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Florida Plane Crash Victims Identified After 9 Killed in Fire

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A 20-year-old aspiring airline pilot and a Texas couple traveling with their two young children were among the nine people killed Sunday when a private jet crashed into a South Florida neighborhood.

The Learjet 60 took off from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at approximately 10:37 a.m. en route to North Eleuthera in the Bahamas. It went down in Palm Beach County shortly before 1 p.m., killing all nine people aboard.

Federal investigators said Monday that weather is a “major focus” of the inquiry. The crew reported icing and moderate turbulence at roughly 35,000 feet shortly before the jet began a rapid descent.

The National Transportation Safety Board said preliminary evidence also suggests the aircraft may have started breaking apart before it struck the ground.

A Learjet 60 crashed into a South Florida neighborhood Sunday afternoon

A Learjet 60 crashed into a South Florida neighborhood Sunday afternoon (Palm Beach County Fire Rescue)

Investigators have not yet determined what caused the crash.

As authorities work to establish how the deadly crash occurred, more information is emerging about the nine people aboard the jet.

Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, 20

Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, a Palm Beach County aspiring commercial pilot, earned her private pilot’s license at age 17—before obtaining her driver’s license. She completed aviation training through her high school’s academy and later graduated from American Flyers flight school.

Nathalia Gadelha stands outside a small aircraft.

Nathalia Gadelha is pictured standing outside a small aircraft on 10/3/2024. (Threads/ itsnatfilg)

Adam Robinson, 45

Adam Robinson, a technology entrepreneur from Austin, Texas, was traveling with his wife, Helen Sharp, and their two young children.

In a joint statement, the families described Adam and Helen as people known for their “warmth, generosity and gift for making people feel welcome.” They called the couple’s relationship “the love affair that will last forever.”

From left, Helen Sharp, Charlie Robinson, Emma Robinson and Adam Robinson pose together in front of a mountain and lake landscape.

From left, Helen Sharp, Charlie Robinson, 2, Emma Robinson, 4, and Adam Robinson pose for a family photo. The family of four was among nine people killed when a Learjet 60 crashed in Palm Beach County, Florida, on Nov. 1, 2026. (Courtesy of the Robinson, Sharp, Reed, Fehr and Cetina families via Red Banyan)

Robinson was the CEO and co-founder of Retention.com and also headed RB2B and Moltsets.

Retention.com, RB2B and Moltsets released the following statement after Robinson’s death:

“We are heartbroken by the loss of Adam Robinson, our CEO and co-founder, his wife Helen and their two young children, who died in a tragic plane crash in Palm Beach County, Florida, on November 1, 2026.

“Adam was much more than our CEO. He was a friend, a mentor and a bold, outspoken leader who lived life to the fullest. He cared deeply about the people around him and brought energy and conviction to everything he built. His loss is deeply felt across our team and the tech community, as we collectively mourn this significant loss.

“Our hearts are with Adam and Helen’s family and loved ones, and with everyone affected by the crash. We ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.

“Our immediate focus at Retention.com, RB2B, and Moltsets is supporting our employees and Adam and Helen’s family. We are grateful for the kindness and support extended to them and our team.”

Helen Sharp, 40

Helen Sharp was an entrepreneur, potter and owner of a public relations company. She was traveling with her husband, Adam Robinson, and their children.

Helen and Adam’s family remembered them as devoted parents whose generosity touched the people around them. Their loss, the family said, “will be felt deeply by all those who loved them and who they loved in return.”

Emma Robinson, 4

Four-year-old Emma Robinson was traveling with her parents, Adam Robinson and Helen Sharp, and her younger brother, Charlie.

Emma and Charlie “were the light of their lives,” the families said in a joint statement.

Charlie Robinson, 2

Two-year-old Charlie Robinson was traveling with his parents and older sister, Emma.

The families remembered Charlie and Emma as the center of their parents’ lives.

Rachael Reed

Rachael Reed was traveling with Charmi Fehr, with whom she was building a life filled with “joy and adventure,” their families said.

“From the moment they met, they were all in on each other and the life they were building,” the families said. “They are deeply loved, and we will miss them endlessly.”

Charmi Fehr

Charmi Fehr was traveling with Rachael Reed when the plane went down.

Their families remembered the pair as “full of joy and adventure” and said they “loved their people fiercely, fully and without hesitation.”

Charmi Fehr and Rachael Reed pose together outdoors.

Charmi Fehr and Rachael Reed were among the seven passengers killed when a Learjet 60 crashed in Palm Beach County, Florida, on Nov. 1, 2026. Their families remembered them as “full of joy and adventure.” (Courtesy of the Robinson, Sharp, Reed, Fehr and Cetina families via Red Banyan)

Anita Maria Cetina

Anita Maria Cetina cared for Emma and Charlie and was considered part of the Robinson-Sharp family.

“She showed us a legacy of unconditional love and devotion,” the families said.

Anita Maria Cetina smiles for a photo while making a peace sign.

Anita Maria Cetina, who cared for Emma and Charlie Robinson, was among those killed in the Nov. 1 Learjet crash in Palm Beach County, Florida. The family said Cetina cared for the children “with tenderness and devotion” and was “truly part of the family.” (Courtesy of the Robinson, Sharp, Reed, Fehr and Cetina families via Red Banyan)

Additional information about the children has not been released.

A Learjet 60 engulfed in flames after crashing in a South Florida neighborhood.

A Learjet 60 slammed into a South Florida neighborhood Sunday afternoon, erupting into a massive fireball just nine miles from Mar-a-Lago. (Aki Kuusisto via Storyful)

News Media has reached out to Aurora Aviation and the 45-year-old father’s business for statements and additional information as it works to independently verify the identities of others aboard the plane.

The Learjet’s crew reported encountering light clear ice and moderate turbulence shortly before the crash. After requesting permission to climb from 35,000 feet to 37,000 feet, the crew declared an emergency as the aircraft began rapidly losing altitude.

dashcam-captures-moment-learjet-crashes-near-palm-beach-3

“We are in an overspeed condition, descending,” the crew told air traffic controllers, NTSB member Tom Chapman said Monday.

At least one person on the ground suffered a leg injury, while debris from the aircraft was scattered across ball fields, businesses and homes.

The FAA is assisting the NTSB with the investigation.

Claim: Labour Law Makes It Illegal to Call a Catgender Person Human

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Telling someone who identifies as a cat that they are human could become a criminal offence under an “unworkable” Labour law, according to a new report.

The report argues that the proposed legislation banning conversion practices involving transgender and gay people is written so broadly that it could extend protection to people who describe themselves as “catgender”.

The critical assessment of Labour’s Conversion Practices Bill, co-written by Britain’s former equality watchdog, also warns that primary school children could face prosecution over comments about classmates who want to change sex. It further claims parents could receive prison sentences of up to five years if they refuse to fund gender surgery for their children.

According to the report, the draft law could breach the right to a fair trial by introducing the disputed concept of “gender identity” into legislation indirectly. It also warns that campaigners could bring private prosecutions against people who oppose their views.

Baroness Falkner, a former chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), said: “This draft bill appears oblivious to human rights law in Britain. In current form it breaches numerous rights including the right to a fair trial, the right to a family life, the freedom to hold religious or other beliefs, while curtailing freedom of expression.

“The impact of its measures on parental rights and duties and children’s safeguarding is unforeseen. It has been ill-conceived and will be unworkable unless it is considerably revised and then subjected to a full public consultation.”

The Policy Exchange think tank, which published the report, described the proposed legislation as “ideological, authoritarian, unworkable and wholly unsuitable for a democratic and pluralistic society”.

The study draws attention to the bill’s definition of “transgender identity”, which includes people who “identify as neither male nor female or as not solely male or female”.

Furries - people who dress up as animals - at an annual meeting in London in 2022

Furries—people who dress up as animals—at an annual meeting in London in 2022

The report says that wording could cover hundreds of alternative gender identity labels, including “catgender”. An online dictionary describes the term as referring to someone with “a very strong connection to cats or other felines” or someone who experiences “delusions of being a cat”.

“It is not an overstatement to say that, under the draft Bill, a person may face imprisonment for trying to persuade another that they are not, in fact, a cat,” the report states.

The assessment also notes that practices historically used to try to change gay people’s sexual orientation, including electric shock therapy and “corrective rape”, are already illegal.

It challenges some of the evidence used to demonstrate the prevalence of conversion practices, describing claims such as a survey suggesting that up to 30 per cent of transgender people have experienced exorcism as “wildly improbable”.

The Government says the bill is intended to “fill gaps in the criminal law”. However, the Policy Exchange report claims it could instead criminalise parents who try to discourage their children from transitioning.

“On the face of it, the draft Bill makes provision for parents to be jailed for up to five years for refusing to allow their child to dictate what language may be used to refer to them, for refusing to finance a child’s gender reassignment or for trying in good faith and with love and care—and without any malice or bad intention—to prevent their child from pursuing a course of action which is demonstrably likely to cause grave damage to their health.

“It places parents at the mercy of usually troubled and distressed but passionate children and adolescents who are convinced that they are being prevented from acquiring the answer to all their problems.”

The report further warns that, because the bill sets no minimum age for prosecution, “even children who are still at primary school may be liable to criminal prosecution for abusive conversion practices against their schoolmates where they have made comments or asked questions without malice or harmful intent”.

A Government spokesman rejected the findings, saying: “This report is misleading and based on a number of inaccurate claims. This draft Bill targets a specific form of abuse, it does not touch regular parenting.

“LGBT+ people should never, without exception, have to suffer coercion or abuse in an effort to change who they are. Successive governments have agreed for almost a decade that Conversion Practices have no place in modern Britain—this government is finally delivering on this promise.”

Government sources also dismissed the claims involving cat identities as “nonsense”, insisting that the bill does not create or define any new genders in law.

Melbourne Cup 2026 live: Follow all the action from Flemington

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Cumani’s $10 tip surges to Melbourne Cup favouritism

Punters who took Francesca Cumani’s Melbourne Cup advice at $10 are sitting comfortably, with Hopewell Rock now the clear favourite in the betting.

Point Of Law and Trustyourinstinct occupied the top two spots on Monday afternoon, but sustained support drove the international runner into outright favouritism by Tuesday. The move was strengthened by several sizeable wagers placed at the Call of the Card.

Cumani backed Hopewell Rock during Nine’s coverage on Monday, highlighting his narrow second-place finish in the Ebor Handicap as a key form reference.

“He ran second in the Ebor Handicap, which has been a pretty good form reference. He probably should have won it if not for the jockey dropping his whip,” she said.

“He’s a very dependable, solid horse with a good temperament and will take some stopping.”

Cumani also named Goodie Two Shoes, Mr Monaco, Middle Earth, James J Braddock and Trustyourinstinct among the leading Melbourne Cup chances.

Nine Dead After Jet Crashes in Florida and Triggers ‘Super Big Explosion’

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A Florida family has recalled how their apartment began “shaking” when a business jet plunged to the ground “like a missile” on Sunday, killing all nine people aboard.

The mother and her son were preparing to leave their home in Greenacres at about 12:50 p.m. when the $2 million Learjet 60, which was traveling from Texas, crashed near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North. The impact felt, she said, “like a super big explosion.”

“It sounded, like, very massive, huge,” she told Fox News, describing how her terrified son ran toward her moments after the crash.

At first, the boy said, he thought the noise was “like a ginormous lightning strike.”

His mother said the apartment soon lost power, while the curtains covering the windows “started shaking a bit.”

The electricity was restored about seven minutes after the impact.

When the family looked outside, they saw “some smoke, black smoke,” the mother said. About three minutes later, they began hearing sirens.

Other witnesses said they were “lifted from the ground” as the road buckled and a huge fireball erupted at the crash site.

A $2 million Learjet 60 with nine people onboard plummeted to the ground on Sunday.

A $2 million Learjet 60 carrying nine people plunged to the ground on Sunday.

Dashcam Captures Fireball Jet Crash Near Mar-a-Lago 

The Learjet was carrying nine people when it fell from the sky in poor weather, crashing just eight miles from Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. The aircraft erupted in flames on impact near West Palm Beach.

Harrowing dashcam footage captured the jet plunging sharply toward the ground before triggering a massive explosion.

“When you see that video, you know, it’s a jarring thing,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said Sunday evening as he stood near the crash site in pouring rain. “It was like… a missile coming down and a massive explosion, debris going everywhere.”

The force of the crash scattered debris across a wide area and left a large crater in the road. Authorities said no one on the ground was injured or killed.

However, nearly 600 residents of a nearby mobile home community are being forced to relocate because the entrance to their neighborhood was directly beside the wreckage, officials said.

“Unfortunately, that’s a crime scene. They’re investigating that, so the people can’t stay there,” former Greenacres Mayor and current Palm Beach County Commissioner Joel Flores said at a news conference.

Flores and other elected officials said the crash also damaged nearby infrastructure, potentially disrupting water and other services.

County officials are preparing two shelters for residents displaced by the plane crash, while the American Red Cross remains on standby.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the moment the plane fell as looking 'like a missile'

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said the falling plane looked “like a missile.”

Chilling Audio Captures Seconds Before Fatal Florida Jet Crash 

Flores said the section of road where the Learjet crashed is unlikely to reopen “in the next 30 days.”

Nearby businesses could also remain closed for an extended period as crews repair the roadway and investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board examine the wreckage.

The cause of the crash remains unclear.

But air traffic control audio revealed that the female pilot relayed pivotal information to an air traffic controller just seconds before it plunged thousands of feet in a minute.

The air traffic controllers in nearby Miami had given pilots permission to ‘deviate left and right’ due to ‘moderate precipitation… to the southeast’ that they described as ‘pretty nasty’ as the twin-engine business jet approached the area.

The controllers could then be heard describing ‘moderate turbulence’ before the pilot’s tone swiftly descends into panic as she realizes something is wrong with the jet.

She is heard saying: ‘Seven two two bravo delta, we’re descending 8,000… mayday mayday… we’re descending 10,000 ft per minute.

Seconds later, she screams ‘declaring emergency, declaring emergency we are in an overspeed condition’ before her voice breaks as she shrieks ‘descending 20,000 ft per minute…we’re going to crash into the ground.’

Police and emergency vehicles are seen closing off the street.

Police and emergency vehicles are seen closing off the street.

Nearly 600 residents of a nearby mobile home community are now being forced to relocate following the crash.

Nearly 600 residents of a nearby mobile home community are now being forced to relocate following the crash.

Distressing Audio Captures Final Seconds of Fatal Florida Jet Crash 

‘I’m here with you, talk to me,’ the air traffic controller says in an attempt to calm the situation.

‘We are descending 22,000 ft, and we are banking 60 degrees.’ This means the wings were tilted at a 60-degree angle, meaning the jet was nearly completely sideways.

‘We’re out of time,’ she screamed.

The Daily Mail has chosen not to publish the final seconds of audio which are extremely distressing.

When he was later asked about the aircraft’s rapid descent, DeSantis suggested something may have gone wrong before the plane struck the ground.

‘To see the way it descended, yeah, I think you can make the inference that something happened in the air that was a big problem,’ he said.

Weather conditions in the West Palm Beach area on Sunday afternoon were poor, overcast with rain and lightning in the area and winds from the east at 15 mph, gusting to near 25 mph. The National Weather Service in Miami said visibility was 7 miles.

The flight had set off from Austin, Texas, bound for North Eleuthera in the Bahamas before its path abruptly ended just near West Palm Beach, according to flight data.

The devastating crash took place just miles from President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach.

Trump had been celebrating the holiday there Saturday night by hosting hundreds of friends at a jungle-themed Halloween party.

The president made an appearance, dressed as himself.

‘I’ve spent nine hours getting ready,’ he joked. ‘I had ten minutes, so I came as Donald Trump tonight! Hello everybody.’

But as the plane crashed down on Sunday, Trump made his way to Iowa for the final leg of his midterm campaign.

Audio of Woman Flying Doomed Learjet Criticized for Turbulence Gaffe

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Michigan Man Kills Ex-Wife in Upstate NY, Dies by Suicide

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A Michigan man traveled to upstate New York to find his estranged wife, fatally shooting her before taking his own life more than 200 miles away, police said.

Norman Lohr Jr., 50, followed Melissa Pelc-Lohr to her home in Brushton, N.Y., on Oct. 27 and shot her multiple times in the head, according to New York State Police.

The shooting prompted a 200-mile manhunt that ended in Lyons, N.Y., where Lohr fatally shot himself, authorities said.

“Norman was crazy — he was obsessed with my mom — and no one did anything,” Melissa’s daughter, Allison Pelc, who also lives in Michigan, said in a Facebook video.

Pelc said she obtained two orders of protection because she did not feel safe, but claimed Lohr violated them at least three times without facing consequences.

A court hearing had been set for Oct. 28 in Michigan regarding his previous violations of one of the restraining orders.

The murder-suicide occurred only days after Pelc-Lohr returned home from celebrating her daughter’s 30th birthday in Las Vegas.

“My mom was murdered. She was taken from me, from our family, and from everyone who loved her,” Pelc wrote on Facebook.

Investigators discovered Pelc-Lohr’s body at her home last Tuesday and quickly identified her ex-husband as a suspect. Officers located him in Wayne County, more than 200 miles away, and attempted to stop him.

Lohr sped away when he saw the flashing police lights, leading troopers on a high-speed pursuit. Police said his tires were eventually disabled by a spike strip, causing his vehicle to leave the road.

When a SWAT team approached the truck, officers found Lohr dead from a gunshot wound to the head, police said.

Pelc recalled asking an officer, “are we going to wait until I’m actually dead?” after being told that state law limited the officer’s ability to arrest Lohr for violating a stay-away order.

In Michigan, violating a personal protection order is not independently classified as a crime. Instead, it is handled as contempt of court, carrying a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail and a $500 fine. Victims typically must return to court themselves to pursue action against the alleged abuser.

“I guess what it took for me to get justice is for her to not be here anymore,” Pelc said of her mother’s killing.

Florida Plane Crash Probe Focuses on Weather, Possible Breakup

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Federal investigators said Monday that the weather encountered by a private jet at cruising altitude is a central line of inquiry after the aircraft crashed in South Florida, killing all nine people aboard.

Tom Chapman, a member of the National Transportation Safety Board, said preliminary evidence suggests the Learjet 60 may have begun breaking apart before striking a neighborhood in Palm Beach County on Sunday afternoon.

“We do have some indication that the aircraft was breaking up before impact,” Chapman told reporters at a Monday news conference. He said investigators could locate aircraft fragments some distance from the main crash site as the examination continues.

Police work near a plane crash scene in Greenacres, Fla.

Police work near the scene of a plane crash in Greenacres, Fla., Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Investigators are focusing on conditions around 35,000 feet, where the crew reported icing and moderate turbulence shortly before the jet went down, Chapman said.

“The weather conditions are a major focus of the investigation,” Chapman said. “You all saw what the weather was like here at the surface. What we have to determine is what the weather conditions were like at altitude.”

The Learjet left Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at about 10:37 a.m. Sunday, headed for North Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Two crew members and seven passengers were on board, according to the NTSB.

At roughly 12:47 p.m., the pilots reported light clear ice and moderate turbulence that they described as manageable. The aircraft was fluctuating by about 700 feet while flying at 35,000 feet.

The crew reported an outside temperature of minus 47 degrees Celsius, or minus 53 degrees Fahrenheit. After encountering precipitation, they asked air traffic control for clearance to climb to 37,000 feet.

Flames rise following an aircraft incident in Palm Beach County, Florida. (Eduin Cruz/via REUTERS)

Controllers approved the climb request. Less than 30 seconds later, however, the crew said the aircraft was descending and transmitted a mayday call at approximately 12:48 p.m.

“We are in an overspeed condition, descending,” the crew reported, according to Chapman. He said the rest of the transmission could not be understood.

Further radio communications showed the jet losing altitude rapidly before it slammed into a residential area near Cresthaven, Florida, at about 12:50 p.m. All nine people aboard died.

Timothy Manville, the NTSB investigator leading the inquiry, said crews will remain at the scene for several days. Recovering wreckage from a crater in the roadway is expected to be one of the operation’s most difficult tasks.

“The biggest obstacle that we’re going to have is recovering the major wreckage from the impacted crater on the roadway,” Manville said.

Dashcam video showed the jet diving nose-first into the neighborhood before bursting into a massive fireball, as News Media previously reported.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called the crash “cataclysmic” on Sunday. He said the plane appeared to be “like a missile going down” and created a large crater beside the road.

Local officials evacuated about 600 residents from a nearby mobile home community after the crash.

The Federal Aviation Administration is supporting the NTSB’s investigation. Officials have not yet determined what caused the crash.

Man Allegedly Recruited Stranger to Sexually Assault Fiancée at Home

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An Arizona man allegedly arranged for a stranger he met online to sexually assault his fiancée inside their home.

On October 16, Bella Torres was caring for her two young children at their home in Buckeye, a Phoenix suburb, when a stranger forced his way inside and allegedly attempted to sexually assault her, police said.

Torres fought off the man, later identified by police as 20-year-old Adrian Ayala, and forced him out of the house. Surveillance video from the driveway shows Ayala stumbling and saying, “I’m on drugs,” as Torres keeps him at arm’s length.

Torres can then be heard asking Ayala, “What the f*** is wrong with you?!” before slapping him and continuing to hold him at a distance.

“Your boyfriend sent me,” Ayala replies in the footage. “He told me you were into this.”

Torres responds, “Yeah right. What’s his name? How the f*** do you know him?” Ayala answers, “It was on Reddit.”

Ayala left before police arrived, but officers arrested him the following day at his home in Goodyear, a suburb next to Buckeye.

Torres initially doubted Ayala’s account, while her fiancé, 23-year-old Zarian Dyer, denied involvement in the attempted assault. Police have since accused Dyer of organizing the attack.

Zarian Dyer, 23, is accused of recruiting a stranger through Reddit to sexually assault his wife last month

Zarian Dyer, 23, is accused of recruiting a stranger through Reddit to sexually assault his wife last month

Dyer was arrested on Thursday and charged with charges including aggravated assault, sexual abuse, attempted sexual assault, kidnapping and conspiracy

Dyer was arrested on Thursday and charged with aggravated assault, sexual abuse, attempted sexual assault, kidnapping, conspiracy and other offenses

The man Dyer allegedly recruited, Adrian Ayala, 20, was arrested on October 17, one day after he allegedly attempted to sexually assault Torres

The man Dyer allegedly recruited, Adrian Ayala, 20, was arrested on October 17, one day after he allegedly attempted to sexually assault Torres

Over the following two weeks, detectives investigating the case seized Ayala’s electronic devices along with Dyer’s phone.

Investigators found “evidence that Ayala and Dyer were communicating about the planned assault,” the Buckeye Police Department said in a statement.

Dyer was arrested at work on Thursday and faced “a long list of charges including aggravated assault, sexual abuse, attempted sexual assault, kidnapping and conspiracy,” according to Buckeye police.

Investigators said they have not identified a motive for the alleged plot.

According to court documents obtained by AZFamily, Ayala allegedly choked Torres after forcing his way into the home and tried to remove her clothing as she fought back by kicking and hitting him.

During the alleged assault, Ayala kicked Torres’s 17-month-old child, causing the toddler to fall and hit their head.

Before the attack, Dyer allegedly sent Ayala messages on Reddit saying he wanted someone to force themselves on his fiancée and asking, “Are you down?” court documents state.

Dyer also allegedly instructed Ayala not to tell Torres about the plan and said he should continue even if she fought back, according to the documents.

Surviellance footage of the home's driveway shows Torres slapping Ayala after fighting him off and getting him out of the house

Surveillance footage from the home’s driveway shows Torres slapping Ayala after fighting him off and forcing him out of the house

When Torres asked Ayala what he was doing, the man replied that her fiance said she would be 'into it' and that they met on Reddit

When Torres asked Ayala what he was doing, the man replied that her fiance said she would be ‘into it’ and that they met on Reddit

At the time of the attack, Dyer intentionally left his fiancée alone and went to get groceries while coordinating with Ayala, telling him to ‘get here faster’ and that he was ‘trynna fake kill time,’ according to the documents. 

Dyer also allegedly told Ayala that he had ‘consent’ to commit the assault because ‘I own her and her body.’

During police questioning, Dyer allegedly initially told detectives that he would never want someone to hurt his fiancée and claimed that Ayala’s story about being recruited for the sexual assault was ‘bullc***.’ 

When confronted with his messages and other evidence, however, Dyer was allegedly uncooperative and answered evasively. He also allegedly did not consent to taking a polygraph about the Reddit messages.

Dyer’s bond was set at $500,000 following his arrest. 

Ayala’s bond was set at $25,000 when he was arrested on October 17. He soon posted bail and was released.

Melbourne Cup 2026: The Essential Guide to Every Runner

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An untested favourite, a prominent Irish raider and a lightly weighted mare carrying a celebrated bloodline have helped turn this year’s Melbourne Cup into one of the most difficult editions to read.

Point Of Law strengthened his claims with an impressive Geelong Cup triumph, while Hopewell Rock brings improving European handicap form. Trustyourinstinct also appeals as a proven stayer with champion jockey James McDonald booked to ride.

The field also includes last year’s placegetters, a previous Melbourne Cup winner chasing another surprise victory and a group of progressive local horses hoping race fitness can bridge any perceived class gap.

Ciaron Maher has seven runners, while Joseph O’Brien saddles five of the 24 declared starters for Tuesday’s $10.2 million Melbourne Cup, which will be run over 3,200 metres at Flemington.

The famous race is scheduled for 3pm AEDT, or 2pm in Queensland. Rain in the forecast adds another layer of uncertainty, with the final track rating likely to have a major influence on the chances of several leading contenders.

Here is the argument for and against every runner in the Melbourne Cup field.

Australian jockey Jamie Melham holds the Melbourne Cup trophy with trainers Calvin McEvoy and Tony McEvoy following victory aboard Half Yours

Australian jockey Jamie Melham holds the Melbourne Cup trophy with trainers Calvin McEvoy and Tony McEvoy following victory aboard Half Yours

The day will be just as much about the fashion as it is about the horse racing with another capacity crowd expected at Flemington

Flemington is expected to draw another capacity crowd, with racegoers embracing the fashion as eagerly as the Melbourne Cup action

Punters will also be treated to plenty of entertainment including Robbie Williams who has promised to bring hits like Let Me Entertain You, Angels and She’s the One to The Elms Live Stage

Punters can also enjoy a star-studded entertainment line-up, with Robbie Williams set to perform hits including Let Me Entertain You, Angels and She’s the One at The Elms Live Stage

1. SONS AND LOVERS

Irish raider Sons And Lovers will carry top weight as he chases Melbourne Cup glory from barrier three

Irish raider Sons And Lovers will shoulder the Melbourne Cup’s top weight as he bids for victory from barrier three

Barrier 3 | 57.5kg | Joseph O’Brien | Dylan Browne McMonagle

TAB odds: $19*

*All odds are TAB fixed-win prices, correct at the time of publication on Monday, November 2, and subject to change.

Why he can win: He is an experienced international campaigner with reliable European staying form and a favourable draw that should help him settle without wasting energy. His latest second at Leopardstown came while carrying 63.5kg, and his preference for racing near the speed could prove valuable against rivals who may need everything to go their way from the back of the field.

Why he might not: Sons And Lovers must give weight to every other runner, including several progressive horses who may still have more improvement to come. Even with a smooth passage, he will need to deliver a top-level performance under a demanding handicap burden.

Verdict: A genuine Melbourne Cup threat whose dependable record makes him difficult to dismiss.

2. TRUSTYOURINSTINCT

James McDonald partners Trustyourinstinct, whose European staying form makes him a leading contender

James McDonald takes the ride on Trustyourinstinct, whose European staying credentials place him among the leading Melbourne Cup contenders

Barrier 18 | 57kg | Joseph O’Brien | James McDonald

TAB odds: $7.50

Why he can win: His Curragh Cup victory and fourth in the Irish St Leger give him strong staying credentials. He also possesses a change of speed, which could prove decisive if the Cup becomes a sprint after a steady middle section. McDonald is another considerable asset.

Why he might not: Barrier 18 creates an early dilemma: spend energy finding a position or concede ground to the leaders. He also needs to reproduce his European form on his Australian debut.

Verdict: One of the leading winning chances.

3. KNIGHT’S CHOICE

The 2024 Melbourne Cup winner Knight’s Choice reunites with Robbie Dolan in pursuit of another famous victory

The 2024 Melbourne Cup winner Knight’s Choice reunites with Robbie Dolan in pursuit of another famous victory

Barrier 2 | 56.5kg | John Symons and Sheila Laxon | Robbie Dolan

TAB odds: $34

Why he can win: He has already done it. The 2024 winner returns with his successful jockey and a favourable inside draw. His Herbert Power placing this spring showed he can still produce a competitive staying performance.

Why he might not: He carries 5kg more than in 2024 and followed that encouraging Herbert Power effort with a disappointing Caulfield Cup. His previous victory cannot erase the concerns raised by his latest run.

Verdict: Proven at the task, but needs a sharp rebound.

4. MIDDLE EARTH

Middle Earth returns after finishing third last year, with Mark Zahra aboard and barrier one offering an economical passage

Middle Earth returns after finishing third last year, with Mark Zahra aboard and barrier one offering an economical passage

Barrier 1 | 56.5kg | Ciaron Maher | Mark Zahra

TAB odds: $15

Why he can win: Third last year, he has demonstrated that he can handle the distance and occasion. His preparation has again built towards this race, and Zahra has the experience to make an economical passage count.

Why he might not: Barrier one can become a trap if he settles behind tiring horses. His recent finishing positions require supporters to believe the longer trip will unlock significant improvement.

Verdict: Strong claims, provided the gaps arrive.

5. VAUBAN

Vauban faces a difficult assignment from barrier 22 as he prepares for his fourth Melbourne Cup appearance

Vauban faces a difficult assignment from barrier 22 as he prepares for his fourth Melbourne Cup appearance

Barrier 22 | 56.5kg | Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott | Jordan Childs

TAB odds: $51

Why he can win: His best European staying form establishes the ability, and sixth in last year’s Cup was his strongest performance in the race. His trainers know how to prepare a stayer for a major assignment.

Why he might not: This is his fourth attempt, the wide draw complicates matters and his Geelong Cup ninth offered little encouragement. He needs substantial second-up improvement.

Verdict: Past class keeps him in the conversation; current form makes him difficult to select.

6. ENFJAAR

Caulfield Cup placegetter Enfjaar must prove he can stretch his strong form to the Melbourne Cup's demanding 3,200m

Caulfield Cup placegetter Enfjaar must prove he can stretch his strong form to the Melbourne Cup’s demanding 3,200m

Barrier 8 | 56kg | Roger Varian | Ray Dawson

TAB odds: $26

Why he can win: A Glorious Stakes winner who backed up his overseas form with third in the Caulfield Cup. He has handled his introduction to Australian racing and draws to obtain another favourable position.

Why he might not: The rise to 3,200m is a significant examination for a horse whose recent success has come around 2,400m. A comfortable run will count for little if his stamina gives out late.

Verdict: Credible contender with a clear distance query.

7. ROYAL SUPREMACY

Royal Supremacy needs to rebound from a disappointing Caulfield Cup when he lines up for Ciaron Maher

Royal Supremacy needs to rebound from a disappointing Caulfield Cup when he lines up for Ciaron Maher

Barrier 21 | 56kg | Ciaron Maher | Ben Allen

TAB odds: $51

Why he can win: His Metropolitan and Q22 victories demonstrate quality. At his best he can race prominently and make opponents chase, rather than depend on openings behind them.

Why he might not: His Caulfield Cup fade was a major negative. A wide gate risks additional work early, and he must prove he can sustain his effort over a strongly contested two miles.

Verdict: Needs a major form reversal.

8. WINE DARK SEA

Damian Lane faces a tricky task from barrier 23 aboard English visitor Wine Dark Sea

Damian Lane faces a tricky task from barrier 23 aboard English visitor Wine Dark Sea

Barrier 23 | 56kg | Harry Charlton | Damian Lane

TAB odds: $41

Why he can win: His Geoffrey Freer victory provides a genuine staying foundation. He should be fitter for his Australian debut, and a more economical ride could produce a much better performance.

Why he might not: He weakened into 11th in the Caulfield Cup and has again drawn very wide. Lane faces a difficult balancing act between securing a position and preserving his horse.

Verdict: Has ability, but several things need to improve.

9. ASTERIX

New Zealand Derby winner Asterix will need a sharp improvement on his recent form to threaten at Flemington.

New Zealand Derby winner Asterix will need a sharp improvement on his recent form to threaten at Flemington.

Barrier 6 | 55kg | Chris Waller | Jye McNeil

TAB odds: $61

Why he can win: A New Zealand Derby winner with subsequent Australian staying success, he has a suitable draw and an accomplished trainer-jockey combination. His best form is better than his latest results suggest.

Why he might not: His recent Group 1 performances have fallen short of the required standard. Saving ground will help, but he needs to rediscover his best and improve on it.

Verdict: An outsider requiring a substantial turnaround.

10. GOODIE TWO SHOES

Last year’s runner-up Goodie Two Shoes returns seeking to go one better, carrying 3.5kg more this time

Last year’s runner-up Goodie Two Shoes returns seeking to go one better, carrying 3.5kg more this time

Barrier 19 | 55kg | Joseph O’Brien | Wayne Lordan

TAB odds: $26

Why she can win: Last year’s runner-up has already answered the questions about travelling, Flemington and 3,200m. Her Lillie Langtry win this season shows she retains the ability to compete strongly.

Why she might not: She rises 3.5kg from last year and again starts wide. Her European form has been mixed, so a repeat of her best cannot be assumed.

Verdict: A credible chance who merits consideration beyond the favourites.

11. JUJA KIBO

Juja Kibo enters the Cup chasing a third consecutive victory after winning the Metropolitan and Moonee Valley Gold Cup

Juja Kibo enters the Cup chasing a third consecutive victory after winning the Metropolitan and Moonee Valley Gold Cup

Barrier 14 | 55kg | Ciaron Maher | Sam Clipperton

TAB odds: $12

Why he can win: Successive wins in the Metropolitan and Moonee Valley Gold Cup make him one of the field’s form runners. Clipperton knows him well, and he has shown the acceleration to capitalise when a race opens up.

Why he might not: His previous Sydney Cup attempt was disappointing. Recent wins do not settle whether he can produce the same finishing effort after 3,200m, while weight penalties have made his task tougher.

Verdict: Deserves respect, with stamina the decisive question.

12. HOPEWELL ROCK

English challenger Hopewell Rock brings strong Ebor form to Flemington, with Zac Lloyd taking the ride

English challenger Hopewell Rock brings strong Ebor form to Flemington, with Zac Lloyd taking the ride

Barrier 15 | 54.5kg | George Boughey | Zac Lloyd

TAB odds: $10

Why he can win: A narrow Ebor second carrying 60.5kg makes his Cup weight attractive. His previous Goodwood win over Small Fry links neatly with Point Of Law’s Geelong Cup form, and his lightly raced profile leaves room for improvement.

Why he might not: He arrives without an Australian lead-up race and has not raced over 3,200m. Barrier 15 also leaves Lloyd needing cover without sacrificing too much position.

Verdict: A leading chance with an appealing combination of form and weight.

13. ONESMOOTHOPERATOR

Onesmoothoperator is chasing a change of fortune after finishing unplaced in his previous two Melbourne Cups

Onesmoothoperator is chasing a change of fortune after finishing unplaced in his previous two Melbourne Cups

Barrier 13 | 54.5kg | Tim Fitzsimmons | Declan Bates

TAB odds: $61

Why he can win: Previous Geelong Cup and Moonee Valley Gold Cup victories show he can perform in Australian staying races. A return to that level would make him more competitive than his recent results imply.

Why he might not: He finished 12th and 16th in his previous Melbourne Cups. His latest Geelong Cup effort was well below his best, leaving little recent evidence of an imminent revival.

Verdict: Difficult to recommend on current form.

14. SOUL OF SPAIN

Sydney Cup runner-up Soul Of Spain brings proven 3200m credentials to the race for trainer Chris Waller

Sydney Cup runner-up Soul Of Spain brings proven 3200m credentials to the race for trainer Chris Waller

Barrier 5 | 54.5kg | Chris Waller | Tommy Berry

TAB odds: $34

Why he can win: His Sydney Cup second establishes genuine 3,200m credentials. Barrier five offers the chance to save energy, and a more even run could help after his mid-race exertions in the Caulfield Cup.

Why he might not: His recent form is patchy, and this presents a deeper challenge than the Sydney Cup. Proven stamina does not automatically provide the finishing speed required to win.

Verdict: An interesting outsider for the placings.

15. ZAHRANN

Naturalism winner Zahrann will attempt to improve on his Caulfield Cup sixth with Ben Melham in the saddle

Naturalism winner Zahrann will attempt to improve on his Caulfield Cup sixth with Ben Melham in the saddle

Barrier 11 | 54.5kg | Ciaron Maher | Ben Melham

TAB odds: $26

Why he can win: His Naturalism victory demonstrated his Australian ability, and his Caulfield Cup sixth contained enough late work to keep him in contention. His draw gives Melham options.

Why he might not: The heavy-track Turnbull defeat was poor, while 3,200m remains unproven. He needs a stronger finishing performance than he produced at Caulfield.

Verdict: A plausible improver, with distance and conditions both important.

16. SO YOU ARE

So You Are arrives on a four-race winning streak, with Rachel King aboard the improving Bjorn Baker-trained stayer

So You Are arrives on a four-race winning streak, with Rachel King aboard the improving Bjorn Baker-trained stayer

Barrier 7 | 54kg | Bjorn Baker | Rachel King

TAB odds: $12

Why he can win: Four consecutive victories, including the Bendigo Cup, show a horse thriving in his new stable. King knows him well, his draw is favourable and his fitness should be an asset late.

Why he might not: He moves into a much stronger race and attempts 3,200m for the first time. Winning momentum alone cannot answer either question.

Verdict: A legitimate contender whose improvement now faces its toughest test.

17. FUTURE HISTORY

Jamie Melham partners Future History as she seeks another Melbourne Cup victory after winning the race previously

Jamie Melham partners Future History as she seeks another Melbourne Cup victory after winning the race previously 

Barrier 12 | 53.5kg | Greg Hickman | Jamie Melham

TAB odds: $51

Why he can win: He has extensive staying experience and a manageable draw. Melham’s booking adds a rider who knows what it takes to win this race.

Why he might not: His recent performances have not suggested a horse ready to beat this field. His previous Cup appearance also ended well outside the placings.

Verdict: Needs a performance far above his recent level.

18. JAMES J BRADDOCK

Epsom Derby placegetter James J Braddock has drawn the outside barrier, leaving Craig Williams with an early tactical challenge

Epsom Derby placegetter James J Braddock has drawn the outside barrier, leaving Craig Williams with an early tactical challenge

Barrier 24 | 53.5kg | Joseph O’Brien | Craig Williams

TAB odds: $19

Why he can win: Third in the Epsom Derby is a compelling piece of class form. He remains relatively unexposed and carries an attractive weight, with Williams capable of managing a difficult assignment.

Why he might not: The outside gate threatens to undo those advantages. His two runs after Epsom were less convincing, and the extra distance remains another unknown.

Verdict: A dangerous wildcard whose early position could decide his race.

19. KIZLYAR

Ascot Stakes winner Kizlyar could benefit if the Melbourne Cup develops into a searching test of stamina

Ascot Stakes winner Kizlyar could benefit if the Melbourne Cup develops into a searching test of stamina

Barrier 20 | 53.5kg | Joseph O’Brien | Beau Mertens

TAB odds: $41

Why he can win: His Ascot Stakes victory over approximately 4,000m leaves little doubt about endurance. A genuinely testing race could play to his strengths and expose less seasoned stayers.

Why he might not: His Australian debut in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup was poor. He needs to improve markedly, and barrier 20 makes an efficient passage harder to secure.

Verdict: A stamina-based outsider, most interesting if the race becomes a slog.

20. POINT OF LAW

Geelong Cup winner Point Of Law is among the leading chances despite preparing for just his sixth career start

Geelong Cup winner Point Of Law is among the leading chances despite preparing for just his sixth career start

Barrier 9 | 53kg | Ciaron Maher | Ethan Brown

TAB odds: $7

Why he can win: His Geelong Cup victory combined sustained speed with determination under pressure. Barrier nine gives Brown options, and his lightly raced profile suggests further improvement is possible.

Why he might not: This is only his sixth career start. He faces a bigger occasion, a longer race and seasoned rivals, while genuinely wet ground would introduce another uncertainty.

Verdict: A justified leading chance, with experience the obvious vulnerability.

21. STRICTLY BUSINESS

Former VRC Oaks winner Strictly Business needs to rediscover her best form, with Dean Yendall taking the ride

Former VRC Oaks winner Strictly Business needs to rediscover her best form, with Dean Yendall taking the ride

Barrier 4 | 53kg | Thomas Carberry | Dean Yendall

TAB odds: $71

Why she can win: Her VRC Oaks victory proves she can excel in a staying race at Flemington. An inside draw offers an economical run if she can rediscover that performance.

Why she might not: Her spring results have been poor, including last in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup. Nothing in her recent form suggests the required revival is close.

Verdict: One of the hardest runners to make a winning case for.

22. MR MONACO

Bart Cummings winner Mr Monaco gives apprentice Jabez Johnstone a chance to claim Australian racing’s biggest prize

Bart Cummings winner Mr Monaco gives apprentice Jabez Johnstone a chance to claim Australian racing’s biggest prize

Barrier 16 | 52.5kg | Ciaron Maher | Jabez Johnstone

TAB odds: $23

Why he can win: His Bart Cummings victory and Moonee Valley Gold Cup third establish strong recent Flemington form. A light weight gives him a chance to stretch that improvement into a bigger race.

Why he might not: His previous Sydney Cup attempt raises a distance concern. From barrier 16, an inefficient trip could leave him vulnerable before the final stages.

Verdict: Competitive recent form, but still has to prove his stamina.

23. ZAKOUMA

Andrew Ramsden winner Zakouma carries just 52kg, with William Pike aboard for trainer Grahame Begg

Andrew Ramsden winner Zakouma carries just 52kg, with William Pike aboard for trainer Grahame Begg

Barrier 10 | 52kg | Grahame Begg | William Pike

TAB odds: $34

Why he can win: His Andrew Ramsden win secured an early Cup berth and allowed a deliberate preparation. The light weight and useful draw give Pike the ingredients for an economical staying ride.

Why he might not: This is a significant class rise. His qualifying victory established staying potential, rather than proof he can beat a field of this quality.

Verdict: A possible surprise placegetter, with class the main obstacle.

24. SHOCKLETZ

Shockletz will attempt to emulate her Melbourne Cup-winning sire Shocking, carrying a light weight of 51kg

Shockletz will attempt to emulate her Melbourne Cup-winning sire Shocking, carrying a light weight of 51kg

Barrier 17 | 51kg | Ciaron Maher | Harry Coffey, subject to fitness clearance

TAB odds: $9.50

Why she can win: The Archer Stakes winner gets in with just 51kg and has shaped as a mare building towards a stronger stamina test. Her recent Tesio second showed she still has a finishing burst, while her sire Shocking won the Cup in 2009.

Why she might not: She has not raced beyond 2500m and starts wide. Coffey has been cleared to race following his Derby Day fall, but that injury will still be lingering large.

Verdict: A genuine chance at the weights, with her final riding arrangements still a detail to monitor.

OUR SELECTIONS

1. Hopewell Rock

2. Point Of Law

3. Trustyourinstinct

4. Middle Earth

Best outsider for the placings: Soul Of Spain.

Hopewell Rock’s European handicap form and weight make him the narrow selection. Point Of Law has the most persuasive Australian lead-up performance, while Trustyourinstinct brings established staying quality and McDonald’s expertise.

Middle Earth’s proven Cup credentials earn him the fourth spot, although Shockletz’s light weight and So You Are’s improvement make both difficult to dismiss.

Trump Says He’s in ‘No Rush’ to Resume Bombing Iran on Eve of U.S. Midterm Elections

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In his final public appearance before the 2026 midterm elections, Donald Trump used his closing message to American voters to spotlight an unexpected subject: the renovation of the Lincoln Reflecting Pool. Rather than concentrating on a fiercely contested congressional landscape, where Republican candidates face narrow margins and warnings of a possible “blue wave,” Trump devoted much of his remarks to the Washington landmark.

For about 20 minutes during Monday’s address, Trump walked through the details of the project, one of several renovation efforts he has pursued across the nation’s capital.

He highlighted the pool’s enormous scale, calling it “the largest in the world” and comparing its length to nearly two Empire State Buildings placed side by side. Trump also praised the replacement grass and new topsoil, repeatedly emphasizing what he described as the significance of “re-grassing.”

Trump spent considerable time discussing the precise color selected for the bottom of the pool. He described the shade as “American black-blue,” acknowledging that it was exceptionally dark as he spoke to a small crowd gathered near the podium.

Although he said he personally preferred a lighter blue, Trump argued that a brighter shade would undermine the landmark’s defining purpose. Without the darker color, he said, the water would no longer produce a clear reflection.

An aerial view shows US President Donald Trump delivering a speech marking the end of the midterm election campaign at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, on November 2, 2026. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images)

He also revisited claims about damage to the site, blaming what he called vandalism for the peeling surface. Without offering evidence, Trump alleged that vandals had “slashed the hell” out of the pool.

Standing before the freshly repainted, dark blue-black pool, Trump declared the finished renovation “a really beautiful thing.”

He described the landmark as “a work of art in many ways,” while conceding that it had previously been an artwork that failed to function as intended. Now, Trump said, the Reflecting Pool would finally “work.”

The response from the audience, composed mostly of staff members and National Park Service rangers, was restrained, marked by only light applause.