Latest news with #Perkins
Indianapolis Star
5 days ago
- Indianapolis Star
She was missing, found, bipolar, schizophrenic, and ended up stabbed and shot in Indianapolis
Editor's note: This article contains descriptions of mental health episodes related to Bipolar Disorder. If you are struggling or know someone who is, call 211 to be connected with a trained crisis specialist with Mental Health America of Indiana, who provides free, confidential assistance 24/7 through its Be Well Crisis Helpline. In a cramped Evansville home, Shawnnetta Small's early years unfolded in a room alongside her siblings, locked away from most of the world. Shawnnetta Small always had to stay in one room with her brother and sister, and was afraid of ever coming out, lest she be beaten brutally by their father, according to her family. In 1986, when Small was 5, her aunt visited and witnessed the situation her sister and the children were enduring. "Even when he went to work, those kids never wanted to come out of the room," Judy Perkins told IndyStar. Perkins helped her sister escape the abuse, and the family moved to a new home. But the effects of the abuse were already taking hold of her young niece. Small was diagnosed in her 20s with bipolar disorder and schizotypal personality disorder. Childhood trauma, abuse, and neglect are significant risk factors for developing a personality disorder, while being bipolar isn't a direct effect of child abuse, but can influence the disorder's severity over time, experts say. Small's life has been chronicled through public missing persons reports, arrests, and psychiatric hospital visits all over the country. It would end with her being stabbed and shot inside an Indianapolis house on July 12, 2025. Her family believes Small was likely unmedicated and had an episode before being killed. She was 44. Eventually, Perkins would move to Ohio, leaving her sister and her kids in Indiana, but a few years after that, in the early 90s, she learned the kids were placed in foster care. Their mother was accused of being neglectful, and the family became strained in communication. Perkins hasn't seen her sister in over 30 years, which would become a trend for the family. Small would often go missing with strangers trying to get her help and bring her to some kind of home. Four years ago, Small reached out to Perkins asking if she could live with her in Ohio. The next few months would be a roller coaster with Perkins noticing Small "acted real weird." She would "talk in riddles." She didn't clean up after herself and often slept in a bed with trash and food. "She'd just throw a coat over it and go to sleep," Perkins said. Knowing she needed help, Perkins took her to see a doctor who gave her an official diagnosis. But Small would skip taking medications. Small would often leave Perkins' home for weeks on end. One day, she left, and Perkins didn't think anything of it until she got a strange package in the mail, prompting her to put out a missing persons report. It was Small's ID, her social security card, and other personal items. "After I put out the report, this woman called me from Orlando, Florida, saying Shawnnetta was mentally challenged," Perkins said. "The lady was feeding her and begging her to come stay with her, but Shawnnetta said no." In 2018, Perkins said a search and rescue team spotted Small in Missouri, where she had been sleeping in a restroom. Concerned calls to local police came in about her walking along the highway. Missouri State Highway Patrol and others offered her food, water, money and rides that she declined. She was eventually taken to a St. Louis hospital before being discharged. "She called me speaking in riddles again, so I knew she wasn't on medication," Perkins said. Eventually, Small got a bus ticket to Cleveland and stayed with Perkins, but would leave again after a few months. Small was banking on coming into money from a lawsuit she'd filed in 2022 while in Missouri that tapped 28 defendants, including Megabus, Walmart, and T-Mobile Metro PCS, Perkins said. "She told me she was moving to Indianapolis, and that was the last I saw her," Perkins said. But that lawsuit was the ramblings of someone struggling with borderline schizophrenia, and a judge dismissed the case. At 8:04 p.m., on July 11, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police were called about a disturbance with a weapon between roommates at a home in the 1500 block of North Downey Avenue on the city's east side. The caller was Small and said her roommate had assaulted her and was possibly armed. She told police he and his girlfriend were "talking sh*t" about paying rent. She lived in a bedroom house with multiple rooms rented out. Officers began searching the house room by room. They went to a downstairs basement room, forced open a door, and found Small with at least one stab wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Items collected nearby were a spent shell casing, pepper spray and a box cutter. She had trauma to her neck and a gunshot wound to the chest. One neighbor told police the roommate knocked on her door and told them that Small smeared feces and spit on him. According to court documents, he explained that Small was defecating in a bathroom with the door open. He asked her to close the door, and tried to close the door for her when Small smeared feces on him and called him derogatory names, court records state. Later, the neighbor, Small, and the roommate were upstairs when he asked Small if they were good. "No, we ain't good. Do you want to fight?" Small told him, according to the neighbor. That's when Small threatened the man with a gun, according to court documents. The roommate was later arrested on preliminary charges of murder. IndyStar is not naming the roommate because formal charges are pending. Perkins said the local sheriff's office informed her about Small's killing. That's when Perkins learned she was listed as a next of kin, although she hadn't seen Small in years. "They were asking me all types of questions that I could not answer," Perkins said. "She had her mental issues, but she did not deserve this."
CTV News
5 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Canadians have already lost $103 million to crypto investment scams this year: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Canadians lost $224,201,739 to cryptocurrency investment in 2024, and so far have lost $103,172,872 in 2025, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. (Pexels / Jakub Zerdzicki) Canadians lost $224,201,739 to cryptocurrency investment in 2024, and so far have lost $103,172,872 this year alone, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Cryptocurrency fraud usually involves fake videos generated with artificial intelligence (AI), that feature prominent politicians or celebrities promoting fake websites. Two Ontarians CTV News spoke with collectively lost $58,600 after falling victim to separate AI-generated videos advertising fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. 'We got stung big time and we don't want it to happen to anyone else,' said Don Perkins of Stittsville, a community in Ottawa. It was in January when Perkins and his wife, Guylaine Perkins, said they saw a video of then Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland, appearing to talk about an investment opportunity that could make them rich. According to the AI-manipulated video, Freeland spoke about the 'opportunity' Canadians could invest in, making them rich. crypto fraud A fake, AI-generated video appears to show former Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland, talking about a cryptocurrency investment opportunity. 'We bought into it and got swindled by a pair of smooth talking individuals,' Perkins said. The Perkins said they started out investing with just a few hundred dollars, but eventually handed over their life savings of $42,600. It wasn't until they tried to withdraw the funds that they realized they lost all their money. 'When we went to access the money, they wouldn't give it to us and said we would have to give them $10,000,' said Perkins. Brenda Dionne of Whitby also had a similar experience when she saw an AI-generated video of what seemed to be Prime Minister Mark Carney claiming Canadians could make money investing in cryptocurrency. crypto fraud An AI-generated video appears to show Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni discussing investing in cryptocurrency. Dionne told CTV News that after she handed over her banking information, the fraudsters cleaned out her bank account and took her life savings of $16,000. 'I could see her doing it and I said 'I don't want you taking money out of my account,'' said Dionne. 'I could see her doing it. I could see her taking my money.' According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), in 2024, crypto investments represented over 70 per cent of overall reported losses to investment fraud. Most of those frauds involved altered videos that used AI to make it appear as if someone was saying to invest in a platform which was actually completely fake. 'If you open up your search engine and you search up cryptocurrency investments, the first five or ten are more than likely to be fraudulent platforms,' said Jeff Horncastle with the CAFC. The centre says that when watching videos online, it's important to remain skeptical and do your own research. The CAFC also urges Canadians to exercise caution when viewing videos that seem too good to be true, or showing public figures saying something out of character, like investing in different platforms. They said these deepfake videos often rely on sensational or provocative content to manipulate others. The Perkins both have health problems and said they invested in hopes of boosting their retirement savings, but instead lost it all. 'I have a bag in my stomach and go to dialysis three times a week. My wife can hardly walk and needs a wheelchair most of the time,' said Perkins. 'This was a portion of our life savings that we had set aside.' CTV News reached out to Prime Minister Mark Carney's office about the fake, AI-generated videos but did not get a response.
Business Wire
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Perkins Griddle & Go Announces 46 Units Sold in New Jersey
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Perkins American Food Co., is launching into a new fiscal year on a high note. Coming off the heels of a record-breaking FY 2025, the company is quickly growing its presence in New Jersey with the latest Perkins concept, Griddle & Go. The company recently signed multi-unit franchise deals in Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties, selling out in all four markets. Perkins Griddle & Go is a new state-of-the-art café concept, and the Garden State boasts the most significant number of upcoming units for the brand. The first location is slated to open by October 2025 at the highly anticipated Netflix Studios campus in Fort Monmouth, which is being called 'The Hollywood of the East.' "Franchisees across the country have shown strong interest in Griddle & Go. We signed an impressive number of units in New Jersey, which will be home to our flagship U.S. restaurant,' said Peter Ortiz, Chief Development Officer for Ascent Hospitality Management. 'We are eager to bring this modern take on Perkins to more markets- new and existing- with the support of our franchise partners.' Designed for today's fast-paced consumers, Perkins Griddle & Go presents a modern interpretation of American hospitality that represents tradition while embracing the future. The concept features a streamlined design and an elevated café experience within a compact footprint, prioritizing convenience. The restaurant incorporates modern digital menus and self-order kiosks, catering to busy customers seeking a quick meal. For those with more time, a cozy café-style dining experience awaits. In addition to New Jersey, Perkins also signed development deals for Griddle & Go in California, Texas and Canada. The concept is positioning itself from coast to coast and in markets in between so that customers can enjoy this new dining experience. "Franchisees from all sorts of backgrounds are joining us in growing Perkins Griddle & Go. From experienced operators to those switching careers, many have one thing in common, and that's their shared passion for Perkins, which stems from being loyal customers who know and appreciate our brand," said Mike Ackley, Senior Director of Franchise Marketing and Development for Ascent Hospitality Management. "These are exciting times, and we are delighted to expand our presence with these dedicated individuals across the country." For more information about Perkins Griddle & Go and franchise opportunities, please visit About Perkins Griddle & Go Perkins American Food Company, formerly known as Perkins Restaurant & Bakery®, has been a beloved heritage brand since its founding in 1958. With a strong commitment to value, quality, and exceptional service, Perkins serves up a delightful array of American classics that cater to today's tastes. At Perkins American Food Company, we know life moves quickly, and finding time for a satisfying meal can be tough. That's why we created Perkins Griddle & Go —a fast-casual dining experience designed to serve guests delicious, high-quality meals at unbeatable prices, all while fitting seamlessly into your busy lifestyle. At Perkins Griddle & Go, guests can enjoy all their Perkins favorites—from Griddle Greats and signature pies to iconic Mammoth Muffins—along with exciting new additions like breakfast sandwiches and avocado toast. We also believe in indulgence, offering a variety of famous bakery treats to brighten your day. For more information about Perkins franchise opportunities, visit
USA Today
14-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Brian Kelly gives crucial injury update on LSU football stars Harold Perkins & Whit Weeks
Brian Kelly said Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins are still expected to be full-go for the start of camp. LSU football head coach Brian Kelly made a crucial announcement Monday regarding the health of two defenders. During SEC media days, Kelly confirmed Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins are expected to be full participants for fall camp. The pair suffered injuries during the 2024 season, which forced LSU to be without its star linebackers in spring practice. Perkins tore his ACL in week four against UCLA. Weeks went down with a broken fibula and dislocated ankle in the second quarter of LSU's bowl game against Baylor on New Year's Eve. Weeks led the team and tied for second in the conference with 125 tackles as a sophomore. Perkins showed flashes as a freshman in 2022, but the last two seasons have been a roller coaster. In defensive coordinator Blake Barker's defense, Perkins will play the STAR position this season. Kelly's last update on the pair came in March, and it appears their progress held true to his report. At the time, Perkins and Weeks were still working with the Tigers' training staff to prepare for summer workouts and then fall camp. "They'll have no restrictions going into camp," Kelly said. "We feel really good about it."
New York Post
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Ex-Houston mayoral appointee who raged at flooded Texas camp for being ‘white only' humiliated on fundraising page
The former Houston mayoral appointee who raged at a flood-ravaged Texas girls camp for being 'white only' has been humiliated on a fundraising page — with many only paying the smallest amount possible to let them leave abusive messages of outrage. Sade Perkins — who condemned Camp Mystic in an ill-timed rant, just hours after dozens of people died there in a devastating flash flood Friday — is described as 'courageous' on the page, which asks supporters to donate for her 'protection, legal support, and recovery.' 'Sade Perkins is being publicly targeted for telling the truth,' claims the ill-fated Givesendgo page set up by supporter Marian Hills. Advertisement A fundraising page for Sade Perkins was flooded with critics paying a few dollars to leave abusive comments. TikTok / @sades_world8 'Sade simply spoke up about racial disparity in emergency response, something many have quietly thought but were too afraid to say.' The fundraiser aimed to raise $20,000 — but had raked in less than $400 as of Thursday afternoon. Much of that came from critics paying just a few bucks to let them leave nasty comments. Advertisement The fundraising page had raked in just $394 as of Thursday. GiveSendGo 'Paid just to say eatSh-t,' fumed one person, who donated $5, as others dropped f-bombs. 'For your funeral expenses,' another $5 donor seethed, while one critic told her to 'get [an] attorney.' Perkins sparked outrage when she lashed out at the private girls' camp in Hunt, Texas, where at 27 people, including numerous children, died in the floodwaters that have killed more than 100 people. Advertisement 'I know I'm going to get cancelled for this, but Camp Mystic is a white-only girls' Christian camp. They don't even have a token Asian. They don't have a token Black person. It's an all-white, white-only conservative Christian camp,' Perkins had said in the TikTok footage. 'If you ain't white you ain't right, you ain't gettin' in, you ain't goin'. Period,' Perkins said Saturday — as the state's overall death toll from the flooding soared to more than 80. 'If this were a group of Hispanic girls out there, this would not be getting this type of coverage that they're getting, no one would give a f–k, and all these white people, the parents of these little girls would be saying things like 'they need to be deported, they shouldn't have been here in the first place' and yada yada yada,' Perkins said. Advertisement Houston Mayor John Whitmire later said he plans to 'permanently remove' Perkins from the city's Food Insecurity Board following the inappropriate racial comments, the Houston Chronicle reported Monday. Perkins' term on the board expired in January 2025, according to the city's website.
