Latest news with #Hartwell
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
W.Va. Supreme Court of Appeals upholds murder case's verdict
princeton – Justices with the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia have upheld the 2022 second-degree murder conviction of a Mercer County woman who was charged in her boyfriend's shooting death. Monica Suzette Hartwell of Lashmeet was sentenced in September 2022 to a determinate term of 40 years in prison. A jury had convicted Hartwell on Aug. 11 that same year of second-degree murder for the July 26, 2020 shooting death of her boyfriend, Michael Walker, outside their Presbyterian Avenue home in Lashmeet. Hartwell was initially charged with first-degree murder and was later found competent to stand trial. After Walker's death, Hartwell had told troopers with the West Virginia State Police Princeton detachment that she believed Walker was possessed. Witnesses testified during her trial that Hartwell and Walker had been drinking that day, adding that Walker had spoken about Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit. Troopers found Walker on the home's front porch. Hartwell was in the home and told the troopers that the shotgun was in the living room. Walker had been shot in the head. Hartwell's attorney Ryan Flanigan, who is now a circuit court judge in Mercer County, made motions during her sentencing for a new trial and for a judgement of acquittal. The presiding judge, Circuit Court Judge Derek Swope, who is now retired, denied both motions. Flanigan told the court that Hartwell had been a productive member of society before she became ill, and that she had been struggling with mental illness her entire life. A member of Hartwell's family told the court she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and other mental conditions. Attorney David Kelley argued the appeal before the state Supreme Court of Appeals, said Prosecuting Attorney Brian K. Cochran, who prosecuted the case in 2022. The West Virginia Attorney General argued the appeal on behalf of the Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. According to court documents filed May 22, the sole issue before the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virgnia was the admissibility of a statement Hartwell made after she was taken into custody and handcuffed outside the home. Trooper S.K. Weikle and Hartwell were walking to the trooper's cruiser when he asked 'where's the gun?' to which Hartwell replied 'it's on the couch.' The question was asked before Hartwell had been read her Miranda Rights. Weikle later testified that officers had not yet secured the weapon, according to the supreme court's document. Officers only knew that the victim had been shot on the porch and that Hartwell immediately went into the home and was not seen by any witnesses during the 15 to 20 minutes it took for law enforcement to respond to the 911 call. Officers did not know if the weapon was still in the house and whether anyone else had access to it or whether it had been thrown out a window or back door 'where it might be found by a passerby or an inquisitive child.' 'For the reasons set forth herein, the judgement of the Circuit Court of Mercer County is AFFIRMED,' the justices concluded in the court document. During the 2022 hearing, Swope sentenced Hartwell to 40 years in prison with 789 days credit for the time she had spent in jail and on home confinement after her arrest. Swope then told her family that she would be eligible for parole in 10 years, and could discharge her sentence with good behavior within 20 years. 'I certainly believe she needs to get help in the penal system, the maximum amount they can give her,' Swope said then. Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Indi Hartwell wins TNA debut with a finisher from Johnny Gargano
Indi Hartwell had a successful in-ring debut for TNA, and she used a finisher handed down by her wrestling father, Johnny Gargano. Hartwell arrived to Impact (May 15, 2025) for action against Kelsey Heather. It didn't take long for the crowd to chant, 'Indi Wrestling.' Heather was scrappy. Hartwell had to put in work to neutralize her opponent. A spinebuster paved the way toward victory. Hartwell executed the Hurts Donut full nelson slam. Commentary mentioned that the move came from Gargano's playbook. Here is his version of Hurts Donut in an NXT ring. Hartwell picked up her first win in TNA, and seeds were planted for her first feud as well. As Indi reflected on the moment backstage, Tasha Steelz barged in with an update on Mustafa Ali from a different storyline. Hartwell didn't appreciate the rude interruption taking her camera time. Steelz stuck a finger in Hartwell's face and warned that she will deal with her later. That is a big step in competition for Hartwell. Steelz is a former Knockouts champion. She won the title off Mickie James. Steelz is also a two-time Knockouts tag team champion with Kiera Hogan. Hartwell is a former NXT women's champion in her own right. She also had tag team success winning the NXT women's tag titles with Candice LeRae. Share your thoughts on the TNA in-ring debut of Indi Hartwell and a potential feud with Tasha Steelz. More from Not everyone is marking out about Eva Marie's return Mansoor's Raw Debut was classic WWE Is this who caught Lilly's eye? Former WWE champs face off on (checks notes) Main Event Yes, Angel Garza shoved a rose up Drew Gulak's butt on Raw Raw recap & reactions: Flip the switch Flair already added to title match at WrestleMania Backlash EVA MARIE IS BACK
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
High-speed motorcycle chase ends in crash and hospitalization in Hart County
The Brief A motorcyclist led deputies on a high-speed chase exceeding 120 mph, crashing into a fence and being hospitalized with injuries. The chase spanned multiple towns, starting on Bowersville Highway and ending on Freedom Church Road in the Vanna community. The rider, David William Maddox, faces multiple charges including felony fleeing, reckless driving, and speeding; the incident is under investigation. HART COUNTY, Ga. - A motorcyclist who led deputies on a high-speed chase exceeding 120 mph crashed into a fence early Saturday morning and was hospitalized with injuries, according to the Hart County Sheriff's Office. What we know The pursuit began around midnight on May 17, when a sheriff's deputy attempted to stop a motorcycle traveling over 100 mph on Bowersville Highway. Authorities said the driver refused to stop, prompting a pursuit through multiple towns. The chase continued onto Highway 17 South, weaving through Canon and Royston, before the motorcycle turned onto Freedom Church Road in the Vanna community. Near Pullian Lane, the driver lost control and collided with a fence. Emergency crews responded, and the rider — identified as 37-year-old David William Maddox of Hartwell — was transported to Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital. What's next Maddox faces multiple charges including felony fleeing and attempting to elude, reckless driving, speeding, driving on a limited permit, failure to maintain lane, too fast for conditions, and passing in a no passing zone. What we don't know The incident remains under investigation by the Hart County Sheriff's Office. The Source The Hart County Sheriff's Office provided the details for this article.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former 'WWE SmackDown' Superstar Joins TNA Wrestling in Surprising Announcement
A former WWE superstar has joined the TNA Wrestling roster. The company has been making some key additions to its roster. The likes of former WWE star Elijah have joined the company. Lei Ying Lee, formerly known as Xia Li in WWE, is also a regular on TNA TV. Advertisement The latest addition to the TNA Knockouts division is Indi Hartwell. The announcement was made during the "TNA Rebellion 2025" broadcast. Gia Miller interviewed Hartwell on the show, and she will appear on Thursday's live episode of "TNA iMPACT." This is the first major company Hartwell has signed with since her WWE release. Hartwell was cut from the WWE roster in Nov. 2024. Her most recent match took place at "HOG City of Dreamz" on March 15 against AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Mone. During her time in WWE, Hartwell was aligned with Dexter Lumis, Candice LeRae, and Johnny Gargano on the "NXT" brand. On the main roster, she teamed with LeRae. Eventually, LeRae was paired with Nia Jax, but Hartwell was let go. Advertisement Hartwell is a former NXT Women's Champion. While she wasn't able to find much success on the main roster, a run in TNA Wrestling will be a significant opportunity for her to elevate her career. WWE's partnership with TNA Wrestling certainly won't hurt Hartwell's chances of raising her stock if she performs well. Hartwell's first feud isn't known at this time, but that could be answered on "TNA iMPACT." She got a front-row look at the TNA Knockouts Championship match between Masha Slamovich and Tessa Blanchard. Related: Details on Former WWE Star's Return to 'AEW Dynamite' on Wednesday
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Released WWE Superstar Makes Successful TNA Wrestling Debut
One released WWE superstar has made a successful debut for TNA Wrestling. WWE announces multiple roster cuts yearly. A recent wave saw some names that had been featured on weekly WWE shows lose their jobs. While those stars await the expiration of their non-compete clauses, released talent from previous waves are free to sign with any promotion. Advertisement Indi Hartwell was let go by WWE in 2024, and she recently appeared on "TNA Rebellion" to announce that she has inked a deal with TNA Wrestling. Hartwell had her first match for the promotion on Thursday's episode of "TNA iMPACT." She shared the ring with Kelsey Heather. Hartwell was slapped by Heather early on in the match, but that only fired her up. She scored the pin after hitting her Hurts Donut finishing move. During a video package featured on the show last week, Hartwell didn't shy away from her intentions. She plans on becoming the TNA Knockouts World Champion. Her first rivalry on the road to TNA's top female prize remains to be seen. Advertisement Hartwell brings experience to the TNA roster, as she has been plying her craft for almost a decade. She's spent nearly half of her career with WWE, even capturing the "NXT" Women's Championship at one point. Throughout her time with WWE, Hartwell was perhaps best known for her romantic storyline with Dexter Lumis on the "NXT" brand. The two even had a successful wedding angle, which is a rarity in wrestling. Lumis also helped Hartwell capture the "NXT" Women's Championship. Hartwell's reign with the title only lasted for 31 days, as she suffered a foot injury. She was also drafted to the "WWE Raw" brand before returning from injury and being sent to 'SmackDown." Related: 'WWE Raw' Superstar Turns Heads With Comments on Saudi Arabia Events
