Southern University Hazing Case Advances: Grand Jury to Review Charges Against Key Suspect in Student’s Tragic Death

BATON ROUGE, La. — A grand jury will review the case of at least one of the three individuals charged with criminal hazing linked to the death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson, according to an attorney representing one of the suspects. Franz Borghardt, representing Isaiah Smith, stated that a bond review hearing for his client in the 19th Judicial District Court went smoothly. Borghardt confirmed that the state intends to bring the case before a grand jury in September. Smith was arrested in March following Wilson’s death and was released on a $25,000 bond … Read more

Chaos in Court: Arraignment of Window-Shattering Suspect Turns Volatile as Judge Calls for Order

BUTTE, Mont. — The arraignment of Michael Dylan O’Keefe took an unexpected turn on Thursday when his initial silence was abruptly replaced by a barrage of statements, causing chaos in the courtroom. O’Keefe, 55, stands accused of intentionally breaking a window at the Emma Park Neighborhood Center on April 17. During the proceedings, District Judge Frank Joseph struggled to maintain order as O’Keefe interrupted him while responding to questions. After asking if O’Keefe could speak, Judge Joseph noted the defendant’s vocal outburst during a moment of legal dialogue, leading to significant overlap where neither party … Read more

Orange County Murder Suspect Disrupts Trial by Strangling Defense Attorney, Facing New Charges Ahead of Retrial

GOSHEN, N.Y. — An Orange County man facing murder charges returned to court on Tuesday, following a dramatic incident that has led to a mistrial. Arthur Thomas is accused of assaulting his own defense attorney during proceedings related to a 2020 stabbing. Thomas was escorted into the courtroom in handcuffs and shackles after the alleged attack on his lawyer led to a halt in the trial on Friday. During this recent hearing, he was assigned a new attorney, Joe Artrip, to take over his defense. The previous attorney, Matthew Witherow, who also serves as a … Read more

Federal Judge Dismisses Excessive Force Lawsuit from Dallas Security Guard Mistaken for Suspect, Sparking Calls for Accountability

Dallas, Texas — A federal judge recently dismissed a lawsuit filed by a former security guard, who claimed that Dallas police officers used excessive force when they mistakenly identified him as a family violence suspect in 2021. U.S. District Judge Karen Gren Scholer ruled that the officers involved were protected by qualified immunity, which shields public officials from legal accountability under certain circumstances. In her 20-page ruling, Scholer determined that officers had probable cause to detain Silvester Hayes, 29, citing his failure to use a turn signal and his alleged resistance to arrest as justifications … Read more