Latest news with #MercerCountySuperiorCourt
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
KU professor joins lawsuit to pressure New Jersey to allow DNA testing of Lindbergh evidence
Jonathan Hagel, an assistant professor of history at the University of Kansas, is among plaintiffs in a New Jersey lawsuit filed to compel opening of a documentary archives tied to the kidnapping and murder of aviator Charles Lindburgh's son. Hagel and other researchers seek permission to expose certain documents to modern DNA testing. (Submitted) TOPEKA — An assistant professor at the University of Kansas is a plaintiff in a New Jersey lawsuit seeking modern DNA testing of state archive materials tied to the kidnapping and murder of the infant son of trans-Atlantic aviator Charles Lindbergh. The 200-page Mercer County Superior Court suit was filed amid controversy about decisions by New Jersey State Police to block access to the case archive. The plaintiffs — KU historian Jonathan Hagel, author Catherine Read and retired teacher Michele Downie — said their Open Public Records Act request related the 1932 kidnapping was rejected. Hagel, a New Jersey native who has studied the Lindbergh case, said DNA analysis of ransom notes or envelopes could contribute to understanding whether Bruno Richard Hauptmann, who was executed in 1936 after convicted of first-degree murder, acted alone in the high-profile crime. It is among questions that have riveted scholars and investigators since Hauptmann's trial. 'There were more than a dozen ransom letters overall, and they were sent through the post,' said Hagel, a New Jersey native who has studied the Lindbergh case. 'If Hauptmann's DNA is on it, then he definitely is not innocent of being involved. But, if there is other DNA, that would confirm other people's involvement.' Twenty-month-old Charles Lindbergh Jr. was abducted from the family estate near Hopewell, New Jersey. The family was contacted through ransom notes and parcels, and a demand for $50,000 was paid. The toddler's remains were subsequently discovered adjacent to a roadside several miles from the Lindbergh home. 'There are those who think we're likely to find Charles Lindbergh's DNA on the materials,' Hagel said. 'They believe there was some kind of accident, and he orchestrated this as a way to deflect responsibility.' At least one previous lawsuit unsuccessfully sought to compel New Jersey to allow DNA testing of documents associated with the case. A state appellate court said New Jersey law didn't guarantee a public right to physically examine archive materials. In 2023, the State Police said access was restricted to preserve contents of case files. 'My take is that states or police organizations, like any bureaucracy, just like to protect their stuff,' Hagel said. 'There are others who think the state police are embarrassed they may have botched it quite badly and been involved in a railroading.'
Fox News
01-03-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Judge reverses ban on star high school wrestler that was arrested; can compete for fourth straight state title
After initially being barred from competing for a fourth-straight high school wrestling title, Anthony Knox is set to vie for a four-peat after all. The New Jersey wrestler was originally disqualified from the state tournament after getting involved in a brawl that ended with him and his dad arrested. The incident happened at the NJ District 25 Wrestling Tournament at Collingswood High School, according to and Knox is accused of sprinting into the stands, where a brawl began between his father, Anthony Knox Sr., and fans watching the tournament. However, Mercer County Superior Court Judge Patrick Bartels granted Knox Jr. a temporary restraining order from his ban on Friday, which, at the moment, allows him to compete. The New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association, which Knox Jr. filed a lawsuit against, said they planned to appeal the court's decision that they "strongly disagree" with. Videos appearing online showed the fight breaking out and working its way down the bleachers. After the dust settled, Jersey Sports Zone reported that both Knox Sr. and Knox Jr. were detained by police after the brawl, which occurred after the 190-pound final. This came after Knox had won his latest 126-pound district title. Knox Jr., a Cornell commit, is the top-ranked 126-pound wrestler in the United States with, through last weekend, a career 136-1 record and 123 straight wins, including his district title. His alleged involvement in the brawl did not affect his status on the college team. The St. John Vianney senior is now competing for the Region 7 tournament this weekend. He weighed in at the tournament less than an hour after the court's decision. The state championships will take place next weekend, where Knox Jr. is now, once again, the heavy favorite after winning each of his first three years at SJV. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
