Mistrial Declared in 50-Year-Old Cold Case of Special Sheriff’s Deputy’s Murder: Jury Deadlocked

ROCKVILLE, Maryland – A mistrial was declared on Wednesday evening in the case of a 1971 killing of a special sheriff’s deputy, as the jury remained deadlocked after more than two days of deliberation. The trial involved the alleged murder of Montgomery County Deputy James Tappen Hall. According to an anonymous juror, several individuals on the jury did not believe that the state had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. One or two jurors were reportedly convinced that they could never convict 71-year-old Larry David Smith in the death of Deputy Hall. Hall’s daughter, … Read more

Judge Allows Lawsuit Against Former Sheriff’s Deputy in Parkland School Massacre to Proceed

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A judge has ruled that a lawsuit filed by families of the victims of the Parkland school massacre can proceed against former sheriff’s deputy Scot Peterson, who failed to intervene during the attack. Circuit Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips denied Peterson’s motion to dismiss the case before trial, stating that a jury should determine whether Peterson showed a “wanton and willful disregard” for the safety of the students and teachers during the six-minute shooting. Although Peterson was acquitted of criminal charges last year, the standard of proof is lower in a civil lawsuit. … Read more

California Sheriffs Fire Back: New Gun Law Called Out as ‘Ineffective’ and ‘Gun Grab’ by Law Enforcement

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Amidst a wave of new laws taking effect this year, the California state government is focused on implementing gun regulations aimed at securing a safer future. However, Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood argues that one of these laws is attempting to fix a non-existent problem. In an interview with Eyewitness News, Sheriff Youngblood expressed his skepticism about the effectiveness of Senate Bill 2 in reducing violent crime. The existing law prohibits the public carrying of firearms and seeks to restrict individuals with concealed carry permits from bringing weapons into sensitive locations like … Read more

Grafton County Sheriff’s Department Investigates Controversial Case Involving Former Lebanon Cop

Lebanon, New Hampshire – A judge has ruled that the threats made by a former Lebanon police officer against his ex-girlfriend do not qualify as criminal behavior. The decision was made by Judge Richard Smolenski of the Grafton County Sheriff’s Department. The case involved the ex-girlfriend’s allegations that the officer had made threatening statements during a heated argument. However, Judge Smolenski determined that the statements, although inappropriate and offensive, did not meet the legal threshold for criminal charges. The judge’s ruling highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement and the legal system in addressing cases … Read more