Latest news with #Vasquez
UPI
6 days ago
- UPI
Two MS-13 members sentenced for 2010 murder in Massachusetts
Two 31-year-old members of the MS-13 gang were sentenced in prison for their roles in the murder of a man under the on-ramp to Route 1 in Chelsea in December 2010. Photo by Department of Justice July 16 (UPI) -- Two 31-year-old members of the MS-13 gang were sentenced in Boston to decades in prison for their roles in a murder in 2010 that was solved 14 years later. On Tuesday, Senior District Judge William Young sentenced the La Mara Salvatrucha members: Jose Vasquez, also known as Littler Crazy, to 25 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release; and William Pineda Portillo, also known as Humlde, to 16 years to be followed by three years of supervision. Vasquez was already serving a 212-month sentence for a conviction in May 2018 for conspiracy to participate in Racketeer Influence and Corruption Organization, or RICO. In all, his prison sentence is 37 years. Portillo is a Salvadoran national unlawfully living in Everett, Mass., subject to deportation after he completes his sentence. In May 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in RICO conspiracy. The two men were indicted by a federal grand jury in September. Vasquez and Pineda Portillo pleaded guilty this May to one count of violent crime in aid of racketeering. "What these men allegedly did to their victims was particularly heinous -- so much so that, over a decade later, the circumstances still stand out," Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the Boston FBI field office said when announcing this and another murder-connected indictment. Amaya Paredes allegedly murdered a 27-year-old in July 2020 in Dartmouth, Mass. Vasquez and Pineda Portillo conspired with others to kill a 28-year-old man on Dec. 18, 2010, in Chelsea near Boston. That evening, law enforcement responded to a 911 call near the Route 1 on-ramp. The unnamed victim was found alive with about 10 stab wounds to the chest and back, along with head injuries. He was taken to a hospital where he died. A re-examination of evidence years later from the scene identified members of the gang, including Vasquez, as committing the murder, prosecutors said. The two believed the victim belonged to a rival gang, prosecutors said. On the day of the murder, Pineda Portillo picked up the victim, Vasquez and other MS-13 members with a vehicle registered to his father. In a secluded area, one gang member struck the victim in the head with a rock as another gang member stabbed him with a machete. During the attack, Vasquez used a knife to stab him. His palm print was identified on the handle of a silver kitchen knife found at the murder scene. Also, the victim's blood was found on the knife. In an undercover recording obtained six weeks after the murder, an MS-13 member acknowledged his role in the murder and other members disciplined him for leaving Massachusetts without their permission. Pineda Portill had fled to El Salvador. He returned to the United States in April 2015, where he arranged to sell a firearm with eight rounds of ammunition. Federal prosecutors said on or around June 1, he conspired to kill an MS-13 member he incorrectly thought had been arrested and was operating with law enforcement. "I want that son of a bitch killed, man. ... You will see, homebody," he said in a recording by law enforcement. "We are going to do a complete thing to that son of a bitch, dude." He was indicted in 2017 and then deported to El Salvador. On May 10, 2022, he was arrested as he tried to return to the United States again from Mexico to Texas. After being arrested at the border, he admitted he was a member of MS-13, according to court documents. A fingerprint analysis determined there was an arrest warrant. He was taken to Massachusetts, where he remained in custody. MS-13 members are required to commit violence, specifically against rival gang members, and kill informants, according to the Department of Justice. This operation is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Strike Force Initiative.
Filipino Times
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Filipino Tenor Sofronio Vasquez to Perform National Anthem at 2025 SONA
Award-winning Filipino tenor Sofronio Vasquez has been selected to sing the Philippine national anthem at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, 2025, at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City. Vasquez, originally from Misamis Occidental and now based in the United States, rose to global fame after becoming the first Filipino and first male Asian winner of The Voice (Season 26). Prior to his international breakthrough, he was a finalist in Tawag ng Tanghalan Season 2 in 2017 and secured third place in the show's all-star edition in 2019. Renowned for his powerful voice and mastery of patriotic and classical songs, Vasquez has performed across both local and international stages. His selection for the SONA is seen as a tribute to Filipino excellence and talent, as well as a nod to the country's musical heritage. The singing of the national anthem is a vital ceremonial moment at the SONA, setting the stage for the President's address to Congress, officials, foreign dignitaries, and the Filipino public. President Marcos is expected to highlight achievements, ongoing policies, and plans aimed at uplifting the lives of Filipinos in his upcoming address.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Yahoo
Docs: Man hides truck under tarp after fatal hit-and-run crash in Sunland Park
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The man arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash this past Thursday, July 3, in Sunland Park, hid his truck under a tarp after fleeing the scene, according to court documents obtained by KTSM. Woman killed, another hurt in hit-and-run in Sunland Park State Police confirmed the arrest of Vicente Vasquez Jr., 61, who was taken into custody on Saturday, July 5, and court records show he was charged with vehicular homicide, immediate notice of accident, leaving the scene, failure to stop and render aid, and tampering with evidence. As we have previously reported, just before 11 p.m. that Thursday, State Police responded to a crash at Sunland Park and Appaloosa Drive involving a vehicle and two pedestrians. A male victim and a woman were struck by a driver, later identified as Vasquez, who fled the scene, State Police said. The 26-year-old woman, identified as Graciela Citlali-Tonazin Sahs, died at the scene, State Police said. The Sunland Park Fire Department said the male victim, who was taken to the hospital, suffered serious injuries. According to court documents, Sahs and the male victim had finished buying fireworks at a stand and began walking south when a maroon Ford Ranger, driven by Vasquez, struck both and fled the scene west on Sunland Park Drive. After Vasquez fled, a 'Be on the Lookout' (BOLO) alert was issued to surrounding agencies to locate the Ford Ranger, according to State Police. State Police said Sunland Park Police later located the damaged vehicle concealed under a tarp at a residence. The evidence and damage were consistent with the findings at the crash scene. On Saturday afternoon, July 5, Vasquez's niece contacted law enforcement, saying Vasquez was at her residence in Sunland Park, according to court documents. According to court documents, Vasquez's niece told officers Vasquez had told her he killed someone by the casino. She also said she received a text from Vasquez saying he killed someone or crashed in front of the casino. Officers made contact with Vasquez, who said he was traveling at approximately 17 to 19 mph when he observed something crossing the street from the firework stand. He said he pressed on his brakes, but did not have time to stop on time, forcing him to 'strike it.' After the impact, he said he rolled down his window to check what he struck, but he didn't see anything, so he continued driving, according to court documents. According to court documents, Vasquez said he went to his residence and covered up the front end of his vehicle with a tarp because he didn't want his friend to see it. Vasquez also admitted to being involved in the crash, and that he thought he had struck someone's dog and did not stop after the impact because 'he was tired and was trying to get home,' according to court documents. Vasquez was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center with no bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
GMA Network
17-06-2025
- Health
- GMA Network
6 small habits to incorporate into your daily eating routine for better nutrition
In a world filled with endless diet advice and 'what to eat' lists on social media, understanding how to truly eat well can be overwhelming. In an interview with GMA News Online, Christian Jay Vasquez, a registered nutritionist and dietician, noted that one of the misconceptions about healthy eating includes restricting ourselves to only consuming fruits and vegetables, believing that it is the key to better health. 'However, being healthy is actually about maintaining a balanced diet that includes all types of food. This means no food group should be completely restricted. Secondly, being healthy involves moderating your intake of all kinds of food. Lastly, eat a variety of foods, because no single food can provide all the nutrients your body needs,' he explained. Building better eating habits does not require extreme restrictions or complicated rules, either. Sometimes, the best changes are small, sustainable ones that will help you build a better relationship with food and improve your overall well-being without taking the joy out of eating. Here are six small yet practical changes you can incorporate into your daily eating routine to help improve your nutrition. 1. Follow the 'Pinggang Pinoy' guide Vasquez shared that following a balanced diet 'provides the body with all the essential nutrients it needs.' He recommended following the 'Pinggang Pinoy' guide developed by the Department of Science and Technology's Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), which suggests the right food group proportions on a per-meal basis. 'The 'Pinggang Pinoy' offers a visual guide on how to follow a balanced diet in a culturally appropriate way,' he said. The FNRI developed 'Pinggang Pinoy' in collaboration with the Department of Health, World Health Organization, and National Nutrition Council. It suggests filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables, one-fourth with protein-rich foods like fish, meat, or tofu, and another fourth with energy-giving carbohydrates like rice or corn. 2. Use smaller plates and start with high-fiber foods Still in line with portion control, Vasquez noted that the size of your plate can affect how much food you eat. Using smaller plates or bowls can make a serving look more substantial, helping you feel satisfied with less. 'Using smaller plates or bowls can create the perception of fullness, which may help with portion control. Larger plates often encourage overeating, as people tend to fill them to satisfy hunger,' he said. He also recommended beginning your meal with high-fiber foods, like vegetables, legumes, or whole grains that can increase satiety. Fiber slows digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, making it easier to avoid second servings or unhealthy snacking later on. 3. Avoid placing condiments on the table While many households place condiments at the center of the table during meals, Vasquez believes that keeping them off the table is a subtle but effective way to promote healthier eating at home. 'To reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular conditions, avoid keeping condiments high in sugar, salt, or fat within easy reach during meals,' he advised. Sauces like ketchup, soy sauce, and creamy dressings can quickly add excess sodium, sugar, and calories to an otherwise balanced meal. Removing visual and physical cues can help in reducing the temptation to use them excessively. 4. Incorporate fermented food 'Eating fermented foods provides a multitude of health benefits, including anti-diabetic and anti-cancer effects, blood pressure reduction, and improved gut health,' Vasquez said, citing a 2022 study by Leeuwendaal et al. Fermented foods such as miso, natto, kimchi, and yogurt have long been dietary staples in various cultures, particularly in Japan. 'Natto has been shown to support blood sugar and blood pressure control, as well as offer anti-osteoporosis effects in postmenopausal women. Miso also contributes to blood pressure regulation,' he said. Including a small serving of fermented food daily can be a simple and effective way to boost your gut microbiome and long-term wellness. In the Philippines, some of the popular fermented dishes are burong mustasa and atchara. 5. Eat your largest meal at lunch instead of dinner In many Mediterranean cultures, lunch is traditionally the heaviest meal of the day, followed by a lighter dinner. According to Vasquez, this is because "eating a larger meal at lunch rather than at dinner allows the body to better utilize the calories consumed." During the daytime, the body has more time to burn off the calories for energy. "When a large number of calories are eaten at dinner, the excess is more likely to be stored as fat. For this reason, it is generally recommended to eat less in the evening or right before bedtime," he added. Shifting your caloric intake earlier in the day may also lead to more stable blood sugar levels and improved metabolic health. 6. Time your last meal before bed Aside from eating less during dinner, it is also recommended to be attentive to when to consume your final meal of the day. 'It is recommended to eat your last meal two to three hours before going to bed to help prevent acid reflux. This also promotes better sleep,' Vasquez shared. Late-night eating is also associated with poorer dietary choices and increased calorie intake, making this a simple habit change that can support both gut health and better rest. —CDC, GMA Integrated News
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Deadline looms for MultCo budget approval
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Time is running out on budget talks for the Multnomah County Board, with the adoption vote looming on Thursday. Multnomah County Commissioner Shannon Singleton said the board is still considering around 30 amendments to the Chair's original proposed budget. 'We have the same sort of revenue that we're using to fund programs that we want to fund from different commission offices, and so it's working through, with each other because we can't double spend money,' Singleton said. 'Who is going to kind of let go of something or if they can find another funding source for that.' Some amendments are new programs, and others are restorations. But she said if some pass, there could be around $20 million in changes from the original proposed budget. 'Plus we had some new revenue amendments that were added to the process,' Singleton said, 'And so there are some additional funds that we're able to spend so that somewhere we don't have to make reductions in the chair's proposed budget.' Cuts are still a top concern for Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez. Vasquez has said proposed cuts to his budget would mean layoffs in the DA's office. In a statement to KOIN 6 Vasquez said, 'I have been loud about the need to fully fund the DA's office because the people of Multnomah County want and deserve a safer community. I do too. And that takes a fully funded DA's Office. We are hoping for the best and watching closely to see what happens tomorrow with the budget vote.' 'The reductions that the DA faced are comparable to what other departments have faced in a reduction year,' Singleton said. 'It's really important that we're thoughtful about where those come and we don't just cut from the front line direct services.' Another department staring down serious cuts — county health. Among those cuts is the entire Nurse-Family Partnership program. Singleton said everyone is facing an economic downturn. 'Not just the county, but the human beings living here as well,' she said. 'And so it's really important to me that we come out with a balanced budget. And I don't mean balanced in the number, but balanced in where those reductions have been. And unfortunately, some really good programs are going to be a part of the reduction.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
