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Community Impact

Man Sentenced In Fires That Destroyed Historic Eastford Church, Woodstock Buildings Man Sentenced In Fires That Destroyed Historic Eastford Church, Woodstock Buildings
Man Sentenced In Fires That Destroyed Historic Eastford Church, Woodstock Buildings A teenager who set a string of arson fires, including one that destroyed a nearly 200-year-old Connecticut church, will spend at least three years in prison, authorities announced.  The man pleaded guilty in June to a string of 2023 fires when he was 17 years old, the State's Attorney's Office said on Tuesday, Sept. 23. His name was not released since he was a juvenile at the time of the crime.  Investigators found the teen set the fires in April 2023. One blaze destroyed the Congregational Church of Eastford, which was built in 1829, and others damaged buildings at Crys…
Man Gunned Down Outside Waterbury Bodega Just Days Before 30th Birthday Man Gunned Down Outside Waterbury Bodega Just Days Before 30th Birthday
Man Gunned Down Outside Waterbury Bodega Just Days Before 30th Birthday A 29-year-old man has been identified as the person shot and killed outside a neighborhood bodega in Waterbury earlier this week. He would have turned 30 on Friday. Frank Garay, of Hartford, was shot around 7:45 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 15, on Charles Street, Waterbury police said. Police are still searching for the shooter. Tributes poured onto social media as news of Garay's death spread. "You were more than a godfather to my son — you were family, a guide, and a blessing in his life," Mij Hunter wrote on Facebook. "I will always be grateful for the love, protection, and wisdom you shared …
Gunman Who Killed Golden Gloves Boxing Champion In Odenton Gets Life In Prison: Prosecutors Gunman Who Killed Golden Gloves Boxing Champion In Odenton Gets Life In Prison: Prosecutors
Gunman Who Killed Golden Gloves Boxing Champion In Odenton Gets Life In Prison: Prosecutors The gunman who shot and killed rising Maryland boxer Oludayo Olugbemi will spend the rest of his life in prison. Nicholas Francis Giroux, 37, of Odenton, was sentenced to life in prison plus 20 years for the murder of the 27-year-old Olugbemi, who was killed last year in cold blood, according to the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office. Specifically, Giroux pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and use of a firearm in a crime of violence in February for the apparently targeted shooting. Multiple residents in the neighborhood reported shots fired at approximately 9:4…
Husband, Wife Of 54 Years Killed In Single-Vehicle Crash In Ronkonkoma Husband, Wife Of 54 Years Killed In Single-Vehicle Crash In Ronkonkoma
Husband, Wife Of 54 Years Killed In Single-Vehicle Crash In Ronkonkoma A Long Island couple who spent more than five decades together lost their lives side by side when their car crashed in their hometown over the weekend. On Monday, Aug. 25, Suffolk County Police identified the victims as Walter “Butch” Jakubowski, 83, and his wife, Margaret Jakubowski, 75, both of Ronkonkoma. The crash happened around 11:20 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, when Walter was driving a Subaru Forester west on Peconic Street in Ronkonkoma, as Daily Voice reported. The vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane, left the road, and struck a tree. Both Walter and Margaret were pronounced dea…
‘Monster’ Gets Life Without Parole For Rachel Morin’s Rape, Murder On Ma & Pa Trail ‘Monster’ Gets Life Without Parole For Rachel Morin’s Rape, Murder On Ma & Pa Trail
‘Monster’ Gets Life Without Parole For Rachel Morin’s Rape, Murder On Ma & Pa Trail A man convicted of the 2023 rape and murder of Rachel Hannah Morin on the Ma & Pa Trail in Bel Air will spend the rest of his life in prison, prosecutors announced. Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez was sentenced on Monday, Aug. 11, following his April 2025 jury trial conviction on all counts, which include first-degree murder, first-degree rape, third-degree sexual offense, and kidnapping, according to the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office. The jury reached its verdict in less than one hour of deliberation, officials noted. Prosecutors said evidence showed that on Aug. 5, 2023,…
Popular NY Supermarket Raided By ICE Agents, Sparking Community Outcry Popular NY Supermarket Raided By ICE Agents, Sparking Community Outcry
Popular NY Supermarket Raided By ICE Agents, Sparking Community Outcry Shoppers arriving at a bustling New York supermarket were met with flashing lights and caution tape instead of fresh produce, as federal agents swarmed the store in a dramatic immigration raid that left the business shuttered for the day. The incident happened Wednesday morning, July 30, in the town of Amherst, just outside Buffalo. The raid has sparked concern among local residents and business owners, who worry about the broader impact on the community. Around 10 a.m., US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents executed a search warrant at Asia Food Market, cordoning off the are…
'Her Name Will Not Be Forgotten': Best Friend Remembers Jerkera Battle, 22, Killed In Allentown 'Her Name Will Not Be Forgotten': Best Friend Remembers Jerkera Battle, 22, Killed In Allentown
'Her Name Will Not Be Forgotten': Best Friend Remembers Jerkera Battle, 22, Killed In Allentown The 22-year-old woman shot dead in her Allentown home this week is being remembered as a joyful, animal-loving young mom whose smile never failed to light up a room. Jerkera B. Battle, a Bethlehem native and Liberty High School graduate, was found shot in the head on Tuesday, July 22, inside her home in the 700 block of W. Turner Street, as Daily Voice previously reported. Her ex-boyfriend, Adam Makowka, 27, has been charged with criminal homicide and is awaiting extradition to face charges in Lehigh County, authorities said. Now, Battle’s best friend is speaking out. '13 Years Of Non-Stop…
Baseball Game Canceled After Firefighter Floods Field With Hose In Montgomery County, Team Says Baseball Game Canceled After Firefighter Floods Field With Hose In Montgomery County, Team Says
Baseball Game Canceled After Firefighter Floods Field With Hose In Montgomery County, Team Says A college summer baseball game in Maryland was canceled Thursday night after a firefighter reportedly sprayed the outfield with a fire hose in response to a baseball hitting his vehicle, according to the team and local officials. The game between the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts and the Metro SoCo Braves at Montgomery Blair Baseball Stadium in Silver Spring was first delayed, then canceled, after water from the hose flooded the outfield and “created a pond in center,” the Thunderbolts posted on X. Tonight's game is cancelled. We will be back in action tomorrow for a doubleheader aga…
Longtime Family-Owned Store To Close After 75 Years In Yonkers: 'It Will Be Missed' Longtime Family-Owned Store To Close After 75 Years In Yonkers: 'It Will Be Missed'
Longtime Family-Owned Store To Close After 75 Years In Yonkers: 'It Will Be Missed' A family-run Westchester institution that’s served generations of local residents is preparing to shut down after 75 years in business. Grassy Sprain Hardware, located at 590 Tuckahoe Rd. in Yonkers, will close its doors for good on Saturday, June 28, marking the end of an era for the city.  Founded in 1950, the shop, also known as Grassy Sprain Paint & Hardware, was operated for over five decades by Pearl Speight, the wife of original owner William H. Speight. In recent years, her son Rodney “Rod” Speight, along with his brothers Billy and Chris, and Rod’s son Greg, worked to keep…
Police ID Retired Revere Officer, Marines As Man Who Died In Fire: 'We Will Miss Him Immensely' Police ID Retired Revere Officer, Marines As Man Who Died In Fire: 'We Will Miss Him Immensely'
Police ID Retired Revere Officer, Marines As Man Who Died In Fire: 'We Will Miss Him Immensely' A respected veteran, longtime police officer, father, and grandfather died in a house fire that tore through his home on Washington Avenue in Revere earlier this week, officials said. Richard Serino, 77, was killed when flames engulfed part of his multi-family home on Tuesday, June 17, authorities said.  Serino was a retired Revere police officer with decades on the force. He served in the Marines before joining the police department.  “This is a very sad day for the Revere Fire Department and the City of Revere,” Acting Revere Fire Chief James E. Cullen. “Mr. Serino was beloved …
Actor Who Starred In Lilo & Stitch, Appeared On Hawaii Five-0 Dies Suddenly At Age 46 Actor Who Starred In Lilo & Stitch, Appeared On Hawaii Five-0 Dies Suddenly At Age 46
Actor Who Starred In Lilo & Stitch, Appeared On Hawaii Five-0 Dies Suddenly At Age 46 An actor who just made his big screen debut in Disney’s live-action box-office smash hit Lilo & Stitch has died suddenly. The death of 46-year-old David Hekili Kenui Bell in Hawaii on Thursday, June 12 was announced this week. An autopsy has been scheduled and an investigation is ongoing, police said, and no foul play is suspected, according to TMZ. On Lilo & Stitch, he played the "Big Hawaiian Dude" character. He also appeared on episodes of Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I. He was also known in Hawaii as the voice on the PA system at Kona Airport. Bell's death was announce…
Teen Admits Being High During Rollover Crash That Killed Girl, 15, In Waterford Teen Admits Being High During Rollover Crash That Killed Girl, 15, In Waterford
Teen Admits Being High During Rollover Crash That Killed Girl, 15, In Waterford A New York teen admitted he was high on marijuana and speeding when he flipped his car, killing a 15-year-old girl and seriously injuring her brother. Everett Hatlee, 18, of Troy, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide in Saratoga County Court on Friday, June 13, in the death of 15-year-old Kiera Ebert. Hatlee admitted he was traveling at an “incredibly high rate of speed” on the evening of June 29, 2024, while impaired by cannabis when he lost control of his vehicle on Fonda Road in Waterford, according to the district attorney’s office. His Dodge Charger left the road, became a…
Speeding Teen Charged In Crash That Killed Mom Of 5 Days Before Birthday In Woodbridge: Cops Speeding Teen Charged In Crash That Killed Mom Of 5 Days Before Birthday In Woodbridge: Cops
Speeding Teen Charged In Crash That Killed Mom Of 5 Days Before Birthday In Woodbridge: Cops The teen driver behind the wheel of an SUV that slammed into a mother of five in Virginia — killing her just days after her birthday — has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, authorities announced. Wania Mussarat Shaikh, 18, of Woodbridge, was arrested on Monday, June 10, in connection with the May 27 crash that killed Seema Rizvi at the intersection of Minnieville Road and Summit School Road, Prince William County Police said on Wednesday, June 11. Investigators now say Shaikh was speeding at more than double the posted limit through an active work zone when she ran a red light and…
‘Pillar Of Support’: Hamden Dad Killed By Stray Bullet In New Haven, Shooter Gets 45 Years ‘Pillar Of Support’: Hamden Dad Killed By Stray Bullet In New Haven, Shooter Gets 45 Years
‘Pillar Of Support’: Hamden Dad Killed By Stray Bullet In New Haven, Shooter Gets 45 Years A New Haven man will spend 45 years in prison after a stray bullet ended the life of a beloved father and husband in a shooting that shook the Munson Street neighborhood. Jaison Flowers, 26, was sentenced to four and a half decades behind bars for the 2020 killing of Howard “Foot” Lewis. A jury found Flowers guilty of first-degree manslaughter with a firearm. He was also convicted of illegally having a gun and violating probation from a past shooting in 2016, state prosecutors said.  Flowers fired two shots at a car during a dispute on July 14, 2020, but missed his target. One of the b…
'Wasn't Easy': Pizzeria Closes In Saratoga Springs After 18 Years 'Wasn't Easy': Pizzeria Closes In Saratoga Springs After 18 Years
'Wasn't Easy': Pizzeria Closes In Saratoga Springs After 18 Years For nearly two decades, D’Andrea’s Pizza served up more than just slices—it dished out memories, community, and comfort. Now, the ovens have gone cold. The Saratoga Springs staple–located at 33 Caroline Street–officially closed its doors on Wednesday, May 7, after 18 years in business. News of the closure came just a day earlier in a heartfelt Facebook video from owner Rory Wilson, who said he made the difficult decision to sell the building. “It wasn’t an easy decision,” Wilson said. “But a decision I felt that I wanted to make for my family and for myself.” Thank you to everyone, la…
10-Year-Old Washington Twp Boy Found With Gunshot Wound To Head Dies, Cops Say 10-Year-Old Washington Twp Boy Found With Gunshot Wound To Head Dies, Cops Say
10-Year-Old Washington Twp Boy Found With Gunshot Wound To Head Dies, Cops Say A 10-year-old boy was fatally shot at a home in South Jersey on Tuesday afternoon, May 6, authorities said. Police responded at approximately 2:34 p.m. to a home on the 400 block of Westminster Boulevard in Washington Township (Gloucester County) for a report of a juvenile with a gunshot wound, according to Washington Township Police Chief Patrick M. Gurcsik. “Upon arrival, officers and emergency medical personnel located a 10-year-old boy with a fatal gunshot wound to the head,” Gurcsik said in a statement. “Despite lifesaving efforts, the child was tragically pronounced deceased.” The ch…
Curtain Call: Theater To Close After 15 Years In Carmel Curtain Call: Theater To Close After 15 Years In Carmel
Curtain Call: Theater To Close After 15 Years In Carmel After 15 years of entertaining moviegoers in Putnam County, a movie theater has announced it will close its doors for good toward the end of May.  In a social media post shared Wednesday, April 30, the Carmel Cinema, located at 150 Route 52 in the ShopRite Plaza, confirmed that its final day of business will be Thursday, May 29, 2025.  “We regret to inform you that the cinema will be closing at the end of the month,” the post read, thanking loyal customers for their support: “Thank you again for allowing us to experience the magic of movies with you these past 15 years.”  M…
Carlisle Resident, Former School Solicitor, Big Brothers VP Sentenced In Child Porn Case Carlisle Resident, Former School Solicitor, Big Brothers VP Sentenced In Child Porn Case
Carlisle Resident, Former School Solicitor, Big Brothers VP Sentenced In Child Porn Case A Cumberland County man who once held key leadership roles in York and Adams counties has been sentenced for possessing child pornography, according to court documents and state police. Christopher Lee Harris, 34, of Carlisle, was sentenced to 48 months of supervised probation after pleading guilty to one count of Felony Child Pornography in Cumberland County Court on Tuesday, April 15. He must also register as a sex offender for 15 years, submit a DNA sample, and complete a sexual offender treatment program with Triad until he is successfully discharged. Harris previously served as solicit…
Hempfield Man Who Killed Girlfriend, Fired 100+ Shots At Cops, Filmed Crime Scene Sentenced Hempfield Man Who Killed Girlfriend, Fired 100+ Shots At Cops, Filmed Crime Scene Sentenced
Hempfield Man Who Killed Girlfriend, Fired 100+ Shots At Cops, Filmed Crime Scene Sentenced A Pennsylvania man who murdered his girlfriend and then fired more than 100 rounds at police has been sentenced to life in prison plus 41.5 to 85 years, the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office announced on Monday, April 14. The shooter, 40, was convicted in February of first-degree murder, assaulting officers with a firearm, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, and obstruction of justice following a five-day trial. The charges stem from a violent standoff in East Hempfield Township on Sept. 11, 2022, when he shot his girlfriend in the head, video-called a friend to show her …
Stamford Firm Named No 2 Best Place To Work In Nation Stamford Firm Named No 2 Best Place To Work In Nation
Stamford Firm Named No 2 Best Place To Work In Nation A Connecticut-based financial services company has been named the No. 2 best place to work in the United States, according to a new Fortune survey. Synchrony, a Stamford-based finance and insurance company, earned the honor in Fortune’s annual list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For.” Fortune has compiled the list for 30 years by surveying employees and asking them to rate their workplace across 60 metrics — including the quality of leadership, pay and benefits, coworker relationships, workplace flexibility, employee appreciation, and opportunities for advancement, the outlet said. “I’…
DC Club Shooting Claims Former Morgan State Star—Two Named In Case Over A Year Later DC Club Shooting Claims Former Morgan State Star—Two Named In Case Over A Year Later
DC Club Shooting Claims Former Morgan State Star—Two Named In Case Over A Year Later Two men have been arrested in connection to the fatal shooting of a former college basketball standout and father of three at a DC nightclub in 2023, officials say. Blake Bozeman, 31, was shot and killed around 11:50 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, inside a bar in the 1300 block of H Street NE, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. Bozeman, who played Division I basketball at Morgan State University in Baltimore, was celebrating a friend’s birthday when gunfire broke out.  Three others—a woman and two men—were also injured in the shooting but survived. On Friday, March 2…
Fire Chief Admits He Dropped Crying Baby, Causing Skull Fracture In Bucks County: Affidavit Fire Chief Admits He Dropped Crying Baby, Causing Skull Fracture In Bucks County: Affidavit
Fire Chief Admits He Dropped Crying Baby, Causing Skull Fracture In Bucks County: Affidavit A Bucks County fire chief has been suspended after police say he admitted to dropping his 3-month-old infant daughter on her head because she wouldn’t stop crying, according to court documents obtained by Daily Voice on Friday, March 21. Falls Township Fire Company #1 Chief Brian Salt, 36, was charged with Felony Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Aggravated Assault on a Person Under 13, and Misdemeanor Simple Assault, according to court records and officials. Salt was arraigned Thursday, March 20, and committed to the Bucks County Corrections Center in lieu of $500,000 bail, his docket sh…
Aiello's Fruit Baskets Owner 'Heartbroken' To Close After 88 Years Aiello's Fruit Baskets Owner 'Heartbroken' To Close After 88 Years
Aiello's Fruit Baskets Owner 'Heartbroken' To Close After 88 Years After 88 years of serving the community in Prospect Park, Aiello’s Fruit Baskets is closing its doors. Owner Bobby Aiello broke the news on Tuesday, Feb. 18. In a call with Daily Voice, he said he's simply "heartbroken." "It was time — I wanted to make 100 years, but it wasn't feasible," Aiello said, citing the rising costs of produce and changing demographics as just some of the factors contributing to his Haledon Avenue shop's closure. Up until this week, Aiello's Fruit Baskets was the longest-running business in town. His grandfather opened the shop in 1937,  offering fruit centerp…
'So Much Has Changed:' Two Jersey City Bars Announce Closures On Same Day 'So Much Has Changed:' Two Jersey City Bars Announce Closures On Same Day
'So Much Has Changed:' Two Jersey City Bars Announce Closures On Same Day Two cherished Jersey City bars have announced they will be closing their doors, leaving the community heartbroken. The announcements from Fox & Crow and Barcade both came on Thursday, Feb. 6, marking the end of an era for locals. Known for its cozy atmosphere, live music, and vibrant neighborhood vibe, Fox & Crow closed for winter break in January, and never reopened. The bar shared its heartfelt farewell on social media, announcing that it will be closing after 12 memorable years. “To our Jersey City community, the last 12 years have been a wonderful, wild ride,” the…
Longtime NBC Washington Reporter, DC Native Derrick Ward Dies At 62 Longtime NBC Washington Reporter, DC Native Derrick Ward Dies At 62
Longtime NBC Washington Reporter, DC Native Derrick Ward Dies At 62 Veteran NBC Washington reporter Derrick Ward has died at the age of 62 after suffering complications from a recent cardiac arrest, the station confirmed on Wednesday. Ward, a District resident, had been a staple in the community for years, having reported for NBC, as well as local station WTOP after getting his start in upstate New York .  He has been covering his hometown community since 2006. Ward was pronounced dead on Wednesday, Jan. 7 following the complications, his family confirmed in a statement. No further details have been provided. "We'll miss his writing, his reporting, h…
Maryland Man Gets Prison Time For Role In Killing Cookie-Carrying Victim Outside Firehouse Maryland Man Gets Prison Time For Role In Killing Cookie-Carrying Victim Outside Firehouse
Maryland Man Gets Prison Time For Role In Killing Cookie-Carrying Victim Outside Firehouse A Charles County man will spend decades in prison for his role in an ambush murder of a 46-year-old man outside a Bryans Road firehouse following a birthday celebration more than three years ago, authorities announced. La Plata resident Ryan Lamont Bell, 38 was sentenced to 35 years in prison in connection to the fatal shooting of Leon Nathaniel Inabinett, Jr. in June 2021 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and use of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence. His co-conspirator, Jahad Karim Frierson, 27, was found guilty last month following a nine-day trial,…
Drunken, Wrong-Way Driver Going 75 MPH Admits To Jericho Crash That Killed 2 Teens Drunken, Wrong-Way Driver Going 75 MPH Admits To Jericho Crash That Killed 2 Teens
Drunken, Wrong-Way Driver Going 75 MPH Admits To Jericho Crash That Killed 2 Teens A Long Island man formally confessed to causing a drunken, wrong-way crash that claimed the lives of two 14-year-old boys and injured two other teens. Amandeep Singh, 36, of Roslyn, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide and related charges in Nassau County Court on Friday, Jan. 3. Singh admitted that he was speeding, intoxicated, and high on cocaine when he crashed his pickup truck head-on into a car with four teenagers on North Broadway in Jericho on the night of May 3, 2023. The crash killed Ethan Falkowitz and Drew Hassenbein, both 14. Two other teens suffered serious injurie…
Couple Married 63 Years Killed In Crash Lands High Hatfield Driver Homicide Charge: DA Couple Married 63 Years Killed In Crash Lands High Hatfield Driver Homicide Charge: DA
Couple Married 63 Years Killed In Crash Lands High Hatfield Driver Homicide Charge: DA A Harleysville man is facing homicide by vehicle charges after a DUI crash killed a beloved Hatfield Township couple who had been married for 63 years, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Hatfield Township Police Chief William J. Tierney announced Thursday, Dec. 19. Michael Lennon, 21, was arrested following the June 8, crash at the intersection of Bergey Road and Bethlehem Pike, which left Jaime Burgos, 86, and Eva Burgos, 79, fatally injured, officials said. The couple, who were married in 1961, were remembered for their devotion to family and their community. Jaime, a…
Five Jersey City Victims Identified In Deadly Newark Crash: Prosecutor Five Jersey City Victims Identified In Deadly Newark Crash: Prosecutor
Five Jersey City Victims Identified In Deadly Newark Crash: Prosecutor Five of the victims in a fiery Newark crash that killed six people earlier this month have been identified, authorities said. At 10:47 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6,  a vehicle carrying six people was traveling on Raymond Boulevard toward the Route 1&9 southbound on-ramp, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II said. The vehicle then veered off the roadway, went airborne, and struck a support column for the Pulaski Skyway, Stephens said. Lamar McKnight, 31, has been identified as the driver. Darryl McKnight, 29,  Darnell Carr, 22, Bradley Cunningham, 41 and Veronica Bailey, 31 h…
Chicken Lovers Rejoice: First Chick-fil-A Opens In Albany Chicken Lovers Rejoice: First Chick-fil-A Opens In Albany
Chicken Lovers Rejoice: First Chick-fil-A Opens In Albany Hey chicken lovers, it's time to chow down when the first Chick-fil-A in the Capital Region opens in Albany on Thursday, Dec. 5. Famous for its chicken sandwiches, soup and salads, and superb service, the new restaurant is also locally owned by Michael Gray, who has worked his way up in the company for the past 13 years.  The restaurant will employ approximately 120 full- and part-time team members. To celebrate the opening, the company is also recognizing 100 local heroes who are impacting the Albany community by providing them with free Chick-fil-A entrées for a year.  In addi…
White Plains Eatery Closing After Just One Year White Plains Eatery Closing After Just One Year
White Plains Eatery Closing After Just One Year A Westchester restaurant and brewery has announced it will close its doors after just one year of operation, leaving patrons and staff reflecting on its short but memorable run. The closure of Miles, The Prince, located at 873 North Broadway in White Plains, will take place after its final day on Saturday, Nov. 30, according to an announcement posted by owner and founder Zach Goldstein on the restaurant’s Instagram page. Although Goldstein did not reveal a reason for the closure, he thanked former guests who "filled this space with love and memories." "Getting to know MTP’s dedicated …