New York Man Convicted of Murder and Assault in Tragic Fourth of July Party Shooting

Garden City, NY — A state jury recently convicted 23-year-old Thomas Massenburg of second-degree murder and additional charges, concluding a trial that spotlighted gang violence stemming from a deadly July 4, 2020, shooting at a house party. The verdict followed five hours of deliberations after the trial, which commenced on September 11 under Judge Howard Sturim. Massenburg, identified by prosecutors as an alleged member of the Mac Baller Bloods gang, was found guilty of attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. According to the district attorney’s office, … Read more

Cheers to the Fourth: How Tennessee Celebrates with Spirits, Safety Measures, and Convenient Laws

Nashville, TN — As Americans gear up for the Fourth of July, festivities are set to include more than just fireworks and barbecues. Retailers expect a noteworthy spike in alcohol sales as millions celebrate Independence Day. In 2023, U.S. consumers spent a whopping $4.02 billion on alcoholic drinks during the month of July, with beers, ciders, and flavored malt beverages leading the charges, according to data compiled by Capital One Shopping Research. This surge includes significant expenditure on diverse alcoholic options; wine purchases reached $656 million while spirits like whiskey and vodka accounted for $900 … Read more

Karen Read Trial Teeters on the Brink of a Mistrial as Jury Deliberations Extend into Fourth Day

Boston, MA — As jury deliberations in the trial of Karen Read extend into their fourth day, speculation grows about the possibility of a hung jury and a consequent mistrial. Read is accused of fatally striking her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, with her SUV in January 2022 and then fleeing the scene. The defense contends that Read was wrongfully implicated in the incident. The case, which emerged from a tragic night after the couple had been bar hopping, has captured significant public and legal interest. Discussions around the likelihood of a mistrial were … Read more

Landmark Ruling: Fourth Circuit Determines Indictment Not Considered a ‘Claim’ Under Lawyer’s Liability Policy

Columbia, MD – In a recent decision, the Fourth Circuit ruled in favor of Wiley’s clients, stating that a federal indictment with a criminal forfeiture allegation does not qualify as a “claim” under a law firm’s professional liability policy. The court argued that a forfeiture allegation does not meet the requirements of a “written demand” as outlined in the policy’s definition of a claim. The case involved an insured attorney who sought coverage for a Department of Justice subpoena and subsequent criminal indictment. The indictment charged the attorney with conspiracy, money laundering, and forfeiture related … Read more