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Tag: felony

  • Jury reaches verdict in trial of Judge Hannah Dugan

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    A jury on Thursday found Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan guilty of a federal felony charge that she obstructed or impeded a proceeding before a U.S. department or agency, while acquitting her on a misdemeanor count tied to concealing an individual from discovery and arrest. Her defense team released this statement shortly after the verdict was read: “While we are disappointed in today’s outcome, the failure of the prosecution to secure convictions on both counts demonstrates the opportunity we have to clear Judge Dugan’s name and show she did nothing wrong in this matter. We have planned for this potential outcome and our defense of Judge Dugan is just beginning. This trial required considerable resources to prepare for and public support for Judge Dugan’s defense fund is critical as we prepare for the next phase of this defense.” The judge did not set a sentencing date. The defense plans to fight the conviction. The maximum penalty would be five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.Watch: Defense attorney Steve Biskupic’s post-verdict reaction:On the prosecution side, interim U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel asked that people keep politics out of the case and the verdict. He said this was not the government trying to make an example of Dugan, but was instead a serious matter they felt necessary to pursue.Watch: Interim U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel delivers remarks after Dugan verdictProsecutors filed the charges after an April 2025 courthouse encounter involving federal agents and a defendant, in Dugan’s court on a state criminal charge, a man they were seeking to arrest. The verdict followed a week of testimony and evidence centered on what jurors heard and saw from April 18, when federal agents came to the sixth floor of the Milwaukee County Courthouse with a warrant to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz.In opening statements Monday, prosecutors told jurors that Dugan “knew what she did was wrong” and argued arrests in the courthouse are “standard and routine.”The defense challenged the interpretation of events and questioned witnesses about courthouse practices, confusion over the courthouse policy for interactions with federal immigration officials. What prosecutors allegedJurors were shown surveillance video and listened to audio from inside Dugan’s courtroom, with prosecutors walking through the sequence in detail.Prosecutors pointed jurors to:Hallway surveillance video showing Dugan confronting federal agents outside her courtroom; there was no audio on the hallway video.Audio from inside the courtroom, played alongside a transcript for jurors to follow, including a moment in which Dugan’s clerk is heard saying, “We have 5 ICE guys in the hallway.”Prosecutors’ interpretation of courtroom audio, including that Dugan called Flores-Ruiz’s case out of order and told his attorney to take him out and return for a rescheduled date, which prosecutors argued was intended to get him out of the area.Evidence and testimony jurors heardThe government’s first witness included FBI Special Agent Jeffrey Baker, who testified about his actions at the courthouse that morning and what he observed. Baker described Dugan’s tone during the hallway encounter, saying, “anger would be the best way to describe it.”Jurors also heard testimony and saw exhibits related to communications among judges about how to handle interactions with federal immigration officials in the courthouse, according to the notes.WATCH FBI agents testify about courthouse confusion during immigration arrestDefense caseAfter the prosecution rested on Wednesday, the defense began calling witnesses Thursday morning. The first defense witness was Milwaukee County Judge Katie Kegel, and jurors were shown an email she sent to fellow judges that was displayed in court and included in jurors’ binders. The final witness for the defense was former Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, a lifelong friend who described her as an “extremely honest” person who will tell you exactly how she feels. Background of the caseThe case stems from the April 18 courthouse encounter in which agents from ICE and other federal agencies arrived outside Dugan’s courtroom with a warrant for Flores-Ruiz’s arrest.Prosecutors alleged Dugan directed agents away from the arrest location and that Flores-Ruiz later left through a restricted area before being arrested outside.Flores-Ruiz’s underlying state case involved a domestic violence allegation. In opening statements, prosecutors referenced the charge he faced that day: battery — domestic abuse — infliction of physical pain or injury. Flores-Ruiz has since been deported.

    A jury on Thursday found Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan guilty of a federal felony charge that she obstructed or impeded a proceeding before a U.S. department or agency, while acquitting her on a misdemeanor count tied to concealing an individual from discovery and arrest.

    Her defense team released this statement shortly after the verdict was read:

    “While we are disappointed in today’s outcome, the failure of the prosecution to secure convictions on both counts demonstrates the opportunity we have to clear Judge Dugan’s name and show she did nothing wrong in this matter. We have planned for this potential outcome and our defense of Judge Dugan is just beginning. This trial required considerable resources to prepare for and public support for Judge Dugan’s defense fund is critical as we prepare for the next phase of this defense.”

    Adela Tesnow

    Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan reacts after hearing a guilty guilty in her federal trial

    The judge did not set a sentencing date. The defense plans to fight the conviction. The maximum penalty would be five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

    Watch: Defense attorney Steve Biskupic’s post-verdict reaction:

    On the prosecution side, interim U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel asked that people keep politics out of the case and the verdict. He said this was not the government trying to make an example of Dugan, but was instead a serious matter they felt necessary to pursue.

    Watch: Interim U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel delivers remarks after Dugan verdict

    Prosecutors filed the charges after an April 2025 courthouse encounter involving federal agents and a defendant, in Dugan’s court on a state criminal charge, a man they were seeking to arrest.

    The verdict followed a week of testimony and evidence centered on what jurors heard and saw from April 18, when federal agents came to the sixth floor of the Milwaukee County Courthouse with a warrant to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz.

    In opening statements Monday, prosecutors told jurors that Dugan “knew what she did was wrong” and argued arrests in the courthouse are “standard and routine.”

    The defense challenged the interpretation of events and questioned witnesses about courthouse practices, confusion over the courthouse policy for interactions with federal immigration officials.

    What prosecutors alleged

    Jurors were shown surveillance video and listened to audio from inside Dugan’s courtroom, with prosecutors walking through the sequence in detail.

    Prosecutors pointed jurors to:

    • Hallway surveillance video showing Dugan confronting federal agents outside her courtroom; there was no audio on the hallway video.
    • Audio from inside the courtroom, played alongside a transcript for jurors to follow, including a moment in which Dugan’s clerk is heard saying, “We have 5 ICE guys in the hallway.”
    • Prosecutors’ interpretation of courtroom audio, including that Dugan called Flores-Ruiz’s case out of order and told his attorney to take him out and return for a rescheduled date, which prosecutors argued was intended to get him out of the area.

    Evidence and testimony jurors heard

    The government’s first witness included FBI Special Agent Jeffrey Baker, who testified about his actions at the courthouse that morning and what he observed.

    Baker described Dugan’s tone during the hallway encounter, saying, “anger would be the best way to describe it.”

    Jurors also heard testimony and saw exhibits related to communications among judges about how to handle interactions with federal immigration officials in the courthouse, according to the notes.

    WATCH FBI agents testify about courthouse confusion during immigration arrest

    Defense case

    After the prosecution rested on Wednesday, the defense began calling witnesses Thursday morning.

    The first defense witness was Milwaukee County Judge Katie Kegel, and jurors were shown an email she sent to fellow judges that was displayed in court and included in jurors’ binders.

    The final witness for the defense was former Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, a lifelong friend who described her as an “extremely honest” person who will tell you exactly how she feels.

    Background of the case

    The case stems from the April 18 courthouse encounter in which agents from ICE and other federal agencies arrived outside Dugan’s courtroom with a warrant for Flores-Ruiz’s arrest.

    Prosecutors alleged Dugan directed agents away from the arrest location and that Flores-Ruiz later left through a restricted area before being arrested outside.

    Flores-Ruiz’s underlying state case involved a domestic violence allegation. In opening statements, prosecutors referenced the charge he faced that day: battery — domestic abuse — infliction of physical pain or injury. Flores-Ruiz has since been deported.

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  • Oregon DOJ Seeks To Revoke Release Of Melissa Fireside, Believed To Have Fled Country With Son – KXL

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    Courtesy MGN & Clackamas County

    The Oregon Department of Justice has filed a motion to revoke the conditional release of Melissa Fireside, a former Clackamas County Commissioner, after receiving information that she is no longer living at her listed address in Lexington, Oregon.

    State officials believe Fireside may have left the country and taken her nine-year-old son with her. While authorities say the child is not believed to be in danger, ensuring his safety remains their top priority.

    “Our top concern right now is the safety and well-being of this child,” said Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield. “We are working closely with law enforcement partners here and at the federal level to locate Ms. Fireside and ensure she is held accountable under Oregon law. No one should be able to evade justice by crossing a border.”

    Investigators are coordinating with federal partners to determine Fireside’s whereabouts. If she is confirmed to be outside the United States, the DOJ says extradition could pose additional challenges depending on the country involved.

    Fireside was arraigned in March 2025 on several felony charges, including aggravated theft, computer crime, and forgery. She was released under a conditional agreement requiring her to remain in Oregon unless granted court permission to leave. Her jury trial was scheduled for December 2, 2025.

    Anyone with information about Fireside’s location is asked to contact the Oregon Department of Justice Criminal Division at (503) 378-6347.

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    Jordan Vawter

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  • Powerful Hathaway family accused of helping Royal Oak relative get a felony charge dropped

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    Steve Neavling

    The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office is inside the new Wayne County Criminal Justice Center in Detroit.

    A Detroit man says his ex-partner falsely accused him of molesting their daughter and alleges her powerful, politically connected family helped her get a felony charge dismissed for filing a false police report.

    The ex-partner, Taylor Clark, is the granddaughter of retired Wayne County Circuit Judge Michael Hathaway, whose cousin Richard Hathaway is the chief assistant at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. Clark lives with Michael Hathaway in a luxury apartment in Royal Oak, according to court records. She has resided with the former judge since she was 15, according to her ex-partner, who asked not to be identified because of the severity of the allegations that Clark leveled against him.

    On Thursday, after Metro Times asked about the Hathaways’s connection to the case, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said through a spokesperson that she had been unaware of the allegations and will recuse her office from the case.

    Worthy “immediately ordered that the paperwork be filed for WCPO to be conflicted out,” spokeswoman Maria Miller said. “We will not handle the case because it falls within our conflict-of-interest policy and to avoid any appearance of impropriety.”

    After a Detroit police investigation into the molestation allegations found evidence that Clark was lying, the prosecutor’s office authorized an arrest warrant and a felony charge against her, according to records. The charge is punishable by up to four years in prison.

    But a few days later, Clark sent her former partner a message, which was obtained by Metro Times, that insists the charge is “going nowhere lol.” A day later, she said in a message to him, “Grandfather asked. He knows the prosecutor.”

    Four days later, Assistant Prosecutor Lisa Halushka informed the ex-partner that a group of prosecutors rescinded the charge after determining there wasn’t enough evidence to proceed. The former partner says both Halushka and Detroit police initially told him there was strong evidence to support the charges. After the case was dropped, he says the Detroit detective who investigated the case told him she has “never seen a prosecutor rescind the charges.”

    “She saw the warrant request and said it was pretty strong,” he says.

    Metro Times couldn’t immediately reach the detective for comment.

    The former partner claims the charge was clearly dropped because of political favoritism. The Hathaway family has deep roots in Michigan’s judicial system. At least six current and retired Wayne County Circuit judges share the Hathaway name, including former Michigan Supreme Court Justice Diane Hathaway, who served time in federal prison for bank fraud.”

    Richard Hathaway, who previously served as a Wayne County Circuit judge and Wayne County treasurer, is the second-ranking official in the prosecutor’s office and has authority over assistant prosecutors.

    Although Clark wrote in a message that her grandfather “knows the prosecutor,” she adamantly denies Michael Hathaway intervened in the case.

    “That’s a lie. It’s crazy,” Clark tells Metro Times. “My grandfather can’t get charges dropped against anyone. And he’s not the type of person who would do that.”

    Clark insists she only mentioned her grandfather because she asked him questions about the legal process.

    On July 17, Clark’s former partner called on the prosecutor’s office to recuse itself, citing the conflict of interest involving the Hathaways and Clark.

    “It is my hope now that you have become aware of these new circumstances that your office will recuse itself from this case and refer this matter to the Michigan State Attorney General Office or another County Prosecutor’s Office so that there is no hint of imparity and that justice may be served,” the ex partner wrote in an email to two prosecutors.

    Thirteen minutes later, one of the prosecutors told him that she “will forward your email to our Public Integrity Unit.”

    Despite the emails, Miller said Worthy was not aware of the allegations.

    “Today is the first time that Prosecutor Worthy was made aware of the connection to our Chief Assistant Richard Hathaway through his relationship to his cousin Judge Michael Hathaway,” Miller said.

    But now that Worthy is aware of the potential conflict, Miller said the prosecutor’s office will no longer handle the case.

    “We are currently waiting for DPD to resubmit the warrant request,” she said. “When we have that we will proceed with the paperwork for WCPO to be disqualified. The office that is appointed to the case will decide the matter.”

    Miller said the case got off to a wrong start, leading to the dismissal of the charge.

    “The case came into the General Warrants Unit when it should have gone to the Special Victim’s Unit,” Miller said. “It was issued by a General Warrant Unit assistant prosecutor. Several days after that happened, it was sent to supervisors who determined it should be in SVU. When the case was reviewed by a supervisor in SVU, it was determined that there was insufficient evidence to sustain the charges, and it was denied and returned to DPD with a request for further investigation.”

    Michael Hathaway was accused of intervening in another case involving his granddaughter in September 2020. During a hearing involving parenting issues with Clark’s former partner in Oakland County Circuit Court’s Family Division, Judge Kameshia D. Gant found Clark in contempt and fined her. Michael Hathaway threatened to report Gant to the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission, saying she was too tough on his granddaughter, Gant said during another hearing and in a complaint to the chief judge, according to Clark’s former partner.

    Metro Times couldn’t immediately reach Gant for comment.

    In a text message from January, Clark said Michael Hathaway was getting involved in a custody dispute with her daughter’s father.

    “My grandfather who is a judge is on his ass to get things turned around,” she wrote.

    In a statement after her interview with Metro Times, Clark said that her former partner has an ax to grind.

    “We are currently involved in a long-standing custody battle, and his recent actions seem driven by resentment, not truth,” Clark said.

    She added, “This is not a matter of justice or concern for the truth–it’s about revenge.”

    Metro Times was unable to reach Richard and Michael Hathaway.

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    Steve Neavling

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  • Habitual Felony Offender, Prison Releasee Reoffender Convicted Again in Central Florida

    Habitual Felony Offender, Prison Releasee Reoffender Convicted Again in Central Florida

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    A habitual felony offender and prison releasee reoffender was convicted again in Central Florida.

    After a two-day trial, a Volusia County jury found defendant Don Murphy III guilty as charged of Aggravated Battery and Robbery by Sudden Snatching.

    On February 15, 2021, a woman was walking to her boyfriend’s house in Daytona Beach when she ran into Murphy and another woman on Dr Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard.

    The victim told detectives that Murphy asked her for a lighter, which she declined. The defendant then tried to take her purse. Video surveillance shows he pinned the victim to the ground and punched her multiple times before leaving the scene with her purse.

    The victim received life-threatening injuries including several internal bleeds, a collapsed lung and fractured ribs, but recovered at the hospital. Murphy was identified by the victim and was arrested.

    Immediately following the verdict, the defendant was sentenced to 30 years in prison as a habitual felony offender and a prison releasee reoffender.

    The case was investigated by the Daytona Beach Police Department. Assistant State Attorney Helen Schwartz successfully tried the case for the state. The Honorable Elizabeth Blackburn presided over the case and pronounced sentence.

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  • Increased Traffic Enforcement Efforts Curb Dangerous Driving in Tampa

    Increased Traffic Enforcement Efforts Curb Dangerous Driving in Tampa

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    Increased traffic enforcement efforts try to curb dangerous driving in Tampa, with a particular focus on the Courtney Campbell Causeway over the extended Labor Day weekend. This increased presence resulted in a significant number of traffic stops and citations, highlighting the department’s commitment to public safety.

    Over the extended weekend, officers conducted 207 total traffic stops along the Courtney Campbell Causeway, issuing 103 warnings and 106 citations for speeding. Citywide, officers conducted 1,183 traffic stops, issuing 1,012 warnings and 531 citations.

    Dangerous Driving Tampa According to Tampa Police, the goal for the weekend operation was to balance education and enforcement. Drivers were reminded of the importance of obeying traffic rules and sharing the road responsibly. However, the department also made it clear that street racing and takeovers are not tolerated in the City of Tampa.

    “Our officers, whether in cars, on motorcycles, or in the air, are dedicated to ensuring the safety of our community,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “The Labor Day weekend operation is just one example of their everyday commitment to reducing traffic-related incidents and ensuring our roads are safe for everyone.”

    In one notable incident, just before 2:00am on September 1st, Tampa Police officers responded to an attempted street takeover event near the Tampa Convention Center. A BMW sedan was observed entering the intersection and performing burnouts and slides before heading southbound on Franklin St. onto Harbour Island. Aviation officers provided ground units with the vehicle’s updated location and direction of travel. The car was stopped, and the driver, 18-year-old Elian Michele, was arrested for Unlawful Racing on a Highway While Engaged in a Coordinated Street Takeover, and two narcotics charges. The BMW was impounded. This remains an active investigation, according to local law enforcement.

    “Those who engage in such reckless and dangerous behavior will face the full consequences of the law,” said Chief Bercaw, reiterating the department’s stance on street racing and takeovers. “It should be clear that this type of activity is not tolerated in Tampa. You will be caught, you will be arrested, and your car will be seized.”

    The Tampa Police Department reminds the community of the following consequences if they are involved in or spectating dangerous driving like illegal street racing, takeovers, or stunt driving:
    •    Suspect(s) can be charged with a third-degree felony
    •    Suspect(s) can be fined up to $4,000
    •    Vehicles can be seized or impounded
    •    Suspect(s) can lose their license for two years
    •    Spectators can be fined

    If you see a street takeover or illegal street racing, do not engage. Leave the area and report it immediately by calling 911.

    In Hillsborough County, the final results of Operation Summer’s End, a joint-agency enforcement initiative focused on addressing DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and BUI (Boating Under the Influence) offenses in Central Florida were also recently announced.

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  • 21-Year-Old Indicted for Murder of Florida Mother

    21-Year-Old Indicted for Murder of Florida Mother

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    A 21-year-old man was indicted for murder in connection to a shooting that resulted in the death of 53-year-old Florida mother.

    State Attorney Bill Gladson announced the grand jury indictment of 21-year-old Donald Donell Jamison, in connection with the July 30, 2024 shooting that resulted in the death of 53-year-old Claudia Barbosa and the injury of another individual.

    Jamison has been indicted for one count of Premeditated First-Degree Murder with a Firearm, one count of Attempted Felony Murder, two counts of Robbery with a Firearm, and one count of Escape from a Law Enforcement Officer.

    The day of the incident, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) received a call for service, indicating two individuals were shot while at a Brooksville restaurant. The caller stated the suspect had fled the scene in a vehicle. When first responders arrived, they located Claudia and the second victim with apparent gunshot wounds.

    Claudia Barbosa was pronounced deceased on scene, while the other victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

    Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis and his law enforcement officers worked diligently to investigate the incident and apprehend the suspect responsible. HCSO officials were able to obtain surveillance footage and confirm the information given by multiple witnesses on scene.

    According to law enforcement, a statewide broadcast was issued for the suspect vehicle. Shortly after, the Florida Highway Patrol observed a vehicle matching the description and conducted a traffic stop.

    When troopers made contact with the driver, later identified as Jamison, he matched the description of the suspect given by witnesses.

    Jamison was detained and transported back to Hernando County to be interviewed by HCSO investigators. While in custody, Jamison attempted to escape but was immediately detained and arrested.

    The State Attorney’s office said it acknowledges the gravity of this matter and its profound impact on the victim’s family and the community. As these legal proceedings develop, the State Attorney’s office pledged to remain committed to ensuring justice and accountability for all.

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  • Davenport man had marijuana near child, police allege – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

    Davenport man had marijuana near child, police allege – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

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    A 25-year-old Davenport man was released on bond after police allege he had 7.2 pounds of marijuana in a home where a 3-year-old child lives.

    Elijah Gay faces felony charges of failure to affix a drug tax stamp and a controlled-substance violation, as well as an aggravated misdemeanor charge of child endangerment, court records show.

    Elijah Gay (Scott County Jail)

    Original Author Link click here to read complete story..

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    MMP News Author

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  • Are Rihanna & A$AP Rocky Spending Time Apart Amid His Criminal Case?? LOOK! – Perez Hilton

    Are Rihanna & A$AP Rocky Spending Time Apart Amid His Criminal Case?? LOOK! – Perez Hilton

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    Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are doing their own thing in the wake of his criminal court case.

    On Thursday, the Lift Me Up singer was spotted out and about in West Hollywood in gorgeous new blonde locks, a gray hoodie, gray jeans with a unique design, and a camel overcoat. What’s inneresting is that Rocky was also spotted in WeHo — but not in the same area as RiRi.

    Related: Kim Zolciak & Kroy Biermann Celebrate Anniversary Amid Divorce!

    Rihanna was seen at the San Vicente Bungalows with a group of friends, while the Pharsyde rapper was in a different part of town in a denim outfit with his own friends.

    The sightings came just one day after Rocky appeared in court for assault charges, according to DailyMail.com. He’s facing two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm stemming from a November 2021 shooting where he allegedly fired at least four shots at fellow A$AP Mob member Terell Ephron. He could face up to eight years in jail if convicted. The duo both appeared to maintain straight faces throughout their sightings, which would make sense just one day after such a stressful court appearance…

    Then, on Saturday, the parents were spotted out and about separately AGAIN! Rih dined at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica while Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, was apparently leaving a recording session in WeHo, according to TMZ. The rapper flashed a grin at one point as he sported an all black ‘fit, but the Love on the Brain singer maintained her serious demeanor from Thursday night.

    And you can also see more of the photos from the end of last week’s separate appearances HERE.

    Thoughts, Perezcious readers?? Are they just giving each other a bit of space during an intense situation, or is it a telling move that the mother of two isn’t by her man’s side? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below.

    [Images via MEGA/WENN]

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    Perez Hilton

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  • Man who killed pastor’s son at church was controlled by “demonic spirit”

    Man who killed pastor’s son at church was controlled by “demonic spirit”

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    The mother of an accused murderer in Florida believes that her son was overtaken by “demonic spirits.”

    The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) said the body of 20-year-old Roderick Wilson, Jr. was found with multiple gunshot wounds early Sunday morning in the parking lot of the Pentecostal Church of God in Winter Haven, where the victim’s father is a pastor. Florida has the 27th-highest rate of gun deaths in the United States, according to Every Town.

    Taquion “Quan” Cotton, 22, who lives a couple of streets away from the church, was identified as the suspect and arrested on the following felony charges: first-degree murder, burglary with battery, kidnapping, battery-domestic with prior conviction, harassing in a felony proceeding, resisting with violence, tampering with physical evidence, discharging a firearm in a residential area, and resisting without violence.

    “I’m devastated. Very devastated about this situation,” Cotton’s mother, Shavon Sheffield, said according to local CBS affiliate WTSP in St. Peterburg. “He opened up a demonic spirit that he can’t control. I don’t believe the video or whatever they showed me looked like my son. I asked to see other angles and they wouldn’t show me.”

    Taquion “Quan” Cotton (L), 22, has been arrested for multiple felony charges including first-degree murder for allegedly killing 20-year-old Roderick Wilson, Jr. on Sunday in a church parking lot in Winter Haven, Florida. Cotton has a long criminal history. Police are still trying to determine the motive and to locate the firearm used in the shooting.
    Polk County Sheriff’s Office

    Members of PCSO’s homicide and crime scene investigation units have conducted multiple witness interviews and pieces of evidence relating to the incident. The murder was reportedly captured by nearby surveillance footage.

    “Regarding the video of the murder, we haven’t shared it publicly yet as detectives are still hoping to speak to additional witnesses,” PCSO public information officer Brian Bruchey told Newsweek via email.

    He did not respond to the statements made by Cotton’s mother regarding being possessed by demons, and other PSCO officials have publicly stated that it remains unclear what led to the altercation and eventual shooting death.

    “Detectives are still trying to determine Taquion Cotton’s motivation to commit this murder,” PCSO Sheriff Grady Judd said at a news conference on Monday. “At this time, there is no indication the two men knew each other prior to tonight. Despite the murderer being locked up, there is still work to be done.”

    Cotton and Wilson reportedly exchanged words and a shoving altercation ensued prior to a gun being pulled out and used, Judd added.

    The firearm used in the homicide has still not been recovered.

    The body of Wilson Jr., who had been living in an apartment on church property, was reportedly discovered by a passerby at about 1:57 a.m. Judd said multiple vehicles drove by around the time of the incident, publicly requesting for them to come forward as witnesses.

    PCSO said Cotton was found on Sunday afternoon during an area search affiliated with the homicide.

    Cotton was reportedly spotted in a roadway not far from the crime scene, prompting the suspect to flee to a nearby residence where he allegedly battered a woman and put her in a chokehold so he could gain entry.

    Sheffield reportedly ran to the woman’s aid and attempted to help deputies apprehend her son. Cotton allegedly bit his mother, leading deputies to use a taser to subdue him.

    After he was apprehended, Cotton reportedly yelled for his mother to not press charges against him for biting.

    “It’s never going to be the same,” Emily Pringle, the mother of Wilson, told WTSP on Monday. “I don’t have my baby.”

    Newsweek reached out to Wilson Sr. and the Pentecostal Church via email for comment.

    Cotton’s previous criminal history includes 11 felonies and 9 misdemeanors consisting of the following charges: attempted murder, aggravated battery on a pregnant victim, burglaries, thefts, batteries, drug and weapons violations, and resisting.