For the third time this month, a sex offender is apparently murdered in prison

Other deaths in article posted separately

5-29-2012 California:

An inmate was found dead in his cell Tuesday at California State Prison-Los Angeles County. The death is being treated as a homicide and the inmate's cellmate, Aaron Alvarez, 42, is a suspect. Alvarez, serving a life sentence for first degree murder, was placed in administrative segregation while the case is investigated by prison officials and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

The victim's name has not been released, as his family has not yet been notified of his death. According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the deceased inmate had been in prison since November 30, 1999 for aggravated sexual assault of a child in San Diego County.

Sex offenders are known targets of other inmates in prison. And this death is at least the third such apparent homicide of a sex offender in a California prison this month and at least the sixth this year. ..Source.. by CDCR Today

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Suspected Inmate Homicide at California State Prison-Los Angeles County

5-29-2012:

LANCASTER-- Officials at California State Prison- Los Angeles County are investigating the death of an inmate as a homicide after he was found unresponsive in his cell Tuesday morning.

The inmate, whose name is being withheld pending notification of his next of kin, was pronounced dead at the institution at 1:18 a.m.

Prison officials have named his cellmate Aaron Alvarez, 42, as the suspect in the case. Alvarez has been placed in the administrative segregation unit pending the investigation.

The victim was received by California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) on November 30, 1999 from San Diego County. He was serving a life sentence for aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Inmate Alvarez was received by CDCR on July 11, 2008 from Kern County. He was serving a life sentence for first-degree murder.

The case is under investigation by the institution’s Investigative Services Unit and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Additionally, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has been notified.

LAC provides educational, vocational, re-entry and self-help programs that provide inmates life skills and work skills that can be used in support of their efforts at reintegration into society. The facility has a unique Progressive Programming Facility developed specifically to provide a program, free from disruptive behavior, in which personal and CDCR goals can be more readily achieved.

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North County child molester killed in prison cell, authorities say

6-1-2012:

An Oceanside man was found dead earlier this week in his cell at a state prison facility in Lancaster, where he was serving a life sentence for aggravated sexual assault of his 1-year-old stepdaughter, according to authorities and news reports.

The man, who was identified Thursday as Francisco Javier Aguilar, 36, was found dead at about 1 a.m. Tuesday, according to a media advisory released later Tuesday by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Authorities named Aguilar's cellmate, Aaron Alvarez, 42, as the suspect in Aguilar's death, according to the advisory. Alvarez is serving a life sentence for murder.

The Los Angeles County coroner's office had not released the cause and manner of Aguilar's death Thursday evening.

Aguilar was arrested July 1, 1998, after he called 911 to report that his 1-year-old stepdaughter was "wigging out," according to a July 3, 1998, article in the North County Times. Authorities found the girl bruised and injured in a way that suggested sexual trauma.

Authorities said Aguilar, then 22 and living in Oceanside, had been baby-sitting the girl while her mother was at work, according to the article.

The county of San Diego turned Aguilar over to the prison system on Nov. 30, 1999, according to prison officials. ..Source..

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Dead Lancaster inmate had cable around neck; cellmate is a suspect

6-14-2012:

A man serving a life sentence for murder is suspected of killing his cellmate, who was found dead with a cable wrapped around his neck early Tuesday at a state prison in Lancaster, officials said.

The victim, a 36-year-old man whose name has not been released yet, was pronounced dead about 1:18 a.m. after being found unresponsive in his bunk, according to a news release from California State Prison, Los Angeles County.

His cellmate, Aaron Alvarez, 42, is suspected in the killing and was placed in isolation in the prison’s administrative segregation unit, officials said.

Alvarez is serving a life sentence for first-degree murder on a Kern County conviction.

The slain inmate had been in prison since 1999 and was serving a life sentence for sexual assault of a child in San Diego County, prison officials said.

The death is being investigated by prison staff and detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

It marks the second time in the last six months that an inmate at the Antelope Valley prison has been accused of killing a cellmate.

In December, guards found an inmate dead in his bunk after his cellmate passed them a note at breakfast alerting them to the body.

After investigators saw "something suspicious" on the body, the cellmate became the chief suspect.

Officials said Tuesday the December homicide is still under investigation. ..Source.. by Kim Christensen

Inmate Death at California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison in Corcoran Being Investigated as a Homicide

2-1-2012 California:

CORCORAN-- Officials at the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison in Corcoran (CSATF/SP) are investigating an inmate death as a homicide.

Michael Benjamin Burch, 67, was found unresponsive in his cell Tuesday, January 31. He was pronounced deceased by prison medical officials and transported to the King’s County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy. The Coroner’s Office ruled the death a homicide Tuesday evening.

Officials from the prison and the Kings County District Attorney’s Office have named Burch’s cellmate, inmate Robert Vargas Salas, 54, as the suspect in the case. Inmate Salas has been placed in the administrative segregation unit while the investigation continues.

Burch was received from Los Angeles County on February 3, 2011, and was serving a 675-year sentence for lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14, oral copulation with a child under 14, and rape with force/violence.

Salas was received on August 10, 1977, from Ventura County. He is serving a life-term for first-degree murder.

CSATF/SP is a multi-mission institution that houses 5,981 inmates and employs more than 1,800 people. Opened in 1997, the institution houses minimum-, medium-, and maximum-security male inmates and provides substance-abuse treatment programs, academic and vocational education, and re-entry and self-help programs to prepare inmates for their reintegration into society. ..Source.. by CDCR Today

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Second man murdered at Corcoran prison

CORCORAN — Less than two weeks after an inmate assault left a man brain-dead at Corcoran’s Substance Abuse Treatment Facility, another murder investigation is under way within the facility’s walls.

Michael Benjamin Burch, 67, was found dead in his cell Tuesday after allegedly being beaten and strangled by his cellmate. The Whittier man was serving a 675-year sentence for violently raping an underage girl, officials said.

His body was sent to the Kings County Coroner’s Office, where it was determined that Burch suffered a heart attack as a result of his injuries. Deputy Coroner Tom Edmonds said he died within minutes.

Now Burch’s cellmate, 54-year-old Robert Vargas Salas, has been placed in administrative segregation in connection with the crime. Officials say Salas was transferred to the facility in 1977 and is currently serving a life sentence for first-degree murder.

It is not clear what motivated the attack. The case is under joint investigation by the Kings County District Attorney’s Office and the SATF Investigative Services Unit.

This marks the second homicide to hit the facility in the last two weeks.

The first claimed the life of Jeffrey Lynn Goodwin, who was declared brain-dead after being assaulted on the recreation yard. The 43-year-old apparently suffered a massive blow to the head and died from complications due to intracerebral bleeding, investigators said.

Two inmates — Chevalier Mills, 47, and Charles Morris, 41 — were named in connection with the murder. Few details have been released in the case because both men were placed in administrative segregation.

Authorities said at the time that Mills was serving a 70-year term for first-degree burglary and sexual penetration of a victim with a foreign object by force or fear. Morris had been sentenced to life in prison for second-degree murder, attempted murder, possession of a firearm by an ex-felon and second-degree robbery.

Both homicide cases remain under investigation. ..Source.. by Joe Johnson

Inmate Death at Folsom State Prison Under Investigation

2-27-2012 California:

Law enforcement officials are investigating a homicide that occurred Saturday in a medium-security Unit at Folsom State Prison. (FSP)

Inmate Richard Allen Leonard died after being assaulted with a slashing-type weapon. Responding staff began life-saving procedures before he was pronounced dead at 8:01 a.m. February 25, 2012, in Folsom State Prison.

Leonard, 44, was received from Orange County on September, 2, 1998, and was serving a 25-years-to-life term for aggravated sexual assault on a child.

His death is being investigated as a homicide by FSP Investigative Services Unit (ISU) and Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office investigators. The Office of the Inspector General’s Bureau of Independent Review was notified of the incident.

There is no suspect at this time. Folsom State Prison has been placed on a modified program pending further investigation.

Folsom State Prison is a medium-security facility that houses more than 3,100 inmates and employs nearly 1,000 people. FSP opened on July 26, 1880, and is the second-oldest state prison in California. ..Source.. by CDCR Today

INMATE DEATH BEING INVESTIGATED AS HOMICIDE AT HIGH DESERT STATE PRISON

5-29-2012 California:

Susanville – High Desert State Prison (HDSP) investigators are investigating the death of an inmate as a homicide.

The inmate was found unresponsive in his cell on May 26, 2012, at approximately 5 am. He was pronounced deceased at 5:57 a.m.

The deceased inmate, 53, was serving his third term, and was committed from Los Angeles County on July 17, 1987. He was received at HDSP on April 15, 2010, and was serving a 137-year, plus two life terms, sentences for numerous counts of sexual battery, kidnapping, rape, oral copulation with force and violence resulting in great bodily injury, and assault with a deadly weapon. The inmate’s name is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.

The deceased inmate’s cellmate has been identified as the primary suspect in the death, and has been placed in the Administrative Segregation Unit pending investigation into the incident. The suspect, 38, is a first term inmate received from Sacramento County on February 2, 2011. He was received at HDSP on May 2, 2012, and is serving a life without parole sentence for first-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon. The inmate’s name is being withheld at this time pending investigation.

The case is under investigation by the HDSP Investigative Services Unit. The Office of the Inspector General’s Bureau of Independent Review was notified.

HDSP houses 3,900 minimum-, medium- and maximum-custody inmates. Opened in 1995, the Lassen County institution provides academic classes and vocational instruction and employs more than 1,600 people. ..Source.. by CDCR Today

UPDATE Deputies: Suspect Admitted to Pope County Killing

5-22-2012 Arkansas:

A murder suspect admitted to deputies he pulled the trigger, all because he believed the murder victim had molested his five-year-old daughter.

Andrew James Cody appeared before a judge for the first time Monday, charged with first degree murder.

Deputies say he told them he waited for 65 year-old Lee Britton in Britton's home off Shadow Lane in London in Pope County and then shot him once in the head.

Cody's supporters believe his actions were justified.

"He did me a favor, my little girl could have been the next victim," said Heather Shrives-Dornan.

Before a judge, a deputy recounted his interview with Cody just hours after the murder.

"He stated he went into the residence to confront Mr. Britton about molesting his daughter," said deputy Sgt. Stephen Pack.

Pope County Sheriff Aaron Duvall confirmed to KARK, Thursday they received allegations Lee Britton sexually abused a child.

But deputies say Friday, Cody put trash bags over his shoes to conceal evidence and put one shot into Britton's head.

"There's nothing I can say," Cody said in court, regarding his bond.

He was handed a half million dollar bond.

But outside the courtroom, his supporters were very vocal, saying they don't blame Cody one bit.

"I wish more daddies would stand up for their children like this, they should," said supporter Tara Laffoon.

Supporters of Lee Britton declined an on-camera interview, but soon, began a shouting match, calling out to Cody's supporters to prove the allegations of sexual abuse.

Deputies forced the crowd to break it up.

But people say as the case proceeds in court, they'll be back.

"This is what daddies have to do," Laffoon said.

While Cody's wife was originally arrested for being an accomplice to murder, the prosecutor says he won't be pursuing charges on her for now.

As of 4:00 p.m. Monday, Cody had not yet posted bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for July. ..Source.. by Lauren Trager, KARK 4 News

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Sheriff's office received complaint on slain man

5-25-2012 Arkansas:

Pope County Sheriff Aaron DuVall confirmed Thursday the Pope County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) received a report late last week that a 65-year-old man who was killed Friday for allegedly molesting his accused murderer’s daughter had committed inappropriate acts with a child.

Fifth Judicial District Prosecutor David Gibbons said the initial complaint against Britton is being investigated further, but he and DuVall were unable to comment further, citing the ongoing investigation.

While Andrew James Cody, 26, has not yet been formally charged with first-degree murder, he admitted to killing Lee Britton in his home with a shotgun to police, according to testimony given by PCSO Investigator Stephen Pack at Cody’s bond hearing Monday.

Cody was arrested Friday about 30 minutes after PCSO received a report of a shotgun blast at a home on Shadow Lane, about two miles northwest of London. PCSO responded to Britton’s residence at 12:58 p.m. Friday and found Britton’s body in the kitchen. An investigation led police to believe Britton was killed by a shotgun blast to the head, according to Pack’s testimony.

Pack said Cody was arrested about two miles from the crime scene on U.S. Highway 64 approximately 30 minutes after Britton’s body was found. Pack said Cody was arrested and upon being interviewed, initially denied involvement in Britton’s death, but eventually changed his story and admitted to the charges.

Pack said Cody stated he entered Britton’s home with plastic bags wrapped around his feet and a long-sleeve shirt on “to cut down on blood splatter.” Cody waited inside the residence for Britton to return home, at which time he confronted the man.

“Once he came in, he confronted him with the shotgun and stated that he got pretty irritated and shot him in the head,” Pack said.

Pack said Cody admitted to shooting Britton in the left side of the head and then fled, dumping the plastic bags and his shirt in a nearby creek bed. Pack said Cody then hid the shotgun, and upon arrest, showed police where the gun was stored.

Pack said Cody stated he went inside the residence to confront Britton about molesting his daughter.

Britton’s body was turned over to Pope County Coroner Leonard Krout Friday to be transported to the Arkansas Medical Examiner’s office in Little Rock.

Cody was issued a $500,000 bond Monday by District Judge Don Bourne. He posted his bond and was released from police custody Tuesday evening.

Sheena Lakay Cody, 25, was arrested with Andrew Cody Friday on accomplice charges, but her charges were dropped by Monday morning

A Freedom of Information request to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) for Britton’s criminal history was not immediately returned Thursday; however, Britton’s name was not featured on several online sex offender registry websites. ..Source.. by Preston Tolliver

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Trial begins for father accused of killing suspected child molester

6-17-2013:

RUSSELLVILLE (KATV) - Opening statements began Monday in the Pope County trial of a father accused of killing the man suspected of molesting his child.

Andrew Cody is accused of killing 65-year-old Lee Britton of London in May 2012. Cody told investigators he believed Britton had sexually abused his 5-year-old daughter.

A handful of people turned out to make their support for Cody clear on the first day of the trial.

Security is reportedly extremely high because of the sensitive and volatile nature of the trial. ..Source.. by KATV.com

Virginia Police Shoot, Kill Child Porn Suspect

5-20-2012 Virginia:

Man refused to surrender, threatened police with a sword

Fairfax County Police are investigating an incident that ended in officers shooting and killing a man wanted on child porn charges Saturday night.

Investigators say the shooting occurred inside an apartment on Backlick Road in Springfield. Police were informed that the suspect, who has not been identified, was hiding in a bedroom.

Police say the man was wanted on three felony counts of producing child pornography, three felony counts of possessing or reproducing child pornography with intent to distribute, and one misdemeanor count of consensual sexual intercourse with a minor. Police had encountered the suspect the previous night, but he allegedly escaped on foot after giving the officers false identification.

With felony counts of resisting arrest and identity theft added to his rap sheet, the suspect refused to surrender when encountered by police Saturday night. Instead, officers say he threatened them with a sword.

After making repeated demands for the man to surrender, officers fired both live ammunition and bean-bag rounds, fatally wounding the suspect, who was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The investigation into the case is ongoing. ..Source.. by 4NBC.com

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Child porn suspect killed by police in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Va. - A child pornography suspect was shot and killed by police Saturday night after evading officers and then threatening them with a sword.

Fairfax County police say the man had eluded them Friday night by using false identification, and then escaped after a brief foot chase.

Officers re-encountered the suspect Saturday night while searching an apartment in the 5700 block of Backlick Road because of a report of a wanted person in a bedroom.

Police say the suspect refused to comply and threatened officers with a sword. Police fired both less-lethal bean bag rounds and real bullets at the suspect. He was transported to a hospital where he died a short time later.

Police say the man, whose name is not being released, had seven outstanding warrants for child pornography, and sex with a minor as well as resisting arrest and identity theft.

The officer involved is on routine administrative leave while the case is investigated. ..Source.. by Hank Silverberg, wtop.com

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FXCO police shoot child porn suspect

5-20-2012:

A Fairfax County police officer shot and killed a suspect involved in child pornography May 19 at the Chelsea Square apartment complex on Backlick Road in North Springfield.

The following information is from the Fairfax County Police Department: The suspect had seven outstanding warrants: Three felony counts of producing child pornography, three felony counts of possessing or reproducing child pornography with the intent to distribute, and a misdemeanor warrant for consensual sexual intercourse with a minor.

Police officers from the Franconia police station encountered the suspect Friday night, but he ran away after giving false identification. As a result, two additional warrants were issued for resisting arrest and identity theft.

Patrol officers and a K9 team were called to the apartment at around 11:08 p.m. Saturday night after receiving a report that a wanted person was hiding in a bedroom. When the suspect failed to comply with their commands and threatened them with a sword, the officers fired at him using both bean bag rounds and lethal rounds. The suspect fell to the ground, and officers provided medical aid and performed CPR. The suspect was transported to the hospital and died a short time later.

One officer has been placed on administrative leave while the case is being investigated.

Update: The police identified the deceased man May 21 as Gray Alan Combs Jr., age 22, of no fixed address. ..Source.. by Annandaleva VA

Sheriff: Dead motel robber was going to rape clerk

7-25-2011 South Carolina:

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - A man is dead after the motel clerk he tried to sexually assault and rob early Monday morning fought back and killed him, deputies said.

Investigators say 43-year-old Vincent Carson of Orangeburg entered Days Inn motel at 133 Plumbers Rd. near I-20 and North Main St. sometime before 6:00 a.m.

As the female clerk went into the breakfast room to prepare breakfast, she found Carson waiting inside. The victim said Carson held a knife to her throat and said "this is a robbery."

Investigators said when her attacker slipped the knife into his pants pocket to begin tying her up with plastic ties, the woman pulled a handgun from under her shirt, turned and fired into the man's chest at point blank range.

The victim was about 100 pounds lighter than Carson and stood at least a foot shorter than him, investigators said.

When deputies got to the scene just after 6:00 a.m., they found the suspect unresponsive on the floor. Richland County Coroner Gary Watts said Carson died from a single gunshot to the chest.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said Carson's intent was not only to rob the motel, but also to rape the clerk. "There's no doubt that was his intent," said Lott. "Not only was he going to rob her, but he was going to sexually assault her. Now what was he going to do after that assault was over with, we don't know."

The clerk was not injured, but was taken to Palmetto Baptist Hospital as a precaution.

The suspect was wanted in at least one other motel robbery in the Midlands. The Orangeburg County Sheriff's Department was looking for Carson in connection with a July 14 robbery at the Hampton Inn on US Highway 601.

In that incident, deputies said Carson broke into the room of two elderly tourists and took their money, their cell phone and their vehicle.

Lott said that this was an unfortunate situation in which the victim feared for her life and defended herself.

Lott said the clerk had been victimized in one of two recent robberies at the same Days Inn and had gotten permission from her employer to carry a .22 caliber gun. The suspect in both of those incidents was identified as 22-year-old David Wesley Watson.

Watson is also believed to be the man who shot and killed Papa John's Pizza store manager Steven Fowler in June.

"Citizens need to be aware of their surroundings," the sheriff said. "If you see or hear anything that may be out of place or suspicious in nature, it's always best to use your better judgment and call law enforcement."

No charges have been filed. ..Source.. by Jack Kuenzie

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Man sought, woman arrested in hotel robbery

7-20-2011:

A woman has been arrested and a man is being sought in connection with the armed robbery of two tourists at Orangeburg's Hampton Inn.

Jessica Dawn Brown, 22, of 322 Ferncliffe Road, Elgin, has been arrested on charges of armed robbery, first-degree burglary and kidnapping.

Officials are still seeking 43-year-old Vincent Lee Carson of 1324 Saint Ann St., Orangeburg. He is also wanted on charges of armed robbery, kidnapping and first-degree burglary.

"It is important that the public provide any information to locate Carson as soon as possible. He is to be considered armed and dangerous," Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said.

Deputies say an 82-year-old man and his 74-year-old wife were at the St. Matthews Road hotel last week when a gunman forced his way into their first-floor room.

The man demanded their cash and vehicle at gunpoint, the couple said. Warrants allege Carson held them against their will before taking about $750 in cash, a cell phone and a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox.

Deputies called OnStar, which informed them the vehicle was stationary at a Foxberry Court residence less than two miles away. After deputies located the unoccupied Chevrolet, a witness told them the driver got into a Kia with a female.

Warrants allege deputies found a cell phone and car keys at a Seif Road residence that Brown and Carson share. ..Source.. by T&D Staff

Apartment Manager Found Dead In National City

5-15-2012 California:

Tenant Called Police After Finding Body

NATIONAL CITY, Calif. -- The manager of a small apartment complex in National City -- a man said to have been a child molester -- was found dead early Tuesday on his door step, with multiple signs of trauma to his upper body, police said.

A tenant of the complex in the 300 block of Norton Avenue told investigators he was walking by and found the victim about 1 a.m., according to National City police.

10News reports the man was found naked with multiple injuries to his upper body.

The victim's 1998 Chevy Suburban was missing, National City police Lt. Jose Tellez told reporters. He described the vehicle as possibly silver, with a California license plate No. 4ANE923.

Police withheld the victim's name, describing him only as being "middle-aged."

Neighbors told 10News the victim was a registered sex offender, picking out the man's photo on the Megan's Law website. Police did not immediately confirm the report.

Megan's Law shows a 54-year-old registered sex offender lives at 319 Norton Ave. According to the website, the man committed a lewd or lascivious act with a child under 14.

The suspect is considered armed and dangerous.

At this time, police do not have a motive for the murder. ..Source.. by 10News.com

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Slain man found naked in doorway of apartment

5-15-2012:

NATIONAL CITY — Police are investigating the stabbing death of a man who was found lying naked in the doorway of his National City apartment early Tuesday.

The apartment belongs to a registered sex offender, Enrique Atilano, 53, but police have not said if he was the slaying victim.

A tenant at the four-unit complex on Norton Avenue off East Fourth Street discovered the body about 1 a.m., said police Lt. Jose Tellez.

The man, who tenants said had been managing the building for the past few weeks, had multiple stab wounds to his upper back and was lying face down in a pool of blood, Tellez said.

Atilano’s 1998 Chevy Suburban was missing from the apartment. It was located in Paradise Hills about 1:30 p.m. on Dissinger Avenue near Kausman Street, Tellez said.

The SUV had been set on fire. Witnesses reported seeing two men hurriedly leaving the vehicle and getting into a white truck, Tellez said.

No further description of the truck nor the men has been released.

Tellez said there were signs of a struggle inside the National City apartment where the victim was found along with bloody clothes and a knife that may have been the murder weapon. Blood was found in every room and smeared on some walls.

Detectives were going door to door in the neighborhood, a mix of single-family homes and apartments, and talking to residents.

About mid-morning, a Toyota sedan was towed away from the apartment.

A woman believed to be the victim’s girlfriend arrived at the apartment just before 7 a.m. and ran past officers and under the yellow police tape to the apartment. Visibly distraught, she was escorted back outside by officers and taken to the police station to be questioned.

Tellez said police had no suspect information and no motive for the killing.

Atilano is listed on the Megan’s Law website as having been convicted of lewd and lascivious acts on a child under the age of 14. No other information about him was immediately available.

Police have tentatively identified the man who was killed, but his name was being withheld until family could be notified. ..Source.. by Debbi Baker

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Man Accused of Killing Sex Offender Roommate Due in Court

5-29-2012:

CHULA VISTA (CNS) - A National City man accused of stabbing his sex offender roommate to death is scheduled to be arraigned at the South Bay Courthouse Monday.

Joel Gutierrez, 28, is charged with murder in the death of 53-year-old Enrique Atilano, who was convicted of lewd and lascivious acts on a child under 14.

A passerby found a wounded Atilano on his door step in the 300 block of Norton Avenue around 1 a.m. May 15, according to National City police. Medics pronounced him dead at the scene.

Atilano and Gutierrez shared a unit in a four-unit apartment complex, police said. Gutierrez was arrested the next day. The motive for the slaying was unclear. ..Source.. by SanDiego6.com

Prostitute gets 10 years for 'degrading' killing of Sydney teacher

5-11-2012 Australia:

A 24-year-old male prostitute who subjected a respected Sydney high school teacher to a "cruel and degrading death" by binding and gagging him and leaving him to die, has been sentenced to 10 years' jail.

A Supreme Court judge said Yutian Li had demonstrated a "complete lack of humanity toward a fellow human being" when he killed Ian Craigie in his inner city flat in September 2009.

Mr Craigie, 63, a retired barrister who taught Classical Greek at St Ignatius' College, Riverview, was reported missing on September 21 when he failed to turn up to school.

He was found dead in his Glebe flat three days later.

Li pleaded guilty to manslaughter, one count of armed robbery and eight counts of obtaining money by deception.

Justice Christine Adamson said the two men had sex on a regular basis at the Glebe flat after meeting at a Granville brothel.

Li admitted that one morning in late September, he bound Mr Craigie's hands, feet, mouth and thighs with packing tape, stole his bank card and car, left the unit and did not return.

"The manner of restraint was cruel and degrading," Justice Adamson said.

"The offender went to considerable effort to disable and silence the deceased. He was aware that there was a good chance no one would find the deceased before he died."

Li later claimed that he did not call triple-0 because his English wasn't good enough and that he believed that the 63-year-old would be able to free himself or call for help.

He proceeded to use the dead man's keycard to withdraw $1000 a day - the maximum allowed - for the next week, until he was apprehended.

"His failure to ring triple-0 shows his complete lack of humanity towards another human being who he had exploited and ultimately killed for his own gain," Justice Adamson said.

Mr Craigie's body was so decomposed that it was hard for the coroner to determine the exact cause of death, but it was believed to be a combination of asphyxiation and dehydration.

In accepting Li's manslaughter plea, the prosecution in the case accepted that he did not intend to kill Mr Craigie. However, Justice Adamson found that he "must have had some idea that the deceased would not survive".

She rejected Li's claim that, after initially paying the young man for sex, Mr Craigie then tried to blackmail him by threatening to send naked pictures to the media if Li did not continue the relationship.

Instead, she found that the 24-year-old had been motivated by greed.

"The speed with which the offender accessed the bank accounts of the deceased is inconsistent with fear and anxiety."

"It bespeaks the calculated implementation of a preconceived plan."

Justice Adamson sentenced Li to a maximum of 10 years in prison, with a minimum non-parole period of eight and a half years. With time served, he will be eligible for parole in March 2018.

Outside court, Mr Craigie's close friend Scott McCallum said he had expected a longer sentence given the gravity of the offence. ..Source.. by Paul Bibby

Dad pleads guilty in beating death of suspected molester

Posted in Related Deaths

10-4-2006 Delaware:

A man pleaded guilty Wednesday to criminally negligent homicide for beating to death [4-17-2006] a 77-year-old man he believed had molested his young daughter. Robert Fontanez Jr., 27, had faced the more serious charge of second-degree murder in the April death of Bismark Vasquez before agreeing to the plea. He faces up to five years in prison at sentencing, expected early next year.

According to police, Fontanez became enraged when his 5-year-old daughter told him that Vasquez had touched her inappropriately. He went to Vasquez's home and punched him so hard that the older man went through the back door, police said. Investigators said Fontanez continued to beat Vasquez as he lay bleeding on the concrete outside. Vasquez died in a hospital three days later.

Police detective Scott Chaffin said there was no physical evidence to support the molestation allegation, though he said the child's comments to police were consistent with what she had told her mother. In a similar case in Fairfield, Connecticut, a man was charged with stabbing to death a 58-year-old neighbor in August whom he had suspected of molesting his 2-year-old daughter. ..more.. by Associated Press

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9 Months for Killing Molestation Suspect

1-5-2007 Delaware:

WILMINGTON, Del. -- A man was sentenced to nine months in prison Friday for beating to death a 77-year-old man he believed had molested his 5-year-old daughter.

Robert Fontanez Jr. pleaded guilty last year to killing Bismark Vasquez. Police have said that although there was no physical evidence to support his daughter's allegations that Vasquez had fondled her, the account she gave police was consistent with what she had told her family.

In April, an infuriated Fontanez punched Vasquez so hard that Vasquez went through the back door of his home. Fontanez punched him several more times as he lay bleeding on the concrete outside, police said.

Fontanez, 27, of Elsmere, had been charged with second-degree murder but pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide.

Superior Judge Joseph Slights III sentenced Fontanez to far less than the maximum five years, telling him, "The circumstances surrounding this crime were taken into consideration by the state" and the court. ..more.. by The Associated Press

Inquest begins into hanging death of child sex assaulter at Saskatchewan prison

5-7-2012 Canada:

SASKATOON - A makeshift noose and a suicide note were found in the Saskatoon cell of man who was awaiting sentencing for child sexual assault.

That's what Sgt. Rob Cleveland told an inquest Monday into the death of 27-year-old Travis Parenteau at the Saskatoon Provincial Correctional Centre in June 2010.

The inquiry's goal is to determine when, where and how Parenteau died and recommend how it could be prevented in the future.

Cleveland photographed the cell where Parenteau's body was found the day before Parenteau was to be sentenced for sexually assaulting a child.

The six jurors will be able to question the 10 witnesses, corrections workers, police officers and health professionals.

Also in court are Parenteau's mother and two sisters, who have been granted standing status at the inquiry, which means they are able to cross examine the witnesses. ..Source.. by The Canadian Press

Father Accused of Shooting Son in Gaithersburg

5-6-2012 Maryland:

55-year-old Wayne Price admitted to shooting his son, Matthew

Police in Gaithersburg have identified the father who shot and killed his son, a convicted sex offender, Saturday night.

Authorities say that 55-year-old Wayne Matthew Price has been charged with first-degree murder after he admitted to shooting and killing his 23-year-old son, Matthew Eugene Price, at around 8:45 p.m. Saturday evening following an altercation between the two.

When police arrived at the scene, they found Matthew Price lying on the pavement in front of the apartment building in the 7900 block of Spiceberry Circle, suffering from a gunshot wound in his chest.

The younger Price was later pronounced dead at the scene after attempts were made to resuscitate him. Wayne Price was arrested at the scene after being questioned by police.

Matthew Price is listed in the Maryland Sex Offender Registry, which notes a 2009 conviction in New Jersey for forcible sexual contact with a minor. According to the registry's notation, the offense took place when Price was 19 and the victim was "14 or 15 years old."

The elder Price is scheduled to appear at 1:00 p.m. Monday in Rockville District Court for a bond review. ..Source.. by Joe Piraneo

Santa Barbara County Child Molester Killed in Prison

5-3-2012 California:

A homicide investigation is underway at Corcoran Prison after a convicted child molester from Santa Maria was murdered in his cell.

Prison officials say 67-year-old Gary Townsend Boyd was found unresponsive in his cell Saturday with a head injury. Another inmate is now sequestered, accused of killing him.

The Santa Maria man was serving a 72-year sentence for molesting a 4-year-old girl over a long period. At the time of that crime, Boyd was a registered sex offender convicted of sexually assaulting another child in 1984.

Boyd was living on N. Miller St. at the time of his arrest, nearly five years ago. ..Source.. by Beth Farnsworth

Man was beaten before his throat was cut, Paso Robles police say

5-1-2012 California:

Search warrant from slaying is revealed in court papers; victim’s death reportedly was revenge for alleged sexual assaults

Inside a hotel room in Paso Robles last summer, police found a dead man, lying face down on a bed, in a pool of blood. His throat was slashed, his chest and stomach were cut, and the left side of his face was crushed.

A conspiracy to beat the man and take his drugs apparently turned deadly when two members of a group returned after an assault on him and one of them allegedly sliced the man’s throat.

Four people suspected of the crime allegedly talked on the night of the attack about how the victim — 55-year-old Robert Kenichi Uyeno — had reportedly locked women up in his bedroom and raped them.

The Paso Robles Police Department cited the allegations in a search warrant filed in April in San Luis Obispo Superior Court. Police sought permission from a judge to obtain “buccal swabs” of the inner cheeks of each suspect to determine if the DNA samples match physical evidence and clothing they believe was used in the crime.

Three people — 33-year-old Alfonso “Pancho” Fierros, 30-year-old Tabatha Brown, 29-year-old Jennifer Velten — have pleaded not guilty to murder.

John Wesley Barrett, 42, was found mentally incompetent to stand trial and his case has been suspended, according to his attorney, Gael Mueller.

The warrant cites statements from female and male witnesses (who weren’t part of the criminal case) and two defendants, saying the four accused gathered at the Wine Country Inn in Paso Robles on the night of Aug. 21, where they consumed alcohol, heroin and methamphetamines.

They talked about how Uyeno had raped children and how wrong that was, the warrant states, though no specifics were noted about those claims. Uyeno doesn’t have a local criminal record of any sex crime.

A female witness told police that the suspects talked about how Uyeno had locked women in his bedroom, including Velten and Brown, and raped them, the warrant states.

A male witness also spoke with Brown, who said that Velten had complained that Uyeno hadn’t paid Velten for sex she performed, which led to their discussion about the claims of Uyeno’s history of sexual abuse.

The female witness told police the group became increasingly angry and she started to worry about what they’d do to Uyeno, urging them not to do anything because he was her friend.

The female witness eventually went back to her motel room because the group continued to speak badly of Uyeno, she told police.

Police described a conspiracy among the group that night to set up Uyeno and attack him.

The initial alleged plan was to beat up Uyeno and steal his drugs. Velten sent a text message to Uyeno saying she wanted to party with him in his room at the Farmhouse Motel in Paso Robles. Police later found a meth pipe and syringes at the scene.

The others then waited for a text by Velten from the room before Fierros and Barrett went to the motel while Brown waited in a truck. Inside the room, Barrett held Uyeno while Fierros pummeled him in the face and stomach with his fists for about two minutes, according to Barrett.

After the assault, Velten stole lotto tickets and methamphetamines, but Barrett told police he “did not steal anything because he did not like thieves,” according to the report, which paraphrases Barrett’s statements.

Barrett told police Uyeno’s pulse was strong and he was breathing when the group left to return to their motel. But Velten and Fierros returned to Uyeno’s motel room after Velten said she forgot her purse, Barrett told police.

When Velten and Fierros returned, Barrett told police he heard one of them say Fierros sliced the man’s throat.

Brown told police that Fierros later told her, after the incident, “now you know what kind of man I am.”

Defense attorneys representing the accused declined to comment about the case.

Velten’s attorney, Patrick Fisher, referred to it as an “ugly and unfortunate” case.

Fierros, Brown and Velten are scheduled to return to court May 17 for further proceedings. ..Source.. by Nick Wilson

Mississippi investigator killed serving warrant on pedophile

Posted in Related Deaths

5-1-2012 Mississippi:

PEARL, Miss. — A police investigator was killed Tuesday in a shootout with a suspect, officials said.

Senior Investigator Mike Walters was shot in the head as he and other detectives tried to serve warrants on a suspect wanted for sexual battery.

Upon entering an apartment in Pearl, police located a man hiding in a bathtub who began to resist arrest, according to The Officer Down Memorial Page.

Officers used a TASER against the subject, who opened fire on the officers and struck Walters in the face. Another officer returned fire and killed the man.

A helicopter airlifted Walters and two other injured officers to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, but Walters was declared dead, The Clarion Ledger reports.

Paying tribute to the fallen officer, Mayor Brad Rogers told a news conference,"It's a job most of us probably wouldn't do."

The two officers injured in the incident are reportedly in stable condition. ..Source.. by PoliceOne Staff

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Slain officer may be 1st in Pearl killed in line of duty

A slain officer is the first from Pearl Police Department to die in the line of duty since the town’s incorporation in 1973, said Chief Ben Schuler.

Investigator Mike Walter, 32, was killed by a gunman who holed up in a bathroom while police served a search warrant for sexual assault and molestation.

The suspect, Carnell Gaines, 30, did not answer the door when police knocked, so they had an apartment complex manager open his door. As they searched the apartment, they came across him in the bathroom.

When Gaines would not show his hands, an officer went for his taser, and Gaines opened fire, killing Walter, a father, husband, and former professional baseball player.

Walter is from San Diego, Calif., according to a release put out by Pearl spokesman Lt. Butch Townsend. He played professional baseball for the Houston Astros from 1993-2000.

Friends of the family said he met his wife, Jeanne, while he was playing baseball, and moved back to Mississippi so she could be closer to home.

The Walters have an 11-year old daughter, Bailey.

He was hired by Pearl in February 2009 as a patrol officer, and moved up quickly to the position of investigator, Townsend said.

“Mike was a beacon of sunshine,” said Townsend in the release. “No words can express our feelings of loss at this time.”

The other officers injured in the shooting were Investigator Dave McCarley, who was shot in the hand and the leg, and Shaun Terwilliger, who received injuries to his forearm that were not gun-related.

McCarley’s injuries are serious, but Townsend said he should make a full recovery with surgery.

“One of the bad parts about our business is the fact that it must go on,” Townsend wrote. “The thin blue line cannot be allowed to be broken. Now we face that task without our brother Mike by our side. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. A good man was lost today.” ..Source.. by The Clarion-Ledger

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2 Officers shot in Pearl; Officer, Suspect Killed

A Pearl police officer was shot and killed today at the Colony Park Apartments in Pearl. Another officer was also shot and a 3rd injured. The suspect, 30-year-old Carnell Gaines Jr., was also shot and killed.

Rankin County District Attorney Michael Guest identified the slain officer as Investigator Mike Walter. He was shot in the head.

University of Mississippi Medical Center spokesman Jack Mazurak said the slain officer died at 11:56 a.m.

Mazurak said the two other officers were in good condition.

Michael Guest confirms that Officer Dave McCarley was shot in the leg and hand and transported by ambulance to UMC. His injuries do not appear to be life threatening. Officer Shawn Terwilliger was injured at the scene but not from gunfire. He also is being treated at UMC.

According to officials, just after 11 a.m. several officers attempted to serve a search warrant and an arrest warrant on 30-year-old Carnell Gaines Jr., who lived in Building 24 at the apartment complex.

When no one answered the door, police got the apartment manager to open the unit. While searching, officers discovered Gaines hiding in the bathtub of a rear bedroom and bath.

Officers reported that Gaines was uncooperative and was about to be tazed when Gaines drew a weapon and began firing. The officers returned fire.

Two officers were shot and another injured during the shootout. Gaines was shot and killed. One of the shot officers later died at University Medical Center in Jackson. The two other officers are listed in good and fair condition.

A neighbor told Fox 40 News that Gaines lived in the apartment with his girlfriend who was pregnant.

According to police, the arrest warrant was for sexual battery and the search warrant was for child pornography. Gaines also has a drug conviction from 2002.



Lieutenant Butch Townsend released this statement for Pearl Police Department:

Today the Pearl Police Department lost an officer in the line of duty. This is a sad first for our town that was incorporated in 1973.

Our beloved friend and comrade, Investigator Michael J. Walter, known to us simply as Mike, was thirty seven years old. He is survived by his loving wife Jeanne and the absolute light of his life, his daughter Bailey age eleven.

Mike also leaves behind his parents John and Judy Walter in their native San Diego, California.

Besides his family, Mike had three passions: the San Diego Chargers, professional baseball and law enforcement.

Mike played professional baseball for the Houston Astros from 1993 – 2000. Mike was hired by the Pearl Police Department in February of 09 as a patrol officer. His knowledge, intellect and inquiring mind enabled him to move to the position of investigator in rapid time, assuming that position in October of 2010.

Also injured in the same incident today was Investigator Dave McCarley. McCarley was shot in the hand and leg. His wounds are serious with surgery and extensive rehab most likely to be needed. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Investigator Shaun Terwilliger received injuries to his forearm, not fire arm related, and was treated and released.

No words can express our feeling of loss at this time. Mike was a beacon of sunshine. Nothing but kind words for all. Seldom did a smile leave his face and his smiles were never bigger than when he would speak of his wife and daughter. We loved him as much he loved them.

One of the bad parts about our business is the fact that it must go on. The thin blue line cannot be allowed to be broken. Now we face that task without our brother Mike by our side. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. A good man was lost today. We’ll keep you posted on the arrangements, which are incomplete as of this time. Mike’s picture is attached. Note the Chargers logo. Thank you for thinking about us. ..Source.. by Fox40.com

Jamaica man accused of rape beaten to death by mob

4-28-2012 Jamaica:

(Jamaica Gleaner) A man accused of being a rapist was beaten and stabbed to death by an angry mob in Half-Way Tree, St Andrew, yesterday.

He has been identified as 27-year-old Michael McKenzie of Maryland District, also in St Andrew.

The Half-Way Tree Police reports that shortly after 6 p.m. McKenzie was at the Clock Tower Plaza when he was attacked by a group of about 20 men armed with knives and batons.

He was beaten and stabbed repeatedly before the police were alerted.

When the police arrived, McKenzie was found suffering from multiple stab wounds and was rushed to the Kingston Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead. ..Source.. by Stabroek editor