Crime

Progressive California Mayors Rally to Amend Controversial Crime Laws and Address Soaring Drug Use and Theft

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SAN FRANCISCO, California – Progressive mayors in California are supporting a campaign to amend a decades-old state law that critics argue has emboldened criminals. Proposition 47, a law passed in 2014, downgraded penalties for petty theft and drug possession, reclassifying them as misdemeanors. Under the law, even multiple offenses of petty theft below $950 are considered misdemeanors. Additionally, many narcotics possession offenses that were once felonies were converted to misdemeanors. A new ballot initiative called the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act aims to amend Proposition 47. The measure has garnered support from both … Read more

Convicted Murderer’s Daring Escape and Crime Spree: Pennsylvania Prosecutors Move Forward with Charges

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KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. – A district judge in Pennsylvania has determined that there is enough evidence to proceed with escape and other charges against Danilo Cavalcante, a convicted murderer who was captured last year after being on the run for two weeks. The judge’s decision means that the charges, which include burglary, trespassing, and car theft, will be brought to county court for trial. Cavalcante’s escape from the Chester County Prison last August was captured on video, showing him scaling a wall, climbing over razor wire, and jumping from a roof. During the extensive manhunt … Read more

Essex County Investigates Hit-and-Run, Fatal Shooting, and Gas Station Robberies: Weekly Crime Summary

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WEST ORANGE, NJ – Stay updated on the latest news in Essex County. Here are some of the top stories from the week. For more local news, sign up for free Patch email newsletters. Crime and public safety incidents made headlines in Essex County this week. A hit-and-run, a fatal shooting, and several gas station robberies caught the attention of residents. Find out more about these incidents by clicking the link. On the government and politics front, new laws are bringing changes to Essex County. One law aims to level the playing field between homeowners … Read more

Man Found Guilty of Shooting and Paralyzing Ex-Girlfriend in Front of Newborn Baby: Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Delivers Message Against Violent Crime

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CLAY COUNTY, Mo. – A 45-year-old man in Clay County, Missouri, has been found guilty of shooting and paralyzing his ex-girlfriend next to their newborn baby. Lonnell James was convicted by a Clay County jury on charges of first-degree assault, first-degree burglary, and armed criminal action for the incident that occurred in 2020. Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson stated, “The victim fought for her life after being shot by the defendant, and it was our duty to fight for justice for her and all victims of assault.” Thompson added that the jury’s verdict sends a strong … Read more