Life in prison without parole
Hernandez is sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Lloyd. The sentencing is a formality because a first-degree murder conviction in Massachusetts carries an automatic sentence of life without parole. It also automatically triggers an appeal to Massachusetts’ highest court. No date for that appeal has been set.
Faces numerous charges
The New York Cardiologist faces a number of charges including selling prescription medications to pay to have a former employer’s office burned down, and a rival doctor murdered. District Attorney:
The investigation led to the discovery of a common link between [illegally sold drug] contraband and an unsolved February 25th arson in Great Neck, and even a subsequent murder-for-hire plot that was foiled by this investigation. The link is Dr. Anthony Moschetto, a practicing cardiologist in Great Neck who was the supplier and mastermind behind this elaborate scheme. At one point Dr. Moschetto even asked for the assault of his victim’s wife if she was present during the primary assault.
Guilty of first-degree murder
A Massachusetts Grand Jury convicts Hernandez, with first degree murder in the killing of Lloyd in June 2013. Hernandez’s lawyer acknowledged during closing arguments that he was there when Lloyd was killed. But he pinned the shooting on Hernandez’s two friends, saying his client was a 23-year-old kid who didn’t know what to do. He is also found guilty on firearm and ammunition charges. The conviction carries a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Judge assigned
South Carolina’s Supreme Court assigns Judge Newman to have exclusive jurisdiction over the case against former officer Slager. A release on the Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson’s Facebook page reads:
Judge Newman shall decide all matters pertaining to this case, including motions to appoint or relieve counsel, and shall retain jurisdiction over this case regardless of where he may be assigned to hold court and may schedule such hearings as may be necessary at any time without regard as to whether there is a term of court schedule.
Won’t face death penalty
Slager won’t face death penalty for shooting Scott. Charleston County’s chief prosecutor Scarlett Wilson:
Based on the facts revealed thus far, it does not appear South Carolina’s death penalty provision applies in this case because there are no statutory aggravating circumstances present.
Witness balks
Cle “Boan” Sloan, who describes himself as a “non-active gang member,” balks at giving testimony that would incriminate Knight, repeatedly saying he did not recall events. Prosecutors say Knight traded punches with Sloan through the window of his vehicle before putting the truck into reverse, knocking Sloan and Terry Carter, to the ground. They say he then pulled forward to run over both men. Carter, 55, later died. Sloan, 51, suffered a badly mangled left foot and head injuries.
I’m no snitch and I will not be made to be a snitch. I will not be used to send Suge Knight to prison.
Asked by Deputy DA if he could identify Knight as she pointed to him in the courtroom:
That doesn’t look like Mr. Knight.
With no testimony, attorneys read from a transcript of a statement he gave police detectives that night.
Sentenced to life without parole
Judge Sherry Stephens sentences Arias to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Stephens had to rule on whether Arias would serve her natural life in prison or have the possibility of parole after 25 years. After hearing emotional statements from Alexander’s sisters, the court also heard Arias’ mother asking for leniency, and then Arias’ final plea to receive the possibility of parole in 25 years. Arias:
It’s my firm belief that death would bring me untold peace and freedom. If I die today, I would be free and I would be at peace. For years, that’s exactly what I wanted. But I have to fight for my life just like I did on June 4, 2008 because I realize how selfish it would be for me to escape accountability for this mess that I created.
Arias maintains that Alexander was trying to attack her when she stabbed him multiple times and shot him.
To this day I cannot believe I was capable of doing something that terrible. I’m truly disgusted and I’m repulsed with myself. I wish there was some way I could take it back.
Alexander’s relatives and friends all wear blue in solidarity. Prosecutor Juan Martinez says they want the maximum sentence:
not because they want to be vindictive, but [because] as you have also seen, what happened in that bathroom was a butchering.
Gray’s arrest
Lt. Rice and Police Officers Nero and Miller are on bike patrol near the corner of North Avenue and Mount Street, Baltimore. Lieutenant Rice makes eye contact with Gray, who runs away. Less than a minute later Gray surrenders to Miller and Nero in the 1700 block of Presbury Street. The officers handcuff Gray and places him face down. Gray requests an inhaler, and says he cannot breathe, but does not receive one. Miller and Nero put Gray in a seated position and find a folding knife, and charge him with illegal possession of a switchblade knife. The officers then place Gray down on his stomach and restrain him until the police van arrived. Miller’s report:
The defendant was apprehended in the 1700 block of Presbury St. after a brief foot chase. This office noticed a knife clipped to the inside of his front right pants pocket. The defendant was arrested without force or incident. The knife was recovered by this officer and found to be a spring-assisted, one hand-operated knife. During transport to Western District via wagon transport the defendant suffered a medical emergency and was immediately transported to shock trauma via media.
Sues mother
The actress sues her mother and one-time manager for stealing money earned when she starred on The O.C. Barton also alleges that her mother kicked her out of the home purchased with her money. Lawsuit:
While Barton was busy perfecting her craft and turning her acting dreams into reality, her mother, defendant Nuala Barton, was secretly scheming to exploit Barton’s burgeoning career for her benefit.
Will not be charged
After a two-week probe, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office will not prosecute Weinstein in the alleged “casting couch” groping of Battilana in his Tribeca office. DA spokesperson:.
This case was taken seriously from the outset, with a thorough investigation conducted by our Sex Crimes Unit. After analyzing the available evidence, including multiple interviews with both parties, a criminal charge is not supported.
Weinstein spokesperson:
We are pleased this episode is behind us.
Gaza door siezed
The painted door that was sold for $175 has been seized by Gaza police. Khaled:
The policemen took the door away and they told me it would be held in accordance with a court order because there was a lawsuit against me. I am the true owner of the door now, and I will seek to establish this in court.
Darduna’s lawyer, said he was seeking to “return the door to its true owner”.
Guilty on all 17 death penalty counts
The seven woman, five man Federal jury finds Tsarnaev guilty of all 17 counts that carry the death penalty. There are 30 counts in all: Twelve relate to the two pressure-cooker bombs used at the marathon. Three other charges dealt with conspiracy; another three covered the fatal shooting of Sean Collier. The final 12 apply to the time after Collier’s murder, including a carjacking, robbery and use of improvised explosives. The defense had argued that while Dzohkhar was involved, he was manipulated by his older brother, Tamerlan.
As Federal Judge O’Toole reads the verdict Tsarnaev stands emotionless with his hands folded, looking down at the defense table. The jury will now decide whether Tsarnaev receives a life sentence or the death penalty.
Fires lawyer
Knight complains to judge about being confined to a wheelchair before firing his lawyer, David Kenner. Knight doesn’t give a reason for wanting to replace Kenner. Judge Ronald Coen asks Knight if he wants to fire his lawyer. Knight replies:
Kenner is fired.
Settles LAX scuffle lawsuit
West settles lawsuit with photographer Daniel Ramos over LAX scuffle. Ramos’ attorney, Allred, doesn’t reveal the terms of the settlement, but says the agreement includes West apologizing to Ramos. Allred:
We believe that this case sent an important message. Celebrities are not above the law, and they have no right to physically attack someone simply because they were asked a question.
Slager charged
The video is released to the public and Slager is charged with shooting and killing Scott. If convicted of murder, the officer could face life in prison, or he could be sentenced to the death penalty. Slager is booked into the county’s detention center and is being held without bail.
Plea deal
Van Winkle agrees to a plea deal over grand theft charges. In pre-trial intervention deal, the rapper agrees to pay $1,333 in restitution to Lantana neighbor and perform 100 hours of community service with Habitat for Humanity. Defense lawyer Bradford Cohen says Van Winkle must acknowledge he is guilty of the crime, but will have no criminal record upon completing the terms of the agreement.
I’m glad to have this behind me and move forward to do positive things.
Shooting ruled homicide
Orleans Parish Coroner Jeffrey Rouse rules police shooting of Glover outside a police substation in an Algiers strip mall days after Hurricane Katrina a “homicide”, instead of “undetermined”. Rouse bases the classification on a review of all available evidence and a review of court transcripts:
Having received additional information, it became very clear to me that the appropriate classification was homicide. That is simply from a medical standpoint, and simply means a death was caused by the intentional actions of another person. It is not a legal finding of manslaughter or justifiable or murder or anything of that nature.
Glover’s aunt Rebecca Glover declares,
It is a homicide. It always was a homicide.
Indicted on corruption charges
Menendez is charged with using his office to benefit an eye doctor, who is also a political donor. Menendez is also charged with conspiracy to commit bribery and wire fraud. He admitted that he flew on the doctor’s private plane to the Dominican Republic without paying for the trips, only later making reimbursements.
Arrested
Dixon is arrested and charged with resisting an officer without violence to his person after he was pulled over and for traffic violations while he was riding a motor scooter. Dixon was going down the middle of the road between the northbound and southbound lanes and swerved in front of a vehicle. Officers said he was belligerent and antagonistic. Dixon was released on $1,000 bail.
You’re seriously going to give me a ticket for that? I’m making a U-turn!..You’re just doing this because I’m a black man with dreads and I look like a criminal. I’m not a criminal!
Suspended without pay
The NFL suspends Farmer for the first four games of the 2015 season for sending texts to personnel during games, which violates the NFL’s electronic device policy. The Browns are also fined $250,000. NFL:
There was no evidence in the NFL’s review that Browns ownership or any other team executives had knowledge of the prohibited conduct. Once the violation was discovered, Browns management implemented new processes to ensure future compliance.
Farmer:
I respect the league’s decision and understand that there are consequences for my actions. Accountability is integral to what we are trying to build, and as a leader, I need to set the right example. I made a mistake and apologize to Jimmy Haslam, [coach] Mike Pettine, our entire organization and our fans for the ramifications. Learning is a big part of who I am, and I will certainly be better from this situation.