Home Blog Page 1736

Tragic Shooting in Burke County: Teen Suspect Apprehended After Fatal Incident


BURKE COUNTY, Ga. – Tragedy struck early Sunday morning in Burke County as a fatal shooting claimed the life of one individual. The Burke County Sheriff’s Office reported the incident occurred in the 200 block of Highway 23, following a physical altercation that escalated into gunfire.

Authorities were called to the scene on June 14 at approximately 1:13 a.m. Upon their arrival, deputies discovered an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. They administered first aid and CPR until the Burke County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) arrived. Despite efforts to save his life, the victim was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

In addition to the deceased, a juvenile involved in the physical altercation was also injured and required medical attention.

The investigation led to the swift apprehension of a 16-year-old suspect. The juvenile was charged with several serious offenses, including Murder, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime, Possession of a Handgun by a Person Under the Age of 18, and Tampering with Evidence. He is currently held at Augusta’s Regional Youth Detention Center.

Investigators located and took into custody a 16-year-old juvenile suspect a short time later. The suspect was taken to the Augusta’s Regional Youth Detention Center and charged with Murder, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime, Possession of a Handgun by a Person Under the Age of 18 and Tampering with Evidence.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. BCSO authorities say no additional information is available at this time.

Teenager in Critical Condition Following Shooting Incident in Champaign


CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — A 19-year-old male is in critical condition following a shooting incident in Champaign early Sunday morning.

Champaign Police Department officers were alerted to the situation around 1:45 a.m. when they arrived at a local hospital to find the teenager suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. The police classified the injury as “potentially life-threatening,” and as of Sunday morning, the young man was undergoing surgery and remained in critical condition.

Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag Escape LA for a Relaxing Dinner After Recent Setback

0

Spencer Pratt seems to have swiftly exited Los Angeles following his defeat in the city’s mayoral primary, having been spotted dining out last week.

The 42-year-old former mayoral hopeful was seen with his wife, Heidi Montag, 39, in Carpinteria, Santa Barbara County, which is roughly a 90-minute drive from Downtown Los Angeles, on Thursday.

The couple, known for their reality TV fame, were observed leaving Delgado’s Mexican restaurant shortly after Spencer Pratt made jibes at the two leading candidates in LA’s mayoral race: incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and her challenger, City Councilmember Nithya Raman.

Pratt had criticized Mayor Bass’s handling of Los Angeles’s homelessness issues and expressed concerns over crime rates, which have reportedly reached historic lows, according to the Los Angeles Times. His criticism followed allegations of her inadequate response to last year’s LA Fires, which destroyed his home.

Additionally, this sighting occurred just days before a fire erupted at Pratt’s crystal business in LA, an incident he attributed to arson orchestrated by his political adversaries.

The failed mayoral candidate stayed under the radar for his trip out of LA in a black graphic T-shirt and tan shorts, along with a navy baseball cap and chunky black sunglasses. 

Spencer Pratt appeared to have made a quick retreat from LA after his bruising loss in the city's mayoral primary when he was spotted grabbing a bite two counties over in Carpinteria, Calif., with his wife, Heidi Montag, on Thursday

Spencer Pratt appeared to have made a quick retreat from LA after his bruising loss in the city’s mayoral primary when he was spotted grabbing a bite two counties over in Carpinteria, Calif., with his wife, Heidi Montag, on Thursday

Montag looked similarly casual in a gray sweater with navy stripes and flared jeans. 

She covered up her long blond hair with a pale peach-colored Louis Vuitton baseball cap, and she also donned sunglasses. 

Her husband’s eyes were glued to his phone as they headed out of the restaurant. 

Last week, Pratt claimed to have obtained secret recordings of the more successful Los Angeles mayoral hopefuls, which he said could force them to ‘resign in disgrace’ if released.

The reality TV star made the allegations in a blistering rant on social media that he posted four days after he was booted from the race. 

Pratt pledged to go to ‘war’ with the remaining candidates, incumbent Mayor Bass and progressive Raman, as he vaguely claimed that his loss was the result of ‘the machine protecting the machine.’

Vowing that he would still ‘stop’ Bass and Raman, Pratt claimed to have ‘some recordings of one of your exalted candidates doing and saying something that would make her resign in shame.’

‘Karen, Nithya, ask yourselves,’ he said. ‘Is it possible that one of your employees may have a recording of you doing or saying something that would force you to resign in disgrace?

Pratt was dressed casually and wore chunky sunglasses as he left Delgado's Mexican restaurant with Montag. A day later, he claimed to have incriminating recordings of his successful primary opponents, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilwoman Nithya Raman

Pratt was dressed casually and wore chunky sunglasses as he left Delgado’s Mexican restaurant with Montag. A day later, he claimed to have incriminating recordings of his successful primary opponents, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilwoman Nithya Raman

The intense, three-minute video on Friday saw Pratt admit that his campaign is ‘coming to a close’ but insist he is moving on to a ‘more interesting phase.’

‘Angelenos are now stuck with two morons responsible for all their problems, and they have to choose between dumb and dumber,’ Pratt said.

‘Now, every problem that plagues Los Angeles, because of these two corrupt communists, is going to accelerate, and the city will tumble headlong into the abyss.’

The former TV star appeared to suggest that federal authorities were ‘coming’ after Bass and Raman, though he offered no evidence for that.

‘I want all of you awake at night sweating and worried about 5 a.m., when the FBI blazers bust in the door, breaking open your office,’ Pratt said.

‘Because I assure you, they’re coming,’ he added.

Pratt did not provide any specifics about the supposed recordings, or how they came to exist, including if his opponents knew they were being recorded. 

However, he added: ‘If you think we uncovered a lot of fraud and evil in the campaign, just wait.’

Pratt claims to have obtained secret recordings of the Los Angeles mayoral hopefuls that would force them to 'resign in disgrace' if released. He didn't provide additional details about the alleged recordings or how he obtained them

Pratt claims to have obtained secret recordings of the Los Angeles mayoral hopefuls that would force them to ‘resign in disgrace’ if released. He didn’t provide additional details about the alleged recordings or how he obtained them

Pratt said that the problems plaguing Los Angeles would 'accelerate' and claimed that voters had 'no idea how bad things' were about to get now that they face the prospect of another Democratic mayor; Tents are seen on Skid Row in June 2025

Pratt said that the problems plaguing Los Angeles would ‘accelerate’ and claimed that voters had ‘no idea how bad things’ were about to get now that they face the prospect of another Democratic mayor; Tents are seen on Skid Row in June 2025

Pratt spelled out a grim doomsday ‘zero hour’ prediction for Los Angeles under the leadership of Raman or Bass.

‘You have no idea how bad things are about to get for this city,’ he added.

Pratt, until now best known for his role in The Hills, claimed that developers, hoteliers, business owners and entrepreneurs had gotten in touch with him to say that they’re ‘packing up and leaving town.’

He predicted that would mean less tax revenue, which in turn would force Los Angeles to cut its services.

‘More potholes, less firefighters, less police patrols, more criminals, more drug addicts terrorizing your communities,’ Pratt alleged. 

He vowed that he would continue ‘lighting up’ Bass and Raman ‘every single day’ without restrictions.

‘You think you can get rid of me that easily?’ Pratt cracked.

The mayoral hopeful also forcefully shot down the idea that he would leave Los Angeles after the election – a day after he was spotted two counties over – as he blasted LA’s liberal voters.

Pratt appeared to insinuate that the FBI would target Bass (pictured) and Raman – without evidence – in an explosive three-minute video he released Friday; Bass is pictured June 9 in LA

Pratt appeared to insinuate that the FBI would target Bass (pictured) and Raman – without evidence – in an explosive three-minute video he released Friday; Bass is pictured June 9 in LA

Raman (pictured on June 10) advanced to the November runoff with Bass after gradually overtaking Pratt as additional mail-in ballots were counted

Raman (pictured on June 10) advanced to the November runoff with Bass after gradually overtaking Pratt as additional mail-in ballots were counted

‘I know a lot of dimwitted jerks thought I was in this for a grift, that I was gonna roll up and leave town if I didn’t get into City Hall,’ Pratt said.

‘Hey, morons, I didn’t get in this for political power,’ he continued. ‘I got in this to expose this corrupt machine, and nothing has changed. ‘

The Associated Press determined that Raman had advanced to the November runoff against Bass on Monday night.

That eliminated Pratt, who appeared to concede despite vowing to stay involved in California politics through the November runoff.

Raman gradually pulled ahead of Pratt as additional mail–in ballots in the nonpartisan mayoral race were processed that favored Raman over him.

Los Angeles, like other California counties, processes and counts mail ballots in roughly the order they are received.

That means that the last ballots returned are the last ones counted by authorities. 

Ballots are counted in the West Coast state if they are postmarked by Election Day and arrive at an election office within seven days.

Pratt said that Los Angeles would remain a 'mess' once voters reelected Bass or put Raman into power; Downtown LA is pictured on June 4

Pratt said that Los Angeles would remain a ‘mess’ once voters reelected Bass or put Raman into power; Downtown LA is pictured on June 4

The former reality TV star pointed to 'graffiti over every square inch of public space' as one of the issues that LA is facing

The former reality TV star pointed to ‘graffiti over every square inch of public space’ as one of the issues that LA is facing

Pratt previously suggested that the number of votes Raman got to catch up to him matched the number of homeless people in LA, though he didn’t provide any evidence that homeless people had played a decisive role in Raman beating him.

‘A net swing of more than 43,000 votes since Tuesday..’ 43,000, huh?’ Pratt wrote Sunday on X.

‘Where have I seen that number before? Probably nothing,’ he wrote, quoting an article that said there were 43,699 people who experience homelessness in the city.

Bill Essayli, the First Assistant US Attorney for the Central District of California, said on June 5 on X that his office had ‘multiple election fraud investigations underway’ in coordination with the FBI’s Los Angeles field office.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Pratt, Raman’s campaign and Bass’ campaign and spokesperson for comment.

Cold Case Breakthrough: Human Remains Discovered in National Park Sleeping Bag Identified After 26 Years

0

In a breakthrough after decades of mystery, forensic tests have successfully identified the remains of a man who was last seen alive in 1998. This identification comes 26 years after these remains were initially found in a sleeping bag tucked away in the remote expanses of Washington state’s Olympic National Park.

The man, identified as Joseph Louis Serrao Jr., hailed from Hawaii and had been residing in Washington before he vanished, according to his family. They shared this information with Othram, the forensic laboratory that collaborated with National Park Service investigators to finally resolve this long-standing case. Serrao’s family reported they had not had any contact with him since 1998.

Fast forward two years to July 2000, when a researcher stumbled upon human skeletal remains in a secluded section of Olympic National Park, near the Sol Duc River, as stated by the National Park Service. These remains were discovered inside a sleeping bag within a tent, accompanied by various items including binoculars, a day hiker pack, a shoulder bag, a folding saw, a blanket, and winter gear, detailed both by the park service and the forensic lab.

At the time of discovery, a pathologist from Washington’s King County medical examiner’s office estimated the remains belonged to a man aged between 30 and 50, who had likely died between six months to two years prior. Investigators later determined that Serrao, born in December 1960, would have been in his late 30s at the time of his death. However, the absence of “usable” fingerprints and other definitive evidence initially hindered authorities from making progress in identifying him.

Investigators eventually learned that Serrao, who was born in December 1960, would have been in his late 30s at the time of his death. But, back then, the lack of “usable” fingerprints and other concrete evidence prevented authorities from developing leads that might have helped them uncover his identity.

His name remained unknown until recently. A breakthrough came once an anthropologist with the medical examiner’s office submitted a DNA sample to Othram in 2024, according to the park service, which investigated Serrao’s case alongside King County authorities and the laboratory. Using forensic genealogy — a technique that can help pinpoint living relatives of a deceased person based on the decedent’s DNA — the lab was able to identify possible family members by 2025.

Investigators reached out to relatives in multiple states, including Hawaii, and eventually compared and matched DNA samples from them to the one taken from Serrao’s remains.

“This case remained unresolved for nearly 30 years, but investigators never lost sight of the goal of identifying this individual and finding answers for his family,” Debra Flowers, deputy chief of the park service’s criminal investigative division, said in a statement. “I’m proud of the persistence and collaboration that made this identification possible, and I hope it brings some measure of closure to those who have spent so many years wondering what happened to Joseph.” 

New York City Unveils Plans for Potential Largest Parade in Honor of the Knicks

0

City officials have unveiled exciting plans for what promises to be the most spectacular parade in New York City’s history. This grand ticker-tape celebration is set to honor the NBA champions, the New York Knicks.

On Thursday, the Knicks will be celebrated with a victory parade as they make their way up the iconic Canyon of Heroes, following their triumphant win over the San Antonio Spurs in a decisive five-game series.


The New York Knicks team and owner James Dolan celebrate with the 2026 NBA Finals trophy.
New York Knicks owner James Dolan celebrates with his team after becoming the 2026 NBA Finals Champions. Jason Szenes for the New York Post

This victory marks the Knicks’ first championship since 1973, igniting a wave of excitement throughout the city.

“It’s truly incredible,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani shared with The Post on Sunday. “It’s almost surreal to believe, but waking up to the reality that we are the champions is a beautiful feeling.”

The parade is scheduled to commence at Battery Park at 10 a.m. From there, it will journey north along Broadway, famously known as the Canyon of Heroes, culminating in a celebratory gathering at City Hall, where the mayor will host festivities.

Big Apple ticker-tape parades have historically been reserved for the biggest celebrations in the city, from the World War II victory parades to New York Yankees’ World Series wins.

Now it’s the Knicks turn.

Mamadani said more details will be released in the next few days.

“What does the Knicks win mean for New York? It’s a time of celebration. I have joined the fever,’’ said Archbishop of New York Ronald Hicks.

“I watched all the games, especially [Saturday] night until the very end, and was celebrating with everyone,” Hicks said. “Way to go Knicks!”

Zelenskyy Extends Birthday Wishes to Trump and Pledges Enhanced Ukraine Peace Dialogues at Upcoming G7 Summit

0

On the eve of the G7 Summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in a cordial conversation with President Donald Trump, according to an announcement made by Zelenskyy on Sunday via X, the social media platform. During this interaction, Zelenskyy extended his congratulations to Trump on his 80th birthday and expressed a commitment to further peace negotiations in the near future.

“I have just had a great conversation with @POTUS,” Zelenskyy shared on X. “I congratulated President Trump on his birthday, and we had a very detailed discussion about many important issues, with peace being a significant focus. I wished President Trump success, especially in his efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.”

Zelenskyy further expressed his gratitude for the support Ukraine has received from the United States. “I thanked him for all the support America has been providing to Ukraine, and it’s important to remember with gratitude each step of that support—from Javelins to Patriots,” he remarked. “We talked about measures that could facilitate peace now, and I updated the President on the latest battlefield developments and how our position has strengthened.”

The meeting between President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took place in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on February 28, 2025. (Saul Loeb/AFP)

The upcoming G7 Summit is set to host direct talks among leaders of seven major industrialized nations, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These discussions are expected to address critical global issues, with a focus on fostering international collaboration.

“We agreed that we will discuss more during our meeting at the G7 Summit,” Zelenskyy concluded. “We have some good ideas that could help advance peace and protect lives. Thank you!”

The call came as Trump turned 80 and prepared to travel early Monday moring to France for the G7, where Ukraine and Russia’s war is expected to be s major topic. Trump will participate in a working session Tuesday morning with Zelenskyy at the summit, though not necessarily a formal bilateral meeting, according to a senior administration official.

The outreach also comes as European leaders seek to keep Trump engaged on Ukraine policy and push for renewed diplomatic efforts involving Kyiv, Moscow and Europe. European officials are expected to use the G7 gathering to press Trump on a plan to restart negotiations with Russia while also preparing additional pressure on Moscow.

Trump has hoped to have secured an Iranian peace treaty before the G7 and has long hoped his global peacemaking efforts would ultimately “end the death” in southern and eastern Ukraine, where Russia’s Vladimir Putin has sought to stake claim to large swaths of land during the ongoing war.

<!–>

–>

World Cup Funding Delays Leave Local Police in Limbo, Says Mullin

0

On Sunday, President Donald Trump’s Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, spoke out about a delay in federal funding for local law enforcement, placing the blame on Democratic lawmakers. This came in the context of a conversation about his department’s use of a $70 million luxury government jet for personal travel.

During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” guest host Kasie Hunt questioned Mullin on the safety of Americans and international visitors attending World Cup matches. In response, Mullin assured the public of their safety but pointed to political roadblocks, remarking, “The truth is, though, with the Democrats defunding ICE and CBP for 115 days and DHS for 76 days, it made things tough.”

He further explained the impact of these delays, highlighting how agreements with local law enforcement—necessary for managing security at such large events—were financially strained. “Our memorandums of understanding with local law enforcement were delayed,” Mullin noted. “They had a significant amount of expenses to cover because we can’t manage this without local partnerships.”

Mullin said yes, before adding, ‘the truth is, though, with the Democrats defunding ICE and CBP for 115 days and DHS for 76 days, it made it tough.’

‘Our MOUs that we had with our local law enforcement, the reimbursement was behind. So they had a tremendous amount of expenses coming out because we can’t do this without our local partnerships,’ Mullin revealed.

Hunt then questioned if Mullin, ‘would be ready to blame Democrats if something went wrong’ at the World Cup games.

‘No, I’m not blaming Democrats. I’m just saying the truth is we were unfunded for 76 days, and ICE and CBP, which CBP is leading five of these facilities, we were shut down for 115 days,’ he added.

‘When we are shut down, even though our men and women at Department of Homeland Security, which I have the greatest privilege in the world to lead, are willing to do their job for free, that’s great. The problem is that our local law enforcement that we have to partner with, that we have to give grants to, they weren’t able to be reimbursed,’ Mullin continued.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin on CNN

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin on CNN

The England team touch down at the Charles B Wheeler downtown airport Kansas City, to begin their World Cup campaign in the USA.FIFA World Cup 2026

The England team touch down at the Charles B Wheeler downtown airport Kansas City, to begin their World Cup campaign in the USA.FIFA World Cup 2026

‘Now, all of them can handle that, but they were willing to work too. We’re playing catch-up on getting the funding out. We’re ready, but I feel positive that we could have been even in a better position if we weren’t having to deal with the gamesmanship of the Democrat Party through this whole political theater of keeping the Department of Homeland shut down,’ he concluded.

Before his appointment to the top job at DHS, Mullin had a front row seat to all of the Senate fights to fund DHS as a US Senator. 

The US House of Representatives narrowly passed a $70 billion package to fund ICE and Border Patrol for the rest of Trump’s term on Tuesday, sending one of his signature priorities to his desk. 

The House passage of the bill followed a nail-biter vote in the Senate earlier this month, where the bill was almost upended by Trump’s $1.8 billion ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund,’ which some GOP senators pushed to strip from the package.

Later in the program, when discussing the upcoming midterm elections and the need to zero out non-citizen voting, Mullin dropped that he and his wife had flown back to Oklahoma, his home state, to vote early in the primary elections that will take place this coming Tuesday, June 16th.

‘My wife and I voted just actually yesterday. We flew back to Oklahoma just to be able to vote in our — in our primary coming up,’ Mullin revealed.

DHS confirmed that a $70 million jet was purchased by the department during the tenure of former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Prior to the confirmation of new Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the jet remained ‘available to Cabinet members who need secure command and control and rapid long-range mobility.’

The passage of the comprehensive immigration package by Congress follows a record 76-day shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) earlier this year, when Democrats refused to support new money for ICE after the deaths of protesters in Minneapolis.

Republicans rejected their demands, instead choosing to fund ICE and Border Patrol through the fast-track ‘budget reconciliation’ process, which allows them to bypass Democratic opposition if they can keep their own members united.

The White House says the bill will provide $38 billion for ICE, $26 billion for the Border Patrol and another $5 billion to cover unforeseen costs.

It frontloads routine annual funding, ensuring a virtually uninterrupted flow of money as the Trump administration seeks to deport some one million people per year.

The funding comes on top of the nearly $140 billion that the Republican-controlled Congress gave ICE and Customs and Border Protection last year as part of Trump’s tax and spending cuts bill.

Democrats objected to giving the agencies more money without significant changes in the way they operate after the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis.

Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was removed from her post by President Trump after facing a litany of scandals

Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was removed from her post by President Trump after facing a litany of scandals

Democrats insisted agents remove masks, display ID badges during enforcement operations and obtain a judicial warrant before entering private property. Instead, the money comes with virtually no strings attached.

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said Republicans weren’t focused on the top priorities of the American people and have cut access to Medicaid and nutrition assistance through Trump’s earlier tax and spending cut bill.

‘Republicans have now come back for more, to give ICE and Donald Trump’s violent mass deportation machine another $70 billion blank check, with no oversight, no accountability and no guardrails,’ Jeffries said.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise countered that Democrats were not adequately supportive of law enforcement.

‘Make no mistake, if you’re voting yes, you’re not only voting to secure America’s border, you’re voting to fund law enforcement,’ Scalise said. ‘And if you vote no, you are voting to defund the police.’

The money will come at a pivotal time for DHS, which is under new leadership after Trump replaced Kristi Noem with new Secretary Mullin in March.

City Unveils Innovative Models for Future Sidewalk Sheds

0

The Department of Buildings has introduced two innovative sidewalk shed designs aimed at transforming the dreary 360 miles of scaffolding that currently clutter the city’s streets.

While these designs are a visual improvement over the bulky steel-and-green structures that dominate the landscape, they are not the ultimate answer to the pervasive scaffolding issue.

Although prototypes were showcased last year, these new designs have now been physically installed outside the DOB headquarters at 280 Broadway. Leila Bozorg, the deputy mayor for housing and planning, expressed that the new designs will allow New Yorkers to enjoy views of the sky while still ensuring pedestrian safety from potential overhead hazards.


Models of proposed sidewalk sheds in teal and yellow on a city street.
Former Mayor Eric Adams’ administration tweaked notorious Local Law 11, which requires sheds for facade repair and maintenance work on a scale that exists in no other city in the world. Steve Cuozzo

Two of the six proposed designs, known as the “rigid” and “flex” sheds, have been crafted by the architectural firm Arup. These are notably less oppressive than the traditional structures and offer an improvement over the Urban Umbrella style, which features tall, tree-like columns.

Both Arup and the Practice for Architecture and Urbanism have contributed to these modestly progressive designs, which the DOB hopes to finalize later this year pending City Council approval. Yet, despite the refreshing color palettes and partially transparent roofs made of artificial glass, these designs do not tackle the root issue — the infamous Local Law 11. This law mandates extensive facade repair and maintenance, necessitating these structures on a scale unmatched by any other city globally.

The 30-year-old law still stands, despite tweaks under former Mayor Eric Adams’ administration’s “Get Sheds Down” initiative. It slightly reduced the required frequency of periodic inspections and repairs — although final decisions at any particular building are still up to the DOB.


A new yellow sidewalk shed with an illuminated grated roof over a city sidewalk.
The city is reviewing six proposed sidewalk shed designs. Steve Cuozzo

Nor do the new rules touch the law’s most pernicious provision — that scaffolds must extend 20 feet in either direction beyond the actual job site, thus ruining businesses and entrances that aren’t part of the work.

For a look at how much better our streets would look with many fewer sheds, city planners should have a look at Chicago and Philadelphia — both of which have many old and very large buildings but hardly any sidewalk eyesores of the kind New Yorkers hate.

New York’s shed laws were enacted in the name of protecting passers-by from falling debris. Yet, somehow, hospitals in Chicago and Philadelphia are not overwhelmed by victims of such rare accidents.
But neither city has laws which mainly were written to enrich scaffold rental companies — a scandal that’s Only in New York.

Bungee Jumping Accident: Men Flee Scene After Fatal Error

0

In a tragic bungee jumping incident in Brazil, a young woman tragically lost her life, leaving behind a chilling final post on social media. The demand for justice is growing as the public calls for the arrest of the individuals responsible for her untimely death.

Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, aged 21, was involved in this horrific event on Saturday at Skeleton Bridge in Limeira, Sao Paulo. Disturbing video footage, now widely circulating online, captures the heart-wrenching moment she was thrown from the bridge, resulting in her fatal fall.

Despite wearing a helmet and what appeared to be a harness, Maria was not secured to the bridge or attached to a bungee cord. Video evidence shows two workers carrying her—one holding her legs and the other her upper body—as she posed as if in flight, moments before they tossed her over the edge.

Following the incident, Brazil’s military police reported to local media that two men quickly fled the scene, leaving the group on the bridge in shock. This information was detailed in a report by O Globo.

Brazil’s military police told local media that two men fled from the scene shortly after the realization dawned on the stunned group stood atop the bridge, O Globo reported. 

In total, six people were arrested after the two who fled into a wooded area were located by helicopter. Three of those arrest at the scene were charged with homicide with implied malice, G1 reported. 

Just moments before she fell around 130 feet to her death, the young Jandira native had posted to her Instagram, showing off the jump wristbands and Skeleton bridge. 

Underneath a photo, Rodrigues de Freitas wrote: ‘Who was the crazy person who let me come jump off a bridge?’

Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, 21, posted photographs of her jump wristbands and the bridge just moments before she was thrown off the bridge on Saturday

Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, 21, posted photographs of her jump wristbands and the bridge just moments before she was thrown off the bridge on Saturday

In total, six people were arrested after the two who fled into a wooded area were located by helicopter. Three of those arrest at the scene were charged with homicide with implied malice

In total, six people were arrested after the two who fled into a wooded area were located by helicopter. Three of those arrest at the scene were charged with homicide with implied malice

According to the friend, Rodrigues de Freitas was a 'beautiful' young woman 'full of dreams' and interrupted plans

According to the friend, Rodrigues de Freitas was a ‘beautiful’ young woman ‘full of dreams’ and interrupted plans

Bystanders can be heard in the video frantically yelling out, ‘the rope, people, the rope,’ as she was released from the grip of the employees. 

Higor Diniz, who had been on the bridge at the time of the incident, told EPTV that after Rodrigues de Freitas plummeted to her death, onlookers began to panic. 

‘There were a lot of people there – not just a few. There were many people at the site. There were children there too, and they saw it happen,’ he told the outlet. 

‘Some of the children were only six years old. It was a very intense scene. People panicked. Some who were farther back grabbed their belongings and started leaving.’

According to the outlet, the suspects who were arrested were 42 years and 27 years old, while the third is a 32-year-old civilian firefighter. 

The military police told O Globo that the proper fixation of the equipment would not have been carried out, causing Rodrigues de Freitas to fall to her death.  

Emergency responders arrived and pronounced her dead at the scene. Her body was then recovered before being transported to the Legal Institute for further investigation.

Delegate Andrea Dantas Levy told the outlet that the company operating the daredevil activity on the bridge ‘didn’t even have authorization to be there.’

Video taken at the scene shows the young woman being taken to the edge by the staff before being thrown into the ravine

Video taken at the scene shows the young woman being taken to the edge by the staff before being thrown into the ravine

Bystanders can be heard frantically shouting in the background, 'the rope, people, the rope', in the seconds after she was released

Bystanders can be heard frantically shouting in the background, ‘the rope, people, the rope’, in the seconds after she was released

‘They ended up organizing this event, and, this fatality happened today, in my perception, due to a failure to verify and supervise the placement of the rope on the victim’s jump,’ Levy said. 

The suspect’s legal teams told G1 that the workers were very experienced and this had been the company’s first fatality in years. 

According to the outlet, the three workers arrested were unable to offer a reason for the negligent error nor why final security checks weren’t conducted upon Rodrigues de Freitas’ turn to jump.

The graduate had recently earned her degree in Physical Education and Sports Management, and was seen on social media regularly sharing content on her passions, including physical activity, adventure and spending time in nature, O Globo reported. 

A family member wrote on Instagram: ‘Until now I don’t believe it, I love you so much I’ll never forget you from our jokes, [I’ll] always remember you. I love you so much princess.’

Another friend wrote in a post on Instagram, translated from Portuguese, that Rodrigues de Freitas’ death came as a ‘tragedy…due to a lack of attention and responsibility.’

According to the friend, Rodrigues de Freitas was a ‘beautiful’ young woman ‘full of dreams’ and interrupted plans. 

‘Her mother said her biggest fear was losing one of them just three days ago… When a mother and a family cry, we all cry together,’ they wrote. 

Panobianco Academia, the physical fitness center where Rodrigues de Freitas taught, said: 'Maria Eduarda left her mark through the dedication, affection, joy and respect with which she treated everyone around her'

Panobianco Academia, the physical fitness center where Rodrigues de Freitas taught, said: ‘Maria Eduarda left her mark through the dedication, affection, joy and respect with which she treated everyone around her’

Panobianco Academia, the physical fitness center where Rodrigues de Freitas taught, said: ‘Today we said goodbye to a very special person to our Panobianco Silverstone family…Maria Eduarda left her mark through the dedication, affection, joy and respect with which she treated everyone around her.’

‘Your presence illuminated the environments and your memory will remain forever in our hearts,’ they continued. 

‘In this moment of deep sorrow, we join together in prayer and solidarity with family, friends, and colleagues, wishing strength and comfort to face this loss.

‘May the good memories, shared moments and the love left by her be a source of peace and comfort. Rest In Peace, Maria Eduarda.’

A later post said that the gym would be suspending its activities ‘as a sign of respect and mourning.’ 

A person who knew Rodrigues de Freitas said they remembered when she began at the academy, and that she had been ‘super forward with everyone.’

‘Then she became a teacher and paid attention to everyone,’ they said, and offered condolences to her friends and family.  

Celebrate Juneteenth with History: Obama Presidential Center’s Grand Opening in Chicago!

0

In September 2021, construction commenced on the highly anticipated Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. Fast forward to just under five years later, and the Center is set to welcome the public on June 19th with a special open house event, free of charge.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, has described this center as a “permanent home for hope,” signifying its intended impact and legacy. Nestled on a sprawling 19-acre campus on Chicago’s South Side, the center is much more than just a museum. It offers a variety of facilities, including a basketball court, a playground, outdoor gathering areas, and a branch of the Chicago Public Library.

John Roberson is poised to take on the role of Incoming Executive Vice President at the Obama Presidential Center, overseeing its operations and ensuring it becomes a vibrant community hub.

The 19-acre campus on Chicago’s South Side is home not only to a museum but also a basketball court, playground, outdoor gathering spots and a branch of the Chicago Public Library.

John Roberson is the Incoming Executive Vice President of the Obama Presidential Cente.

“There have been so many people who’ve invested so much time and effort over years to bring this vision to fruition. And so, we now next week, on June 19th, we get to open the Obama Presidential Center on the South Side of Chicago. Can you believe that?”

Roberson said he thinks Mr. and Mrs. Obama wanted a presidential center that was different from others.

061426-wls-our-chicago-pt-2-8a

READ MORE: ABC7 gets sneak peek at new Chicago Public Library branch on Obama Presidential Center campus

“They wanted something that was really rooted in what they believed are the values that they grew up with. And that ground them. And so, having a museum that not just tells the story of their presidency, but really makes a presentation that allows people to see themselves. And to be able to see and understand how they can effectuate change in their communities,” he said.

According to Roberson, Obama was involved in every aspect.

So what can visitors expect when they go to the Obama Presidential Center?

“The number one thing they can expect is a staff that is going to be welcoming,” Roberson said. “A staff that is going to insure that they do everything possible to insure that they have a once-in-a-lifetime great experience. They’re going to come to a place where they’re going to see art. Available and public free spaces. They’re going to have the opportunity to really learn about the things that were formative in our country’s history through the exhibits. They’re going to have the opportunity to go to the eighth floor where our sky room is located and see the most extraordinary panoramic views of the city of Chicago that cannot be found anywhere else,” he said.

Roberson suggests visitors bring comfortable shoes for walking through all of the exhibit space and the large campus.

SEE ALSO | Taking a look at the Obama Presidential Center inside and out

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.