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We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
High Potential recently honored a cherished member of its community during a new episode.
The latest installment of Season 2, featuring Kaitlin Olson at the helm, aired this week, engaging viewers with a gripping storyline. In this episode, Morgan and her team tackle a group of criminals responsible for a string of heists targeting private vaults. As the plot unfolds, they uncover an impending cyberattack threatening to disrupt Los Angeles’ vital infrastructure.
Those who watched until the conclusion of High Potential Season 2, Episode 17, titled “Second Sunday,” might have noticed a special tribute.
The episode concluded with a heartfelt message: “In Memory Of Matthew Gonzalez.”
While the show did not elaborate on Gonzalez’s association with High Potential, such dedications are typically made to honor a deceased individual who was either part of the cast, crew, or had some connection to the series.
But who is Matthew Gonzalez?
Who is Matthew Gonzalez on High Potential?
Photo: ABC
It remains unclear who Matthew Gonzalez is in relation to the ABC show High Potential. According to IMDb, there is no one in the cast or crew who goes by that name.
Decider reached out to a rep at ABC for further clarification but did not hear back in time of publication.
New episodes of High Potential air on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. EST.
An attorney took legal action against an upstate New York airport after it declined a small advertisement from her firm specializing in sexual harassment cases. Today, she boasts a prominent display at the location.
Last summer, Megan Thomas entered into an agreement to place an ad at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Her intended message was: “When HR called it harmless flirting … we called it exhibit A.” The airport, however, requested her to tone down what they considered “harsh” language.
Rather than comply, Thomas opted to pursue a lawsuit. Ultimately, her ad was installed with the original wording intact — on a much grander scale than she initially envisioned.
Currently, two entire walls at the airport are adorned with the striking pink ad, featuring a large photograph of Thomas herself, as first reported by Syracuse.com.
Reflecting on the events, Thomas stated, “When the airport claimed that the First Amendment didn’t apply and that they could impose their preferences, it became clear I needed to take legal action. Winning this case was not just about my rights, but also about safeguarding the rights of other women who may follow.”
Thomas said she intentionally chose to advertise at the airport because many of her clients have reported being sexually harassed on work trips. She also wanted it to be placed in a prominent area.
In her federal lawsuit filed in August, Thomas said the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority, which operates the airport, approved a draft version of her ad. But the following day, she said, the authority told her the ad was not approved and that the slogan was “considered to be a bit harsh.”
During a follow-up call, Thomas said she was told the airport authority’s leadership believed the proposed ad might be viewed as “threatening” or “intimidating” to men. And the following day, an official said the ad would not be displayed due to concerns about negative feedback from community members and that local politicians might find it offensive, according to her suit.
In court documents, lawyers for the SRAA said the authority offered alternate slogans “that conveyed a similar message in a more professional and less misleading and disparaging manner.”
A judge disagreed with their assessment of the tagline, saying in a preliminary decision in January that the authority’s claim was “nonsense.”
Judge Anthony Brindisi said Thomas’ slogan was no more misleading than a Chick-fil-A ad at the airport featuring a cow and the phrase “Chikin 4 Din Makez U Grin” suggested “that chicken dinners will always make a person happy, or that cows can speak.”
The two sides reached a confidential settlement shortly after the judge’s ruling. The new, larger ad went up a few weeks ago.
Thomas — who also has another, smaller ad in the airport — says calls to her Syracuse-based firm have been “way up” since the sign went up, noting that she has hired another attorney and plans to hire another office staffer to assist her.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the SRAA called the judge’s decision “unfortunate” but said the settlement “permits both parties to return focus to their core corporate purposes while preserving the authority’s ability to manage and operate the airport.”
A tragic incident unfolded in Wisconsin where a mother reportedly claimed she was attempting to “protect” her 14-year-old daughter from billionaire Elon Musk when she fatally stabbed the teenager.
Tyiece Oninski, now facing charges of first-degree intentional homicide, contacted the Rock County Sheriff’s Office’s non-emergency line on March 20. According to a probable cause affidavit, she admitted to “murdering” her daughter the previous night and then attempting to take her own life.
During the 13-minute call, Oninski allegedly confessed to stabbing her daughter and then attempting to harm herself with the same knife. She described lying down next to her daughter’s body, waiting to die, but said her attempt was unsuccessful, as detailed in the affidavit.
When the dispatcher inquired if an ambulance was necessary for the teenager, Oninski reportedly replied, “She’s dead, honey. She needs a hearse,” while indicating that she required medical assistance for herself.
Oninski explained she had sustained injuries in “the bedroom, where I murdered my daughter,” and mentioned that her wounds affected her chest and lungs.
When asked why she’d taken her daughter’s life, Oninski allegedly said it was “to protect her from somebody else,” then later claimed she was trying to protect her Musk. She didn’t provide any details on why she believed she needed to protect the teen from the tech mogul.
Deputies went to the home to conduct a welfare check and discovered the teen—identified in the court documents only as K.R.—laying face down in a “large amount of blood” in a four-season porch that was converted into a bedroom. She showed no signs of defensive wounds and had injuries to her neck and right wrist, authorities said. She was found lying on the ground with her feet toward the door and her arms tucked under her head.
Multiple local media outlets including WTVO and WKOW identified the teen as Kuren Rein.
A black pocket knife was found near the body.
Her grandfather, who owns the home, told deputies that he woke up that morning and thought she had gone to school.
Oninski was found with a deep cut to her neck, cuts to her wrist and a stab to her temple, according to the affidavit.
She was brought to the hospital where she “enthusiastically” asked “So is my name like, all over the news yet?” then seemed noticeably disappointed when it wasn’t, according to the affidavit.
After toxicology reports were conducted, authorities said she had benzodiazepines, amphetamines and THC in her blood.
A spokesperson for the Rock County Sheriff’s Office told Oxygen it remains an active investigation.
Oninski is currently being held on a $1 million bond. Court records reviewed by Oxygen showed that she appeared via video for an initial court appearance on March 30, where she was read the charges against her. Oxygen reached out to her attorney Matt Lantta, but did not receive an immediate reply. Her next court appearance is scheduled for April 14.
The search for an 18-year-old Virginia man ended in tragedy as his body was discovered nearly a week after he was reported missing. Authorities suspect his death is linked to another unsettling murder case.
Jayden Michael McComber was found on Tuesday in a pond located in Caroline County, close to the King and Queen County border, according to a statement from the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office.
McComber had been reported missing the previous Thursday after he was last seen leaving his residence the night before. The Virginia State Police noted at the time that his disappearance was considered “suspicious,” raising concerns about his well-being.
The day following McComber’s disappearance report, a property owner in Caroline County discovered another man’s body on their land. Investigators now believe these two cases are “connected.”
However, authorities have not disclosed the reasons for this connection, and the identity of the second individual remains unknown.
“This is one of the more disturbing cases our office has encountered,” the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office said. “The sick and deliberate efforts taken to conceal the victim’s identity have made this investigation more complex, but our investigators have remained focused and determined. We are making progress, and we will continue to pursue every lead until we identify this individual and bring those responsible to justice.”
Police have not provided any further information, other than saying they don’t believe the two murders were random.
Feeling swamped by diet choices? Simplify your approach with these three expert-backed rules, and start seeing changes in just a week.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” This rings especially true for dieting. With an overwhelming number of weight-loss strategies out there, it’s easy to feel lost. Take, for instance, prescription weight-loss medications, which have been a game-changer for many, or the popular practice of intermittent fasting, which has worked wonders for others. However, regardless of the method you choose, maintaining those healthy habits is crucial to prevent regaining the weight you’ve worked so hard to lose.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a staggering 80 to 95% of people who lose weight end up gaining it back. So, why does this happen? Once you shed pounds, your body might undergo hormonal and metabolic changes that increase your hunger levels, making it harder to keep the weight off.
We don’t want to dampen your spirits, so we’re bringing you some practical advice. A registered dietitian has distilled weight loss into three simple rules that could change your journey. Stick to these, and you’ll be on the right path to achieving and maintaining your weight goals.
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, so we’re here with some solid information. There are only three rules you need to lose weight, and we learned them from a registered dietitian.
Why Weight Loss Tends To Be Overcomplicated
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It’s quite common to overcomplicate weight loss.
“Weight loss is usually complicated by attempting to achieve perfection rather than being consistent in a few simple, but repeatable, daily habits,” explains Dr. Kezia Joy, RDN and Medical Advisor with Welzo. “Rules can be very strict; many diets have some form of elimination diet, and some dieters track almost everything they consume. The combination of these elements makes weight loss seem like an insurmountable task for most individuals.”
How To Simplify The Process
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The good news? You can absolutely simplify the process. According to Dr. Joy, it’s essential to focus on a few basic principles every day rather than creating a string of diets that are challenging to follow and stick with. Here are the three best rules for weight loss.
Prioritize Protein
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One of your main goals should be consuming sufficient protein and fiber in every single meal.
“Protein and fiber help you feel fuller longer, support stable blood sugar levels, and generally lead to fewer snack attacks throughout the day,” Dr. Joy shares.
Establish a Small Calorie Deficit
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Rather than severe calorie restriction, Dr. Joy recommends creating a small calorie deficit.
“When you consume just slightly under what your body requires for energy, it will promote weight loss, but it will also protect your metabolic rate and help to suppress your hunger,” she says.
Perform Regular Physical Activity
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Engaging in regular exercise is the name of the game if you want to lose weight and keep excess pounds at bay.
“Develop an ongoing regimen of physical activity that includes both your daily activity level (walking around the house, going up/down stairs, etc.) and an exercise routine. The exercise component is crucial in helping you lose fat while preserving lean muscle tissue and maintaining good overall health,” Dr. Joy tells us.
Why These Rules Are Effective
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These rules center around behavioral patterns instead of achieving perfection.
“By allowing for variation with regard to what foods you consume, these guidelines can be followed more easily throughout daily activities and in social settings,” Dr. Joy adds. “Because fad diets are based on short-term restrictions, they often do not succeed. Because simple rules promote consistent behaviour over a period of time, they provide an essential tool for supporting sustainable weight loss.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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One of the most common pitfalls in weight loss is expecting success to be immediate. This can cause individuals to give up before making solid progress. Weight loss is called a “journey” for a reason—it requires hard work, dedication, and patience.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e
“The healthy weight loss process is always going to take time and will have some type of plateau at times,” Dr. Joy says. “Also, one of the biggest mistakes in creating a diet plan for weight loss is consistency, particularly on weekends or during busy periods. A simple rule may be easy to follow when you feel like it, but it will not work if you don’t follow the rule most of the time.”
A Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, backed by former President Donald Trump, has expressed support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as revealed by a recently surfaced video showing her enthusiastic approval of these progressive measures during their rise in popularity.
Julia Letlow, currently serving as the representative for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District, has pledged to eliminate DEI policies and what she terms ‘woke ideology’ from educational institutions in Louisiana if she secures a Senate victory in May.
However, a newly discovered video captures the 45-year-old lawmaker, who assumed her congressional role following the COVID-related death of her husband, advocating for the opposite stance.
Reported initially by Fox News, the footage features Letlow expressing her robust support for DEI while interviewing for the presidency of the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) in 2020.
DEI initiatives have their roots in the 1960s, emerging after the Civil Rights Act. In 2020, these efforts saw a significant resurgence as companies nationwide began launching or expanding their programs in response to widespread demands for racial justice.
Trump believes DEI policies are ‘un-American’ and has ended support for programs aimed at promoting them.
Though she presently says she agrees with the president’s stance, Letlow was heard calling the school’s record of gender diversity in faculty ‘shameful’ in response to a question addressing the percentage of tenured female faculty at ULM.
‘I’ll just be candid with you, we have an issue on this campus. We do. And one of my first initiatives would be to address it,’ she told panelist conducting her interview. ‘I believe we need a division on this campus.
Louisiana Senate candidate Julie Letlow has vowed to keep diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies out of schools if she wins the seat in May, but just years ago she was praising the initiative. (Pictured Letlow and Trump in December during the Congressional Ball)
A resurfaced clip from 2020 showed Letlow discussing her strong support for the practice while she interviewed to be president of the University of Louisiana Monroe
‘A division of diversity, equity and inclusion with leadership that goes all the way to the top, with a full staff because out issues are so great, they are.
‘There would need to be a strategic plan in place on how to address those concerns that you just raised, and those metrics, and those numbers, because they are shameful, truly.
‘And I believe that having that strong division, having that leadership – if you have a person around the table that is cognizant and fighting for diversity, equity and inclusion before any decision is made for the university, then that’s how you change,’ Letlow continued.
Letlow served as the executive director of external affairs and strategic communications at the university form 2015 until she assumed office in April 2021.
While in that role, she helped create DEI workshops alongside an anti-racist organization, the Daily Caller News Foundation reported in January.
Letlow also signed a statement shortly after the death of George Floyd that embraced ‘condemning racism and embracing diversity.’
In another unearthed clip, Letlow was heard calling herself a ‘strong and progressive leader’ as part of an introduction video she made for students to get to know her.
‘You can expect me to be ULM’s number one recruiter, successfully recruiting first-year, first-generation, and non-traditional students.
In another clip, Letlow was heard calling herself a ‘strong and progressive leader’ as part of an introduction video she made for students to get to know her
Her website shares a video message from Trump backing Letlow, calling her his ‘friend’ who’s ‘been loyal as can be.’ (Pictured: Trump, Letlow and Melania in December)
‘And knowing that faculty and staff are the backbone of this university, I would be extensively involved in retaining the amazing employees ULM already has, and committed to recruiting diverse candidates who better reflect ULM’s diverse student population,’ Letlow said in the video.
Louisiana’s GOP primary race is set for May 16, with Letlow going up against Republican Bill Cassidy, who is the senior US senator for the state.
The two of them have been targeting each other over DEI beliefs and who aligns more with Trump as the race heats up in its final months.
‘While Liberal Letlow was pushing DEI policies at ULM, calling herself a “strong and progressive leader”, Senator Cassidy was working with President Trump and others to secure billions of dollars for the state and bring conservative policies to Louisiana,’ a spokesperson for Cassidy’s campaign told the Daily Mail.
‘From no boys in girls sports, to co-sponsoring the Save America Act, the HALT Fentanyl Act, and the Working Families Tax Cuts,’ they added.
Meanwhile, when approached for comment on her DEI stance, Letlow’s team told the outlet that ‘any honest account of DEI in this race has to include Cassidy’s record vs Julia’s record.’
Cassidy himself has been accused of being ‘anti-Trump’ while also attacking his opponent for her ‘woke’ agenda.
In response, Letlow said she has dedicated her five years in Congress to pushing against DEI.
Louisiana’s GOP primary race is set for May 16, with Letlow going up against Republican Bill Cassidy, who is the senior US senator for the state
Letlow said she’s ‘honored’ to have Trump’s ‘complete and total endorsement’ for Senate
‘I saw [DEI] firsthand when I worked at the university,’ she told Louisiana First News in March,
‘DEI was presented to us as something that would help students achieve the American dream and when I quickly witnessed that it was hijacked by the radical left and turned into indoctrination and actually holding people down, I spent the last five years of Congress fighting against it,’ she added before bashing Cassidy.
‘He helped write the infrastructure bill that had DEI initiatives hidden throughout it,’ she said of her opponent. ‘I would make sure we continue to get it out of our schools.’
Her website shares a video message from Trump backing Letlow, calling her his ‘friend’ who’s ‘been loyal as can be.’
In response she said she’s ‘honored’ to have his ‘complete and total endorsement.’
‘I have worked to lower taxes, support our farmers and producers, stand up for Louisiana families, and deliver the America First agenda. I’ll take that same fight to the US Senate,’ she added.
When approached for comment about Letlow, the White House referred the Daily Mail to the Republican National Committee (RNC).
The Daily Mail contacted Letlow, Cassidy, and the RNC for comment.
In his first prime-time address since initiating military action with Israel over a month ago, the President provided an update on the conflict in Iran.
WASHINGTON — On Wednesday night, President Donald Trump spoke to the nation, delivering his inaugural prime-time address since the joint military strikes with Israel began more than a month ago, offering insights into the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Trump utilized the speech to reach a broad audience, aiming to clarify the war’s objectives amidst weeks of shifting goals and mixed signals about whether the U.S. military presence in the region would be scaled back or intensified. This comes as Iran continues its offensives against Israel and neighboring Gulf countries, while airstrikes target Tehran.
“Over the past four weeks, our armed forces have achieved swift, decisive, overwhelming victories on the battlefield,” Trump declared.
The address comes at a time of escalating oil prices, unpredictable financial markets, and polls indicating that many Americans believe the U.S. military engagement in Iran is excessive. Despite this sentiment, additional American troops are being deployed to the region, potentially gearing up for a ground offensive. Trump’s decision not to give a speech when the initial attacks were launched raises questions about the timing and effectiveness of his message now.
A White House official, who was not authorized to speak publicly ahead of the address and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the president will talk about U.S. progress on achieving his goals in Iran and will reiterate his estimated timeline for concluding operations within two to three weeks.
Just before Trump began speaking, the United Arab Emirates warned the public about a missile threat from Iran. A series of blasts could then be heard in Dubai as air defenses worked to intercept the Iranian barrage.
Trump on Wednesday claimed Iran’s president wanted a ceasefire ahead of his speech to the American people. Trump made the claim on his Truth Social website. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Trump’s remarks were “false and baseless.”
The president has said one of his primary goals of the war was to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, and he told Reuters on Wednesday that has been achieved, though it isn’t clear how.
Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium that could potentially be used to build nuclear weapons is believed to be buried under the rubble of a mountain facility that was hit during strikes last June — and that hasn’t changed since the war with Iran began this year. Trump has said the United States would move to take the uranium if it reaches a deal with Iran.
But he said Wednesday that the uranium is “so far underground, I don’t care about that.”
“We’ll always be watching it by satellite,” he said.
Trump also said Iran is now “incapable” of developing a nuclear weapon.
The conflict has intensified in recent days, with the U.S. and Israel launching new strikes on Tehran. Iran has responded with fewer missiles but continues deploying low-flying drones that are harder to intercept. More than 3,000 people have been killed in the region, and millions have been displaced in Lebanon and Iran.
The war is also impacting Americans at home. Gas prices rose above $4 per gallon earlier this week for the first time since 2022, with analysts warning higher fuel costs could drive up prices for goods and travel.
Since the conflict began, 13 U.S. service members have been killed and 348 wounded, including six seriously, according to U.S. Central Command.
Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Siblings often serve as our initial companions and occasional competitors, becoming the people we share our longest relationships with throughout our lives. Insight delves into how these bonds influence our identities, perceptions, and outlooks on the world. Discover more in the Siblings episode on SBS On Demand.
A prominent city official from South Florida was discovered deceased in her residence on Wednesday, with her spouse detained by law enforcement, according to officials.
Police officers located Nancy Metayer Bowen, the Vice Mayor of Coral Springs, around 10 a.m. on Wednesday following an inquiry into her “well-being,” as reported by Police Chief Brad Mock to the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Chief Mock withheld detailed information concerning the specifics of Bowen’s demise, indicating the situation is being treated as a “domestic violence incident.” Her husband, Stephen Bowen, has been taken into police custody, Chief Mock confirmed.
INTRUDERS TARGET REAL HOUSEWIVES STAR’S HOME BUT FLEE AFTER TRIGGERING ALARM AND CRASHING THEIR VEHICLE: POLICE
Nancy Metayer Bowen, the Vice Mayor of Coral Springs, was found dead in her home on Wednesday, authorities have announced. (Getty Images)
The chief said there were no other suspects being sought.
Bowen was first elected to the Coral Springs City Commission in 2020 and re-elected in 2024. She was appointed by the commission last November to serve a second, one-year term as Vice Mayor, according to her bio on the city’s website.
Before being elected to the commission, Bowen worked as an environmental scientist who formerly served on the Broward County Soil and Water Conservation District, the South Florida Sun Sentinel newspaper reported.
Bowen’s family confirmed her death on her social media accounts.
“Throughout her years in public office, she led with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering sense of purpose,” the family’s statement said. “She believed in bringing people together, listening to those she served, and working tirelessly to create positive change in her community. To us, she was a source of strength, wisdom, and love — someone who always put others before herself.”
Nancy Metayer Bowen (left), then-director of the Florida Caribbean Vote and Sandy Dorsainvil, Director Route 1804, gets ready before the departure of a caravan led by Haitian organizers to show support for the Kamala Harris campaign in Aug. 10, 2024.(Getty Images)
“While many knew her as a leader and advocate, we knew her as a sister, a daughter, and a friend whose warmth and laughter filled every room. Her legacy will live on not only in the policies she helped shape, but in the countless lives she touched.”
The Coral Springs government Facebook page paid tribute to Bowen, calling her “leadership grounded in compassion, strength, and an unwavering commitment to others.”
“Her impact on Coral Springs is immeasurable, and her loss leaves a void in our hearts. We ask our community to keep her family, loved ones, and all who are grieving in your thoughts and prayers. In this difficult time, we stand together as one city. We will carry her light, even in this darkness.”
U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, D-Fla., said he was saddened to hear of Bowen’s death, remembering her as a “tireless advocate, a dedicated progressive leader, and a powerful voice for her community.”
Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen seated at a recent City Commission meeting.
Florida Democratic Party Chair, Nikki Fried, said she spoke with Bowen a few days ago.
“I held her in a hug at our Party’s Leadership Summit, never imagining it would be one of our last moments together,” Fried said in a statement. “Nancy was my friend and a friend to everyone who has ever believed that democracy was worth fighting for. The world is less bright without her in it.”
Inset: The suspect accused of killing a Plaid Pantry cashier in Oregon, identified by police as Michale J. Paine (Portland Police). Background: The Portland Plaid Pantry location where Paine allegedly killed the cashier (Google Maps).
A 21-year-old Oregon resident faces serious charges after allegedly shooting a convenience store clerk during a nighttime robbery. The suspect reportedly confessed to police, remarking that the crime “was not worth $25” and admitting he had made a grave mistake.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Michale J. Paine, who is now charged with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and unlawful use of a weapon in connection with the death of 57-year-old Ernesto Castellanos.
According to a series of statements from the Portland Police Bureau, the incident unfolded just before midnight on March 27. Officers responded to a call about an “unconscious person” at a Plaid Pantry store located in Portland’s Cully neighborhood. Upon arrival, they discovered Castellanos had been fatally shot.
The medical examiner confirmed the death as a homicide.
In the aftermath, police released surveillance images of the suspect, labeling him as armed and dangerous while seeking public assistance in identifying him. By Monday evening, Paine surrendered to authorities.
Paine called 911 “saying he wanted to turn himself in” and was taken into custody by officers. During the ride, he began speaking “unprompted” about the killing, local NBC affiliate KGW reported, citing a probable cause affidavit.
“Have you ever f—ed up in your life so bad, you don’t know what to do after?” Paine reportedly told police. “He only had $25 in the till.”
Investigators say surveillance footage captured the moments leading up to the shooting, showing the suspect walking around the store, getting a drink, and waiting at the counter before opening fire on Castellanos. The suspect was wearing a distinctive black hoodie featuring the face of Michael Myers from the “Halloween” movie series and the words “Here to crash the party!”
From the affidavit:
We viewed additional video surveillance of the incident which included the suspect … entering the store, walking toward the east wall, touching the screen to the lid dispenser, touching and leaving behind extra lids on the counter and floor, getting a beverage at the self-service beverage area, waiting at the checkout counter, drinking from the Plaid Pantry cup, leaving the Plaid Pantry cup on the counter, shooting the victim two times, walking behind the checkout counter, touching the cash register screen and drawer, touching the coin machine lever, kicking the victim, touching the victim near the right shoulder, and then leaving the store.
The victim was shot once in the chest and once in the neck, either of which would have been fatal, according to the medical examiner.
Paine allegedly told detectives he went to the store intending to rob it. When Castellanos “did not appear to believe that he was actually going to rob him,” Paine responded by shooting him and getting the money from the register himself.
The defendant allegedly admitted that “what he did was not worth $25,” later adding that his actions “should not be worth anything.”
Investigators were able to identify Paine in part through evidence left behind in the store, including fingerprints on a cup, and later recovered a firearm and clothing linked to the shooting, local Fox affiliate KPTV reported.
Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez described the killing as “a sickening, brutal act,” emphasizing that the victim did nothing to prompt the attack.
“Ernesto was an innocent, hardworking guy. He was gunned down and killed in his place of business, just doing what we want in our community; people doing their job every day,” Vasquez said in a Monday afternoon statement to local ABC affiliate KATU. “I can tell you this is a sickening, brutal act and we are determined to get justice for Ernesto.”
Paine made his first court appearance Tuesday, and a judge ordered him held without bond. He is currently scheduled to return to court on April 8.
