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Homosexual husband and wife upset after husband tries to sleep with his former pastor who rejected his advances

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Word On The Curb… a couple from Atlanta, Georgia, is fuming after their failed attempt to seduce and expose their former pastor. The husband was turned down and offered deliverance, but instead of moving on, the couple launched a social media smear campaign against the pastor.

Jaleceya Tate, a wanna-be reformed lesbian, and her downlow husband Jimmy-Sharod Tate are known for stirring up trouble. They may seem devoted in church, but their actions speak otherwise.

Jaleceya Tate, and her husband, Jimmy-Sharod Tate
Jaleceya Tate, and her husband, Jimmy-Sharod Tate

Bishop Calvin McCoy Jr., the pastor of Hope For Tomorrow Deliverance Center, had enough of their lies and sent them a cease and desist letter.

Bishop Calvin McCoy Jr.'s cease and desist letter to the Tates.
Bishop Calvin McCoy Jr.’s cease and desist letter to the Tates.
Bishop Calvin McCoy Jr.'s cease and desist letter to the Tates.
Bishop Calvin McCoy Jr.’s cease and desist letter to the Tates.
Bishop Calvin McCoy Jr.'s cease and desist letter to the Tates.
Bishop Calvin McCoy Jr.’s cease and desist letter to the Tates.

The Tates had accused Bishop Calvin of embezzlement without any evidence, and their hate campaign on social media was filled with false allegations.

It seems this couple’s attempt to tarnish the pastor’s reputation has backfired, and their credibility is now in question.

Bishop Calvin McCoy Jr.
Bishop Calvin McCoy Jr.

Bishop Calvin told The North Carolina Beat that the Tates have not been members of his church for seven years. He said he considered Jimmy as his son, and they would always go fishing.

According to Bishop Calvin, last year was the last time he had spoken to Jimmy, in an attempt to connect with whom he considered a ‘son.’ But then the couple came back expressing their desire to re-join the ministry.

In a leaked audio recording by the Tate’s, Bishop Calvin said things about members of his ministry but he expressed his regret and took ownership of his words, offering apologies to the individuals he mentioned. However, he vehemently objected to the false accusations made by the Tate’s, alleging that he had misappropriated funds from his church.

“We were picking up where we left off, but I take full responsibility for what I said about certain members,” Bishop McCoy said.

“But to accuse me of embezzling money is a lie.”I am a giver, having donated $150,000 to my church last year, in addition to owning businesses. my business tithes to my church, so accusing me of embezzling money and stealing is a lie.”

Jaleceya Tate, and her husband, Jimmy-Sharod Tate
Jaleceya Tate, and her husband, Jimmy-Sharod Tate

Bishop Calvin shared that the couple had expressed their desire to return to the ministry and make a substantial donation to both Bishop Calvin and Apostle Travis Jennings of The Harvest Tabernacle, who were also present. However, unbeknownst to those in attendance, the Jimmy had secretly recorded the three-hour meeting.

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In the discussion, Bishop Calvin mentioned that Jimmy was inquiring about the well-being of several individuals and seeking reassurance that his family would be safe if they decided to rejoin the church, given past events before their departure, among of other things.

“In my mind, this is a son coming home, so I was blind and I didn’t think he wanted to meet us to record us for whatever reason because he has never done this,” Bishop McCoy said. “He has never been who he is now.”

Bishop Calvin shared that when Jimmy reached out, he expressed a desire to support him and his leader, Apostle Travis Jennings. They were in the midst of fundraising, and Jimmy and his wife wanted to contribute to everyone associated with Bishop Calvin but the couple had different in mind.

“I called everyone they wanted to contribute to, and we had a meeting in the church, and they trusted me,” Bishop McCoy said, his voice trembling as if he was tearing. “They came because of me, and this happened to them. They do not deserve to have their photos posted with false information.”

Before the scheduled meeting on later Tuesday night, earlier Tuesday afternoon, Bishop Calvin said Jimmy had urgently called him while he was in his office, asking if he was alone. After confirming that he was indeed by himself, Jimmy insisted that the matter was serious.

“He said what he had to tell me was really something and I kept asking him, ‘Sharod, what is it?'” Bishop McCoy Jr. said.

According to Bishop Calvin, Jimmy disclosed that his wife, Jaleceya, was still involved in a lesbian relationship with her girlfriend. When Bishop asked Jimmy how he felt about this, Jimmy nonchalantly replied that he was getting used to it.

“He told me that Jaleceya had told him the other day that he could go get him somebody and I told him to not do that,” Bishop McCoy Jr. said. “I reminded him what it costed him before when he did this.”

Despite Bishop’s advice against infidelity, Jimmy expressed a desire to “do something different,” prompting Bishop to inquire further. 

“I asked him, ‘Sharod, same-sex different’? and he was like ‘yeah’,” Bishop McCoy said. “I said, ‘Sharod, don’t do that’. “Please don’t open that door.'”

Jimmy reiterated his desire for something different, leading Bishop to caution him about the potential dangers of straying from his marriage due to loneliness.

“As long as I have known Sharod, I have never known him to participate in any kind of gay activity,” Bishop McCoy Jr. said. “My guard is up now. My struggle was with homosexuality, and everybody knows about that struggle and how God delivered me. But I told him not to open that door because I’ve been there and it’s not good.”

Bishop Calvin shared his own experiences to dissuade Jimmy from pursuing a different path, emphasizing the potential consequences.

“He kept saying ‘I trust you,’ and at first I didn’t understand, but when he first said it, I told him that I was glad he came to me because someone else might have had the wrong intentions and motives,” said Bishop McCoy Jr.

After assuring Jimmy of his trust for the third time, Bishop Calvin was taken aback when Jimmy expressed an interest in exploring a different kind of relationship with him.

“I said, ‘Sharod, that will never, ever happen between us,'” Bishop McCoy Jr. said. “I told him that we could be anything except for having a sexual relationship. “It could never happen because I see him as a son.”

In response, Bishop Calvin made it clear to Jimmy that while he was willing to be a supportive friend, he would not engage in any inappropriate behavior.

“I told him to not open that door and then he changed the subject and asked if everyone was going to be at the meeting later that night and I told him ‘yes’,” Bishop McCoy said.

Photo of all men who was in the meeting.
Photo of all men who was in the meeting.

Following the scheduled Tuesday evening gathering, the Tates unleashed a barrage of malicious and false accusations mentioned above against Bishop Calvin, which they have since removed from their posts.

The North Carolina Beat attempted to contact the disgruntled couple for their side of the story, but they did not respond to our inquiries before this article was published.

StarBar Employees Charged After OMB Peezy Shooting Incident

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StarBar, a prominent nightclub in Raleigh, North Carolina, faces serious scrutiny after a shooting incident on April 13, 2025, resulted in multiple employees being charged and the suspension of its alcohol licenses.

Shooting Incident Prompts Investigation

According to the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), the incident took place around 4 a.m. outside the nightclub located on Trawick Road. Gunfire damaged multiple vehicles, including a van belonging to rap artist OMB Peezy. Fortunately, no injuries were reported; however, the severity of the incident led ALE to immediately suspend StarBar’s Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) permits due to ongoing concerns about violence and regulatory violations at the nightclub.

Gunmen Target Rapper OMB Peezy After Nightclub Performance in Raleigh

Charges Filed Against StarBar Employees

Several employees associated with StarBar are facing serious charges in relation to the incident and various regulatory infractions identified by ALE investigators:

  • Chiantie Meheta Glover, 42, has been arrested on charges of selling alcohol after permissible hours and permitting disorderly conduct at the licensed establishment.

Mugshot of Chiantie Meheta Glover, StarBar employee arrested in connection to April 2025 Raleigh nightclub shooting.
Chiantie Meheta Glover, 42, arrested following the StarBar Raleigh shooting incident in April 2025.
  • Omar Dashajuan Knight, 38, faces felony obstruction of justice and is accused of permitting unlawful activities on licensed premises.

Booking photo of Omar Dashajuan Knight, StarBar employee charged in April 2025 Raleigh nightclub investigation.
Omar Dashajuan Knight, 38, charged with felony obstruction of justice linked to the April 2025 shooting incident at StarBar in Raleigh.
  • Tyree Bridges, 28, from Georgia, currently has an active warrant for felony obstruction of justice and serving as an unlicensed armed security guard at the establishment.

  • LaQuan Malachi Carter, 33, and Briauna Amari Isler, 25, also face pending warrants connected to the investigation.

Mugshot of Briauna Amari Isler, charged in connection with the April 2025 StarBar nightclub shooting incident in Raleigh.
Briauna Amari Isler, 25, faces warrants connected to the investigation into StarBar nightclub shooting in Raleigh, NC, April 2025.
  • Darius Semaj McDougald, 34, has been arrested and charged with allowing consumption of alcohol after permitted hours and allowing disorderly activities on premises holding ABC licenses.

Mugshot of Darius Semaj McDougald, charged following April 2025 shooting incident at StarBar nightclub in Raleigh, NC.
Darius Semaj McDougald, 34, arrested after StarBar nightclub shooting in Raleigh, April 2025.

Troubling History at StarBar

This recent incident adds to StarBar’s troubled record. In August 2024, two people sustained injuries in a shooting at the venue. Moreover, in 2020, the nightclub temporarily lost its liquor license after multiple shootings and stabbing incidents occurred on or near its property. Such recurrent violence and regulatory violations have put StarBar under intensified scrutiny by authorities.

The ALE investigation is ongoing, and officials suggest additional charges and regulatory actions could follow as new details emerge.

Disgraced Lumberton Pastor Busted In Infidelity Scandal, Steps Down From Antioch Baptist Church

A disgraced Lumberton, North Carolina pastor has stepped down from his leadership role at Antioch Baptist Church located on Old Whiteville Road, after he was allegedly caught screwing a teacher employed at the church’s private Christian academy.

Antioch Baptist Church, located in Lumberton, North Carolina, is a community-focused place of worship known for its private Christian academy and family-centered ministries.

On Monday, April 28, 2025, Antioch Baptist Church posted a carefully worded statement on its Facebook page announcing the resignation of Pastor Blake Dodd. The church expressed appreciation for Dodd and his wife, Tiffani, writing, “We are grateful to the Lord for the time that we have had with Blake and Tiffani and for the ways that God has used them to encourage us to follow Jesus more closely.”

But behind the polished statement lies a scandal that has shaken the congregation to its core.

Multiple sources told The North Carolina Beat  that Pastor Blake was allegedly having a sexual relationship with Mary-Alice Nichole Duckworth-Gandy, a English Language Arts teacher at Antioch Christian Academy — the private school operated by the church.

Mary-Alice Nichole Duckworth-Gandy, a former English teacher at Antioch Christian Academy, is at the center of an alleged affair scandal involving Pastor Blake Dodd.

According to the church’s website, Pastor Blake and his wife, Tiffani, moved from Cedartown, Georgia, to Lumberton, North Carolina, in July 2020 to lead the church. They have three young sons. Blake and Tiffani celebrated their 8th wedding anniversary on December 3, 2024, with their 9th just months away.

The two tied the knot on December 3, 2016.

In December 2024 Facebook post, Tiffani Dodd celebrated eight years of marriage to her husband, Pastor Blake Dodd, calling him her “safe place, soul mate, best friend, and favorite person.”

But their marriage has now hit rock bottom. Pastor Blake’s alleged infidelity has brought public embarrassment and heartbreak to his wife and children.

Pastor Blake Dodd, once the lead pastor of Antioch Baptist Church, has resigned following confirmed infidelity. His wife, Tiffani Dodd, with whom he shares three sons, confirmed the affair involved church teacher Nichole Gandy.

The North Carolina Beat reached out to the church for comment. Worship Pastor Doug Bell stated that the leadership had “no prior knowledge of Pastor Blake’s decision to resign until he informed them.” When asked directly if the resignation was connected to an affair with Nichole Gandy, Bell fell silent. It wasn’t until we hit him with “Hello?” that he responded, “I have no comment on that.”

Attempts to contact Nichole by phone were unsuccessful. However, her husband, Jay Gandy, did answer our call and simply said he had “no comment.” It remains unclear how long the alleged affair between Pastor Blake and Nichole has been going on behind their spouses’ backs, but in August 2023, Nichole posted on Facebook that she had been hired at Antioch Christian Academy as an English Language Arts teacher.

It’s also unclear how leadership did not have the spiritual discernment or Holy Ghost to recognize what was happening right under their noses.

Nichole and her husband Jay tied the knot on March 23, 2019, according to their Facebook pages, recently celebrating another year together. The couple shares two children — a son and a daughter.

Nichole Duckworth-Gandy and her husband Jay Gandy with their daughter and son.

In an attempt to reach Pastor Blake Dodd, we instead reached his wife, Tiffani Dodd, who confirmed that her husband had an affair with Nichole Gandy. Although she declined to share specific details, her confirmation was enough to validate the swirling rumors.

We still have been unsuccessful in reaching Pastor Blake – and it’s safe to say, he’s in hiding.

Missouri Man Kills Ailing Wife Because He Was “Tired of Taking Care of Her” and Didn’t Want Her to Die in Nursing Home

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A Missouri man is facing first-degree murder charges after admitting to fatally shooting his wife because he was overwhelmed with caring for her and didn’t want her to end up dying in a nursing home.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, 73-year-old Kenneth Pautler was arrested on April 25, 2025, after allegedly killing his wife, 75-year-old Karen Pautler, inside their Fenton home. Authorities say Kenneth confessed that he was exhausted from being her sole caregiver and believed he was sparing her from the decline he feared she would face in a nursing facility.

Deputies responded to the Pautlers‘ residence around 2:15 p.m. following a call from a concerned relative. When they arrived, Kenneth Pautler peacefully surrendered and handed over the firearm used in the shooting. Investigators later discovered Karen Pautler deceased in a bedroom with gunshot wounds to her lower back and upper arm.

In a probable cause affidavit, Pautler told investigators he had chosen a specific type of cartridge, hoping to make his wife’s death as “humane” as possible. He also reportedly expressed suicidal thoughts, stating he wanted to die alongside her.

Kenneth Pautler, a 73-year-old Missouri resident, faces first-degree murder charges after allegedly shooting his wife out of frustration from caregiving duties.

At this time, Pautler remains in custody at the Jefferson County Jail without bond. A date for his initial court appearance has not yet been announced.

24-Year-Old Man Arrested After Allegedly Killing His 16-Year-Old Girlfriend

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Authorities in Warren County have arrested 24-year-old Desmond Hargrove, who is accused of murdering his 16-year-old girlfriend, Sulyrica Evans.

According to the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a home on Collins Road in Norlina early Saturday morning, April 26, 2025, around 4:30 a.m., after receiving reports of a shooting. Officers arrived at the scene around and found Sulyrica Evans dead from a gunshot wound.

Sulyrica Evans, a 16-year-old from Norlina, North Carolina, was tragically shot and killed in an early-morning incident. Her boyfriend, Desmond Hargrove, has been charged with her murder.

Investigators quickly identified Desmond Hargrove as the prime suspect. He has since been charged with first-degree murder. On Tuesday, authorities said they captured Hargrove near his home.

Desmond Hargrove, 24, is wanted in Warren County, North Carolina, for the first-degree murder of his 16-year-old girlfriend, Sulyrica Evans.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Twin Brothers Jamarion and Camarion Grady Tragically Drown at Lake Pushmataha

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The community of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is grieving the heartbreaking loss of twin brothers, Jamarion and Camarion Grady, both 18 years old, who tragically drowned while fishing at Lake Pushmataha on Thursday evening, April 17, 2025.

According to Neshoba County Sheriff Eric Clark, the incident occurred around 6:57 p.m. when the brothers, along with a group of six to eight male juveniles, decided to wade into the water. At some point, Camarion began struggling, prompting Jamarion to attempt a rescue. Tragically, both brothers submerged for an extended period before emergency crews could intervene.

Jamarion Grady was pronounced dead at the scene. His twin brother, Camarion Grady, was airlifted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, where he fought for his life but sadly passed away on Easter Sunday, April 20.

The Philadelphia Public School District (PPSD) confirmed the devastating news, releasing a statement:

“The PPSD community has experienced tremendous losses this weekend and our hearts are with all those affected.”
The district also encouraged students, staff, and community members to wear red and black on Wednesday, April 23, to honor the twins’ memories.

Affectionately nicknamed “Frog” and “Fatt,” Jamarion and Camarion were beloved seniors at Philadelphia High School. Jamarion dreamed of becoming a real estate agent, while Camarion aspired to open his own business as a professional barber. Both were known for their vibrant personalities, kindness, and the positive impact they left on everyone they met.

Jamarion and Camarion Grady, 18-year-old twin brothers and seniors at Philadelphia High School, were beloved for their kindness, dreams of success, and strong community spirit.

Sheriff Clark spoke of the hidden dangers of Lake Pushmataha, located on the Choctaw Indian Reservation, noting that certain areas of the lake can become “really deep, really fast,” making them hazardous, especially for those unfamiliar with the terrain.

Mother and Baby Safe After $1M Ransom Kidnapping During Armed Home Invasion in Garner, NC

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A terrifying early morning home invasion in Garner ended with a sigh of relief after a mother and her 13-month-old daughter—both kidnapped at gunpoint during a $1 million ransom attempt—were found safe just hours later, according to law enforcement.

Home Invasion and Ransom Demand

At approximately 2:15 a.m. Tuesday, three armed individuals—two men and one woman—broke into a residence on Buck Branch Drive in Garner. The suspects confronted homeowner Eliuth Alejandro Martinez, demanding $1 million. When he refused, they restrained him using tape and abducted his wife, Alondra Michelle Benitez De Jesus, and their 13-month-old daughter, Grecia Salome Alejandro-Benitez.

A home on Buck Branch Drive in Garner, North Carolina, became the scene of a violent home invasion and kidnapping where three armed suspects demanded a $1 million ransom before abducting a mother and her infant daughter. Photo Credit: ABC 11

Amber Alert Issued for Missing Child

An Amber Alert was quickly activated for Grecia. Authorities described her as having brown hair and brown eyes and last seen wearing a pink pajama shirt with red and yellow striped pants. The alert initiated a widespread search involving local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI and SBI.

Mother and Baby Found Safe in Wake Forest

Just before 7:45 a.m.—about five and a half hours after the abduction—both Alondra and her daughter Grecia were found alive and safe in Wake Forest, approximately 30 miles north of Garner. Authorities have not yet released details about the rescue operation or whether the suspects were present at the time.

Alondra Michelle Benitez De Jesus and her 13-month-old daughter, Grecia Salome Alejandro-Benitez, were safely recovered after being abducted during a home invasion in Garner, North Carolina, where assailants demanded a $1 million ransom.

“We are incredibly grateful to report that both the mother and child have been recovered safely,” said a spokesperson for the Garner Police Department. “Our work is far from over, and we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.”

Investigation Ongoing – No Arrests Yet

As of Tuesday afternoon, no arrests have been made. The Garner Police Department, State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) continue to pursue leads.

Suspect Descriptions and Vehicle Information

The suspects are described as:

  • Two Hispanic males

  • One Hispanic female, short and stocky with curly black hair

They were reportedly driving a black Nissan Altima. Investigators are urging the public to come forward with any tips.

If you have information, contact Garner Police at (919) 772-8810 or call 911.

Former West Mecklenburg High School Assistant Arrested on Child Sex Crime Charges in Charlotte

Jaylon Quatez Little arrest Charlotte

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police arrested 26-year-old Jaylon Quatez Little arrest Charlotte on serious child sex crime charges. Little, a former teaching assistant at West Mecklenburg High School, faces allegations of engaging in sexual activity with a 17-year-old female student and recording the encounter.

According to Mecklenburg County arrest records, Little was taken into custody at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

He has been charged with:

  • Sexual activity with a student

  • Second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor

Authorities allege that Little not only engaged in sexual acts with the student but also recorded the activity. He was given a $100,000 secured bond.

Jaylon Little, a former Title I Assistant at West Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, was arrested on charges of engaging in sexual activity with a student and recording the encounter.
Jaylon Little, a former Title I Assistant at West Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, was arrested on charges of engaging in sexual activity with a student and recording the encounter.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) confirmed that Little was employed as a Title I Assistant at West Mecklenburg High School from November 2023 until his resignation in September 2024. CMS stated that he has not been affiliated with the district since his resignation.

In a message to West Mecklenburg High School families, Principal Bundrick addressed the situation:

“We are reaching out to let you know that a former member of our staff was arrested last Friday. The person has not been on staff since September 2024. I cannot discuss details of this incident. This is an active law enforcement investigation. We wanted to let you know about this incident in case you see information on social media or news outlets.

The safety and learning of our students are of the utmost importance to us all. We encourage all students to report any concerns to their parents and/or school administration. Reports can also be made anonymously through the Say Something App.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department continues its investigation into the matter.

Pitt County Woman Smiles in Mugshot After Allegedly Hitting Husband With Hammer

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Pitt County woman hammer attack

A North Carolina woman who is also a teacher at Ayden Middle School is facing multiple charges after allegedly attacking her husband with a hammer during a domestic dispute.

Miranda Tolliver, a resident of Pitt County, was all smiles in her booking photo, flashing a full set of teeth despite being arrested for the violent encounter. Authorities say the incident took place on Sunday at the couple’s home.

Miranda Tolliver is a Pitt County woman charged with assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence after allegedly attacking her husband with a hammer and making threats during a domestic dispute.
Miranda Tolliver is a Pitt County woman charged with assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence after allegedly attacking her husband with a hammer and making threats during a domestic dispute.

According to reports, Tolliver allegedly struck her husband in the leg with a hammer and made alarming threats. She is accused of telling him, “I will kill you” and, after the assault, saying, “I wish I hit you.”

Tolliver was taken into custody on Monday and charged with assault with a deadly weapon, communicating threats, and a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

Tolliver has since bonded out. She is currently suspended from her job as a teacher until the conclusion of the investigation, according to

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Shooting at Elizabeth City State University Leaves One Dead, Several Injured During Viking Fest Celebration

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Elizabeth City State University shooting

A tragic shooting early Sunday morning has left one man dead and six others injured on the campus of Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), a historically Black institution in northeastern North Carolina.

Elizabeth City State University, a historically Black college in North Carolina.
Elizabeth City State University, a historically Black college in North Carolina.

The violence unfolded around 12:30 a.m. following “Yard Fest,” the signature event closing out the university’s annual Viking Fest celebration. According to university officials, the deceased was a 24-year-old man who was not enrolled at ECSU. He has been identified as Isaiah Caldwell, according to an Instagram post by Ahmad McDougle, the CEO of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship Incorporated.

Isaiah, the 24-year-old victim of the Elizabeth City State University shooting, is remembered as a young life tragically lost during the Viking Fest celebration.
Isaiah, the 24-year-old victim of the Elizabeth City State University shooting, is remembered as a young life tragically lost during the Viking Fest celebration.

Among the injured were four individuals who suffered gunshot wounds, including three ECSU students. Two additional students sustained injuries during the chaotic aftermath as students and attendees fled the scene. All six were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Fortunately, none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

University and Law Enforcement Response

Immediately following the incident, ECSU officials initiated a campus-wide lockdown and issued a shelter-in-place order to protect students and staff. Law enforcement agencies responded quickly and have since secured the campus.

ECSU released a statement expressing sorrow for the incident and emphasizing their commitment to campus safety.

“The safety of our Viking community remains our top priority,” university officials stated. “We are offering counseling services to students and employees affected by this tragedy.”

Authorities have not yet released information about any suspects or possible motives. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials are urging anyone with information to contact local law enforcement.

About Viking Fest

Viking Fest is ECSU’s highly anticipated, weeklong event celebrating school spirit, culture, and community. It draws students, alumni, and visitors from across the region for concerts, festivals, and campus gatherings. Yard Fest, the final event of the week, typically features music performances, food vendors, and activities for students.

Multiple agencies are actively investigating the incident, including ECSU Police, Elizabeth City Police Department, Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, Camden County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Authorities have not announced any arrests at this time. The SBI is seeking assistance from the public and urges anyone with information, videos, or pictures from the event to contact them at 919-662-4500 or the ECSU Police Department at 252-335-3266.

Dorian Thomas Found NOT GUILTY in Shooting Death of Emily James in Johnston County

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50-year-old Dorian Thomas was found not guilty of murder in the shooting death of Emily Steinhoff James. The verdict was delivered Friday afternoon after less than an hour of jury deliberation.

After a year-long legal battle, Dorian Thomas was found not guilty in the shooting death of Emily Steinhoff James.

Thomas faced charges stemming from a March 17, 2024, incident during a custody exchange involving his 14-month-old child and former fiancée, Hillary Lombardi. Steinhoff James, 44, who was Lombardi’s sister, accompanied her to Thomas’s Smithfield residence when the fatal shooting occurred.

During the trial, Thomas maintained that the shooting was accidental. He testified that he brought a firearm to the door because of prior threats and uncertainty about who was outside. According to Thomas, Lombardi had previously threatened him, mentioning alleged associations with the Hells Angels motorcycle group.

Emily Steinhoff James, a 44-year-old woman from Johnston County, tragically lost her life during a 2024 custody exchange in Smithfield.

However, prosecutors challenged Thomas’s claims of fear. Assistant District Attorney Hannah Grace Manning pointed to Thomas’s continued close interactions with Lombardi even after the alleged threats, including staying at her apartment and sending her Valentine’s Day flowers. Manning argued that these actions undermined his defense.

Defense attorney Joe Zeszotarski focused on raising reasonable doubt, emphasizing that the shooting could have been a tragic accident. The jury was instructed to consider five potential verdicts: first-degree murder, second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, or not guilty. In the end, jurors returned a not guilty verdict on all counts.

Speaking outside the courthouse following the verdict, Thomas expressed deep remorse:

“This was a horrible accident, and from the bottom of my heart, I never meant for it to happen,” he said. “There’s just nothing else to say other than I’m sorry that it happened, and it wasn’t ever meant to be like that.”

Rocky Mount Man Arrested on Multiple Child P*********y Charges

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A 22-year-old man from Rocky Mount is now behind bars after authorities say he was caught with child p*********y.

According to the Rocky Mount Police Department, Joseph Russomano was arrested and charged with 10 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. Officials said the investigation into Russomano began in March after the department received multiple cyber tips alerting them to suspicious activity.

Following a thorough investigation, authorities gathered enough evidence to charge Russomano. He was taken into custody and booked into the Nash County Detention Center under a $100,000 secured bond.’

Joseph Russomano, a 22-year-old Rocky Mount resident, faces 10 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor following a police investigation initiated by cyber tips.

Anyone with further information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Rocky Mount Police Department.

18-Year-Old Student Arrested for Bringing Loaded Gun to South Central High School

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An 18-year-old student, Jeremiah Lett of Greenville, was arrested Friday morning after a loaded firearm was discovered in his backpack at South Central High School.

According to Greenville police, a school resource officer received a tip around 8:30 a.m. that a student might be carrying a weapon on campus. Upon investigation, officers found a loaded 9mm handgun concealed in Lett’s backpack. He was immediately taken into custody without incident.

Lett faces two charges: possession of a firearm on educational property, a felony, and carrying a concealed weapon, a misdemeanor. He has since bonded out on a $5,000 secured bond.

Jeremiah Lett, 18, of Greenville, NC, faces felony charges after authorities discovered a loaded handgun in his backpack at South Central High School.

Pitt County Schools confirmed that Lett will also face disciplinary action in accordance with the district’s Student Code of Conduct. 

FBI Arrests Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan for Obstruction and Aiding Immigration Fugitive

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In an unprecedented move, the FBI arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan on charges of obstruction of justice and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. This marks the first known case of the Trump administration’s Justice Department prosecuting a sitting judge for allegedly interfering with federal immigration operations.

Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested on obstruction charges for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant avoid capture by ICE.

Allegations and Arrest Details

According to FBI Director Kash Patel, Judge Dugan is accused of intentionally assisting undocumented immigrant Eduardo Flores Ruiz in evading Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the Milwaukee County Courthouse on April 18. Patel stated that Dugan allegedly misdirected federal agents and facilitated Ruiz’s escape through a non-public courthouse exit. Ruiz was later apprehended after a brief foot pursuit.

Judge Dugan was arrested by FBI agents at the Milwaukee County Courthouse on Friday morning. She was later released on bond and is scheduled to appear in federal court on May 15, 2025.

The arrest has ignited a political firestorm across Wisconsin and beyond. On the other hand, Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the arrest, describing Dugan’s actions as “deranged” and a clear violation of the law.

“This is a warning to all public officials: if you obstruct federal law enforcement, you will be held accountable,” Bondi stated.

Four Linemen Killed, Three Injured in Eden, NC Crash Involving City Dump Truck

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A tragic accident claimed the lives of four utility workers and left three others injured Thursday afternoon, April 24, 2025, in Eden. The fatal crash occurred around 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Church Street and Carroll Street.

What Happened

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, 66-year-old Michael Ray Vernon, a city employee from Eden, was behind the wheel of a 2016 Hino dump truck owned by the city. Investigators say Vernon failed to stop at a posted stop sign and drove through the intersection, striking six linemen from Carolina Power and Signalization as they worked on overhead power lines, according to wxii12.

The dump truck continued moving after the initial impact, crashing into an occupied bucket truck before veering off the roadway and into a ditch.

Victims Identified

Authorities confirmed that four linemen tragically died at the scene. They have been identified as:

  • Douglas Garland Sides, 72, of Summerfield

  • Madison Carter, 42, of Sandy Ridge

  • William Evans, 35, of Randleman

  • Matthew Lockwood, 30, of Winston-Salem

Two additional workers suffered life-threatening injuries. Both were airlifted to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. As of the latest update, one remains in critical condition while the other is reported to be stable. The worker inside the bucket truck sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital.

Charges Filed

Michael Ray Vernon sustained minor injuries in the crash and was transported for medical evaluation. He now faces charges including failure to stop at a stop sign and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle. Authorities said there is no indication that impairment played a role in the deadly incident.

The crash remains under active investigation.

Fayetteville Mother Charged with Second-Degree Murder After 1-Year-Old Drowns in Bathtub

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A tragic incident in Fayetteville has led to the arrest of a 19-year-old mother, who now faces serious charges in connection with the death of her 1-year-old child.

On April 9, 2025, around 4:46 p.m., officers with the Fayetteville Police Department responded to a residence on Hod Hat Drive after receiving a call about an unresponsive child. When emergency personnel arrived, they discovered a 1-year-old who had reportedly been left unattended in a bathtub.

According to investigators, the child’s mother, identified as Mariah Dawson, had left the toddler alone in the tub, resulting in the child drowning. Life-saving efforts were performed at the scene before the child was transported to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Sadly, medical staff were unable to revive the child.

Following the investigation, Dawson was charged with second-degree murder and felony child abuse. She bonded out of the Cumberland County Detention Center Friday afternoon.

The Fayetteville Police Department has not released additional details at this time as the case remains under active investigation.