New Mexico family shooting, quadruple homicide, teenage suspect arrest, Valencia County crime, family murder case, juvenile crime*
A 16-year-old boy was arrested Saturday after allegedly shooting four family members to death in their Valencia County, New Mexico home and confessing to dispatchers in an early morning 911 call.
State Police spokesman Ray Wilson reported the heavily intoxicated suspect surrendered peacefully to county deputies, walking out of the house with his hands raised around 3:30 a.m. Inside, authorities discovered four victims and a handgun on the kitchen table.
The juvenile suspect was transported to a hospital for detoxification before facing detention on four counts of murder. The New Mexico Office of the Medical Examiner is working to confirm the victims’ identities.
The State Police has taken over the quadruple homicide investigation from the county sheriff’s office. The suspect’s identity is being withheld due to his age.
Israel has appealed the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as the death toll in Gaza approaches 45,000, according to Palestinian health authorities.
The ICC warrants accuse Netanyahu and Gallant of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including “the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare” and “murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts.” Israel, which is not a member of the ICC, rejected the accusations as unfounded. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein said Sunday that Israel “categorically rejects the baseless accusations” and vowed to defend its actions.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed at least 26 people on Sunday, including 16 at a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in the north. This followed a wave of strikes on Saturday that left 49 dead, including women, children, and a two-day-old infant.
Palestinian health officials said the humanitarian situation is worsening, with the accumulation of bodies in the streets creating a public health crisis. Mohammed Abu Afash, director of Palestinian Medical Relief, described the conditions as an “environmental disaster,” warning of stray animals scavenging remains. Limited medical supplies and fuel, delivered by the World Health Organization, have failed to address the growing needs amid the ongoing siege.
Tensions are also rising in the Israeli-occupied West Bank after violent clashes in the city of Jenin between Palestinian Authority forces and local militants. At least one person was killed, and the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) temporarily suspended services in Jenin Camp due to the unrest, leaving residents without access to schools, healthcare, and other essential services. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini called on all parties to uphold international law and protect civilians.
Israel’s government has further approved plans to expand settlements in the occupied Golan Heights, allocating over $11 million to double the population in the area, which was seized from Syria in 1967. Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed the plan a day after speaking with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump about regional issues in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and the threat posed by Iran.
Diplomatic relations have continued to fray as Israel announced the closure of Ireland’s embassy in response to what Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called “extreme anti-Israel policies.” The move follows Ireland’s call for the International Court of Justice to broaden its definition of genocide, accusing Israel of collective punishment in Gaza.
The siege of Gaza, now in its 15th month, was triggered by the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in approximately 250 hostages being taken. Since then, nearly 45,000 people in Gaza have been killed, the majority of them women and children. Health officials report that over 105,000 people have been injured, with many still trapped under rubble.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, international scrutiny of Israel’s actions continues to grow. The escalating death toll and worsening conditions in Gaza have sparked widespread condemnation, with aid agencies warning that critical supplies remain insufficient to meet the dire needs of the population.
Amad Diallo delivered a stunning 90th-minute winner as Manchester United staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat Manchester City 2-1 in Sunday’s Premier League derby at the Etihad Stadium.
Trailing 1-0 after Josko Gvardiol’s first-half header, United clawed their way back when Bruno Fernandes equalized from the penalty spot in the 88th minute. Moments later, Diallo completed the turnaround, calmly flicking the ball past Ederson to secure victory and hand manager Ruben Amorim a memorable win in his first Manchester derby.
City fans expressed their frustration at full time, with boos echoing around the stadium. Pep Guardiola’s side extended their dismal run to just one win in their last 11 matches across all competitions, putting their Premier League title defense in jeopardy.
Key Takeaways from the Manchester Derby
Amad Diallo Emerges as United’s Star Performer
Amad Diallo, now fully fit, showcased his immense potential with a game-changing performance. The 22-year-old winger won the crucial penalty that leveled the score and then delivered the match-winner. His pace, creativity, and relentless energy have made him Amorim’s first choice in attack, relegating Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho to the sidelines. This performance signals the start of what could be a breakout season for Diallo.
Manchester City’s Confidence Continues to Crumble
City appeared on course for a much-needed victory but faltered late. Defensive errors gifted United their opportunities, and City’s inability to create chances in the second half highlighted their struggles. With Guardiola’s team now nine points behind league leaders Liverpool, the prospect of a fifth consecutive Premier League title looks increasingly unlikely.
Rashford and Garnacho’s Futures in Doubt
Amorim’s decision to drop Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from the derby squad underscores a significant shift in United’s attacking priorities. Both players, reportedly informed via WhatsApp, trained separately on match day. Rashford, in particular, has been on the periphery under successive managers, and United are reportedly open to offers for him. January could see significant squad reshuffling as Amorim looks to reinforce other areas, including left back, central midfield, and center forward.
Elsewhere in the Premier League
Ismaila Sarr starred for Crystal Palace, scoring twice and providing an assist in a 3-1 victory over Brighton at the Amex Stadium. Trevoh Chalobah opened the scoring for Palace, with Sarr doubling the lead in the 33rd minute. Sarr added a second late in the match before Marc Guehi’s own goal gave Brighton a consolation. Palace’s win lifted them four points clear of the relegation zone, while Brighton’s winless run extended to four games.
Five people died in a series of shootings near Dunkirk in northern France, including an attack near a migrant camp, before a 22-year-old suspect surrendered to police. The incident marks one of the region’s deadliest shooting sprees in recent memory.
According to Dunkirk prosecutor Charlotte Huet, the violence began in Wormhout with the killing of a 29-year-old man outside his home at 15:15 local time. The shooter then moved to Loon-Plage, where he killed two security guards, aged 33 and 37, near a port facility, followed by the deaths of two migrant camp residents, aged 19 and 30.
All five murders occurred within a two-hour window in the Dunkirk area. The suspect, previously unknown to police, was found with multiple firearms in his vehicle. Dunkirk Mayor Patrice Vergriete indicated that the motive for the attacks remains unclear.
The shootings occurred near Loon-Plage’s temporary migrant settlements, an area known for housing individuals attempting to cross the Channel to the UK. Local authorities, including regional assembly head Xavier Bertrand, confirmed the “tragic event” as emergency services maintained a significant presence in the area.
SpaceX has formally requested an election to incorporate its Starbase facility as a new Texas city, marking a significant expansion of its presence in the state’s southernmost region. The petition, submitted by local residents and announced in a letter to Cameron County officials Thursday, aims to transform the rocket manufacturing and launch site into an official municipality.
The move follows Elon Musk’s earlier relocation of both SpaceX and X company headquarters from California to Texas, with Starbase currently employing over 3,400 full-time workers and contractors. Kathryn Lueders, Starbase’s general manager, emphasized the need for community growth to support the site’s expanding workforce and Starship rocket development.
Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. confirmed this marks the first official incorporation petition, despite Musk’s previous 2021 social media announcement about creating “the city of Starbase.” The county’s legal team will review the petition for compliance with statutory requirements.
The expansion has faced local opposition, including a lawsuit from Save RGV alleging environmental violations, though SpaceX maintains state reviews found no risks. The proposed city would be located at Boca Chica Beach near the Mexican border.
Five members of the notorious “Bali Nine” drug trafficking group returned to Australia on Sunday as free citizens after spending nearly 20 years in Indonesian prisons, following a diplomatic agreement between both nations.
Matthew Norman, Scott Rush, Martin Stephens, Si Yi Chen, and Michael Czugaj flew from Bali to Darwin under a carefully managed transfer operation, marking the end of their incarceration for attempting to smuggle 8.3 kilograms of heroin to Australia in 2005.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed their release while acknowledging Indonesia’s “compassionate consideration,” though Indonesian Law Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra clarified the men were not pardoned but transferred under a new bilateral arrangement signed December 12.
The release represents the latest chapter in the infamous Bali Nine case, which saw two ringleaders executed by firing squad in 2015, causing diplomatic tensions between the nations. Another member died in custody in 2018, while Renae Lawrence was previously released in 2018.
The Australian government has offered the returning men temporary accommodation and support services. Their families issued a statement requesting privacy as the men begin their rehabilitation and reintegration into Australian society.
Cyclone Chido has claimed at least 11 lives in the French territory of Mayotte, with authorities warning the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue, France’s Interior Ministry said Sunday.
The intense tropical cyclone, which brought winds exceeding 220 kph (136 mph), struck the southeastern Indian Ocean region, causing widespread destruction in Mayotte, Comoros, and Madagascar. Chido, now classified as a Category 4 storm, made landfall Sunday in northern Mozambique, where millions are at risk.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said Mayotte had suffered its worst cyclone in 90 years, leaving extensive damage to infrastructure and communities. Prime Minister François Bayrou confirmed severe damage to the island’s main hospital, airport, and public facilities.
Mayotte’s population of 300,000, spread across two main islands, experienced significant devastation, with entire neighborhoods flattened and boats overturned. The local prefect described the cyclone’s impact as catastrophic, particularly for those living in precarious housing conditions.
The Interior Ministry reported 246 injuries in Mayotte, with nine people critically injured. Emergency personnel from France and Reunion were deployed, with reinforcements and supplies being sent by military aircraft and ships. A force of 1,600 police and gendarmerie officers has been mobilized to assist residents and prevent looting.
French President Emmanuel Macron said he was monitoring the situation closely, and Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims during his visit to Corsica.
In Mozambique, Cyclone Chido made landfall in Cabo Delgado province, where 2.5 million people are at risk. UNICEF reported extensive damage to homes, schools, and health facilities, warning of potential long-term disruptions to basic services. Neighboring Malawi and Zimbabwe are bracing for flooding and possible evacuations.
Southern Africa’s cyclone season, which lasts from December to March, has seen increasingly devastating storms. Cyclone Idai in 2019 killed more than 1,300 people, while Cyclone Freddy left over 1,000 dead last year. Chido adds to growing concerns over the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the lingering threat of disease outbreaks, including cholera, dengue fever, and malaria.
A Lebanese man who spent 32 years in Syrian prisons returned home Sunday, reuniting with his family after an unexpected release amid chaos in war-torn Syria.
Suheil Hamwi, 60, was one of hundreds of Lebanese citizens detained during Syria’s occupation of Lebanon from 1976 to 2005. He was taken in 1992 from his home in Chekka, a northern Lebanese town, by unknown men. His family heard little from him for years.
Freedom came suddenly as opposition forces overran the prison in Latakia where Hamwi was held. Guards abandoned their posts, and prisoners were freed. “The first door opened,” Hamwi recalled. “Then others followed. And for those who couldn’t open their gates, they started coming out through the walls.”
Hamwi crossed into Lebanon through the Arida border crossing, where his family awaited. He walked into his home — the same one he left decades ago — and met his grandchildren for the first time. “I’m still scared this might not be real,” he told The Associated Press from his living room, surrounded by photos of family moments he had missed.
Hamwi was detained under unclear circumstances in 1992. He described interrogations in Syria’s Saydnaya prison as cryptic and said he spent years in near-total isolation, enduring torture early on. Visits from his wife, Josephine, began in 2008 and occurred about once a year.
On Sunday, neighbors and friends gathered outside Hamwi’s apartment, sharing laughter and sweets as they welcomed him back. “Do you know me? Do you remember me?” one friend asked. Hamwi studied the man’s face before replying, “You’re Jean! Yes, you’re Jean.”
Hamwi has since undergone medical tests to assess the toll of his captivity and is adjusting to life outside prison walls. He looks forward to reuniting with his only son, George, an engineer working in the Gulf. In their first phone call, George told his father, “I miss you. I love you. I’m waiting to see you.”
Iranian authorities have arrested a female singer after she performed a virtual concert on YouTube without wearing a hijab, a lawyer said Sunday.
Parastoo Ahmady, 27, was detained on Saturday in Sari, the capital of Iran’s northern Mazandaran province, according to her lawyer, Milad Panahipour. The arrest follows a judiciary case filed Thursday concerning Ahmady’s concert, during which she wore a sleeveless black dress without a hijab. She was accompanied by four male musicians.
Ahmady had shared the concert online the previous day, stating in the post, “I am Parastoo, a girl who wants to sing for the people I love. This is a right I could not ignore; singing for the land I love passionately.” The performance has since garnered more than 1.4 million views.
Panahipour told The Associated Press that the charges against Ahmady remain unclear, as do the details of her detention. “We do not know who arrested her or where she is being held, but we will follow up on the matter through legal channels,” he said.
Under Iranian law, women are prohibited from appearing in public without a hijab or singing solo for mixed-gender audiences. These restrictions have been in place since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which also banned women from singing or dancing altogether before gradually allowing limited performances under strict conditions.
The hijab has been a contentious political symbol in Iran. Protests erupted across the country in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, after she was detained by the morality police for allegedly violating hijab laws. While enforcement of the dress code became less strict in the aftermath of those protests, Iranian authorities have recently intensified their efforts to uphold Islamic dress rules.
An American couple from Sacramento, California, were fatally shot Wednesday when their pickup truck came under gunfire in Mexico’s Michoacan state, marking another violent incident in the country’s ongoing drug-related conflicts.
Rafael Cardona and his wife Gloria Ambriz were killed in Angamacutiro, a town near the border of Guanajuato state, which currently leads Mexico in homicides due to territorial disputes between drug cartels. Cardona was reportedly the brother-in-law of Angamacutiro’s mayor.
State prosecutors have launched an investigation into the shooting but have not yet identified suspects or established a motive. The town government has cancelled its scheduled Christmas season events in response to the tragedy.
The incident occurred in a region notorious for cartel violence, where rival drug organizations frequently clash for control of territory. Guanajuato’s border area has become particularly dangerous as competing gangs fight for dominance.
