Woman charged with trying to kill partner with poison wine during bitter custody battle

CNN Newsource on October 7, 2025

By Tony Aiello

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    RIDGEFIELD, Connecticut (WCBS) — A Connecticut woman accused of trying to fatally poison her romantic partner is being held on $1 million bail.

State police arrested Kristen Hogan and charged her with attempted murder for allegedly mixing ethylene glycol, an ingredient found in antifreeze, into wine the victim drank and making him desperately ill at their home in Ridgefield.

Court records show Hogan, 33, and the victim, 34, were at the time in a bitter custody battle involving their 2-year-old child.

“I’d like to say in all my years as a prosecutor that I’ve seen everything. But this is one of those, it’s like, I thought I saw everything but I really didn’t,” said Richard Colangelo, a former prosecutor and current associate professor at the University of New Haven, who reviewed the arrest warrant.

Investigators believe Hogan applied for a court hearing in August and, when her ex was at the Danbury courthouse, she allegedly went to the home they own together and slipped the chemical into a bottle of wine in the refrigerator.

Two days later, the victim drank the wine and within hours was at Danbury hospital, where doctors eventually put him on dialysis for glycol poisoning.

Lab results confirmed the poisoning on Sept. 30 and police accessed records for Hogan’s smartphone.

“There were searches for different chemicals. How much of a certain type of chemical could kill you,” Colangelo said. “You could kind of see the mindset and the planning that was going on.”

Hogan eventually admitted to putting the poison in the wine bottle, claiming she “just wanted to make him sick,” according to police.

She is due back in court on October 9.

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$18.5 million settlement proposed for man who spent 34 years in prison for wrongful murder conviction

CNN Newsource on October 7, 2025

By Todd Feurer

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    CHICAGO (WBBM) — Chicago aldermen will soon be asked to approve an $18.5 million settlement with a man who wrongfully spent 34 years in prison before he was cleared of murder charges, claiming he was framed by Chicago police detectives.

The City Council Finance Committee on Thursday will vote on the settlement that city attorneys have recommended for Francisco Benitez, who filed a federal lawsuit against the city in 2023, accusing former detectives Jerome Bogucki and Raymond Schalk of framing him for murder. Bogucki and Schalk are no longer on the force.

Benitez was 18 years old when he was arrested in 1989, and charged with the murders of two teenagers, Willaim Sanchez and Prudencio Cruz.

Benitez has accused Bogucki and Schalk of coercing witnesses into falsely implicating Benitez in the murders. The lawsuit claims those witnesses “got only a fleeting glimpse of a person running by their window after the shooting.”

“In fact, the person that ran by their window was not the perpetrator, but one of the victims stumbling back home after being shot,” the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit also claims Benitez was coerced into a false confession that was later used against him at trial.

Bogucki and Schalk obtained that confession “through a psychologically abusive interrogation in which they repeatedly rejected Plaintiff’s denials and his alibi, threatened him, and eventually promised him that if he signed a statement confessing to a version of events they provided to him, he could go home to his family,” according to the lawsuit.

“The confession statement was obviously false. It was a bizarre, rambling story that did not comport with the known facts of the crime,” the lawsuit states. “Defendants’ promise that Plaintiff would be released if he signed the statement was also false. Instead, they charged Plaintiff with murder.”

In August of 2023, Benitez was released from custody when a judge tossed his murder conviction, after he presented substantial evidence proving his innocence. Two eyewitnesses now say they saw who actually committed the murders, and it wasn’t Benitez.

Benitez’s attorney, Anand Swaminathan, said those witnesses were afraid to come forward until recently because of what could happen to them.

“Those boys came forward now, and told the story of who committed this crime, and no witness ever identified Frankie Benitez as the shooter,” he said. “There is no witness who at trial ever said they had seen the shooting, or even saw a gun, who identified Frankie Benitez. So those two boys gave very powerful evidence demonstrating that, in fact, the real shooters are two other individuals, and that the evidence used against Frankie Benitez was all fabricated. It was fake, it was made up, and it was used to put a case on a young man, because they couldn’t figure out who had actually done it.”

In September 2023, Cook County prosecutors formally dropped the charges against Benitez.

“It feels great,” Benitez said after the hearing. “The state dropped the charges, and I’m done, free.”

If the $18.5 million settlement is approved by the Finance Committee, it would go to the full City Council for final approval on Oct. 16.

Benitez and his attorneys said Bogucki and Schalk have been accused of framing others.

“I’m not bitter. I just … this system needs to be fixed. It’s very, very broken,” he said after his exoneration in 2023. “There’s more guys like me going through this.”

In 2012, a federal jury awarded Thaddeus “T.J.” Jimenez $25 million in damages in a wrongful conviction lawsuit against Bogucki and Schalk according to court records. Jimenez was later convicted of shooting another gang member in 2015, after prosecutors said he used the $25 million award on his gang, the Simon City Royals, and to recruit members of another gang, the Vice Lords.

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Dominoes bring students together at high school, thanks to one officer’s initiative

CNN Newsource on October 7, 2025

By Chelsea Jones

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    MIAMI (WFOR) — Lunch at Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School looks a little different these days. Instead of phones and earbuds, students are reaching for dominoes thanks to one Miami-Dade school resource officer.

Officer McIntosh Francois started the lunchtime dominoes club with just one table and one set of tiles. Today, it has become a daily gathering spot where students of all backgrounds connect over the game.

“It started a bunch of interactions,” junior Jessie Knafo said. “There’s a lot of races in this school, Latinos, Haitians, French like me, American people—and having all of that combined and being able to talk to each other is amazing.”

That’s exactly what Francois hoped for when he introduced the game. “I saw a need for students to have a better peer-to-peer interaction,” he said.

For Francois, a first-generation Haitian American, dominoes is about more than fun; it’s culture.

“In the Haitian community, dominoes is a staple when you’re having a family get-together or a party,” he explained. “Sometimes even at a wake after a funeral.”

Students say Francois has become more than a resource officer.

“He’s very funny! He’s a person you can tell anything to, really,” said Knafo. “If you have any problems, you can always go to him.”

Francois joined law enforcement after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy, determined to protect students and change how young people see police.

“This has helped me bridge the gap between policing and our community,” he said.

What started as a fun diversion is also having an impact in the classroom. Communications and technology teacher Ben Rosenthal said the project has boosted engagement and taught students teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Francois now hopes to expand the dominoes initiative to other high schools and eventually host a tournament.

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16-year-old girl shot during fight over Uber ride outside Waffle House, police say

CNN Newsource on October 7, 2025

By Dan Raby

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    DUNWOODY, Georgia (WUPA) — A teenager is recovering in the hospital, and an Uber driver is in custody after a fight over a ride outside a Waffle House ended in a shooting, police say.

Authorities with the Chamblee Police Department say the shooting happened around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday on the 4500 block of Chamblee Dunwoody Road.

According to investigators, the situation began when five teenage girls ordered an Uber to take them home from the restaurant.

When the driver got to the Waffle House, he reportedly told the group he couldn’t transport all of them because he only had room and seatbelts for four.

Police say the argument over who should cancel the ride escalated to the point where one of the girls “threatened to kill the driver and struck him in the face.” The driver then fired a shot, hitting the girl who struck him, police say.

Medics rushed the 16-year-old shooting victim to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. She remains in critical condition but is expected to survive her injuries.

The driver, identified as 38-year-old Meredith Grundy, was arrested and taken to the DeKalb County Jail on charges of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during a felony.

Officials have not said whether the teen will face charges in connection with the incident.

The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are asking anyone who has information about the shooting to email Det. Darryl Moses at darryl.moses@dunwoodyga.gov.

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SJPD reports results of joint enforcement operation

News-Press NOW on October 7, 2025

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Police Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol made multiple arrests during a recent joint enforcement operation aimed at improving community safety.

The goal of the targeted hazardous moving violation saturation operation was to improve traffic safety and deter criminal activity on area roadways.

According to a press release from SJPD, there were 57 traffic stops conducted, which led to three DWI arrests, 49 citations and 39 warnings Saturday.

The operation also resulted in multiple felony arrests and the clearing of eight outstanding warrants, one of them a felony warrant.

“This operation reflects our unwavering commitment to keeping our streets safe,” SJPD Chief Paul Luster said in a statement.

Law enforcement reported four drivers attempted to flee from police, but a quick, coordinated response by units on the ground and the assistance of the MSHP helicopter led to suspects being safely apprehended. The charges that stemmed from this include aggravated fleeing and resisting arrest and possession of a controlled substance, as well as a receiving stolen property investigation, according to a press release.

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Bra company helps women diagnosed with breast cancer find support

CNN Newsource on October 7, 2025

By Sara Machi

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    BUFORD, Georgia (WUPA) — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and for anyone who’s been diagnosed, there often are concerns about your changing body.

In Gwinnett County, a Buford businesswoman is offering support in her own way with a different approach to bra shopping.

Tucked into a cozy corner of the Mall of Georgia is the Modern Bra Company. There, owner Amy McGuire has launched a one-on-one bra buying experience.

“This feels more like VIP status, like I told her like, ‘Where’s my champagne?'” customer Sabrina Lane said.

McGuire spends 30 minutes with each client, finding out about their lifestyle, and their needs.

“I say these stores are easy to run it and that’s it’s as simple to run as a lemonade stand. I just have more cup sizes,” McGuire said.

But what she didn’t realize in her planning sessions with the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center was the emotional impact—that some women’s stories would come with scars.

Customer Lisa Graham was diagnosed with breast cancer halfway through the store’s development. She’s been back for fittings three or four times as her body has changed.

“Serendipitous might not be the right word for it, but that’s kind of how it turned out, you know,” Graham said.

With just one location at the Mall of Georgia right now, the idea is to expand, opening up to franchising in 2027 so they can take it this message of support to more women across the country.

“I almost get choked up even talking about it because I was prepared for our business, but I was not prepared for the friendships that I made, for the connections I’ve made, for the stories I’ve heard. You know, like, a little bit of therapy goes on,” McGuire says.

It’s a business she hopes will build lasting connections and make a difference.

To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, McGuire is offering special incentives — including 10-percent discounts to new customers.

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Recovered flag to be displayed in honor of first responders’ dedication after Helene

CNN Newsource on October 7, 2025

By WLOS Staff

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    ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (WLOS) — An American flag that flew outside the Buncombe County Detention Facility and was recovered after Helene is now on display as a reminder of the community’s resilience.

Sheriff Quentin Miller said one of his deputies found the flag outside after the storm.

The flag will be dedicated to first responders who worked tirelessly in the days after the storm.

“As it was about to blow away, one of the deputies took it down and he placed it on the wall, and one of the visiting sheriffs said, ‘Hey, what is that?'” Sheriff Miller said. “And he said something to the fact, ‘Hey, that’s our flag, and I’m going to put it on the wall to remind us of what it stood for and what it stands for.'”

In addition to the flag, a kiosk will show a short video of first responders helping the community in the days and weeks following Helene.

The flag will hang inside the entryway of the Buncombe County Courthouse.

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Family grappling after 11-year-old girl taken off life support following suicide attempt

CNN Newsource on October 7, 2025

By Nick Beres

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    NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WTVF) — A Tennessee family is trying to make sense of the unthinkable after their 11-year-old daughter took her own life.

Sophia Ballinger’s mom and grandma said there is simply no sense to what happened.

“It feels like a dream—a nightmare,” said Kisha Hammock, who spent the past week in the hospital hoping for a miracle.

It was a week ago Monday that she lost her daughter, Sophia.

“I worked late, she seemed fine—normal. Then she went into her room and didn’t come back out,” Kisha said.

A short time later, Kisha said she went to check on her, only to find that Sophia had attempted suicide.

Sophia was taken off life support this past Saturday.

Now, the family is left to grapple with the loss of a child they loved dearly.

“[She was] sweet, outgoing, friendly, loved everybody, talented,” said her grandmother, Sara Hammock.

Sophia was a 6th grader at Portland West Middle School who suffered from depression and anxiety.

She was taking medication and getting therapy.

“She had some trauma early on—her father passed away,” said Sara.

But the family said she appeared generally happy and that there was no indication that she might try to harm herself.

Sophia’s family is left wondering what other stressors she may have been experiencing.

Police are investigating Sophia’s death, but her mom said she never came home complaining about bullying.

“If they tell us there was bullying, we will be the first one fighting for her,” her grandmother added. “But we don’t want to rush to judgment without evidence yet.”

So, for now, the family is trying to move forward and has agreed that Sophia will be an organ donor to, perhaps, save other lives.

Since word of what happened spread in their community, the Hammocks said they’ve been overwhelmed by the show of support they’ve received and expressed their gratitude.

“It’s amazing to know that many people care. It’s wonderful. Some days it has pulled us through,” said Sara.

Kisha said she wishes she had more answers for concerned parents, but encouraged consistent conversations about mental health.

Officials couldn’t confirm if bullying was a variable in Sophia’s death, but said they are “running through every possibility.”

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Mother wants answers after son was assaulted on school bus

CNN Newsource on October 7, 2025

By Kelsey Jones

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    SUFFOLK, Virginia (WTKR) — A 10-year-old Suffolk student is recovering from serious injuries after being assaulted on a school bus, according to police and the child’s mother.

Elizabeth Fegans said her son, a student at Mack Benn Elementary School, came home in tears on September 24th after being attacked by an 11-year-old on the same bus.

“He got in the door. He’s screaming, with visible marks all over his body,” Fegans said. “I immediately took him to the ER, and they took him back in a wheelchair, and that’s when I found out he had fractured vertebra.”

The vertebra is a bone in the top of the spine. Fegans said her son’s injuries occurred after he and the 11-year-old exchanged words on the bus. She alleges the older student then began punching and kicking her son.

“He’s got swelling in his neck, and he has a concussion,” Fegans said.

Her son was taken to the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters. Photos shared by Fegans show bruises on the child’s arm and back, as well as the neck brace he must wear during recovery.

Suffolk police confirmed an assault occurred on a school bus and said the investigation is ongoing. No charges have been filed against the 11-year-old, but they could be pending following the investigation.

Suffolk Public Schools said the matter is under investigation. In a statement, school leaders said:

“Out of an abundance of caution and in keeping with our commitment to student safety, we have shared reminders with our school community about practicing safe habits while riding and waiting for school buses.”

Fegans said she believes the incident was preventable and wants changes made to ensure student safety.

“I want them to listen to the bus drivers and I want them to put aids on all these buses so that our children can have a safe trip to school,” Fegans said.

The mother said her son is recovering both physically and mentally from the attack. She plans to home-school him for the remainder of the year and will not return him to Suffolk Public Schools.

Police said video of the assault exists but requires a formal request to obtain, which could take time to process.

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Navy sailor extorted for $4,700 after using dating app

CNN Newsource on October 7, 2025

By Margaret Kavanagh

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    VIRGINIA BEACH (WTKR) — A U.S. Navy sailor was extorted for thousands of dollars after connecting with someone on the dating app Tinder in a case that highlights the growing threat of online scams, authorities tell WTKR News 3.

A search warrant filed in the case reveals the sailor believed he was messaging with a 20-year-old woman named “Daisy”.

The warrant states she sent him two nude pictures, and the two continued to text.

The sailor then received a call from a man pretending to be a Norfolk police officer, and then another man claiming to be Daisy’s dad.

The “dad” told the sailor that “Daisy” was only 15 years old.

The men claimed the girl was in the hospital after trying to harm herself when the “father” caught her taking the photos.

They told the sailor that if he paid for half of her medical expenses, they would not involve the courts and he would not get in trouble.

Fearful of getting arrested, it states the sailor paid the suspects more than $4,700.

Jeff Lurie, a retired police lieutenant who reviewed the case details. warned that scammers are using technology to disguise their voices and create local phone numbers to appear more credible.

“Nowadays, you could go online, and in five minutes, create a phone number,” Lurie said.

Virginia Beach Police confirmed the investigation is ongoing and said no arrests have been made, but the case has been classified as extortion.

According to court records, this is not an isolated incident: So far in 2025, there have been 63 reported extortion cases involving both adults and children in Virginia Beach.

Lurie said a threat with a time element is a good warning sign that the people may not be who they say they are.

“If someone is creating a sense of urgency and forcing your hand on, ‘Hurry up and get this money, I need it by such and such time, or this is going to happen’… that’s more than likely a red flag,” he said.

Experts advise caution when meeting people online and warn against sending money to anyone you don’t know personally.

“Don’t pay them, shut it down, block them right away, take screenshots of everything, and send it to law enforcement,” said Meredith Williams of Samaritan House.

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