According to recently released police documents obtained by ABC News, Brian Hickerson, the former boyfriend of actress Hayden Panettiere, was reportedly on-site at the time of her passing.
Alongside his brother Zach, Hickerson was at Panettiere’s South Carolina apartment when the tragic event unfolded, as detailed in a report from authorities in Greenville, South Carolina.
The report further revealed that Hickerson presented authorities with a “bag of medication” purportedly prescribed to Panettiere.
Emergency responders discovered Panettiere experiencing cardiac arrest at the Greenville residence on a Sunday afternoon, tragically pronouncing her dead about 40 minutes later.
According to the police report provided by the Greenville City Police Department, an officer was dispatched to a location on Easley Bridge Road in response to an EMS call regarding an unresponsive individual.
“The patient did not seem to have any obvious physical reasons to be unresponsive,” the officer wrote in the report.
“EMS attempted to perform life saving methods for an extended amount of time before they called a time of death. This was 1431 hours,” the report continued.
The officer then wrote in the report that they spoke with Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson, who was also on scene, while EMS “was working on the patient.”
Zach Hickerson described Panettiere as his brother’s girlfriend.
“I observed Zach to be very emotional while EMS were working on Hayden,” the officer wrote. “Brian did not become emotional until EMS declared her officially deceased. Medic 24 and S4 were on scene performing life saving measures.”
The officer added in the report that Brian Hickerson showed them the bag of medication that Panettiere was taking.
An autopsy, which was completed on Monday, found no signs of trauma, and a cause of death is still undetermined.
Panettiere was known for her roles in “Heroes,” “Nashville,” “Remember the Titans” and more. She was 36 years old and would have turned 37 this Friday.
Panettiere had been open about her battles with substance abuse and postpartum depression.
Her death came just days after an L.A. County judge denied Hickerson’s attempts to dismiss and reduce his past felony
Controversial Case: Accused Murderer and Former Illegal Immigrant Granted Taxpayer-Funded Housing Before Fleeing US
An alleged murderer and undocumented immigrant, who escaped from the United States last month, was granted a 48-hour leave from a Virginia mental facility; it has surfaced that he had been previously permitted unsupervised departures, staying in an apartment funded by taxpayers during these breaks.
On July 6, Abdulloi Doniyor Toshpulodzoda departed the U.S. during a weekend leave, taking a one-way flight from Washington Dulles International Airport back to Tajikistan, his home country, with a layover in Istanbul. Court documents reveal the Turkish Airlines ticket was issued in his name and paid for using an American Express card.
Toshpulodzoda, despite facing murder charges, was allowed temporary release from the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute (NVMHI). During these 48-hour leaves, he stayed at a taxpayer-supported apartment in Alexandria provided by the Fairfax Permanent Supportive Housing Program, as indicated by court filings.
The Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute in Falls Church, Va., where Abdulloi Toshpulodzoda was receiving treatment before his authorized escape on a 48-hour pass. (Google Maps)
Back in 2019, Toshpulodzoda tragically killed Mohammad Hemmatian by stabbing him inside his residence in Vienna, Virginia. When the police arrived, they found Toshpulodzoda at the scene, covered in blood.
He was ultimately found not guilty by reason of insanity of second-degree murder and committed to a state psychiatric facility in 2022. To be found legally insane, a defense expert, and then a separate, independent expert for the prosecution evaluated the defendant, Laura Birnbaum, chief of staff for Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano, told News Media.
If the prosecution’s expert also finds the defendant to be legally insane, there is functionally no way to get a conviction at trial, Birnbaum added.
As recently as June, a judge determined that Toshpulodzoda “shall not be released from custody and inpatient hospitalization without further order of this court.”
However, Virginia state law permits certain patients committed to psychiatric facilities — including those accused of violent crimes — to receive temporary day or weekend passes.
NVMHI’s Internal Forensic Privileging Committee approved Toshpulodzoda for unaccompanied community visits, allowing him to leave the facility without hospital staff for up to 48 hours at a time. Because this authorization remained in place, he was legally permitted to make unsupervised visits in the period leading up to his escape.
In May 2024, Toshpulodzoda was granted permission to visit the Tajikistan Embassy in Washington, D.C., with an escort to obtain a passport.
In a post on X, former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, a Republican, put much of the blame for Toshpulodzoda’s escape on Descano, beginning with his trip to Washington to get his passport.
“A judge said no, Virginia authorities said yes anyway. Fairfax’s Steve Descano supported a violent, committed man accused of killing his landlord to obtain a passport,” Miyares wrote. “The passport request should have been the five-alarm fire, but instead it (was) ignored and he was allowed to walk out of a mental facility and flee the country. This is an unconscionable level of incompetence.”
News Media reached out for comment to the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS).
On Aug. 5 — a month after Toshpulodzoda fled the country — the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office asked a judge to issue an arrest warrant.
“Abdulloi Toshpulodzoda was found by clinicians to be insane at the time he killed Mohammad Hemmatian, a legal finding that means the Commonwealth would be unable to secure a conviction at trial,” the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office said in a statement.
Steve Descano, commonwealth’s attorney for Fairfax County, Va., speaks at an event at the Center for American Progress about Virginia’s newly elected progressive prosecutors. (Getty Images)
Prosecutors noted that they opposed his release during annual review hearings in June.
The office added that a bench warrant was issued immediately after it had learned he had escaped custody, ensuring that if he reenters the U.S., he will be arrested and extradited to Virginia.
Toshpulodzoda entered the U.S. on Dec. 15, 2009, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told News Media. He violated the terms of his admission, DHS said, losing his status to remain in the U.S.
“Against our nation’s laws, he failed to depart when he no longer had permission to remain in the country,” the agency spokesperson said.
Bishop Oyedepo Clarifies Funding Sources for His Aircraft
Bishop David Oyedepo, the influential founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, recently addressed the public regarding his financial standing and ownership of four private jets, firmly asserting that no church funds were used in their acquisition.
In his remarks, Oyedepo shed light on the topic of wealth acquisition, emphasizing that individuals can achieve financial prosperity through legitimate means without succumbing to unethical methods.
Reflecting on his personal journey, the prominent cleric revealed that while it took him a while to purchase his first brand-new car, his aerial endeavors commenced much sooner.
Oyedepo explains how he acquired his planes
Commenting on his substantial assets, Bishop Oyedepo remarked, “It took me time to drive the first new car, but it didn’t take me time to start flying.”
Further clarifying his stance, he added, “I’ve never taken a dime from this church to buy any of my planes, and I have 4 planes. I use anyone I like if one is faulty.”
Oyedepo also urged people to pursue legitimate means of building wealth, warning against relying on activities he described as destructive shortcuts.
Bishop Oyedepo speaks on wealth creation
The Living Faith Church founder further cautioned his audience against drug-related activities and betting as supposed routes to financial success.
He said, “You don’t have to do drugs or NaijaBet. Wealth gotten by vanity shall diminish.”
His comments have drawn attention because of his disclosure about owning four planes and his explanation that church funds were not used to purchase them.
The remarks have also renewed discussions about wealth, entrepreneurship and the sources of income of prominent Nigerian religious figures.
Watch the video below…
“It took me time to drive the first new car, but it didn’t take me time to start flying. I’ve never taken a dime from this church to buy any of my planes, and I have 4 planes. I use anyone I like if one is faulty. You don’t have to do drugs or NaijaBet. Wealth gotten by vanity… pic.twitter.com/EINbaWVatQ
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) August 19, 2026
Support Grows for Mangione After Surprising Confession
In a surprising turn of events, friends of Luigi Mangione have come forward to show their support after Mangione’s shocking confession last week. The young man admitted to the fatal shooting of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
Mangione, aged 28, made his confession in a federal courtroom on Friday, revealing that he shot and killed the 50-year-old healthcare executive on December 4, 2024. This tragic event unfolded on the streets of New York City as Thompson was en route to a conference.
During his plea, Mangione claimed that “severe” back pain drove him to commit the crime. He pleaded guilty to charges of interstate stalking resulting in death, alongside stalking through interstate facilities, both leading to Thompson’s untimely demise.
Notably absent from the courtroom were Mangione’s family and friends during the unexpected hearing on Friday. This surprising legal maneuver came shortly before Mangione’s impending murder trial in New York State, initially set to commence on September 8.
Following his guilty plea in the federal case, Mangione’s friends shared their reactions with Rolling Stone. They expressed a mix of shock and steadfast support for the 28-year-old.
RJ Martin, Mangione’s friend and former landlord when the killer lived in Hawaii, told the outlet: ‘Friday was deeply emotional.’
‘Beyond the noise, Luigi is a human being with a circle of longtime friends who know who he is, stay in touch, and care about him deeply,’ he added.
Martin added that he believes the government painted Mangione as guilty from the moment he was arrested, which would have made ‘a truly fair trial difficult to imagine.’
Luigi Mangione’s friends have spoken out in support of the 28-year-old after he admitted in federal court on Friday to stalking and fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
Magione claimed ‘severe back pain’ drove him to kill Thompson during Friday’s surprise hearing, which was announced less than a month before his state murder trial was set to begin
Thompson was shot and killed by Mangione on a New York City street on December 4, 2024, as he walked to a conference
Other friends who declined to go on the record likewise said they were surprised by Mangione’s guilty plea and expected his case to go to trial, Rolling Stone reported.
Many said they were saddened to learn the 28-year-old would spend much of his life behind bars.
Another friend, who requested to be referred to by the initials RK, told Rolling Stone that he finds the murder of Thompson ‘unacceptable and deeply sad.’
RK said: ‘[Mangione] never struck me as a political person. I think it speaks to the radicalization in this country in the current day.’
Although he disagrees with his friend’s actions, RK said he hopes that Mangione’s guilty plea will not stop the conversation about injustices within the American healthcare system that was sparked by Thompson’s murder.
Those injustices were at the core of Mangione’s motivation to kill the UnitedHealthcare CEO, he said in the prepared statement he read aloud in court on Friday.
‘After years of enduring severe pain from a broken back, navigating the obstacles of the health insurance system and witnessing similar experiences of countless others, I learned that UnitedHealthcare would be holding its annual investor conference in New York City on December 4, 2024, although the specific location was not publicly disclosed,’ Mangione began as he addressed the court.
‘I then searched the event online. I observed that the annual conference of America’s largest health care organization and the stated mission… to make the health system work better for everyone, would be attended by company executives, the board of directors, and hundreds of investors, not doctors, nurses, and patients,’ he continued.
Mangione admitted to traveling to New York City from out of state with a 3-D printed gun equipped with a silencer and the express intent to shoot Thompson
‘In November of 2024, I traveled from outside of New York State to Manhattan. I then emailed UnitedHealthcare leadership posing as an investor at a firm managing over $50 billion in assets and requesting information about the conference,’ he said.
‘Unlike my previous interactions with insurers, I received an immediate response within an hour. Before traveling to New York, I used a 3-D printer to make part of a gun, and I equipped the gun with the silencer and magazine. My travel to New York and email to UnitedHealthcare was with the intent to shoot Brian Thompson.’
Mangione concluded: ‘On the morning of December 4, 2024, I shot Mr Thompson in Manhattan, and he died. When I did so, I understood that my actions would place him in fear of death or serious bodily injury. I knew what I was doing was illegal.’
The federal stalking charges he admitted to carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. His federal sentencing hearing has been scheduled for December 18.
While there is no formal plea deal in place, the judge told Mangione that federal sentencing guidelines call for roughly 24 to 30 years in prison – though she stressed she is not bound by that range.
The Thompson family, who came face-to-face with Mangione for the first time at the hearing, issued a statement after the plea, calling for him to face a strong punishment.
‘Today’s guilty plea marks an important step toward justice for Brian and for our family. While nothing will ease the pain of losing him, we are grateful that the federal justice system has held the person responsible for this heinous act accountable,’ the family said.
‘Now we look to the court to ensure that sentencing reflects the severity of this crime. We remain mindful that additional proceedings in New York and Pennsylvania are still to come, and we will continue to seek the justice Brian deserves.’
Thompson’s family released a statement calling for him to face a strong punishment. The UnitedHealthcare CEO’s wife, Paulette Thompson, is pictured leaving the court on Friday
Outside the courthouse, federal prosecutors emphasized that Mangione does not have a plea deal, and they will seek the maximum sentence.
Mangione’s state trial has been pushed back from September 8 to December 10 as his legal team filed a motion to dismiss the state charges because of New York’s double jeopardy laws.
‘Mr Mangione has been unfairly treated since the outset in every way and has successfully fought off terrorism charges and the death penalty, while also fighting – at the same time – two simultaneous prosecutions in two jurisdictions, who are trying to punish him twice for the exact conduct,’ Mangione’s lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo said.
Federal and state governments can prosecute for the same conduct because they are considered independent of each other, but under New York state law, double jeopardy can come into play when a prior prosecution for the same conduct ends in a conviction by guilty plea or a resolution at trial.
A legal expert previously told the Daily Mail that a plea deal could allow Mangione to receive a lower sentence than if he went on trial.
‘Any time they’re going to get a penalty that’s anything better than Mangione spending the rest of his life in jail, that’s a victory,’ former federal prosecutor David S Weinstein said.
Australia and Thailand Unite in Crackdown on Criminal Networks
In a significant move to fortify their partnership, the leaders of Australia and Thailand have pledged to intensify collaborative efforts against transnational crime, while simultaneously promising to enhance both defense and trade relations.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul embarked on his inaugural visit to Australia since assuming office in late 2025. On Wednesday, he held talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra.
During their discussions, both leaders consented to strengthen their joint commitments in combating transnational crime. They have instructed their respective law enforcement bodies to proactively “disrupt increasingly sophisticated global criminal networks,” as highlighted in a joint communiqué released after the meeting.
In addition to these efforts, both nations decided to upgrade their security cooperation, agreeing on a biannual meeting schedule for their defense ministers to further enhance strategic collaboration.
Offering a boon to Australia’s energy security, Prime Minister Albanese revealed that Thailand had extended a “generous offer” to supply jet fuel. This offer comes at a crucial time when global energy markets are reeling from supply-chain disturbances stemming from the ongoing US-led conflict with Iran.
“Building on the strong economic ties is a top priority for my government,” he told reporters.
“Times of uncertainty call for greater global cooperation between partners who are reliable and dependable, and friends.”
In 2027, Australia and Thailand will mark 75 years since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries.
Anutin said: “I’m confident that our strategic partnership will remain an enduring foundation for Thailand and Australia … and bring our countries and peoples even closer together.”
“I extend my sincere appreciation once again to my dear Prime Minister Albanese and the Australian people for their warm hospitality.”
The bid to crack down on transnational crime comes after Thailand tries to alleviate its reputation for being a hotspot for grey money — illicit capital that crosses borders.
The nation is an international hub for online scam work which fleeces millions of dollars from Australians each year.
Vulnerable Thai locals are often imprisoned by criminal syndicates on the outskirts of Bangkok to run the centres.
The Australian Federal Police was involved in a 2025 investigation that led to the arrest of five Australians, as well as United Kingdom, Canadian and South African nationals, operating a scam Bangkok “boiler room”.
That announcement also came hours after Thai police confirmed the cause of death of a Thai woman allegedly murdered by an Australian man in June.
The Thai teenager, Tunchanok Donhomla, was allegedly suffocated, according to a police autopsy report seen by the ABC.
Thai police told ABC News that, on the basis of evidence collected, they now believed the investigation was reaching its completion.
Australian National University associate professor Greg Raymond said that while Thailand was not a key priority for Australia, the visit came at an opportune time to strengthen the relationship.
“This is a country wanting to diversify its trade. Australia is seen as a desirable partner that’s not the United States and not China. It helps create other options for trade,” he said.
Australia has substantial existing trade deals with Thailand, exporting about $1 billion of natural gas and more than $700 million in petroleum annually.
In return, Australia buys roughly $6.5 billion worth of new cars from the nation each year.
But those deals are eclipsed by China, with which Thailand had a US$46.22 billion ($65 billion) trade deficit in the first half of 2026.
The Southeast Asian nation is now in talks to lessen the deficit through increased self-sufficiency and reliance on alternative nations.
Harriet Hageman Clinches Victory in Wyoming GOP Senate Primary with Trump’s Endorsement
Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) has just inched closer to becoming Wyoming’s next senator following a decisive victory in Tuesday’s Republican primary. Garnering support from former President Donald Trump, Hageman secured a commanding 63 percent of the vote.
Hageman first rose to prominence in 2022 after she ousted Liz Cheney to earn her place in the U.S. House of Representatives. She has since gained national recognition for her staunch opposition to federal overreach, particularly concerning Wyoming’s water and property rights.
In the primary, Hageman bested four challengers: Jill Edwards, John Holtz, Sam Mead, and Jimmy Skovgard.
Trump’s endorsement came swiftly after Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) declared at the end of last year that she wouldn’t seek reelection, leaving the seat open.
“I am well-acquainted with Harriet, and she is a TOTAL WINNER! Harriet has consistently delivered for Wyoming, and she will continue to do so in the United States Senate,” Trump expressed on Truth Social in December 2025.
Hageman’s 2022 campaign against Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) led to record turnout in that year’s primary, whereby she defeated Cheney by 37 points. She told – News Cheney lost because she remained focused on President Trump rather than issues important to Wyoming voters, including inflation, illegal immigration, and energy.
Wyoming has not elected a Democrat senator since 1970.
Ohio Recycling Facility Explosions: Tragedy Strikes With Two Dead, Multiple Injured
In a tragic incident that unfolded early Tuesday morning, two individuals lost their lives and several suffered injuries following a series of explosions at an industrial recycling plant in Toledo, Ohio. The powerful blasts ignited a significant blaze, sending ominous plumes of dense, black smoke drifting across the region, according to local authorities.
The explosions rocked Brent Industries just before the clock struck 5 a.m., coinciding with a shift transition, as reported by Toledo Fire Chief Allison Armstrong through The Associated Press. The timing compounded the chaos as workers were either arriving or leaving the facility.
In the hours that followed, firefighters, battling both flames and debris, discovered the lifeless bodies of one male and one female employee inside the wrecked structure. While the tragedy claimed these lives, it left two to three other employees with minor injuries, highlighting the harrowing ordeal they experienced.
Footage from the disaster-stricken site revealed fierce flames consuming sections of the facility as emergency responders worked diligently to control the situation, their efforts framed by the roaring fire.
The explosions, which occurred just before 5 a.m. during a shift change at Brent Industries, added to the chaos as personnel were transitioning shifts. (WTVG via AP)
Aerial images showed extensive destruction, with nearly all of the roof gone and several walls blown out, according to The Associated Press.
Armstrong said crews initially faced hazardous materials, runoff and the threat of additional explosions as they searched for victims and accounted for employees.
Environmental officials said air monitoring detected no hazardous threat.
Demetrius Langston, who was about half a mile away, said he felt the force of the blasts.
Firefighters later found the bodies of a male and female employee inside the heavily damaged building. (WTVG via AP)
“The shock waves came down the block,” he said. “Then we all heard it again. Boom! You could feel it.”
The fire continued burning into Tuesday afternoon, and officials said there were no preliminary indications of what caused the explosions.
Authorities urged residents who could see or smell smoke to stay away from the area and keep their windows and doors closed.
Brent Industries, based in Alabama, provides textile reconditioning and industrial recycling services and uses mineral spirits in its cleaning process, according to The Associated Press.
The fire continued burning into Tuesday afternoon, and officials said there were no preliminary indications of what caused the explosions. (WTVG via AP)
Fire officials said tanks containing the petroleum-based solvent were at the Toledo facility, though their role in Tuesday’s explosions remains unknown.
The company has a history of deadly accidents and safety violations, The Associated Press reported.
A 2015 explosion at its Alabama plant killed one worker after mineral spirit vapors ignited inside a washing machine. OSHA later cited the company for six violations and fined it $27,000.
Brent Industries could not immediately be reached by News Media for comment.