Cop Execution Ends With Shooter's Suicide

"BROOKLYN, NY — Two NYPD cops were executed Saturday after a career criminal drove from Baltimore to Brooklyn to kill police officers in a twisted bid to avenge the deaths of Eric Garner and Michael Brown.

"`They were, quite simply, assassinated,` a shaken NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton said Saturday night.

"The shooter—identified as Ismaaiyl Brinsley—boasted about wanting to murder cops in the hours before he ambushed the officers outside the Tompkins Houses in Bedford-Stuyvesant about 2:45 p.m.

"The officers—Rafael Ramos, 40, and Wenjian Liu, 32—were in the area as part of a push to beef up cops’ presence near violence-plagued housing projects.

"`The perp came out of the houses, walked up behind the car and lit them up,` a high-ranking police official told the Daily News.

"Right after Brinsley fired the fatal shots, he sprinted around the corner to the G line subway station at Myrtle-Willoughby Aves., with cops in close pursuit.

"Brinsley disappeared inside the station, then shot himself in the head on a platform, police said.

"The slayings capped a bloody daylong crime spree for Brinsley.

"Hours before he showed up in Brooklyn, Brinsley shot his ex-girlfriend at about 5:45 a.m. in Owings Mills, Md., about 15 miles from Baltimore.

"The 29-year-old woman, who was hit in the stomach, underwent surgery and was expected to survive, a family member told The News."

Read more at the Daily News...

"He Was Very Well Liked In The Community"

"PARIS, AR — Authorities say a 71-year-old Logan County man shot and killed his daughter Wednesday afternoon before turning the gun on himself.

"Deputies with the Logan County Sheriff’s Office responded around 12:30 p.m. to 148 Old Sandy Road, just north of Paris, according to Arkansas State Police. Responders found the body of Leslie Ewing, 39, in the kitchen area of the home. They found Jerry Ewing, 71, on the back patio with a gun. After telling Ewing to lower the gun, Ewing shot and killed himself, said local prosecutor Tom Tatum.

"Authorities said an investigation reveals Ewing shot his daughter in the home before encountering deputies outside.

"`All I know is he got upset at his daughter and he got real upset with her, and he shot her,` resident Bill Bradley said.

"Charles Pearson is the former police chief of Paris, and said he last saw Ewing 20 years ago when he worked for the town’s newspaper.

"`This is a shock something like this it’s one of those things you never would think would happen,` Pearson said. `He was very well liked in the community.`"

From 5newsonline.com...

Cop, Wife Found Dead After Mystery 911 Call

"MIDLAND, TX — A Midland Police officer's wife has been officially declared dead.

"The Midland Police Department [reports] that Sandra Simpson, the wife of Sgt. Chad Simpson, was pronounced dead early Thursday morning.

"Midland Police say it all started with a 911 call with no one on the other end that originated from a home on 403 Crenshaw Drive. That's where they found 34-year-old Sgt. Chad Simpson from the Midland Police Department dead from a gunshot wound.

"Sandra was taken to Midland Memorial Hospital following the shooting where it was announced that she was believed to have died. However, the following day, Midland Police released a statement saying they couldn't confirm her status.

"The scene was handed over to the Odessa Police Department and Texas Rangers will be completing the investigation.

"Midland Police say Sgt. Simpson most recently worked in the traffic division and had been employed with the department for more than nine years, also serving patrol and K-9 assignments throughout his career.

"Friends say that Sandra Simpson worked at the Midland Women's Clinic.

"The Simpson's leave behind two toddlers who are now being taken care of by extended family.

"In a press release, Midland Police are extending their thoughts and prayers to friends and family."

From newswest9.com...

Newlyweds Found Dead

"COWPENS, SC — The coroner has determined the cause and manner of the deaths of a retired deputy and his new wife.

"Coroner Rusty Clevenger announced the outcome of his investigation after speaking with the family members of Rex Miguel Scott, 68, and Lisa Kay James, 44.

"Clevenger has ruled James's death a homicide and Scott's a suicide.

"Both died from gunshot wounds to the head, Clevenger said.

"The bodies were found when a deputy was asked to go by the home on 1760 Old Pacolet Road to check the welfare of the residents, Clevenger said.

"Scott and James had recently been married, according to investigators.

"Scott was a former Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office deputy who served for several years before retiring, deputies said."

From wyff4.com...

Two Dead, Cop Wounded After Shooting Spree

"EL PASO, TX — A motive remains unknown for a rampage in which a woman was killed and an El Paso police officer was shot and wounded after stopping a motorist.

"Both might have been at the wrong place at the wrong time.

"The woman, identified by police as Cecilia Diaz, 61, was a caring person who had worked with young children, a friend said.

"El Paso police officials Wednesday identified the suspected shooter as Frank Aparicio, 30, of the 12000 block of Sal Rasura Court in the far East Side.

"About 5 a.m. Tuesday, police found Diaz inside the home where Aparicio lived, a police spokesman said.

"Police have not disclosed the connection between Diaz and Aparicio and how and when Diaz was killed.

"Aparicio was found dead Tuesday morning of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot behind a store in the Lower Valley.

"`Investigators believe and physical evidence suggests that Frank Aparicio is responsible for the murder of Cecilia Diaz and the attempted capital murder of Officer Mike Garcia,` a police news release said.

"An investigation continues but because Aparicio took his own life, investigators might never completely know why he went on a violent spree, a police spokesman has said.

"Police officials said that Aparicio is suspected of shooting Garcia on Monday night when the officer had stopped a driver on North Loop Drive near Yarbrough Drive in the Lower Valley.

"Garcia was shot several times, sparking a massive search for the shooter that included blocked streets, police dogs and helicopters.

"A police spokesman said that the shooting appeared to be a random targeting of a police officer.

"Garcia is recovering at a hospital. He has been with the Police Department for two years and is assigned to the Mission Valley Regional Command Center, officials said."

Read more at elpasotimes.com...

Struggle For Gun Injures Cop, Shooter On Life Support

"ESSEXVILLE, IL — A Sebawaing police officer was shot Thursday afternoon in Hampton Township.

"The shooting happened in the parking lot of the Bay County Juvenile Home, 520 W. Hampton Road, in the city of Essexville.

"Kunio Ouellette said he is not shaken by the shooting scare and believes his neighborhood is still safe, `It's been safe and I'm very confident that the employees there and the neighborhood here is just a wonderful place.`

"Sebawaing Police Chief William Owens said, `It's sickened me, I've known the officer since he was quite young.` The police officer was transporting a juvenile to the detention center around 1:20 p.m. when the juvenile grabbed the officer's gun, police said.

"Gerald Runde, chief of the Hampton Township Police Department, said the juvenile slipped the handcuffs off of his hand before struggling with the officer for his gun.

"The officer was shot in the right-hand and then the teenager shot himself, police said. The officers is being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

"The juvenile is on life support and in critical condition. Many neighbors in the area believe the incident was isolated and will not happen again."

From minbcnews...

Fundraiser Set For Woman Who Lost Husband, Kids

"CARRIZO SPRINGS, TX — Authorities have confirmed that a man who shot and killed his two children was a reserve police officer and that he wrote a suicide note before taking his own life.

"Dimmit County Sheriff Marion Boyd said Andy Briseno, Sr., 46, killed 12-year-old Andy Briseno, Jr. and 13-year-old Adira Briseno, at their mobile home on Thursday.

"Briseno worked as a reserve officer with the Crystal City Police Department.

"The children's mother, Jessica Carmona, was at work at the time of the murders.

"The Texas Rangers have taken over the investigation and have not released a motive for the killings.

"The Dimmit County Sheriff's Office has organized a BBQ plate sale on Sunday to help with funeral expenses.

"It will begin at 10 a.m. at the Carrizo Springs Fire Station.

"An account has also been set up at First State Bank in Carrizo Springs.

"The name on the account is Jessica Carmona."

From news4sanantonio.com...

Retired Cop, Dispatcher Wife Found Dead In Home

"CANON CITY, CO — Canon City police are mourning the death of a dispatcher and the apparent suicide of her retired police officer husband, both of whom were discovered dead late Thursday in their home.

"Officers were dispatched at 11:27 p.m. Thursday to the 700 block of Whipple to check on the welfare of a Canon City Police Department dispatcher Priscilla Samento, 49, who had failed to show up for her 11 p.m. shift and was not answering phone calls.

"`Upon arrival at the residence, officers were able to enter and found the bodies of Priscilla Samento, and (retired police officer) Daniel Samento, 56,` said Canon City police Capt. Jim Cox. `All indications point towards a murder/suicide.`

"Cox said it appears Samento killed his wife and then committed suicide.

"`It is devastating to us—some people here are really torn apart. We have a small police department and it is like family,` Cox said.

"Samento had worked at the department for more than 20 years. He retired about three years ago, Cox said."

Source: The Pueblo Chieftan...

Cop Found Dead In Domestic Incident

"REDFORD TOWNSHIP, MI — A Detroit Police officer was among two people found dead in a Redford Township home late this morning in what police are classifying as a murder/suicide, Redford Police officials said.

"Officers were dispatched to a residence in the 9900 block of Kinloch Street at 11:39 a.m. in Redford Township for a report of a possible homicide. Responding officers found two deceased subjects.

"No suspects are actively being sought, police said.

"One of the deceased has been identified as 50-year-old Anna Hamilton.

"Detroit Police Chief James Craig did not identify the officer, but said she was a 16-year veteran of the department and was `well loved and liked by her co-workers.`

"Based on the information he has received, Craig said the incident appears to be domestic."

From freep.com...

Cop, Wife Found Shot to Death In Home

"BRANDON, MS — The Rankin County Sheriff's office is investigating the death of a Hinds County Sheriff's Deputy and his wife.

"They were found dead in their home on 126 Caledonian Blvd. in Rankin County around 9 o'clock Wednesday night.

"Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey confirms that 34-year-old Chris Smith was found with his wife, 27-year-old Amber Smith, in a master bedroom.

"Authorities were responding to a 911 call of shots fired.

"The caller stated that the Smiths two young children came to their house told them their dad may have shot their mother.

"Sheriff Bryan Bailey said, `The deputies responded and secured the house, then learned from the oldest child, the parents had been arguing, they went in a bedroom shut the door and locked it, then they heard two gunshots.`

"When deputies entered the home they found a pistol they believe was used in the shooting.

"Sheriff Bailey says his office is awaiting crime lab results before making a ruling on the manner of deaths.

"The couple's two children were placed in the care of their grandmother.

"Hinds County Sheriff Tyrone Lewis says, `It's a sad day for the law enforcement community.` He asks for the public to pray for this family.

"Deputies also responded to a call at the home 10 days ago for a `non-violent domestic issue.`

"Chris Smith has been with Hinds SO since 2004. He was currently working with specialized drug task force.

"Sheriff Tyrone Lewis said, `It's not a good day for law enforcement. Law enforcement is a fraternal organization, that when something like this happens it touches us worldwide so were not pleased with it. Were asking everyone to respect the family, and pray for the family.`"

From wect.com...

Police Salute As Body Removed From Scene

"CHICAGO, IL — A Cook County sheriff's office correctional officer apparently shot to death his wife, a Chicago police officer, inside their Southwest Side home Sunday morning before turning the gun on himself, authorities said.

"Javier Acevedo and his wife, Veronica Rizzo-Acevedo, were found dead about 5 a.m. inside their home on 5314 South Austin Avenue, according to Cook County sheriff’s office spokeswoman Cara Smith. Chicago police said the deaths are being investigated as an apparent murder/suicide but released no other information as of Sunday evening.

"`It is a tremendous tragedy any day, particularly for Easter Sunday,` Smith said.

"Smith said the two, both 50 years old, were found inside a bedroom.

"Rizzo-Acevedo’s adult daughter heard the gunfire in the Garfield Ridge home and called 911, according a law enforcement source.

"Smith said Javier Acevedo was a 25-year veteran and worked at the county jail.

"Rizzo-Acevedo had served as a Chicago police officer for nearly two decades, Superintendent Garry McCarthy said in a statement Sunday.

"`Officer Veronica Rizzo-Acevedo's death earlier today in a domestic murder-suicide is an awful tragedy for her family, her friends, her colleagues in the Chicago Police Department, and the people of this city,` he said.

"A fire department responder discovered a gun lying under Javier Acevedo's body, and the two were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the law enforcement source.

"Police could be seen saluting as one of the victim’s bodies was removed from the home around 9 a.m."

From the Chicago Tribune...

Dead Cops Found In Home

"INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Indianapolis police officers were grieving and reeling Thursday as word spread through the force that two of their own were dead—a husband and wife who had separated, and died in a murder/suicide.

"Sgt. Ryan Anders and officer Kim Carmack were found dead about 5:40 p.m. inside a home on 2441 Inishmore Court, near West 21st Street and Country Club Road on the Far Westside. Public Safety Director Troy Riggs said the two died of gunshot wounds.

"Riggs said that someone had called police for a welfare check at that home. Once SWAT officers were at the scene but before they entered the home, police learned that a neighbor heard gunshots earlier that day, Riggs said. Police are unsure how long Anders and Carmack had been dead before they were found.

"Carmack had obtained a protective order against Anders, and he was on administrative leave because of a domestic-violence issue, Indianapolis Police Chief Rick Hite said at a news conference. The couple's divorce was finalized last October, court records show.

"`We had concerns about both of them,` Hite said. `They were counseled. They were given directions, and we also were made aware of his (Anders') whereabouts.`

"In addition, Anders' department-issued weapons had been taken from him, although it was not clear when that happened. Riggs said it is standard procedure to temporarily take away the firearm of an officer being investigated for domestic violence accusations.

"Anders had been offered help and his whereabouts were being monitored with technology, which Hite did not describe.

"But the scene at the home showed the determination involved: A door was forced open, Hite said.

"`That speaks volumes.`"

Read more at INDYSTAR...

Teens, Cop Dead In Unusual Murder/Double Suicide

"WINDERMERE, FL — A police officer was fatally shot on the weekend in central Florida.

"Officer Robert German, 31, was killed Saturday after stopping two teenagers along a road in Windermere, a town of 3,000 about 24 kilometres west of Orlando.

"The bodies of the teens, 18-year-old Brandon Goode and 17-year-old Alexandria Hollinghurst, were later found a short distance away.

"Authorities say the teens apparently committed suicide.

"German had called for backup after stopping a young man and woman on foot shortly before 4 a.m. on Saturday, investigators said.

"German, 31, reported his location and was found lying on the ground when a deputy arrived at the scene, Orange County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Jane Watrel said.

"`He just said he was doing a subject stop and then all the tragic events unfolded,` Watrel said."

Read more at The Star...

UPDATE:

03/27/2014 — Girl left scathing suicide note to mum...

Cop, Wife Found Dead In Home

"DALLAS, TX — A Texas police officer and his wife have been found shot to death in their Dallas area home in what investigators are calling a murder/suicide.

"Sgt Nick Pitofsky, 47, of the Crandall Police Department, allegedly killed his 42-year-old wife, Vanessa, Tuesday morning before turning the gun on himself.

"Dallas police responded to the couple's home on 1819 Browder Street at around noon after getting a call asking to perform a welfare check.

"Upon entering the two-story duplex, the responding officers discovered the bodies of the man and woman. Both Nick and Vanessa Pitofsky died from gunshot wounds.

"According to the Crandall Police Department, Sgt. Pitofsky had worked as a patrol officer for the department for two years. Before joining the suburban force, Pitofsky was a reserve officer with the Dallas Police Department.

"Local news reported that the 47-year-old had spent several months in 2007 working as a jailer with the Dallas County Sheriff's Office.

"`Nick was well respected by his peers and will be deeply missed by the city and department as a whole,` a statement from Crandall PD read. `Nick was an energetic and jovial person who got along with everyone.`

"Nick Pitofsky was an avid gun and tactical gear enthusiast. The 47-year-old had been a contributor to the Scout Tactical Channel on YouTube featuring video reviews of various weapons.

"In a clip posted online just five days before the tragic murder-suicide, Sgt Pitofsky gave a rave review to a Mossberg 500 shotgun.

"`I purchased this as a self-defense weapon for my household, essentially for my wife,` he chillingly says in the video."

Source: Daily Mail...

"There Were No Red Flags"

"SPANISH FORK, UT — Investigators say a quadruple murder-suicide claimed the lives of a Spanish Fork family of four and another relative whose bodies were discovered Thursday night.

"According to Spanish Fork police, officers visited a home at 37 North 630 West Thursday night for a welfare check after Lindon police officer Joshua Boren failed to arrive for work.

"Officers said when they arrived, they noticed through a window that there was blood on the carpet of the front room as well as empty handgun shell casings. When officers entered the home, they found the bodies of five people who had all sustained gunshot wounds.

"Investigators said Joshua Boren, 34, killed four family members and then took his own life. They said no suicide note was found in the home.

"The four victims have been identified as Kelly Boren, 32, Joshua `Jaden` Boren, 7, Haley Boren, 5, and Marie King, 55. King has been identified as Kelly’s mother.

"Investigators said Joshua and Kelly had been experiencing marital problems for the past several months and recently separated.

"During a press conference Friday, Spanish Fork police said Joshua worked as an officer with the Lindon City Police Department. He also previously worked as a deputy with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office for about seven years as a patrol officer and with their corrections department.

"Spencer Cannon, Utah County Sheriff’s Office, said Joshua Boren resigned from UCSO, but was re-hired part-time.

"Cody Cullimore, the Lindon City Police Chief, said Joshua had been a Lindon police officer for about three months and he had already got to know the Boren family through some events held by the department.

"Cullimore said it was his understanding that Joshua and Kelly Boren had separated, but were on friendly terms.

"`There were no red flags. Everything about him was outstanding,` Cullimore said in an interview Friday morning. `[It is] a tragedy on so many levels. We may never know what happened, why it happened. Unfortunately, the people that know are no longer here.`"

Read more at fox13now.com...

UPDATE:

02/11/2014 — From DisneyLand to Murder/Suicide...

Slasher Lunges At Police, Gets Shot 29 Times

"METAIRIE, LA — Jefferson Parish deputies shot a man 29 times when he lunged at them with a knife over the weekend and say it appears to have been a case of `suicide by cop.`

"Sheriff Newell Normand released the details Tuesday morning of the Pier Street stabbing and shooting.

"The sheriff says his deputies responded to the 1300 block of Pier Street Saturday night after neighbors told them Noah Scott had stabbed his girlfriend to death.

"26 year-old Jessica Broussard died on the scene.

"Deputies found Scott inside the house and say he wouldn't drop the knife and kept telling deputies to shoot him.

"Scott was killed when deputies say he lunged at them.

"People in the normally quiet Metairie neighborhood were celebrating the Saints win Saturday night when they noticed 26 year-old Jessica Broussard stumbling from her boyfriend's house.

"`I tried to go to her. Her clothes were removed and she was bleeding really, really bad so I got a towel and tried to slow down the bleeding. There wasn't too much we could do for her,` said neighbor Keith Mercier.

"`The girl was screaming, he's stabbing me. She ended up on my front lawn and he was over her continuing to stab her.`

"Sheriff deputies quickly arrived and they say Broussard's boyfriend, 29 year- old Noah Scott walked back into the house. Deputies knocked on the door and they say Scott answered with a knife in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

"`All three officers were right at the entrance of the home. Scott was inside. Officers repeatedly asked him to drop the knife. Mr. Scott repeatedly asked the officers to shoot him,` said Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand.

"Sheriff Newell Normand says moments later, Scott ran toward deputies.

"`At that point in time, the three officers simultaneously fired what we believe is either 35 or 36 rounds,` said Normand.

"An autopsy later revealed Scott was shot 29 times.

"Sheriff Normand says both Broussard and Scott have a prior criminal history and he says last year both were involved in a domestic dispute incident."

From WVUE...

Cop, Fireman, Mutual Love Interest Dead After "Domestic Incident"

"GLEN BURNIE, MD — Homicide detectives outside Baltimore are investigating an apparent murder/suicide involving a police officer and a firefighter.

"Three people were found dead inside a home on the 1100 block of Armistead Street in Glen Burnie, Maryland, early Sunday morning after a reported shooting around 1:35 a.m., police in Anne Arundel County said.

"Police said the suspected shooter—Christopher Lee Robinson, 37, a Baltimore police officer—was one of the people found dead at the scene.

"Baltimore firefighter Andrew Scott Hoffman, 27, and Marie Leanne Edith Hartman, 26, were killed.

"`Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect/shooter was one of the deceased and that he had a relationship with the female victim,` police said.

"Police said they were still investigating the shooter's motive, but described the shooting as a `domestic incident.`"

Read more at whas11.com...

Ex-Cop Kills Himself After Causing Fatal Crash

"FOSTERS, AL — The woman killed in what investigators are calling a double murder/suicide had filed for divorce from her husband just three days before.

"Melanie Powell and Ronald Hydrick were killed after Taylor Powell chased and ran them off the road early Sunday morning, according to authorities. The former Sheriff's deputy then shot himself in the head, they said.

"Court records indicate that Melanie Powell had filed for a divorce from her husband of more than 24 years on Thursday.

"Taylor Powell, 52, went to Ronald Hydrick's home on Cypress Road just after midnight Sunday. Powell's wife, Melanie Powell, 51, and Hydrick, 53, were sitting outside when the three were involved in a confrontation, said Tuscaloosa County Metro Homicide Unit Commander Sgt. Dale Phillips.

"While investigators can't be sure about what transpired since all parties are deceased, they believe Taylor Powell chased his wife and Hydrick for about a mile and a half before Hydrick crashed his Ford pickup truck at the bottom of a wooded ravine off Sylvan Loop Road.

"`The vehicle went into a roll and slammed into a tree at a high rate of speed causing tremendous damage,` Phillips said.

"Taylor Powell looked down and saw that they were dead before shooting himself in the head with his revolver, Phillips said."

Read more at Tuscaloosanews.com...

Roadside Incident Leaves Cop Dead, Homeless Couple Critical

"DRAPER, UT — A day before a Utah police officer was killed, a man suspected of the shooting was looking for money, showing off weapons and behaving strangely, the sister of another victim said.

"`He got out of the car and he was hyper, showing me a gun that has a laser and a machete and knives,` Vicki King said late Tuesday about Timothy Walker.

"Police believe Walker killed Draper police Sgt. Derek Johnson as he sat in his patrol car early Sunday after stopping to investigate a Volvo parked oddly along a road.

"Walker, 35, is also accused of shooting his girlfriend Traci Vaillancourt in the back before turning the gun on himself.

"Both remained in critical condition at Intermountain Medical Center as police waited to interview them about the shootings and a possible motive.

"King, who is Vaillancourt's sister, told KSL-TV that Walker was `bad news,` and had showed off the weapons on Saturday. Walker and Vaillancourt were homeless and needed money, but King said she only had $4.50 to offer. The couple had been living in motels for years and recently camped in the Volvo, she said.

"King described her 34-year-old sister as a one-time model with a rare blood disorder that disfigured her face and left her addicted to painkillers and dependent on Walker."

From SFGate.com...

Police Decline To Identify Shooter

"WORCESTER, MA — Police today identified the victims of an apparent murder/suicide on Lamar Avenue as Donna Zollo Pisarczyk, 47, and Israel Gonzalez, 42.

"Mr. Gonzalez was a Worcester State University police officer.

"The bodies of the victims—a boyfriend and girlfriend, according to police—were discovered by police officers on a well-being check shortly before midnight Friday. Police said the couple died from apparent gunshot wounds.

"Police, while terming the deaths an apparent murder/suicide, did not identify which of the two fired the gun.

"Police were called to the house at 16 Lamar Ave. about 11:30 p.m. Friday. A woman had called police worried because she hadn't heard from her friend. Police headed to the home to check.

"Officers found a side door unlocked and, once inside, they found the dead man and woman."

More at telegram.com...