Hotel Torturer Who Beat, Burned Women With Iron In Ronkonkoma Gets Decades In Prison Hotel Torturer Who Beat, Burned Women With Iron In Ronkonkoma Gets Decades In Prison
Hotel Torturer Who Beat, Burned Women With Iron In Ronkonkoma Gets Decades In Prison A Long Island man who subjected two women to hours of torture, including beatings and burns with a hot iron, will spend decades behind bars. Johnathan Wright, age 34, of Lindenhurst, was sentenced to 32 ½ to 40 years in prison by a Suffolk County judge on Tuesday, May 7, following his jury conviction for assault and related charges. Prosecutors said Wright was staying at a Ronkonkoma hotel with two women, one of whom suffered from mental disabilities, on July 21, 2021, when he became enraged after the women fell asleep while giving him a back massage. Earlier Report: Hotel Torture: …
Trailblazing Astronaut From Needham Will Be First Woman Aboard A Maiden Crewed Spacecraft Trailblazing Astronaut From Needham Will Be First Woman Aboard A Maiden Crewed Spacecraft
Trailblazing Astronaut From Needham Will Be First Woman Aboard A Maiden Crewed Spacecraft Sunita Williams has held plenty of titles in her life: Astronaut, US Navy officer, former record holder for most spacewalks by a woman (seven), to name a few. Now, the Needham native can add one more to her impressive resume: trailblazer. The 58-year-old Williams is set to become the first woman aboard the maiden flight of a manned spacecraft when NASA and Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner launches for the first time from Florida’s Cape Canaveral for the 24-hour journey to the International Space Station. Originally scheduled for takeoff Monday night, May 6, the launch was scrapped “out of an abu…
Body Of Sixth, Final Victim Found Inside Construction Site At Key Bridge Collapse Site Body Of Sixth, Final Victim Found Inside Construction Site At Key Bridge Collapse Site
Body Of Sixth, Final Victim Found Inside Construction Site At Key Bridge Collapse Site A sixth body has been recovered at the site of the Key Bridge collapse site in Baltimore on Tuesday, officials confirmed. Jose Mynor Lopez, 37, of Baltimore, was located by the Unified Command and advised Maryland State Police, who then pulled his body from a red construction vehicle. UPDATE: The Unified Command recovered the body of another missing victim at the Key Bridge incident site on May 1, 2024. The victim is identified as Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, 49, of Glen Burnie, Maryland. pic.twitter.com/18YGoZ0HM5 — Baltimore County Police Department (@BaltCoPolice) May 2, 2024 At the …
19-Year-Old Admits Smuggling Migrants Through Northern Westchester, Threatening Them 19-Year-Old Admits Smuggling Migrants Through Northern Westchester, Threatening Them
19-Year-Old Admits Smuggling Migrants Through Northern Westchester, Threatening Them A 19-year-old man faces years in prison after he was caught trafficking migrants in Northern Westchester, federal officials said. Mario Elpidio Chavez Millan of Albuquerque, New Mexico, pleaded guilty to charges connected to his smuggling of people who illegally entered the United States as well as his participation in a kidnapping scheme, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Tuesday, May 7.  According to federal officials, on July 10, 2023, New York State Police in Cortlandt received a report from a person who said their relative had entered…
One-Way NJ Transit Tickets Will Soon Expire After 30 Days One-Way NJ Transit Tickets Will Soon Expire After 30 Days
One-Way NJ Transit Tickets Will Soon Expire After 30 Days NJ Transit is rolling out a new policy for its one-way tickets. Beginning Monday, July 1, all one-way tickets will expire after 30 days, NJ Transit announced. All tickets purchased prior to July 1, will expire on July 31, regardless of their original date of purchase. There will be no changes to the existing refund policy, NJ Transit said. The 20-trip FLEXPASS pilot fare will be discontinued on July 1, NJ Transit said. The last date to purchase a FLEXPASS is Sunday, June 30, NJ Transit said. "We understand this change may require adjustments, and we are here to assist you," NJ Transit sai…
Man Sentenced For Sending 'Sexually Charged, Obscene' Texts To Wantagh Teen Man Sentenced For Sending 'Sexually Charged, Obscene' Texts To Wantagh Teen
Man Sentenced For Sending 'Sexually Charged, Obscene' Texts To Wantagh Teen A Long Island man who admitted to sending a 16-year-old girl sexually explicit text messages will spend a handful of years behind bars for the crime. Andrew Quattrone, age 41 of Manorville, received his four-and-a-half year prison sentence for texting the Wantagh teen on Tuesday, May 7, the Nassau County District Attorney announced. Original Story: Manorville Man Charged With Sending Sexually Explicit Texts To Teen Late on the night of January 20, 2022, a 16-year-old girl received a sexually explicit text message, which included a graphic picture, from Quattrone to her phone. He…
Connecticut Among Top 20 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why Connecticut Among Top 20 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why
Connecticut Among Top 20 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why Connecticut continues to rank among the top 20 best states in the country. The Constitution State came in at No. 20 – down slightly from No. 16 last year – on the 2024 Best States list by U.S. News & World Report, released Tuesday, May 7. Rankings were determined using 71 metrics across eight categories, including fiscal stability, infrastructure, education, health care, and the economy. Data was pulled from national surveys taken by nearly 70,000 people. Connecticut made the top 10 in health care (No. 3), crime & corrections (No. 6), and education (No. 8), according to the report.…
New York Among Top 25 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why New York Among Top 25 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why
New York Among Top 25 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why New York continues to rank among the top 25 best states in the country. The Empire State came in at No. 23 – down slightly from No. 20 last year – on the 2024 Best States list by U.S. News & World Report, released Tuesday, May 7. Rankings were determined using 71 metrics across eight categories, including fiscal stability, infrastructure, education, health care, and the economy. Data was pulled from national surveys taken by nearly 70,000 people. New York made the top 10 for natural environment and health care, coming in at No. 5 and No. 8, respectively, while placing No. 12 in educat…
Family Seeks Help Returning Spring Lake Drowning Victim's Body To Native Ecuador: Fundraiser Family Seeks Help Returning Spring Lake Drowning Victim's Body To Native Ecuador: Fundraiser
Family Seeks Help Returning Spring Lake Drowning Victim's Body To Native Ecuador: Fundraiser A family is asking for help returning an Essex County man's body to his native Ecuador after he drowned at a beach along the Jersey Shore, a campaign fundraiser said. According to a GoFundMe page, 23-year-old Wilmer Lalvay of Belleville drowned on Saturday, May 4. The fundraiser was created by Lalvay's cousin Norma Minchala Perez. The GoFundMe has raised nearly $400 from at least six donations as of Tuesday, May 7. "My cousin came to this country to look for a better future and provide for his family in Ecuador," Perez wrote in Spanish. "Wilmer died on the beach drowning and…
2 Central PA Men Indicted For Gun, Drug Trafficking: USDOJ 2 Central PA Men Indicted For Gun, Drug Trafficking: USDOJ
2 Central PA Men Indicted For Gun, Drug Trafficking: Usdoj Two Cumberland County men have been indicted on drug and gun trafficking charges, the Middlesex Township Police Department on Tuesday, May 7.  William L. Nalley Jr., 27 of Boiling Springs; and Rafael Orihuela, 22 of Carlisle, were indicted by a federal grand jury "on charges related to the distribution of controlled substances and unlawful possession of firearms," the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced on Wednesday, May 1.  United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam explained the following about the case: "The indictment alleges tha…
$2.5 Million Lottery Ticket Sold In Northeastern PA $2.5 Million Lottery Ticket Sold In Northeastern PA
$2.5 Million Lottery Ticket Sold In Northeastern PA A Pennsylvania Lottery player in Wayne County paid $2 to become a millionaire over the weekend, according to state gaming officials.  The lucky player matched all six winning numbers in the Saturday, May 4 drawing for the Match 6 game to win the $2.5 million jackpot, lotto reps said.  The Weis at 1199 Texas Palmyra Highway in Honesdale will receive $10,000 for selling the winning slip.  Winners are not known until they claim their prize and their ticket is validated. Winners have up to one year from the drawing date to file a claim, but all winning tickets should b…
Speeding Driver Charged Following Fatal Pedestrian Strike At Rockville Intersection: Police Speeding Driver Charged Following Fatal Pedestrian Strike At Rockville Intersection: Police
Speeding Driver Charged Following Fatal Pedestrian Strike At Rockville Intersection: Police A Rockville man is facing a manslaughter charge for speeding, striking, and killing a 70-year-old woman in December, the Montgomery County Department of Police announced. Jose Isaac Zelaya, 24, was arrested over the weekend in connection to the fatal crash that took the life of Teresa Moreno De Mejia on the day after Christmas.  GoFundMe The crash was reported at around 6:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, at the intersection of Viers Mill Road and Atlantic Avenue. According to officials, the investigation determined that Moreno De Mejia was walking across the busy street when …
Fish Hooks Found In Dog Treats On Appalachian Trail In Lehigh County Fish Hooks Found In Dog Treats On Appalachian Trail In Lehigh County
Fish Hooks Found In Dog Treats On Appalachian Trail In Lehigh County The Pennsylvania Game Commission is warning pet owners after fish hooks were found stuffed in dog treats on the Appalachian Trail in Lehigh County. Authorities said a hiker discovered the treats near the North Trail Loop leading to the George W. Outerbridge shelter in Slatington over the weekend.  "Items like these could prove deadly to any animal that consumes them, including wild and domesticated animals," the PGC said.  Anyone with information or anyone who finds more tainted treats is asked to call 1-888-PGC-WILD or 1-888-PGC-HUNT.
Driver Pleads Guilty To Homicide By Vehicle In Deadly Lehigh County Crash: DA Driver Pleads Guilty To Homicide By Vehicle In Deadly Lehigh County Crash: DA
Driver Pleads Guilty To Homicide By Vehicle In Deadly Lehigh County Crash: DA A Breinigsville man was convicted for the 2021 crash that killed Benjamin Bleiler in Upper Macungie, said the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office.  John Frederick Fifield, 21, pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence and related offenses, the DA's Office said.  Authorities say Fifield was going 80 mph in a 55 mph zone at the time of the crash on Dec. 19, 2021.  His westbound Jeep Grand Cherokee struck Blieler's southbound SUV at the corner of Hickory Lane and Snowdrift Road, according to investigators.  Bleiler, 47, of Alle…
$5M Lottery Jackpot: Northborough Dad Plans To Buy Home, Pay For Kids' College With Cash $5M Lottery Jackpot: Northborough Dad Plans To Buy Home, Pay For Kids' College With Cash
$5M Lottery Jackpot: Northborough Dad Plans To Buy Home, Pay For Kids' College With Cash The Force was with a Worcester County dad when he bought his $5.37 million winning lottery ticket on Saturday, May 4.  James Jorgensen won the massive jackpot playing the multi-state Megabucks lottery. He collected the prize with his partner, Jennifer Jorgensen.  The "Star Wars" fan said the win was made extra special because it fell on May the Fourth.  “The best thing is I’m a huge 'Star Wars' fan, so I was all decked out in a 'Star Wars' hat and 'Star Wars' shirt, and I won on May 4th which is an unofficial 'Star Wars' holiday," he told the lottery.  J…
Pine Bush Man Admits Driving High, Causing Newburgh Crash That Paralyzed Teen Pine Bush Man Admits Driving High, Causing Newburgh Crash That Paralyzed Teen
Pine Bush Man Admits Driving High, Causing Newburgh Crash That Paralyzed Teen A Hudson Valley man is facing three to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to driving high on pot and causing a crash that paralyzed a teen. Orange County resident Chauncey Smith, age 22, of Pine Bush, admitted his guilt on Monday, May 6, for causing the Monday, Aug. 14, 2023 crash, said Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler. As alleged in documents filed and statements made in court, on Aug. 14, 2023, Smith was driving westbound on Route 17K in Newburgh when his car crossed the double yellow line and collided head-on with another vehicle. As a result of the crash, a 15-y…
Pequannock Rallies For Fire Victims Pequannock Rallies For Fire Victims
Pequannock Rallies For Fire Victims A fire heavily damaged a home in Morris County on Thursday, May 2 and now the community is coming together to help. The fire occurred at 10 Ryan Ln. in Pequannock Township, Mayor Ryan Herd said. Everyone was able to evacuate and there were no injuries, Herd said.  "Our first responders...worked their ass off to put this fire down and keep everybody safe, including the neighbors and the neighbors houses.," Herd said.  A fundraiser has been set up to Ardjian Veseli, the homeowner, as he and his family attempts to rebuild their life.  "The impact of this tragedy extends b…
Human Remains Found In North Babylon Human Remains Found In North Babylon
Human Remains Found In North Babylon Police are seeking to public's help to identify human remains that were found on Long Island. A 911 caller reported finding the skeletal remains in a wooded area of Southards Pond Park in North Babylon, south of Sunrise Highway, on Feb.15, 2023, at approximately 1 p.m.  Following an investigation by Homicide Squad detectives, the cause of death was determined to be non-criminal in nature. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office believes the remains to be of a Black man between the ages of 25 and 40.  He is between 5-foot-11 inches and 6-foot-5  inches and had been dead…
COVID-19: New 'FLiRT' Variants Now Most Dominant In US COVID-19: New 'FLiRT' Variants Now Most Dominant In US
Covid-19: New 'FLiRT' Variants Now Most Dominant In US New so-called "FLiRT" COVID-19 variants have quickly become the most dominant in the United States, and authorities are monitoring their rise as summer approaches. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one of the two members of the  “FLiRT” group, KP.2, is now No. 1 among strains nationally, accounting for about 24.9 of all current infections. The JN.1 strain had been dominant in the US before the emergence of KP.2. Both variants are offshoots of the highly contagious Omicron strain. The No. 4 variant in the US, KP.1.1, which makes up …
Massachusetts Among Top 10 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why Massachusetts Among Top 10 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why
Massachusetts Among Top 10 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why A new ranking lists Massachusetts as one of the top 10 best states in the country and places the commonwealth in the top three in categories like education and healthcare. The results are in. The 2024 Best States list by U.S. News & World Report, released on Tuesday, May 7, names Massachusetts as the 10th-best state in the country, a place higher than it scored in the 2023 report.  Massachusetts closely follows states like Utah (the best state, according to U.S. News & World Report), Nebraska (number three), Washington (number eight), and Florida (number nine). However, whe…
Former Stevenson Lax Star, 33, Among Australian Surfers Found Dead In Mexico Former Stevenson Lax Star, 33, Among Australian Surfers Found Dead In Mexico
Former Stevenson Lax Star, 33, Among Australian Surfers Found Dead In Mexico A MAC Commonwealth championship win for the Stevenson University's lacrosse team was overshadowed by grief this year. Former player Callum Robinson, 33, who had been reported missing several days ago after a surfing trip to Mexico's Baja California coast, has been identified as one of three people found dead along the coast. The others, his brother Jake, 30, and friend Jack Carter Rhoad, 30, authorities announced over the weekend. Foul play was believed to be a factor in the deaths, as the three were found with gunshot wounds to the head, their bodies dumped several yards down a …
Police ID Speeding Driver Killed Crashing Into White House Barrier In DC Police ID Speeding Driver Killed Crashing Into White House Barrier In DC
Police ID Speeding Driver Killed Crashing Into White House Barrier In DC New details have been released by the Metropolitan Police Department after a weekend crash outside the White House claimed the life of a 57-year-old man. James Chester Lewis, Jr., of Matthews, North Carolina was identified by investigators as they continue to probe the crash that resulted in his death . According to investigators, shortly after 10:15 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, officers were called to investigate a reported crash after Lewis ran two red lights and sped into a White House grounds security checkpoint vehicle barrier at the intersection of 15th Street and East Street, NW.  …
ID Released For Westbury Man Killed In New Cassel After Being Struck By 2 Vehicles ID Released For Westbury Man Killed In New Cassel After Being Struck By 2 Vehicles
ID Released For Westbury Man Killed In New Cassel After Being Struck By 2 Vehicles The identity has been released of a Long Island man who was killed overnight after being struck by two vehicles, including one that fled the scene. It happened just before 10 p.m. Sunday, May 5 in New Cassel. The man was crossing Prospect Avenue near State Street when he was hit by a 2015 BMW traveling westbound, Nassau County Police said. The driver of the BMW, a 27-year-old man, remained at the scene. After the first collision, a second vehicle hit the pedestrian. The unknown vehicle continued to travel westbound on Prospect Avenue and fled the scene.  The pede…
Farmingdale HS Sweethearts Killed In Out-Of-State Crash; Fundraiser Seeks To Transport Remains Farmingdale HS Sweethearts Killed In Out-Of-State Crash; Fundraiser Seeks To Transport Remains
Farmingdale HS Sweethearts Killed In Out-Of-State Crash; Fundraiser Seeks To Transport Remains Sam Cullen and Suzie Kedar were planning on spending the rest of their lives together when tragedy struck. The Long Island natives and Farmingdale High School sweethearts were killed in a car crash in Washington State on Thursday, May 2. Details about the wreck were not immediately available. Their deaths came just two days after the 28-year-old Cullen, a Petty Officer in the US Navy stationed outside of Seattle on Whidbey Island, picked up an engagement ring that he planned on giving to Kedar, according to relatives. “They had plans on Friday morning to look at houses together with a real…
Wild Fox In Town Of Bethel Tests Positive For Rabies Wild Fox In Town Of Bethel Tests Positive For Rabies
Wild Fox In Town Of Bethel Tests Positive For Rabies A health department in the region has confirmed that a fox has tested positive for the rabies virus. The fox, which was euthanized, was found in Sullivan County in the town of Bethel, said officials with the Sullivan County Department of Public Health. The department said people exposed to the fox are currently receiving treatment. Rabies occurs commonly throughout the state, mostly occurring in wild animals, including raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, and woodchucks. Domestic animals, often including cats, cattle, and dogs, account for less than 10 percent of the reported rabies cases. …
New Update: UAlbany Freshman Injured In Hit-Run Awake After Week In Coma New Update: UAlbany Freshman Injured In Hit-Run Awake After Week In Coma
New Update: UAlbany Freshman Injured In Hit-Run Awake After Week In Coma Relatives of a University at Albany student from Long Island who was severely injured in a hit-and-run crash are celebrating a major milestone in her long recovery. Alexa Kropf, age 18, of Floral Park, is no longer in a medically induced coma and is breathing on her own, her family announced in an update on GoFundMe Monday, May 6. “We are deeply grateful for all your prayers. Prayer has incredible power!” said campaign organizer Christine M. Earlier Report: Hit-Run Leaves UAlbany's Alexa Kropf Severely Injured Kropf remains in critical condition at Albany Medical Center Hospital mo…
Fears Of Church Collapse Shut Down Reading Streets (UPDATED) Fears Of Church Collapse Shut Down Reading Streets (UPDATED)
Fears Of Church Collapse Shut Down Reading Streets (Updated) The Public Works Department in Reading is demolishing an abandoned church at Perkiomen Avenue and Spruce Street, according to city officials.  Authorities said the church is in danger of collapsing.  "To ensure public safety, a portion of the church tower needs to be taken down," the Mayor's office said in a release.  Perkiomen Avenue is closed from Mineral Spring Road to South 14th Street and Spruce Street is closed from Mineral Spring Road to Miller Street until the work is done, officials said.  Update: Work is expected to continue through Friday, May…
$5.37M Lottery Ticket Sold In Northborough $5.37M Lottery Ticket Sold In Northborough
$5.37M Lottery Ticket Sold In Northborough A $5.37 million ticket was sold in Worcester County over the weekend in the Megabucks multi-state lottery.  The Quic Pic ticket was sold at Lowe’s Variety and Meat Shop at 255 W. Main St. in Northborough for the Saturday, May 4, drawing. The winning numbers were 4-11-15-26-30-40.  The winner's name has not been released. It's unclear if they have attempted to collect their prize yet. They have a year to pick up their check.  The store will receive a bonus for the sale.  The odds of winning the Megabucks jackpot are 1 in 7,059,052.
Gun And Drug Trafficking Org. Operated Throughout Greater Philly: Montco DA Gun And Drug Trafficking Org. Operated Throughout Greater Philly: Montco DA
Gun And Drug Trafficking Org. Operated Throughout Greater Philly: Montco DA Seven people are accused in connection with an alleged gun and drug trafficking scheme across the Philadelphia area, prosecutors say.  Six Philadelphians and one Norristown man are charged with corrupt organizations, conspiracy, and multiple related counts, said the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office on Monday:  Scott Grondin, 42 Anthony Figueroa-Marko, 34 Bella Kenna, 21 Felicia McKinnel, 28  Emanuel Torres, 32 Christopher McNelly, 26  Asad Sayed, 27 Montgomery County District Attorney's Office From January 2023 to February 2024, authorities said Figue…
Man ID'd After Deadly Shooting Inside Central PA Grocery Store (UPDATE) Man ID'd After Deadly Shooting Inside Central PA Grocery Store (UPDATE)
Man ID'd After Deadly Shooting Inside Central PA Grocery Store (Update) The man who was shot dead inside a popular grocery store in Harrisburg has been identified, officials told Daily Voice on Monday morning.  Christian Watts, 27 of Harrisburg, died at the scene of the shooting inside Antonio Grocery on the 2200 block of North Sixth Street at Woodbine Street came into Dauphin County Dispatch at 2:20 p.m. on May 3, according to the Dauphin County Coroner's Office. A deputy coroner was called to the scene and police had taped off the area as of 3:40 p.m., officials said.  His autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, county press secretary Diane McNaug…
Officials Name Hiker Found Dead On Appalachian Trail In Northampton County Officials Name Hiker Found Dead On Appalachian Trail In Northampton County
Officials Name Hiker Found Dead On Appalachian Trail In Northampton County Authorities have identified the man found dead in Lehigh Township over the weekend.  Raghu Kodali, 61, of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, was discovered in a wooded area near the Appalachian Trail, the Northampton County Coroner's Office said.  His cause and manner of death are pending further investigation, officials added.