Marion County in Kansas has agreed to pay $3 million to journalists and a city councilor involved in a 2023 police raid on a newspaper, with some agreements including expressions of regret and immunity from future legal action, settling multiple federal lawsuits related to the incident.
Jaremy Smith, accused of killing a New Mexico State Police officer and a person of interest in the disappearance and killing of Pee Dee paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore, has an extensive criminal history in South Carolina, including more than a dozen felonies dating back 15 years. Smith, who was shot multiple times by sheriff’s deputies before his arrest, remains in a hospital and faces charges including first-degree murder. His criminal record includes charges such as felony assault, grand larceny, and armed robbery, with periods of incarceration and probation. Smith was allegedly driving Machado-Fore’s vehicle when he shot and killed Officer Justin Hare, and authorities have not disclosed the connection between Smith and Machado-Fore.
Marion County Sheriff Brian Wallace expressed relief after the arrest of Jaremy Smith, a Marion man suspected in the cross-country killings of two first responders. Smith, linked to the killing of New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare, is also a person of interest in the death of Phonesia Machado-Fore, a Marion County paramedic. While Smith remains in the custody of New Mexico State Police, Marion County officials are dedicated to solving Machado-Fore's murder with the support of federal, state, and local agencies.
Marion County Sheriff Brian Wallace expressed relief at the arrest of Jaremy Smith, a suspect in the cross-country killings of two first responders. Smith is a person of interest in the death of Phonesia Machado-Fore, a Marion County paramedic, and is currently in custody of New Mexico State Police. Wallace emphasized the dedication and determination of law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice, with federal, state, and local agencies supporting the effort.
A kidnapping suspect, James Savage, who barricaded himself inside a home in The Villages for over 20 hours, has been arrested after surrendering to law enforcement. The suspect is accused of kidnapping his girlfriend in Wildwood and was found at the address listed on his driver's license. The standoff ended without incident, and the woman was safely located by law enforcement. Savage will face multiple charges, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Phonesia Machado-Fore, a Pee Dee paramedic reported missing, was found dead in Dillon County, South Carolina, while her car was found at the scene of a deadly shooting in New Mexico that claimed the life of a state police officer. Jarmey Smith, a person of interest in Machado-Fore's death, is wanted in connection with the officer's killing and has an extensive criminal history. Authorities are conducting a joint investigation into both incidents.
A woman in Marion County, Florida, stole a deputy's patrol vehicle and led law enforcement on a miles-long pursuit, reaching speeds over 100 mph before crashing into a pickup truck, resulting in three fatalities and one person in critical condition. The incident began when the woman attempted to steal a car and then took off in the deputy's cruiser. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
A 26-year-old man, identified as Rasheem Edwards, was shot and killed by a Marion County sheriff's deputy after fleeing a traffic stop on a dirt bike and running towards a youth football practice while armed with a firearm. The deputy shot the suspect when he attempted to pull out the gun. The deputy was not injured, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting. The incident caused panic among parents at the football practice.
A manhunt is underway for Kevin Mason, a suspect in a 2021 killing, who was accidentally released from a detention center in Indianapolis due to a faulty records review. Mason, who was sought on three Minnesota warrants including murder, parole violation, and firearms possession, was released after clerical errors. Two inmate records clerks involved in the release have been fired, and an internal investigation is ongoing. The search for Mason, who has local ties to Indianapolis, is being conducted by the authorities, including the US Marshals Service. The public is urged to provide any information on his whereabouts, but not to approach him.
Two congregate care facilities in Marion County, Indiana, are on lockdown due to COVID-19 outbreaks. The county health department has reported a rise in COVID cases in the general population, but tracking and reporting of these numbers have become limited. The current guideline for individuals with COVID-19 symptoms is to isolate at home for five days and wear a mask in public for the following five days.
Both lanes of Interstate 79 in Marion County, West Virginia have reopened following a multi-vehicle accident. The accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in the closure of the entire interstate in the area. One injury was reported, but no one has been transported at this time. Emergency crews are on the scene.
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County has issued a rabies alert after three raccoons tested positive for the disease. Residents in specific areas are advised to be cautious and take preventive measures, such as avoiding contact with wildlife, keeping pets vaccinated, and seeking medical attention if bitten or scratched by an animal. Rabies is a fatal disease that affects the nervous system of humans and animals, and immediate treatment is necessary in case of exposure.
A detainee at the Adult Detention Center in Marion County used his handcuffs to strangle a deputy, John Durm, in a deadly attack. The incident occurred when Durm was returning to the jail with the suspect, Orlando Mitchell, who had been transported for a hospital visit. The attack was captured on video, showing Mitchell using the chains linking his handcuffs to choke Durm. Both men fell to the ground, and Durm died shortly after. Mitchell is now facing preliminary charges of murder, felony murder, robbery, and escape. Mitchell was already facing a murder charge in the fatal shooting of a woman last year. The Marion County Sheriff's office has established a Memorial Fund for Durm's family, and an in-person memorial has been set up at the Community Justice Campus.
One person died and three others were injured in a single-vehicle crash in Marion County, Iowa. The SUV lost control, went off the road, and collided with a tree. The deceased passenger was identified as Whitney Marie Brown, 34, who was not wearing a seatbelt. The crash is currently under investigation. This incident adds to the rising number of fatalities on Iowa roadways this year.
A man was killed in a shooting in Marion County, Florida. Police responded to reports of gunshots and found shell casings at the scene. Witnesses reported multiple people involved in the shooting. The victim was dropped off at a fire station and later died at the hospital. Ocala police are urging anyone with information to come forward.