A Wilson, North Carolina man is facing serious charges after allegedly walking into the Pitt County Courthouse with a loaded firearm on Friday, December 6, 2024. Authorities say Brennon Johnson, 20, had no court appearances or official business at the courthouse on the day of the incident, leaving many questioning his intentions.
According to police, Johnson allowed courthouse staff to search his backpack, where they discovered a loaded Beretta 9mm handgun. Warrants reveal that Johnson was under a protective order prohibiting him from possessing firearms or ammunition, making the incident even more concerning.
He now faces multiple charges, including carrying a concealed gun, possession of a weapon on state property, and six counts of purchasing a firearm in violation of a domestic order.
This isn’t Johnson’s first run in with the law. He has pending charges in Pitt County for possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a Schedule I controlled substance, as well as resisting a public officer.
Johnson is currently being held in jail without bond, as authorities continue their investigation into the incident.
A Charlotte woman at the center of a deadly love triangle pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter on Thursday, December 5, 2024, after a heated confrontation in her home turned fatal.
Stephanie Alexander, 53, received a sentence of 60 to 84 months in prison for the shooting death of 25-year-old Tyra Crosby. The fatal shooting occurred on July 18, 2023, at a residence on Porter Street in Charlotte.
Court Documents
Court documents revealed that Alexander came home early that morning, reportedly after work, to find Crosby—an unfamiliar woman—in her house. Alexander learned that Crosby had been secretly involved with her husband.
Alexander also reportedly found Crosby’s clothes on the sofa, sparking an argument. She then retrieved a firearm. Her husband reportedly attempted to de-escalate the situation, struggling to remove the gun from her hands. However, a single shot was fired through the bathroom door, striking Crosby.
Tyra Crosby, tragically killed in a 2023 domestic dispute in Charlotte, was involved in a fatal altercation with Stephanie Alexander over a love triangle.
Crosby was pronounced dead at the scene. Alexander, distraught, called 911 and admitted to the shooting.
What Led to the Fatal Encounter?
Authorities later learned that Crosby and Alexander’s husband had met at a local gambling arcade. Their relationship turned to Crosby returning to the home Alexander shared with her husband—a decision that would tragically cost her life.
Initially charged with second-degree murder, Alexander accepted a plea deal, resulting in the reduced charge of involuntary manslaughter. The judge’s sentence of five to seven years reflected both the seriousness of the crime and the mitigating circumstances.
Bridget Treymane Pollard, a Rocky Mount woman is under fire after showcasing some bad parenting skills in a cringeworthy video that’s got the internet talking—and not in a good way.
Pollard, 32, apparently thought it was her moment to shine or be cute. She started recording a video, seemingly feeling herself in a dirty room, only for her young daughter to bluntly call her “ugly.” That’s when things took a turn.
In the viral clip, shared by “Official Florida Promo” on Instagram, Pollard says in the voiceover, “Y’ALL I THOUGHT I WAS CUTE, STARTED TO RECORD AND MY DAUGHTER CALLED ME UGLY…WATCH TIL THE END.”
Bridget Treymane Pollard, the Rocky Mount mom at the center of a viral parenting controversy.
Well, the internet watched, alright. And what they saw was anything but cute.
Pollard can be seen holding her phone as high as she possibly could—presumably for the “perfect” angle—but her daughter’s brutally honest “UGLY” comment seemed to strike a nerve. Pollard’s body language clearly shows her hitting her child multiple times before exploding into a profanity-laced tirade:
“WATCH YOUR MOTHERF*KING MOUTH!” she yells, following up with, “GET THE FCK OUT MY GOTDAMN ROOM…YO LIL GROWN MOTHERFCKING A.”**
But Pollard wasn’t done. She doubles down, telling her child, “Now you f*cking ugly.”
WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
And her daughter was not telling no LIES!
Bridget Treymane Pollard, the Rocky Mount mom at the center of a viral parenting controversy.
Pollard Claps Back: ‘I Pushed Her Out of My Co*chie, I Can Say What I Want!’
Amid the growing backlash, Bridget Treymane Pollard didn’t hold back on TikTok. Defending her actions, she boldly declared that she could say whatever she pleases to her daughter because, in her words, “I pushed her out of my co*chie.”
Bridget Treymane Pollard, the Rocky Mount mom at the center of a viral parenting controversy.
As for the alleged hitting caught on video? Pollard flat-out denied it, claiming she didn’t strike her daughter but merely “tapped her on the a**”.
Two former employees of Kids Quality Time Childcare Center, located on Springwood Ave in Gibsonville, North Carolina, have come forward with disturbing allegations against the daycare’s director, Heather McFarling Morse.
The employees claim that Morse subjected at least four children to abusive disciplinary methods.
Witnessing Alleged Abuse
Savannah Lowery, a former employee, told The North Carolina Beatthat she began working at the daycare on November 25, 2024, but resigned just over a week later, citing alleged misconduct by Morse as her reason. Lowery detailed a particularly troubling incident involving a 3-year-old boy.
On December 3, 2024, the child had accidentally cracked a plastic chair while playing. Lowery says she calmly spoke to the boy, encouraging him to settle down, but what happened next left her horrified.
“I called him to me and told him not to jump around like that because I didn’t want him to get hurt,” Lowery said she told the 3-year-old boy. “I told him to just sit down for a couple of minutes to calm down.”
According to Lowery, Morse entered the classroom, “jerked the little boy up by his arm,” dragged him to her office, and spanked him. Lowery claims she heard the spanking through the walls, which do not extend to the ceiling, and saw the boy return to class holding his bottom, crying.
So, the director of the daycare… she comes into the room, jerks the little boy up by his arm, drags him to her office, and spanks him,” Lowery said
The punishment allegedly didn’t end there. Morse reportedly made the child hold the cracked chair in the air for over two hours, from 9:20 a.m. until nearly noon.
Heather McFarling Morse, director of Kids Quality Time Childcare Center in Gibsonville, NC, accused of abusive disciplinary practices towards children.
“She brings him back to my classroom after she had yelled at him, spanked him, and whatever else occurred in her office because there are no cameras in her office,” Lowery explained.
“She makes this 3-year-old little boy hold the chair in the air that he cracked for hours, from around 9:20 in the morning to like 11:30… 11:45.”
“I would tell him he could put the chair down. Whenever she went out of the room, she’d come back in and make him pick the chair back up,” Lowery said. “And I basically got in trouble for trying to step in and stop what was going on.”
During this time, the boy wet himself. Lowery says Morse instructed her not to change his clothes, insisting the boy “sit in his urine as a lesson.”
“After he peed on himself, I tried to change him into different clothes because all the kids are required to have extra clothes in case accidents happen, Lowery explained.
“‘I was told, ‘Do not change his clothes; he is to sit in the clothes that he urinated in as discipline because he’s going to learn.””
Alleged Abuse of a 2-Year-Old
In another incident, Lowery reported seeing Morse aggressively handle a 2-year-old boy who had bitten another child. She alleges that Morse grabbed the boy’s face so tightly that his skin turned white and yelled at him until he began crying.
“Heather comes into the classroom, grabs the little boy’s face; his face is turning white where she was grabbing it so hard, and she screams in his face until he starts crying and becomes really, really upset,” Lowery said.
Lowery said she was in shock and was trying her best to keep her composure and not go to jail that day. She said she had to take a break. Lowery also said that the kids involved in these two separate incidents are Black boys. Lowery, whose own daughter attended the daycare, says she confronted Morse about these actions.
According to her, Morse dismissed her concerns and told her to “suck it up or leave.”
Another Employee Speaks Out
Kristen Farrell, another former employee, corroborated Lowery’s claims and shared her own experiences. Farrell, who worked at the daycare briefly starting in November 2024, recounted an incident where Morse allegedly mishandled a child during nap-time. Farrell says she was attempting to calm the child by rubbing his back when Morse stormed in, lifted the child roughly by his arm, and yelled at him.
Well… Heather was watching the cameras when she came in, and as I was getting him turned over and comfortable, she picked him up with his arm still by his side and yelled in his face, talking about, ‘You need to lay down, he needs to take a nap… he needs to listen to me,'” Farrell said about Heather.
Farrell claims Morse justified her behavior by saying, “I hate when y’all make the probation officer side of me come out.”Farrell described the interaction as abusive and inappropriate.
After Morse allegedly finished yelling at the boy, Farrell said she let go of his arm.
“She didn’t like throw him down, but he wasn’t on the bed before she let go, and then she proceeds to say, ‘I hate when y’all make the probation officer side of me come out,’ and I’m like, these are KIDS,” Farrell said.
Farrell also shared a harrowing story about her own 2-year-old son, who she alleges was mistreated by a former teacher at the daycare. According to Farrell, the teacher grabbed her son by his hair and screamed at him for not listening.
“They were on the playground, and his teacher at the time, who no longer works there, was separating my child and another child from each other because the kids were bickering and fighting, “Farrell said.
“My son wanted to go play, so she told him to go play, but she was still directing him and telling him that he needed to be nice to his friends.'”
Farrell said the former teacher told her that the next thing she knew, she turned around because she heard Farrell’s son screaming.
“She heard my son SCREEAAMMING and she turned around, and the teacher, who no longer works there, had my son by his hair, leaned over the fence, pulling my son’s hair so she could be in his face, telling him that he needs to listen to his teacher.”
When Farrell raised concerns with Morse and the daycare’s owner, Raysheall Vanscoy, she says they acted as though they were unaware of the incidents and attempted to gaslight her. Farrell submitted her resignation Friday night (Dec. 6).
Heather McFarling Morse, director of Kids Quality Time Childcare Center in Gibsonville, NC, accused of abusive disciplinary practices towards children.
Lowery and Farrell have spoken with parents about what they witnessed at the daycare.
The North Carolina Beat reached out to Kids Quality Time Childcare Center for comment, but as of publication, neither Morse nor Vanscoy has responded.
Wilson County officials have identified two of the four victims in a devastating wrong-way crash that occurred Thursday afternoon on U.S. Highway 301 near Mobley Road, just outside Lucama.
Authorities confirmed that Greta Lynette Pender-Ray, 53, and Brandi Jyasia Sherrod, 21, were driving the correct way when their lives were tragically cut short.
The collision, which happened around 4:49 p.m., involved two vehicles traveling in opposite directions. Investigators revealed that one car veered the wrong way, resulting in a fiery head-on impact. The crash caused one vehicle to overturn off the road, while the other was engulfed in flames, complicating the identification of its occupants.
Both individuals in the wrong-way vehicle remain unidentified due to the extent of the fire damage. Tragically, all four people involved in the collision lost their lives. U.S. Highway 301 was closed and reopened at about 8:30 p.m. as investigators from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol worked to determine the cause of this horrific accident.
The streets of Midtown Manhattan is with speculation as the NYPD unveiled new photos of a person of interest in the tragic killing of UnitedHealthCareCEOBrian Thompson. The crime, which occurred in the early hours of December 4, has gripped the nation, sparking concern about the high-profile nature of the case.
Brian Thompson, the UnitedHealthCare CEO, was tragically killed in a targeted attack in Midtown Manhattan on December 4, 2024.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the NYPD confirmed the investigation points to a “premeditated, targeted attack,” rather than a random act of violence. Accompanying the message were images of the person of interest, including one where they are seen smiling—a sharp contrast to the masked and hooded photos initially released.
🚨UPDATE: Below are photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning regarding the Midtown Manhattan homicide on Dec. 4. This does not appear to be a random act of violence; all indications are that it was a premediated, targeted attack.
The timing of the murder adds to the mystery. Thompson, a prominent figure in healthcare leadership, was en route to an investor conference at the New YorkHilton Midtown when he was gunned down just before 6:45 a.m.
Chilling surveillance footage captured the assailant shooting Thompson from behind, then firing again as he lay on the ground. The assailant fled the scene on an electric Citi Bike, vanishing into the city’s streets.
Thompson, who joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004, leaves behind a complex personal and professional legacy. According to The Wall Street Journal, he was separated from his wife at the time of his death, adding interest to an already multifaceted investigation.
The NYPD’s call for public assistance is urgent: “If you have any information about this case, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). There is a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.”
An 18-year-old, Ethan Zander Melton, has been arrested and charged following a tragic drunk-driving incident that claimed the life of Montez Loftin, a Wilmington, North Carolina resident, and seriously injured another individual.
Montez Loftin, a Wilmington, NC resident tragically lost his life after being hit by a drunk-driving accident in Rocky Point, NC, on December 1, 2024.
The incident occurred on December 1, 2024, around 1:38 a.m., in Rocky Point, North Carolina. According to sources from The North Carolina Beat, Loftin and another victim, Anais Watterson, were leaving a bonfire when Melton allegedly struck them with his vehicle.
A mugshot of 18-year-old Ethan Zander Melton, arrested for a drunk-driving incident that resulted in the death of Montez Loftin and injuries to Anais Watterson
Multiple Injuries and A Fatality
Montez Loftin tragically lost his life at the scene. Anais Watterson survived but sustained severe injuries requiring multiple surgeries. She is reported to be recovering. Witnesses at the bonfire described the scene, with some having to jump out of Melton’s path to avoid being struck. Witnesses also noted that Melton rammed into other vehicles as he fled.
Charges Filed Against Melton
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol has charged Melton with multiple offenses, including:
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
Driving After Consuming Alcohol or Drugs Under the Age of 21
A Detroit pastor is trending online for all the wrong reasons, and quite frankly, the congregation might need to lay hands on him. Reverend Kwami O.H. Jones of Metropolitan Baptist Church on 14th Street is making headlines—not for his luke-warm sermons or his off-key choir, but because he has allegedly been making his two sons sleep outside on their front porch since mid-summer.
Reverend Kwami O.H. Jones, pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan.
Apparently, this so-called “man of God” and his wife, the boys’ mom, L’Juana Jones, have allegedly turned their front porch into a punishment chamber for their teenage sons.
The boys have reportedly been sleeping outside since mid-summer, enduring sweltering heat in July and now battling Detroit’s frigid 20-degree winter temperatures. And THESE TWO CROOKS think God is pleased.
The Joneses home on Leslie Street
Fox2Detroit spoke with neighbor Kiarra Collins, who lives on Leslie Street, and she confirmed what sounds like a plot twist straight out of a bad Lifetime movie. “In July, it was 80-90 degrees,”Collins said, noting the boys’ outdoor living. “Now it’s 20 degrees.” And while the Joneses head to work every day like nothing is wrong, their sons are left to huddle on the porch like discarded trash.
The situation hit social media Monday, igniting a firestorm after photos and a video surfaced showing the dire conditions. In a short video, a concerned man—who identified himself as a social media journalist—approached the teens, offering help. One of the boys told him, “We good.”
Even when the man offered them food, the teens’ nonchalant response suggested this freezing front-porch was normal for them. Call it tough love, call it punishment—whatever you call it, the streets of Detroit are calling it shameful – but even men on social media are agreeing with lowdown Kwami.
WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
Sources told The NC Beat that the alleged reasoning is the Joneses allegedly accused their sons of engaging in “worldly behaviors.” And where is Child Protective Services? According to reports, CPS was notified about this madness earlier this year, but apparently, and as you can see – they haven’t did squat to put a stop to Kwami and L’Juana’s mess.
At this point, Reverend Kwami might want to open his Bible—preferably to the parts about compassion, love, and basic parenting – something they don’t seem to have or capable of carrying. SAD!
Welcome to Fayetteville: Where They Stay in Da Field!
Word on the curb… things got wild at Crazy D’s last night! Sources say some ladies from Raeford, Fayetteville, and Gray’s Creek squared up. Who fought who? We don’t know. What we do know? It went DOWN at Crazy D’s.
Crazy D’s Sports Pub located on Cliffdale Road in Fayetteville.
The brawl popped off at the bar on Cliffdale Road, and trust us, it was crazy. In one video grabbed by The North Carolina Beat, a fight broke out near the pool table. A woman started throwing hands so bad that the fight hit the floor. Meanwhile, other fights was getting underway inside the bar.
One woman is seen barely able to get herself off the floor after clearly catching a serious beatdown. A man and another woman are seemingly trying to help her, but she needed a quick break. When she finally does get up, her face looks like it went a few rounds with a brick wall—bloody.
Meanwhile, in the back of the bar, other fights happening. A cowboy-boot-wearing grandpa in a blue shirt is seen trying to get himself up from the floor after looking as if he caught some stray hands while innocently shooting pool. Apparently, nobody was safe in this brawl at Crazy D’s.
Ms. Bloody Face. Not one to back down, she decided she wanted another round. Bad idea. She got clocked so hard, and was seen getting up again somewhere in the back of the bar.
Another woman with a Al Sharpton hair style slicked to the back could be seen getting knocked back so hard her boobs fell out.
We censored that, because we did not want to hurt the people’s eyes, but trust The NC Beat, it happened.
Outside, the madness continues, spilling into the parking lot like an episode of Cops. Fayetteville Police Department was outside, but they must’ve thought they were patrons themselves because they didn’t seem too interested in actually stopping anything.
But, just when you think it’s over, guess who’s back? Ms. Boobs! She’s running up, sneaking punches, and everything.
The fight then moves over to another car, where FPD finally decides to do some work and arrest one woman. But her arrest was messed up because right next to them on the ground, some ladies were tussling and tumbling, and they’re over here focused on cuffing one lady – and the cops even looked at them and turned back to the lady they were arresting.
In another angle showing a woman getting arrested while a group of girls throws hands nearby, Ms. Boobs makes yet another appearance—this time squaring up with another woman. And yep, her boobs made a dramatic appearance.
The real showstopper was the other woman’s head getting banged on the truck so hard, it might’ve left a dent.
And the woman looks like the same one who couldn’t get up and had a bloody face in the club. Now, she outside now running into cars? Chileee!
A bummy chef from Fayetteville, North Carolina, is having a hard time coughing up $350 that he scammed from a mother after she ordered a Thanksgiving meal for herself, her children, and their family, which turned out looking more appropriate for a trash can.
After seeing how Jaleel Cobb, known as ‘Chef Cobb,’ treated Dinesha Neal and her family, I wouldn’t even order a takeout plate for my dog from this wannabe chef. However, Neal and her family had previously used Cobb’s services, and they were great—which is why she chose him for their Thanksgiving dinner.
Jaleel Cobb, known as ‘Chef Cobb,’ a chef from Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Neal told The North Carolina Beat on Friday that she met Cobb in October, just a few days before her son’s birthday on October 24th. She was throwing her son a club-themed birthday party when Cobb recognized her, mentioning that he knew about her non-profit work with Jai6 Dynamic Jewels.
“He said, ‘I see what your organization does for the community, and I would love to cater your son’s event,'” Neal said Cobb told her.
Cobb catered her son’s birthday party, and “it was a blast.” From that day forward, Neal began promoting him on social media, encouraging people to book him for their events.
“I was posting about him on social media like ‘Book him, he’s an up-and-coming chef,'” Neal said.
Another person close to Neal who booked Cobb was her foster mom. Neal said her foster mom also enjoyed Cobb’s services, and everyone enjoyed the food. When Thanksgiving rolled around, Neal said Cobb was offering a $350 Thanksgiving package deal that served 6-8 people, according to his advertisement.
Chef Cobb Thanksgiving Package
The menu included rice, baked beans, corn, turkey, bread or rolls, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, yams, ham, deviled eggs, and either cake or pie.
Chef Cobb’s Thanksgiving package deal advertised for $350, serving 6-8 people. The menu included turkey, ham, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, rice, baked beans, yams, deviled eggs, cake or pie, and more.
However, in Facebook messages Neal shared with The North Carolina Beat, Cobb agreed to a menu based on Neal’s food choices. According to the messages, Neal told Cobb she wanted fried chicken with honey mumbo sauce, plain fried chicken, pork chops (half with sauce/dry rub), cabbage with sausage, rice, baked beans, mac and cheese, stuffing, and candied yams.
Neal’s menu Cobb agreed to for his $350 Thanksgiving package.Neal’s menu Cobb agreed to for his $350 Thanksgiving package.
In photos Neal posted on social media Friday morning, Chef Cobb’s“chef skills” were displayed in the form of a cake with Food Lion labels, fried chicken that looked like it belonged in the garbage, deviled eggs scattered across a cheap Dollar Tree pan, baked beans straight from the can with nothing added, rice that looked like it came from a homeless shelter, and old-looking canned yams.
Food provided by Chef Cobb from Fayetteville, North Carolina, to a customer who purchased his $350 Thanksgiving package.Food provided by Chef Cobb from Fayetteville, North Carolina, to a customer who purchased his $350 Thanksgiving package.Food provided by Chef Cobb from Fayetteville, North Carolina, to a customer who purchased his $350 Thanksgiving package.Food provided by Chef Cobb from Fayetteville, North Carolina, to a customer who purchased his $350 Thanksgiving package.Food provided by Chef Cobb from Fayetteville, North Carolina, to a customer who purchased his $350 Thanksgiving package.Food provided by Chef Cobb from Fayetteville, North Carolina, to a customer who purchased his $350 Thanksgiving package.
Chef Cobb’s Excuses and Lack of Accountability
Neal said Cobb was already late delivering the food, and when he finally arrived, he asked if her kids could help carry the food inside. She said by the time they got the last item out and she started opening the containers, Cobb was already backing out of the driveway.
“I’m calling him, trying to tell him to wait because we were missing stuff,” Neal said. “He was like, ‘Oh, I noticed we left your stuff… Give me like 10 or 15 minutes,’ but next thing you know, 15 minutes turned into 30 minutes, and 30 minutes turned into an hour—and still nothing.”
Without a response, Neal said she repeatedly called Cobb, but he didn’t pick up. One of the missing items, according to messages Neal shared, was the cabbage with sausage and stuffing. Cobb claimed it was mixed up with another order and said he’d need 10 to 15 more minutes to bring it.
Neal gave Cobb ample time, but when he didn’t return, she told him not to worry about it and instead asked if he could prorate the cost. Cobb asked her what she meant, and Neal told him that after opening the food, it didn’t seem like what he provided was made with care or love.
In another message, Neal sent Cobb a photo of the yams, to which he responded that he could bring another batch if she gave him a few minutes. Neal said it was fine, as she understood it was a busy time for everyone.
Cobb then replied, “Nah, I gotta fix it.” Around 3:07 p.m., Neal called Cobb three times before sending a message about him bringing the food back right away—hence, why she had asked for a partial refund instead. Around 3:47 p.m., Cobb responded, telling Neal, “Just keep it… I’ll send everything back. That’s crazy.”
After Neal continued to request either the food or a refund, Cobb’s responses were sporadic. At 6:16 p.m., Cobb told Neal she should be receiving the money and apologized, claiming he was with his family—probably enjoying their delicious meal while scamming another family out of theirs. He also claimed he wasn’t near his phone when Neal had been calling him.
At 6:32 p.m., Neal replied, “Okay,” and then asked Cobb when she could expect the refund. At 7:46 p.m., after an hour with no response, Neal sent a frustrated “SMH.” At 9:10 p.m., Cobb replied with another excuse, claiming he hadn’t been around his phone and that he’d drop off the money as soon as he got back to Fayetteville.
He then called Neal’s posts “petty” and claimed her food got mixed up with other orders instead of just admitting he was a money-hungry, unprofessional chef. Cobb further told Neal that she went from “don’t worry about it” to “Oh, I scammed you, SMH.” He continued, saying he had “so much going on” and that Neal’s order, out of all orders, was the only one that had been mixed up.
Cobb then promised he would reimburse Neal “fully” and said that “all the petty posts and stuff” wouldn’t affect his business. He added, “Just take the reimbursement and never use my services again.”
Jaleel Cobb, known as ‘Chef Cobb,’ a chef from Fayetteville, North Carolina, who is facing backlash after delivering a disappointing Thanksgiving meal and failing to issue a refund.”
As of Friday afternoon at 3:06 p.m., Neal said Cobb still had not refunded her money.
A Durham man has been charged with federal crimes for cyberstalking and issuing threats against five gay men, including Raleigh City Councilmember Jonathan Lambert-Melton, who has been the target of these attacks since joining the council in 2019.
David Winters, 44, is accused of using social media platforms to harass and intimidate individuals over the course of several years, with threats escalating in severity. Federal authorities allege that Winters targeted his victims because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and perceived gender, making these acts of harassment both personal and politically charged.
Lambert-Melton, a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and progressive causes, has been on the receiving end of Winters’ menacing behavior for years. In an exclusive interview with WRAL News, Lambert-Melton expressed a mix of relief and deep concern after Winters’ arrest, saying, “Obviously, I feel a bit relieved.” He explained that he has faced a continuous stream of cyberstalking attempts, some of which included death threats and disturbing messages about his personal life.
“I have probably pages of accounts that I’ve blocked that are him,” Lambert-Melton said, noting how Winters would simply create new profiles to continue the harassment. “He just makes new ones.”
While the councilmember is no stranger to online trolling and homophobic comments, the nature of the threats he faced from Winters was different.
“When someone is aware of where you live and threatening to come to your home… suggesting I should die… it’s really difficult,” Lambert-Melton shared. “A very difficult experience I don’t wish upon anybody.”
Federal court documents do not name the victims in full, only listing their initials. However, Lambert-Melton confirmed that he is one of the individuals named in the indictment. Investigators have linked the threats to Winters’ ongoing obsession with the victims’ identities and sexuality.
Jonathan Lambert-Melton At-Large, Mayor Pro Tem
Despite the severity of the threats, Lambert-Melton has shown remarkable empathy toward Winters, emphasizing the need for accountability while also hoping the judicial process will offer the man help.
“I want him to be held accountable, but part of that process includes help for him,” Lambert-Melton said.
A court appearance for Winters is scheduled for Monday, and Lambert-Melton plans to be present to deliver a victim impact statement.
I just don’t understand why Lil Kevin can’t gain control over his mother’s affairs or why none of these high-profile attorneys are willing to help him. This is such a sad and heartbreaking update on Wendy Williams’ health.
Lil Kevin and his mother, Wendy Williams.
Her court-appointed guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, filed legal documents recently, confirming that the TV personality is now considered “permanently incapacitated” due to her ongoing battle with dementia. This comes after Williams’ diagnosis of early-onset frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and primary progressive aphasia, conditions that have significantly “impaired” her cognitive abilities.
The public filing states that the 60-year-old former talk show host has become “cognitively impaired, permanently disabled, and legally incapacitated.”Williams’ health decline has been swift and unrelenting since her diagnosis in 2023, and it has now reached a point where she is unable to manage her own affairs.
This news follows a series of events beginning in early 2022 when her finances and welfare prompted Wells Fargo to take the unprecedented step of initiating a guardianship proceeding. Williams has faced several challenges over the years, including struggles with Graves’ disease, lymphedema, and alcohol abuse. Her diagnosis of FTD and aphasia in early 2023 only worsened her condition, leading to her placement under legal guardianship.
Wendy Williams
Alongside these health issues, Williams has been embroiled in a legal dispute with A&E Television Networks and Lifetime, the companies behind the controversial documentary Where Is Wendy Williams?. Morrissey has accused the networks of exploiting Williams’ vulnerability, claiming that the documentary was made without her consent while she was in a state of cognitive decline.
Williams’ supporters, including her family, have expressed concern over her treatment and the handling of her health situation. However, despite the difficult circumstances, her guardian has emphasized that Williams remains in the care of medical professionals, receiving the necessary support to manage her condition.
Thanksgiving turned into a day of mourning for a North Carolina family after a 55-year-old father, Robert Cummings, was shot and killed early Thursday morning. His body was found across the street from his home in Zebulon.
A Quiet Neighborhood Shattered by Violence
Around 1:30 a.m., Zebulon Police responded to West Barbee Street, where they found Robert Cummings lying lifeless in a yard. According to Robert’s son, Damain Cummings, his father’s body was found in his uncle’s yard. The family believes the shooting stemmed from an argument involving Robert, his brother, and a group of individuals gathered outside the home overnight.
According to Damain, investigations suggest that alcohol played a role in the altercation and that authorities have identified a potential suspect and is continuing their investigation.
A Son’s Painful Plea for Accountability
Damain shared his heartbreak in an interview with ABC 11 News, expressing frustration and grief over the senseless loss of his father.
“You took somebody else’s life,” he said. “Just imagine if that was your child or your dad or your parents. How would you feel?”
Damain said he heard gunshots from his home across the street but never imagined they were connected to his father. It wasn’t until Robert’s girlfriend banged on his door, delivering him the devastating news, that the nightmare became real.
Robert Cummings, a 55-year-old North Carolina father tragically killed in a Thanksgiving morning shooting in Zebulon, remembered by his family for his love and kindness.
A Family’s Thanksgiving in Mourning
The holiday, meant for togetherness and gratitude, turned into a day of sorrow as the family grappled with the sudden loss. Instead of preparing for a festive meal, they now face planning Robert’s funeral.
“I’m not really too much worried about myself,” Damain said. “It’s more of like my grandmother right now because she is pretty much by herself. But so now I have constantly people coming over here 24/7 to check on her.”
Community Support for the Cummings Family
As the family processes their grief, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with funeral expenses. You can donate here.
An 18-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with the murder of a 28-year-old man. Police say the tragic events unfolded late Friday night in the parking lot of the Walmart on Greenville Boulevard.
What Happened?
Around 10 p.m., Greenville police were flagged down by bystanders reporting an unresponsive man in a car. Upon arrival, officers found 28-year-old Jhari Henderson suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by emergency responders, Henderson succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Jhari Henderson, the 28-year-old man who tragically lost his life in a targeted shooting outside a Greenville, NC Walmart.
The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Armoni Whitfield from Ayden, North Carolina, was arrested shortly after in her hometown. Authorities believe Whitfield specifically targeted Henderson, though the motive behind the fatal shooting remains unclear.
Ongoing Investigation
The Greenville Police Department has not released additional details about the relationship between Whitfield and Henderson or the potential reasons for the murder. However, they have said that this was not a random act of violence.
Whitfield is currently being held in the Pitt County Detention Center without bond as the investigation continues.
Authorities in South Carolina have arrested 25-year-old Setoby Armstrong for DUI and failing to stop for blue lights. Armstrong is the same man who was last seen with his missing girlfriend, 22-year-old Ta’Haley Payton. The couple had traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina, to celebrate Payton’s birthday, but she has not been seen since November 19.
Setoby Armstrong, 25, was arrested in South Carolina on charges of DUI and failing to stop for police.
Armstrong was taken into custody early Tuesday morning after fleeing from police while live streaming on Facebook. His live stream started at 11:42 p.m., according to the social media post.
Live-Streamed Escape from Police
In the footage obtained by The North Carolina Beat, Armstrong can be seen sitting in his car wearing shades and a hoodie. The video, shot in near darkness, shows the faint glow of headlights from a vehicle behind him. Moments later, blue police lights flash.
Appearing agitated, Armstrong removes his shades and frequently glances into his rearview mirror, watching the officer. He pulls over briefly but moments later appears to take a deep breath and suddenly hit the gas, fleeing the officer.
WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
Background on Ta’Haley Payton’s Disappearance
Ta’Haley’s family reported her missing after they never heard from her again during her birthday trip to Charlotte with Armstrong. The North Carolina Beat recently published a story regarding Armstrong’s connection to Ta’Haley’s case. (Click HERE if you missed that story).
Ta’Haley Payton
Despite the mounting suspicions, it’s unclear whether Charlotte authorities will question him regarding Ta’Haley while he remains detained in South Carolina.
Armstrong is currently held at the Greenville County Detention Center. He faces a $900 cash bond for the DUI charge and a $5,000 bond for failing to stop for the blue light.
Pastor and motivational speaker Bishop T.D. Jakes, founder of The Potter’s House, has filed a federal defamation lawsuit against Duane Youngblood, a former pastor from Homestead, Pennsylvania. The case stems from allegations made during an October podcast episode of Larry Reid Live, where Youngblood accused Jakes of sexual abuse that allegedly occurred nearly 40 years ago.
Duane Youngblood, a former pastor of Higher Call World Outreach Ministries, speaking at a public event. Youngblood, a registered sex offender, is accused of making defamatory claims against Bishop T.D. Jakes during a viral podcast interview.
The Allegations and Lawsuit
Youngblood, previously convicted of sexually assaulting a minor and listed as a lifetime registered sex offender, alleged that Jakes attempted to groom and assault him during a visit to Pittsburgh decades ago. According to Youngblood, the encounter left lasting psychological damage. The episode, titled The Abused Become the Abuser, went viral, leading to widespread speculation about the platform’s credibility and Youngblood’s story.
Watch Tonight at 7 PM EST: Discussing Bishop T.D. Jakes’ Defamation Lawsuit
In his lawsuit, Jakes vehemently denies the claims, labeling them as fabrications meant to deflect attention from Youngblood’s criminal past. The suit accuses Youngblood of using these allegations to extort $6 million from Jakes under the threat of continued public shaming. A demand letter allegedly sent to Jakes on November 15 outlined these financial terms.
Bishop T.D. Jakes having a medical emergency during a church service on Sunday.
A Legacy Under Attack
Jakes, 67, has been a spiritual leader for decades, with a congregation exceeding 30,000 members. Known for counseling U.S. presidents and hosting national events, Jakes asserts that these allegations jeopardize his philanthropic work and health. On November 24, he experienced a medical crisis during a sermon, which his church attributed to the stress of the ordeal.
Jakes’ team argues that Youngblood’s intent was clear—financial gain through public harassment. Meanwhile, Youngblood has yet to publicly respond to the legal action.
