South Carolina Judge Declares Convicted Rapist-Murderer Fit for Execution, Sparking Controversy Over Intellectual Disability Claims

WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Lexington County judge has determined that Gary Terry, who was convicted of rape and murder in 1997, does not have an intellectual disability, which could pave the way for his execution. The ruling marks a significant development in a legal case that has drawn attention due to its implications for capital punishment in South Carolina. According to local reports, Terry’s case could contribute to a troubling trend, potentially making him the seventh individual placed on death row in the state within the past ten months. He was found guilty of … Read more

Family Tragedy: 69-Year-Old Man Convicted of Murdering His Brother Over Property Dispute

GORDON, Ga. — A 69-year-old man was found guilty of murdering his older brother during a family dispute earlier this year. The conviction came after a jury in Wilkinson County deliberated on the case involving Rickey Lee Shinholster, who fatally shot his sibling concerning access to a residence on Farish Wood Road. Authorities shared that the tragic incident unfolded on July 9, 2023. The Ocmulgee District Attorney’s Office reported that the conflict escalated between the brothers, leading to the fatal gunfire. T. Wright Barksdale III, a representative from the District Attorney’s office, described the event … Read more

Jefferson Parish Man Convicted in 2019 Shooting Spree That Claimed Three Lives

JEFFERSON PARISH, La. — A jury has found a Metairie man guilty in a 2019 shooting spree that resulted in the deaths of three individuals. Sean Barrette, 28, was convicted on multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, following a violent incident where he fired at motorists. The shooting occurred when Barrette used a Smith and Wesson .40-caliber semiautomatic pistol, acquired from a local sporting goods store less than a month prior to the incident. Evidence from the crime scenes, including ballistic analysis and recovered bullets, linked him to the attacks. Additionally, authorities found … Read more

63-Year-Old Mexican National Convicted of Murder after Decades-Long Flight from Justice in Ohio Shooting

HAMILTON, Ohio — A jury found Antonio Riano, a 63-year-old Mexican national, guilty of murder on Friday for the 2004 shooting death of Benjamin Becarra. The jury’s decision came less than two hours after deliberations began. Riano, who has been indicted since December 2004, is facing a sentence ranging from 18 years to life in prison, which will include an additional three years for a firearm specification. Sentencing is scheduled for July 14. During closing arguments, the defense sought to have the jury consider a verdict of voluntary manslaughter. However, Butler County Judge Michael Oster … Read more