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Rhapsody Of Realities 3 July 2026: Build Yourself In Christ

Rhapsody Of Realities 3 July 2026 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Christ Embassy): Build Yourself In Christ

TOPIC: Build Yourself In Christ (Rhapsody of Realities 3 July 2026)

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified (Acts 20:32).

Rhapsody Of Realities For Today’s MESSAGE:

In our last study, we touched on something very important: You’ve received Christ, yes; but you must continue in Him and be built up in Him. He said in John 8:31, “…If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” Spiritual growth is intentional. It doesn’t happen by chance; the responsibility is yours to allow the Word of God to dwell in you richly (Colossians 3:16).

No one can grow for you. No one can build your spirit for you. Your progress in Christ is directly tied to your personal commitment to the Word. You may say, “I’ve read through the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation”; but reading isn’t enough. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus for us to search the Scriptures; Paul said to study. There’s a difference. Reading informs you, but searching unveils truth, and studying establishes it within you.

Until you move beyond casual reading, you won’t walk in the depth, authority and power of the Word. There’s more in God, so much more. As you give yourself to study, meditation, and the ministry of the Spirit, deeper revelations are unveiled to you. Your convictions become firm, your discernment refined, and your walk with God steady, consistent, and built on truth.

Remember, we win by His Word. You’re sustained by the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up and unveil your inheritance to you. That Word must dwell richly in you, shaping your thoughts, your responses, and your direction. So, don’t be passive about your spiritual growth. 1 Peter 2:2 says, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”

The strength and stability of your Christian life are determined by the depth of the Word in your spirit. You’ve received Christ, that’s powerful; now build yourself in Him. Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Be established in truth.

PRAYER

Dear Father, I thank you for the Word of your grace that builds me up and establishes me in Christ. I’m strengthened, rooted and grounded in the truth of your Word. My life is structured by your Word, and I walk in ever-increasing grace and glory as the revelation of your Word floods my spirit and strengthens my faith, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, [7] rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Jude 1:20 (KJV)
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 16:16-40 & Job 1-2

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 12:11-21 & Isaiah 22

DIVINE HEALTH CONFESSIONS – 3RD JULY 2026

I am impervious to pain, sickness, disease, or infirmity. God’s unfailing Word has brought me to a place of rest, strength, power, and dominion. Supernatural blessings, divine health, and prosperity are mine in abundance today and forever.

Keep saying it, don’t stop talking it! Remember, you can make your way prosperous with words. Get talking today!

Remember to share with all your friends and loved ones today. Thank you and God bless you richly.

Rhapsody of Realities 2026 Devotional was written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.

REMINDER!!! JESUS IS COMING SOON

ARE YOU BORN AGAIN? IF NO, WHY NOT ACCEPT JESUS NOW!

Accept Jesus Christ today and secure a life of eternal rest and Glory by saying this short prayer below:






Lord Jesus, I believe you died for my sins, Forgive me of all my iniquities. I accept you as my Lord and Saviour from today and forever.



Come and Be the Lord of my life and I am willing to obey Your command and live according to Your will by Your Grace, Thank you for accepting me into Your fold

AMEN!!! John 6:37…and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Julian Nagelsmann Resigns as Germany’s Manager Amid Controversy, Jurgen Klopp Tipped as Successor

Julian Nagelsmann has made the decision to step down from his role as Germany’s manager following their disappointing exit from the World Cup at the hands of Paraguay. Adding to his troubles was a controversy involving the players’ family members that cast a shadow over the team’s performance.

At 38, Nagelsmann witnessed his team bow out in the round of 32 after a tense penalty shootout, prompting the German FA to urge him to resign. His departure comes with a £6 million settlement, and already, former Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp has been approached as a potential successor to rejuvenate Germany’s football fortunes.

During a lengthy three-hour discussion held at the DFB headquarters in Frankfurt on Thursday, Nagelsmann was questioned on his strategic choices and the perceived overly relaxed environment within the camp. Ex-Germany captain Lothar Matthaus alleged that disputes among team members were sparked by distractions from the players’ spouses and partners.

Faced with these challenges, Nagelsmann chose to resign, though he was initially expected to guide the team in the upcoming European Championship set to take place in two years.

Julian Nagelsmann has quit his job as Germany manager after their World Cup nightmare - German media had questioned the presence of his wife Lena around the camp

Following Germany’s World Cup debacle, Julian Nagelsmann has resigned, with German media speculating about the impact of his wife Lena’s presence at the team camp.

Alexander Nubel's girlfriend Eileen Rakowski

Nadiem Amiri's girlfriend Nele Kracht

Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus has claimed players’ girlfriends and wives contributed to their shock World Cup exit – pictured: Alexander Nubel’s girlfriend Eileen Rakowski and Nadiem Amiri’s girlfriend Nele Kracht

Matthaus claimed disputes had emerged behind the scenes over the travel arrangements of family members - Pictured: Leon Goretzka's girlfriend Mathea Fischer

Matthaus claimed disputes had emerged behind the scenes over the travel arrangements of family members – Pictured: Leon Goretzka’s girlfriend Mathea Fischer

Nagelsmann has attracted heat over the WAGs situation, sparked initially by questions about his own wife Lena Wurzenberger being around the camp. 

Wurzenberger, 34, had become a talking point having been a ‘constant presence’ around the camp.

The former sports journalist, who switched job after being linked to Nagelsmann, was first spotted at Germany’s pre-tournament camp in Frankfurt, when she was pictured watching training from a balcony along with a host of the players’ partners.

Wurzenberger was then seen watching Germany’s substitutes complete their warm down after their 7-1 win over Curacao in their opening match and accompanied Nagelsmann back to the team hotel, before the duo were seen cycling to training together the following morning.

‘There is naturally always that feeling that when the boss’s wife is in the room, you might not always be completely honest at the table when talking about the national coach,’ reporters had speculated. 

Matthaus said of the situation: ‘There’s a lot to process, both on and off the pitch. Wives, families, everyone was involved. Lots of headlines.

‘I don’t know why you have to involve all the families right from the start.

‘Then it’s about travel options, about hotel bookings. That was all a topic within the team. It never appeared in the media, but I know it was a topic of discussion.

Kai Havertz with his wife Sophia after Germany's group stage game against Ivory Coast

Kai Havertz with his wife Sophia after Germany’s group stage game against Ivory Coast

Wurzenberger, far left, had been seen watching training at Germany's pre-World Cup training camp

Wurzenberger, far left, had been seen watching training at Germany’s pre-World Cup training camp

‘One player was angry with another because one player’s mother was allowed to fly along, while another’s wife and children were allowed to fly. The others had to take a commercial flight.’

The partners of Kai Havertz, Manuel Neuer, Alexander Nubel, Nadiem Amiri and Leon Goretzka had been high-profile figures in the stands at the World Cup.

Now, it appears Germany will turn to former Liverpool manager Klopp – who is interested in the job.

Klopp was an awkward pitchside presence throughout the tournament, while Nagelsmann was under pressure, working on German television.  

Speaking about the clamour for him to take over, Klopp said: ‘I haven’t thought about that yet.

‘I understand that my name is being mentioned now. But it’s not the time to talk about that.’

Star-Studded Gathering: Taylor Swift’s Wedding Rehearsal Features Selena Gomez and Jack Antonoff

Two individuals are standing together at a formal event, with one person wearing a sleeveless dress and the other a dark jacket.

The summer spotlight is on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce as fans eagerly await their wedding, a marquee event of the season. (Image: Billboard via Getty Images)

Kickstarting what appears to be their wedding festivities, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s weekend commenced Thursday night. Friends and family members were seen leaving a Manhattan hotel headed to Madison Square Garden, reportedly for a rehearsal dinner.

Among the familiar faces departing New York’s Ritz-Carlton were Swift’s childhood companion Abigail Anderson Berard, her long-time publicist Tree Paine, and several of Kelce’s relatives. Joining them were Joan and Don, Kelce’s aunt and uncle, adding to the familial gathering.

This comes ahead of the grand wedding ceremony, anticipated to take place at the same location the following day, with reports suggesting the couple expects around 1,000 guests to attend.

The NYC permit has fully disclosed the complete wedding timeline for Taylor and Travis, confirming the details of their much-talked-about nuptials.

Several prominent figures from Swift and Kelce’s inner circles also seemed to be in the city for the celebrations.

Selena Gomez was spotted preparing while seated in a vehicle, applying her makeup and wearing a strapless black dress.

Jack Antonoff, one of Swift’s closest musical collaborators, was also captured outside with his sister, designer Rachel Antonoff.

Sports broadcasters Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson were also observed amongst those thought to be attending the pre-wedding occasion.

Andrews has previously spent time with Swift and Kelce, including during a trip to Montana.

An individual sporting a pair of round, black-rimmed glasses is captured in a close-up, exuding a sense of warmth and friendline

Jack Antonoff attends the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (Image: Getty Images for MTV)

Among the other reported attendees were former NFL player Ross Travis, a close friend of Kelce, Little Big Town singer Kimberly Schlapman, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle and his wife, Claire Kittle.

Kittle previously revealed that the couple instructed guests “absolutely no gifts” for the wedding.

Swift and Kelce’s respective families were also anticipated to feature in the celebrations. Kelce’s parents, Donna Kelce and Ed Kelce, and Swift’s parents, Andrea Swift and Scott Swift, were amongst the family members expected to be present, alongside Austin Swift, Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce.

Jason Kelce previously quipped that he “may or may not” have been invited, highlighting the veil of secrecy surrounding the occasion.

The reported Madison Square Garden wedding would represent a landmark moment for Swift, who has graced the iconic venue’s stage on numerous occasions throughout her career.

An individual is seen applying lip liner to their lips with a makeup brush. The scene is set in a dimly lit environment, with th

Selena Gomez is said to have attended (Image: Selena Gomez/Instagram)

Charissa Thompson and Erin Andrews ' roles for the 2025 NFL season have been confirmed

Charissa Thompson and Erin Andrews are supporters of Taylor (Image: Getty)

Reports indicated that Swift is not expected to perform at the ceremony, with other entertainers set to take to the stage instead.

Swift previously dropped hints that her wedding would be a spectacular affair during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show in October 2025.

“It’s huge,” she said. “I’m so excited about it. I know it’s gonna be fun to plan because I think the only stressful weddings are the ones where you have a small amount and people are on the bubble.”

For the time being, the couple and their representatives have yet to publicly confirm the full guest list or the finer details of the ceremony.

Paris Teens’ Water-Gun Rampage: 14-Year-Old Hamza Arrested Twice for Targeting Tourists and Cyclists

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Meet Dennis Le Menace’s modern incarnation.

In recent weeks, a 14-year-old boy has been causing a stir among French tourists and drivers, allegedly in pursuit of viral fame and playful mischief. He portrays himself as the latest must-see in Paris, much to the dismay of those seeking a peaceful visit.

Identified as Hamza F. and dubbing himself “Hamza La Douane” or “Customs Officer Hamza,” this audacious youngster has been apprehended numerous times for his disruptive antics along the picturesque Saint-Martin Canal since June 27, as reported by French newspaper Le Parisien.

With temperatures soaring across Europe during a severe heatwave, Hamza armed himself with a water gun and requested €2, equivalent to $2.29, from motorists for the privilege of being sprayed. His unusual demands have alarmed locals and tourists alike.

Drawing inspiration from corrupt customs practices in his homeland, Algeria, the frequently shirtless Hamza devised this self-appointed toll scheme. However, his antics have not been well received by his unwitting victims.

“In Algeria … when you pay the customs officers, they don’t search you … you can go on,” the boy the outlet “I’ve got the same idea.”

Hamza has found joy in his antics and has given little afterthought for his victims.

“Most of the time, I don’t apologize, I spray and I run away,” he said.

In another stunt, Hamza was captured on video shoving a bikini-clad woman into the canal as she was sunbathing.

Additional instances Hamza has gone viral for on social media include riding on an electric scooter with a stolen bar chair attached, throwing a chair into the canal, stealing a can of soda and spraying water at a police officer.

In another disturbing video, Hamza allegedly broke into a woman’s apartment and recorded himself insulting her.

“And the leftists talk about a nice boy who only does water fights at the Canal Saint-Martin… How long are we going to tolerate the actions of this scum?” French National Assembly member Julien Odoul asked on X.

The teen has been arrested at least twice in recent weeks.

He was busted for vandalism and group violence during his first arrest on June 27.

Four days later, police cuffed the teen and took him to jail on charges of aggravated theft, insulting officers, and resisting arrest, according to Le Figaro.

He was among three suspects who were captured when approximately 20 people were accused of stealing a phone before fleeing from officers.

Hamza allegedly laughed at his jailing, saying he can cool off in the air conditioning.

When not in police custody, the minor splits his time living with his mother and father in their separate houses around Paris

Hamza’s unidentified father has all but given his son his blessing to do what he wants, claiming the antics “doesn’t hurt anyone,” while leaving his mother in the dark.

“He leaves me alone because he knows I’m not doing anything bad. All I do is water people and the police from time to time. My mother doesn’t know about it,” Hamza told CNews, according to The Times.

Socialist and pro-Palestinian lawyer Elsa Marcel was hired to defend Hamza in his latest arrest, claiming the teen has been the “target of harassment, racist insults, and threats.”

“For several days, Hamza F., a13-year-old boy, has been the victim of a torrent of racist hatred following a media offensive initiated by far-right figures and then widely amplified,” Marcel said in a press release on Thursday. “A child’s water fights and games have thus become, in the space of a few hours, a national controversy.”

The far-left attorney claimed her minor client is the victim, failing to address any of the subjects in Hamza’s stunts.

“Called ‘scum’ and ‘thug,’ massively insulted and harassed. Hamza is now the target of hostile messages, threats and posts that violate his dignity on social media. This campaign has also exposed his family who have been publicly singled out and attacked,” she said.

Marcel threatened to file complaints against anyone who had insulted the teen.

Odoul blasted Hamza’s parents and French law for allowing the teen to continue his antics.

“In a normal world, the authorities would already have contacted Hamza’s parents and threatened to suspend their welfare benefits,” Odoubl said, according to The Times. “But in France, this young person quickly understands that there is no one to stop him: not parents, or the authorities or the police or the criminal justice system.”

Former Texas Educator Sentenced to 33 Years for Abusing Teen Student

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A former educator from a Texas middle school received a prison sentence exceeding 30 years after being found guilty of sexually abusing a student aged 13.

Adriana Rullan, 30, was handed a 33-year prison term by a Webb County jury following her conviction for the continuous sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 14.

In addition, the jury sentenced Rullan to a decade for indecency with a child through sexual contact and an extra 13 years for engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a student. These terms will be served concurrently, and she has been fined $20,000.

The convictions followed a brief, two-day trial in the 341st District Court, during which prosecutors presented evidence from six witnesses alongside numerous exhibits, such as text messages, photographs, and video footage.

Mugshot of Adriana Rullan.

Adriana Rullan, a former Texas middle school teacher, was sentenced to 33 years in prison after being found guilty by a Webb County jury of continuous sexual abuse of a 13-year-old student. (District Attorney Webb/Zapata)

During the sentencing phase, the victim, who was 13 at the time of the abuse, told jurors the abuse cost him his friendships, his sense of self and nearly his life, according to KGNS.

The victim’s mother also addressed the jury, blaming Rullan for her son’s depression and anxiety and describing the emotional toll the abuse had taken on their family. She told jurors Rullan was manipulative and should never be allowed to harm another child, according to KGNS.

The jury returned guilty verdicts after deliberating for less than two hours, according to the Webb County District Attorney’s Office.

Outside of Gonzalez Middle School in Laredo, Texas.

Gonzalez Middle School in Laredo, Texas, where former teacher Adriana Rullan worked before she was convicted of sexually abusing a 13-year-old student. (Google Maps)

According to the district attorney’s office, the investigation began Nov. 27, 2023, after the victim’s parents contacted the United Independent School District Police Department with allegations of an inappropriate relationship between a student and a teacher at Gonzalez Middle School in Laredo.

A forensic examination of the victim’s cellphone recovered electronic communications documenting the relationship and provided significant evidence supporting the charges, a spokesperson for the Webb County District Attorney’s Office told People.

Rullan was arrested the following month and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Exterior of Gonzalez Middle School in Laredo, Texas

Gonzalez Middle School in Laredo, Texas, where Adriana Rullan taught before her arrest in December 2023. (Google Maps)

It was not immediately clear whether Rullan intends to appeal.

News Media reached out to the Webb County District Attorney’s Office for additional comment and court records and the United Independent School District for comment but did not immediately receive responses.

Fitness Influencer, 42, with Facial Tattoos, Confesses to Assault Causing Facial Fractures

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A fitness influencer, recognized for his distinctive face tattoos and alleged steroid use, has admitted to assault charges after an altercation in a Florida gym that left another man with serious injuries.

Wesley Watson, 42, pled guilty to aggravated battery in a Miami-Dade County courtroom on Thursday. The charges stem from an incident that resulted in Hakeem Ibrahim sustaining both a facial fracture and a concussion, as reported by the Miami Herald.

Watson, who boasts approximately 510,000 subscribers on YouTube, is well-known in the fitness community for his motivational content. Prior to gaining online fame, he served nine years in a California prison for a robbery conviction.

The altercation occurred on December 29, 2024, at the Elev8tion Fitness gym located on the 1600 block of North Miami Avenue, according to the media outlet.

During his workout session, Watson was confronted by Ibrahim, who had traveled from New Jersey to Florida specifically to address a dispute with Watson.

Ibrahim set up his phone to record the spat and pushed Watson, according to police.

Watson then removed his weight belt and proceeded to hit Ibrahim until an employee stepped in to break up the altercation.

Prosecutors are seeking to keep Watson in prison for 21 months, followed by seven years of probation, according to NBC Miami.

Fitness influencer Wesley Watson, 42, pleaded guilty on a Thursday to a fight in a Miami gym that left another man with a face fracture and a concussion

Fitness influencer Wesley Watson, 42, pleaded guilty on a Thursday to a fight in a Miami gym that left another man with a face fracture and a concussion

The altercation happened at the Elev8tion Fitness gym in the 1600 block of North Miami Avenue in December 2024

The altercation happened at the Elev8tion Fitness gym in the 1600 block of North Miami Avenue in December 2024

However, Watson’s legal team is still negotiating with prosecutors in an attempt to lessen his prison time.

One of Watson’s attorneys, Eric Clayman, said that discussions about his eventual sentence had taken a psychologist’s testimony into account.

The psychologist claimed Watson abused anabolic steroids, according the outlet.

Watson also had untreated mental health concerns, the psychologist added.

As part of the plea deal, Watson will have to record a video about the harm of substance abuse, as well as the importance of mental health treatment.

Clayman said Watson was looking forward to filming the video since he wanted to ‘use his platform to help others.’

Watson’s YouTube channel has remained active in recent weeks, though the videos have only featured still images and voice messages from the fitness influencer.

Watson is scheduled to be sentenced on July 17. He is currently being held at the Metrowest Detention Center in Miami

Watson is scheduled to be sentenced on July 17. He is currently being held at the Metrowest Detention Center in Miami

The spat that resulted in Watson’s plea happened in December 2024, but Ibrahim did not tell Miami police about a month later about his specific role.

He claimed that he had sought out Watson to find out why he ‘went around fighting people,’ according to the outlet.

Ibrahim alleged that Watson had hit and kicked him in the face several times, resulting in his myriad injuries.

Watson’s attorney, Clayman, noted how Ibrahim ‘sought somebody out because of his presence online.’

‘It then turned into something else,’ Clayman said, per the outlet. ‘I don’t think there was any dispute at the beginning of this that Wes was able to use force.’

However, the attorney argued that the ‘tricky part in this case’ was determining when said force needed to be ‘stopped.’

‘When you get in a fight, you kind of lose your way,’ Clayman said.

He claimed that Watson had experienced ‘adrenaline’ and that ‘things happen.’

Watson, who is in custody at the Metrowest Detention Center in Miami, is set to be sentenced on July 17.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Clayman and McPharlin for further comment.

CDC Reports Historic Low in US Mortality Rate

TAMPA, Fla. (The Hill) – As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday, the U.S. reached an all-time low in death rates in 2025.

The Vital Statistics Rapid Release report highlighted that in 2025, the mortality rate was 689.2 per 100,000 individuals. This marked a 4.6 percent decrease from 2024, establishing the lowest death rate recorded in the nation’s history.

Heart disease and cancer topped the list as the most significant contributors to mortality in the U.S., followed by unintentional injuries, stroke, chronic lower respiratory disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes.

While the leading seven causes of death remained unchanged from 2024, the subsequent rankings shifted. In 2024, causes such as Nephritis, chronic liver disease, and suicide were prominent. By contrast, in 2025, influenza and pneumonia, along with kidney disease, surpassed these, although chronic liver disease continued to be a leading cause.

Statistics showed that death rates were particularly high among males, the elderly, and Black communities.

“The death rate decreased from 2024 to 2025 for all demographic groups except American Indian and Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and Asian people. Although the death rate decreased for people age 85 and older during this period, rates for this group remained higher than those for all other age groups,” the report stated. 

“Death rates also decreased for several race and ethnicity groups; however, rates for Black people remain higher than those for all other groups.” 

The data used for this report was derived from the National Vital Statistics System and accounted for 99 percent of deaths that occurred in 2025. 

The report identified four limitations to the findings: The data is provisional, the timeliness of death certificate submissions varies by jurisdiction, race categories may have been misclassified and the methodology of population estimates varied between 2024 and 2025. 

“Despite these limitations, this report provides an overview of provisional mortality in the United States during 2025,” reads the report. “Provisional death estimates can give researchers and policymakers an early signal about shifts in mortality trends and provide actionable information sooner than final mortality data. These data can inform public health policies and interventions aimed at reducing mortality.” 

Efforts Intensify to Identify Victims Amid Rising Death Toll Following Dual Earthquakes in Venezuela

LA GUAIRA – In the heat of the day, Rosa López quietly recounted the heart-wrenching task of navigating through rows of bodies, exposed under the sun, as she assisted her daughter in searching for her missing husband. Despite her experience as a nurse, she was unprepared for the grim scene of countless dead shrouded in sheets and blankets.

“We saw a lot of bodies that had not yet been identified,” López shared, her voice tinged with sorrow.

As families scramble to find loved ones, La Guaira, the Venezuelan state hardest hit by the devastating earthquakes on June 24, faces a race against time. With at least 2,295 lives lost, the region is grappling with an overwhelming number of corpses that authorities struggle to process and preserve for identification. Meanwhile, thousands more remain missing.

José Antonio Toledo, the 25-year-old son-in-law of López, was tragically discovered under the rubble of the building where he had been working as a security guard when the earthquakes struck. His body was initially taken to a local hospital, only to be turned away due to overcrowding, and then redirected to another facility, eventually ending up in an open parking lot.

Days later, a forensic doctor assisted the family in locating his body. After finally identifying him on Saturday, the López family faced a new dilemma—without the $450 fee demanded by a funeral home, they were at a loss for how to proceed with a proper burial.

At almost midnight on Saturday, López got word that the mayor’s office was offering them a free space at a local cemetery, but they had to move quickly to not lose the spot. An hour later, López and her daughter trudged up a hill leading to the cemetery and buried Toledo.

“He was an exemplary person, a boy who liked helping people,” López said.

They saved him from a mass grave that many fear is coming as they search for the bodies of their loved ones.

The number of bodies found is expected to soar

Forensic technician Joel Mirabal has worked for seven days straight since the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck.

The 45-year-old estimates that in 60%-70% of cases, there’s a relative or neighbor available to identify a body when he comes to pick it up. Even so, it’s a struggle, he said, with many relying on tattoos, scars or familiar clothing.

“They don’t look even 10% like what they were in real life,” he said of the victims.

If a body cannot be identified, it goes to forensic specialists working at La Guaira seaport. Private companies have donated large cooling containers to help preserve the bodies, but the number of dead keeps growing.

“Obviously, mass graves will have to be created,” Mirabal said. “The collapse is massive, and the bodies are buried under many layers of debris.”

Mirabal said he and other forensic technicians anticipate spending up to three months collecting bodies.

They drive around the affected areas every day, led by rescue crews and civilians who have recovered or spotted bodies.

“Many of the rescues are carried out by the people,” he said of the thousands of ordinary Venezuelans who have pitched in for the recovery effort.

A dog trainer by profession who once helped the government locate drugs and missing people, Mirabal finds solace in the 12 dogs waiting for him at home, not counting the puppies. One of his favorites is Mila, a young black Dutch Shepherd who lay by his side on Thursday as he rested.

“It’s not easy at all to witness the suffering and tragedy of your fellow human beings,” he said.

Venezuelans wait in line to try to identify loved ones

Over the weekend, crews took dozens of bodies recovered from flattened buildings to a government-run health care facility in the city of La Guaira. They were left on a sweltering parking lot until families identified them, with funeral home workers estimating that more than 200 bodies were kept there at one point.

On Thursday, those who lost loved ones waited outside La Guaira seaport to identify bodies that authorities continue to pick up across the coastal state. Cars, including trucks and vans from funeral homes, formed a line outside a makeshift morgue.

Among those waiting was Robert Rodríguez. He sat on a concrete block, crestfallen, his legs dangling, waiting for his daughter to identify the body of his son-in-law. Rafael Alvarado died trapped inside a grocery store where he worked at the deli counter.

“He was her best friend,” Rodríguez said as tears soaked his blue face mask.

Rodriguez said the family found Alvarado in the rubble on Wednesday, his body freed and transported to the port on Thursday.

“I saw his shoes and knew it was him,” Rodríguez said, adding that he warned his daughter. “I told her, ‘Prepare yourself.’”

He said the family plans to cremate Alvarado and scatter his ashes on Isla de Margarita, the Venezuelan island that was his home.

___

Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Love Triangle Unveils Shocking Culprit Behind California Spa Package Bombing

In May 2018, chaos erupted when a two-story commercial building, housing the day spa Magyar Kozmetika, suddenly exploded. The blast scattered debris, including human limbs, and filled the sky with thick, dark smoke.

Emergency responders in Southern California arrived on the scene to find Ildiko Krajnyak, the spa’s owner, deceased, and two patrons gravely injured.

At first, investigators were on the lookout for signs of a gas leak or electrical malfunction but soon began to suspect that the explosion was deliberate in nature.

“In Texas, there had been a person doing package bombs,” commented Orange County Sheriff’s Investigator Jack Ackerman on the July 2 episode of Dateline: Unforgettable. “I thought, maybe somebody was doing a copycat of that.”

The Secret Life of Ildiko Krajnyak

The investigation concluded that a package bomb caused Ildiko’s death. The device, ingeniously crafted with a 9-volt battery, indicated the creator had an expert understanding of chemicals and fusing systems.

Authorities soon received a phone call from Ildiko’s business partner—and ex-boyfriend— Stephen Beal. He insisted he had no idea who would want to hurt her.

“She was always smiling,” he told investigators. “She had great advice for people, she cared, she went out of her way to ease your burden.”

But Ildiko’s love life was complicated by the fact that she was married. 

“She had her boyfriends on the side—a good five or six,” her friend Holly told Dateline. “There was always someone. She just wanted to be loved and she loved attention from men.”

Ildiko’s husband of 22 years, Ronilo Vestil, was aware of his wife’s extramarital relationships—including one that had re-surfaced a few months before she died. But there was no evidence linking anyone specific to the murder. 

Investigators continued examining Ildiko’s relationships—including the one with Stephen. 

Stephen Beal Becomes a Suspect in Ildiko Krajnyak’s Murder 

A search of Stephen’s home uncovered large quantities of explosive chemicals, but he had an explanation for the police.  

He described himself as a rocket enthusiast who used to make his own fireworks. Those chemicals, he said, had been sitting untouched in his garage for years, and any similarity to those used in the bomb was purely coincidental. 

The police interview then took a stranger-than-fiction turn. 

Stephen began pitching detectives an idea for a screenplay he was writing about a soccer mom who moonlighted as an assassin. Then, he cracked jokes and even performed a magic trick, pretending to pull a coin from behind Ackerman’s ear. 

Then, Stephen shared that his girlfriend Valerie Stone had suggested that he perform a stand-up comedy routine about being a murder suspect. 

“I’ve never experienced that in all the interviews I’ve done in my police career,” Ackerman said. “He thinks he’s outsmarting everybody.” 

When sticks of dynamite were found in his home, Stephen was arrested for possession of unregistered destructive devices. Those charges were later dropped when investigators couldn’t rule out their use in rocketry.  

Though Stephen walked free, store surveillance footage, recorded right before the killing, allegedly captured him purchasing a 9-volt battery and a box that matched a description of the one that contained the deadly explosives.  

“That changed everything for me,” said federal prosecutor Mark Tackla. “When do the coincidences stop?” 

Stephen Beal’s Girlfriend Valerie Stone Goes Undercover 

Stephen’s girlfriend had stood by him through the investigation. But when the FBI asked her to become an informant, she agreed to help. 

“It was such a horrendous crime that whoever did this to Ildiko deserved to be behind bars,” Valerie told Dateline. “If it was Stephen, it was Steven.” 

The couple had planned a romantic getaway, giving investigators the opportunity to install cameras and recording devices inside their hotel room, and in Valerie’s car and phone. Valerie was also fitted with a necklace containing a listening device.

Valerie attempted to elicit a confession from Stephen, but the operation tanked when he didn’t reveal anything.

Life moved forward for Stephen, but months later, on March 3, 2019, he was re-arrested, this time on malicious destruction of a building resulting in death. 

Stephen Beal Goes on Trial for Ildiko Krajnyak’s Murder 

At Stephen’s 2022 trial, prosecutors argued that after learning Ildiko was talking to another man, jealously had driven him to kill. They also showed evidence that Stephen had searched online for information about how a “narcissist” could pass a polygraph test.  

However, lead defense attorney Craig Harbaugh claimed that Stephen loved Ildiko, pointing to the pair’s friendly texts exchanged before her death. He also suggested the investigation focused unfairly on Stephen instead of other potential suspects.  

The defense also offered explanations for Stephen’s suspicious behavior.  

Those internet searches? He was preparing for an upcoming audition. The 9-volt battery and box purchased before the explosion? Material for Ildiko’s business and Stephen’s home remodeling projects. 

After a seven-week trial that included 66 witnesses, jurors were unable to reach a unanimous decision, and the judge declared a mistrial.  

Stephen’s second trial began in June 2023 and this time, prosecutors recreated the fatal explosion, presenting it alongside real footage of the devastating aftermath, including Ildiko’s dismembered body parts. 

Stephen was found guilty of four felonies, including use of a weapon of mass destruction resulting in death. In Jan. 2024, he was sentenced to life in prison.

Father Minimizes Heinous Act as ‘Mistake’ in Tragic Infant Death Case

Inset: Syied Epps (Lexington Police Department). Background: The residential street near where Epps killed his 9-month-old daughter in Lexington, Ky. (Google Maps).

A heart-wrenching case in Kentucky has concluded with a man being sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for a tragic act of violence that took the life of his infant daughter. Syied Epps, aged 31, will spend a significant portion of his life behind bars for the horrifying events that led to the death of his 9-month-old child, Sykia Epps, due to a severe brain injury.

In May of this year, Epps admitted to the murder charge related to domestic violence, acknowledging his role in the abuse that resulted in his daughter’s death in July 2023. As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors decided to drop an additional charge against Epps for being a persistent felony offender.

This week, the court handed down a 25-year prison sentence to Epps. In consideration of the time he has already served, nearly three years of pretrial detention will be counted towards his sentence.

The tragic events unfolded at a home on Whitney Avenue in Lexington. On July 26, 2023, young Sykia Epps was brought to a hospital suffering from life-threatening injuries. Local media, including Lexington’s CBS and The CW affiliate WKYT, reported on the case as details of the distressing incident came to light.

Less than a week later, Sykia was dead.

Initially, Epps was only charged with assault; the charge was upgraded to murder after she died from severe brain trauma.

During a preliminary hearing, a detective testified that other children in the residence witnessed the abuse that took the child’s life.

“All three stated that Mr. Epps had dropped their sister on her head,” Detective Paul Hogan testified, according to a courtroom report by WKYT. “One articulated that quote, ‘Daddy smashed her on her head really hard and she was upside down.'”

The defendant, for his part, first claimed he was not home at the time the incident occurred, according to law enforcement.

“He originally stated that the child was under the care of a babysitter named Eric,” the detective went on. “That was all the information he had. He couldn’t provide last name, phone number, anything other than a physical description.”

Eventually, however, Epps would admit that narrative was false – after surveillance footage showed him at home at the time in question.

The detective also said Epps expressed a certain level of animosity toward the children during an argument with their mother.

“He stated she needed to come get her ‘roaches,’ referring to the children, and that if she was one minute late from work, they would be waiting out on the porch,” Hogan said.

On Wednesday, Sykia’s mother spoke multiple times — before, during and after the man who killed her child was sentenced.

“I don’t get to see her no more,” Markettia Epps said through tears, according to a courtroom report by Lexington-based NBC affiliate WLEX. “I don’t get to hold her no more.”

At one point, it was the defendant’s turn to speak.

“I’m truly sorry for my actions, and I pray that one day they can find it in their heart to forgive me for the mistake that I’ve made,” the defendant said during his allocution. “I’m truly sorry.”

But Sykia’s mother rejected the apology.

“I hate you,” she shouted in response from the gallery. “You are cruel. You are not a father. You’re not a man. You’re not nothing. It wasn’t a mistake. You knew what you did to her.”

Later, the grieving mother took the stand herself.

“I have her ashes on my chest, Syied, our daughter is on my chest,” she said, addressing the defendant while holding the necklace containing her daughter’s cremated remains.

After sentencing, Markettia Epps criticized the court’s decision as too lenient.

“No, he deserves life,” she said. “What do you mean 25? I don’t have 25 with her, I only had nine months with her. The same thing that he did to her needs to happen to him. He don’t need no 25, he needs life.”