Tag:

Self-Defense

Ex-Con Sentenced For Killing Philly Man At Atlantic City Apartment Complex: Prosecutors Ex-Con Sentenced For Killing Philly Man At Atlantic City Apartment Complex: Prosecutors
Ex-Con Sentenced For Killing Philly Man At Atlantic City Apartment Complex: Prosecutors An Atlantic City man will spend up to half a century in prison for killing a Philadelphia man at an apartment complex more than two years ago, authorities said. Kenneth Creek, 49, was sentenced on Thursday, Oct. 24 to 50 years in state prison, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release. A jury found him guilty of first-degree murder and second-degree possession of a weapon by a convicted felon on Tuesday, June 11. Atlantic City police responded to the South Carolina Apartments complex at 1300 Baltic Avenue just after midnight on Thursday, Aug. 25…
Son Of Former US Ambassador Killed Committing Road Rage; Dauphin Co. DA Son Of Former US Ambassador Killed Committing Road Rage; Dauphin Co. DA
Son Of Former US Ambassador Killed Committing Road Rage; Dauphin Co. DA The 52-year-old son of a former US Ambassador started a road rage incident that led to his death, the Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo announced on Tuesday, July 16. Paul Kattouf of Susquehanna Township was found shot dead in the 200 block of State Street (between Second and Third streets) around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, according to the releases by Harrisburg police and the Dauphin County Coroner's office.  "Officers in the area were also able to quickly stop and detain a person of interest," as stated in the police release.   Kattouf's autopsy was con…
Pizzeria Owner Who Killed Partner In Bucks Home Learns Her Sentence: DA Pizzeria Owner Who Killed Partner In Bucks Home Learns Her Sentence: DA
Pina's Pizza Murder: Maria Tolomello Gets Up To 40 Years Maria Tolomello will spend up to 40 years in a Pennsylvania prison for the murder of Giovanni Gallina, prosecutors said in a release. Tolomello, who owned Pina's Pizza in Chalfont together with Gallina, previously pleaded guilty to shooting the 64-year-old in the head.  She was arrested in March 2022 after police found Gallina's body wrapped in a blue tarp in a bedroom of their shared Hilltown home. Officers were sent for a welfare check when Gallina's son said he hadn't heard from his father in over a week. Tolomello reportedly told the son that Gallina was out of town.&nbs…
Allentown Autozone Shooter Sentenced For Attempted Murder: DA Allentown Autozone Shooter Sentenced For Attempted Murder: DA
Allentown Autozone Shooter Sentenced For Attempted Murder: DA A man who shot at multiple people in an Allentown parking lot last year will spend up to 15 years in prison, prosecutors say.  Joshua Ortiz, 28, pleaded guilty to attempted murder in April, said the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office.  Authorities have said Ortiz and 22-year-old Edgar Gonzalez got into an argument with another group last June 4. Ortiz and Gonzalez were in a sedan that followed the other group to the South Fifth Street Autozone parking lot, according to officials.  They blocked the victims from driving away before Ortiz got out of his sedan and ope…
Atlantic City Man Convicted Of Killing Philly Man At Apartment Complex: Prosecutors Atlantic City Man Convicted Of Killing Philly Man At Apartment Complex: Prosecutors
Atlantic City Man Convicted Of Killing Philly Man At Apartment Complex: Prosecutors An Atlantic City man was convicted of killing a Philadelphia man at an apartment complex, authorities said. A jury found 49-year-old Kenneth Creek guilty on Tuesday, June 11 of first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, and second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release. The court also found him guilty of second-degree certain persons not to possess firearms. Atlantic City police responded to the South Carolina Apartments complex at 1300 Baltic Avenue just after midni…
More Sought For Questioning After Off-Duty Cop Robbed Of Gun: Philly PD More Sought For Questioning After Off-Duty Cop Robbed Of Gun: Philly PD
More Sought For Questioning After Off-Duty Cop Robbed Of Gun: Philly PD Several men are sought for questioning in connection with the assault and robbery of an off-duty Philadelphia police officer, according to authorities.  The officer's personal gun was stolen in an attack on the 2100 block of West Oxford Street on Sunday morning, May 12, police said previously.  He "managed to disarm this offender and fire the attacker's weapon in self-defense" before the suspect fled in a black BMW sedan, according to PPD.  The suspect was arrested in Kensington on Sunday afternoon, and four women who were previously wanted for questioning have since be…
Security Guard Critical After Shooting At Philly Gas Station: Police Security Guard Critical After Shooting At Philly Gas Station: Police
Security Guard Critical After Shooting At Philly Gas Station: Police One person is dead and a security guard is critically injured following a confrontation at a Fairmount gas station Tuesday night, April 9, Philadelphia police say.  Authorities said it happened at 900 W. College Avenue around 7 p.m. The 30-year-old security guard and a 39-year-old man got into a "verbal altercation" before they exchanged gunfire, police believe.  The security guard was hit in the left thigh and hospitalized in "critical but stable condition," while the 39-year-old was shot in the face and torso and pronounced dead minutes later, PPD said.  Authorities b…
Pennsylvania Pizzeria Owner Admits To Killing Partner, Prosecutors Say Pennsylvania Pizzeria Owner Admits To Killing Partner, Prosecutors Say
Pina's Pizza Owner Convicted Of Partner's Murder: Bucks DA The part owner of Pina's Pizza in Chalfont admitted to killing her partner on Monday, April 8, according to the Bucks County District Attorney's Office.  Anna Maria Tolomello, 50, pleaded guilty to the third-degree murder of Giovanni Gallina, prosecutors said in a release.  Tolomello was arrested in March 2022 after police said they found 64-year-old Gallina's body wrapped in a blue tarp in a bedroom of their shared Hilltown home. Officers were sent for a welfare check when Gallina's son said he hadn't heard from his father in over a week.  Tolomello reportedly told him…
PA Dad Killed Woman Before His Son Shot Him In Self-Defense: Authorities PA Dad Killed Woman Before His Son Shot Him In Self-Defense: Authorities
PA Dad Killed Woman Before His Son Shot Him In Self-Defense: Authorities A Northumberland County man was shot dead by his son after killing a woman and threatening to harm others at a Lower Mahanoy home on Sunday night, Jan. 7, according to officials.   State police previously announced they were investigating the deaths of Tracey Adams and Brandi Hauck, who they said were found at 844 Malta Road around 5 p.m.  Investigators now say Adams was involved in a "verbal and physical" domestic dispute at a house on Adams Road earlier in the evening. The fight caused an adult woman and a daughter of Adams' to flee the home and go to Hauck's house on Malta…
Homeowner Kills Thanksgiving Burglar In Philadelphia: Police Homeowner Kills Thanksgiving Burglar In Philadelphia: Police
Homeowner Kills Thanksgiving Burglar In Philadelphia: Police A Philadelphia resident shot and killed a burglar on Thanksgiving, police said. The invasion happened on the 6100 block of City Avenue at the Tower Apartments, around 7:20 p.m., police said. A black man in his 20s broke into an apartment, but was struck once in the head by a bullet fired by the homeowner and pronounced dead at 7:10 p.m., police said. Two firearms were recovered, authorities said.
2 Stabbed, 1 Shot During Argument Between West Philly Neighbors: Police 2 Stabbed, 1 Shot During Argument Between West Philly Neighbors: Police
2 Stabbed, 1 Shot During Argument Between West Philly Neighbors: Police A dispute between West Philadelphia neighbors ended with two stabbings and a shooting early Wednesday morning, Nov. 15, officials told Daily Voice.  It happened in the living room of a home on the 800 block of North Preston Street, city police said.  During an argument, a 68-year-old man stabbed a 60-year-old woman multiple times in the abdomen and a 61-year-old man in the face and hand, police said.  He was shot in the left thigh and right hand "in self-defense," PPD said, and all three were taken to Presbyterian Hospital.  The woman and the 68-year-old man are critic…
PA Man Who Kept 'Bag Of Blood' After Brutal Killings, Burnings Learns His Fate: DA PA Man Who Kept 'Bag Of Blood' After Brutal Killings, Burnings Learns His Fate: DA
PA Man Who Kept 'Bag Of Blood' After Brutal Killings, Burnings Learns His Fate: DA A 39-year-old man has been sentenced for killing two men and burning their bodies in an attempt to cover up his crimes, according to a release by the Lancaster County District Attorney's office on Wednesday, Nov. 7. Ezequiel "Zeke" Almodovar of the 1500 block of Hunsecker Road was convicted of two counts of first-degree homicide, one count of reckless burning or exploding, two counts of abuse of a corpse, and one count of tampering with or fabricating on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, the DA previously said and court records confirmed.  The conviction cames at the end of an eight-day jur…
Sex Assault Suspect Whacked With Machete In Philadelphia: Police Sex Assault Suspect Whacked With Machete In Philadelphia: Police
Sex Assault Suspect Whacked With Machete In Philadelphia: Police A 24-year-old woman struck a 43-year-old man in the head with a machete after he sexually assaulted her in Philadelphia, police said. The incident happened at a hotel on the 1200 block of Vine Street around 10:35 a.m. Sunday, July 30, according to a spokeswoman for the Philadelphia Police Department. The man was taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and placed in stable condition, and treated as a prisoner, police said.
Robbers Shot By Pizza Deliveryman In PA: Police Robbers Shot By Pizza Deliveryman In PA: Police
Robbers Shot By Pizza Deliveryman In PA: Police One suspect is hospitalized and another is on the run after Philadelphia police say they were shot by a delivery driver who they tried to rob.  It happened in Chestnut Hill just before midnight on Wednesday, July 19, the department told Daily Voice.  When the would-be robbers approached the victim on the 7700 block of Stenton Avenue, police say he opened fire, striking one of the suspects "in the buttocks."  The wounded suspect, identified only as a 23-year-old man, was treated at Einstein Medical Center and is in stable condition with criminal charges pending, police said.&…
Deadly Shooting At Allentown AutoZone Was 'Justified,' DA Says Deadly Shooting At Allentown AutoZone Was 'Justified,' DA Says
Deadly Shooting At Allentown AutoZone Was 'Justified,' DA Says The man who shot and killed another at an Allentown Autozone early last month will face no charges, Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin's Office announced in a release.  Twenty-two-year-old Edgar Gonzalez was fatally shot in the parking lot at 1871 South 5th St. on June 4, in what prosecutors are now calling an act of self-defense.  A second victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at an area hospital, authorities said then.  Now, the DA's Office says the gunfight followed an "altercation and confrontation" between two groups of people that began at the ne…
Deadly Horsham Cemetery Shooting Was Self-Defense: Montco DA Deadly Horsham Cemetery Shooting Was Self-Defense: Montco DA
Deadly Horsham Cemetery Shooting Was Self-Defense: Montco DA The fatal shooting of a man at a Horsham cemetery during a birthday celebration last month was justified, and no criminal charges will be filed, says the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office in a release.  Daniel Hawkins, a 29-year-old Philadelphia resident, was gunned down at Whitemarsh Memorial Park on Saturday, March 18, Daily Voice has reported. Another Philly man, 33-year-old Arian Davis, was treated at Abington Hospital for gunshot wounds to his jaw, leg, and hand.  Now, prosecutors say that Davis killed Hawkins in self-defense.  Davis and others…
Cyclist Stabs Would-Be Robber With Own Knife: Philly Police Cyclist Stabs Would-Be Robber With Own Knife: Philly Police
Cyclist Stabs Would-Be Robber With Own Knife: Philly Police A knife-wielding robber ended up hospitalized with multiple stab wounds when he tried to rob the wrong cyclist, Philadelphia police told Daily Voice.  A 31-year-old man was riding his bike on the 1200 block of Walnut Street in Center City at about 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, when a suspect approached him with a knife, the department said.  The victim lunged for the knife and struggled briefly against the suspect before prying it from his hands and stabbing the would-be thief in his neck and back, authorities claimed.  The suspect made one final effort to ride away on the 31…
Gunman Who Killed 2, Hurt 1 In Bucks Bar Shooting Acted In Self-Defense: DA Gunman Who Killed 2, Hurt 1 In Bucks Bar Shooting Acted In Self-Defense: DA
Gunman Who Killed 2, Hurt 1 In Bucks Bar Shooting Acted In Self-Defense: DA The gunman who fatally shot two men and injured another at a Bucks County bar had acted in self-defense and will not be charged, authorities said. Liam Hughes, 21, was leaving Steam Pub and Restaurant in Upper Southampton late on Friday, Oct. 7 when 30-year-old Steven Panebianco of Bensalem, 28-year-old Raymond Farrell and 24-year-old Richard Bowman gathered near his car and confronted him, Bucks County District Attorney Matthew Weintraub said. Surveillance footage shows Panebianco, Farrell and Bowman attacking Hughes, punching him in the head and face even after he fall…
Fatal Shooting In Allentown Was Self-Defense, DA Says Fatal Shooting In Allentown Was Self-Defense, DA Says
Fatal Shooting In Allentown Was Self-Defense, DA Says An Allentown resident was defending themself when they fatally shot a man who forced his way into a home with three others this past summer, authorities have ruled. "The homicide was justified on the basis of self-defense," Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin announced on Wednesday, Oct. 19. The trouble began on the 700 block of North 11th Street on July 9. Edwin Diaz-Rivera, 37, and the home's residents got into a dispute that investigators say was paused when Diaz-Rivera told them he would return to the home with weapons and other people. Diaz-Rivera left and eventually retu…
Reading Officer Justified In Shooting Wanted Man Outside Wawa, DA Says Reading Officer Justified In Shooting Wanted Man Outside Wawa, DA Says
Reading Officer Justified In Shooting Wanted Man Outside Wawa, DA Says A Reading police officer was justified in shooting a wanted man who had struck him with his car while trying to flee from a Wawa parking lot last month, authorities said. "The actions of a Reading police officer on September 14, 2022, was a reasonable act of self-defense and defense of another," District Attorney John T. Adams announced on Wednesday, Oct. 5. Emanuel Padilla-Tirado, 31, had a warrant out for his arrest in connection with a Sept. 9 shooting in the city, when undercover and uniformed officers spotted his 2012 Chevrolet Malibu parked at the Wawa store on the 400 …
NJ Daughter Who Used Broomstick To Fatally Beat Mom Was Acting In Self-Defense: Report NJ Daughter Who Used Broomstick To Fatally Beat Mom Was Acting In Self-Defense: Report
NJ Daughter Who Used Broomstick To Fatally Beat Mom Was Acting In Self-Defense: Report An 80-year-old woman told police her 65-year-old daughter from South Jersey beat her with a broomstick three days before she died of her injuries in the attack, NJ Advance Media reports. The alleged assailant's defense attorney, though, says she was acting in self-defense. Florence Dicriscio told officers arriving at the Woodmont Circle in Washington Township on Aug. 6 that Loretta A. Barr struck her in the head with a broom and beat her up, then locked her out of the apartment, NJ.com says. Barr's attorney, Mark Bernstein, said Dicriscio suffered Alzheimer's and dementia, and of…
Assault Charges Dropped Against Football Player Who Decked Combative Airline Employee In Newark Assault Charges Dropped Against Football Player Who Decked Combative Airline Employee In Newark
Assault Charges Dropped Against Football Player Who Decked Combative Airline Employee In Newark A former NFL player who laid out a United Airlines employee after getting sucker-slapped during a now-infamous clash at Newark Airport reportedly is no longer facing charges. Simple assault charges against Brendan Langley were dropped after authorities determined that he'd used reasonable force during a May incident that went viral, his lawyer told TMZ Sports. "We are grateful for the Court’s decision which puts an end to this ordeal that began nearly two months ago when Mr. Langley was assaulted then wrongfully arrested and charged for exercising his rights under the law," attorney Halim …
PA Woman Convicted Of Brother's Christmas Eve Murder PA Woman Convicted Of Brother's Christmas Eve Murder
PA Woman Convicted Of Brother's Christmas Eve Murder A Dauphin County jury has convicted a 28-year-old woman of third-degree murder in her brother's Christmas Eve murder in 2020. Nafiisah McNeill initially tried to claim she stabbed Leon White-Jones dead in self-defense, in front of her sister's home on the 2400 block of North 4th Street in Harrisburg in 2020, Dauphin County District Attorney's Office. The jury rejected McNeill's claim, though. After the stabbing, McNeill fled and tried ti dispose of the knife, then went into her sister's home while the police were at the scene, the DA's office said. Chief Deputy District Attorney …
PA Man Killed Neighbor In Self Defense: Report PA Man Killed Neighbor In Self Defense: Report
PA Man Killed Neighbor In Self Defense: Report A Pennsylvania man who fatally shot his neighbor earlier this year in the Lehigh Valley will not be charged, LehighValleyLive reports. The unidentified man, who legally owns a firearm, was defending himself on Feb. 10 when he shot 36-year-old Vincent Bynum, of Allentown, the outlet says citing Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin. Before being shot, Bynum allegedly assaulted two residents outside of a West Allen Street home while under the influence of alcohol and hallucinogenic drugs, according to the outlet.  An autopsy ruled Bynum's death a homicide, the Lehigh…
CHILLING VIDEO: Cliffside Park Woman Furiously Fights Off Attacker CHILLING VIDEO: Cliffside Park Woman Furiously Fights Off Attacker
Chilling Video: Cliffside Park Woman Furiously Fights Off Attacker Chilling security video shows a Cliffside Park woman furiously fighting off a mugger after he jumped her from behind and tried to drag her into a stairwell. Refusing to become a victim, the 37-year-old woman scratched and clawed her attacker, who ran away -- then was caught by borough police moments later, Deputy Police Chief Vincent Capano said. Chilling footage shows a man whom police identified as Guatemalan national Marcelo Seten following the woman on Anderson Avenue shortly before 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 14. As they reach the corner at Oakdene Avenue, the would-be robber grabs her a…
Man Shoots, Kills Would-Be Robber In Philly: Report Man Shoots, Kills Would-Be Robber In Philly: Report
Man Shoots, Kills Would-Be Robber In Philly: Report A man shot and killed a would-be robber late Wednesday, May 11 in South Philadelphia, CBS3 reports. The 24-year-old man was smoking a cigarette outside when a man on a bike approached him with a gun and tried to rob him on 6th Street and Jackson Street around 11:30 p.m., the outlet says.  That's when the man, who is legally allowed to carry a gun, shot the suspect in the head, who then returned fire but missed, according to the outlet. As the investigation continues, it is unclear whether any charges will be filed. Click here for more from CBS3.
Man Wrestles Gun From Teen Robbers And Kills Them Both In PA, Authorities Say Man Wrestles Gun From Teen Robbers And Kills Them Both In PA, Authorities Say
Man Wrestles Gun From Teen Robbers And Kills Them Both In PA, Authorities Say A man being robbed by two teenage boys wrestled a gun from one of the boys and used it to kill them both in Pennsylvania, authorities said. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. in an alley behind 334 Warren St., in Norristown, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele said. The shooter and would-be robbery victim was questioned and released. This is a developing story. Check back for more.
Woman Shoots Pizzeria Owner BF In Head, Hides His Body In Bedroom For 13 Days: DA Woman Shoots Pizzeria Owner BF In Head, Hides His Body In Bedroom For 13 Days: DA
Woman Shoots Pizzeria Owner BF In Head, Hides His Body In Bedroom For 13 Days: DA A 48-year-old woman admitted to shooting and killing her longtime partner, the owner of a Pennsylvania pizzeria, then hiding his body in her bedroom for 13 days, authorities said. Anna Maria Tolomello was arraigned Wednesday, March 30, on charges of homicide, abuse of a corpse, evidence tampering, and related offenses in the death of Giovanni Gallina, 65, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office said. The couple owned Pina’s Pizza in Chalfont. Tolomello wrapped Gallina's body in a blue tarp inside their Limekiln Pike home in the Chalfont section of Hilltown Township after …
Man Was High On Mushrooms When Coworker Killed Him In PA Cabin: DA Man Was High On Mushrooms When Coworker Killed Him In PA Cabin: DA
Man Was High On Mushrooms When Coworker Killed Him In PA Cabin: DA What a family believed was a “modern-day lynching,” appears to have been a case of a hallucinogenic drug trip turned deadly, authorities say. Peter Bernardo Spencer, 29, of Pittsburgh, was found dead in the front yard of a home his coworkers had rented and invited him to in Rockland Township on Dec. 12, at 2:26 a.m. by state police, according to a release by the Venango County district attorney’s office in January. “We believe in this case that there is enough evidence presented for self-defense that we are not going to be able to overcome our burden and show this was not self-defense bey…
DA: PA Woman Acted In Self-Defense In Stabbing Death Of Lover In Berks County DA: PA Woman Acted In Self-Defense In Stabbing Death Of Lover In Berks County
DA: PA Woman Acted In Self-Defense In Stabbing Death Of Lover In Berks County A Pennsylvania woman will not face any criminal charges for fatally stabbing her lover last year in Berks County as her actions were those of self-defense, authorities said. The woman, solely identified as the paramour of Terance M. Myers Sr., "was reasonable in her belief that she was in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury due to Myers’ actions of advancing and lunging towards her with a knife," Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams said. Officers responding to a home in the 4300 block of Hillside Road in Exeter Township on Dec. 14, 2020, found 35-year-o…
Pottstown Stabbing Ruled Self-Defense, Police Say Pottstown Stabbing Ruled Self-Defense, Police Say
Pottstown Stabbing Ruled Self-Defense, Police Say Police in Montgomery County have ruled that a stabbing in Pottstown on Wednesday night was in self-defense. Officers found 38-year-old Johon Ford, of Norristown with a minor stab wound to his upper chest at 24 N. Charlotte Street around 8:40 p.m., according to Pottstown police chief Michael Markovich. He was taken to Reading Hospital where he was released before investigators were able to interview him, police said. The incident began when Ford got into a physical altercation with 36-year-old Alexander Watkins, of Pottstown over money, Markovich said. During the argument, Ford was st…