Home Blog Page 525

Sydney Sweeney Weighs Converting to Judaism for Scooter Braun

0

Sydney Sweeney is reportedly exploring a possible conversion to Judaism as her relationship with Scooter Braun continues to grow more serious.

Sweeney, 29, has lately been exploring a conversion to Braun’s religion, Judaism, a source told Page Six, after Deuxmoi first reported that she was allegedly considering changing her faith.

A source claimed the Euphoria actress began considering the change after she and the 45-year-old music executive discussed starting a family. Sweeney recently appeared to reference Braun in a series of revealing vacation photographs shared online.

“The couple is discussing having their own family and Scooter feels strongly on the subject,” the source alleged.

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Sweeney and Braun for comment, but neither has responded.

Braun is already a father of three children with his former wife, Yael Cohen. The pair were married from 2014 until 2022.

Sydney Sweeney is reportedly considering making a religious conversion as her relationship with Scooter Braun gets more serious; above, in February in Santa Barbara, California

Sydney Sweeney is reportedly considering a religious conversion as her relationship with Scooter Braun becomes more serious; pictured above in February in Santa Barbara, California

Sweeney, 29, has lately been exploring a conversion to Braun's religion, Judaism, a source told Page Six

Sweeney, 29, has reportedly been exploring conversion to Braun’s religion, Judaism, according to a source who spoke to Page Six

Page Six previously reported that Sweeney had attended Rosh Hashanah services with Braun at Temple Sholom in Greenwich, Connecticut.

“They sat in the back,” an alleged witness told the publication.

The outlet also cited a source who said Sweeney had met with two rabbis to learn more about the potential conversion.

The timeline for converting to Judaism varies by denomination. Reform conversions may take up to two years, while Conservative conversions can last as long as three years and Orthodox conversions may take up to five.

Those undertaking the process must also have a rabbi sponsor them throughout their conversion.

Earlier reports from Page Six claimed Braun was also considering proposing to Sweeney.

“He is trying very hard to marry her,” a source alleged in mid-September. “He is following her and chartering private planes. He’s going to stay focused on her until she marries him.”

The same source reportedly described Sweeney as Braun’s “modern Marilyn Monroe.”

'The couple is discussing having their own family and Scooter feels strongly on the subject,' they claimed. Converting to Judaism can take anywhere from one to five years, depending on the denomination, and a rabbi has to sponsor the convert; above, on September 3 in Venice

“The couple is discussing having their own family and Scooter feels strongly on the subject,” a source claimed. Converting to Judaism can take between one and five years, depending on the denomination, and requires sponsorship from a rabbi; pictured above on September 3 in Venice

The publication previously reported that Sweeney had been spotted attending Rosh Hashanah services with Braun at Temple Sholom in Greenwich, Connecticut. 'They sat in the back,' an alleged witness said

Sweeney was previously reported to have attended Rosh Hashanah services with Braun at Temple Sholom in Greenwich, Connecticut. “They sat in the back,” an alleged witness said

'[Braun] is trying very hard to marry her,' a source claimed to Page Six in mid-September. 'He is following her and chartering private planes. He’s going to stay focused on her until she marries him'; above, on September 4 in Venice

“[Braun] is trying very hard to marry her,” a source told Page Six in mid-September. “He is following her and chartering private planes. He’s going to stay focused on her until she marries him”; pictured above on September 4 in Venice

Marilyn Monroe, whom the source allegedly compared to Sweeney, converted to Judaism after marrying playwright Arthur Miller, her third husband, in 1956.

Last week, Sweeney appeared to suggest that her romance with Braun was intensifying when she shared a series of sizzling social media snapshots from their recent vacation.

In one image, the Euphoria star posed in a plunging red Baywatch-inspired swimsuit that struggled to contain her famous curves.

In another cheeky photo, a shirtless Braun lifted Sweeney into the air and held her up by wrapping his arms around her waist. 

Other photos showed the group jet skiing, hiking, dancing and shooting off fireworks.

‘When your man takes you to the moon,’ Sweeney captioned the images. 

The couple started dating a year ago after first meeting at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding, and clearly their spark is still going strong.

In recent photos promoting her lingerie line SYRN, Sweeney wore a gold chain necklace featuring the initials of her boyfriend, 45. 

Two delicate ‘S’ and ‘B’ charms served as the focal point of the necklace. 

After Sweeney and Braun first started dating last year, a source told Entertainment Tonight at the time that the couple was ‘trying to be as low-key as possible, while still dating and having fun.’

Interestingly, a source previously claimed that Braun considers Sweeney to be 'the modern Marilyn Monroe.' Monroe converted to Judaism after marrying her third husband, playwright Arthur Miller, in 1956; above, Miller and Monroe in 1957

Interestingly, a source previously claimed that Braun considers Sweeney to be ‘the modern Marilyn Monroe.’ Monroe converted to Judaism after marrying her third husband, playwright Arthur Miller, in 1956; above, Miller and Monroe in 1957

Sweeney shared a series of sizzling vacation photos with her boyfriend on social media last week

Sweeney shared a series of sizzling vacation photos with her boyfriend on social media last week

In one image, the Euphoria star posed in a plunging red Baywatch-inspired swimsuit that struggled to contain her famous curves

In one image, the Euphoria star posed in a plunging red Baywatch-inspired swimsuit that struggled to contain her famous curves 

She jumped on Braun's shoulders during a dance party with friends in another photo

She jumped on Braun’s shoulders during a dance party with friends in another photo

She also shared a stack of polaroid photos from the getaway, which included many of the couple's friends

She also shared a stack of polaroid photos from the getaway, which included many of the couple’s friends 

Join the discussion

Should love ever influence someone to change their lifelong beliefs or religious faith?

‘They are just taking things slow and enjoying their time together,’ the source added.

By December, it was revealed that the couple was getting ‘serious.’

‘Scooter and Sydney are going strong and things between them are great. They’re in a committed relationship and things are serious,’ a source told People.

In January this year, Sweeney told Cosmopolitan about the speculation around her love life. 

‘Sometimes I’ll think that I can do a normal thing and have a date in a normal way, and then it gets perceived in a very non-normal way. It’s kind of sad,’ she shared. 

On going public with her romance, she said: ‘I understand that I’m a public person, but I’m still in my 20s. I’m still figuring out love, and it’s hard to do that with millions of people who have their own opinions of what that looks like…

‘At the same time, for all of my 20s, I put my head down and focused on work—and now I want to experience things. But it’s hard deciding that I want to experience love in the public eye. I’m just navigating it all.’

In May, Scooter said on the Second Thought With Suzy Weis podcast: ‘I’ve met an extraordinary woman who is kind and generous and smart, and real and down to earth.’

They’re sentiments he echoed while wishing Sweeney a happy birthday earlier this month, praising her ability to make the ‘ordinary’ feel extraordinary.

‘Happy birthday to the woman who is the exception to every rule. The person who surprised me and showed me how life with true partnership can be lived,’ he began.

‘You make me smile harder, laugh louder, adventure more, and dream bigger. You’ve made the ordinary feel exciting and the future feel like something I can’t wait to get to. A giggle can change an entire day.

13-Year-Old Hailed as Hero After Dying While Saving His Younger Sister

0

Thirteen-year-old Sha ‘Michael Russell has been remembered as a hero after losing his life while protecting his younger sister during a shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Russell was fatally wounded at the Olde Salem Village Apartments at around 6:30 p.m. on September 28.

Family members said that when gunfire broke out, Russell moved quickly to shield his younger sister. He was struck in the chest.

‘He was shielding his three-year-old sister at the park to keep her from being hit by the bullets,’ Russell’s aunt, Jessica Haley, told KSLA.

The Shreveport Police Department said Russell was one of three children shot on a basketball court at the apartment complex. The other victims, aged two and 17, survived with injuries.

Russell was rushed to a hospital but later died from life-threatening injuries. His three-year-old sister was not hurt.

Police said Javieon Abbott and Alonzo Abbott have been charged in connection with Russell’s death.

Javieon Abbott, 19, faces two counts of attempted second-degree murder.

Sha 'Michael Russell, a brave 13-year-old boy has been hailed a hero after he was killed while protecting his younger sister from a shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana

Sha ‘Michael Russell, a 13-year-old boy, has been honored as a hero after being killed while protecting his younger sister during a Shreveport, Louisiana, shooting

When the shooting erupted that night, family members reported that Russell immediately jumped over to shield his younger sister and protect her before being shot in the chest

Family members said Russell immediately moved to shield his younger sister when the shooting began and was struck in the chest

According to Shreveport Police Department (SPD), Russell was one of three children who were shot on a basketball court at their Olde Salem Village apartment complex

The Shreveport Police Department said Russell was one of three children shot on a basketball court at the Olde Salem Village apartment complex

Alonzo Abbott, 19, has been charged with one count of principal to second-degree murder and two counts of principal to attempted second-degree murder.

‘From the moment this case began, our detectives’ determination to find justice for Sha ‘Michael, his family, and the other children who were injured never wavered,’ SPD Chief Wayne Smith wrote in a Facebook statement.

‘They worked nonstop through the night and throughout the day, following every lead and using every available resource until the person responsible was in custody,’ Chief Wayne wrote.

Following his death, Russell was awarded the Youth Heroism Award by the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, which is also known as the Uvalde Foundation.

‘Sha ’Michael’s family has told us about a boy who loved his little sister and tried to protect her,’ Daniel Chapin, founder and president of the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, told KSLA.

‘He should still be here growing up with his family. We want to recognize the courage his family described and make sure people remember Sha ’Michael for the life he lived and the person he was.’

His family described Russell as a loving, playful boy and a hero. They said he helped neighbors, enjoyed sports, made people laugh and cared deeply for his sister.

‘Sha ’Michael will be the first teenager to receive the Foundation’s Youth Heroism Award posthumously,’ the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation said in a social media statement.

Javieon Abbott, 19, has been charged with two counts of Attempted Second-Degree Murder

Javieon Abbott, 19, has been charged with two counts of attempted second-degree murder

Alonzo Abbott, 19, has been charged with one count of Principal to Second-Degree Murder and two counts of Principal to Attempted Second-Degree Murder

Alonzo Abbott, 19, has been charged with one count of Principal to Second-Degree Murder and two counts of Principal to Attempted Second-Degree Murder

The foundation started an emergency fundraiser to support the Russell family with their funeral expenses and any financial hardships resulting from his unexpected death.

‘We want the money raised for these families to actually get to these families. We’re going to take the time to verify who we need to work with and how the funds should be delivered, and then we’ll get the assistance where it is needed,’ Chapin told the outlet. 

The Shreveport Police Department has asked anyone with information to contact their office directly or submit an anonymous tip to Shreveport-Caddo Crime Stoppers. 

The Daily Mail has reached out to Mary L Harried, the Chief District Public Defender of Caddo Parish, for comments on behalf of Javieon and Alonzo Abbott. 

The Daily Mail has also contacted Shreveport Police Department for comments as the investigation is ongoing.

The Past of the Influencer Behind Nithya Raman’s ‘Fascist’ Video

0

The influencer who appeared with Nithya Raman in the “fascist liars” video has built a large digital following by inserting himself into heated social-justice disputes and organizing viral campaigns viewed millions of times.

Ed Choi, known online as @etchaskej, has nearly 800,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram. He interviewed Los Angeles mayoral candidate Raman in the video that triggered controversy Monday night.

It was not Choi’s first brush with an online firestorm.

Last year, he repeatedly criticized Los Angeles restaurant group Great White after false claims emerged that Asian diners were being segregated.

The controversy began when a diner alleged that Asian customers were being seated together at the restaurant’s Melrose location. The backlash soon expanded to focus on Great White’s name.

Great White’s owners firmly denied discriminating against customers based on race or ethnicity. They said the restaurant was named for the great white shark, which is also featured in its branding.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Choi eventually posted more than a dozen videos about Great White and its then-former sister restaurant, Gran Blanco, helping spread the allegations across social media.

One of his early videos surpassed 1 million views on Instagram.

As the backlash intensified, the owners, workers and their families received threatening and abusive messages. Choi later condemned the harassment publicly.

His latest controversy followed an interview with Raman, who is challenging Mayor Karen Bass. During the video, Choi says Los Angeles has become “extremely fascist,” citing Bass’ appointment of Jim McDonnell as police chief.

He then asks Raman how she would “de-fascistize” Los Angeles.

Later, the two repeat the phrase together: “Only you can stop fascist liars.”

The video also briefly shows images of Bass and McDonnell, with a large red X placed over the LAPD chief’s face.

Raman’s campaign said Choi inserted those images after the interview. It also said Raman intended the reference to “fascist liars” to mean ICE and the Trump administration.

The campaign said it had distanced itself from the post and asked Choi to remove the video.

Choi, a former stand-up comedian and co-founder of a clothing brand, has said the 2021 Atlanta spa shootings prompted his shift toward social-justice activism. Eight people died in those attacks, including six Asian women.

He later entered another viral restaurant dispute involving San Francisco’s Kis Cafe. His reaction video drew more than 3.2 million views, and he urged his followers to stop supporting the business.

Kis Cafe eventually closed following a wider social-media backlash that began after another influencer described an encounter with the restaurant’s chef-owner. The business later reopened under a new name and with different leadership.

More recently, Choi has used his substantial online platform to promote detainee fundraisers and causes opposed to immigration enforcement by ICE.

He has also said that two federal agents recently came to his home because of his online activity involving ICE personnel.

But there is no public confirmation from federal authorities that Choi is under investigation or has been accused of a crime.


Nidal Hasan, Fort Hood Shooter, Faces Firing Squad Execution

0

Former Fort Hood Army psychiatrist Nidal Malik Hasan will be executed by firing squad, the Pentagon has announced.

“Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has recommended — and President Donald J. Trump has approved — death by U.S. Army firing squad for convicted terrorist Nidal Malik Hasan, the jihadist who opened fire on unarmed American soldiers at Fort Hood in 2009,” Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell wrote in an Oct. 5 post on X. “He killed 13 people and wounded 32 others while shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ during the attack.” 

“The Secretary of the Army will set the time and place of the execution,” Parnell wrote. “Judgement day for Hasan has finally come.”

Hasan’s execution would be the first U.S. military execution in more than 50 years and the first military execution by firing squad since World War II, according to CNN and NBC News. He is also one of four prisoners on the military’s death row at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, the Associated Press reported.

In March 2025, South Carolina executed convicted killer Brad Sigmon by firing squad, the Associated Press reported. It was the first time the method had been used in the United States in 15 years.

An attorney who previously represented Hasan did not immediately respond to Oxygen’s request for comment.

What Crime Did Nidal Hasan Commit?

Hasan, a former Army major and psychiatrist stationed at Fort Hood, carried out a “shooting rampage” at the Texas installation’s Soldier Readiness Processing Center, prosecutors wrote in a 2022 government appellate brief reviewed by Oxygen.

He killed 13 people—12 U.S. Army soldiers and one civilian employee—and attempted to kill 32 others. Prosecutors said he continued firing until authorities shot him.

According to the appellate brief, Hasan wanted to avoid being deployed to Afghanistan and described the war as “America’s war on Islam.” He had previously told a coworker words to the effect of, “If they deploy me…they will pay.”

Hasan later visited a gun store and requested “the most technologically advanced handgun on the market.” He also asked the clerk to attach a laser sight to the weapon, the brief stated.

On Nov. 5, 2009, several weeks after receiving his deployment orders, Hasan entered the Soldier Readiness Processing building wearing his Army uniform and carrying 400 rounds of ammunition, according to the brief. He opened fire while shouting “Allahu Akbar,” an Arabic phrase meaning “God is Greater.” When people attempted to confront him with a chair, he shot and killed them, the brief said.

Hasan was charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder. The brief said he submitted offers to plead guilty, withdrawing one while a military judge rejected the other. A judge later entered not guilty pleas on his behalf, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Hasan represented himself during his 2013 trial. In his opening statement, he said, in part, according to the brief, “The evidence will clearly show that I am the shooter. And the dead bodies will testify that war is an ugly thing.”

Hasan was convicted on all charges and sentenced to death.

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Layla Taylor and Girlfriend Kelsie Chesser Make Red Carpet Debut

Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Layla Taylor is putting her relationship in the spotlight.

Taylor attended New York City’s Virtual Reali-Tea Awards on Tuesday, October 6, with her girlfriend, Kelsie Chesser. Speaking with Page Six, the 25-year-old reality star confirmed that the event marked their first red carpet appearance as a couple.

“I’m actually super nervous,” Chesser admitted in an interview shared online by the outlet that evening. The couple’s public debut follows Taylor’s July 29 appearance on the “On Purpose With Jay Shetty” podcast, where she opened up about being bisexual. Taylor shares two children with her former husband, Clayton Wessel. The pair divorced in 2023, one year before Bravo premiered Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

Chesser first identified herself as Taylor’s girlfriend in a July 21 TikTok. She also told Page Six that she had already “met the kids” and enthusiastically agreed when asked whether Taylor’s children “love” her.

Why Layla Hasn't Come Out to Her Mormon Wives Costars

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star has also discussed why she has not yet shared her sexuality with her costars. “No, [they don’t know],” Taylor, 25, said during a Monday, June 29, episode of the “On Purpose With Jay Shetty” podcast. She explained that the cast had not been in a bad place with one another, but she still had not found the right way to have that conversation.

During the interview with Shetty, 39, Taylor described her sexuality as something she spent years trying to understand. “I’m gay and I’m bi and date women and men,” she said. Reflecting on her childhood, Taylor explained that she often felt different while growing up as a Black girl in a largely white community. She recalled watching Pretty Little Liars and seeing Shay Mitchell kiss another girl, wondering, “Wait, why is that hot?”

Taylor said she lacked the queer representation that might have helped her recognize those feelings as normal. Although she had been Mormon and did not necessarily feel direct pressure from her parents to hide her identity, she said she simply did not have people around her who modeled what living openly could look like.

SnapInsta-Mormon-Wives-Layla-Debuts-GF-.jpg


Kelsie Chesser and Layla Taylor
Courtesy of Layla Taylor/Instagram

In her conversation with Page Six, Taylor also offered a preview of season 6 of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which is currently in production. “I think it’s going to be a really good season,” she said, adding that season 5 had been difficult for viewers. Taylor said she was looking forward to audiences seeing more of each cast member and experiencing what she described as a happier, lighter chapter.

Season 5 focused heavily on the turbulent relationship between Taylor’s former costar Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex, Dakota Mortensen. The ongoing conflict was followed by Mikayla Matthews’ departure from the reality series. Matthews confirmed last month that Paul’s continued involvement played a direct role in her decision to leave. Paul, 32, has also hinted that she may eventually exit the show.

Layla Taylor Teases How Mormon Wives Friend Group Has Been Affected by Jessi Draper Chase McWhorter

Taylor previously spoke about supporting her close friend Miranda McWhorter after Miranda’s ex, Chase McWhorter, kissed their friend Jessi Draper. While promoting her SHOWPO collection, Taylor, 25, told Us Weekly exclusively that she was focused on being there for Miranda, while declining to get deeply involved in the situation between Jessi, Chase and the rest of the group.

Taylor said the cast was “very sad” to see Mikayla leave, describing her as one of her dear friends. At the same time, she said she respected Mikayla’s choice and felt proud of her for standing up for what she believed was right.

As for Paul, Taylor said she wished her well but confirmed that the two no longer speak. She added that she could not say whether Paul remained in contact with the other women from the cast.

Former TV Anchor Gets Life After Guilty Plea in Mother’s Killing

0

Angelynn “Angie” Mock, a former St. Louis television news anchor who admitted killing her mother in Kansas on Halloween last year, has been sentenced to life in prison.

A Sedgwick County District Court judge ruled that Mock, 48, will become eligible for parole after serving 25 years, KWCH reported.

The sentence followed a plea agreement resolving the first-degree murder charge filed against her.

Angelynn

Former St. Louis television news anchor Angelynn “Angie” Mock has been charged with first-degree murder following the fatal stabbing of her mother in Wichita, Kansas. (Angie Mock/Facebook)

Police responding on the morning of Oct. 31, 2025, found 80-year-old Anita Avers suffering from multiple stab wounds inside her Wichita home. Avers lived there with Mock and Mock’s stepfather.

A probable cause affidavit said Mock made statements indicating that she believed her mother was the devil and had killed her in an effort to “save herself.”

Mock’s stepfather told KAKE-TV that she had been diagnosed with a mental illness and struggled with delusions and depression.

He also told KWCH that Mock might have initially been diagnosed with bipolar disorder before doctors later believed she had schizoaffective disorder.

A split image of Angelynn

Angelynn “Angie” Mock pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for the Halloween 2025 stabbing death of her mother. (Angie Mock/Facebook | Sedgwick County Jail)

Although questions had been raised about her mental health, a judge determined in July that Mock was competent to proceed to trial.

Mock entered a guilty plea to one count of first-degree murder in August.

Angelynn

Angelynn “Angie” Mock seen after being arrested and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder. (Sedgwick County Jail)

Mock’s LinkedIn profile shows that she later moved into software sales after working as an anchor and reporter for Fox 2 KTVI in St. Louis between 2011 and 2015.

Before that, she served as a morning anchor at KOKH-TV in Oklahoma City from 2007 through 2011.

Patrick Clancy and Pregnant Wife Put Their New York Apartment Up for Rent

0

Patrick Clancy and his pregnant new wife are reportedly putting their New York City apartment on the rental market as Massachusetts prosecutors consider whether to retry his former wife in the deaths of their three children.

Clancy, 38, and Rachel Danis, whom he married in April, are offering their 700-square-foot, one-bedroom, one-bathroom condominium in Manhattan’s East Midtown for $6,550 per month beginning December 11, TMZ reports.

The furnished, air-conditioned apartment is in a pet-friendly building with a dishwasher, in-unit laundry and access to a fitness center.

The couple’s next destination has not been disclosed.

The rental listing appeared as prosecutors in Massachusetts weigh a second trial for Patrick’s ex-wife, Lindsay Clancy, who is accused of strangling their three young children at their $650,000 home in Duxbury in January 2023. Her triple-homicide trial ended in a dramatic 11-1 jury deadlock and mistrial.

The mother of three faces three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Cora, five, Dawson, three, and Callan, who was eight months old. 

Prosecutors allege that the 36-year-old labor and delivery nurse strangled the children with exercise bands in the basement after sending her husband out to run errands.

Clancy then attempted suicide by cutting her wrists and neck before jumping from a second-floor bedroom window. She survived but suffered paralysis from the waist down.

Patrick Clancy and his second wife Rachel Danis are reportedly renting out their New York City apartment. They are pictured in the Big Apple last month

Patrick Clancy and his second wife, Rachel Danis, are reportedly renting out their New York City apartment. The couple was photographed in Manhattan last month.

The listing comes as prosecutors in Massachusetts weigh whether to try Patrick's ex-wife, Lindsay Clancy (pictured), a second time for strangling their three young children

The listing comes as Massachusetts prosecutors consider whether to retry Patrick’s former wife, Lindsay Clancy, pictured, in the deaths of their three children.

The Clancy's three children Cora, Dawson and Callan are pictured prior to their deaths

Cora, Dawson and Callan Clancy are pictured before their deaths.

She has not denied killing the children, but pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, arguing that she was experiencing severe postpartum depression and psychosis at the time.

Testifying at trial, Clancy described his former wife’s use of several combinations of prescription medications. He also recalled that Lindsay had continued telling him about “intrusive thoughts” involving harm to the children.

“She described thoughts of hurting the kids or them having some sort of ailment,” he told jurors.

Clancy said he did not believe the children were in immediate danger because Lindsay had never indicated that she intended to act on those thoughts.

However, when Clancy returned home on January 24, 2023, after collecting medication and a takeout meal for his then-wife, he encountered a bloody scene and found Lindsay on the ground.

According to his testimony, she told him she had tried to kill herself and said the children were in the basement. 

Believing the children might still be alive, Clancy urgently called 911 and waited for emergency responders.

When first responders arrived, he ran into the house and found all three children motionless, resistance exercise bands wrapped around their necks.

“She killed the f****** kids!” he shouted, according to police.

On the stand, Clancy told jurors how his ex-wife was taking various cocktails of prescription medications, even as Lindsay continued to tell him about the 'intrusive thoughts' she was having about harming the children

On the stand, Clancy told jurors how his ex-wife was taking various cocktails of prescription medications, even as Lindsay continued to tell him about the ‘intrusive thoughts’ she was having about harming the children

The three-bedroom home in the suburb of Duxbury, where the Clancy family lived before the murders

The three-bedroom home in the suburb of Duxbury, where the Clancy family lived before the murders

Still, Clancy called his ex a ‘very dedicated mother’ who would do anything for their children – a point he later emphasized in an interview on 60 Minutes.

‘I saw headlines that say “killer mom” and “baby murderer monster” and none of them were accurate. I believed that it was her mental illness that caused that,’ he said

Clancy also discussed in the interview how the stress from the murders also took its toll and left him suicidal.

‘There was a time I didn’t think I would live to see my 35th birthday, and I was completely fine with it,’ he said.

He revealed how he moved to New York sometime during the spring of 2023 to be somewhere ‘where he could grieve’ alone.

Clancy would then go on to meet Danis one year later. 

Defense attorney Kevin Reddington questioned the investigation as he argued that the charges against his client should be found not guilty by lack of criminal responsibility for murdering her three children

Defense attorney Kevin Reddington questioned the investigation as he argued that the charges against his client should be found not guilty by lack of criminal responsibility for murdering her three children

It now remains unclear whether Lindsay Clancy will face another trial for the children’s deaths.

But her attorney, Kevin Reddington, has since tried to argue there was insufficient evidence to charge her in the children’s death.

‘This entire case is based on speculation. Where is the admission? Where did she say that she did this?’ he asked inside the Plymouth County Superior Court last week.

Gesturing animatedly inside the jam-packed courtroom, he claimed that the former nurse had been demonized by everyone, including the president.

‘She’s a demon and possessed and should be executed,’ he claimed people were saying. ‘This is coming from politicians, from President Trump, all the way down.’

Slamming the entire investigation into the children’s deaths, Reddington questioned: ‘Where is the evidence that she did this?’

He noted there was no blood on his client’s socks after she cut herself and leaped from the bedroom window and, when she woke from a coma, she had no memory of killing her children.

Instead, she was simply told by police that she had killed her children despite there being issues with the timeline of that day, he argued. 

Because of the shoddy investigation, the state had no probable cause that she was even the perpetrator of the crime, Reddington then claimed.

He also argued that there is insufficient evidence to prove the 36-year-old is criminally responsible for the killings.

For a defendant to be found criminally responsible, a jury must determine two things: whether or not she was suffering a mental defect or disease at the time, and whether or not she could still control her actions or conform to the law despite her mental illness.

Reddington argued that the prosecution failed to prove its case on both points.

Prosecutor Shanan Buckingham, however, branded his comments ‘laughable,’ saying this was the first time the defense had made this claim. 

He also argued that a defendant who suffers from mental illness can commit crimes and still be criminally responsible. 

Mary Fowler Sparks Backlash Over Matildas Exit Amid Cleary Talk

0

Matildas midfielder Mary Fowler has reportedly travelled back to Australia to support her injured partner, Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary, after her unexpected withdrawal from the national team drew criticism from senior Football Australia figures.

Fowler, 23, will not feature in Australia’s upcoming friendly matches against Germany and Haiti. Football Australia explained that her absence was due to “personal circumstances”, without publicly revealing further details.

The Western Weekender’s Nathan Taylor reported that Fowler was back in the country after spotting her at the Panthers’ presentation night on Tuesday.

“Confirmed. Mary Fowler is back in Australia, at home with her injured partner Nathan Cleary,” Taylor said.

Neither Fowler nor Football Australia has confirmed that Cleary’s condition was directly responsible for the Manchester City star’s decision to leave the Matildas camp.

Cleary faces an extended period on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on injuries to both legs following Penrith’s preliminary-final loss to Newcastle.

The representative halfback fractured his left fibula and dislocated his ankle during a tackle from Newcastle’s Phoenix Crossland on September 27. He required emergency surgery soon after the incident.

Doctors later performed a second procedure to address a stress fracture in Cleary’s right foot, an injury he had reportedly been managing before the match.

Mary Fowler is reportedly at home with boyfriend Nathan Cleary as he recovers from surgery on both legs

Mary Fowler has reportedly returned home to support Nathan Cleary during his recovery from surgery on both legs

Cleary underwent a second operation to repair the stress fracture in his right foot

Nathan Cleary required another operation to treat a stress fracture in his right foot

Senior Football Australia officials were reportedly ‘unimpressed’ by Fowler’s sudden withdrawal

Reports suggest senior Football Australia figures were unhappy with the way Fowler’s withdrawal was communicated

The Matildas have not confirmed whether Cleary’s injuries prompted Fowler’s decision to miss the upcoming friendlies

The Matildas have not said whether Cleary’s injuries influenced Fowler’s decision to miss the upcoming international fixtures

Subsequent updates confirmed that Cleary’s left tibia was not fractured, correcting early reports that suggested both bones in his lower leg had been broken.

Fowler’s last-minute departure reportedly surprised several of her Matildas teammates and frustrated senior Football Australia personnel, who were said to be unhappy with the timing and handling of the announcement.

Football Australia said the decision was reached after discussions involving Fowler, Manchester City and Matildas staff.

Yet reports indicate that some senior officials did not learn about the decision until Tuesday morning, when they saw the statement issued at 6.30am AEDT.

Sources who were not authorised to speak publicly told Nine that the officials were “unimpressed” by the way the news had been communicated.

Matildas winger Hayley Raso also revealed on Tuesday that she had not spoken with Fowler before being asked about the withdrawal.

“I haven’t spoken to Mary. I only just found out the news myself,” Raso said.

“Mary is obviously a hugely important player for our team, so it is disappointing that she is not here at camp. But she needs to look after her personal circumstances.”

Cleary thanked Fowler for making him feel ‘supported and loved’ during his Dally M Medal acceptance speech

Cleary thanked Fowler for making him feel ‘supported and loved’ during his Dally M Medal acceptance speech

The Panthers halfback required emergency surgery after suffering a fractured fibula and dislocated left ankle

The Panthers halfback required emergency surgery after suffering a fractured fibula and dislocated left ankle

Fowler had made her 100th appearance for Manchester City a day earlier, coming off the bench in a 4-2 victory over Arsenal.

She did not appear to suffer an injury during the match.

Her absence is a setback for coach Joe Montemurro as he prepares the Matildas for next year’s World Cup, with Fowler’s role in his starting side still to be settled.

Australia face Germany in Karlsruhe on October 10 before meeting Haiti in Chambly, France, on October 14.

‘There’s not that many camps or matches before the World Cup, so every one is so important,’ Raso said.

‘Having a game against a top side like Germany is really important.’

Cleary paid an emotional tribute to Fowler while accepting the Dally M Medal last week.

‘I also want to say a big thanks to my partner,’ he said.

Fowler made her 100th Manchester City appearance shortly before her international withdrawal was announced

Fowler made her 100th Manchester City appearance shortly before her international withdrawal was announced

‘It’s tough doing the long distance, but she always makes me feel supported and loved, and that’s all I’ve ever asked for, and she’s just amazing.’

Fans were quick to connect Fowler’s withdrawal with her boyfriend’s recovery, while many defended her decision to step away from international duty.

‘A side quest to Penrith on the cards?’ one social media user wrote.

‘Thank you Mary, we appreciate you. That will make a huge difference for Nath in his recovery,’ another commented.

‘Omg, maybe she just wants to spend some time with her partner,’ one wrote.

A third added: ‘Mary has been playing since she was 15. A well-earned rest with her man is just what’s called for.’

Fowler previously withdrew from Matildas fixtures against Brazil and Chinese Taipei in November 2024, explaining that she needed time to recharge physically and mentally.

‘Playing for the national team is something that I never take for granted,’ she said at the time.

‘I have, however, through past experiences, come to realise that my mind and my body are also things that I should also never take for granted.’

How Newcastle United’s Transfer Window Turned From Bruising to Brilliant: Lille Secret Trip, Amar Dedič Pursuit and James Trafford Decision Explained

0

US Marine Seen in Japan After Alleged Killing of Woman

0

A U.S. Marine accused of killing a woman while stationed on Japan’s Okinawa island has been identified and pictured.

Lance Corporal Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, is based at Futenma Air Station. Japanese authorities detained him Saturday on suspicion of strangling 39-year-old Anna Yagi in a hotel before taking her wallet and backpack.

Yagi was discovered inside a hotel room in Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, after staff realized she had not checked out by the scheduled departure time.

A hotel employee became concerned, unlocked the room and found Yagi unconscious inside.

Emergency responders were called at about 4:20 a.m., but Yagi was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators believe the attack occurred sometime between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.

Police later reviewed surveillance footage that they say showed Ballard leaving the hotel carrying Yagi’s belongings. Officers said the wallet and backpack were subsequently recovered in the area around the hotel.

Lane Corporal Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, was arrested by Japanese authorities on Saturday for allegedly strangling a 39-year-old to death

Lance Corporal Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, was arrested by Japanese authorities Saturday over the alleged strangling death of a 39-year-old woman

Japanese police cordon off an area in Naha, Okinawa, as officers investigate the death of Anna Yagi, who was found inside a hotel room

Japanese police cordon off a section of Naha, Okinawa, while investigating the death of Anna Yagi, who was found in a hotel room

Later that night, an officer searching Naha’s entertainment district found Ballard. Police said his shaved head and tattoos appeared to match the description of the man seen in the security video.

Ballard has denied the allegations.

Japanese prosecutors are reviewing the evidence as they decide whether to file formal charges, CBS News reports.

A conviction could result in a life sentence or, in the most serious circumstance, the death penalty.

The killing has shaken residents and officials. Japan has also submitted a formal protest to the United States, a diplomatic expression of strong opposition to an action or alleged violation of international law.

“The case deals a major shock and adds fear to the Okinawans who have already been forced to live next to U.S. bases,” newly elected Okinawa Governor Genta Koja told reporters afterward.

“It is absolutely unforgivable and we are outraged.”

“I must say, discipline and troop education are not working at all,” she added, criticizing the measures taken by the United States after previous criminal cases in Japan.

Okinawa residents held a protest against US military presence following Ballard's arrest

Okinawa residents protest the U.S. military presence following Ballard’s arrest

In recent years, locals have grown irate over the increasing number of crimes linked to the US military presence on the island

Residents have become increasingly frustrated in recent years over crimes linked to the U.S. military presence on Okinawa

A woman is seen protesting against the US military presence at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo, Japan on Monday

A woman protests the U.S. military presence outside the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo on Monday

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also spoke out after the woman was found dead.  

‘The occurrence of the heinous crime is extremely regrettable,’ she posted on X. 

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also summoned George Glass, the US Ambassador to Japan, to his office amid the ‘outrage.’ 

Glass took to X, sharing condolences with the victim’s family. He said the US is cooperating with the Japanese nation and local governments in the case. 

Around 500,000 US troops are deployed in Japan, and half of them are stationed in Okinawa – which had been under US occupation from World War II until 1972.

But in recent years, locals have grown irate over the increasing number of crimes linked to the US military presence on the island – including the heinous gang rape of a 12-year-old girl in 1995.

The number of US military-related criminal cases rose to 101 last year from about 40 in 2020, according to prefectural police.

Many now argue that the 1960 Japan Status of Forces Agreement left US military bases in the country virtually immune to Japan’s domestic laws.

Under the agreement, Japanese authorities are hard-pressed to conduct an on-site probe into alleged environmental pollution inside the bases and regulate low-altitude flights.

Among the most contentious of the issues is Japan’s lack of primary jurisdiction over crimes committed by US military personnel while on duty. 

Even when crimes are committed off-duty, as long as the individual responsible remains on base, their custody won’t be handed over to Japan until they are indicted, according to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.

Okinawa Gov. Genta Koja, right, hands a letter of protest to U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson at Okinawa prefectural office on Monday

Okinawa Gov. Genta Koja, right, hands a letter of protest to U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson at Okinawa prefectural office on Monday

Amid the outrage, the US military announced on Tuesday it will halt normal operations and ban alcohol at its bases on Okinawa for a 48-hour-long period beginning at noon on Wednesday and ending at noon on Friday.

During that period, service members will participate in ‘discussions on liberty policy, enforcement mechanisms, alcohol awareness, Okinawan culture and alliance responsibilities,’ said Lt Gen Benjamin Watson, III Marine Expeditionary Force Commander.

Alcohol consumption will also be prohibited on and off US military installations for 30 days, during which the military will institute ‘enhanced supervision at the gates across all installations on Okinawa.’

Military leaders will use that time to ‘conduct a more deliberate review of our liberty policies and procedures and make recommendations to the Okinawa Area Coordinating Committee,’ Watson wrote in a memo obtained by Stars and Stripes.

‘Liberty is a mission, and like any other mission it requires discipline, trust and teamwork to complete it successfully,’ he wrote before urging service members to ‘live up to the high standards that come with the uniform you wear.’

Ballard was stationed at the US Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station (pictured)

Ballard was stationed at the US Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station (pictured)

Join the discussion

Should the US military face stricter oversight when crimes involve American troops abroad?

Ballard had enlisted on August 8, 2024 and completed recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina. He then went on to attend the School of Infantry – East at Camp Geiger in North Carolina and the Marine Corps Engineer School at Camp Lejeune before being assigned to Okinawa.

He was promoted to lance corporal on October 1, 2025.

Ballard’s awards include the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, a Letter of Appreciation and a Meritorious Mast.

His current duty status is listed as ‘confined foreign civil authority/IHFA,’ an abbreviation for ‘in hands of foreign authorities,’ according to Stars and Stripes.