Minutes before trial, man pleads guilty to killing Riverdale… | www.ajc.com

Just before his trial was set to begin, a 29-year-old man pleaded guilty to malice murder in the death of a Riverdale mother of two, Channel 2 Action News reported.

Nehemiah Johnson Jr. was charged with killing 30-year-old Rochelle Alisha Thomas, whose body was found Jan. 25, 2012, at the Harmony Crossroads apartment complex in Jonesboro. She had been strangled to death, police said.

Johnson, who also pleaded guilty to kidnapping his ex-girlfriend, was sentenced to life in prison to run consecutive to 20 years on the kidnapping charge, Channel 2 said.

Police said Thomas offered escort services online.

Thomas’ mother, Beverly Thomas, previously told the AJC that the family struggled through her daughter’s experience working in the sex trade, but she was turning her life around.

She addressed those present in Clayton County Superior Court on Tuesday before the sentencing.

via Minutes before trial, man pleads guilty to killing Riverdale… | www.ajc.com.

Mexico arrests 2 men in Malcom X grandson’s death | www.ajc.com

MEXICO CITY —

Mexico City prosecutors say they have arrested two men in connection with the death of Malcolm Shabazz, the grandson of political activist Malcolm X.

An official of the city’s prosecutor’s office who was not authorized to be quoted by name says the two suspects are employees of the bar where Shabazz reportedly got in a violent dispute last week.

via Mexico arrests 2 men in Malcom X grandson’s death | www.ajc.com.

Philly abortion doctor guilty in 3 babies’ deaths | www.ajc.com

PHILADELPHIA —

A Philadelphia abortion doctor was found guilty Monday of first-degree murder and could face execution in the deaths of three babies who authorities say were delivered alive and then killed with scissors at his grimy clinic, in a case that became a flashpoint in the nation’s debate over abortion.

Dr. Kermit Gosnell, 72, was also found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the drug-overdose death of a patient who had undergone an abortion. He was cleared in the death of a fourth baby, who prosecutors say let out a soft whimper before he snipped its neck.

Gosnell appeared hopeful before the verdict was read and calm afterward; jurors and lawyers on both sides were more emotional.

via Philly abortion doctor guilty in 3 babies’ deaths | www.ajc.com.

Death of son of Clippers owner is ruled accidental – latimes.com

The death earlier this year of Scott Sterling, 32-year-old son of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, was caused by a pulmonary embolism and “intravenous narcotic medication intake,” the Los Angeles County coroner said Monday. The death was ruled accidental.

Sterling was found dead in his apartment on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu late on New Year’s Day. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department officials quickly determined that his death did not involve foul play but apparently stemmed from a drug overdose.

The coroner’s report concludes that Sterling injected a “narcotic medication” that was intended to be taken orally, according to an official statement. It also listed diabetes and use of oxycodone as “other significant conditions.”

Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said Monday that injection of “ground-up” medication may have led to blockages in his blood system.

via Death of son of Clippers owner is ruled accidental – latimes.com.

Guy Heinze Jr. awaits trial in 2009 mass murder | Georgia News – Home

BRUNSWICK, Ga. -

Guy Heinze Jr., who was re-indicted last year in the slaying of eight people in a Glynn County mobile home nearly four years ago, is back in court Tuesday as lawyers debate motions before setting a trial date.

Last fall, Superior Court Judge Stephen Scarlett threw out some statements Heinze made to police in the hours after they found Heinze’s father and six others beaten to death in August 2009. An eighth victim later died of injuries.

Scarlett said hours of interviews and a lie detector test with Heinz will be thrown out because the suspect hadn’t been read his Miranda Rights.

Heinze’s attorneys have filed dozens of motions to have evidence suppressed in the case.

via Guy Heinze Jr. awaits trial in 2009 mass murder | Georgia News – Home.