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Missouri Death Row Inmate Marcellus Williams’ Final Words Revealed Before Execution

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Marcellus Williams, a 55-year-old death row inmate in Missouri, was executed Tuesday evening, with his final eight-word statement revealed as: “All Praise Be To Allah In Every Situation!!!”

Williams was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.m. at the Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre, following the administration of a fatal dose of pentobarbital. Witnesses reported that Williams, covered in a white sheet, moved slightly before his chest heaved about half a dozen times and then stopped.

Prior to the execution, Williams was served a final meal of chicken wings and tater tots. His son, attorneys, and Imam Jalahii Kacem were present for the execution, according to Karen Pojmann, a spokeswoman for the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Williams had been on death row since 2001 for the 1998 murder of Felicia “Lisha” Gayle, a former newspaper reporter. His case has been marked by years of legal challenges and lingering questions about his guilt.

Despite last-minute appeals and concerns raised by various organizations, including the NAACP and U.S. Representative Cori Bush, Governor Michael Parson allowed the execution to proceed. Parson stated, “Two decades of judicial proceedings and more than 15 judicial hearings upheld this guilty conviction; thus the order of execution has been carried out.”

The execution went forward even as recent legal efforts focused on allegations of racial bias in jury selection and concerns about DNA evidence. St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell had raised issues about the DNA evidence on the murder weapon, but new testing revealed contamination of the evidence.

The United States Supreme Court denied Williams’ final appeal just over an hour before the scheduled execution time. Defense attorney Tricia Rojo Bushnell criticized the decision, stating, “The execution of an innocent person is the most extreme manifestation of Missouri’s obsession with ‘finality’ over truth, justice and humanity at any cost.”

As Williams’ final words echo, his execution continues to fuel debate about the death penalty, racial bias in the justice system, and the handling of potentially exculpatory evidence in capital cases.

Chelsea Cruise to 5-0 Victory Over Barrow in Carabao Cup Fourth Round

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Chelsea comfortably advanced to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a commanding 5-0 victory over League Two side Barrow at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

Christopher Nkunku was the star of the show, netting an impressive hat-trick for the Premier League giants. Pedro Neto also found the scoresheet, while an own goal from Barrow goalkeeper Paul Farman further extended Chelsea’s lead.

Despite making 11 changes to their starting lineup, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca fielded a strong side, opting to keep academy players on the bench. The Blues’ quality shone through from the outset, with Nkunku opening the scoring after just eight minutes. The French forward latched onto a brilliantly scooped pass from Joao Felix, volleying home with precision.

Nkunku doubled Chelsea’s lead seven minutes later, this time finishing off a low cross from Malo Gusto with a delightful flick. The rout continued when Felix’s free-kick struck the post and deflected in off the unfortunate Farman for an own goal shortly before the half-hour mark.

The second half began as the first ended, with Chelsea in complete control. Neto tapped home two minutes after the restart following a swift counter-attack and assist from Mykhailo Mudryk. Nkunku completed his hat-trick with 15 minutes remaining, capitalizing on a mistake by Farman to slot into an empty net.

Barrow, to their credit, showed moments of resilience, with substitute Katia Kouyate making a positive impact. However, the League Two side struggled to create clear-cut chances against Chelsea’s resolute defense.

The result showcased Chelsea’s strength in depth and served as a confidence boost for Maresca’s squad as they continue their pursuit of silverware this season. For Barrow, the heavy defeat marks the end of their Carabao Cup journey, but the experience of facing top-tier opposition at Stamford Bridge will undoubtedly be valuable for the club’s development.

Chelsea now await the fourth-round draw, as they look to progress further in a competition they last won in 2015.

Former New York Judge Dies by Suicide as FBI Arrives to Make Arrest

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Stewart Rosenwasser, a 72-year-old retired judge and former prosecutor, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound Tuesday as FBI agents arrived at his $430,000 home in Campbell Hall, New York, to arrest him on federal bribery charges.

The FBI confirmed an “agent-involved shooting” occurred during the morning raid but provided no further details, citing an ongoing review by the bureau’s Inspection Division.

According to an indictment unsealed hours after Rosenwasser’s death, he allegedly accepted $63,000 in bribes while working at the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. The charges stem from his involvement in a case concerning Mout’z “Marty” Soudani, whose nephew Martin Soudani was convicted last year of stealing $1.9 million from him.

Prosecutors allege Rosenwasser and Mout’z Soudani had a 40-year acquaintance, with Rosenwasser previously representing Soudani as a private attorney in the 1990s. The indictment claims Soudani paid Rosenwasser to prosecute his own family members, leading to the arrests of Martin Soudani and his mother, Eman, in Colorado.

Rosenwasser and Soudani were charged with conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, and honest services wire fraud. Rosenwasser faced additional charges of extortion and making false statements to the FBI following a June interview.

The former judge abruptly resigned from the District Attorney’s Office three days after the FBI interview, ending his five-year tenure there. Rosenwasser had previously served as a county court judge and acting New York state Supreme Court Justice from 1999 to 2006.

Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler expressed condolences, stating, “It’s truly heartbreaking that it ended this way. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.”

Rosenwasser was known as “Maximum Stew” for his tough stance on violent crime during his judicial career. In November 2023, he received the “Arson Prosecutor of the Year” award and had previously led the Orange County DA’s “Conviction Integrity Unit.”

The integrity of cases Rosenwasser oversaw as assistant DA will reportedly be reviewed following these revelations.

Rosenwasser’s son, Jason, a former Chief Trial Assistant District Attorney in Orange County, commented on the incident, noting discrepancies between local news reports of his father’s suicide and the FBI’s statement regarding an “agent-involved shooting.”

Daily MailOnline

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s $68M Beverly Hills Home Sale Hits Snag

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Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s attempt to sell their $68 million Beverly Hills mansion has encountered a significant obstacle, sources close to the situation reported Tuesday.

The former couple, currently navigating a “tricky” divorce with the help of attorney Laura Wasser, had accepted a $64 million offer from an unidentified New Jersey couple. However, the sale is now in jeopardy after the buyers unexpectedly pulled out of escrow following a death in their family.

Affleck, 52, and Lopez, 55, purchased the property in May 2023 for $60.8 million, investing several million more in renovations. The 38,000-square-foot estate, known as Crestview Manor, boasts 12 bedrooms, 24 bathrooms, a guest penthouse, and numerous luxury amenities including a home gym, sports lounge, and pickleball courts.

The potential sale of this property is crucial in dividing the couple’s estimated $550 million in assets. Lopez’s fortune accounts for approximately $400 million of their combined wealth, while Affleck is reportedly worth $150 million. Notably, the couple wed in 2022 without a prenuptial agreement.

A source revealed to People magazine that the mansion purchase was “Ben’s idea and a major compromise for her.” The insider added that Lopez agreed to the property due to its spacious layout, which could accommodate both their families.

As the divorce proceedings continue, sources indicate that the separation of assets “has the potential to get ugly” due to the absence of a prenup. California state law dictates that only income and assets earned during their marriage are subject to division.

The couple is currently in mediation, a faster alternative to traditional divorce proceedings. Despite the legal challenges, both Affleck and Lopez were seen attending their children’s back-to-school night in Los Angeles on Tuesday, appearing friendly and relaxed according to attendees.

While the New Jersey buyers have backed out of escrow, they reportedly remain interested in the property. The outcome of this high-profile real estate transaction could significantly impact the ongoing divorce settlement between the two Hollywood stars.

Diddy’s Former Bodyguard Denies Rape Allegations, Claims No Relationship with Rapper

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Joseph Sherman, known as “Big Joe,” a former bodyguard for Sean “Diddy” Combs, has categorically denied allegations of rape and claimed he has no relationship with the rapper, following a lawsuit filed Tuesday. This comes in the wake of Combs’ federal indictment on sex trafficking charges.

Joseph Sherman, known as Big Joe, and his former boss Diddy have been accused of raping a woman in the Bad Boy studios in New York back in 2001. He is pictured here pouring alcohol on a half-naked woman’s body

Sherman and Combs are accused of drugging and raping Thalia Graves when she was 25 years old at Bad Boy studios in New York in 2001. The lawsuit alleges the assault was recorded and later distributed as pornography.

In an exclusive interview, Sherman vehemently denied the accusations, stating, “I know for a fact that this is a money grab. I’ve never seen this lady. Don’t have any tape of her like she says I have. I’ve never seen her. I never did anything with her. I don’t know, none of this. I don’t even know this lady.”

The alleged victim, Thalia Graves, says the music mogul, 54, and his head of security Joseph Sherman raped her at the Bad Boy Records studios in New York back in 2001

Despite photographic evidence showing Sherman with Combs at various high-profile events in the past, he insisted, “I have not been around Diddy for 24 years.” Sherman added, “I’m being crucified and tortured for something I had nothing to do with me and me and Mr. Combs was not even friends. We had no relationship whatsoever.”

The former bodyguard, who now owns several pornographic magazines including Rhymes N Dimes, claimed Graves had been attempting to contact him via Instagram direct messages for five months before filing the lawsuit. He offered to take a lie detector test to prove his innocence, saying, “I can take a lie detector test any day of the week with any office of the law.”

Sherman founded the magazine pornographic magazine Rhymes N Dimes, which is mentioned in Graves’ complaint

Sherman expressed concern about public perception, stating, “The problem with this right now is, no matter what people like me say, Diddy is in such turmoil and everybody who was ever around him is being blamed for anything he did. Anyone who was around him is automatically guilty.”

The lawsuit alleges Sherman “forcefully slammed Graves onto a table, slapped her, and repeatedly thrust his penis into her mouth.” Sherman rebuffed these claims, describing the situation as a “shake down” and suggesting he’s being used as a pawn because of his race.

When asked about Combs’ alleged “freak off” sex parties mentioned in the rapper’s indictment, Sherman claimed he had never attended such events, stating, “When I worked with Mr. Combs, I went to one party in the Hamptons in 99 and it was classy. Everybody was nice. I’ve never in my life heard of a freak off party.”

Graves is the eleventh person to publicly accuse Combs of sexual assault. The rapper is currently in federal custody in Brooklyn, awaiting trial on allegations of presiding over an empire of sexual crimes protected by blackmail and acts of violence.

As the legal proceedings unfold, Sherman’s denials highlight the complex and contentious nature of the allegations against Combs and those in his inner circle. The case continues to draw attention to issues of power, celebrity, and accountability in the entertainment industry.

Daily MailOnline

Two Injured on United Flight After Collision Warning System Activates

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into an incident on a United Airlines flight that left two passengers injured when pilots responded to an onboard collision warning system alert.

United Airlines flight 2428 from Newark, New Jersey, was descending into San Francisco International Airport last Thursday when it “slowed its descent to account for another aircraft at a lower altitude,” according to a company statement. Two passengers were taken to the hospital with injuries.

An FAA incident report indicates that one passenger sustained serious injuries and another minor injuries when pilots responded to a Traffic Collision Avoidance System Resolution Advisory (TCAS RA). These advisories are considered extreme warnings of a possible collision with another aircraft, requiring immediate pilot action.

FlightRadar24 data shows the incident occurred at 31,000 feet near Lake Berryessa, approximately 70 miles north of San Francisco. A Southwest Airlines flight was reportedly 3,000 feet below the United flight, with a SkyWest flight 1,000 feet below.

The FAA stated that “there was no loss of safe separation” between the aircraft. United Airlines confirmed that the seatbelt sign was on during the incident, and one of the injured passengers was out of their seat.

This event follows recent aviation safety concerns, including a September 12 incident where an Alaska Airlines flight aborted takeoff in Nashville due to a Southwest flight crossing the runway, and a September 10 incident involving a collision between a Delta Air Lines Airbus A350 and a regional jet during taxiing.

The National Transportation Safety Board is gathering preliminary information but has not yet launched a formal investigation.

Burkina Faso Junta Claims Foiling Foreign-backed Destabilization Attempt

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Burkina Faso’s ruling military junta announced it has thwarted an attempt to destabilize the West African country “with the help of foreign powers,” according to a government statement Monday.

Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, speaking on national television, claimed that “persons residing in Ivory Coast have been involved in subversive activities against our country.” Sana outlined an alleged three-phase plot involving Burkina Faso civilians and servicemen living abroad who reportedly paid and trained armed groups to conduct attacks.

The minister accused junta opponents, including the leader of the January 2022 coup, two former government ministers, two journalists, and Western intelligence agencies of involvement in the alleged plot. Sana did not provide evidence for these claims, which could not be independently verified.

The military junta, which seized power in 2022 amid popular discontent over security issues, has been struggling to address Burkina Faso’s ongoing security and humanitarian crisis. Extremist attacks linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group have killed thousands and displaced over 2 million people, pushing tens of thousands to the brink of starvation.

The transitional government had initially set a goal to hold elections in July to return the country to democratic rule. However, four months ago, it extended its transition term for five more years.

This announcement comes as the junta faces mounting pressure to address the country’s security challenges and fulfill its promises to provide greater safety for Burkina Faso’s citizens.

apnews.com

Ukrainian Forces Recapture Russian Stronghold in Vovchansk After Close Combat

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Ukrainian forces have recaptured a major processing plant in the northeastern town of Vovchansk after intense hand-to-hand combat, driving out Russian troops who had occupied the facility for four months, officials reported Tuesday.

The plant, a sprawling complex of about 30 buildings partly constructed of steel, had been a Russian stronghold in the Kharkiv border region since May. Russia had used the position in an attempt to stretch Ukraine’s forces by launching a fresh offensive in the area.

This victory coincides with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the United States, where he seeks to secure continued foreign support as the war enters its third year.

Ukrainian Military Intelligence stated that its units reclaimed the Vovchansk plant after fierce fighting “in densely built-up conditions.”

Meanwhile, Russian forces continue their attacks elsewhere. In Kharkiv city, at least three people were killed and 28 injured in a Russian glide bomb attack, according to regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov.

Ukrainian forces are also under severe pressure in Vuhledar, a key stronghold in the Donetsk region. Russian forces are reportedly using glide bombs to devastate the town while attempting to encircle it with infantry units.

The ongoing conflict has reduced many Ukrainian towns and villages to rubble, with Russia waging a war of attrition along the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line. The U.K. Defense Ministry estimates that over 1,000 Russian troops are being killed or wounded daily in the conflict.

UPDATED: Missouri Set to Execute Marcellus Williams Despite Prosecutor’s Doubts

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Missouri is set to execute Marcellus Williams, 55, by lethal injection at 6 p.m. (2300 GMT) Tuesday, despite doubts raised by the prosecutor’s office that secured his murder conviction 21 years ago.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene in the case Tuesday, following similar rejections by Missouri Governor Mike Parson and the state’s highest court.

Williams was convicted in 2003 for the 1998 murder of Felicia “Lisha” Gayle, a former newspaper reporter. He has consistently maintained his innocence.

St. Louis County prosecuting attorney Wesley Bell, whose office handled the original prosecution, sought to block the execution, citing concerns about the original trial. Bell questioned the reliability of key witnesses, alleged racial bias in jury selection, and noted new DNA testing found no trace of Williams’ DNA on the murder weapon.

Despite these concerns, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey opposed a recent agreement between prosecutors and Williams’ attorneys for a no-contest plea and life sentence. The state Supreme Court blocked this deal at Bailey’s request.

Governor Parson denied clemency on Monday, stating, “No jury nor court, including at the trial, appellate, and Supreme Court levels, have ever found merit in Mr. Williams’ innocence claims.”

Williams’ attorney, Tricia Rojo Bushnell of the Midwest Innocence Project, emphasized that Gayle’s family opposes the execution. “Missouri is poised to execute an innocent man, an outcome that calls into question the legitimacy of the entire criminal justice system,” she said. The case has reignited debate over the death penalty and the handling of potential wrongful convictions in the United States

Russian Attacks Kill Three, Wound Two in Eastern Ukraine

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Russian attacks on two towns in eastern Ukraine killed three people and wounded two others, regional authorities reported Tuesday.

An artillery strike on the strategic hub of Pokrovsk hit a residential area, killing two middle-aged men, according to Donetsk regional prosecutors. Russia has intensified its assaults on Pokrovsk in recent months, with forces reportedly advancing to within 8 kilometers (5 miles) of the town’s outskirts.

Earlier in the day, Russian guided aerial bombs damaged two infrastructure facilities in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk regional governor Vadym Filashkin said on Telegram. One person was killed and two were wounded in this attack.

Kostiantynivka is located approximately 12 kilometers from Chasiv Yar, a town where Ukrainian forces are attempting to halt Russian westward advances.

Moscow denies intentionally targeting civilians, despite thousands of civilian casualties since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russia maintains that its strikes on infrastructure are legitimate military targets aimed at reducing Ukraine’s combat capabilities.

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