Latest news with #VenturaCountyStar
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Santa Paula man charged in slaying of Ojai woman, 2023 death of Ventura man
A Santa Paula man was charged with two counts of murder on June 6 in the recent killing of an Ojai-area woman as well as the death of a Ventura man in 2023. The Ventura County District Attorney's Office announced that Christian Alexandre Hillairet, 24, had been charged in Ventura County Superior Court with two counts of felony willful, deliberate and premediated murder, according to a DA's office news release. He has not yet entered a plea. Hillairet is also accused of numerous special allegations, including commission of more than one murder, use of a deadly weapon and a prior strike. Such allegations can carry additional jail time if he is found guilty. Hillairet is accused of killing Carolyn Nino De Rivera, 26, and William Thompson, 44. Nino De Rivera's body was found in a home in the 12000 block of Sisar Road in the unincorporated area of Santa Paula, also known as the Upper Ojai area, on May 31, authorities previously said. The home was leased by Hillairet and the two were in an "on-again-off-again" relationship, said Ventura County Sheriff's Capt. Rob Yoos. Ventura Police Department and sheriff's investigators said they found evidence tying Hillairet to the Ventura man's killing. Thompson was found bludgeoned to death in Ventura on Nov. 3, 2023, according to the DA's office news release. 'The defendant's alleged actions reflect a chilling pattern of violence and cruelty,' DA Erik Nasarenko said in the release. 'Our office is committed to securing justice for these victims and prosecuting Hillairet to the fullest extent of the law.' Hillairet was arrested by the Ventura County Sheriff's Office with the help of federal and Mexican authorities in Rosarito, Baja California, on June 4. Investigators earlier had learned that Hillairet had crossed the border into Mexico through the San Ysidro border crossing early June 1. He was booked into Ventura County Main Jail on June 5 without the possibility of bail, court and jail records show. He is scheduled to return to court June 9. Senior Deputy District Attorney Theresa Pollara with the DA's Major Crimes Homicide Unit is prosecuting the case. Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at ecentenoaraujo@ This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Santa Paula man charged in killings of Ojai woman, Ventura man
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Authorities name slain Ojai-area woman but keep mum about suspect
An Ojai-area woman was identified on June 2 as the victim of a homicide in the Upper Ojai area days earlier, authorities said. Carolyn Nino De Rivera, 26, was found dead May 31 at a residence in the 12000 block of Sisar Road in unincorporated Santa Paula, often referred to as Upper Ojai, according to a Ventura County Sheriff's Office news release. Her body was discovered around 9:10 p.m., and evidence suggested that De Rivera was the victim of homicide., the sheriff's office previously reported. No arrests were made as of the afternoon of June 2, but the suspect is known to the sheriff's office, authorities said. Sgt. Monica Smith, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office, refused to provide any additional information about the suspect, saying detectives would release it. Two messages left with detectives were not returned. Social media sites are circulating the name and image of a man associated with De Rivera. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Michael Marco at 805-384-4739. Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at ecentenoaraujo@ This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Authorities name slain Ojai-area woman; keep mum on suspect
USA Today
20-05-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Higher suicide risk for men and indigenous peoples in Minnesota
Higher suicide risk for men and indigenous peoples in Minnesota Show Caption Hide Caption Ask, listen and help: Keys to stopping suicide Nearly 400 people packed an Oxnard College theater for a suicide prevention forum. Tom Kisken, Ventura County Star Minnesota's estimated suicide rate remained at 13.9 per 100,000 in 2024, unchanged from 2023. While the rate held steady, it represents a 50% increase since 2000 and reflects concerning national trends. Men, people in their 50s and 80s, and Indigenous Minnesotans remain at higher risk. Minnesota's suicide rate held steady between 2023 and 2024, according to preliminary data from the state Department of Health. The 813 estimated suicides in the state last year work out to an age-adjusted rate of 13.9 per 100,000. Death statistics are typically reported in age-adjusted terms to account for how the age composition of a population changes over time. The long-term trend is one of steady increase. Since 2000, Minnesota's suicide rate has increased by roughly 50%.The pattern is similar nationally. Suicide is closely linked to some mental health conditions, as well as substance use and gambling disorders, both of which have been increasing. Economic uncertainty, chronic illness, easy access to guns, fraying social ties and other factors also play a role. 'The overall increase in deaths by suicide over the last couple of decades continues to be concerning,' said Minnesota Health Commissioner Brooke Cunningham. 'Every death by suicide is a tragedy and can have an ongoing impact on families and communities.' The demographic picture is similar to prior years: Men are three times more likely to commit suicide than women. People in their 50s and in their 80s are more likely to die of suicide than those in other age groups. Indigenous Minnesotans have the highest suicide rates, followed by white, Black, Hispanic and Asian Minnesotans. More: 40-unit St. Cloud housing proposal aims to help those facing mental health, homelessness The suicide rate in the state's rural areas is about twice as high as in the Twin Cities, and previous research has found that the increase is happening faster in rural areas than in other places. Lack of access to mental health services is one major contributor. Easy access to guns also plays a role in the elevated rural suicide numbers, and deaths involving those guns are increasing: Firearms were the mechanism in 43% of Minnesota suicide deaths in 2019, and in 51% of those deaths in 2024. MDH officials are also keeping an eye on how draconian cuts to federal spending could impact the suicide rate and efforts to reduce it. President Trump's proposed federal budget would eliminate the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the White House has cut funding for the substance abuse and mental health services as well. More: Tri-County Humane Society's stray reclaim rate is more than double the national average The administration has also proposed cuts to the funding for some 988 suicide prevention hotline services. Preliminary data shows that the state's 988 responders answered more than 90,000 contacts in 2024, a significant increase from the previous year, according to MDH. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, 988's caring counselors are here for you. Call or text 988, Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or text HOME to 741741. Talk to trained counselors who care, 24/7/365 If you or a loved one is at imminent risk, please contact 9-1-1 and ask for a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer. • Phone: 1-800-273-8255 or 1-800-784-2433 – Press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line • TTY: 1-800-799-4889 Crisis Textline • Text: MN to 741741 Adult Mental Health Crisis Response Minnesota Reformer is part of States Newsroom, the nation's largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Thousand Oaks man avoids carjacking attempt while kids were in vehicle, more news
A man in Thousand Oaks reportedly escaped a carjacking attempt while his two young children were in the vehicle on April 29, authorities said. The incident was reported shortly after 3:10 p.m. in the 2000 block of Moss Court, according to Ventura County Sheriff's Capt. Rob Davidson. The block is in a residential area on the north side of Avenida De Las Flores, east of Highway 23. The victim told deputies he was approached by three or four male suspects as he got out of his vehicle and was going to the mailbox. The suspects reportedly demanded the car, which had the victim's children inside, Davidson said. The victim pleaded with them not to take the vehicle. The suspects then allegedly robbed the man of his wallet and fled, the captain said. As of the morning of April 30, the suspects had not been apprehended, a sheriff's official said. A jury found an Oxnard man guilty of multiple counts of child molestation in a case involving two victims, authorities said. John Edward Kalil, 28, was convicted of six felony counts of lewd act upon a child on April 28, according to the Ventura County District Attorney's Office. Jurors also found true special allegations that there were multiple victims and there had been substantial sexual contact. The special allegations can bring a heavier sentence. Kalil molested two victims who were younger than 14 between 2014 and 2020, the DA's office said in a news release. The incidents took place in the home they shared, where Kalil had gained access through a familial relationship. Both victims reported the abuse after the arrests of another family member who was also allegedly molesting them, according to prosecutors. The case against the other family member is pending. "While I respect the jury process, my client maintains his innocence, and there will be an appeal," said Kalil's attorney, Encino-based Gregory Rubel, in a text message. Senior Deputy DA Stuart Gardner prosecuted the case. Sentencing is scheduled for the morning of June 6 in room 26 of Ventura County Superior Court. Kalil, who remains in custody without bail in the county's main jail, faces 150 years to life in state prison, prosecutors said. This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Thousand Oaks man avoids carjacking while kids were in car, more news
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Only 8 U.S. theaters are showing 'Sinners' as Ryan Coogler intended. 3 are in California
Only eight theaters in the United States have the capacity to show the movie "Sinners" as the director intended. And three of them are in California. The horror film starring Michael B. Jordan was directed by Ryan Coogler and shot with IMAX film cameras, which are reportedly the highest-resolution cameras available and create a unique movie-going experience. The movie hit theaters last week and was No. 1 at the box office. Here's a list of U.S. theaters showing "Sinners" in 70mm, according to IMAX: Arizona Harkins Arizona Mills 18 & IMAX in Tempe California Regal Irvine Spectrum & IMAX in Irvine Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood & IMAX in Los Angeles AMC Metreon 16 & IMAX in San Francisco Florida Autonation IMAX Theater in Fort Lauderdale Indiana Indiana State Museum IMAX Theatre in Indianapolis New York AMC Lincoln Square 13 & IMAX in New York City Texas Cinemark Dallas & IMAX in Dallas Moviegoers can get a commemorative filmstrip when seeing "Sinners" at participating global IMAX 70mm Film locations, IMAX announced on its website. The filmstrips will be available starting April 23 on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Those wanting the IMAX 70mm Film experience for 'Sinner' might want to make plans to get to the theater over the next week. Marvel Studios' 'Thunderbolts' will release on May 2 and take over screens. Films in 70mm have greater detail, color and depth than most other modern movies, the U.K. Science and Media Museum wrote during the release of Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer," which was also displayed in 70 mm screenings. Seven other IMAX theaters in the U.S. will show certain sequences of the film in IMAX's exclusive expanded aspect ratio of 1.43:1. None are in Indiana. IMAX, The Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin, Texas Branson's IMAX - Entertainment Complex in Branson, Missouri Airbus IMAX, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia IMAX 3D, Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee Royal Cinemas & IMAX in Pooler, Georgia Sunbrella IMAX 3D Theater Reading in Reading, Massachusetts Boeing IMAX, Pacific Science Center in Seattle, Washington "Sinners" made $48 million in its opening weekend and $123.2 million in total as of April 28, according to Rotten Tomatoes. The movie only saw a 4.9% dip in sales, with it grossing $45.7 million in its second weekend, the movie rating site said. The small drop is uncommon, with most films experiencing a bigger box office dip after their initial weekend. "Sinners" is a horror film about twin brothers dealing with a vampire infestation in a small Mississippi town. See the trailer: USA TODAY Network contributed to this story. Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at ecentenoaraujo@ This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: 8 U.S. theaters are showing 'Sinners' in IMAX 70mm. 3 in California
