Utah man charged with manslaughter in death while practicing drawing handguns from holsters

CNN Newsource on March 11, 2026

By Tim Vandenack

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    ROY, Utah (KSL) — A Roy man has been charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of another person while the two were practicing drawing handguns from holsters.

Benjamin Garrett Davis, 24, is charged with manslaughter, a second-degree felony; reckless endangerment, a class A misdemeanor; and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child, a class B misdemeanor in the incident last Sunday.

Roy police were called to Davis’ apartment on Sunday after receiving a report a male had been shot in the head. On arriving, they found Davis kneeling over the other person’s body repeatedly saying “the shooting was his fault,” according to charging papers filed Tuesday. Security video footage in Davis’ apartment shows the incident.

“Both individuals are seen drawing handguns from holsters and pointing the firearms toward one another. During one of the drills, Davis draws his handgun, points it toward (the other male), and pulls the trigger. The firearm discharges and (the other male) is immediately struck in the head and collapses to the floor,” charging papers read. Davis later told authorities he and the victim were practicing firearm-draw drills but that he thought his gun was not loaded.

A 2-year-old was in the apartment when the incident occurred and visible in the video authorities retrieved, leading to the charge for committing an offense in the presence of a child. “The child is seen walking within several feet of Davis and (the other person) while the firearms were being drawn and manipulated,” charging papers read.

According to the police booking affidavit in the case, video taken from the apartment shows Davis after the shooting. “Benjamin is seen with a panicked expression, and he drops the gun,” the affidavit reads.

The apartment complex where the incident occurred is at 4608 S. 1900 West. Davis is being held without bail in the Weber County Jail.

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Boutique hosts fashion show to support child abuse survivors

CNN Newsource on March 11, 2026

By Vanessa Lawrence

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    DECATUR COUNTY, Georgia (WTXL) — A Bainbridge business is supporting local child abuse survivors by hosting a fashion show fundraiser for the Oak House, a child advocacy center serving Decatur County families.

Moxie Boutique in Downtown Bainbridge is hosting the event Sunday, March 15th, at 2:00 p.m. All proceeds from the fashion show will go to the Oak House.

Admission is free, but tickets are required.

Tickets can be picked up at Moxie Boutique at 116 N Broad St. The address of the fashion show will be provided on the ticket.

The Oak House serves as more than an advocacy center. It’s a safe haven for local families. The center works with children ages 2 to 18 who have been victims of child abuse. Survivors are brought in by law enforcement or the Department of Family and Children Services after abuse has been reported.

Amy Aiken, the Executive Director of the Oak House, said the team supports survivors from the moment they arrive through every step of the process.

“We are there from the time they enter our building until the time they see a courtroom and even beyond. I have victims that I’ve seen. I’ve been doing this for 14 years. And I have victims that I still talk about to this day that I saw when they were a little child, and I’m now seeing them as adults and how they’ve grown and they’re thriving in adulthood. And that’s why I do this. That’s what makes me continue to do this every day,” Aiken said.

Ashley Lafferty, a mother of a child survivor who received help from the Oak House, encourages the community to support centers like these so families can get the help they need.

“A simple Facebook post can get them everything that they need, whether it’s teddy bears to comfort a child who is having to live through or relive through the events that they’ve suffered, whether it’s a parent who needs a shoulder to cry on,” Lafferty said.

Aiken said community awareness is crucial to protecting children.

“If you see something, say something. Speak up. If something is off to you, report it. You will never be in trouble for reporting something and us finding out that it’s not true or that it didn’t happen. But imagine if you didn’t report it and it was and it continued on,” Aiken said.

Advocates say creating a safe place for children to speak and receive support can make a lasting difference during one of the most difficult moments in their lives.

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

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Eagle man accused of animal cruelty now facing additional charges

CNN Newsource on March 11, 2026

By KIVI Staff

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    GARDEN CITY, Idaho (KIVI) — The Eagle man accused in the Garden City cat shooting is now facing additional charges, according to the Garden City Police Department.

Officials say that George Gebran faces two counts of cruelty to animals and two counts of unlawful discharge of a firearm. All four charges are misdemeanors.

A business owner told Idaho News 6 that she was pulling up to her office on Feb. 15 when she heard about a half dozen shots fired, followed by the sounds of cats screaming.

“I leaned against my fence over here, and I noticed a bald man shooting at some cats that had been trapped in some cages,” the woman said. She called the authorities to the scene, but the suspect and the cats were gone.

Investigators issued a warrant charging the suspect with one misdemeanor count of animal cruelty and one misdemeanor count of discharging a firearm within city limits.

This warrant was later quashed at the request of the defendant’s attorney, GCPD said in a press release.

Protesters gathered outside Garden City Hall on March 10, calling for stiffer penalties in the case against Gebran.

“If we do not start taking these crimes seriously and charging them and punishing them seriously, we are missing those little opportunities to identify people who are violent,” cat advocate Paris Humphries said at the protest.

A pretrial conference has been scheduled for April 8th.

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A local leader raises concerns about sheriff removal legislation

CNN Newsource on March 11, 2026

By Dan Hanson

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    PASCO, Wash. (KAPP) — A controversial bill that could allow the state to remove an elected sheriff moved closer to becoming law after it passed the Washington House early Friday morning following hours of debate.

Washington Senate Bill 5974 would give the state’s Criminal Justice Training Commission the authority to decertify an elected sheriff and potentially declare the office vacant.

Supporters say the measure would strengthen accountability for law enforcement leaders, but critics argue it could take power away from voters and place it in the hands of an unelected state board.

Stephen Bauman, one of the Franklin County commissioners, says the proposal raises concerns about local control.

“It’s really profoundly unfortunate that the legislators in Olympia will pass a bill that applies to thee, but not to me,” Bauman said. “And, you know, if they’re so adamant that this is so important, why would they not subject themselves to the same criteria where there’s an unelected board that’s selected by one individual.”

Bauman says it’s no secret that the Franklin County commissioners and the sheriff haven’t seen eye to eye, but that doesn’t mean the community doesn’t have the right to elect its sheriff.

The bill now heads to the governor’s desk.

The legislation has sparked debate about the balance between accountability and democratic representation in local law enforcement. Proponents argue that the measure provides necessary oversight for sheriff departments, while opponents contend it undermines the electoral process that allows communities to choose their law enforcement leaders.

If signed into law, the bill would mark a significant shift in how sheriff accountability is handled in Washington state, potentially affecting how elected sheriffs operate and the recourse available when concerns arise about their performance or conduct.

The Criminal Justice Training Commission would gain unprecedented authority over elected officials who traditionally answer directly to voters through the ballot box.

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Super Marios take over Union Square in attempt to break world record ON ‘Mar10’ Day

CNN Newsource on March 11, 2026

By Anthony Carlo

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    NEW YORK (WABC) — New Yorkers have pretty much seen it all, but if you were near Union Square Tuesday afternoon, you may have seen something new – throngs of Marios.

The scene resembled a real-life “Mario Party,” or perhaps a “Super Mario World,” with fans cosplaying as variations of Nintendo’s iconic mustachioed plumber from practically every era.

That’s because Tuesday was March 10 – or “MAR10,” which looks like “Mario.”

GameStop gave out a $5 store credit to anyone dressed in a Mario costume.

GameStop is trying to break a world record for the most people dressed up as Mario in one place. China set the record a couple of years ago.

“He’s a reminder of people’s childhoods and a carefree time, and you know people still play video games well into adulthood,” said GameStop Director of Communications Nicolle Robles.

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First recorded sighting of once near-extinct swan species

CNN Newsource on March 11, 2026

By Lauren Glassberg

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    NEW YORK (WABC) — New York City is a big place, with a lot going on, but somehow we get to celebrate some “firsts.”

On Tuesday, Brooklyn recorded its first-ever documented sighting of a Trumpeter Swan.

“I’ve never seen one before. It was really exciting, and when I heard about it, I had to come down and take a look,” bird lover Mariah Tarvainem said.

The swan was enjoying the East River by the North 5th Street Pier and Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

“I personally have never gotten a Trumpeter reported from New York City. So this is the first time,” Margaret Smith said.

Smith is the Executive Director of the Trumpeter Swan Society based in Minnesota.

The organization is dedicated to the vitality and welfare of Trumpeter Swans who neared extinction about 100 years ago.

In 2015, there were nearly 70,000 living in places like Canada, Alaska, Montana and even Upstate New York.

They’re easy to identify.

“The mask comes to the eyes, and then Trumpeter Swans have what’s called a ‘red lipstick.’ You see that red lipstick?” Smith said.

So why is the swan here? It is likely pretty young and on its first solo expedition away from its family. It’s decided to check out the big city as teens are prone to do.

It was hanging out with another swan that is a different species.

“What you are seeing there is really a blessing, the gift of the people around you, states around you who cared enough to bring back this bird that was on the brink of extinction,” Smith said.

“How do we invite more? Send out a signal, bring them all,” one passerby said.

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Police seek suspect accused of stealing statues outside Denver church

CNN Newsource on March 11, 2026

By Jasmine Arenas

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    COLORADO (KCNC) — Police are searching for a man accused of stealing two statues from outside a downtown Denver church.

A parish leader says the theft happened at Holy Ghost Catholic Church on California Street, which has served as a refuge for the community for decades.

“The church is a second home for so many people, a place where we feel safe, connected, and supported,” said Father Paul Nguyen.

For generations, the church has provided help and hope to people from many backgrounds.

“I think we continue to be a place of hope, a place of help and assistance, a lifeline for a lot of people,” said Nguyen.

Nguyen said safety is always a priority at the church, but recent incidents have raised concerns.

“I don’t know why people like to break our windows or cause problems here, but it’s happened over and over,” he said.

The latest incident happened last week. Security video shows a man using tools, including a hammer and what appears to be a crowbar, to remove two statues outside the church. The missing statues depict Saint Rita and Saint Paul.

“These statues have been here for 100 years, so for us that’s a big deal,” Nguyen said.

Church leaders say the statues have been part of the parish since 1924 and were placed near the front doors when the upper portion of the building was completed in 1943. Nguyen said the statues’ monetary value may be relatively small, but their historical and sentimental significance is much greater.

“The material value might not be huge; they’re bronze, so I don’t know if the person was looking to resell them,” he said.

The motive behind the theft remains unclear.

“Maybe someone is disgruntled or frustrated in their own situation, or blaming the church for something,” Nguyen said.

Church officials say replacing the statues could cost thousands of dollars. Still, Nguyen said the larger concern is accountability and community responsibility.

“The Bible even says to gather a community to bring someone to their senses,” he said. “If the community wants to help replace them, that will help. But it’s also about how we live and how we choose to live better.”

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Teens shout racial slurs, spit on student in hate crime at UC Irvine, police say

CNN Newsource on March 11, 2026

By Matthew Rodriguez

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    LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) — A group of teens chased, spat on and shouted racial slurs at a student during a hate crime at UC Irvine, according to university police.

The UC Irvine Police Department said the hate crime happened at the university’s Arroyo Vista Housing complex on Feb. 27. UC Irvine’s Black Student Union said five white teenagers on e-bikes chased a Black student around the housing area shortly after a community event. The Black Student Union said the teenagers falsely claimed the student spat on them before the on-campus pursuit.

During the on-campus pursuit, one of the teens rode his e-bike into the back of the student’s leg, according to investigators.

“The situation escalated when one of the juveniles of the group attempted to ram the victim off the road,” the Black Student Union said in a statement. “Using the front of his bike tire, he struck the back of the victim’s scooter and part of his leg. This resulted in torn skin, bruising, and an infection of the victim’s ankle.”

The Black Student Union said the group of teens stopped chasing the victim after he ran into the Rosa Parks House and called the police.

Most of the teens left the area before UC Irvine PD arrived, but one officer detained a suspect at a nearby parking structure.

“Since the incident, the victim has been placed on bed rest and has returned home because he no longer feels safe remaining on campus,” the Black Student Union wrote in a statement.

Investigators said they only have descriptions of two of the other suspects.

One is a 16-17-year-old boy who is 5-foot-8, weighs about 160-170 pounds, and was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, black pants, and a black helmet. The other suspect was described as a 14-year-old boy, who is 5-foot-9, weighs about 190 pounds, and was last seen wearing a black shirt, denim gray pants, white Air Force 1 Nike shoes, a black helmet and a blue backpack.

“The Black Student Union demands that the university and UCIPD take immediate and meaningful action to protect Black students and ensure their safety on this campus,” the Black Student Union said in a statement. “Incidents like this cannot be tolerated, and they will continue to occur if the administration fails to respond with urgency and accountability.”

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Protests planned at Noma’s LA pop-up amid abuse allegations against chef René Redzepi

CNN Newsource on March 11, 2026

By Hunter Sowards

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    LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) — Protesters plan to demonstrate outside a pop-up restaurant at the Paramour Estate in Silver Lake following abuse allegations against chef René Redzepi.

Redzepi’s Danish restaurant Noma is one of the highest-rated in the world. For months, he and his staff have been setting up a temporary location in Los Angeles, with reservations reaching $1,500 a person. The six-week run sold out in just minutes.

However, several corporate sponsors, including American Express, pulled out of Noma’s LA location after the New York Times reported that dozens of former employees accused Redzepi of creating a toxic work environment with constant verbal and even physical mistreatment.

“To be honest with you, I think the repercussions of staying silent are worse than me speaking up and standing with my peers against violence,” said Jason Ignacio White, former Noma employee.

White said he witnessed widespread abuse during the five years he worked for the celebrity chef as director of fermentation, one of the highest levels of leadership in the company.

“People being stabbed with barbecue forks, to another instance where Rene actually dropping his child so he can choke a team member for a strawberry,” White said.

He is part of an activist group called “One Fair Wage,” which is calling for Redzepi to step down and for better working conditions.

“Who wants to eat in an environment of abuse,” said Saru Jayaraman, a member of One Fair Wage. “Who wants to eat food that comes from the tears and sweat of people who are suffering?”

The protesters plan to continue demonstrations for at least the first month of the restaurant’s run.

Redzepi responded to allegations with an apologetic statement on social media. He added that he has been working on his anger management in therapy.

“He did not really admit to the extreme violence and the conditions he put his staff and unpaid interns through,” White said.

Noma said they are looking into the allegations as well.

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6 years after deadly Minnesota crash, father-and-son first responders meet boy they saved

CNN Newsource on March 11, 2026

By Jason Rantala

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    MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A Minnesota father and son who work as first responders received a lifesaving award Tuesday, meeting for the first time with the young boy they rescued and his family.

In April 2020, 12-year-old Myles Chacha was in the car with his dad and brother east of Prior Lake when the unthinkable happened.

The moment police arrived at Lulu Thompson’s door, she knew something was terribly wrong.

“They said, ‘There’s been a car accident,'” Thompson said.

Their Toyota Corolla crashed with a freight truck at Eagle Creek and Natchez avenues in Credit River Township. Chacha’s older brother and dad were killed.

Chacha was still alive, but in critical condition.

“We still grieve because the boy that I sent out that morning is not the same boy that came back to me that night,” Thompson said.

While the crash forever changed Chacha’s life, Thompson says it was thanks to quick thinking, and quick action, that her son is still here today.

Prior Lake officer Cody Steinhaus and his dad, Prior Lake Fire Chief Rick Steinhaus, were honored by the City Council Tuesday night for quickly working to stabilize Chacha, who was 6 years old at the time.

“Tonight we are doing our best to both recognize the unfathomable loss of a father and son, and also honor the selfless acts of a firefighter, a police officer,” said Prior Lake Police Chief Liam Duggan.

Chacha suffered a severe traumatic brain injury in the crash and now uses a wheelchair. Despite his difficulties, Thompson says her son is a happy, smiling boy who loves cracking dad jokes.

She says the fact he’s still here today is a miracle.

“They give my son a second chance at life … and that means everything to me,” Thompson said.

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.