Death

Judge Dismisses Manslaughter Charge in NYC Subway Chokehold Death Case; Lesser Charge Remains

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New York, NY — In a notable decision, a New York judge has dismissed the manslaughter charge against Daniel Penny, who was accused of causing the death of Jordan Neely by choking him on an uptown F train in May 2023. Although cleared of manslaughter, Penny will still face trial for criminally negligent homicide, a charge carrying a potential maximum sentence of four years in prison. The case, which stems from a confrontation on a subway where Penny, a former Marine, held Neely, a schizophrenic former Michael Jackson impersonator, in a chokehold for about six … Read more

Jury Awards $4 Million in Wrongful Death Case of Air Force Cadet, Family Seeks Federal Probe into Police Investigation Missteps

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ORLANDO, Fla. — A federal court jury has awarded $4 million to the family of Alex Bello-Ortiz, an Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University student and Air Force cadet, in a verdict that contradicted initial findings by local police that his 2020 death was a suicide. The family’s assertion, supported by evidence, suggested that Bello-Ortiz was fatally shot by his roommate following an altercation. Maria Lourdes Ortiz, Alex’s mother, expressed relief following the civil court’s decision. “I know the police department is supposed to do their job, but they did not do justice for my son. Thank God … Read more

$310 Million Awarded in Landmark Case After Tragic Death of Teen on Orlando Thrill Ride

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Orlando, Fla. — A Florida jury awarded $310 million in a wrongful death lawsuit to the family of an adolescent who tragically lost his life after being flung from an amusement ride in Orlando, marking one of the most substantial judgments in similar cases. Tire Sampson, a 14-year-old from Missouri, died last year when he fell from the 400-foot FreeFall ride at ICON Park. The incident drew national attention because Sampson was visiting the amusement park while on vacation. The ride, which was said to be one of the tallest of its kind, has since … Read more

Florida Inmate Pleads Guilty to Sending Death Threats to Judge and Prosecutor

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Jacksonville, Florida – A 27-year-old Florida inmate has admitted to sending threatening letters from prison targeting a prosecutor and a judge who were involved in his prior convictions for violent crimes. Taylor Ryan Hill, a resident of Jacksonville, entered a guilty plea to charges of mailing threatening communications, which could see him face up to five years in federal prison. The court has yet to schedule a sentencing date. Hill was incarcerated at Hardee Correctional Institution in Bowling Green, Florida, on Feb. 12, 2024, when authorities report he sent a menacing letter to an Assistant … Read more