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Community Mourns Loss of 17-Year-Old Carter J. Conklin in Pine Township Homicide

PINE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A small Columbia County community is in mourning following the confirmation that 17-year-old Carter J. Conklin was the victim of a homicide.

Authorities said Conklin’s death was discovered earlier this week, though few details have been released as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Law enforcement officials have not yet announced any suspects or motives but confirmed the case is being treated as a homicide.

The news has shaken the Pine Township community, where Conklin was well known among classmates, teachers, and neighbors. Friends have described him as a bright, kindhearted teen who enjoyed spending time with family and had a close circle of friends. Many say the loss is incomprehensible.

“Our hearts are broken,” one community member shared. “Carter had so much ahead of him, and it’s devastating to lose someone so young.”

Local schools are providing counseling services for students and staff as they come to terms with the tragedy. Community members have also begun organizing vigils and memorials to honor Conklin’s memory and support his grieving family.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about Conklin’s death to contact the Pennsylvania State Police.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days as the community rallies together to support the Conklin family.

“This is a heartbreaking time,” one neighbor said. “We will never forget Carter, and we will stand together for his family.”

Arkansas State Police Identify Man Killed in Craighead County Crash

CRAIGHEAD COUNTY, Ark. — Arkansas State Police have confirmed the identity of the man who died in a single-vehicle crash Thursday morning east of Monette. The victim has been identified as 64-year-old George Berg of Highland.

Authorities said the crash happened on a rural highway just after sunrise. According to preliminary reports, Berg was driving eastbound when his vehicle left the roadway and struck a ditch. Emergency crews responded quickly, but Berg was pronounced dead at the scene.

No other vehicles were involved in the accident, and officials have not yet determined what caused the vehicle to veer off the road. Investigators are working to determine whether speed, road conditions, or a possible medical emergency may have played a role.

The accident temporarily closed the roadway as troopers documented the scene and crews worked to clear the area. Traffic was redirected for several hours before the road was reopened to drivers.

Berg was a longtime resident of Highland, known in his community for his friendly nature and steady presence. News of his sudden death has left family and friends in shock as they begin to grieve the loss.

Funeral arrangements for Berg are expected to be announced by his family in the coming days.

The investigation remains ongoing. Arkansas State Police have urged anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information to contact their department.

MISSING CHILD ALERT – 2-Year-Old Xavier Padilla Still Missing After Floodwaters Sweep Family Vehicle

Authorities and volunteers are searching for 2-year-old Xavier Padilla, who disappeared after his family’s vehicle was swept away by powerful floodwaters in Barstow, California, on September 18.

According to officials, Xavier’s father, Brandon Padilla, was rescued from the rushing water and hospitalized. However, Xavier, who has autism and had just celebrated his second birthday earlier this week, has not been found.

Search crews, including local first responders, rescue teams, and community volunteers, are combing the area with boats, drones, and tracking dogs in hopes of locating the missing child. Authorities say the conditions remain challenging due to unstable terrain and ongoing flood risks, but the effort continues around the clock.

Family members have asked the public to keep Xavier in their thoughts and to share his story widely in hopes of reaching anyone who may have information about his possible whereabouts.

If you have any information that could assist search and rescue efforts, contact the Barstow Police Department immediately.

Xavier’s disappearance has shaken the community, highlighting the devastating risks of flash flooding in California. Local residents have begun organizing vigils and support drives for the Padilla family as the search enters its critical stages.

Florida Woman Charged With First-Degree Murder After Allegedly Fatally Shooting Boyfriend

CLEARWATER, Fla. — A Pinellas County woman has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly fatally shooting her 60-year-old boyfriend during an early morning incident in August, authorities announced this week.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a home on August 19 around 1:12 a.m. after a 911 caller reported hearing a loud noise followed by a woman’s voice saying, “I have a gun.” Upon arrival, deputies encountered 38-year-old Amanda Tenney, who appeared freshly showered but had blood on her face and feet. Bloody footprints were also found inside the home.

Deputies soon discovered Patrick Denney, 60, lying on the bedroom floor with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Investigators said Tenney and Denney were in a romantic relationship at the time of the incident.

Authorities allege that Tenney attempted to clean up the crime scene and did not call 911 following the shooting. She was initially arrested on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and shooting into a dwelling. According to an arrest affidavit, one bullet allegedly passed through a neighbor’s window and was recovered inside their home. Witnesses also reported seeing Tenney with an assault rifle in her backyard.

On September 16, detectives added a first-degree murder charge against Tenney, who remains held at the Pinellas County Jail. Officials say the investigation remains ongoing as they review evidence and interview witnesses.

Boyfriend Charged in Murder of NYC Nurse After Initial Story Blamed Moped Duo

NEW YORK – A 44-year-old Bronx man has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend after initially claiming that a moped-riding duo attacked her, police said Friday. Franklin Batallas faces charges including murder, two counts of assault, and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the Wednesday night killing of Anthonella Contreras Linarez, 30, on City Island.

Batallas initially told police that he and Linarez were on their way to dinner when they stopped near Rodman’s Neck because he needed to urinate. He alleged that two men on a moped tried to rob Linarez and stabbed her multiple times when she resisted. Batallas said he was slashed in the arm as he tried to intervene.

Linarez, a registered nurse at Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, was rushed to Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital but died from her injuries. Batallas was treated at the same hospital for a forearm stab wound and later linked to the crime.

“The Mount Sinai Health System community is mourning the loss of one of our own,” a hospital spokesperson said, offering condolences to family and colleagues.

Linarez’s father, Marcos Contreras, expressed heartbreak and uncertainty as police investigated the circumstances.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are piecing together evidence that contradicted Batallas’ original story. The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the tragedy of Linarez’s untimely death and the evolving nature of the investigation.

Batallas is currently in custody as prosecutors prepare for legal proceedings.

Endangered Person Advisory Issued for Missing 20-Year-Old Joshlyn Troupe in St. Louis County

Authorities in St. Louis County are asking for the public’s help to locate 20-year-old Joshlyn Troupe, who has been reported missing and may be in danger.

According to the St. Louis County Police Department, Troupe was last seen at approximately 7:00 a.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, in the 12400 block of Horizon Village Drive. She is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing about 180 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

At the time of her disappearance, Troupe was wearing a red shirt with purple and green track pants. Police say she may be experiencing a mental health crisis and does not have access to her needed medications, heightening the urgency of locating her quickly.

The St. Louis County Police Department has issued an Endangered Person Advisory due to concerns for Troupe’s safety. Officers are canvassing the area and working with local agencies to track down leads.

Anyone who spots Troupe or has information about her whereabouts is urged to call 911 immediately to reach the nearest law enforcement agency. Tipsters can also call the St. Louis County Police Department directly at 636-529-8210.

Community members are encouraged to share Troupe’s photo and description across social media to help expand the search. Police stress that time is critical in endangered missing person cases and that any sighting, no matter how small, could provide vital information to bring Joshlyn Troupe home safely.

Grammy-Winning Songwriter Brett James Dies in Private Plane Crash with Family

Franklin, NC – Grammy Award-winning country music songwriter Brett James tragically died Thursday afternoon in a private plane crash in Franklin, North Carolina, along with his wife, Melody Wilson, 59, and her daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, 28. Officials confirmed that the trio were aboard James’ Cirrus SR22T when it went down in an open field.

Meryl had just celebrated her 28th birthday the day before the crash. Wilson shared heartfelt birthday messages on social media, calling her daughter “the MOST BEAUTIFUL AMAZING HUMAN inside and out” and expressing gratitude for her presence in their lives. James and Wilson had married on August 21, 2022, and had lived together in Nashville since at least 2020.

Brett James, 57, was a prolific songwriter whose work helped shape contemporary country music. He penned hits for stars like Taylor Swift, Dierks Bentley, and Carrie Underwood, including the chart-topping Jesus, Take the Wheel. Over an eight-year period, he released five singles that reached the Billboard country charts.

James is survived by four grown children from a previous marriage to Sandra Cornelius-Little. Tributes have poured in from the music community mourning the loss of a talented songwriter whose work influenced a generation of country artists.

The cause of the crash is under investigation, and authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances. Friends, family, and fans continue to mourn the sudden loss of James and his family, reflecting on both his musical legacy and the personal tragedy of the accident.

Trailblazing Music Video Director Diane Martel Dies at 63

Renowned music video director Diane Martel, whose provocative and iconic work shaped pop culture for decades, has died of breast cancer at the age of 63. Martel, born and raised in New York, began her career filming the city’s gritty hip hop scene in the early 1990s, quickly becoming a sought-after director for her bold, visually striking style.

Martel broke into mainstream pop through a long collaboration with Mariah Carey, directing eight of the singer’s videos, including Dreamlover and the perennial holiday hit All I Want For Christmas Is You. She went on to work with some of the biggest names in music, including Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, and Miley Cyrus, creating videos that blended artistic innovation with cultural provocation.

Her 2013 videos, Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke and We Can’t Stop by Miley Cyrus, sparked widespread discussion, showcasing her fearless approach to pushing boundaries while highlighting commentary on gender and power. Martel also served as the creative director for Cyrus’ Bangerz world tour, shaping one of the era’s most talked-about pop moments.

Throughout her career, Martel maintained a reputation for mentorship, wit, and intellectual curiosity, earning admiration from both artists and collaborators. Her final video credit was for Ciara’s “Ecstasy”, released in April 2025.

Tributes have poured in from musicians and industry peers alike, remembering Martel not only for her creative genius but also for her warmth, intelligence, and unwavering support for those around her.

Diane Martel’s fearless vision and groundbreaking work leave a lasting legacy in the music industry and pop culture.

ESPN Discovers Key Witness Alive in Decades-Old Miami Football Player Murder Case

Miami, FL – A major twist has emerged in the long-running murder case of former Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Bryan Pata, who was shot and killed in 2006. ESPN reporters recently located a key witness, Paul Conner, who prosecutors previously claimed was deceased. Conner, 81, was found alive at his Louisville, Kentucky, residence in August.

Conner lived near the scene of Pata’s death and reportedly called police shortly after the shooting, noting he heard a “pop” and saw someone jogging away. He had previously identified Pata’s teammate Rashaun Jones in multiple lineups, who has pleaded not guilty in the case.

Florida prosecutors had told the 11th Circuit Court in July that Conner was dead, relying on public databases that “seemed to indicate” his passing. Efforts to verify his status with Louisville police reportedly never occurred. The revelation could impact the trial, scheduled to begin October 6.

“This is a bigger issue. This is just blatant lies,” said Jones’ attorney, Sara Alvarez, criticizing the state for failing to provide accurate information about evidence.

Conner, however, indicated his memory is now unreliable, saying, “I’m getting up in years… My memory comes and goes.” Despite this, his testimony at a 2022 bond hearing was pivotal in granting Jones bail, which he has not yet posted.

The case has been plagued by delays, missing evidence, and investigative missteps, including the nine-month delay in Jones’ initial arrest and the fact that the murder weapon has never been recovered. As the trial approaches, the court and families await clarity on a case fraught with procedural challenges and decades of unresolved questions.

Faith Community Mourns the Passing of Father Linh Bui

It is with profound sadness that the family and parish community announce the passing of Father Linh Bui, who died on the morning of [September 19, 2025] from injuries sustained earlier. Father Bui received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the Apostolic Pardon, and was surrounded by prayers, blessings, and the love of his family in his final moments.

Father Bui was a devoted shepherd to his parishioners, known for his compassionate ministry, unwavering faith, and dedication to the spiritual well-being of his community. His presence touched countless lives, offering guidance, comfort, and hope to those in need.

The family has requested prayers for the repose of his soul, asking the faithful to join them in honoring his life of service. Funeral arrangements will be announced in the near future, allowing the community an opportunity to gather, celebrate his ministry, and pay their respects.

In this time of mourning, parishioners and friends are encouraged to remember Father Bui’s commitment to his calling and the lasting impact he made on all who knew him.

“May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen,” the family shared.

Father Bui’s legacy of devotion, prayer, and pastoral care will continue to inspire those he served, and he will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.