Murder In The Morning | Daily True Crime News

Sean "Diddy" Combs has filed a request through his attorney to appear unshackled during court proceedings. The motion, submitted late on Monday, Nov. 18, argues that shackling the music mogul creates risks of juror bias and hampers his ability to communicate with his defense team.

“We write on behalf of our client, Mr. Sean Combs, to respectfully request that the Court direct the United States Marshals Service to unshackle Mr. Combs prior to bringing him into the courtroom for tomorrow's hearing and for all future court appearances,” his attorney, Marc Agnifilo, wrote in court documents obtained by PEOPLE.

This request follows Combs’ Oct. 10 court appearance, during which he remained in leg shackles. Agnifilo stated there was “no justification” for such treatment and highlighted concerns that media coverage of his shackling could influence potential jurors.

“Given the press attention on the pretrial proceedings in this case, there is a substantial risk that potential jurors will learn about the shackling through the media and develop such a bias,” Agnifilo argued.

The motion also claims that shackling interferes with Combs’ ability to effectively communicate with his legal counsel, undermining the respectful treatment of defendants.

### Allegations of Jail Violations

The motion comes amidst allegations from prosecutors that Combs violated jail rules. According to documents filed on Friday, Nov. 15, Combs used a "non-authorized third-party messaging service" to communicate with multiple people while incarcerated in Brooklyn. Prosecutors further allege that he enlisted his children to launch a social media campaign tied to his birthday, potentially influencing jurors.

This follows Combs’ unsuccessful bail motion earlier this month. His attorneys proposed a $50 million bail package, arguing that newly surfaced evidence supports his release. The prosecution, however, pointed to Combs’ history of alleged “freak offs” and referenced a March 2016 video, described in the indictment as evidence of assault.

Combs’ defense pushed back, claiming the video showed a consensual relationship, not coercion. “The video is not evidence of a coerced 'freak off,' but rather a minutes-long glimpse into a complex but decade-long consensual relationship between Mr. Combs and Victim 1,” his lawyers stated in the motion.

### Trial Scheduled for May 2025

Facing racketeering and sex trafficking charges, Combs has pleaded not guilty to all allegations. His trial is currently set for May 2025. Meanwhile, the motion to appear unshackled remains a focal point of his defense strategy as the high-profile case continues to draw significant public and media attention.

#Diddy #SeanCombs #LegalBattle #CourtAppearance #RacketeeringCase #JurorBias #MediaCoverage 

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Susan Smith, the South Carolina mother convicted of murdering her two sons in 1994, was denied parole on Wednesday, Nov. 20, after appearing before the South Carolina parole board. The denial comes nearly three decades after Smith drove her car into a lake with her children, Michael (3) and Alex (14 months), strapped inside, a crime that shocked the nation.  

Smith, now 53, appeared via videoconference and addressed the board with remorse. “I know that what I did was horrible,” she said, according to CNN. She added, “I am a Christian and God is a big part of my life and I know he has forgiven me and I know that is by his grace and mercy … And I just ask that you show that same kind of mercy as well.”  

The board rejected her request, citing the severity of her crime.  

On October 25, 1994, Susan, then 23, claimed that a Black man had carjacked her vehicle with her sons still inside, prompting a national search. For nine days, she made tearful public pleas for their safe return. However, the truth unraveled when Susan confessed to letting her car roll into John D. Long Lake, killing her children.  

Prosecutors revealed that Susan’s motive stemmed from her affair with a wealthy man who had ended their relationship because she had children. In 1995, she was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to life in prison.  

Her ex-husband, David Smith, reflected on her actions during an interview with the *Today* show, stating, “I don’t think Susan should ever be granted parole. It wasn’t an accident; she deliberately killed our boys.”  

David also described the lingering anger he felt during the trial. “I used to sit there and look at the back of her head and then look at where the bailiffs were and think about killing her,” he admitted.  

Smith’s time in prison at Leath Correctional Institution in Greenwood, South Carolina, has been marked by disciplinary infractions. She has been punished for self-mutilation, drug use, and unauthorized interviews, among other violations. She was also disciplined for having sexual relationships with two prison staff members, both of whom faced criminal charges.  

In 2015, Smith wrote to a local newspaper in an attempt to defend her character. “I am not the monster society thinks I am. I am far from it,” she claimed.  

Despite these statements, critics, including her ex-husband, believe she has not demonstrated genuine remorse. “I don’t think she’ll ever be rehabilitated,” David told the *Today* show.  

Though he opposes her release, David has spoken about his journey to forgiveness. “Yes, I have forgiven her, but that doesn’t take away what she did. It doesn’t make it easier,” he told Court TV in September.  

David continues to grieve the loss of his sons, holding on to memories of Michael and Alex. A photograph of him holding their picture outside the courthouse after the verdict in 1995 remains a poignant reminder of the tragedy.  

The South Carolina parole board hears dozens of cases each day, but Smith’s high-profile application garnered widespread attention. To secure parole, she needed a two-thirds majority vote from the seven-member panel, which she did not achieve.  

Parole for violent offenders in South Carolina is rare, with only 8% of applicants granted release. If Susan Smith chooses, she may reapply in two years.  

The board’s decision ensures that, for now, Susan Smith will remain behind bars, continuing to serve her life sentence for the murder of her two sons—a crime that still haunts the nation decades later.  

#SusanSmith #TrueCrime #ParoleDenied #ChildMurder #JusticeForMichaelAndAlex #ParoleBoard #CrimeNews

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A Tennessee family is reeling from a tragic incident in which seven of their beloved dogs were shot and killed by a sheriff’s deputy while the family was out for dinner.

Kevin Dismuke and his wife left their McNairy County home for an evening out but returned to devastating news. "She said, ‘Poe is dead,’” Dismuke recalled his wife telling him, referring to one of their dogs. When he got back to their property he found that only one of their dogs had survived. “They were all gone except one,” he said.

The horrifying incident occurred when Deputy Connor Brackin, 24, from the McNairy County Sheriff’s Department, arrived at the property in response to a welfare call concerning the dogs. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Brackin was dispatched to check on reports that the dogs were malnourished and abandoned. However, Dismuke has disputed these claims. “They were told the property was abandoned and the dogs were malnourished,” he explained. “I got the veterinary paperwork in my truck from three weeks ago. They all had a clean bill of health on them.”

A neighbor later informed Dismuke that a deputy had arrived and started shooting. Details from the affidavit of complaint revealed that some of the dogs were inside campers when Brackin began firing. The deputy “loaded his service rifle and pistol and began firing into the campers at the dogs,” the affidavit alleges. Brackin reportedly fired eight times from outside the campers and then multiple times from inside, clearing the area afterward. The TBI has confirmed that the incident was captured on Brackin’s body camera.

On Nov. 12, TBI agents issued warrants for Brackin, charging him with seven counts of aggravated animal cruelty and eight counts of reckless endangerment. The deputy turned himself in and was booked into the McNairy County Jail, but he was released while awaiting further court proceedings. The sheriff’s office later confirmed that Brackin, who had been with the department for less than a month, resigned following the arrest.

Dismuke and his family remain heartbroken over the loss of their pets. “I don’t care if you give me $10 if you give me $10 million," Dismuke said. "You can’t replace my dogs.” The case is ongoing as authorities investigate the circumstances that led to the shooting.

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Federal prosecutors are urging a judge not to grant Sean "Diddy" Combs bail, accusing the music mogul of witness tampering and attempting to influence potential jurors from his cell in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, faces serious charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for the purpose of engaging in prostitution.

In a motion filed Friday, prosecutors emphasized that Combs has made relentless efforts to contact witnesses, including some of his alleged victims. They claim that Combs has gone to great lengths to manipulate the judicial process, using unauthorized communication methods and involving his children to gain sympathy from the public.

"Despite being in jail, the defendant has managed to communicate with multiple individuals he should not have contacted," prosecutors wrote. "These efforts include using PAC numbers belonging to other inmates and making three-way calls to reach out to individuals, including his sons and other key witnesses."

One of the most concerning allegations involves Combs’ use of a third-party communication service, ContactMeASAP, which allowed him to bypass standard jail communication protocols. Details of specific calls remain redacted, but prosecutors referenced a phone call between Combs and one of his sons in October. While the contents of that call are not fully disclosed, authorities suggest it implies a strategy to silence or manipulate victims and witnesses.

According to the prosecutors, the call "provides the clear inference that the defendant’s goal is to blackmail victims and witnesses either into silence or providing testimony helpful to his defense."

Combs has also allegedly tried to sway public perception of his case. Prosecutors highlighted an incident in which Combs' son, Justin, posted a video on Instagram of the family singing happy birthday to the jailed music mogul. Combs, who turned 55 on Nov. 4, allegedly monitored the video’s analytics from jail, instructing his family on how to maximize its impact. "The defendant discussed ways to ensure that the video had his desired effect on potential jury members in this case," prosecutors claimed.

Combs' legal team has pushed back, arguing that the accusations are overblown. They insist that the charges are not as strong as prosecutors claim and that certain incidents, like a 2016 video showing him allegedly assaulting a woman in a Los Angeles hotel, have been misconstrued. “The video is not evidence of a coerced 'freak off,' but rather a minutes-long glimpse into a complex but decade-long consensual relationship between Mr. Combs and Victim 1,” the defense countered in a Nov. 8 filing.

Seeking another shot at bail, Combs' attorneys have proposed stringent release conditions. The defense suggested home detention, 24/7 security monitoring, and severe restrictions on his ability to communicate with anyone besides his legal team. They maintain that the current pre-trial detention is excessive, given the circumstances.

Combs' next opportunity to argue for bail comes as his case moves closer to trial, currently set for May 2025. As he continues to plead not guilty, the defense and prosecution remain locked in a battle over the mogul's conduct behind bars and the strength of the case against him.

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Nathan Hochman, the incoming Los Angeles District Attorney, is preparing to take on the complex case of Erik and Lyle Menendez, whose 1989 conviction for murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in Beverly Hills has reignited public interest. This surge in attention has been fueled by Netflix’s dramatized series *Monsters* and its accompanying documentary, featuring the brothers speaking from prison. However, Hochman has cautioned that public perception, influenced by these dramatizations and celebrity advocacy, may not be grounded in the complete legal facts.

Hochman, who will be sworn in on Dec. 2, told the Daily Beast that he has purposely avoided watching the Netflix portrayals. “I purposely just didn’t want to see [them] because what’s the point?” Hochman said. “It’s not like I’m going to watch the movie. I’d rather read the book.” He emphasized his intent to approach the case with a fresh and unbiased perspective, stating, “I have some vague recollections of the case 30 years ago, and that’s all the more reason why I feel compelled to… really get deep into the facts, because, you know, newspaper accounts are wildly inaccurate often on what the true facts of a case look like.”

The Menendez brothers’ case has drawn high-profile support, including from Kim Kardashian, who, along with actor Cooper Koch, visited the brothers in prison. Kardashian later penned an essay advocating for their release. Hochman remains cautious about the influence of celebrity endorsements, stressing that such figures often lack an understanding of the intricate legal elements involved.

One of outgoing DA George Gascón’s final actions was to request the brothers’ sentences be reduced to 50 years with the possibility of parole, which would make them eligible for release. The judge has scheduled a resentencing hearing for Dec. 11, meaning the case will be one of Hochman’s first responsibilities upon assuming office. “This [case] is a high priority,” Hochman asserted. “Any time a particular case gets this level of attention, it’s even that more important to get it right.”

The Menendez brothers, now 56 and 53, argue they acted in self-defense after enduring years of abuse from their father. Their habeas corpus petition, filed in May 2023, claims that key evidence was excluded from their original trial. They point to a letter from 1988 as proof of their fear and cite an accusation from a former member of the boy band Menudo, who alleged sexual abuse by Jose Menendez. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge William Ryan will consider the petition at a hearing on Nov. 26.

If resentenced, a parole hearing would be needed, and the decision would ultimately rest with California’s parole board, whose members are appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Alternatively, the brothers have petitioned Newsom for clemency. Observers are divided on whether Newsom, who has political ambitions, would be willing to grant such a high-profile request.

Hochman is committed to an exhaustive review of the case. “This is a perfect example where people have reached conclusions based on a very limited review of the facts and pretty much no knowledge of most of the law,” he stated. Having grown up near the Menendez family’s former home and witnessed the trials as a young prosecutor, Hochman understands the case’s gravity. “You want to get this one right,” he said, adding that he plans to balance his prosecutorial experience with a fair assessment of the defense’s arguments.

As public interest continues to grow, Hochman’s approach to the case will be closely scrutinized. “What matters are the facts. What matters is justice and fairness,” Newsom has also remarked about the case, emphasizing that celebrity status should neither harm nor help the Menendez brothers.

Despite widespread speculation, Hochman is committed to basing any decisions on a thorough understanding of both the facts and the law, ensuring that justice is served appropriately.

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Indianapolis police are investigating the death of a man found inside a tanning bed at a Planet Fitness gym three days after he entered. The Marion County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as 39-year-old Derek Sink. The tragic discovery has left many unanswered questions and prompted scrutiny over the incident.

On Monday morning, just before 8:30 a.m., the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department received a report of a body at Planet Fitness. Officers arrived to find Sink’s body in one of the tanning beds.

According to police records obtained by 13News, Sink’s family had last been in contact with him on Friday, Nov. 8, when he went to the gym. Concerned for his safety, his relatives reported him missing on Sunday, Nov. 10. Authorities confirmed that Sink, who was wearing an ankle monitor at the time, never left the gym.

“This remains an ongoing death investigation,” a spokesperson for Marion County told People. The police have not elaborated further on the details.

Sink’s family revealed that he had been struggling with drug addiction, and they claimed a needle was found in the tanning room where his body was discovered. The gym-goers had also noticed signs that something was amiss.

A woman who visited Planet Fitness on Nov. 11 said that she and other members were aware of a strong, foul odor that grew worse near the tanning rooms. “The tanning bed has a door, I believe, but still, why are we not concerned that the tanning bed has been closed for three days, potentially?” questioned Elizabeth Len, a member who spoke to 13News.

In response to the incident, Planet Fitness issued a statement expressing their sorrow. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of our members,” said McCall Gosselin, a spokesperson for Planet Fitness. “At Planet Fitness, we have robust operational brand protocols in place, as the safety and well-being of our members is our top priority. We are working closely with our local franchisee to ensure they are upholding those brand protocols.”

The gym chain emphasized their commitment to safety but did not address specific questions about how the tanning bed went unchecked for so long. As the investigation continues, police and medical officials are working to determine the exact cause of Sink’s death, while his family and the community await more answers.

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Kouri Richins, a Utah-based author and mother of three, has been charged with aggravated murder and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute in connection to her husband, Eric Richins' death in 2022. Family members voiced suspicions about Kouri's involvement in Eric's death, noting that he had feared she might harm him. According to court documents, Eric became ill on multiple occasions after consuming food or drinks provided by Kouri, culminating in his death due to a fentanyl overdose in March 2022. Investigators discovered messages on Kouri's phone with an individual from whom she obtained prescription pain medication, including fentanyl.

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The town of Canton, Massachusetts, has formally disciplined Detective Kevin Albert following an investigation into his actions during a night of drinking with Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor in 2022. The allegations emerged during the Karen Read trial, in which Proctor served as the lead investigator. Despite the decision to discipline Albert, the exact nature of his punishment remains undisclosed due to ongoing investigations.

Canton Police Chief Helena Rafferty stated that the investigative report into Albert's conduct is being withheld as it involves “ongoing investigations by other agencies.” Additionally, the disciplinary decision, made in a Select Board executive session, is classified as a personnel record, further limiting its disclosure.

Albert's connection to the case has drawn significant attention, as his brother, Brian Albert, owns the home where Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe was found unresponsive in the snow on January 29, 2022. O'Keefe was the boyfriend of Karen Read, who was later charged with his murder. Read’s defense has argued that she was framed, implicating Proctor, the Albert family, and others in a potential cover-up.

Proctor's testimony in the Read trial revealed text messages between him and Kevin Albert, further complicating the case. The defense raised questions regarding Proctor’s relationship with the Albert family and whether this influenced his handling of the investigation.

The town confirmed that the discipline was decided after an independent investigation and a review by the Select Board, but they declined to share any details. Chris Albert, another of Kevin’s brothers, who serves on the Canton Select Board, recused himself from the decision-making process. The town and police department maintain that the records will be made public when the other ongoing investigations are completed.

This development adds to the controversies surrounding the Karen Read trial, with Proctor currently under investigation and suspended without pay from the Massachusetts State Police. Read’s defense has consistently raised concerns about conflicts of interest, particularly involving the Albert family, and alleged misconduct by investigators during the case.

As the town awaits the conclusion of the various investigations, it remains unclear what the long-term implications of this discipline will be for Kevin Albert and how it may impact the upcoming retrial of Karen Read.

#KarenReadTrial #KevinAlbert #CantonPolice #MichaelProctor #JohnOKeefe #ConflictofInterest #CantonSelectBoard

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Lori Vallow Daybell, convicted in Idaho of murdering her two children and now facing charges in Arizona, caused a significant delay in her legal proceedings when she refused to be transported to court for a Rule 11 competency hearing. The hearing was scheduled to assess her mental fitness for trial in connection to the death of her ex-husband, Charles Vallow, and an attempted murder charge involving her ex's nephew, Brandon Boudreaux.

Vallow Daybell, a former Chandler resident, was found guilty in 2023 for the deaths of her 7-year-old son, Joshua "J.J." Vallow, and her 16-year-old daughter, Tylee Ryan. Their bodies were discovered in her Idaho backyard in 2020. She is serving a life sentence without parole and was later extradited to Arizona after Governor Katie Hobbs approved the transfer. In Arizona, she is accused of conspiracy to commit murder in Charles Vallow's July 2019 shooting and suspected of attempting to kill Boudreaux.

The delay arose during Thursday’s hearing when Vallow Daybell did not show up for the scheduled court session. Her defense initially sought to have the competency hearing concluded based on a report from Dr. Michael McGady. However, Commissioner Travis Marderosian expressed hesitation, stating he usually requires the defendant’s presence for such decisions. He was willing to consider an exception if the prosecution agreed.

Maricopa County prosecutor Katie Staab argued that without a second competency report from Dr. Camille Hernandez, they could not move forward. Dr. Hernandez had been unable to complete her assessment due to Vallow Daybell's refusal to participate. “I just want it to be clear for the record that the state is not employing a delay tactic in not stipulating to one report,” Staab said. “We need Dr. Hernandez to be able to offer an opinion for the purposes of the record, especially if the defendant is trying to represent herself.”

Vallow Daybell's mental competency has been questioned in the past. In her Idaho case, she underwent almost a year of treatment before being deemed fit for trial. In Arizona, the matter of her mental fitness became relevant after her original defense team requested a Rule 11 evaluation. The situation shifted when she later expressed a desire to end those proceedings and represent herself.

Thursday’s proceedings were meant to facilitate this transition, but the delay in Dr. Hernandez’s report, now expected by December 2, has pushed back the timeline. The court has scheduled a status conference for November 20, with another Rule 11 hearing set for December 5.

This latest development underscores the complexity of Vallow Daybell’s legal battles. Her ex-husband, Charles Vallow, had previously expressed concerns about her mental health in court documents, claiming she was fixated on a biblical doomsday and had threatened his life. Vallow Daybell’s brother, Alexander Cox, shot and killed Charles Vallow in what he claimed was self-defense. Cox later died of natural causes in December 2019.

The saga has been further complicated by her association with Chad Guy Daybell, who was sentenced to death for the murders of his first wife, Tammy Daybell, and Vallow Daybell’s two children. Vallow Daybell’s current defense team, the Office of the Legal Defender, has not commented on the recent events.

The case continues to capture public interest as it unfolds, with many watching closely to see how Vallow Daybell’s mental competency and legal defense evolve in Arizona.

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A grim discovery was made Tuesday morning when a human head, believed to belong to an adult male, washed ashore on Key Biscayne, a popular tourist spot in South Florida.

A beach worker found the remains around 8:36 a.m. and quickly alerted the Key Biscayne Police Department. Upon arrival, officers determined that the object was indeed a human head and notified the Miami-Dade Police Department for further investigation.

Authorities are now waiting for the medical examiner's office to confirm the identity of the deceased and provide more information about the cause and manner of death. As of now, the case is not being investigated as a homicide, according to Miami-Dade Police Detective Andre Martin.

“The remains appear to be that of an adult male,” Martin confirmed. “At this point, we’re not discounting any possibility. This could be an accident or missing person, it’s too early to tell the circumstances.”

The discovery has left local residents and visitors on edge, with many wondering about the origin of the remains. Miguel Muelle, a Key Biscayne resident, expressed his concerns to NBC Miami, stating, “What remains to be seen is where did the head come from?”

The medical examiner’s office has yet to comment on the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, authorities stress that they are exploring all potential scenarios to understand how the head ended up on the shore.

Detective Martin emphasized the early stage of the investigation, noting, “We’re keeping an open mind and looking at every possibility.”

Local and county law enforcement agencies continue to work together, awaiting forensic results that could offer critical clues in unraveling the mystery. Key Biscayne remains a bustling destination, but this chilling discovery has brought a moment of somber reflection for both residents and visitors.

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