Roy Moore "No More?" ~~by Legal Pub

Will Roy Moore drop out of the Senate race?  Probably not since he is not a quitter.  But this is the Democrats chance to prevent the Republicans from advancing their agenda and Doug Jones thinks he can win and he is not alone.  “This is our only opportunity, we need to seize it.” said more than one Democrat when discussing the race between Republican Roy S. Moore and the Democrat Doug Jones. Roy Moore has always been controversial.  Now he has been accused of numerous unwanted advances toward numerous young women and girls, one as young as 14.   The Birmingham News on Sunday ran a front page headline:  “Stand for Decency, Reject Roy Moore.”

       

Doug Jones is trying to capture the black vote and moderate white Republicans who are disappointed against the alleged conduct of Moore. Mr. Jones’s is ahead even in counties that voted 65 percent or more for President Trump. The path to victory for Mr. Jones includes capturing Shelby County voter support.  But some of the voters may resist the switch in party affiliation.   “I question why these allegations didn't come out during the primary if they were true,"  exclaimed one potential voter to Legal Pub.  In the end, voters need to decide if the allegations warrant the Republicans from losing the Senate.

To demonstrate what a large victory this would be, consider that the Democrats did not even put up a nominee for the United States Senate seat that Mr. Jones seems destined to capture.  Polls have Jones leading by 10%.  If this holds true, chalk one up for the power of the press in helping the Democrats recapture a Senate seat.

A Dog's Life of Starvation `by Legal Pub

This is not unique to Tennessee.  Nino's tale is common in all parts of the country.  The simple truth is that humans sometimes exercise poor judgment when it comes to their pets.  We have all heard of the story of animals being left in a hot car. These stories almost garner as much attention as the death of a child locked in a hot car.  Well, Nino's story is similar but it occurs in a back yard.

You see, Nino was discovered after law enforcement received a call about a dog left in a backyard.  Authorities discovered that Nino was in bad condition and his survival doubtful. He was literally skin and bones with no visible fat. In sum, Nino was nearly starved to death.  Fortunately, he was taken into the care of the Memphis Animal Services and is now doing well.  The good news is that his appetite, sleep and stamina have returned to normal. .

The bad news is that the police have arrested Kellen Jones, 27, who apparently was the owner of the dog. Jones allegedly told police that he could not afford to take care of the dog.  (Jones apparently had been away for as much as three months)  Photos suggest it is a miracle that the dog survived.  Jones is charged with felony animal cruelty. Video Link.  He is of course presumed innocent until otherwise proven in a court of law.

Charlie Gard Legal Challenge Ends ~by Legal Pub

Poor little Charlie.  Apparently, his time on this earth is about to end. Chris Gard and Connie Yates, parents of little Charlie Gard are ending the legal fight to obtain treatment.  The legal battle has lasted five months and in the eyes of the parents, "a whole lot of time has been wasted."  In the couples view, the time it has taken to decide the matter in the courtroom has caused irreparable damage and that the chances for recovery are now nil.  The parents were admirably represented by barrister, Grant Armstrong.  The latest medical reports show irreparable damage to the the muscle tissue of and organs of the infant. The couple hope to set up a foundation in Charlie's name that might help similarly situated children.

 (Picture: PA)

Connie Yates hugged her husband Chris Gard as she told the court that they had decided it was no longer in the best interests of their 11-month-old baby to pursue an experimental treatment in the U.S.

Consequently, the legal challenge to keep little Charlie alive has ended. 

Four Men Who Deserved Better ~by Legal Pub

Four young men have mysteriously disappeared within days of each other in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  Are the disappearances related?  If so who is responsible?  While Police don't have all of the answers, they do suspect foul play.  Authorities also believe there is a connection between the disappearances. But what?  So far the police have shared very little specifics with the public.

We know that 19-year-old college student, Jimi Patrick, was reported missing last Wednesday. Two days later, Dean Finocchiaro, 18, got into a friend's car and no one has heard from Dean in days. Shortly thereafter, 22-year-old Mark Sturgis and 21-year-old Tom Meo, failed to report to their jobs.  Fortunately a cellphone ping associated with Dean led authorities to search a farm owned by Cosmo DiNardo.  In close proximity, Meo's car was found in a shack. DiNardo was charged with a gun related charge and is being held on one million dollar bond.  (He has not been charged with the disappearance of the men.)

Where there is smoke, there is usually fire. What does DiNardo know about the missing men?  If he has shared anything with the police, they are not telling the public.  But, a million dollar bond seems to send a message that authorities think he knows something about these men.  Nevertheless, all suspects and persons of interest are presumed innocent unless otherwise proven in a court of law. Stay tuned.

Update 7-13-17:  A mass grave was found with human remains.  Apparently, DiNardo is also accused of attempting to sell a Nissan car belonging to one of the men.

Gruesome Twosome in Snohomish County? ~by Legal Pub

Somethings are just plain gross. What we know is that Deborah Jeanneret, age 50, was stabbed to death and her body was found under a mattress.   Carl Bustard is accused of murder; however, he denies the crime and claims he has an alibi.  Co-defendant Tammie Lewis is alleged to be an accomplice to the homicide.  Bustard's attorney said in court, "My client was not anywhere near the scene where the homicide allegedly took place.” 

Jeanneret, the victim, and her roommate were allowing Tammie Lewis to live in their residence. However, Bustard who was a friend of Lewis was not welcome in the home. According to probable cause information, Lewis allegedly told police that Jeanneret struck Bustard on the top of his head when he refused to her residence.  Bustard then allegedly retaliated by stabbing Jeanneret. According to Lewis, Bustard allegedly forced her to clean up the mess and help hide Jeanneret's body under a mattress.  The body was apparently discovered almost a week later by a roommate and reported in a 911 call.  (Can you imagine the smell!)

Bustard was apprehended in Marysville.  In his car, police found nitrile gloves, bleach and an enhanced driver’s license.  Busard’s attorney explained that her client had just returned from a road trip with family and had not been in Everett the day of the murder.  She further argued that the gloves and bleach were for cleaning a boat.  The enhanced driver’s license was for a trip to Canada.
Nevertheless, the judge found probable cause and set bond at $5 million for Busard.  Lewis is held on $250,000 bond.

Both Bustard and Lewis are both presumed innocent unless otherwise proven in a court of law!

Melissa Smith Thwarts Carjacking ~by Legal Pub

Melissa Smith is a reluctant car enthusiast.  It appears that she chose to risk her life in order to save her SUV. In reality, she confronted a would-be car thief because she was in a "I'm not dealing with this sort of crap today" attitude.  That is the reason Melissa jumped on her vehicle's hood and refused to get off until the carjacker gave up.

The Milwaukee, Wisconsin gas station incident illustrates growing danger at the pump. Below is CNN coverage of the incident.

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The carjacker eventually gives up but he still ends up with her purse and cell phone.  While Smith is now a news media darling, her actions probably were not the safest course of action.  Presumably the video is clear enough that it will wind up in a conviction of at least the accomplice who drove the get-away car.

Steve Stephens, FaceBook Killer, on the Run! ~by Legal Pub

Steve Stephens, 37, is another idiot.  He may at one time been a nice kind man, but all that goes out the window after he murdered 74-year-old Robert Godwin and then showed the video on FaceBook.  Stephens is attempting to shift the blame for his action on a "woman."   Stephens may have a bad former girlfriend, but that is no reason to kill someone. Stephens is not the first to be jilted by a lover nor will he be the last. A broken heart is never a reason to kill. (Stephens claims he has killed several people; however, only one murder has been confirmed.) Cleveland police were appalled by Stephens posting a video of the killing on Facebook which was apparently seen by millions.

Godwin's daughter, Tonya Godwin-Baines said Monday that the family forgives the killer.  CNN-affiliate WJW    While the family of the victim might offer mercy, the legal system will not.  Cold blooded killing may not be tolerated in a civilized world.

Stephens needs to turn himself in to authorities before he makes a bad situation worse.

Wisconsin Angry Man on the Run ~by Legal Pub

Joseph Jakubowski is trying to allude Wisconsin police.  The 32-year-old fugitive is accused of stealing weapons from the Armageddon Gun Shop in Janesville, Wisconsin and sending a 160 page anti-government manifesto to President Trump.  Jakubowski is believed to be in possession of 16 high-caliber rifles, several handguns and a bullet-proof vest.

Jakubowski allegedly made a Facebook post which showed the mailing of the manifesto. The person of interest appears to have severe dislike for anyone in a position of authority.  The FBI has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to Jakubowski's arrest.   He is to be considered armed, dangerous and not someone you should consider discussing politics with no matter what the subject.

Update 4-18-17:   Like most idiots, Joseph Jakubowski was caught and charged. The 32-year-old is held on $30,000 bond.  Apparently, Jakubowski planted a fake bomb at a gas station to distract police from his robbery.  The fake bomb was so ineffective it was thrown away at the gas station because they thought it was garbage. One might suspect that Jakubowski's legal defense will be equally ineffective.

Silent Killer Taking Children's Lives? ~by Legal Pub

Are one in four childhood deaths attributable to smog, unsafe water and other environmental hazards?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported findings that suggest pollution is a major factor in 25% of the deaths of children.   Report.   Logic suggests that a polluted environment has a disparate affect on children's health.   Pollution.  Second hand smoke, smog and unsafe water are thought to be related to as much as 25% of the deaths of children under age five.   "[Young children's] developing organs and immune systems, and smaller bodies and airways, make them especially vulnerable to dirty air and water," said WHO Director-General Margaret Chan.

Statistics suggest that 570,000 children died with respiratory infections like pneumonia that were  attributable to second-hand smoke and/or pollution.   Data suggests that 361,000 were killed by diarrhea attributable to unclean water and/or improper sanitation.  270,000 premature infants died in their first month.  A significant percentage of this group was also adversely effected by unclear water and air.

WHO indicates that electronic waste that exposes children to mercury, lead and other toxins also kills children. Climate change which has increased pollen counts may also be "associated with increased rates of asthma in children," according to WHO.  Assuming these statistics are correct, who is going to step up and stop this silent killer?

Neil Gorsuch the Right Choice for U.S. Supreme Court? ~by Legal Pub

President Trump will nominated Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.  But will he be confirmed? Judge Gorsuch is a 49-year-old federal appellate judge from Colorado.  By nominee standards, he is very young.  In theory, this would provide the court with a conservative view for many years to come. Gorsuch believes in freedom of religion, the ending of federal funds for contraceptives and a separation of powers between the states and federal government.  Consequently, Senate Democrats will likely filibuster to attempt to block his nomination.  But could the Democrats end up with someone worse? 

During the campaign, Donald Trump said he would "find the very best judge in the country for the Supreme Court."  Voters thought this was the most important issue facing the country.  Gridlock has caused the Supreme Court to function using only eight justices since Justice Antonin Scalia's death. If confirmed, Gorsuch has similar views to Justice Scalia and therefore some stability would be preserved.  (This would consist of four conservatives, four liberals and Justice Anthony Kennedy as a moderate.)  

So, should he be confirmed?  Perhaps that is a significantly different question than will he be confirmed?