Tag:
US Marine
Plainville, CT
Police & Fire
Medical Examiner Releases Cause Of Death For Plainville Firefighter Killed In Line Of Duty
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has released its findings regarding the death of a Connecticut firefighter who died while battling a house fire over the weekend. Plainville Firefighter Raymond "Ray" Moreau, 60, died from blunt force trauma to the head, neck, body, and extremities, according to the autopsy report released Monday, July 28. Moreau was fatally injured when a piece of equipment fell from a firefighting apparatus and struck him as crews fought a blaze at 45 Maria Road in Plainville on Sunday morning. A 35-year veteran of the Plainville Fire Department and a U.S. Marine,…
Plainfield, CT
News
Missing Officer From Plainfield Found Dead At Sterling Town Hall: Police
A Connecticut man who works as a police sergeant in Rhode Island was found dead at a town hall in Windham County this week after having been reported missing, Daily Voice has learned. Scituate (Rhode Island) Police Sgt. Jason Riquier, 47, was discovered in a vehicle at the Sterling Town Hall on Monday, Jan. 13, law enforcement sources familiar with the incident confirmed. The circumstances surrounding his death have not been disclosed. Riquier was reported missing from his Plainfield home on Sunday. He had lived in the town for 16 years with his wife, Rachael. Riquier was a retired US Mar…
Putnam, CT
Obituaries
'Semper Fi, My Friend': CT US Marine, 68, ID'd As Victim Killed In Putnam Highway Crash
Authorities have identified the pedestrian killed while walking along Route 44 this weekend as 68-year-old Leo Blain of Putnam, Connecticut. Blain was struck by a Ford Fusion around 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, according to Connecticut State Police. Paramedics transported him to Day Kimball Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Hugh MacKenzie posted a tribute on social media, describing Blain as a US Marine who deeply cared for others. “I am quite saddened to learn of the sudden passing of my friend Leo Blain, who was struck and killed by a car this evening in Putnam," MacKenzie wro…
Greenwich, CT
News
Support Pours In For Greenwich Detective In Coma After Brain Tumor Removal
A police department in Connecticut is leading an effort to lend help to one of its members who is fighting the health battle of his life following a brain tumor removal. Detective 1st Grade Mike Rooney, a member of the Greenwich Police Department, is currently in a coma following his surgery at Yale New Haven Hospital to have a tumor removed from his brain, according to Greenwich Police Silver Shield Association President Peter Schmitt. After the procedure was finished, Rooney's brain began unexpectedly swelling, causing him to enter into a coma, Schmitt said…
Bowie, MD
Obituaries
Maryland Marine Murder: Darnell Stanley Remembered For Selflessness
A US Marine from Maryland was killed by a gunman who remains at large. Darnell Stanley, 45, is being remembered for his selflessness following his shooting death on Friday evening, Nov. 24, on the 600 block of Audrey Lane in Oxon Hill. The Temple Hills resident was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Following his death, his family and community have been rallying to raise money for the man who spent his years helping his fellow veterans "get the medical treatment they needed to live full, happy, and productive lives after their time in servi…
Amherst, MA
News
Western Mass Ex-Marine Stole $344K in Benefits, Lied To Get Purple Heart: Feds
Federal authorities have accused a former US Marine from Franklin County of stolen valor after they say he illegally accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in veteran benefits and lied about suffering a traumatic brain injury in a roadside bomb to earn a Purple Heart. Paul John "PJ" Herbert, 52, of Shelburne Falls, is charged with one count of theft of government money and one count of making false statements, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He faces potentially decades in prison if convicted on all charges. Herbert is accused of stealing more than $344,000 …
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
News
Surfing Teacher Rescues Jersey Shore Swimmer While Filming Promo Video For Boogie Board
A teacher saved a Jersey Shore swimmer in distress while surfing over the weekend, and he just so happened to capture it on video. US Marine Steve Houser, of Toms River, went to LBI Sunday, Sept. 3, to film a promo video for one of Tandm Surf's boards Oh, what a video they got. Houser — who works as a special education history teacher in the PATHS program at Piscataway High School — was surfing out teaching his daughter how to surf when he spotted the struggling swimmers. "I could see five to seven people in distress," said Houser, a Downingtown, PA native. "As a surfer, I can spot a ri…
Fredericksburg, VA
Police & Fire
Teens Airlifted After Being Struck By DUI Driver In Stafford: Authorities
UPDATE: A US Marine sergeant awarded the Purple Heart was charged in the Wednesday, May 31 crash, authorities said. A Stafford driver, later identified as Beth Abbott, was arrested after striking two teens with her vehicle in Aquia Harbour on Wednesday, May 31, authorities said. Deputies from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, and officers from the Aquia Harbour Police Department responded to the 2100 block of Aquia Drive for a report of juvenile pedestrians struck around 9:10 that night, the sheriff's office said. Both 14-year-old pedestrians were airlifted to a nearby hospital t…
Rutherford, NJ
News
Hero
: Tow Truck Driver Comes To Rescue Of Driver Whose Ragtop Rolled Into Rutherford Weeds
Paul Carmeci was barely a mile from work at Nick’s Towing Service when he saw a cloud of dirt and debris kick up as he rounded the bend from westbound Route 3 onto northbound Route 17. It was just after 4:30 a.m. and there weren’t many other drivers out on the road in Rutherford. Carmeci, of North Bergen, pulled to the shoulder, donned his safety vest and headed 60 yards or so into the meadows off the highway. There he found a 2001 Mazda MX-5 convertible that rolled off the ramp and landed on its roof. A passing trucker had pulled over and called 911. Carmeci took the phone from him, …
Worcester, MA
Obituaries
Fundraiser For Family Of Central Mass Cop Who Died Off Duty Nears Its Goal
Friends of Worcester police Sgt. Derrick Leto created a fundraiser to help support his wife and two children to help them after his unexpected death last week. The GoFundMe called "Help Support Derrick Leto's Family" has raised nearly $7,000 in less than two days, more than half of its goal of $10,000. There is also a memorial fund for the family of the 18-year veteran and former US Marine at the Worcester Police Department Federal Credit Union. Checks can be made to the Worcester Police Officials IBPO Local 504 c/o Sgt. Derrick Leto, according to fundraiser organizers. L…
Worcester, MA
Police & Fire
Officer Dies Off-Duty: Central Mass Mourns Loss Of 18-Year Police Veteran
A Worcester police sergeant called a "dedicated servant" by several community groups died last week while off duty, the department announced over the weekend. Official said Monday that his funeral services are set for later this week. Derrick Leto, a husband and father of two, who served as the department's diversity coordinator and recruiter, was an 18-year veteran of the force, Worcester police said. He served as a US Marine before joining the police department. He died on Friday, March 17. “Sgt. Leto had a passion for providing youth with opportunities,” Worcester Chief Steven Sarge…
Worcester, MA
Obituaries
Former Central Mass Asst Principal, Harvard Grad Dies From Medical Emergency While On Vacation
A 74-year-old former Worcester Public Schools teacher and administrator died last week after suffering a medical emergency while on vacation in Mexico, a fundraiser said. John McFadden, of Paxton, died Friday, March 3, after being airlifted from Cancun to UMass Medical Center in Worcester, his family wrote in a GoFundMe. They wrote McFadden suffered a stroke and took a hard fall, causing a traumatic brain injury. He underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. They wrote he died surrounded by his family after returning to the United States. The …
Lakewood, NJ
Obituaries
NJ Police Sergeant Dies Suddenly: 'He Was A Mentor To Many'
The Berkeley Township Police Department is mourning the loss of Sgt. William Cullen. The former US Marine was a 22-year member of the Berkeley Township PD, and died "suddenly," his department announced Friday, Feb. 17. Cullen began in the patrol division before he was reassigned to the detective bureau in 2007. His duties included general investigations, property and evidence, and Megans Law. Cullen was known for his tenacity, his compassion and was known and respected statewide for his investigative prowess. In 2015, Cullen was promoted and was assigned as a patrol supervisor.…
Pascack Valley, NJ
Obituaries
Arrangements Finalized For Heather Castronova
Funeral arrangements have been finalized for retired Washington Township detective and mom of two Heather Castronova. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19 at the Becker Funeral Home in Westwood. A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the funeral home. Inurnment will be at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21 at George Washington Memorial Park. A former US Marine, Castronova died due to unknown medical circumstances, the department said on Wednesday, Feb. 8. Click here for the full Daily Voice tribute for Heather Castronova. Heather Castronova.Township …
Marlton-Evesham, NJ
News
NJ Marine, 33, Killed By Missile Helping In Ukraine, Organization Says
Pete Reed, a 33-year-old New Jersey native and global activist, died helping civilians in Ukraine on Friday, Feb. 2. Reed was "actively aiding in the evacuation of Ukrainian civilians when his evacuation vehicle was hit with a reported missile in Bakhmut," according to Global Outreach Doctors. Pete Reed helps an elderly woman evacuate in Ukraine.Albert Lores A Bordentown native and US Marine veteran, Reed served as the country director for the nonprofit, and founded Global Response Medicine, a different nonprofit. "The GoDocs team is devastated by this news, as are our humanitarian ai…
Washington Township, NJ
Police & Fire
Ex-Marine Indicted In South Jersey Bar Parking Lot Slaying: Report
A 25-year-old former US Marine from Farnklinville was indicted by a Gloucester County grand jury last month on charges stemming from the September 2022 bar parking lot shooting that left a 31-year-old man dead, NJ Advance Media reports. Walter J. Gilliano was indicted on one count of first-degree murder and two second-degree weapons charges following the Villari's Sports Bar slaying of Vineland's Chad Stuart, the outlet said. Gilliano apparently told police he shot Stuart during an argument outside of the bar before police recovered a Glock 19 handgun, and a spent .9mm bullet casi…
North Hunterdon, NJ
News
Seasoned Skydiver, 37, Dies In NJ Accident
A 37-year-old Michigan man identified in news reports as a skydiving master died in a skydiving accident in Hunterdon County. Brandon M. Jackson was lying in a field near the airport runway when first responders arrived to the crash near the Alexandria Field airport in Alexandria on Friday, Oct. 21, New Jersey State Police said. Jackson is identified in this 2018 LehighValleyLive article as a tandem-master for Skydive Jersey (which appears to now be called Garden State Skydiving). According to his LinkedIn profile, Jackson is a former US Marine and Instructor/ Rigger at…
Washington Township, NJ
Police & Fire
Murder
: Charges Upgraded For Ex-Marine In NJ Sports Bar Shooting, Police Say
Charges against a former US Marine have been upgraded to murder after the victim who he shot in the head outside of a New Jersey sports bar died, authorities confirmed. Walter J. Gilliano, 25, of Franklinville, was initially charged with attempted murder, after he shot 31-year-old Chad Stuart in the head outside of Villari's Sports Bar around 4:45 a.m. Saturday, according to the Franklin Township Police Department. Stuart died on Sept. 27, when he became an organ donor, and Gilliano's charges were subsequently upgraded, police confirmed. According to Gilliano's LinkedIn profile and people…
Washington Township, NJ
Police & Fire
Victim Of NJ Sports Bar Shooting, Chad Stuart, Becomes Organ Donor
The man shot in the head outside of a South Jersey bar allegedly by a former US Marine over the weekend has died, and his organs will save the lives of others, family members tell Daily Voice. Chad Stuart, 31, of Vineland, was pronounced brain dead on Sept. 24, his sister Mikaela Guzman said. A flag raising ceremony was held at the hospital where he had been treated on Tuesday, Sept. 27, to honor his organ donation. Walter J. Gilliano, 25, of Franklinville, was initially charged with attempted murder, after he shot Stuart in the head outside of Villari's Sports Bar around 4:45 a.m. Saturd…
Lower Merion-Narberth, PA
Obituaries
Marine From Philadelphia Wayson Lu Dies Suddenly, 27
A 27-year-old US Marine died suddenly on Thursday, Sept. 22, his family says. Wayson Lu served in the Marines since 2015, his sister, Lucy, said on a GoFundMe. Wayson was involved in the gaming world, where he was known as Katsui, she said. More than $8,900 had been raised on the GoFundMe as of Sunday, Sept. 25. "My brother deserves a military burial but due to a new law, he may or may not be eligible for one," Lucy writes. "In which case, we, his family, will have to pay for everything out of pocket."
Elizabeth, NJ
Police & Fire
US Marine Cadet Struck In Route 1&9 Crash Dies
An 18-year-old US Marine cadet who was struck last April in a hit-and-run crash on Route 1&9 has died. Rayan Bien-Aima was crossing the street at Aviation Plaza north, around 11:15 p.m. Monday, April 25, Linden Police Capt. Christopher Guenther said. He was struck by a dark-colored coupe or sedan was heading north on W. Edgar Road. The vehicle fled the scene and Bien-Aima remained hospitalized ever since. A GoFundMe page that seeks to raise $15,000 said he died on Saturday, July 2. "Rayan leaves behind his parents and four siblings, three of whom attend Rahway Public Schools,…
Towson, MD
Police & Fire
Aspiring Maryland Marine Michael Brown Dies, 20
An aspiring US Marine from Maryland was killed last month, his family in Maryland says. Michael Brown's life of service was cut short in the early hours of Monday, June 20, in a hit-and-run crash according to a GoFundMe launched by his sister, Kristin Brown. Details in the crash were not immediately known. Michael was "the sweetest kid" who "always gave his last and wanted nothing in return," who sought out a life of serving others by being a part of volunteer organizations such as the Rosedale Fire Department, his sister said. The GoFundMe was launched to help aid their family w…
Manassas, VA
Police & Fire
DWI Mom Had Unbelted 4-Year-Olds In Car During Virginia Crash: Police
A 29-year-old Virginia woman had been drinking when she crashed her sedan with two unbelted 4-year-old kids inside, authorities said. Christine Alexandra Biffar Christine Biffar in U.S. Marine UniformAJ Goldbloom hadn’t gotten far from her home before she crashed on the 12700 block of Gold Cup Trail in Manassas, where she lives, around 5 p.m. Saturday, July 3, Prince William County police said. Officers responding to the scene found Biffar had lost control of a 2022 Dodge Challenger and drove off the road where she struck a mailbox, an electrical box, and then a parked vehicle, police…
Newburgh, NY
News
Ex-US Marine From Hudson Valley Killed In Ukraine After Joining Fight Against Russia
A Hudson Valley man has been killed fighting alongside Ukraine this week, according to CNN. Willy Joseph Cancel, age 22, formerly of Orange County, was killed while working with a private military contracting company when he was killed on Monday, April 25, CNN reported. Cancel, a former US Marine, and a corrections officer in Tennessee, signed up to work for the company shortly after the war broke out a the end of February, his mother, Rebecca Cabrera confirmed to CNN. "He wanted to go over because he believed in what Ukraine was fighting for, and he wanted to be a part of it to …
White Plains, NY
News
Sarah Lawrence Sex Cult Leader In Bronxville Found Guilty On All Charges
Larry Ray, the leader of a sex cult run out of his daughter's dorm room at Sarah Lawrence College in Westchester, will face life in prison after being found guilty by a jury of sexually exploiting and trafficking girls. Ray, now 62 years old following multiple delays in his trial and prosecution, was found guilty of 15 counts that include racketeering, sex trafficking, conspiracy, forced labor, extortion, tax evasion, and other crimes in relation to his scheme. Related story - DOJ Accidentally Publishes List Of Alleged Clients In Sarah Lawrence Case It reportedly took the jury le…
Edison, NJ
Obituaries
Off-Duty Police Officer, Father Of 3 Killed In Central Jersey Crash
UPDATED: Authorities have released the name of the off-duty police officer killed in a crash in Perth Amboy on Wednesday night. Senior Police Officer Arcadio Rivera Jr., 54, was operating his personal vehicle off-duty and apparently had a medical emergency that caused him to crash into parked vehicles, according to initial reports. The scene of a fatal crash involving an off-duty Perth Amboy police officer. (Courtesy news12)news12 (screengrab) He was a former U.S. Marine and 26-year veteran of the police force. Rivera is survived by three children, Arcadio III, Luis Armando and Angel…
Edison, NJ
Police & Fire
Off-Duty Police Officer, Father Of 3 Killed In Central Jersey Crash
UPDATED: Authorities have released the name of the off-duty police officer killed in a crash in Perth Amboy on Wednesday night. Senior Police Officer Arcadio Rivera Jr., 54, was operating his personal vehicle off-duty and apparently had a medical emergency that caused him to crash into parked vehicles, according to initial reports. The scene of a fatal crash involving an off-duty Perth Amboy police officer. (Courtesy news12)news12 (screengrab) He was a former U.S. Marine and 26-year veteran of the police force. Rivera is survived by three children, Arcadio III, Luis Armando and Angel …
Hamilton Township, NJ
News
How Easy Was It For FBI To Find NJ Man Who Had Ashli Babbitt’s Blood On His Hands?
He literally had Ashli Babbitt’s blood on his hands. But that wasn’t what made it simple for the FBI to find and arrest Mercer County’s Thomas Baranyi for his role in last week’s attack on the U.S. Capitol building. Baranyi, a 28-year-old Peace Corps volunteer from Ewing who ended up in a viral video showing a reporter his bloody hand, was charged by the FBI Tuesday with disorderly conduct and being in a restricted building. Following a video-conferenced hearing in Newark, U.S. District Judge Cathy Waldor released the former wannabe U.S. Marine on a $100,000 unsecured bond and prohibited hi…
Rutherford, NJ
Lifestyle
Rutherford Councilwoman Picks Up Tab For U.S. Marine
That she was in the right place at the right time was not a question to Rutherford councilwoman Stephanie McGowan. The Felician University School of Education dean had specifically chosen Jim Dandy's for lunch Monday to see how its workforce development program with the university's special needs students was going. But when a U.S. Marine walked in and McGowan overheard him telling owner Brian Flynn he was new to the area, McGowan felt compelled to welcome him. She paid for his lunch -- and feels it was meant to be. "I wound up being there for two things that I'm most passionate about," …
Cliffside Park-Edgewater, NJ
Lifestyle
Ridgefield Marine's Car Was Ruined On Veteran's Day, Friend Hoping To Help
What should have been an honorable day for U.S. Marine Charles Whitlock of Ridgefield went terribly wrong when he hit a flood while driving on Route 46. It not only severely damaged his SUV -- it left Whitlock unable to get to and from his job on Long Island. Hoping to help him, a longtime friend has launched a GoFundMe campaign aimed at raising the estimated $5,000 he needs to repair the SUV or use to buy a replacement. "He is a Marine in everything he does," said Robin Daghlian-Curasco. That includes paying it forward. In 2004, chemical exposure during his service in the Gulf…
Newburgh, NY
Obituaries
Two Orange County Sheriff's Officers Die Suddenly
Two Orange County Sheriff's officers died suddenly over the past week. Officer Alecks S. Elia, 56, of New Windsor, died on Tuesday, Sept. 11, and Lt. Frank Maiorino, 47, of Westtown, died on Sunday, Sept. 16, at Orange Regional Medical Center, the department said. Elia, who worked for the department for just over 11 years, had also served as a U.S. Marine in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and in Afghanistan. In his free time, he also volunteered with the New Windsor Ambulance Service. He is survived by his wife Emelie, two daughters Kristine and Nicole, and his brother Er…
