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3 hours ago
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Person of Interest in Unsolved Murder Case Dies by Suicide While on Zoom Call with Authorities: Reports
A person of interest in an unsolved 2010 Oklahoma murder case shot himself in the head as he was questioned about the killing during a video call with authorities, according to reports Michael Wayne Thomas, 54, had insisted he had no involvement in the November 2010 death of Julie Mitchell, 34, per The Oklahoman "It was as shocking and horrific as you can imagine," Thomas' attorney, Ed Blau, told the outlet of his client's death on Saturday, May 31A person of interest in a 2010 Oklahoma murder case shot himself dead while being questioned about the killing on a Zoom call with authorities, according to reports. On Saturday, May 31, Michael Wayne Thomas, 54, died by suicide in a wooded area outside a casino in Kansas, per The Oklahoman, citing his attorney, Ed Blau. The Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) had been asking the man about Julie Mitchell, who was found beaten to death in her home in November 2010, as her 13-month-old baby laid untouched by her side, local ABC-affiliated station KOCO reported. The case remains unsolved. Blau had been representing Thomas since 2012, with the attorney telling KOCO 5 News that his client had previously been interviewed five or six times by police. Thomas had reportedly refused to be interviewed in person this time, instead opting for a video call. Blau said that his client — who had denied any involvement in 34-year-old Mitchell's murder — had been talking for around 45 minutes before his death, per The Oklahoman. "The phone landed right by his head so we got to hear him die, hear the death rattle," the attorney told the outlet on Tuesday, June 3. "It was as shocking and horrific as you can imagine." The OCPD's Master Sergeant, Gary Knight, said of Thomas, "He had agreed to be interviewed by detectives, but only on the stipulation that he wasn't going to be at the same location. He wanted to be in a manner like a Zoom call," per KOCO. "Beggars can't always be choosers, and this is somebody we wanted to talk to, we needed to talk to. There were questions we needed to have answered by him," Knight continued, telling the outlet that the questions remained unanswered around 40 minutes into the call. "He chose to pull out a pistol and shoot himself, ending his life," Knight said, per the station, adding, "I don't remember in my time here, 35 years here, someone killing themselves during an interview." According to The Oklahoman, Julie Mitchell was the wife of Teddy Mitchell, who had been accused in Oklahoma City federal court of reportedly hosting "illegal high-stakes poker games at his home and taking illegal bets on sporting events." Per an FBI Oklahoma City Division release, in January 2014, Teddy Mitchell was sentenced to serve 27 months in federal prison for running an illegal gambling operation. Mitchell had been traveling to California at the time of his wife's death, The Oklahoman noted. Julie Mitchell's body had been found in the master bedroom closet of their home and $30,000 was reportedly missing from a closet safe, The Oklahoman reported. Thomas' company checkbook had previously been found at the Mitchells' property after the murder, but he's always denied any involvement in the killing, the outlet stated. He told The Oklahoman in 2012, "I — 100% — did not. That's for sure.' Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Thomas, who previously sold insurance in an office in Edmond, reportedly told the FBI that he'd played poker at Teddy Mitchell's house, as well as placing bets with him, per the outlet, which cited a 2011 report. He also told authorities he'd let Teddy Mitchell become a partner in his business to help pay off his gambling debt, after providing him with vehicles and real estate insurance. "I really hope you solve the case," Thomas told OCPD's Knight, The Oklahoman reported. The officer added that Thomas was still considered a person of interest amid the unsolved investigation. The OCPD and Blau's law firm didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to Read the original article on People
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3 days ago
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11 People Hospitalized After Mass Stabbing at Homeless Shelter in Oregon: Reports
Eleven people have been injured after a mass stabbing at a men's homeless shelter in Oregon, according to reports Salem Police Department confirmed a suspect is in custody following the incident, per an X post The victims were taken to Salem Health Hospital to be treated "with varying types of injuries," local station KATU reportedMultiple people have been injured after a mass stabbing incident in Oregon, police have confirmed. On Sunday, June 1, the Salem Police Department responded to calls of the stabbing, confirming that a suspect was in custody, per a post shared on X. The incident occurred at 7:15 p.m. local time at the Union Gospel Mission's Men's Mission homeless shelter in downtown Salem, NBC News reported, citing police spokeswoman Angela Hedrick. The organization's new 50,000-square-foot location opened in 2021, the publication noted. Eleven people have been hospitalized following the stabbing, according to the outlet. Police confirmed on X that the victims were transported "for care," confirming that the incident "is an active investigation." According to ABC-affiliated local station KATU, the victims were taken to Salem Health Hospital to be treated "with varying types of injuries." Police closed off Commercial Street at D Street, the X post confirmed, stating that motorists were being diverted from the area. The suspect has been described only as a man, but no additional information was given, per NBC News and CBS News. The shelter's executive director, Craig Smith, told NBC News in a phone interview that the suspect was new to the mission and had spent Saturday night there. He was reportedly about to check in for a second night on Sunday "when he got into a fight." 'Something ... set him off, and he evidently had a knife in his bag,' Smith said, per NBC News. At least one staff member was injured in the attack, Smith told the outlet. They were working the check-in desk at the time, and the fight reportedly occurred just before the man went to hand over his belongings. "We're sharing video with them," Smith told NBC News of handing evidence over to the police, adding, "The whole incident is on video." The outlet stated that the homeless shelter is across from the Salem Police Department. "This is a very fresh incident, and detectives are gathering the facts," police spokesperson Hedrick said, per KATU. A message on the Union Gospel Mission of Salem's website stated of the work that the organization does, "Starting with meeting immediate needs like nourishing meals and safe shelter, Union Gospel Mission of Salem seeks to restore dignity and hope by sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ with those in need, which will ultimately help them break free from homelessness for good." Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The doors first opened to the original Union Gospel Mission of Salem in June of 1953 after "a group of Christian businessmen" had become "concerned with the homeless men coming into the Willamette Valley for the harvest" the year prior, the site added. "Upwards of 150 homeless men seek refuge with us each night," the organization confirmed of the Men's Ministry. The new location is just a few blocks north of the old building, per NBC News. The Salem Police Department, the Union Gospel Mission of Salem and Salem Health did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. Read the original article on People
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3 days ago
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11 People Hospitalized After Mass Stabbing at Homeless Shelter in Oregon: Reports
Eleven people have been injured after a mass stabbing at a men's homeless shelter in Oregon, according to reports Salem Police Department confirmed a suspect is in custody following the incident, per an X post The victims were taken to Salem Health Hospital to be treated "with varying types of injuries," local station KATU reportedMultiple people have been injured after a mass stabbing incident in Oregon, police have confirmed. On Sunday, June 1, the Salem Police Department responded to calls of the stabbing, confirming that a suspect was in custody, per a post shared on X. The incident occurred at 7:15 p.m. local time at the Union Gospel Mission's Men's Mission homeless shelter in downtown Salem, NBC News reported, citing police spokeswoman Angela Hedrick. The organization's new 50,000-square-foot location opened in 2021, the publication noted. Eleven people have been hospitalized following the stabbing, according to the outlet. Police confirmed on X that the victims were transported "for care," confirming that the incident "is an active investigation." According to ABC-affiliated local station KATU, the victims were taken to Salem Health Hospital to be treated "with varying types of injuries." Police closed off Commercial Street at D Street, the X post confirmed, stating that motorists were being diverted from the area. The suspect has been described only as a man, but no additional information was given, per NBC News and CBS News. The shelter's executive director, Craig Smith, told NBC News in a phone interview that the suspect was new to the mission and had spent Saturday night there. He was reportedly about to check in for a second night on Sunday "when he got into a fight." 'Something ... set him off, and he evidently had a knife in his bag,' Smith said, per NBC News. At least one staff member was injured in the attack, Smith told the outlet. They were working the check-in desk at the time, and the fight reportedly occurred just before the man went to hand over his belongings. "We're sharing video with them," Smith told NBC News of handing evidence over to the police, adding, "The whole incident is on video." The outlet stated that the homeless shelter is across from the Salem Police Department. "This is a very fresh incident, and detectives are gathering the facts," police spokesperson Hedrick said, per KATU. A message on the Union Gospel Mission of Salem's website stated of the work that the organization does, "Starting with meeting immediate needs like nourishing meals and safe shelter, Union Gospel Mission of Salem seeks to restore dignity and hope by sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ with those in need, which will ultimately help them break free from homelessness for good." Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The doors first opened to the original Union Gospel Mission of Salem in June of 1953 after "a group of Christian businessmen" had become "concerned with the homeless men coming into the Willamette Valley for the harvest" the year prior, the site added. "Upwards of 150 homeless men seek refuge with us each night," the organization confirmed of the Men's Ministry. The new location is just a few blocks north of the old building, per NBC News. The Salem Police Department, the Union Gospel Mission of Salem and Salem Health did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. Read the original article on People
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3 days ago
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11 People Hospitalized After Mass Stabbing at Homeless Shelter in Oregon: Reports
Eleven people have been injured after a mass stabbing at a men's homeless shelter in Oregon, according to reports Salem Police Department confirmed a suspect is in custody following the incident, per an X post The victims were taken to Salem Health Hospital to be treated "with varying types of injuries," local station KATU reportedMultiple people have been injured after a mass stabbing incident in Oregon, police have confirmed. On Sunday, June 1, the Salem Police Department responded to calls of the stabbing, confirming that a suspect was in custody, per a post shared on X. The incident occurred at 7:15 p.m. local time at the Union Gospel Mission's Men's Mission homeless shelter in downtown Salem, NBC News reported, citing police spokeswoman Angela Hedrick. The organization's new 50,000-square-foot location opened in 2021, the publication noted. Eleven people have been hospitalized following the stabbing, according to the outlet. Police confirmed on X that the victims were transported "for care," confirming that the incident "is an active investigation." According to ABC-affiliated local station KATU, the victims were taken to Salem Health Hospital to be treated "with varying types of injuries." Police closed off Commercial Street at D Street, the X post confirmed, stating that motorists were being diverted from the area. The suspect has been described only as a man, but no additional information was given, per NBC News and CBS News. The shelter's executive director, Craig Smith, told NBC News in a phone interview that the suspect was new to the mission and had spent Saturday night there. He was reportedly about to check in for a second night on Sunday "when he got into a fight." 'Something ... set him off, and he evidently had a knife in his bag,' Smith said, per NBC News. At least one staff member was injured in the attack, Smith told the outlet. They were working the check-in desk at the time, and the fight reportedly occurred just before the man went to hand over his belongings. "We're sharing video with them," Smith told NBC News of handing evidence over to the police, adding, "The whole incident is on video." The outlet stated that the homeless shelter is across from the Salem Police Department. "This is a very fresh incident, and detectives are gathering the facts," police spokesperson Hedrick said, per KATU. A message on the Union Gospel Mission of Salem's website stated of the work that the organization does, "Starting with meeting immediate needs like nourishing meals and safe shelter, Union Gospel Mission of Salem seeks to restore dignity and hope by sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ with those in need, which will ultimately help them break free from homelessness for good." Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The doors first opened to the original Union Gospel Mission of Salem in June of 1953 after "a group of Christian businessmen" had become "concerned with the homeless men coming into the Willamette Valley for the harvest" the year prior, the site added. "Upwards of 150 homeless men seek refuge with us each night," the organization confirmed of the Men's Ministry. The new location is just a few blocks north of the old building, per NBC News. The Salem Police Department, the Union Gospel Mission of Salem and Salem Health did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. Read the original article on People
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25-05-2025
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Former Fox19 meteorologist headed to Cleveland for part-time gig
(This story has been updated with new information.) Former Fox19 morning meteorologist Frank Marzullo is leaving the Queen City, for now. Marzullo is headed to Cleveland to join ABC-affiliated WEWS 5's weather team part-time in early June, he announced on Facebook May 23. He previously announced in February he was leaving the Fox19 station after 18 years "to pursue other opportunities," but had no plans to leave Cincinnati at the time. "Many of you know I wanted to do the news / weather on tv since I was a little kid. In the mid 80's I would build tv news sets in my basement, and I would draw the WEWS famous Circle 5 logo on paper and that would be my background," Marzullo said. "Yes, I am geeking out just a bit, but with time on my hands, while I wait for my next Cincinnati move, this is a perfect situation for me to say, I worked at Ohio's first television station." Marzullo said the Cleveland gig is temporary as he looks for another opportunity in Cincinnati. A Cleveland native, Marzullo was the morning meteorologist on Fox19's first alert weather team starting at 4:30 a.m. every weekday. He also hosted the morning news extra show for 14 years from 9 to 11 a.m. Marzullo first joined the morning team in August 2007 after having spent seven years working at WFMJ, an NBC station in Youngstown, Ohio, where he was the weekday morning and noon weather forecaster. He also spent a year forecasting for WTAP, the NBC station in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Marzullo is one of three forecasters to leave Fox19 this year. Ashley Smith left in January after seven years with the station to become a spokeswoman for the Hoxworth Blood Center, and Ethan Emery left in early May to join Montgomery County's communications team. Earlier in May, longtime Cleveland meteorologist Mark Johnson was fired from his post at WEWS 5 after its parent company said it requires its employees "to adhere to the highest ethical standards." An attorney representing Johnson pushed back, saying the meteorologist has built a distinguished reputation over the years and did nothing inappropriate. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Former Fox19 meteorologist Frank Marzullo headed to Cleveland
