Zales burglary suspect arrested and extradited back to Yuma

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) says a man was arrested and extradited back to Yuma in connection to the Zales Jewelers burglary last year.

According to YPD, it happened last August at around 4:05 a.m. when officers responded to an alarm at Zales Jewelers, located in the Yuma Palms Regional Center, and found the front glass door was damaged upon arrival.

YPD says the suspect “entered the store through the broken door, shattered display cases and fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of merchandise.”

Three months into the investigation, YPD says their detectives identified the suspect as 36-year-old Deandre Lamar Wells.

Back in September of this year, YPD says the grand jury was presented the case, and said an arrest warrant was issued for Wells.

Later that month, Wells was arrested in Tarrant County, Texas by the U.S. Marshals Service, and has since been extradited back to Yuma.

Wells is being held at the Yuma County Detention Center, on a bond of $500,000, on multiple charges, including third-degree burglary.

Business Burglary 24-43665 UPDATEDownload

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State plays footage of police interrogation in Jefferson City murder trial

Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The former Jefferson City Police Detective took the stand Tuesday during the bench trial for suspected killer Sergio Sayles.

“When I said she was dead and then murdered, there was no follow-up of how or anything like that and through my experience of death notifications, through all the different reactions, that’s a very common response,” said Jeremy Bowman, a former JCPD detective on Sayles’ case and administrator of the critical investigations unit in the Department of social services Children’s division.

During the prosecution’s video of the interrogation, Sayles claimed he and the victim, Jasmine King were no longer in a relationship at the time of the murder, only communicating due to having shared custody of their child.

“I don’t even understand why I’m here, honestly,” Sayles said. “I don’t have much love for her after everything that’s gone on over the years, but I don’t hate her.”

He added during the interrogation that his DNA wouldn’t be found mixed with blood at the scene. Bowman testified that he confiscated a ring from Sayles following his arrest. The ring, which had King’s blood on it, was later documented as evidence.

Bowman also reported from phone records that Sayles sent King a text the morning of the murder, saying he was going to a park. The text was delivered but never read by King. When cross-examined by the defense, Bowman confirmed the presence of a music-producing program on Sayles’ phone. The defense later clarified that the program had activity on it at around 8:30 a.m., around the time of the murder.

Dr. Keith Norton, deputy medical examiner for Boone and Callaway counties, testified that King had defensive wounds on her hands, adding that fingernail samples are always collected for those injuries.

During testimony Monday, defense attorneys questioned the investigative work of the Jefferson City Police Department after fingernail and fingerprint samples from the scene were not processed by the department’s lab.

“Yes, we try to collect nail clippings in each homicide,” Norton said.

Bowman later reported that the lab already had samples of evidence that contained Sayles’ and King’s DNA together, as well as Sayles’ fingerprints in a database and denied the samples.

Norton also said the victim had more than 25 stab wounds on her face, head, neck, torso and back. He also noted that she had life-threatening wounds on her upper right chest, neck and on her torso that struck her aorta and carotid artery.

In April 2023, police found Jasmine King dead from multiple stab wounds in her home on West Ashley Street in Jefferson City. Witness statements and surveillance video reportedly connected Sayles to the crime scene.

Officers also reported seeing Sayles going into a nearby park’s bathroom holding an unknown item in his hand and walking out without it. The bathroom was later searched twice following Sayles’ arrest, where police found a plastic bag in the trash can of the women’s restroom. Inside the bag, police found a bloody knife, clothing that was seen on Sayles’ YouTube channel with Jasmine’s blood on it, a white shirt with Sayles’ DNA and a piece of paper that had Sayles’ phone number written on it.

King had previously reported harassment and stalking by Sayles, including a complaint in 2021 where she alleged that Sayles threatened to shoot her.

Defense witnesses are expected to testify on Wednesday.

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Idaho Falls Zoo mourns the loss of Sid, a gray gibbon

News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Idaho Falls.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (News Release) The Idaho Falls Zoo is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Sid, the zoo’s male gray gibbon. Sid’s story has long been a special one, and his loss is felt profoundly by zoo staff, volunteers and visitors who came to know and love him.

Sid was born at the Idaho Falls Zoo under unique circumstances. His mother, Shannon, refused to care for him and ultimately abandoned him. After repeated attempts to encourage maternal bonding, the zoo’s animal care team stepped in to provide round-the-clock care, ensuring Sid received the nourishment and attention he needed to survive.

As Sid matured, reintroducing him to his gibbon family was initially successful, but over time he faced social challenges that made it unsafe for him to remain with the other gibbons. Zoo staff created a separate habitat designed for Sid’s safety and comfort, with enrichment and continuous care.

Over the past two years, Sid exhibited physical indicators of a gastrointestinal medical condition. Despite multiple treatments, sedated procedures and ongoing monitoring by the zoo’s veterinary team and external primate experts, his condition worsened. While he received constant attention, it is believed that the stress of living apart from his family may have exacerbated his medical condition. After extensive consultation, it became clear that his suffering could not be alleviated, and the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize him to prevent further suffering.

Sid, a gray gibbon, passed away at the Idaho Falls Zoo.

“Sid’s lack of response to all therapies and treatment was disheartening, to say the least,” said Dr. Kasey Lucore, veterinarian for the Idaho Falls Zoo. “However, our keepers and vet team couldn’t allow any more suffering, and while euthanasia was the hardest choice for us, it was the kindest choice available for Sid.”

Sid received extensive care from medical professionals and was deeply cherished by the zoo staff, who supported him every day and are heartbroken by his loss.

“This decision was not made lightly,” said David Pennock, Executive Director for the Zoo. “Sid’s care team loved him deeply—they’ve been part of his story since the day he was born—and saying goodbye was incredibly hard for everyone who knew him.”

Sid was known for his playful curiosity and frequent interactions with guests near the viewing glass. He brought joy and laughter to countless visitors over the years and will be greatly missed by his keepers, volunteers and the entire zoo community.

A video memorial celebrating Sid’s life can be viewed on the Idaho Falls Zoo’s Facebook page.

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Fight at Palm Desert Library vote center; one man arrested

Gavin Nguyen

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – One person was arrested after a fight at a Palm Desert Library voting center on Election Day.

The incident was first reported just after 10:05 a.m. on the 73000 block of Fred Waring Drive.

Deputies said they were called to respond to a person involved in a verbal altercation with employees at the location and that battery had occurred.

News Channel 3 crews on scene witnessed an older man yelling in line, complaining about how long it was taking to vote. After he voted, he told others waiting in line that it was going to take them too long.

The man then pushed one of the voters with a prosthetic leg who was waiting in line to vote.

Police said there were no injuries reported.

Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies arrested the man, identified as a 68-year-old from Palm Desert.

The man was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio. He faces charges of battery and interference at a polling location.

This comes as voters make their way to the polls across the Coachella Valley to vote on Proposition 50.

News Channel 3 will have continuing live coverage from valley voting centers throughout the day. Stay with us for the latest.

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CBP to use biometric data gathering system at all ports of entry

Heriberto Perez Lara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection will launch a new biometrics data gathering system on December 26, which will require CBP officers to photograph and fingerprint all non-citizens and permanent residents arriving or leaving the country; seasonal workers and children will also be included.

According to the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Register, implementing this comprehensive biometric entry/exit system involves cross-referencing foreign records.

“This final rule amends Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations to provide that DHS may require all aliens to be photographed when entering or exiting the United States, and may require non-exempt aliens to provide other biometrics,” official records show. “The final rule also amends the regulations to remove the references to pilot programs and the port limitation to permit collection of biometrics from aliens departing from airports, land ports, seaports, or any other authorized point of departure.”

Local borderland residents fear that wait times at local ports of entry will be longer as they are screened by CBP officers through this new biometric collection system at the bridges.

ABC-7 reached out to CBP, DHS and local immigration attorneys for comment.

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Aerospace manufacturer coming to La Pine, promoting growth and development in southern Deschutes County

Claire Elmer

(Update: Comments by company owner, economic development official)

LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — After 25 years in Wilsonville, Western Metrology is making a big move to Central Oregon — bringing aerospace manufacturing to La Pine for the first time.

The precision parts manufacturer has begun work on a new 15,200-square-foot facility in La Pine’s industrial park. Owner Tom Zitzelberger told KTVZ News Tuesday that the decision was rooted in his family’s personal connection to the area.

“My wife and I originally were planning on retiring in La Pine,” he wrote. “La Pine reminds me of the small towns that I grew up in. As our business grew, we started looking at ways to eventually retire here and still support our company.”

Western Metrology specializes in machining parts for the aerospace industry. The new facility, set for completion by the end of December, will offer room to expand and allow the company to add two to three more employees next year.

Patricia Lucas, executive director of the Sunriver and La Pine Economic Development Program (SLED), said Western’s move supports SLED’s ongoing efforts to grow the region’s manufacturing base.

“One of our targeted sectors in south Deschutes County, and specifically in La Pine, is advanced manufacturing,” Lucas said. “We’re thrilled they’ve decided to locate their business here. They’ll be creating family living-wage jobs, which we’re really excited about.”

The 330-acre La Pine Industrial Park was developed jointly by the city and Deschutes County to attract innovative and traded-sector businesses. Lucas said the park’s affordability and the city’s business-friendly approach make it an appealing place for companies looking to grow in Central Oregon.

“We help them find a site or a building,” she said. “They may need help with financing, workforce development or tax incentives. We try to figure out what they need and structure a package to assist them in the best way we can.”

With Western Metrology on the way and more sites ready for development, La Pine’s industrial park could soon become a new hub for manufacturing and job creation in Central Oregon.

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Congresswoman Bynum worries about rise in health care cost.

KTVZ – News Team

CLACKAMAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Rising health care costs are putting growing pressure on Oregon families, according to Congresswoman Janelle Bynum, who said it’s the top concern she hears from her constituents.

“Health insurance and health care are expensive enough as it is,” Bynum said during a press conference Monday at Clackamas Community College. “Oregonians don’t need D.C. politicians raising their costs even more.”

Bynum spoke alongside members of AFSCME, the union representing public service workers, as the start of open enrollment for Affordable Care Act coverage brought additional stress for many Oregonians. Some families are facing premium increases of nearly 20 percent this year, union members said.

Steven Kang, a resource contact for AFSCME members, described the situation as dire for many working families. “People are terrified,” he said. “There are working families with children or spouses fighting serious medical battles, and they don’t know what they’ll do if they can’t afford the premiums or the treatments.”

Bynum said the repeated message she hears from voters is that affordable, reliable health care remains their top priority. “People have told me over and over again that health care is their number one issue,” she said. “They want to make sure we have a strong system where kids can get medicine when they need it and no one faces medical bankruptcy.”

She also voiced concern about recent cuts to SNAP benefits, warning that reduced food assistance could worsen financial struggles for families already burdened by medical costs.

Bynum said she plans to advocate for stronger protections to keep health care affordable and accessible for all Oregonian

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Victim in deadly Jefferson City shooting identified

Matthew Sanders

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Police have released the name of the man killed Saturday in a shooting outside the Jefferson City Old Navy store.

Jefferson City Police said in a news release Tuesday that Erik Spencer was the shooting victim. Two of Spencer’s family members confirmed his identity to ABC 17 News. Spencer was a graduate of Lincoln University, according to his social media profile. He died on the university’s 100th homecoming weekend.

Police were called to the scene a little before 8 p.m. Saturday. The Jefferson City Police Department has not released details about how Spencer was shot or who shot him.

Tuesday’s news release said only that investigators know the shooter’s identity and the person will not be named until the Cole County prosecuting attorney makes a decision about criminal charges.

Bullets went through the windows of the Old Navy store, which reopened Sunday.

Sarah Buitrago said she and Spencer became friends through working at the AT&T store, which is located in the same shopping plaza as the Old Navy.

Buitrago eventually left AT&T, but she and Spencer stayed close.

“We became really good friends, and I consider him to be like a brother to me,” Buitrago said.

She said she’s feeling frustrated with the lack of information on what happened, and even though more information was released Tuesday, she still has unanswered questions.

“He needs justice. Erik Spencer II deserves so much better than that, and anybody that knows him is to love him and want better for him,” Buitrago said.

On Saturday morning, Spencer was at a Lincoln University tailgate for homecoming at his alma mater the day he was killed, according to Buitrago.

“He had just went to the tailgate and was having a good time, and just trying to continue the fun with his friends,” she said. “Unfortunately, people took that from him.”

Buitrago and Spencer’s two sisters are planning a press conference for 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Cole County Courthouse. Buitrago said it’s one way to get answers and to let people know Spencer’s friends and family want justice.

Buitrago said Spencer was kind-hearted and would give anyone the shirt off his back.

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Election Day: How to vote in the Coachella Valley

Kendall Flynn

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Thousands are gathering throughout Riverside County and California to vote in the special election for Proposition 50.

If you’re planning to vote in the Coachella Valley polls will open at 7 a.m. and stay open until 8 p.m. If you arrive before or at 8 p.m. you will be able to vote. However, if you arrive after 8 p.m. you will not be able to cast a ballot or drop one off.

There are 18 official ballet drop off locations in the Coachella Valley. A full list can be found on the County of Riverside Registrar of Voters website.

Voter registration closed October 20th, but eligible citizens can sign up for “Same Day Registration” at county election offices or other voting locations.

If you have your mail in ballot, election officials recommend dropping them off at a voting location. They can be sent by mail if the postage is marked by Nov. 4 and received by Nov. 12.

Stay with News Channel 3 for your Election day coverage.

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WATCH: Mizzou Tigers talk about preparation for Texas A&M

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The No. 19 Mizzou Tigers are coming off a bye week and getting ready to jump back into SEC play against Texas A&M.

The game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Faurot Field. Watch a news conference about preparation for the game here.

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