Missouri executed Brian Dorsey for the 2006 murder of his cousin and her husband, despite a plea for clemency from dozens of prison staffers who described him as a "model inmate." Dorsey, who had requested clemency, thanked those who tried to save his life and apologized for his actions in his last words. The U.S. Supreme Court denied last-minute attempts to halt the execution. Dorsey's case raised questions about the effectiveness of the justice system and the potential for rehabilitation in the prison system.
Convicted murderer Leon Ruffin escaped custody by pepper-spraying a deputy during a medical transport and is currently on the run. Described as armed and dangerous, Ruffin had been in custody since July on charges including second-degree murder and was sentenced to life. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is leading the search for Ruffin and is urging the public to report any information related to his location.
Michael Duane Zack III, convicted of the 1996 murders of two women he met at bars in Florida, is scheduled to be executed on Tuesday night. The US Supreme Court denied a request to halt the execution after Zack's lawyers filed a stay of execution, claiming he is intellectually disabled. Zack's defense argued that he suffers from fetal alcohol syndrome and posttraumatic stress disorder. This will be the eighth execution under Governor Ron DeSantis and the sixth in Florida this year.
A convicted murderer at Smith State Prison in Georgia allegedly killed a correctional officer and assaulted another inmate using a homemade weapon. Officer Robert Clark was escorting two inmates when Layton Lester attacked him from behind. Another inmate, Marko Willingham, tried to intervene but was also assaulted. Clark died from his injuries, while Willingham is hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Lester, who was already serving a life sentence for murder, now faces additional charges. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed condolences to Clark's family and the Georgia Department of Corrections.
Billy Chemirmir, a convicted murderer charged with killing 22 North Texas women, was found dead in his cell in a Texas state prison. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice reported that Chemirmir's cellmate, who is serving a sentence for murder, was identified as the assailant. Chemirmir had been serving two life sentences without parole. The Office of Inspector General is investigating his death. Chemirmir targeted elderly victims, smothering them with pillows to steal jewelry. The cases were reopened after a survivor led police to him.
Yoda, a K-9 officer from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection based in Detroit, played a crucial role in capturing convicted murderer Danelo Cavalcante, who had escaped from a Pennsylvania prison. After an extensive search, Yoda located Cavalcante and subdued him, preventing his escape. Cavalcante, who was serving a life sentence for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, was found with a rifle and had plans to carjack someone and flee to another country. No injuries were reported, and a district attorney will determine if additional charges should be filed.
Danilo Cavalcante, a convicted murderer who escaped from a Pennsylvania prison nearly two weeks ago, has been taken into custody after a dramatic capture involving a helicopter, a police dog, and over 20 tactical officers. Cavalcante was found sleeping with a stolen rifle and attempted to flee but was subdued by the police dog. He was described as defiant and still resisting arrest. The capture ended a manhunt that drew hundreds of law enforcement officials and left the community gripped with fear. Cavalcante had been convicted of first-degree murder for killing his former girlfriend and was sentenced to life in prison.
Danelo Cavalcante, a convicted murderer who escaped from a Pennsylvania prison on August 31, was spotted by a resident in a creek bed but managed to flee into the woods before authorities could capture him. The ongoing search for Cavalcante, who is considered extremely dangerous, has involved hundreds of law enforcement personnel and search dogs. Despite several sightings and evidence of his presence in the area, he has remained elusive. The escape has raised questions about prison security, as another inmate had escaped using a similar strategy just months ago. Residents have been advised to secure their homes and vehicles, and some schools in the area have canceled classes.
The former warden of Chester County Prison in Pennsylvania retired the day before a convicted murderer, Danelo Cavalcante, escaped from the facility. Cavalcante, who was awaiting transfer to a state correctional facility to serve a life sentence for first-degree murder, managed to slip past guards. The interim warden, Howard Holland, is now overseeing the prison. Cavalcante is the subject of a massive manhunt by local, state, and federal authorities, and there is an active warrant for his arrest in Brazil for another murder. The search for Cavalcante is ongoing, with authorities focusing on wooded areas and potential escape routes. A joint reward of $10,000 is being offered for information leading to his arrest.
Danelo Cavalcante, a convicted murderer serving a life sentence without parole, escaped from Chester County Prison in Pennsylvania. Considered extremely dangerous, he was last seen walking along a road in Pocopson Township. Law enforcement agencies are conducting a county-wide search, and the public is urged to call 911 with any information about the suspect.
A convicted murderer, Danelo Cavalcante, escaped from the Chester County Prison in Pennsylvania. Cavalcante had been convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend in front of her children and was awaiting transfer to state prison. It is unclear how he escaped, but he was last seen walking along Wawaset Road in Pocopson Township. Authorities have urged the public to stay away from him and report any sightings to the police.
Jordan Andrew Thomas, a convicted murderer serving a life sentence, has escaped from Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore, Alabama. Thomas was convicted for the murder of Dennis Johnson in 2014 and sentenced to 75 years in prison, but the conviction was later overturned on appeal. A retrial in 2019 resulted in a guilty verdict and a life sentence. Thomas is described as 5'8" and approximately 120 lbs, with black hair, brown eyes, and multiple scars and tattoos, including a distinct "I-65" sign on his neck. Authorities are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact 911 or the Alabama Department of Corrections.
Authorities in Texas are conducting a search in a field north of Austin in connection with a convicted murderer, Raul Meza Jr., who allegedly confessed to two killings in May and may be linked to other unsolved homicides dating back decades. Meza is currently held on two murder charges, including the stabbing of Jesse Fraga and the killing of Gloria Lofton. He had previously served time for the sexual assault and murder of an 8-year-old in 1982. During his arrest, Meza allegedly admitted to planning more killings, and investigators are looking into potential links between him and up to 10 unsolved homicides.
Leslie Van Houten, a former member of the Manson family and convicted murderer, has been released from a California prison and placed under parole supervision. Van Houten, who was serving concurrent sentences for her role in the killings of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, will have a three-year maximum parole term with a parole discharge review after one year. California Governor Gavin Newsom's office announced that it would not challenge the court's ruling that opened the possibility of parole for Van Houten. Following 53 years in custody, Van Houten will participate in a transitional housing program to help her reintegrate into society.
California Governor Gavin Newsom's office has decided not to challenge a state appellate court's ruling that opens the possibility of parole for Leslie Van Houten, a former Charles Manson follower and convicted murderer. Van Houten, who was sentenced to seven years to life for her role in the 1969 killings of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, will be released on parole pending a final behavioral hearing. The exact date of her release will be kept confidential for her safety. Van Houten's attorney expressed gratitude for the court's recognition of her client's rehabilitation efforts.
