wanted another child, but the couple couldn't adopt because he's a convicted sex offender.

"Bradly agreed that he believes that Cortney is capable of slicing open her own flesh and blood and taking a baby out," the affidavit reads. "He agreed that Cortney is obsessed with wanting another baby in her care and custody."

When Cortney asked about her grandson, who had just been cut from his mother's womb, Bradly replied, "Oh, I stuck him in a cooler, stuck him in a trash bag, threw him in the trash," the affidavit states.

RELATED: Stunned judge reveals fate of woman involved in deadly kidnapping of 2 young sisters found in a pit — 1 did not survive

"I slit her f**king throat, bitch deserved it," Cortney claimed her husband told her, according to Law & Crime.

In a strange twist, Cortney allegedly admitted to having a romantic relationship with her daughter Rebecca's fiancé — 43-year-old Richard Falor — who also is the father of Rebecca's unborn child.

"Cortney then reports how Rebecca and Richard Falor were initially dating, and [when] they broke up, a relationship between herself and Richard then commences," the affidavit indicates.

Court documents claim Cortney rejected Falor and that he then resumed his relationship with Rebecca.

"Cortney also reported that Richard had returned to her residence and raped her, forcefully, causing her to have a miscarriage of the baby she was carrying," the affidavit states, adding that "a report of this incident was made with the sheriff's office, however, Cortney said Richard was not charged."

Cortney claimed that Falor had been abusive and aggressive with Park, and she encouraged Rebecca to leave him.

The affidavit reads, "[Cortney] again claimed that this was a revenge plot because she had a sexual relationship with Richard and because Richard got Bradly put in jail. She claimed that Bradly wanted to hurt Richard."

The 18-page probable cause affidavit alleges that Falor turned in Bradly last year on a sex offender registration violation.

Bradly received a 180-day jail sentence for an unspecified violation related to his being on the sex offender registry, according to court records obtained by People magazine.

Court documents indicate that Cortney told authorities that Bradly said Falor also deserved what's coming to him, and it "just happened to be your daughter that's going to pay for it."

Cortney claimed Bradly told her that he planned to cut the baby out of Rebecca right in front of Falor after doing an internet search about C-sections, court docs say.

The stepfather asserted that Rebecca's sister — 21-year-old Kimberly Park — also had a "relationship" with Falor.

"Bradly reported that Kimberly is jealous of Rebecca, and that he is aware that Kimberly has had a relationship with Richard in the past," the affidavit states.

Over the last two weeks, Rebecca's mother, stepfather, sister, and fiancé have been arrested.

People magazine reported that Kimberly has been charged with tampering with evidence, lying to a police officer, and filing a false report. She is on house arrest after her bail was reduced from $750,000 to $5,000.

Falor was charged with distributing methamphetamine, according to the New York Post. He pleaded not guilty Dec. 2.

Cortney and Bradly each were charged with one felony count of first-degree premeditated murder, one felony count of murder, one felony count of torture in a place of confinement, one felony count of conspiracy to commit torture, one felony count of assault of a pregnant woman with the intention to cause miscarriage or stillbirth, one felony count of conspiracy to commit assault on a pregnant woman with the intention to cause miscarriage or stillbirth, and one misdemeanor count of removal of a dead body.

If convicted of any of the felonies, the pair faces up to life in prison.

Court records identify Bradly Bartholomew as a habitual offender, which could result in harsher penalties.

The Bartholomews were jailed without the possibility of bond.

Court appearances by Cortney and Bradly have been postponed until Jan. 13, 2026, WWTV-TV and WWUP-TV reported.

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Thanksgiving nightmare: Woman gives chilling 'independence day' confession about slashing boyfriend's throat, police say



An Arizona woman allegedly admitted to trying to murder her sleeping boyfriend on Thanksgiving, according to court documents. What's more, authorities said the woman told her boyfriend, "Today is my independence day."

Tamala Rudeseal — a 52-year-old from Mesa — was arrested on Thanksgiving night and booked into the Maricopa County Jail on attempted murder and aggravated assault charges. Her bond was set at $1 million.

'God, I hope he is dead; it’d be a favor to me, his wife, and his children.'

Police said Rudeseal called 911 around 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving and reportedly made several alarming remarks.

Citing court records, KPNX-TV reported that Rudeseal was heard saying during the 911 call, "I'm sick of what you do to me, today is independence day."

Court documents also claim Rudeseal was heard saying, "Yes ... I did just try to murder you," and "I'm ready to go to prison."

Police said when officers arrived at the residence, they found Rudeseal's boyfriend with a cut running from his left ear to the center of his neck.

The wounded man was rushed to a local hospital and underwent emergency surgery for a neck laceration, according to KSAZ-TV. Officials told the news outlet that the man is expected to survive.

The boyfriend informed investigators that the couple had argued earlier in the day, court docs stated.

Arizona Family, citing court documents, reported that the man told detectives he was asleep when he woke to a sharp pain in his neck. Court records also state that he told investigators that he thought he was going to die but controlled the bleeding with his shirt until police arrived.

The boyfriend said he'd been in a relationship with Rudeseal for 11 years and that she is often depressed around the holidays, according to court records.

RELATED: Stunned judge reveals fate of woman involved in deadly kidnapping of 2 young sisters found in a pit — 1 did not survive

According to court docs, Rudeseal informed police that she told her boyfriend, "I'm going to slice your (expletive) throat."

According to court docs, when asked by investigators if she was attempting to kill her boyfriend, Rudeseal responded, "Yes. God, I hope he is dead; it’d be a favor to me, his wife, and his children."

According to court records, Rudeseal also told authorities, "I planned on doing the other side and then stabbing him in the heart."

Records show Rudeseal complained to officers that her boyfriend "does not do anything around the house" except sit, smoke, and drink.

Police detained Rudeseal at the crime scene and recovered a large folding hunting knife close to where she was found, authorities said.

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office told People magazine that the case is "currently under review by our office."

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office on Thursday afternoon told Blaze News that Rudeseal "is still in custody."

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