Tennessee Woman Awarded Over $20 Million in Wrongful Death Lawsuit: Federal Jury Finds Shooter 100% Responsible for Harris County Homicide

COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Tennessee woman has been awarded more than $20 million in a wrongful death case by a federal court jury in Columbus. The civil case was filed in relation to the 2019 homicide of George Hale Bickerstaff III in Harris County. Michael Neely shot and killed Bickerstaff outside his home, but he was never criminally charged, citing self-defense. Bickerstaff’s daughter, Necole Vazquez-Klecha, filed a wrongful death suit against Neely and Bickerstaff’s younger sister, Elizabeth Ann Bickerstaff. The jury found Neely, Elizabeth Ann Bickerstaff’s common law husband, 100 percent responsible for George Bickerstaff’s … Read more

Sexual Assault Case Update: Defense Lawyers Reviewing Evidence and Question Police Handling

London, Ontario – Lawyers representing five members of Canada’s 2018 world juniors team appeared in court for the first time last Monday to face sexual assault charges related to an incident that occurred in June 2018. The next court hearing is scheduled for April 30, leaving a 12-week gap between appearances. Legal experts and defense attorneys have provided their insights on what to expect in the proceedings and have also commented on the recent public statement made by the London Police Service. Sam Goldstein, a criminal defense attorney based in Toronto with experience in sexual … Read more

Belmont County Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Devastating Childhood Rape

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio—A 70-year-old man from St. Clairsville, Ohio, was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Monday for the rape of a young girl throughout her entire childhood. Michael May had pleaded guilty to one count of rape back in January. The judge presiding over the case, Chris Berhalter, had some strong words for May during the sentencing hearing. While on the surface May appeared to be an active member of his church with no criminal record, Judge Berhalter described him as a monster who took advantage of a child’s trust for his own … Read more

Former Student Sues North Carolina Wilderness Camp Over Sexual Assault Allegations and Neglect

LAKE TOXAWAY, North Carolina – A former student of a wilderness camp in North Carolina has filed a lawsuit against the program, alleging that staff members ignored her claims of sexual assault and failed to provide basic necessities during her time there in 2016. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, accuses Trails Carolina of creating an environment where troubled children are sexually assaulted and of neglecting to provide adequate care and shelter for the children in their custody. This comes just days after the death of … Read more