08-26-2008Police are trying to see if two robberies this afternoon are connected. The first robbery was at the Compass Bank on Wurzbach, the second one was about 45 minutes later at the Bank of America on San Pedro. Police say the robber approached a teller at the Compass Bank just before 1 p.m. and demanded money. They say the suspect handed the teller a note stating he had a gun. The teller handed the suspect an unknown amount of cash. The suspect fled the scene a short time later. Police have not made an arrest at this time.
A similar incident took place at the Bank of America on San Pedro. The suspect handed a note to a teller demanding money. Police say the teller handed the man believed to be in his 20's an undetermined amount of cash. He then fled the scene. Police searched the area by helicopter but had no luck locating the suspect. Investigators are not saying if the two robberies are related. |
08-26-2008A San Antonio man accused in a brutal beating death was found guilty of murder Tuesday afternoon. Police say Brian Cyr rounded up five other men to capture and brutally murder Corey Baxter in March of 2007 over a gang issue. Baxter was tied up, beaten with bricks and bats, burned with a torch and then shot in the head. The punishment phase begins Wednesday morning. Cyr faces up to life in prison. |
08-26-2008CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) -- Corpus Christi police say a 12-year-old boy who stole his grandmother's car led police on a chase at speeds up to 60 miles per hour. He then swerved to avoid spikes in the road and crashing into a chain-link fence. Chief juvenile probation officer Homer Flores says that the boy was treated for a small cut to the head then transported to Nueces County Juvenile Justice Center, where he remains in custody. Corpus Christi Police Captain Todd Green says officials spotted the youngster late yesterday at a stop sign near his grandparents' home. When an officer approached him, he sped away and the pursuit began. He was stopped about a mile from his grandparents' house. |
08-26-2008EDINBURG, Texas (AP) -- Federal agents found 62 illegal immigrants in a two-bedroom house in South Texas after receiving a tip about suspicious activity in a quiet neighborhood today. Neighbors on both sides of the duplex in Edinburg where Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents found the immigrants were shocked by the news. Cris Melaragno, who lives in another duplex next door, says she'd spoken with her neighbors who shared the duplex with the stash house and they had never heard a sound. When she noticed the agents surrounding the house this morning, she came out but was told to go back inside. She says that the only thing that seemed suspicious in hindsight was a man who always entered the house after closing the garage door and who drove a variety of pickup trucks and jeeps. Mostly young families live in the new brick duplexes lining one side of a residential street. |
08-26-2008COLUMBIANA, Ala. (AP) -- Sheriff's investigators say the killings of five men in Shelby County, Alabama, were part of a "murder-for-hire" scheme plotted by organized crime. The findings were released today by Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry. Investigators believe the killings were carried out by a drug organization after more than $400,000 in money turned up missing. Four men, including a Texan, are in custody on capital murder charges. Jailed are 22-year-old Jaime (HYE'-meh) Rodriguez of San Antonio and 31-year-old Alejandros Castaneda (ah-lay-HAHN'-drohs kahs-tahn-YAY'-dah), 25-year-old Juan Francisco Castaneda and 40-year-old Christopher Scott Jones, all of Birmingham, Alabama. Five males were found dead Wednesday night at an apartment complex. According to investigators, each victim was tortured by electrical shock, beaten and had their throats cut. The preliminary cause of death was the slashed throats or suffocation. |
08-26-2008SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- A 25-year-old mother who federal prosecutors accuse of trying to prostitute her young daughter was ordered held without bond Today in San Antonio. A judge ordered Jennifer Richards, who moved to San Antonio from Phoenix nine months ago, to remain in custody. The judge found that Richards was a flight risk and likely to be convicted of using interstate facilities to transmit information about a minor, a charge that carries up to five years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Braun says other charges could still be added. FBI Agent Rex Miller testified at the hearing today that Richards offered to allow her five-year-old daughter to be molested in exchange for a car, an apartment and money for day care for her ten-month-old daughter. Miller says Richards also planned to use the baby for child pornography when she got older. She allegedly took the girls to meet an informant she thought was a child molester and accepted $300 on the promise that they would meet again. Richards was taken into custody a short time later. |
08-26-2008Police bust a major theft ring overnight. San Antonio detectives say they had been tracking the thieves for weeks before catching them in the act around four Tuesday morning. Nine men were arrested when officers staked out on the roof of a Northwest side appliance store saw them carrying out flat screen televisions and loading them up into three cars.
Police watched surveillance video as of the men breaking into the Conn's Appliances on DeZavala near Vance Jackson.
When police tried to arrest the suspects the all fled in the cars leading police on a 45 minute chase that took officers in different directions all over the city and out of the county. Suspects were arrested in Kendall County, others lead police to the city's east side and two men were stopped just down the street from the Conn's store on DeZavala. Police say they can link them to at least a dozen burglaries and believe they have collectively stolen more than two-hundred thousand dollars worth of merchandise. |
08-26-2008A man is dead this morning after a tattoo shop owner shoots him dead just outside his business.
Police say it happened at the Perfection Tattoos on the 3500 block of Blanco Road.
The owner called 911 around 2:30 a.m. and says he was inside the building when he heard glass breaking.
He says he saw a man toss a Molotov cocktail at the business, that's when the owner got his shot gun and shot the suspect in the neck. The suspect has been identified as Ricky Davis Jr. Police say the 29 year old man died at the scene and they still aren't sure why Davis was at the business. Police say the owner will likely not be charged.
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08-26-2008 Closing arguments are expected to begin today in the murder trial of Brian Cyr.
Cyr is accused of rounding up five other men to capture and brutally murder Corey Baxter in march of 2007 over a gang issue.
Baxter was tied up, beaten with bricks and bats, burned with a torch and then shot in the head.
A witness who confessed to the shooting in court says that he shot Baxter because he was afraid of what Cyr would do to him if he didn't.
If convicted, Cyr faces up to life in prison.
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08-26-2008 A man pleads guilty to federal charges of gun smuggling and gets 14 years in prison.
44-year-old Ernesto Garza was arrested in October of last year and accused of overseeing a criminal operation where people bought guns for him so he could smuggle them into Mexico.
His trial was set to begin, but he accepted a plea deal that would put him behind bars for 14 years.
His official sentencing phase is set for November.
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08-26-2008 A man is shot dead while trying to firebomb a local tattoo parlor.
Around 2:30 this morning, the owner of Perfection Tattoos saw a man trying to throw a Molotov cocktail into his store.
Police say the suspect was trying to break in and burn down the shop.
That's when the owner allegedly grabbed a gun and shot the suspect, killing him.
The shop owner did not know the suspect, and will not face any charges since his life was in danger at the time of the shooting.
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08-25-2008A San Antonio man who used a metal chair to beat a woman to death takes a plea deal. Today, Luis Trevino found out his punishment -- 50 years in prison. Prosecutors say Trevino killed 24-year-old Alexandria Countryman in December of 2006 over drugs. Her body was found four months later buried off Wurzbach Parkway on the northeast side. Prosecutors say they had DNA evidence against Trevino from his apartment, clothes and gun. Alexandria Countryman was a Navy veteran who left behind a young daughter. |
08-25-2008It may have been named after her husband, but the woman behind the man who built Bill Miller's BBQ is being remembered today. Ila Faye Miller passed away over the weekend at the age of 88. The matriarch of the Miller family had a degree in nursing, but started the business with her husband Bill in the early 1950's. They would deliver eggs and poultry together on a motor scooter. Eventually, that would grow into the Bill Miller's BBQ that now has sixty-eight restaurants in Texas. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, please make donations in Mrs. Miller's name to the Alzheimer's Association or the Incarnate Word Retirement Center. |
08-25-2008A rabies alert in Leon Valley has just been lifted. Back on July 7th, Animal Control picked up a skunk that was infected with rabies. Since then, there have been no more confirmed cases of rabies in Leon Valley. Authorities warn that even though the alert has been lifted, residents should still use caution around wild animals. Residents should also vaccinate all of their cats and dogs. |
08-25-2008Police arrest a man for aggravated robbery, but soon realize that they had a murder suspect on their hands. San Antonio police believe Gilbert Vasquez is responsible for a murder back in June. Lucas Alvarez, 59, was shot twice in the chest while standing outside a home on the 400 block of San Bernardo. Police arrested Vasquez Saturday afternoon, and after some investigating charged him with Alvarez' murder. |
08-25-2008Another school that is doing a bit of adjusting is Judson High School. Due to construction on the new stadium, many students are having to park further from campus. This isn't the first time students have had to deal with this. A Judson spokesman says last spring, construction created the same situation. Officials say all students have access to buses that shuttle them from the parking lot to the main buildings, before and after school. All of this construction should be complete by October. |
08-25-2008Nearly 700 students attending Kitty Hawk Middle School in Judson ISD are having to relocate for the next four days. That's until the new portable buildings on their campus receive a certificate of occupancy. So in the meantime, students are being bussed down the road daily to the Marantha Complex which is equipped with plenty of classrooms and outdoor facilities. Judson expects students to be back at Kitty Hawk by Thursday. |
08-25-2008FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) -- A judge has denied a request to have Arizona's case against polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs sent back to a grand jury. Jeffs' attorney Michael Piccaretta had argued that Jeffs was denied a fair and unbiased grand jury, and that the prosecution presented false or misleading evidence to the grand jury. Piccaretta said he plans to appeal the judge's decision. Piccaretta said the defense thinks there should have been more inquiries into whatever biases and prejudices the grand jurors had before they heard the case. Piccaretta also plans to ask the judge to bar evidence seized during a raid on the sect's Texas ranch at Jeff's trial in Arizona. Mohave County Attorney Matt Smith had said he believed the actions of Texas authorities were appropriate and constitutional. Jeffs awaits trial in Arizona on four counts of being an accomplice to sexual conduct with a minor. |
08-25-2008CLOVIS, N.M. (AP) -- Six escaped inmates, including a convicted murderer and another with a pending murder charge, remain at large tonight. Last night, officials say eight Curry County inmates shimmied up pipes behind a wall in a jail shower, cut a hole in the roof and apparently used an evergreen tree to break their fall from the two-story building. One escapee was captured by police a short time after the group fled jail last night. Another was caught this evening in Lubbock, Texas, after authorities received a tip and were able to track him there. Police believe most of the men remaining at large have separated but investigators believe two of them remain together. Authorities spent much of the day interviewing the escapees' family members and friends. Multiple homes were searched in the Clovis area. Authorities also searched an Albuquerque home and followed up on a lead in Cactus, Texas. |
08-25-2008A New Braunfels business plaza gutted by a massive fire over the weekend.. may have to come down. The New Braunfels Fire Department will meet with city health and building officials this morning, to determine whether the building is structurally unsound. The fast-moving blaze caused over two million dollars in structure damage to Landa plaza. Nine businesses were destroyed. According to the New Braunfels newspaper, the 38-year old building did not have a sprinkler system. Workers re-tarring the plaza's roof may have accidentally started the fire. |
08-25-2008 Taking the bus this morning? You may want to double-check that route. The Via Metropolitan Transit System is revising their services list and it all starts today. Among the eighteen affected bus routes-- the Highway 90 Express, the 281 Express and the I-10 Fiesta Texas Express. Some will include added trips in the morning and afternoon. Others will have extended hours. Don't let the new changes drive you crazy. VIA Metropolitan Transit has revised the services for some of its bus routes. The changes go into effect Monday, August 25th. They include: Bus Route #6- U.S. 281 Express - Weekday schedule will be improved with added trips in the morning and the afternoon. Bus Route #17- IH-35 Express - Weekday schedule will be improved with added trips in the morning and the afternoon. Bus Route #21- Kirby/Converse - Route will be modified near the intersection of FM 78 and Loop 410 due to long-term construction. Bus Route #5- East Commerce Frequent - Weekday schedule will be improved with added trips in the afternoon. Bus Route #62- Kirk - End of the line will be modified inside Port San Antonio. Bus Route #64- U.S. 90 Express - In addition to an extra trip in the morning and the afternoon on weekdays, this route will be modified near the intersection of S.H. 151 and Loop 410 to serve Wal-Mart, the new Social Security Administration offices, and other destinations. The route will extend to Military Drive, turn back to turn onto Richland Hills, and then turn onto Potranco Road before returning to the regular route. Bus Route # 75- West Commerce Frequent - Weekday schedule will be improved with added trips in the afternoon. Bus Route #88 Bandera - Weekday schedule will be improved with added trips in the morning and the afternoon. Bus Route #94 IH-10 Fiesta Texas Express - Weekday schedule will be improved with added trips in the morning and the afternoon. Bus Route #505 Basse - Service will be extended one hour later on weekday evenings. The following route schedules will also be adjusted: 2, 3, 20, 34, 42, 76, 515, and 603. viainfo.net |
08-24-2008 Residents in a Central San Antonio apartment complex are on edge after police find the body of a murder victim. Investigators say that victim was stabbed several times early Sunday morning at the Mulberry Village Apartments on Mulberry. The victim is identified as Guadalupe Ayala, 20. Witnesses tell investigators they saw a group of men running away from the scene. If you have any information you are urged to call police.
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08-24-2008An off duty police officer is fighting for his life after taking a bullet to the stomach. He was one of three people shot at BJ's Lounge on East Commerce and East Houston. San Antonio Police were in the parking lot around 2:40 a.m. Sunday responding to another call, when someone started firing shots. The off duty cop from Gregory, Daryl Sultemeir, was shot one time. Two others were also hit. Officers found the suspect in a getaway car a short time later. After a brief struggle and a chase, officers arrested Eric Willrich and charged him with several violations including aggravated assault on a public servant. At last check, Sultemeir was in critical condition at Brooke Army Medical Center. The other two are in stable condition at University Hospital.
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08-24-2008Kitty Hawk students will spend their first few days of school at the Maranatha Complex four miles down the road from the middle school. New portable buildings at the main campus are not ready yet, because they don't have their certificates of occupancy. About 700 seventh and eighth graders at Kitty Hawk Middle School will be taken by bus to the complex. All middle schoolers need to be at the main campus before 8:05 a.m. on the first day of school. Parents can call 945-1220 for more information.
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08-24-2008Cleanup is underway at a Northwest side apartment complex hit by an overnight fire. Some 16 units at the Sierra Vista Apartments on Whitby were affected. When firefighters arrived, they found flames coming out of the roof of a building. Investigators say the fire appears to be suspicious. Neighbors say they saw trash and piles of mattresses on fire, before flames spread to the building. Several families are now displaced as a result. The American Red Cross is helping several residents who've requested assistance. Damage is estimated at almost a quarter million dollars. This last December, fire tore through the same apartment complex. The cause of that fire was ruled electrical.
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08-24-2008Christopher Kaiser, 18, turned himself into police Sunday, after an arrest warrant was issued for the teenager. Police believe he was involved in the murder of Jose Sanchez back on August 10. Sanchez was shot and killed in front of a home on Kendalia Street in South San Antonio. |
08-23-2008Barack Obama announced Saturday he's selected Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware to be his vice presidential running mate. Biden, who has twice sought the White House, is a Catholic with a generally liberal voting record and a reputation as a long-winded speaker. In his 30 years of serving in the Senate, Biden has been chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and head of the Judiciary Committee. Republican Sen. John McCain is expected to announce his vice presidential running mate sometime next week. |
08-23-2008A 26 year old man is dead and a one year old girl is injured following a shooting overnight a house on Five Palms. Police say the homeowner, Sian Zamora, 26, shot another 26 year old man, then the baby in the arm. The child is possibly Zamora's daughter. Those two were taken to the hospital in fair condition. Zamora was killed when someone came in the home and shot him. Police have questioned that person and since released them.
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08-23-2008 People leaving a local bar at closing time found a woman shot and run over in the parking lot. Officers say Guadalupe Fernandez was leaving Speedway Bar on Marbach when a man approached her with a gun. Investigators say he wanted Fernandez' purse. Fernandez was shot during the confrontation, then run over. EMS took Fernandez to the hospital in fair condition.
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08-23-2008 A woman is dead after police said someone tapped on her car window, then shot her. Investigators said Aracelia Rodriguez, 21, was leaving a Southside club with friends when she was killed. San Antonio Police said they have no solid suspects or motive.
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08-22-2008Thanks to recent rains, Bexar County was able to lift the burn ban. A Bexar County judge gave the okay for outdoor burning today. The fire marshal felt the drought index was low enough that the ban was no longer needed. However, if the rains stop and the drought index begins to rise, the ban will be reinstated. |
08-22-2008An arrest is made after a stabbing between roommates that happened yesterday in the 300 block of Calgary. Officials say several roommates were recreating a scene from a movie when it got out of hand. One of the men was stabbed in the chest. Police arrested 40-year old Michael Martinez and charged him with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. |
08-22-2008Good news for San Marcos residents. Stage one water restrictions have been lifted. The move goes into effect on Sunday. San Marcos has been under drought restrictions since June 16th because of a drop in the aquifer level. Officials still warn to use water wisely. That will help in delaying the return of water restrictions. |
08-22-2008SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Drivers passing through nearly 20 school zones in San Antonio will soon have to stop talking on their cell phones -- or at least get a hands-free device. San Antonio joined several other cities around the country last night in cracking down on cell phone use by motorists near schools. The City Council passed an ordinance for a one-year pilot program banning the use of cell phones in 18 schools zones that have had a high number of speeding violations. Drivers also won't be allowed to send or read text messages while in the zones during the school day. But the program has several exceptions. Driving and talking using hands-free devices is allowed; so is calling 911, the fire department, police or a doctor's office or clinic in an emergency. Finally, it's OK for parents waiting in so-called "car lines" to call their children to say they've arrived at the school for pick up. Violators will face a fine of up to $200 after a 60-day grace period beginning September 1st. |
08-22-2008SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Court authorities in San Antonio will be able to track students with a history of skipping school under a new program. The students would be required to wear ankle bracelets with Global Positioning System monitoring. But at least one group is worried the ankle bracelets will infringe on students' privacy. Linda Penn is a San Antonio justice of the peace. She says she anticipates that about 50 students will wear the thick ankle bracelets during the six-month pilot program announced today. Most will likely be high schoolers. Penn says the time students wear the anklets will be on a case-by-case basis, but she doubted any will wear them the entire half-year. Penn said the electronic monitoring is part of a comprehensive program she started four years ago to reduce truancy. She cited programs in Midland and Dallas as having success with similar electronic monitoring measures. But American Civil Liberties Union of Texas executive director Terri Burke says requiring students to wear the GPS bracelets full-time raises privacy concerns. |
08-22-2008SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- The Spurs have re-signed guard Michael Finley. Terms of the deal weren't released. The 35-year-old Finley started 61 games last season, with sixth man award winner Manu Ginobili providing a spark for San Antonio behind him. Finley averaged 10.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists, playing in all 82 games in his 13th NBA season. He shot 37 percent from 3-point range. Finley averaged 6.7 points, 1.9 rebounds and one assist during 17 playoff games last season. In his second season with San Antonio in 2007, Finley was part of the team's run to a fourth title in nine seasons. Finley, a two-time All-Star, was first signed by the Spurs in September 2005. |
08-22-2008McALLEN, Texas (AP) -- More than $24 million has been approved to help people, businesses and infrastructure affected by Hurricane Dolly after the storm hit the Rio Grande Valley last month, several governmental agencies said Friday. The Texas Governor's Division of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the money has been approved to help people in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties. |
08-22-2008 Police make an arrest in what they say is a murder-for-hire case. Carlos Miguel Solis was arrested before one in the morning on the city's north side at an HEB parking lot at Jackson-Keller and West Avenue. Police took the 28-year old man downtown were he was questioned and then charged with attempted solicitation for capital murder.
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08-22-2008 Police are on the hunt for three suspects involved in an early morning home invasion that ended in gunfire. Shortly before six this morning, a 19-year old man woke up to find three men standing above him wearing dark masks. According to initial reports, one of them told the victim that if he moved, they'd shoot him. Then the victim heard a pop. After shooting the man, the three took his broken computer and fled. They tried to take his Playstation 3, but couldn't get it unhooked. The victim was rushed to the hospital. His condition is unknown.
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08-22-2008 An activist group wants the military to court-martial soldiers at Fort Sam for their alleged mistreatment of animals.
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals claim that Fort Sam Houston mutilated close to a thousand goats by breaking their legs and amputating them with tree trimmers so that medical trainees could practice on them.
Similar claims have been lodged against a Hawaii base for shooting pigs.
PETA says those who hurt the pigs and goats should face courts martial on animal cruelty charges.
Fort Sam Houston officials have not commented on the allegations.
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08-22-2008 Police are asking for your help to solve a murder.
They're looking for the person that gunned down 28-year-old Christopher Knight in May of 2006.
Knight had just arrived at the Outspan Townhomes on east Houston street when a gray, four-door vehicle pulled up alongside his truck.
Someone inside that vehicle shot Knight several times -- killing him instantly.
Crimestoppers is offering up to $5000 for information that leads to an arrest.
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08-21-2008He lived a millionaire's lifestyle. But after defrauding the federal government out of millions of dollars, the next big house he lives in may not be so glamorous. Andrew Parker plead guilty today to several charges including wire fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion. Authorities say Parker would arrange for buyers from Mexico to submit false documentation for insured loans. However, the funds were instead deposited into Parker's accounts. He faces up to 10 years of imprisonment and up to $10 million in fines.
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08-21-2008The BexarMet Water District Board is sending general manager Gil Olivares a written notice to terminate. Today, the board members gathered to discuss Olivares' fate with the company. There were rumors that Olivares wanted a buyout from his contract, but that was not an option for some board members. Olivares was recently indicted on several charges including wire tapping. The president of BexarMet said Olivares should have his time to speak in front of the board within the next two weeks. |
08-21-2008Police say a movie lead to a stabbing between roommates at a home on the city's southwest side. Police say several roommates were recreating a scene from the movie "Backyard Fights " when it got a little out of hand. One man was stabbed multiple times in the chest and rushed to Wilford Hall. No arrests were made but several people were taken in by police for questioning. |
08-21-2008HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) -- A judge has blocked tonight's scheduled execution of Texas death row inmate Jeffery Wood -- due to mental health issues. Wood was condemned for taking part in a fatal 1996 convenience store robbery in Kerrville. The shooting victim was Kriss Keeran, who was working as a clerk. A federal judge today delay the execution so Wood's attorneys could hire a mental health expert to pursue their arguments that's is incompetent to be executed. Prosecutors say Wood waited in a car outside the Texas Hill Country store as his roommate fatally shot the victim, then both men robbed the place. Daniel Reneau (ruh-NOH') was executed in 2002. Wood was convicted under the Texas law of parties, which makes accomplices as liable as the actual killer in capital murder cases. |
08-21-2008SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- A man and woman in San Antonio are accused of trying to sell her five-year-old daughter -- for sex. Jennifer Richards and Sean Michael Block were arrested Tuesday. Richards is charged with using interstate facilities to transmit information about a minor. Block is charged with distributing child pornography. An affidavit says an informant told the FBI about a sex-related text message allegedly sent by Block about a girl who's "5 yrs old belongs to my gf." Richards allegedly believed the sexual interactions would be a positive experience for the girl and that the mother would receive sexual gratification from watching. Block allegedly sent an e-mail with a link to a Russian child pornography site. Both have asked to have lawyers appointed to them. |
08-21-2008SAN MARCOS, Texas (AP) -- A San Marcos policeman who delayed a couple racing their dying dog to a clinic -- as he wrote them a ticket -- has received death threats. San Marcos Mayor Susan Narvaiz says Officer Paul Stephens was inappropriate and insensitive and that he has been reprimanded. But the mayor today said the threats against the officer are "extremely unfortunate." She released more details of the August 5th incident, including that a second officer tried to help the choking dog -- a teacup poodle named "Missy" -- but couldn't clear its airway. Michael Gonzalez and Krystal Hernandez were allegedly driving 95 mph when Stephens pulled them over on Interstate 35. Narvaiz says Stephens is an Iraq war vet who joined the department in March 2007 and has no history of previous complaints. |
08-21-2008ELDORADO, Texas (AP) -- A Schleicher County grand jury today issued three new felony indictments against members of a polygamist sect. The group's compound near Eldorado was raided in April. Here's more:
-- The Texas Attorney General's Office declined comment on the indictments or names of the accused.
-- In July, jailed sect leader Warren Jeffs and four followers were indicted for sexual assault of a child. One follower was also charged with bigamy. A sixth member was charged with three misdemeanor counts of failing to report child abuse.
The five men charged with felonies face a court appearance September 8th.
-- Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints member and spokesman Willie Jessop testified before the grand jury today.
By law, he could not disclose what was discussed, but he says the process has been painful for church members.
-- The grand jury reconvenes September 23rd. |
08-21-2008SACRAMENTO (AP) -- A Texas woman dubbed the "ponytail bandit" has pleaded guilty to robbing banks in three states. Morgan Michelle Hoke admitted robbing banks in her hometown of Austin, in Roseville, Calif. and in Lynnwood, Wash. Federal prosecutors say the robberies netted her $15,000 last year. The 21-year-old's nickname is from surveillance photos showing her wearing a University of Texas baseball cap with her ponytail hanging down her back. She was extradited from Thailand in February. She pleaded guilty to the three robberies Thursday in Sacramento federal court. Each count could bring 20 years in prison at her Oct. 30 sentencing. |
08-21-2008A convicted sex offender missing from a halfway house in Houston has been caught in Mississippi.
According to the Kerrville Daily-Times, U.S. marshals tracked down Albert Nicolas yesterday and arrested him without incident.
Nicolas had been missing for 13 days from a halfway house in Houston after being released from prison for time served and good behavior.
Nicolas is serving a 130-year sentence for sexually assaulting and beating his stepdaughter.
He's now headed back to Texas to find out if he will have serve the rest of his sentence behind bars.
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08-21-2008The San Antonio City Council will discuss purchasing more Tasers for the San Antonio Police Department today.
Since the police department started using Tasers in September of 2006, over 140 officers have completed the Taser training and armed themselves with the non-lethal weapons.
If the council decides to buy more Tasers today, that number could jump to close to 200.
The hope is that by equipping officers with Tasers, they will be able to diffuse potentially dangerous situations without resorting to deadly force.
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08-21-2008 Airlife has to be called in after a near fatal wreck this morning.
Police say a man in a pickup truck lost control near the intersection of Caliza and Encino Rio on the north side.
The truck knocked over a telephone pole and slammed into a tree shortly before three this morning.
Officials say it took over 30 minutes for emergency crews to cut the man out of the vehicle.
Airlife took him to the hospital where he's in critical condition.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation. |
08-20-2008Remember the San Marcos police officer that gave a couple a speeding ticket as their dog died? That officer has officially been reprimanded. Last week we told you about a young couple who was rushing their dog to an emergency vet clinic. Officer Paul Stephens pulled the couple over for going 95-miles per hour, but then took twenty minutes to write the ticket. The tea cup poodle died and the officer told them "... it's just a dog." The San Marcos police reprimanded Stephens by making him watch the dash cam tape with his supervisor. He was counseled on how he could have improved his performance. |
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08-20-2008Time is running out for convicted killer Jeffery Wood. His attorney now wants to use a mental defense to block his execution tomorrow night. Attorneys are telling a federal court that Wood is mentally incompetent for his scheduled execution in Huntsville. They say Wood's mental problems led him to get involved in a robbery scheme that left Kerrville convenience store clerk Kriss Keeran dead in 1996. Daniel Reneau was the gunman in Keeran's slaying and Wood's roommate. Reneau was executed in 2002. |
08-20-2008AUSTIN(AP) -- Police say there are no injuries from a freight train that derailed and grazed a residential building in downtown Austin. Senior police officer Veneza Aguinaga says two cars came off the tracks Wednesday, prompting authorities to shut down part of Third Street. One of the train cars, apparently empty, hit the bottom of an apartment balcony. One of the apartment residents, hair stylist Molly Elliott, said the collision caused the building to shake. Elliott said the shaking "sounded like thunder." |
08-20-2008FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) -- Three inmates trying to escape from the Tarrant County Jail today injured two guards and a maintenance worker. The two correctional officers and the worker were taken by ambulance to a Fort Worth hospital. Another maintenance worker was treated at the scene. Their identities weren't immediately released. Tarrant County Sheriff's spokesman Terry Grisham said the attacks happened when the two jailers were walking the inmates to a recreational area. Authorities believe a shank was used in the assault. Other officers subdued the three inmates:
-- Erick "Truman" Davila is charged with capital murder in a shooting at a birthday party the left a woman and her granddaughter dead. Davila is also charged with murder for the unrelated fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man.
-- James Dwayne Edwards is held on charges of aggravated robbery and evading arrest.
-- Herschel Jerome Hurd is charged with aggravated robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm. |
08-20-2008DALLAS (AP) -- Jenny the elephant is staying in Dallas. The Dallas Zoo today announced the five-ton pachyderm will remain at her home of 22 years -- instead of being sent to a wildlife park in Mexico. Dallas Zoo officials had planned to ship Jenny south after her companion elephant died in May. African elephants become unhappy when left alone. But activists said 32-year-old Jenny is a nervous elephant who fears vehicles and would be miserable at the drive-through park in Mexico. Critics of the planned move said Jenny would be much better off at the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee. A Dallas Zoo spokesman says officials plan to get a companion elephant for Jenny in the next several months. Zoo authorities also have expedited plans for a new elephant habitat. |
08-20-2008NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- President Bush today visited New Orleans and said "hope is coming back" nearly three years since Hurricane Katrina hit. About 126 billion dollars worth of disaster aid has been funneled to the Gulf Coast region since Katrina came ashore -- August 29th of 2005. Bush tempered his upbeat remarks by acknowledging much more work must be done. He spoke at Jackson Barracks, a historic Louisiana National Guard post badly damaged by Katrina. The president is making side trips as part of his summer visit to his Central Texas ranch, where he arrived last Friday. Bush recently agreed to a request to give Louisiana 30 years to repay 1.8 billion dollars for levee improvements in the New Orleans area. The money initially was to be repaid by 2011. Bush earlier today appeared at Veterans of Foreign Wars convention in Orlando, Florida. |
08-20-2008SAN ANGELO, Texas (AP) -- Five men from a polygamist sect raided by Texas authorities in April stand accused of sexually assaulting children. But The Associated Press reports they're unlikely to be the only ones. Church documents disclosed as part of a separate child custody case over the last several months identify at least ten other men as married to girls who were 16 or younger. In all, about 20 underage girls, a few as young as 12, are identified in the documents as married to now-jailed sect leader Warren Jeffs or one of his followers. Texas authorities collected more than 400 boxes of documents from the West Texas ranch of the polygamist group that was raided in April. The Schleicher County grand jury that recently indicted five men on sexual assault and a sixth for failing to report abuse -- is set to reconvene tomorrow. Underage marriages are not universal within their Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. |
08-20-2008Firefighters and haz-mat crews were called out to a refinery fire last night.
According to the fire department, a fuel spill inside one of the Age refinery's distillation towers caught fire, creating heavy smoke and fumes.
Firefighters were able to put out the burning liquid.
Haz-mat crews were on scene monitoring air quality for several hours until they gave the all clear.
Nobody was injured, and a damage estimate is still pending at this time.
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08-19-2008Suspended BexarMet general manager Gil Olivares is offering a deal to the water district's board. He wants a contract buyout. This comes days after Olivares told board members he was innocent of grand jury indictments for wiretapping, misapplication of funds, and sexual harassment. The board suspended Olivares this weekend. This Thursday during a special meeting, board members will decide whether to terminate Olivares or agree to his proposed contract buyout. Olivares wants the remainder of the money owed on his contract which is more than $200,000. Bexarmet officials say that will have to be negotiated. |
08-19-2008Fay finally makes landfall in Florida. Fortunately, the storm never grew into the hurricane forecasters expected, but it's still pounding the state with 65 mile per hour winds and heavy rains. Fay came up the west side of the state near Fort Myers, carving a path up to the Florida peninsula. The storm even spawned tornadoes like the one in the town of Barefoot Bay. More than 50 homes were damaged - nine of which were destroyed. So far, there are no reports of deaths or injuries. |
08-19-2008HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) -- The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has rejected a clemency request for condemned inmate Jeffery Wood -- who turned 35 today. Wood is set to die Thursday for the 1996 shooting death of Kriss Keeran, who was a clerk at a convenience store in Kerrville. Wood's lawyers say the inmate doesn't deserve to die for a slaying that occurred while he was waiting in a car outside the store. The gunman -- Daniel Reneau (ruh-NO') -- has already been executed. Evidence showed the two men robbed the store of more than $11,000 in cash and checks. Wood was convicted under the Texas law of parties, which makes accomplices as liable as the actual killer in capital murder cases. Defense attorney Scott Sullivan says they're very disappointed. Wood would be the ninth condemned prisoner put to death this year in Texas. |
08-19-2008AUSTIN (AP) -- Heavy overnight rain in the Austin area is blamed for leaving parts of the burned Texas governor's mansion -- a bit soggy. Work continues to restore the historic building that was torched on June 8th. So far no arrests in the case investigators say is arson. A temporary roof is expected on the mansion by October. Edward Johnson with the Texas Facilities Commission says there's plastic on the damaged roof, but some leaks are still happening. Johnson told the Austin American-Statesman on Tuesday that the shoring of the fire-damaged second floor is nearly complete. He says plans call for a crane to be moved into place in the next couple of weeks to begin removing the fire-collapsed roof. |
08-19-2008BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) -- Pat Green may think twice the next time before asking for a cold one. The last time he did it, the Texas-born country singer-songwriter was knocked out cold. Green performed Saturday night at the Michigan International Speedway after NASCAR's Carfax 250 race. He's best known for the 2003 hit "Wave on Wave." The Jackson Citizen Patriot reports that late in his show, he shouted, "Anyone got a beer?" A can of suds suddenly soared from the audience onto the stage. Then a second can from the crowd hit Green between the eyes, knocking him out. Medical personnel treated him at the track. A phone message seeking an update on Green's condition was left Tuesday at his publicist's office in Nashville, Tenn. |
08-19-2008ROMA, Texas (AP) -- The floodwaters are receding today in Starr County. More than 750 homes in Starr County have been water-logged since yesterday. Starr County Emergency Management Coordinator Gene Falcon told The Associated Press that there's still a lot of standing water and debris on roads. Falcon says officials are putting together damage assessment teams. Also, the Wichita Falls Fire Department reported making rescues in chest-deep water today. Officials have warned residents in low-lying areas to be prepared to evacuate. |
08-19-2008SAN ANGELO, Texas (AP) -- A judge in Texas today ordered a 14-year-old girl who was allegedly married to jailed polygamist leader Warren Jeffs -- be put in foster care. Judge Barbara Walther in San Angelo says there was evidence of the underage marriage. The girl was 12 at the time of the alleged marriage ceremony. But Walther says the girl's 11-year-old brother would be allowed to stay with his mother. Meanwhile:
-- Lawyers reached settlements for three other girls. The children can stay with their mothers, if the women restrict contact with men accused of being involved in underage marriages.
-- Two pending cases involve the daughters of Doctor Lloyd Hammon Barlow.
Barlow was indicted on three misdemeanor counts of failing to report child abuse. Authorities say he didn't report babies he delivered to underage girls and that he married a 16-year-old. |
08-19-2008 Firefighters believe an arsonist is behind an overnight fire at a west side bar.
Fire crews responded to the corner of W. Commerce and San Joaquin around 3 o'clock this morning. They say a witness told them a person was seen on the roof of Los Rumors bar pouring something down a vent just moments before the roof went up in flames. The witness told firefighters the person was seen running from the scene.
Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the roof. No one was hurt, and the main building was not seriously damaged. |
08-19-2008 Historically, Bexar County commissioners try to lower taxes for residents, that is not happening this year.The county is blaming the slow economy which may make it challenging for commissioners adopt a $1.17 billion budget for the next fiscal year. The amount is a little more than a 7-percent increase from last year. The good news for county residents is that their tax rate will likely not increase. However, Bexar County employees may be looking at health insurance changes, but there is a proposed cost of living adjustment in the budget.
Sheriff's office budget includes $3.1 million to fund the compensation step-plan in the third year of the collective bargaining agreement with the Deputy Sheriffs Association of Bexar County. The step-plan is the automatic pay increases agreed upon in that contract. Commissioners will also be discussing the possibility of adding some civilian positions to the sheriff's office so uniformed detention officers can move to supervising inmates at the jail. A "patrol power shift" of four deputy sheriff-law enforcement positions and one sergeant is also being proposed. The purpose of the shift is to lower the response time during peak periods.
Today is just the start of budget talks with the county. Commissioners must adopt a budget by September 9th.
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08-18-2008 Visitors looking for some shade downtown at main plaza are about to have fewer options.
City leaders announced Monday that two trees will have to be removed.
The trees, which are 70 to 80 years old are dying.
A study found the trees are being attacked by algae in the soil and they're at risk of falling.
The total price tag for both trees to be removed is close to $30,000.
Mayor Hardberger says two other trees at main plaza are also sick, but not bad enough to be cut down.
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08-18-2008 One local school district says it will definitely not be ready for the grand debut of its multi-million dollar stadium.
Judson Independent School District confirmed Monday night there's too much work to be done on D.W. Rutledge Stadium.
That means Judson and Wagner High School's will have to play their first home games somewhere else.
We're told the seats are in place, but the press box, concession stands and the scoreboard have not been completed.
This delay will impact Judson's game on Thursday August 28th against Warren.
It will now be played at Gustafson Stadium.
Wagner High School's Friday, August 29th game against Smithson Valley will now be played at Smithson Valley.
We're told the delays will not add additional cost to the project.
Judson ISD says it will evaluate the progress on a weekly basis, then determine which future games will have to be relocated.
GAMES MOVED
Warren vs. Judson
Aug. 28th, Gustafson Stadium
Smithson Valley vs. Wagner
Aug. 29th, Smithson Valley |
08-18-2008 Good news for that two-leggged chihuaha FOX News should you Sunday night at nine.
He's back at home.
The pup, known as "Roo" - short for kangaroo - was found this weekend roaming around a northwest side neighborhood.
After we put his mug on TV Sunday night, the humane society received a lot of calls.
Including one from the owner of the dog, who got a tip she should call.
Erika Vaca says actually my friend was watching tv and he called me and was like, dude your dog is on tv, on fox, and i was like what? i was at work."
The dog's real name is Stumpy.
And, thanks to the Humane Society, Stumpy won't get lost again.
He was implanted with an ID chip before going home. |
08-18-2008 Emergency officials Monday night reopened U.S. Highway 83 between Rio Grande City and Roma, after closing it due to heavy rain.
It's the main artery through the Rio Grande Valley.
The Department of Public Safety had recommended that U.S. Highway 83 be closed near Rosita, about midway between Roma and Rio Grande City, because El Quiote creek was more than a foot above the guardrails.
Forecasters say more than 13 inches of rain fell in some parts of the county, forcing emergency officials to use boats to rescue dozens of people from flooded homes.
The impact of so much rain was compounded because the ground was still saturated from Hurricane Dolly, which hit the region on July 23rd.
Officials also had to open shelters.
A flash flood watch is in effect for parts of Brooks, Cameron, Willacy, Hidalgo, Cameron, Jim Hogg, Kenedy, Starr and Zapata counties through tomorrow.
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08-18-2008 Marriage documents, photos and church records are introduced Monday as Texas seeks foster care for children of some polygamists.
The court hearing in San Angelo involves a girl allegedly given in marriage at age 12 to now jailed polygamist leader Warren Jeffs.
Texas wants to remove the now 14-year-old girl and a younger brother from their mother.
Child Protective Services says the woman has refused to guarantee the girl won't have contact with men accused of being involved in underage marriages.
Texas Ranger Nick Hannah helped CPS offer documents outlining some polygamist group family relationships.
The items were seized in an April raid of the Yearning For Zion Ranch near Eldorado.
The girl's mother, Barbara Jessop, invoked her 5th Amendment right not to incriminate herself on about 50 questions.
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08-18-2008On August 18, 2008, at approximately 3:15 p.m., San Antonio Police responded to NB IH 35 S @ Fischer Rd for an officer in trouble call.
Upon officer’s arrival, it was determined that a Frio County Deputy Sheriff was transporting a prisoner to a San Antonio hospital for a psychological evaluation in relation to an Emergency Detention.
According to Frio County Deputy Roger Salinas, while enroute to a San Antonio hospital, the prisoner began to assault him to the point he began to lose consciousness.
Deputy Salinas then said he was in fear of for his life and fired his service weapon striking the suspect. Deputy Salinas was able to call for assistance and EMS made the location.
19-year-old Andres Gutierrez was pronounced at the scene.
Deputy Salinas was transported to University Hospital with numerous facial injuries.
The San Antonio Police Department’s Shooting Team is handling the investigation and will submit their findings to the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office and the Frio County Sheriff’s Office.
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08-18-2008 Two people who died in a Sunday morning accident in Converse have been identified. The Bexar County Medical Examiner says that Martin Carrillo, 42, and Isac Suarez, 19, died when their trucks collided at the intersection of Loop 1604 and Lower Seguin Road. Two other people injured in the crash went to area hospitals in serious condition. Police are still investigating.
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08-18-2008 Firefighters are investigating how two cars caught on fire at a local dealership early Monday morning.
Crews rushed out to the Ancira dealership on the 11000 block of Expo near I-10 and Huebner around 3am after initial reports came in that the dealership was on fire.
When they got there, they found two cars burning in the parking lot.
Crews quickly put the flames out before they could damage any other vehicles.
Arson investigators then inspected the scene, but no cause has been determined. |
08-17-2008Two people are dead and three more are in area hospitals after a major accident in Converse Sunday morning. It happened at Loop 1604 and Lower Seguin Road. Officers told Fox News at Nine the victims died when the Chevrolet truck they were riding in rolled. Investigators said the truck's driver pulled out in front of a Ford F-150 causing the trucks to collide. It's believed the driver of the Chevrolet may have run a red light. As of Sunday night, the victims names had not been released.
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08-17-2008A San Antonio man made a very interesting discovery on Saturday.
A Chihuahua born with just two legs was found in a Northwest side subdivision and dropped off at the Bexar County Humane Society. Officials there have given the little guy the nickname "Roo" because he hops around like a kangaroo. His owners have until Tuesday to claim him. Vets say he is healthy and functional.
"If he does not find his home, we're going to make sure he finds a brand new home and he's gonna stay safe for the rest of his life," says Cathy McCoy of the Bexar County Humane Society.
If you're interested in adopting Roo, give the Humane Society a call at (210) 226-7461. |
08-17-2008Authorities in Colorado said wreckage spotted by a hiker in the Rocky Mountains was that of a plane carrying a Houston area family that never returned home. Summit County sheriff's officials said Thomas Paul Jacomini Jr. was piloting the four-seater Cessna 182 when it left Steamboat Springs on Friday. Sheriff's officials say there were no survivors. FAA spokeswoman Karen Byrd said the plane was headed to Sugar Land, Texas, which is a suburb of Houston.
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08-17-2008Wet roads may be to blame for a crash north of San Antonio. One man was taken to the hospital Sunday night after he flipped his truck on Highway 16 in Helotes. It appeared the driver, who was hauling a trailer, lost control on a curve. His truck turned over after crashing into a large pile of dirt. As of Sunday night, the man's condition was unknown.
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08-17-2008A teenager was shot several times early Sunday in Northwest San Antonio. The 19 year old victim flagged down police claiming he'd been shot outside a house on Sacramento. He tells police he was sitting in his car waiting on someone when bullets came through his car. Officers found two possible suspects inside the home hiding under a bed. As of Sunday night, no one had been arrested. The victim was taken to University Hospital in stable condition.
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08-17-2008A teen driver rolled his car, then ditched his trapped passenger. That's what police say happened on Interstate 35 near Stonewall Street. Witnesses said the driver of a Mitsubishi Eclipse was speeding, then hit a guardrail which caused the car to flip. The driver was spotted running down Stonewall. The passenger is being treated at Wilford Hall Medical Center.
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08-16-2008Rain and lots of oil caused a big traffic mess Saturday night in Northwest San Antonio. A dozen cars collided just after 6 p.m. on La Cantera, in front of Fiesta Texas. Police tell Fox News at Nine a driver hit a curb, causing the oil pan in his car to break. The hit sent oil spewing out onto the road. The oil and some sprinkles from the rain made La Cantera slick, causing several vehicles to lose control and crash. The good news is no one was seriously injured.
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08-16-2008The head of Bexar Met faces more problems after a grand jury hands down several indictments. Saturday, board members from the water district placed Gil Olivares on a 15 day suspension with pay. Olivares was indicted Friday on charges of wiretapping, mis-application of funds and sexual harrassment. The board will meet next week determine further punishment.
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08-16-2008A motorcyclist died after losing control of his bike. Witnesses say the man was riding in the 4300 block of Schertz Road overnight Saturday. The motorcyle hit a curb, went out of control, then ended up in a ditch. The rider died at the scene. As of Saturday night, the man's name had not been released.
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08-16-2008Southside ISD unveiled its new state of the art middle school Saturday. Julius L. Matthey Middle School opened its doors for the first time for neighbors wanting to take a look. The old middle school was torn down and is being replaced by this new facility. The 7th and 8th grade campus will hold approximately 800 students.
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08-15-2008
Car vandals on the city's northwest side have struck again. At least ten residents woke up to find their cars windows shattered and broken. Police got a call from the 73-hundred block of Fernview and the 74-hundred block of Weybridge saying just before four in the morning that cars had been vandalized. One frustrated car owner says he thinks the culprits are bored teens. This is not the first time this has happened earlier in the summer, there were several incidents in the same area where multiple vehicles had been randomly vandalized with bbs and paint balls. Police are looking for any information that would help them catch these suspects.
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08-15-2008 A family will finally get closure this morning when the remains of one of their loved ones are buried.
Rolia Whitinger's body was donated to the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston over 8 years ago.
The body was supposed to be returned to the family after its use, but it never was.
Now -- after an 8-year legal battle -- the remains have been shipped back.
Whitinger's funeral will take place later this morning at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
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08-15-2008 A man is dead after a high-speed accident on the northwest side.
According to police, witnesses driving westbound along I-10 near West Avenue around 2:30 this morning saw a man in an SUV swerve into a concrete barrier on the side of the highway.
They say he then over-corrected, turned through all lanes of traffic and slammed into a wall on the other side.
Emergency crews had to cut the man out of the vehicle.
The unidentified man was rushed to the hospital, but died about an hour later.
Police say there were no apparent signs of intoxication, and it's unclear why the man lost control. |
08-14-2008HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) -- Condemned killer Michael Rodriguez looked at the wife of a slain policeman and apologized -- before being put to death tonight in Huntsville. Rodriguez was the first of the six surviving Connally Unit escapees to be executed over the 2000 shooting death of Irving Officer Aubrey Hawkins. Seven inmates fled the South Texas prison. Six were caught in Colorado, where the other fugitive killed himself. Rodriguez had dropped all appeals and volunteered for lethal injection. The inmate looked at the officer's widow and his former sister-in-law and said, quote:
-- "My punishment is nothing compared to the pain and suffering I've brought you. I'm not strong enough to ask for forgiveness. I ask the Lord to forgive. I've done horrible things that brought sorrow and pain to these wonderful people.
Rodriguez also said, quote: "I'm sorry, so sorry." As the drugs took effect, Rodriguez was praying in a whisper. "I'm ready to go, Lord." Outside the prison, several dozen police officers stood at attention while the execution was carried out. |
| 08-14-2008 |
08-14-2008After school programs for San Antonio kids just got more affordable for parents. City council today approved a new set of fees that will especially benefit low-income families. The programs are the, After School Challenge and Kid Quest. The minimum is $20 for one child with a family maximum of $40 for the entire school year. Registration opens at the beginning of the school year. |
08-14-2008HOUSTON (AP) -- A civil jury in Houston today sided with the wife of TV pastor Joel Osteen and against a Continental Airlines flight attendant. Victoria Osteen had denied allegations that she assaulted flight attendant Sharon Brown before a 2005 flight to Vail, Colorado. The dispute involved cleaning a spill on Victoria Osteen's first-class seat. After the verdict, Victoria Osteen began to cry and hugged her attorneys and several supporters in the courtroom as she said "thank you God" and "praise God." Joel Osteen says he and his family hold no ill will toward Brown and they've prayed for her. Brown, in a statement, said she gave the truth to the jury and were happy to have had an opportunity to try the case. Brown had requested damages including ten percent of Victoria Osteen's net worth.
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08-14-2008It has been years since the death of Rolia Whitenger, but last week his remains were finally returned to the family. Whitenger's family donated his remains to the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. After using the body for research, the cremated remains should have been returned. Instead, the family received notice that body parts from the branch may have been sold off to labs for profit. After an 8-year long battle, the remains were finally returned. The family will have a funeral for Whitenger tomorrow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. |
08-14-2008A Kerrville man has received the maximum sentence for kidnapping and assaulting his ex-girlfriend. According to the Guadalupe County District Attorney, 19-year old Roy Matthew Crider, Jr., has was sentenced to eight years in jail. This, after he pleaded guilty to aggravated kidnapping back in April. Crider was reportedly upset at his ex-girlfriend, because he found out she had a new boyfriend. |
08-14-2008Police have arrested a second suspect for allegedly stabbing to death a postal worker. Police believe, Kenneth Pena, is the second suspect responsible for the murder of 33-year-old Evaristo Mena. They arrested Pena after 5 p.m. today at his home. Mena was killed back in June near the Ric Ron Taco House on East Mitchell. The murder was caught on surveillance video. It was a Crime Stoppers tip that lead police to arrest both suspects. Police still have no motive for the crime. |
08-14-2008
A man is recovering at University Hospital after getting shot during an alleged car-jacking. Police say this all happened around four this morning on the city's east side near Walters and Kayton. The victim, who is in his twenties, told police he was leaving a fast food restaurant when a man walked up to him while he was in his car and asked for directions. He says the suspect just started shooting at him. The victim was shot at least once and was transported in critical condition. He is expected to be O-K. But, police say there seems to be some information missing from the victim's statement. Detectives did canvass the area looking for a bald male suspect who matched the description the victim gave but found no one. The victim suggested the incident may have been an attempted car-jacking or robbery. Police say nothing was taken and nothing was missing from the car or the victim. Police are still investigating.
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08-14-2008 It's budget season for the San Antonio city council.
City Manager Sheryl Sculley will present a 2.3 billion dollar 2009 proposed city budget to the mayor and city council this morning.
The budget presentation will include the proposed tax rate for next year.
It's also expected that the budget could include an increase in the number of police on the streets -- maybe even more than what was originally planned.
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08-14-2008 It took a while, but water has been restored to the city of San Marcos.
Water flow slowed to a trickle in areas of San Marcos yesterday afternoon when a water main ruptured in an unknown location.
It took water crews over 7 hours, but crews finally found and fixed the leak a short time before midnight in a main near the I-35 access road.
According to San Marcos Police, residents should continue to boil their water for at least 24 hours as a precautionary measure.
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08-13-2008After nearly three months on the run, San Antonio police arrest a man they say stabbed a San Antonio postal worker to death. They are crediting his arrest to a Crime Stoppers tip. Police arrested 39-year-old Lawrence Pena Wednesday afternoon around 5:30 p.m. They say Pena stabbed 33-year-old Evaristo Mena back on June 4rth near the Ric Ron Taco House on East Mitchell. It happened during a confrontation with two men early that morning, and it was all caught on surveillance video. Crime Stoppers say they got a tip that Pena could be found at his girlfriend's house. Police say Mena was attacked after he stepped outside to buy flowers from a vendor. Police are still looking for the second suspect on that video tape. |
08-13-2008San Marcos residents are asked to minimize water use tonight and avoid any outdoor watering as the City Water Utility continues to track down the source of a widespread water outage that has left various areas in the city with no water or very low pressure. No water main break has been discovered since the outages began being called in around 4:30 p.m. today, said Assistant City Manager Laurie Anderson. Areas most affected include Sunset Acres, Highway 123, the Wallace Addition, and the medical center area on Wonder World Drive, including Central Texas Medical Center. The hospital has implemented emergency steps to provide air conditioning and water supply. Calls have also come areas ranging from Aquarena Springs Drive to Clovis Barker Drive. Residents who are experiencing low pressure or no water should boil their water when service is restored as a precaution, City officials said. To report a water outage, residents may call 393-8010. |
08-13-2008HOUSTON (AP) -- Closing arguments are expected tomorrow in the Houston trial of a flight attendant's assault lawsuit against the wife of famed TV pastor Joel Osteen. Some passengers and a pilot today testified they never saw or heard anything that indicated that Victoria Osteen attacked the flight attendant before the start of a 2005 flight. Continental Airlines flight attendant Sharon Brown claims the co-pastor of Houston's Lakewood Church became verbally and physically abusive in a dispute over a stained seat. Osteen attorney Rusty Hardin, just before he rested in the civil case, showed jurors a videotaped deposition of Claudia Hall. Hall is a former Continental flight attendant and gate agent who says she was falsely accused by Brown of hitting and pushing her into the bathroom wall of a plane in 1995. Hardin has said he believes Victoria Osteen is only being sued for her money. |
08-13-2008INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The NCAA today announced eight cities are finalists to host the Division I women's basketball Final Four from 2012 through 2016. Two cities in Texas made the cut -- Dallas and San Antonio.
The sites are:
-- Indianapolis
-- Columbus, Ohio
-- Denver
-- Nashville, Tennessee
-- New Orleans
-- and Tampa, Florida.
The Division I basketball committee will visit each city in September and October, and the finalists will present bids to the committee in November. The five sites will be announced in mid-November. Indianapolis, New Orleans, San Antonio and Tampa have hosted previous women's Final Fours.
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08-13-2008WASHINGTON (AP) -- An Army major today pleaded guilty in Washington to bribery charges. Major James Momon Junior of Virginia admits he had a 5.8 million dollar deal to steer military contracts for bottled water and other supplies to favored companies. The guilty plea is the latest development in one of the Justice Department's largest military contracting fraud investigations. Momon served as a contracting officer at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait in 2005 and 2006. He succeeded Major John Cockerham, who pleaded guilty in January to money laundering as part of a nine million dollar bribery scheme involving bottled water contracts. Cockerham has been cooperating with investigators since pleading guilty in a San Antonio federal court. Momon, as part of his plea deal, agreed to do the same. |
08-13-2008DALLAS (AP) -- Federal labor officials today approved emergency grants for Texas workers displaced by last month's Hurricane Dolly. U.S. Senator John Cornyn says the Labor Department will send an initial 2.45 million dollars to be distributed by the Texas Workforce Commission. That will be followed by a grant of up to 7.35 million dollars. The grants will go to 15 Texas counties to create temporary work in assisting with Dolly cleanup and recovery efforts stemming from Hurricane Dolly. The funds also will provide food, clothing, shelter, and other humanitarian assistance for disaster victims. The money is meant to help in Aransas, Bexar, Brooks, Cameron, Calhoun, Jim Wells, Hidalgo, Kenedy, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Starr, Victoria and Willacy counties. |
08-13-2008SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Gas prices have been falling -- but not that much. A problem with a pump cost a San Antonio convenience store when premium gasoline accidentally sold for 38 cents a gallon. Manager Jim Duke at a Dill Food Market says that grade of gas was supposed to be selling for $3.89 a gallon. Duke says the "pump malfunction" involving a misplaced decimal point was fixed by Wednesday afternoon. Nobody reported the mistake, which WOAI-AM reports apparently started Tuesday afternoon. Duke says he noticed a lot of vehicles were being filled with premium and people were paying at the pump. He went out to check Wednesday and noticed the price error. Duke says the independent gas station lost a lot of money. Just how much is still being tallied. |
08-13-2008Carol Paul, the 72-year-old wife of Republican U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, remains in intensive care at a Houston hospital and is expected to undergo her third surgery since being admitted Thursday.
Spokesman Jesse Benton said in a message on a Ron Paul Web site Tuesday that she "is fighting hard and remains in serious but stable condition."
Benton would not say what what Carol Paul is being treated for. The Houston Chronicle reported that she had surgery in Iowa last year after being hospitalized for shortness of breath and low blood pressure while campaigning with her husband. Doctors installed a heart pacemaker at the time.
Officials said they want to protect her privacy and would not disclose which hospital she is in.
A Texas congressman from Lake Jackson, Paul ran for the 2008 GOP presidential nomination.
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08-13-2008An anonymous tip led to the rescue of four young children who were found alone in a padlocked trailer.
Deputies with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office on yesterday arrested and charged Ivonne Adriana Vasquez, the 28-year-old mother of three of the children, with four counts of abandoning and endangering a child.
The fourth child was her 9-year-old niece, the oldest of the children. The youngest was 2-months-old.
The El Paso Times reports El Paso County Sheriff's Office spokesman Deputy Jesse Tovar said a deputy got in the trailer, which was padlocked from the outside, by breaking a window and crawling through it.
Tovar said the stench of a clogged toilet and dirty diapers inside the trailer, which was strewn with clothes and dishes, caused deputies to gag.
An ambulance crew checked the children at the scene.
The sisters were turned over to family members while their cousin returned to her family.
Deputies said an investigation by Family and Protective Services is under way.
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08-13-2008 A member of the notorious "Texas Seven" is more than ready for his execution.
Michael Rodriguez is scheduled for execution tomorrow in Huntsville.
In 2000, Rodriguez and six other men overpowered workers at a Kenedy prison -- then robbed a sporting goods store in suburban Dallas, killing a police officer in the process.
Rodriguez, who grew up in San Antonio, was originally serving a life sentence for a 1992 murder-for-hire plot where he hired someone to kill his wife.
Rodriguez actually fought to be executed, working for over a year to drop his appeals and volunteer for the death penalty.
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08-13-2008 The San Antonio Police Department is looking for a missing person.
20-year-old Paul Mongkolpumirat was last seen July 23rd.
He was reported missing five days later from a home in the 6700 block of Fellowood.
When he was last seen, the 20-year-old was wearing a black shirt, blue jeans and flip flops.
Anyone with information on his disappearance is urged to call police.
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