A gunman killed three people in their Philadelphia-area homes and then barricaded himself in a house in New Jersey’s capital city, authorities said, in a string of violence that spread fear among the suburbs and prompted a major police response spanning two states.
The mayhem forced the cancellation of a St. Patrick’s Day parade and shut down a Sesame Street-themed amusement park. Authorities in Pennsylvania’s Bucks County issued a shelter-in-place order for some areas for several hours.
The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Andre Gordon Jr., killed his stepmother, his teenage sister and the mother of his children in shootings that stretched into two homes in eastern Pennsylvania’s Falls Township in the morning, Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn said.
Officials said they couldn’t yet speak to a motive for the attacks. While Gordon had had some minor brushes with the law, they were “nothing that would indicate that anything like this would happen,” Falls Township Police Chief Nelson Whitney said at a news conference
Police said Gordon was believed to be homeless. It was unclear whether he had an attorney or anyone else who could comment on his behalf.
A Georgia judge ruled that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis should not be disqualified from prosecuting the racketeering case against former President Donald Trump and several co-defendants — with one major condition.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee found the “appearance of impropriety” brought about by Willis’ romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade should result in either Willis and her office leaving the case — or just Wade, whom she’d appointed to head the case.
Within hours of the decision, Willis’ office confirmed Wade had resigned and she had accepted his resignation. The choice was likely an easy one: If Willis were to remove herself, the case would come to a halt, but having Wade leave will ensure the case continues without further delay. In his letter, Wade said “I am offering my resignation in the interest of democracy, in dedication to the American public, and to move this case forward as quickly as possible.”
Trump attorney Steve Sadow said in a statement that, “While respecting the Court’s decision, we believe that the Court did not afford appropriate significance to the prosecutorial misconduct of Willis and Wade.”
“We will use all legal options available as we continue to fight to end this case, which should never have been brought in the first place,” he added.
Willis’s office did not immediately comment on the ruling.
The judge found there was no “actual conflict” brought about by the relationship, a finding that would have required Willis to be disqualified. “Without sufficient evidence that the District Attorney acquired a personal stake in the prosecution, or that her financial arrangements had any impact on the case, the Defendants’ claims of an actual conflict must be denied,” the judge wrote.
“This finding is by no means an indication that the Court condones this tremendous lapse in judgment or the unprofessional manner of the District Attorney’s testimony during the evidentiary hearing. Rather, it is the undersigned’s opinion that Georgia law does not permit the finding of an actual conflict for simply making bad choices — even repeatedly — and it is the trial court’s duty to confine itself to the relevant issues and applicable law properly brought before it,” he added.
The judge did, however, also find “the prosecution is encumbered by an appearance of impropriety.
“As the case moves forward, reasonable members of the public could easily be left to wonder whether the financial exchanges have continued resulting in some form of benefit to the District Attorney, or even whether the romantic relationship has resumed,” he wrote. “As long as Wade remains on the case, this unnecessary perception will persist.”
McAfee also suggested he was skeptical about Willis and Wade’s testimony that they did not start dating until after he was appointed to the case. He said “reasonable questions about whether the District Attorney and her hand-selected lead SADA (Special Assistant District Attorney) testified untruthfully about the timing of their relationship further underpin the finding of an appearance of impropriety and the need to make proportional efforts to cure it.”
The decision is a partial victory for Willis and leaves open the possibility the case could be tried before the 2024 presidential election. Had Willis been disqualified outright, the case would have had to go to a different prosecutor, who would be tasked with catching up on a case that Willis spent over two years building.
The ruling by McAfee comes after a lawyer for one of Trump’s co-defendants in the election interference case, former Trump White House and campaign staffer Michael Roman, filed a motion for Willis to be disqualified and the criminal case to be dismissed because of her allegedly “improper” personal relationship with Wade.
That attorney, Ashleigh Merchant, said, “While we believe the court should have disqualified Willis’ office entirely, this opinion is a vindication that everything put forth by the defense was true, accurate and relevant to the issues surrounding our clients’ right to a fair trial. The judge clearly agreed with the defense that the actions of Willis are a result of her poor judgment and that there is a risk to the future of this case if she doesn’t quickly work to cure her conflict.
Roman’s filing alleged Willis skirted the rules to appoint Wade, and that she benefited financially from his appointment, which has earned his office over $600,000 to date. He also claimed they were romantically before Wade’s appointment.
Willis and Wade later acknowledged they’d been in a relationship, but maintained it began after he was appointed special prosecutor in November 2021.
The judge signed off on an evidentiary hearing on Roman’s claims last month and warned, “Disqualification can occur if evidence is produced demonstrating an actual conflict or the appearance of one.”
In an extraordinary hearing that stretched over three days during a two-week period, Willis and Wade both took the stand and testified that they’d dated for a little over a year after he was appointed, and that she did not profit from his work. They both said while Wade would sometimes charge plane tickets for Willis to his credit card, she’d repay him with cash or by picking up other bills.
In his ruling, McAfee questioned Willis’ judgment.
“Even if the romantic relationship began after SADA Wade’s initial contract in November 2021, the District Attorney chose to continue supervising and paying Wade while maintaining such a relationship. She further allowed the regular and loose exchange of money between them without any exact or verifiable measure of reconciliation. This lack of a confirmed financial split creates the possibility and appearance that the District Attorney benefited — albeit non-materially — from a contract whose award lay solely within her purview and policing,” he wrote.
He also questioned some of Wade’s testimony about why he had claimed he hadn’t been in a romantic relationship with anyone else in a court filing in his ongoing divorce case. “Wade’s patently unpersuasive explanation for the inaccurate interrogatories he submitted in his pending divorce indicates a willingness on his part to wrongly conceal his relationship with the District Attorney,” McAfee wrote.
Lawyers for Roman had brought in two witnesses to back their claims about the timing of Willis and Wade’s relationship, including a former friend of Willis’ named Robin Yeartie and Wade’s former law partner and divorce lawyer, Terrence Bradley.
The judge found while Yeartie’s testimony “raised doubts about the State’s assertions, it ultimately lacked context and detail.” As for Bradley, who Roman lawyer Ashleigh Merchant has said was the source of their misconduct claims, the judge said he was “unable to place any stock” in his testimony.
“His inconsistencies, demeanor, and generally non-responsive answers left far too brittle a foundation upon which to build any conclusions,” the judge wrote.
Bradley had told Merchant in a text message that Wade and Willis’ relationship had “absolutely” started before Wade’s appointment, but testified on the witness stand he’d just been speculating.
The judge said “neither side was able to conclusively establish by a preponderance of the evidence when the relationship evolved into a romantic one,” but “an odor of mendacity remains.”
He also criticized a speech Willis delivered at Big Bethel AME Church in mid-January, after Roman had filed his disqualification motion. In the speech, she criticized an unnamed “they” who were “attacking” the lone Black special prosecutor she’d appointed to the case — Wade, who she did not name either.
Willis “ascribed the effort as motivated by ‘playing the race card.’ She went on to frequently refer to SADA Wade as the ‘black man’ while her other unchallenged SADAs were labeled ‘one white woman’ and ‘one white man.’ The effect of this speech was to cast racial aspersions at an indicted Defendant’s decision to file this pretrial motion,” McAfee wrote.
Attorneys for Roman and Trump had argued the comments were made to taint the potential jury pool for the case, and were also grounds for disqualification.
McAfee said he “cannot find that this speech crossed the line to the point where the Defendants have been denied the opportunity for a fundamentally fair trial, or that it requires the District Attorney’s disqualification. But it was still legally improper. Providing this type of public comment creates dangerous waters for the District Attorney to wade further into.
Both Trump and Roman have pleaded not guilty in the case, which alleges they conspired with others to overturn the election results in the state.
Aaron Donald spent 10 years flattening quarterbacks, crushing ball-carriers, fighting through perpetual double-teams and generally wrecking NFL offenses. He was relentless, reliable and infinitely resourceful while he led the Los Angeles Rams all the way to a Super Bowl championship.
And on Friday, Donald decided a decade of dominance was enough.
The most accomplished defensive lineman of his generation has retired after a stellar 10-year career.
The three-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year made his somewhat surprising announcement on social media. He doesn’t plan to have a retirement news conference or any public farewell, but his impact on the Rams and the NFL is already indelible.
The 32-year-old Donald spent his entire career with the Rams, who drafted him in the first round in 2014 out of Pitt. The Pittsburgh native was selected for 10 Pro Bowls and eight All-Pro first teams, and he won the award as the league’s top defensive player in 2017, 2018 and 2020.
“Throughout my career, I have given my everything to football both mentally and physically — 365 days a year was dedicated to becoming the best possible player I could be,” Donald said in a statement. “I respected this game like no other, and I’m blessed to be able to conclude my NFL career with the same franchise that drafted me. Not many people get drafted to a team, win a world championship with that team and retire with that team. I do not, and will not, take that for granted.”
Nestled in the embrace of the cerulean waters of the Mediterranean lies Crete, the largest of the Greek islands and a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. From ancient ruins to pristine beaches, and vibrant cities to quaint villages, Crete offers an unparalleled experience for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation, adventure, and exploration. Here’s your ultimate guide to unlocking the charm of Crete and crafting a memorable vacation on this enchanting island.
Embrace History and Culture:
Visit Knossos Palace: Step back in time to the Minoan civilization by exploring the ruins of Knossos Palace, Europe’s oldest city. Marvel at the intricate frescoes, labyrinthine corridors, and mythical tales that echo through the ages.
Discover Chania Old Town: Lose yourself in the winding alleyways of Chania’s Venetian harbor. Admire the elegant architecture, browse through boutique shops, and savor traditional Cretan cuisine at charming tavernas.
Explore Heraklion: Immerse yourself in the bustling capital city of Crete. Wander through the vibrant streets, visit the Archaeological Museum to see artifacts from Minoan civilization, and don’t miss the imposing Koules Fortress guarding the harbor.
Bask in Natural Splendor:
Relax on Beaches: Crete boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the Mediterranean. From the pink sands of Elafonissi to the secluded coves of Balos, each beach offers a unique slice of paradise. Spend your days soaking up the sun, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and unwinding on the sandy shores.
Hike the Samaria Gorge: Lace up your hiking boots and embark on an adventure through the breathtaking Samaria Gorge. Trek along rugged trails, marvel at towering cliffs, and encounter diverse flora and fauna in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Discover Natural Wonders: From the dramatic landscapes of the White Mountains to the idyllic shores of Lake Kournas, Crete is a haven for nature lovers. Explore enchanting caves, traverse lush valleys, and marvel at majestic waterfalls for an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Indulge in Culinary Delights:
Taste Authentic Cuisine: Delight your taste buds with the flavors of Crete’s rich culinary heritage. Sample traditional dishes like dakos (rusk salad), moussaka, and fresh seafood prepared with locally sourced ingredients and aromatic herbs.
Visit Local Markets: Experience the vibrant colors and aromas of Crete’s markets. Wander through stalls brimming with ripe fruits, fragrant spices, and artisanal products. Engage with local vendors, learn about traditional cooking techniques, and stock up on souvenirs to savor the taste of Crete long after your vacation ends.
Practical Tips for a Seamless Experience:
Choose Accommodation Wisely: Whether you prefer luxury resorts, boutique hotels, or cozy guesthouses, Crete offers accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. Consider staying in traditional villages for an authentic experience or beachfront properties for easy access to the sea.
Rent a Car: Explore Crete at your own pace by renting a car. This allows you to venture off the beaten path, discover hidden gems, and access remote beaches and mountain villages that are not easily reachable by public transportation.
Respect Local Customs: Embrace the warm hospitality of the Cretan people by respecting their customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, greet locals with a friendly “Yassas,” and take the time to learn a few basic phrases in Greek to show appreciation for their culture.
Crete is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that captures the heart and soul of Greece. Whether you’re drawn to its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, or mouthwatering cuisine, Crete offers something for every traveler. So pack your bags, embark on a journey of discovery, and unlock the charm of this captivating island paradise. Your perfect vacation awaits in Crete.
Mr Trump and his co-defendants had tried to get Fani Willis disqualified, saying her relationship with Nathan Wade – whom she hired – had compromised the integrity of the case.
The judge disagreed – but said it did create an “appearance of impropriety”.
He said either Ms Willis or Mr Wade should leave the case to resolve that.
In his ruling, Judge McAfee said Ms Willis had committed a “tremendous lapse in judgement” by engaging in an affair with Mr Wade, and also called her testimony last month “unprofessional”.
Mr Trump and the 18 others are being prosecuted in Georgia for conspiracy to overturn the state’s 2020 election results – which they deny.
But they accused Ms Willis – who is leading the prosecution – of misconduct, for having a romantic relationship with Mr Wade, a lawyer she hired on the case.
They alleged there was a financial conflict of interest, saying the couple used the money paid to Mr Wade to fund luxury trips together.
But Ms Willis and Mr Wade denied this – saying there was no financial benefits, for example they split the cost of their holidays together.
Judge Scott McAfee ruled there was not enough evidence there had been a conflict of interest – but he found there had been an “appearance of impropriety”, and there was a “need to make proportional efforts to cure it” before the case can continue.
The Georgia election interference case is one of four criminal cases Mr Trump faces, that both sides of the political aisle are watching closely ahead of November’s presidential election.
But some of the cases have faced delays. His New York case over alleged hush money payments to a porn star was due to begin in March, but it may now be pushed back after prosecutors agreed to a request from Mr Trump’s lawyers to delay it. A hearing is scheduled for 25 March to consider the requested 30-day extension.
In Florida, where Mr Trump is facing charges for his alleged mishandling of classified documents, both sides also say the trial will need to be postponed – although a judge denied Mr Trump’s motion to dismiss the case outright.
In his 23-page ruling on Friday, Mr McAfee presented Ms Willis with two options: to step down, along with her team, and have the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council take the case over, or have Mr Wade step down and allow “the public to move forward without his presence or remuneration distracting from and potentially compromising the merits of this case”.
“[A]n outsider could reasonably think that the district attorney is not exercising her independent professional judgment totally free of any compromising influences,” Mr McAfee wrote. “As long as Wade remains on the case, this unnecessary perception will persist.”
Mr Trump’s lead lawyer on the Georgia case released a statement on Friday, saying: “While respecting the court’s decision, we believe that the court did not afford appropriate significance to the prosecutorial misconduct of Willis and Wade.
“We will use all legal options available as we continue to fight to end this case, which should never have been brought in the first place.”
Mr Trump and his co-defendants could appeal the judge’s ruling and further delay the proceedings.
The former president criticised judge McAfee’s decision in a fundraising email sent by his campaign team, saying it was “not enough” to remove Mr Wade and calling the case a “rigged witch hunt
According to Adrienne Jones, an assistant political science professor at Morehouse College in Atlanta, delaying the case was exactly what Mr Trump and his co-defendants had hoped for.
“They will ride that out as long as possible,” she said.
Ms Jones characterised the judge’s decision as effectively a win-win for both Ms Willis and Mr Trump. The district attorney has the option to stay on the career-defining case, she said, and Mr Trump might not face trial before he is possibly elected president where he could then have more sway over the proceedings.
However, Ms Jones said the judge’s “gratuitous comments” about Ms Willis’s behaviour could harm the case by undercutting her credibility.
“The judge is commenting on the quality of her professionalism, and that is an erosion of reputation,” Ms Jones said.
To the question of whether this could have an effect on a potential jury, Ms Jones said: “Absolutely. Everybody here is likely to be influenced by the news coverage of the judge’s decision. It’s not like people are ignorant of what’s happening.”
The case has not yet been scheduled for a trial.
Earlier this year, Fulton County District Attorney Ms Willis – who brought the case – admitted she had a romantic relationship with Mr Wade, but said it had no bearing on the case.
Ms Willis fiercely denied those allegations from the witness stand during a days-long evidentiary hearing before Judge McAfee.
Visibly upset, she held up papers presented to her by the defence and shouted: “It’s a lie!”
Her fiery testimony drew scrutiny from legal experts and also from Judge McAfee who, in his decision released on Friday, described her testimony as “unprofessional”.
The hearing laid bare multiple intimate details about Ms Willis’s private life, including that she kept large sums of cash in her home, some of which she said she used to pay for overseas trips she took with Mr Wade.
She said their romantic relationship began in early 2022, after she hired Mr Wade in 2021. They stopped dating in August 2023, she said, after a “tough conversation”, although they are now “very good friends”.
But testimony from Ms Willis’s former friend Robin Yearte disputed that timeline. Ms Yearte said she believed the two lawyers began dating in 2019, when she saw them hugging and kissing.
The details of the romance came forth after one of Mr Trump’s co-defendants, Michael Roman, filed a motion accusing Ms Willis of engaging in an “improper, clandestine personal relationship” with Mr Wade.
Separately earlier this week, Judge McAfee threw out some of the criminal charges against Mr Trump and the other defendants.
He found six counts in the 41-count indictment lacked detail – although he said they could be refiled at a later date.
A Florida woman tried to sell her 18-month-old daughter for $500 and then left her on the street when she couldn’t find any buyers, police said.
Jessica Woods, 33, was arrested and charged with child neglect and abandonment, selling or surrendering minor for property or money, and three counts of child abuse after the incident that unfolded outside a business in Palatka.
Woods was loitering around the business with her daughter on March 5, the Palatka Police Department said.
She had been around the area for a few days.
An employee of the unidentified business asked Woods if she needed assistance. Woods refused any help but offered to sell the child, police said.
“When the citizen refused to purchase the child, Woods walked away, leaving her daughter behind,” a police statement said.
The employee took the child to the police department and told officers what allegedly happened. The girl was handed over to the Department of Children and Families and has since been placed in foster care.
Woods was arrested and is being held on $255,000 bail at the Putnam County jail, according to jail records.
a Florida plastic surgeon finds himself embroiled in a legal battle after a mother of five allegedly died following a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery. The case sheds light on the risks associated with cosmetic procedures and raises concerns about the safety protocols within the cosmetic surgery industry.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and garnered significant attention, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death. According to reports, the victim, a mother of five, underwent a BBL surgery performed by a Florida plastic surgeon. However, shortly after the procedure, she experienced complications and subsequently passed away.
The lawsuit filed against the plastic surgeon accuses him of negligence and wrongful death, alleging that he failed to provide adequate care and adhere to proper medical standards during the surgery. The family of the deceased woman seeks justice and accountability for the loss of their loved one, hoping to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The case highlights the inherent risks associated with cosmetic surgeries, particularly procedures like the Brazilian Butt Lift, which involves fat transfer to enhance the shape and size of the buttocks. Despite its growing popularity, the BBL surgery has been linked to a higher rate of complications and fatalities compared to other cosmetic procedures.
One of the primary concerns surrounding BBL surgeries is the risk of fat embolism, a potentially life-threatening condition where fat enters the bloodstream and blocks blood flow to vital organs. This complication can lead to severe respiratory distress, cardiac arrest, and death if not promptly addressed.
In recent years, there has been growing scrutiny over the safety of BBL surgeries, prompting regulatory bodies and medical organizations to issue warnings and guidelines to minimize risks. However, incidents like the one involving the Florida plastic surgeon underscore the need for stricter regulations, enhanced oversight, and improved safety measures within the cosmetic surgery industry.
While many plastic surgeons are highly skilled and prioritize patient safety, cases of medical malpractice and negligence underscore the importance of thorough research and due diligence when considering cosmetic procedures. Patients must carefully vet their surgeons, inquire about their qualifications, experience, and safety protocols, and ensure that they undergo surgery in accredited facilities equipped to handle emergencies.
Additionally, patients should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of cosmetic surgeries and be aware of the potential risks and complications involved. Open communication between patients and surgeons is essential to ensure informed decision-making and minimize the likelihood of adverse events.
As the legal proceedings unfold in the case of the Florida plastic surgeon sued after the death of a mother of five following a BBL surgery, it serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of prioritizing patient safety above all else in the pursuit of aesthetic enhancements. Authorities must take decisive action to hold accountable those responsible for medical negligence and prevent future tragedies from occurring. Ultimately, the goal should be to foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and patient-centered care within the cosmetic surgery industry to protect the well-being of all individuals seeking elective procedures.
A Florida mother who was reported missing last week was found trapped inside a shipping container, police said.
Marlene Lopez, 52, was last seen Monday at her home on Lucerne Drive, according to a press release from the Cocoa Police Department. A co-worker, concerned about her well-being, called the police after Lopez failed to pick up her son.
Detectives investigated “known locations,” interviewed family members and issued a missing-person bulletin.
During the investigation, detectives were notified that the woman had been found trapped in a shipping container next to a business at 2005 N. Cocoa Blvd.
Lopez had been banging on the shipping container door when someone heard her and unlocked the door.
She said she did not know how she ended up in the container. The circumstances are under investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Cocoa Police Department at 321-639-7620.
Police are investigating after three people were found shot to death in two overnight crime scenes in a neighborhood near Dallas Love Field. Police also say they have learned of some type of criminal activity that was taking place but haven’t said what they think that might be. The first report of a shooting came in just before midnight in the 7700 block of Harry Hines Boulevard. 911 calls about a truck that hopped a curb and broke a fence brought police to the area. Officers found a pickup truck there with blood inside the vehicle. They began searching for whoever had been in the vehicle and learned a badly injured man had already been taken to the hospital. He later died from his gunshot wounds. Police pulled the registration information on the truck, which led them to a house three blocks away in the 2300 block of Gilford Street. At the home, they found a window that had been shot out and two additional dead men inside the home. Salvador Garcia heard the gunfire and then huddled over his 2-week-old twins. “I remember two different guns, two different sounds,” he recalled. “So I think that was two guns, two different guns.” The bullet holes appeared to come from inside the home. Midday, grief-stricken family members with a growing sadness showed up, including the mother of one of the victims who didn’t want to talk publicly. She said her son lived in the home. They did not know the other two who were killed. “At this time, it appears that these two incidents are related. There is no suspect in custody. We have learned also that there was some sort of criminal activity that was occurring. So this was not a random shooting,” said Kristin Lowman with the Dallas Police Department. “We just want to assure the public right now that there is no apparent danger and detectives right now are working to locate the suspect and learn more about what happened today. Neighbors who did not want to talk on camera also reported hearing gun fire, but they all told the same story of never seeing anything out of the ordinary at or near the home or any kind of activity that might lead to this kind of gun violence. The names of the three men who died have not yet been released
U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested five child sex offenders in five different sectors over the weekend, officials said.
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens said USBP agents in the sectors of Yuma, Tucson, El Paso, Del Rio, and Rio Grande Valley arrested five child sex predators.
Their criminal histories, Owens said, included sexual assault of a person 15 years old and aggravated sexual assault of a child.
Their apprehension has highlighted concerns over some 1.8 million “gotaways” at the southern border since the start of fiscal year 2021. A “gotaway” refers to someone who is seen illegally entering the U.S. and is not apprehended or turned back.
The arrest of five sex predators at the border came as the FBI warned Monday of a “wide array” of dangerous threats coming from the U.S. border, including drug trafficking, violent gangs, and smugglers with ties to ISIS.
Asked by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing to comment on these threats, Wray said there were dangerous individuals entering via the southern border.
“From an FBI perspective, we are seeing a wide array of very dangerous threats that emanate from the border. And that includes everything from drug trafficking – the FBI alone seized enough fentanyl in the last two years to kill 270 million people – that’s just on the fentanyl side,” he said.
