Month: March 2026

By Danielle Scruggs

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    VERO BEACH, Florida (WPBF) — A suspect is wanted in what police are calling a “targeted marital issue that went terribly wrong,” after he shot and killed his wife and another man early Tuesday morning in the parking lot of the main library in Vero Beach.

Indian River County identified the victims as Danny Ooley, the assistant director of Public Works, and Stacie Mason, a traffic analyst technician.

“The reality of this loss is profound, and there are no words that can fully capture its weight. Danny and Stacie were not just employees, but colleagues and dedicated public servants who supported this community every day,” Chairman Deryl Loar and County Administrator John A. Titkanich Jr. said in a statement. “Their absence is deeply felt across our organization and the community they served.”

The suspect has been identified as 64-year-old Jesse Scott Ellis, Mason’s husband of 13 years. They were separated and conversing about selling their home.

Police located Ellis’s truck at South Beach hours after the victims’ bodies were discovered. They believe it is connected to this double homicide.

“We do have his vehicle and all of the context that’s in it,” police said during the news conference.

Authorities said Ellis obtained “professional services” and was aware of things that took place when asked how he knew the victims were at the library.

Ellis left behind the weapon, an AR-style firearm, and police are actively searching his vehicle.

Community members have been in shock after learning of Tuesday’s double homicide.

Area residents who frequent this beach say that kind of heavy police presence is rare in the Vero Beach community, and the double homicide continues to send shock waves through the area.

Although Ellis was last seen by beachgoers and someone reported seeing a man enter the ocean fully clothed, he is still considered “at large,” and the search for him is ongoing.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Hayley Crombleholme, Madilyn Destefano

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    PALM BAY, Florida (WESH) — A jury awarded a West Melbourne woman more than $14 million after she consumed ice cream with a nail and metal fragments in it, according to her attorney.

Court documents allege the woman, Brandy Buckley, purchased the ice cream from Bruster’s Ice Cream on Malabar Road in Palm Bay back in 2018. Buckley told WESH 2 she left the ice cream shop with her son. He wanted some of her butter pecan.

“I got to the light to scoop some of the ice cream out,” she said. “I noticed there was a metal nail in like in the cone, almost embedded, it looked like in the cone.”

She said she had already taken a big bite.

“When I did swallow, I did feel something in my throat that kind of got stuck,” she said. “I thought it was a pecan because it was a butter pecan ice cream that I had purchased,”

But she said she went to a hospital to get an X-ray, just in case.

“Just to be clear, to make sure that’s what it was, a pecan, and it wasn’t,” Buckley said. “It was a nail. So I had swallowed a nail.”

Buckley’s attorney said in a release that doctors later removed one of the nails and multiple pieces of metal during surgery.

The attorney said the medical treatment didn’t stop there. There were complications, including portal vein thrombosis and significant internal bleeding, resulting in another procedure.

Eventually, Buckley said, “I developed a blood clot. I developed a blood clot. After that, that led me into an ablation to where I couldn’t have any more children.”

Something she said she very much wanted after losing a daughter in 2011.

“That was my goal, and my dream was to have more kids,” She said.

In 2019, Buckley’s attorney filed a lawsuit against Malabar Creameries doing business as Bruster’s Ice Cream and the national franchisor, alleging negligence.

In a response filed by their attorneys back in 2020, they denied many of the claims made against them.

In their defense, they accused Buckley of negligence, which caused or contributed to the incident, and said that any product the business allegedly sold and Buckley allegedly consumed “was not defective.”

It was a long legal process.

“It took us eight years to get where we are today,” Buckley said.

On March 24, Buckley’s attorney, Scott Alpizar, said a jury awarded Buckley money for medical bills and pain and suffering totaling more than $14 million.

“It was shocking. I started bawling,” Buckley said.

WESH 2 did reach out to the attorney representing the ice cream shop and the national franchise in this case, but didn’t hear back as of Wednesday evening.

Buckley’s attorney said he expects them to appeal the decision.

It could be years before she sees any money if things end in her favor.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

WWJ

By Paula Wethington

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    WOODHAVEN, Michigan (WWJ) — A Southeast Michigan judge called out a defendant during a virtual court hearing, saying it looked like she was operating a vehicle while participating in the video conference.

“Am I crazy, or does it not look like you are driving that car?” the judge said.

The hearing took place on Monday in the 33rd District Court in Woodhaven, with Judge Michael K. McNally presiding.

Video conference participation is allowed on a case-by-case basis for court hearings in Michigan. The Zoom video platform shows an array of images of those participating, whether they are in the courtroom or another location.

The case involving the woman in a car was one of multiple cases recorded on the judge’s livestream that day.

When court officials noted on the record that the woman wasn’t signed into the video call at the designated time, McNally issued a declaration by default and began another conversation with the attorney.

A court staffer then interrupted the judge, saying, “I have an iPhone here that I haven’t been able to identify.”

The judge told the person on the iPhone to start the video function on their device and “tell us your name, please.”

The woman stated her name. She said she didn’t know how to virtually enter the hearing room correctly.

McNally again insisted that the woman sign in to the hearing with a video view, which she did. A video conference image shows her seated in a vehicle with a seat belt across her shoulder.

“I just ordered a default judgment,” the judge said as the connection was made.

“You cannot be driving, ma’am,” the judge said, shaking his head, as he looked at the computer screen. “What are you doing? Come on.”

“I am not driving. I’m a passenger in a car,” the woman replied.

The judge insisted he would not be hearing a case during which a participant was driving, or as passengers in cars.”

The woman said she would pull over, then continued to insist she was a passenger.

“I’m sorry. I have an emergency. I’m going out of town for a family member, but I will have my driver pull over. Hang on,” she said.

“What side of the car are you on?” the judge asked.

“I’m on the left-hand side,” she replied.

“How would you be on the left-hand side if you’re a passenger in the front seat? Am I missing something?” McNally asked.

She could be seen looking forward, and also out of the window as the vehicle appeared to be moving, but not directly at the phone screen.

“You know you’re lying to me, right?” the judge said. “Let me see the driver.”

She appeared to sigh. “Hang on one second. … I have to ask their permission.”

“Now,” the judge yelled.

The vehicle stopped. She exited the door as the vehicle appeared to be parked near a business. No one else was shown on her camera.

“You think I’m that stupid?” the judge said. “I’m going to go ahead and enter a default judgment. … You lied to me.”

The judge said his order for a judgment of $1,921.95 will reflect that the defendant was “not available at the time and then was driving a car and telling the court she was not.”

“Have a great day. Thank you,” he said as he ended the hearing.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Paula Wethington

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    WOODHAVEN, Michigan (WWJ) — A Southeast Michigan judge called out a defendant during a virtual court hearing, saying it looked like she was operating a vehicle while participating in the video conference.

“Am I crazy, or does it not look like you are driving that car?” the judge said.

The hearing took place on Monday in the 33rd District Court in Woodhaven, with Judge Michael K. McNally presiding.

Video conference participation is allowed on a case-by-case basis for court hearings in Michigan. The Zoom video platform shows an array of images of those participating, whether they are in the courtroom or another location.

The case involving the woman in a car was one of multiple cases recorded on the judge’s livestream that day.

When court officials noted on the record that the woman wasn’t signed into the video call at the designated time, McNally issued a declaration by default and began another conversation with the attorney.

A court staffer then interrupted the judge, saying, “I have an iPhone here that I haven’t been able to identify.”

The judge told the person on the iPhone to start the video function on their device and “tell us your name, please.”

The woman stated her name. She said she didn’t know how to virtually enter the hearing room correctly.

McNally again insisted that the woman sign in to the hearing with a video view, which she did. A video conference image shows her seated in a vehicle with a seat belt across her shoulder.

“I just ordered a default judgment,” the judge said as the connection was made.

“You cannot be driving, ma’am,” the judge said, shaking his head, as he looked at the computer screen. “What are you doing? Come on.”

“I am not driving. I’m a passenger in a car,” the woman replied.

The judge insisted he would not be hearing a case during which a participant was driving, or as passengers in cars.”

The woman said she would pull over, then continued to insist she was a passenger.

“I’m sorry. I have an emergency. I’m going out of town for a family member, but I will have my driver pull over. Hang on,” she said.

“What side of the car are you on?” the judge asked.

“I’m on the left-hand side,” she replied.

“How would you be on the left-hand side if you’re a passenger in the front seat? Am I missing something?” McNally asked.

She could be seen looking forward, and also out of the window as the vehicle appeared to be moving, but not directly at the phone screen.

“You know you’re lying to me, right?” the judge said. “Let me see the driver.”

She appeared to sigh. “Hang on one second. … I have to ask their permission.”

“Now,” the judge yelled.

The vehicle stopped. She exited the door as the vehicle appeared to be parked near a business. No one else was shown on her camera.

“You think I’m that stupid?” the judge said. “I’m going to go ahead and enter a default judgment. … You lied to me.”

The judge said his order for a judgment of $1,921.95 will reflect that the defendant was “not available at the time and then was driving a car and telling the court she was not.”

“Have a great day. Thank you,” he said as he ended the hearing.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Britt Leoni

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    FORT MYERS, Florida (WBBH) — At Peace Lutheran Church last weekend, a group shined light on a story written long ago.

“He comes into the war looking for excitement, but then in the very first action, his unit is decimated,” said composer Thomas LaVoy.

LaVoy composed “The Witness,” a piece inspired by the Civil War journals of a Union soldier, James Waxler.

Through vocals, keys, and a string quartet, LaVoy and Matt Koller, Artistic Director of “The Mastersingers,” and a descendant of Waxler, tell the honest accounts of war.

There’s moments where the music is meant to sound like war, there’s moments where it creates great tension, and there’s moments where it creates levity.

The piece highlights Waxler’s hope of what it’s like to battle for brotherhood, and his despair in the grim reality.

“I hope that people are able to leave questioning anything. Art should change people. It should make us question who we are. It should make us question our beliefs,” said Koller.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Baylee Martin

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    LANCASTER, Pennsylvania (WGAL) — J.P. McCaskey High School in Lancaster is searching for its oldest living alum as part of a celebration of nearly a century of history.

Sandi Mauer, program manager at the Lancaster Education Foundation, shared that the search began when Harold Shartle Jr. reached out.

“A couple months ago, Mr. Harold Shartle Jr. called the office, and he said, ‘You know, I think I might be one of the oldest alumni from McCaskey,'” Mauer said. She then delved into a McCaskey yearbook from 83 years ago in 1942 to find Shartle’s student photo. Shartle, now 101 years old, still lives in Lancaster and plays golf often.

Mauer noted that another person of the same age as Shartle reached out once they released a newsletter call for the oldest living McCaskey alum. Jeanne Creswell is also 101 years old and graduated in 1942.

Among the alumni from the class of 1938, which was the school’s first graduating class, is Olympic gold medalist Barney Ewell.

Mauer expressed the possibility of finding alumni around 106 years old, saying, “The longevity is just something I can’t even imagine. And to hear their stories of days when they were back in school is just really, really interesting.”

The school plans to honor these distinguished alumni at a banquet in October.

The original library at McCaskey High School remains a testament to its history, with student newspapers from throughout the 20th century and panoramic photos of graduating classes.

Mauer shared a humorous anecdote about the panoramic photos, saying, “Rumor has it that one person would be on the one end, run all the way back behind everyone else, and then hop to the other end and be in the picture twice.”

Mauer said finding the oldest living McCaskey High School grad would be the epitome of McCaskey pride.

“There is nothing like McCaskey pride. They are all over the country, and they connect, and you can’t replicate what the graduates of McCaskey feel for this building,” she said.

The school invites anyone who believes they might be the oldest living McCaskey alum to send an email to the alumni association’s Kathy Arnold at kathylarnold@sdlancaster.org for a chance to be honored at this year’s banquet.

More information can be found at McCaskeyAlumni.org.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By CJ Maclin

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    MUSKOGEE, Oklahoma (KJRH) — A Muskogee County man entered a blind plea in court after his 11-year-old stepdaughter gave birth to his baby.

Assistant District Attorney Janet Hutson told 2 News DNA testing revealed a 99% certainty that Dustin Walker is the baby’s father.

Walker pleaded guilty to felony sexual abuse of a child under 12 and six felony counts of child neglect. All charges are 85% crimes, meaning once sentenced, Walker must serve 85% of the sentence before being eligible for parole.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 18th.

Court records show the 11-year-old gave birth to a full-term baby at home with no prenatal care or doctor visits during her entire pregnancy.

Walker, the girl’s biological mother, Cherie Walker, and her grandmother, Michelle Justus, maintained that no one in the home knew the child was pregnant. They both face charges.

During a preliminary hearing on Jan. 30, Dustin Walker waived his right to participate. By entering a blind plea, he pleads guilty with no agreement in place with prosecutors. This move hands complete sentencing power over to the judge.

Muskogee County District Attorney Janet Hutson addressed the situation, “This case has been extremely difficult… My hope is that with justice, these children will find a better place.”

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Scripps editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Greg Ng

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    LUSBY, Maryland (WBAL) — Two Maryland state troopers are credited with saving a choking infant’s life Saturday.

TFC Taylor Hersh and Cpl. Jonathan Stoltzfus were working on a call for service in Lusby when a mother approached them with a child who was choking, state police said.

“Without hesitation, the troopers immediately began lifesaving measures and were able to clear the infant’s airway,” state police said in a statement. “Their quick actions and training made all the difference, preventing what could have been yet another tragic outcome.”

“All the good training that we have, it just becomes second nature at that point,” Hersh said. “We’re presented with critical situations a lot of times, and from that experience, you kind of just learn to stay calm and just not hesitate.”

“A lot of people look at the state police and think we’re traffic cops. We sit on the highway all day. But what people don’t realize — (in) Southern Maryland specifically — is we do everything. We do everything from going to medical calls to a traffic accident, to dealing with situations like this,” Stoltzfus said.

This comes after a trooper saved another choking infant’s life while working a traffic stop last month.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Kate Amara, Jake Shindel

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    BALTIMORE (WBAL) — A day after an Elon Musk-led venture announced Baltimore was selected to receive a free, underground tunnel, the Ravens backed out.

The news comes after the Ravens Loop was announced as one of 16 finalists — among more than 500 submissions — for The Boring Company’s Tunnel Vision Challenge.

The Baltimore project, named Ravens Loop, will not move forward, according to the Ravens and a post on X from The Boring Company.

“After initial meetings, this project unfortunately will not be moving forward as part of the competition,” the post read.

Last month, the Ravens apparently entered the contest to get a free, one-mile underground tunnel built in Baltimore — similar to the one the company constructed in Las Vegas.

The Ravens said the project’s selection marked “a compelling opportunity,” but said they were backing out of the proposal.

Details regarding the Ravens Loop are scarce. The loop’s location is unknown, as is who actually submitted the proposal.

Sources told WBAL-TV 11 News that the Ravens entered the contest all on their own, without collaborating with or notifying any public official or agency — including Baltimore City.

“Everyone knows I love my football team dearly, but I wholeheartedly support their decision to pull out of this application. Because quite frankly, they couldn’t have done it without my approval or the governor’s approval. I can only speak for myself. It was not something that I would be approving,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott.

The Governor’s Office has not responded to a request for information about the project. The Maryland Stadium Authority and The Boring Company also have yet to respond.

In a statement, Chad Steele, senior vice president of communications for the Ravens, said:

“The Boring Company identified Baltimore as a potential site through its Tunnel Vision Challenge, presenting a possibly compelling opportunity for the region.

“While we appreciate being selected, the concept is only in the exploratory phase and following discussions with public partners, we have determined we will not continue with the process at this time.

“We are grateful for the collaboration and remain supportive of initiatives that drive innovation and investment in Baltimore.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.