Posts tagged with "Murder"

NYC LGBT party promoter and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity member dies via 360 MAGAZINE.

FRANK WATSON’S HOMEGOING

Frank Watson, a popular NYC LGBTQIA+ party promoter and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. member, will always be remembered.


NYC legendary promoter Frank Watson, William Allen, B-Hen via 360 MAGAZINE.
NYC legendary promoter Frank Watson, William Allen, DJ BRIAN HENRY via 360 MAGAZINE.

“I first met Frank Watson in Harlem in the early days of the 2010s, I can’t recall exactly the year, but I do recall his and others like him, an ambition trending group that would change how thousands would see themselves and attempt to define a new world, even for me. It was the breaking days of the New Harlem — young energy and freedom rushed in like a tsunami.

Frank had ideas about parties and asked me a lot of questions on how to do it in Harlem and NYCwide. I had spent a few years serving as a development advisor to an emerging magazine that expressed fashion freedom and black gay pride as well as help to create the first major black comedy club in the 1990s, located in Harlem, that created substantial new opportunities that formerly was only open to a few blacks at a time. More of my story later in another article.

In the pic above, it was at one of a handful of people at Frank’s first party venture that happened to take place in Harlem, the DJ Brian Henry, on my right, a mentee who had invited me, was a recent college graduate working at Verizon and living in Harlem. Brian is now the famous B-Hen, hosting amazing block parties all across the nation and performing abroad. Back to Frank. I’ll never forget that conversation that night and the countless others, his humility, charm, and drive to make other people enjoy their lives was evident. He had a soul that couldn’t be broken and was a strong architect of much needed ventures and events that made pride beyond one day, month, or a season. He gave life to a new generation that chose to be dominant in popular culture and not in the shadows. May God grant him peace. He was a king.” — William Allen


360 MAGAZINE remembers No.1 NYC Promoter Frank Watson.
No.1 NYC LGBT party promoter, Frank Watson, memorialized via 360 MAGAZINE.

FRANK’S HOMEGOING


Date: Saturday, December 3, 2022, at noon.

Location: Monticello Middle School, 180 Clyde Ross Drive
Monticello, AR 71655

Important details to note:

If you’re coming from Little Rock on the day of, please begin your drive by 9AM in order to arrive around 11AM.

If you drive through Pine Bluff and Star City, which is via Highway 425, you will have cell reception the entire trip.

If you choose to drive there via Highway 530 South, you will NOT have cell reception for at least an hour of the drive.


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360 Breaking News via 360 Magazine by 360 Magazine

October Top Stories

2022 has proven to be nothing short of a significant and eventful year. Overcoming the summer months, 360 reviews, and highlights the main news of the month of October. Below are the top news stories for the beginning of the autumn month!

Putin has again threatened a third world war if Ukraine joins NATO

Deputy Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Alexander Venediktov, has announced that Ukraine’s admission to NATO could lead to a third world war. “Kyiv is well aware that such a step would mean a guaranteed escalation into a third world war,” Venediktov said, according to TASS.

Ukrainian President Zelensky declared an offer for fast-track entry into the NATO military alliance in late September after Putin held a ceremony in Moscow to proclaim the four illegally annexed regions.

Five killed in shooting in North Carolina

Five people have died in a shooting in Raleigh, a residential area of North Carolina, in the United States. Two others have been injured. The author of the shots, a young man dressed in camouflage who was carrying a rifle, has been arrested. The suspect hid in a house but has finally been arrested. Witnesses portray the shooter as a teenager dressed in camouflage clothing. At the moment the cause for which he fired is unknown.

Chaos in France due to lack of fuel

The shortage of gasoline at service stations is causing numerous problems in France. The workers of the French refineries remain firm and warn that they will continue with the strike despite the fact that the Government has activated this Wednesday, October 12, the intervention of some plants so that they supply fuel to the gas stations. France’s objective is to alleviate the shortage of gasoline at service stations, something that is causing several problems.

The main suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, accused of several sexual crimes

Christian Brückner, 45, the main suspect in Madeleine McCann‘s disappearance, has been charged by German prosecutors with numerous sexual offenses he allegedly committed in Portugal between December 28, 2000, and June 11, 2017. Two years ago, the German police already announced that they were investigating Brückner in connection with the disappearance of the British minor in her vacation apartment in Praia da Luz in May 2007.

The Braunschweig prosecutors have issued a statement this Tuesday, October 11: “The accused (of various sexual crimes) is the same person against whom charges were brought in connection with the disappearance of the British girl, then three years old, Madeleine Beth McCann Specifically, he is charged with three crimes of aggravated rape and two crimes of child sexual abuse.”

The ‘killer nurse’ killed babies by injecting them with insulin

Lucy Letby, 32, better known as the ‘killer nurse’, is on trial for the murders of seven babies and the attempted murder of ten more babies. The nurse worked at the hospital in Chester (England) where a significant number of deaths of healthy newborns was experienced, something that raised suspicion among those responsible for the hospital. Investigators found out that she injected newborns with insulin. At this time, the ‘angel of death’ tearfully guarantees not to have touched a syringe.

Lizzo responds to Kanye West’s fatphobic comments during his concert in Toronto

Lizzo has been the latest focus of Kanye West‘s criticism. The American rapper, who has been involved in various controversies for several weeks, took advantage of his interview with Tucker Carlson to talk about his brand of sneakers and express his opinion about Lizzo’s body.

The artist is recognized for her great lunch for the inclusion and acceptance of the diversity of bodies, she has not remained silent and has wanted to defend against fatphobia. You can see Lizzo’s response to Kayne West HERE.

Selena Gomez announces a new song with the premiere of her documentary ‘My Mind and Me’

On the occasion of Mental Health Day (October 10), Selena shared the official trailer for this very special film. In it, we see the images that introduce us to the vital episodes that this documentary will investigate: her childhood, her illness, and her musical career, among others.

The single can be heard in the official trailer that the singer has shared HERE. The documentary My Mind & Me premieres on November 4 on AppleTV+.

Russia launches an air strike against Kyiv in response to the “attack” on the Kerch bridge

Several explosions have shaken the morning of October 10 in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, as confirmed by the authorities. It is the first air attack in Kyiv in two months and a significant number of victims is expected.

Similarly, Ukraine has denounced a new bombing of Zaporizhia, where there is at least one death in residential buildings. These attacks are Russian President Putin‘s response to the attack on the Kerch Bridge, one of the main connecting routes between Russia and Crimea.

UPDATE

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asks the population of Kyiv not to leave the bunkers and resist. Zelensky on Telegram: “The anti-aircraft alarm does not stop throughout Ukraine. There are missile strikes. Unfortunately, there are deaths and injuries. I ask you: do not leave the shelters.”
  • Putin’s revenge for the explosion in Crimea: the moment they bomb a bridge in Kyiv. Putin consummated his revenge in the last few hours after the explosion of the Crimean bridge. Russian forces have launched a barrage of missiles on eleven cities, including Lviv, Zaporizhia, and Nicolaiev.

The author of the massacre in the kindergarten in Thailand, a former police officer, kills his family and commits suicide

Panya Khamrap, the former Thai police officer who has killed more than 30 people, including children, in his son’s nursery, has committed suicide after murdering his family. The former police officer was fired by the Thai government after being involved in a drug case. Panya Khamrap broke into his son’s nursery in Thailand early in the morning armed with bladed weapons and pistols and killed at least 35 people, 22 of them children and an eight-month pregnant woman.

New South Wales is flooded by heavy torrential rains

Torrential rains have inflicted heavy flooding in New South Wales, Australia. The Australian authorities continue with their message of prudence and caution to the citizenry as a result of the serious flooding that the storm has caused in the previous days. The Australian emergency services have had to respond to nearly 350 warnings and incidents, with a total of 21 rescues of isolated people in areas flooded by water.

Actor Chris Fountain suffers a stroke

Former English Coronation Street actor Chris Fountain has revealed he was left “talking like a little boy” after suffering a mini-stroke. After waking up in his house and talking ‘like a baby’. The actor spent five days in a London hospital. “I woke up one morning and knew something was wrong,” the actor confesses. “My mom called me and I couldn’t get my words out,” he explains. Chris now has to see a speech therapist to retrain his brain.

Supermodel Carmen Dell’Orefice’s posing causes a sensation

At 91 years old, Carmen Dell’Orefice is a clear example that age is just a number. The New York supermodel has worked on a photo shoot for New You magazine in which she has decided to pose topless. Carmen Dell’Orefice is shown lying on a bed wearing flesh-colored underwear and covering her chest with a wide white bedspread.

Police use Alexa device to solve the murder of two scientists

Camila Behrensen, 24, and Pablo Guzman, 25, were found dead in their apartment. The two were shot and their house burned down, near the biomedical research center where they worked. The Kansas City (Missouri) police have used the Amazon Alexa device in search of clues that will lead them to determine the murder of the two young people.

Investigations have found that they were killed with a firearm and later burned. The detectives in charge of the case believe that the Alexa device could have captured the audio prior to the time of the crime, something that would make it easier to find the murderer of the scientists. In order to study the device located in the apartment, they needed a special permit that would allow them to reproduce the recordings.

Another girl dies detained in Iran after protesting the death of Mahsa Amini

The daughter of a former Iranian president was arrested for “provoking and inciting rioters” during demonstrations over the death of Mahsa Amini. The immense violence with which the protests in Iran are being contained leaves us with another victim.

They have killed again a 17-year-old girl, who went on stage to criticize the death of Mahsa Amini. Ten days later, the police authorities handed over her body to her parents. They also denounce that her body was stolen by those same authorities shortly before celebrating her funeral.

UPDATE

  • Nika Shakarami, a 17-year-old girl killed in Iran: they stole her body and buried it secretly

Nika Shakarami was a 17-year-old minor who died in protests over what happened to Mahsa Amini in Iran and has become an icon of the feminist struggle. The young woman’s family denounces that the young woman’s body was stolen and buried elsewhere, which caused protests in Khorramabad.

South Korea and the US respond to Kim Jong-un by launching several missiles into the sea and one crashes into a military base

Fear of a great war is growing in the world. While the threats from Vladimir Putin and the Russian invasion of Ukraine continue to increase war tension on an international scale, also raising fears of an offensive with nuclear weapons, now it is North Korea that has sounded the alarm after launching a missile that flew over Japan. North Korea met with a response from the US and South Korea, which have also launched deterrent missiles in a drill. One of them has crashed in a South Korean base.

A 28-year-old man was convicted of raping and impregnating his 15-year-old sister in Yacuiba, Bolivia

The aggressor identified as Juan C.L.R has been sentenced for the crime of serious rape through a trial placed in the First Sentencing Court of Yacuiba (Bolivia) after he himself was accredited as guilty of raping and impregnating his 15-year-old sister. After determining the seriousness of the crime, the judges issued the maximum codeine (30 years) to the man.

Elon Musk sparks controversy with his proposal on how to end the war in Ukraine

Businessman and investor Elon Musk has sparked controversy with a proposal to end the war in Ukraine. In the tycoon’s peace proposal, Ukraine should cede Crimea (the European peninsula and territory between Russia and Ukraine) to the Russian country. Several European politicians, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, have responded to the owner of Tesla. Zelensky reacted to the Tesla CEO’s proposals by posting his own poll on Twitter in which he asks, “Which Elon Musk do you prefer? – The one who supports Ukraine – The one who supports Russia»

The dangerous arrest of a man accused of kidnapping in Florida: he used his son as a shield

Brandon Leohner (27) has been arrested for trying to kidnap his own son, just one year old, in Florida, United States. The body cameras of the local police show the danger that was experienced during the arrest: Brandon used the baby to protect himself.

The officers had to yell at him multiple times: “’Put the kid down, put the baby down,’ but Brandon Leohner continued to use his son as a human shield after forcing him out of his girlfriend’s house. One of the officers attacked him even though he was carrying the child. Finally, the young man is arrested and accused of kidnapping and using a minor as a shield in addition to resisting authority and reckless driving.

Youth gangs shake Madrid, Spain

Shots, machetes, and knives. Youth gangs have gone from controlling neighborhoods to getting fully involved in violent robberies, drug trafficking, prostitution, and credit card cloning. The first weekend of October, criminal groups were in the news with two young people killed in the south of Madrid. The members of these gangs, many of them imported from Latin America, sign up many minors who fall into this kind of family.

Revolt of prisoners in a prison in Ecuador ends with 15 dead, among them the well-known narco ‘El Patron’

Violence shakes the Latacunga prison in Ecuador. The revolt resulted in twenty wounded and 15 dead. It is the provisional balance of the confrontation between two rival bands. In the last two years, Ecuadorian prisons have become the main scene of these bloody clashes.

During the brawl between prisoners, some of them tried to escape from the prison. Once outside, they did not get very far and were arrested. Finally, the police managed to enter and take control. They pacified the war unleashed in the prison that also ended with the life of the main narco in Ecuador, Leandro Moreno, known as El Patron.

Panic in Japan: North Korea launches a ballistic missile and Japanese authorities ask their citizens to take refuge

The Japanese Ministry of Defense has warned that North Korea has launched a ballistic missile that would have fallen into the Pacific Ocean, flying over Japan, a fact that has not happened since 2017. The Japanese authorities have asked citizens to protect themselves and hide underground or, failing that, not leave their homes. North Korea maintains that it is a military test. It is the fifth such launch in the last ten days.

In search and capture Marina Ovsyannikova, the journalist who protested live against the Russian invasion

The Russian authorities have communicated a search and arrest warrant against the journalist Marina Ovsyannikova, based on the alleged violation of the Penal Code. In March she interrupted a live program to protest the Russian invasion of Ukraine and was under house arrest for her stance against her in the Kremlin, the residence of the Moscow government.

Hurricane ‘Orlene’ approaches Mexico with a strong storm of rains, wind, and storm surges

Orlene strengthened to Category 4 the first weekend of October as it neared the west coast of Mexico, where it is about to make landfall with very high winds, torrential rains, and storm surges. The approach of the hurricane is causing torrential rains in the western regions of Nayarit and Jalisco, and intense not only on the western coast of Mexico but also in Colima and southern Sinaloa.

The National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued alerts to protect the population in the tourist cities of San Blas and Mazatlan, where school classes and other activities have been suspended. It is expected that there will be gusts of air that reach 220 km/h.

A young Russian rapper commits suicide to avoid going to war

“I will not kill mine,” says Ivan Petunin. The story of the young Russian rapper shocked the entire country. The singer has decided to take his own life to avoid having to go to war. Ivan Petunin, 27, was recorded explaining the drastic decision he had made: “If you are watching this video, then I am no longer alive. I cannot take the sin of murder on my soul, I do not want to do it, I will not kill mine for any ideal”, he begins explaining.

“My final decision is exactly how I am going to die. I choose to stay forever in history, as someone who has not supported what is happening and make one last protest”, he points out. Finally, Ivan Petunin’s body was found dead near a building in Krasnodar, Russia.

Tragedy on a football field in Indonesia: 125 dead, including 17 children, due to riots

125 people have died on the Indonesian island of Java following riots at the Kanjuruhan stadium following a football match.
The security forces responded quickly with the use of tear gas that caused a huge human stampede in the stadium. At first, the figure increased to 174 deaths, but later 129 victims were found.

The chief inspector general of the East Java Police, Nico Afinta, has reported that the protests broke out after the defeat of Arema FC against their opponent. The fans of the losing team jumped onto the playing field with the purpose of complaining about the result.

Ukraine invasion: Would Vladimir Putin press the nuclear button?

Russian President Putin goes one step further in his defiance. The notices have jumped in NATO after the mobilization by Russia of the Belgorod submarine. It is believed that it is to test the Poseidon nuclear missile, one of the deadliest for humanity. Putin is increasingly cornered and the threat of nuclear attack is once again in the spotlight. Some allies of Vladimir Putin bet on the nuclear attack and put pressure on the Russian president in order to activate the nuclear button.

Lula da Silva wins the elections in Brazil although he will face Jair Bolsonaro in the second round

da Silva and Bolsonaro will face each other in a second round of the presidential elections, because neither candidate has exceeded 50 percent of the votes in this first round that took place this Sunday, September 2 in Brazil. With 97.07 percent of the votes counted, da Silva, leader of the Workers’ Party, has become the winner of the first round, obtaining 7.88 percent of the votes. Meanwhile, the current president and leader of the Liberal Party, Bolsonaro, has achieved 43.68 percent, according to data released by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. The official date to know the name of the new president of Brazil will be October 30.

Television illustration via Rita Azar for use by 360 Magazine

New York Homicide Premiere

True crime programming Oxygen is delving into some of the most hair-raising and recent homicide cases in New York City with the premiere of “New York Homicide.”

New York is a popular and influential city for people around the world, with such an impeccable blend of cultures, customs and language. This new series delves into the crime scene of New York and the people that are doing work to put an end to these murder cases. Investigators take viewers through some of the most intricate cases with help from former and current detectives. The stories of each murder place focus on the families of the victims. Loved ones are able to communicate the impacts of each murder and show the investigation process that follows each homicide.

Some of the cases that are covered in “New York Homicide” include:

The Last After-Party – 26-year-old Joey leaves an exclusive Meatpacking District club at 3am and tells his friends he’s going to an after-party with some new people he met that night and is never heard from again. His loved ones join forces with the NYPD to solve the infamous case.

Deadly Spell – Mama Edna, resounding matriarch of the Haitian community in Brooklyn is found murdered in her home. NYPD dive deeper into the case, revealing a voodoo practice that leads to an unimaginable discovery.

New York Homicide” comes from Good Caper Content and premieres Saturday, January 1 at 10:00pm ET/PT on Oxygen. New episodes air Saturdays at 9:00pm ET/PT. For a sneak peak, watch HERE.

Mel Quagrainie for use by 360 Magazine

Justice For Ahmaud Arbery

On November 24, 2021, three white men were found guilty of murdering 25-year-old unarmed Black man Ahmaud Arbery. The murder was committed by the three white men after unfounded suspicions that Mr. Arbery had been committing break-ins in their neighborhood in South Georgia.

The three defendants were Travis McMichael, 35, his father, Gregory McMicheal, 65, and William Bryan, 52, their neighbor.

Mr. Arbery lived outside of the small town of Brunswick, Georgia with his mother. He enjoyed staying in good shape and was a jogger who was often seen running in and around his neighborhood. Mr. Arbery was shot dead in a suburban neighborhood known as Satilla Shores through which he was jogging.

On Sunday, February 23, 2020, Arbery was murdered after being provoked by a white man and his son. Gregory McMichael saw Mr. Arbery running in Satilla Shores from his front porch and believed Mr. Arbery looked like a suspected man involved in numerous break-ins in the area. He then called to his son, Travis McMichael.

The police reports state that “the men grabbed a .357 Magnum handgun and shotgun, got into a pickup truck and chased Mr. Arbery, trying unsuccessfully to cut him off. A third man was also [William Bryan] involved in the pursuit.” In a recording of a 911 call that was made before the chase began, a neighbor reported a Black man was inside a house still under construction.

A video shot by William Bryan shows a struggle that preceded three shotgun blasts. The video is about a half-minute long and shows Mr. Arbery running along the two-laned suburban road when he comes upon a white truck. Travis opens the driver’s side door with a shotgun, and Greg, his father, is in the bed of the pickup truck with a handgun.

Mr. Arbery then runs out of frame, and muffled shouting is heard before Mr. Arbery appears back in the video’s view. Mr. Arbery and Travis enter view of the camera recording, fighting outside of the truck as three shotgun shots echo.

Mr. Arbery then tries to run but stumbles and falls after a few steps.

There was another video published that depicted a man walking into a house that was under construction in the same neighborhood, with him eventually running out. S. Lee Merritt, one of Mr. Arbery’s family’s lawyers, released a statement that the video does not reveal anything that was not already understood evidence. Merritt continues by explaining that Mr. Arbery was not engaging in illegal activity and did not take anything from the site.

Gregory McMichael is a former Glynn County police officer and past investigator with the local district attorney’s office.

Two months passed after the shooting, and still, no one had been arrested for the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. The prosecutor for the Brunswick Judicial Circuit, Jackie Johnson, recused herself from the case because of a potential conflict of interest. Gregory, one of the men involved in the shooting, had previously worked in her office.

The case was sent to George E. Barnhill, the district attorney in Waycross, Georgia, who also later recused himself from the case. This came following Mr. Arbery’s mother arguing the point that Barnhill had a point of conflict as well because his son also worked for the Brunswick district attorney. Before he was released from the case, Mr. Barnhill did write a letter to the Glynn County Police Department arguing there was not adequate probable cause to arrest the pursuers of Ahmaud Arbery.

In December, the Atlanta news station WSB attained police body camera footage from when officers arrived on February 23, including the conversations that took place immediately following the shooting. These recorded conversations show that the officers on the scene knew of Gregory’s background.

Ms. Johnson, who was voted out of her job as chief prosecutor for the area, was indicted with a charge of violating her oath. This came about from her demonstration of “favor and affection” to Gregory. There was also a charge of obstruction due to her instructions to two police officers on February 23 to not arrest Travis.

During the eventual lead prosecutor in the case, Linda Dunikoski’s, closing statement, she argued that the defendants began a pursuit after and an attack on Mr. Arbery, “because he was a Black man running down the street.” This raised her question of whether race was a leading issue in the attack. The prosecution continued to argue to the jury that Mr. Arbery posed no imminent threat to the men and that they had no reason to believe he had caused such suspected crimes, a tactic that proved effectual due to the guilty verdict by the jury.

The case and trial have been carefully followed in the United States since the earlier April conviction of white officer Derek Chauvin for the second-degree murder of George Floyd. Video from the scene depicted Chauvin kneeling on the neck of unarmed Black man George Floyd for nearly nine minutes. This video generated an international uproar, placing an emphasis on questions about the unfair treatment that minorities endure at the hands of the police in America.

The three defendants face sentences of up to life in prison for the state crimes that were committed. They had each separately been indicted on federal charges that include hate crimes and attempted kidnapping. They are expected to stand trial for those charges in February.

Mel Quargrainie for use by 360 Magazine

Rittenhouse Murder Trial Reaches The End

By: McKinley Franklin

After 24 hours of deliberations, Kyle Rittenhouse has been found not guilty on all charges. Read more about the case and Rittenhouse’s shooting on the night of August 25, 2020 at a Black Lives Matter protest HERE.

Let’s analyze the trial and how the jury came to their decision.

The Rittenhouse trial resumed once again on November 11, as the closing arguments of the case have commenced. At the top of the day, the case progressed, and Judge Bruce Schroeder dropped the sixth count that Rittenhouse faced. This sixth count accused Rittenhouse of possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18. Although the prosecution objected this, Schroeder ultimately ended up dropping the charge.

Rittenhouse’s attorneys also filed for a mistrial shortly after the charge was dropped. Schroeder conveyed this news, announcing that Rittenhouse’s team had filed an official motion for mistrial, which read “The state has repeatedly violated instructions from the Court, acted in bad faith and intentionally provided technological evidence which was different from theirs. For those reasons, the defendant respectfully requests the Court find ‘prosecutorial overreaching’ existed, that overreaching was intentional and in bad faith and thereby grant the defendant’s motion for a mistrial with prejudice.”

The prosecution started their closing arguments first, having head prosecutor on the case Thomas Binger speak about Rittenhouse’s intentions of being in Kenosha. Binger urged the jury to question the intention that Rittenhouse had in Kenosha on the night of the shooting. Binger continued his argument for the prosecution by debunking the rumor that Joseph Rosenbaum, one of Rittenhouse’s two victims, threatened to kill him earlier on the night of the shooting. The prosecution highlights this to communicate to the jury that they believe Rosenbaum posed no real threat to Rittenhouse when the shooting occurred.

As the closing argument resumed, businesses in Kenosha started boarding up their storefronts amidst the final verdict of the case. 500 Wisconsin National Guard troops are reportedly on standby in Kenosha as well.

The prosecution wrapped up their final closing arguments with Binger arguing that Rittenhouse was not acting in self-defense. Binger points out that Rittenhouse killed two unarmed men and wounded another with a firearm that did not belong to him. While Binger has used several videos from the shooting as evidence to the jury, he urged the jury that Rittenhouse is guilty of all the counts against him.

Binger closes, “He committed first-degree reckless homicide against Joseph Rosenbaum. He put Richie McGinniss’s life in jeopardy. He put jump-kick-man’s life in jeopardy. He intended to kill Anthony Huber and he attempted to kill Gaige Grosskreutz. The question is whether or not you believe that his actions were legally justified, and I submit to you that no reasonable person would have done what the defendant did. And that makes your decision easy.”

The defense began their closing argument critiquing the arguments of the prosecution. Rittenhouse’s defense attorney Mark Richards argues that Rosenbaum was intentionally trying to attack the defendant and that he even had his hand on the gun. Richards asked the jury to “use your common sense and judgment” when contemplating if Rosenbaum was a real danger to Rittenhouse when the shooting occurred.

As the closing argument continued, defense attorney Richards argued that there has been a “rush to judgment” in the case. Richards pointed out that after the shooting on August 25, 2020, there were rumors circulating about the shooting and Rittenhouse’s intentions. There was talk about the fact that Rittenhouse crossed state lines to attend the protests and brought his AR-15 with him.

Richards then stated that Gaige Grosskreutz should have not provoked Kyle Rittenhouse. The defense attorney says that Grosskreutz should have “let him be and go give aid and comfort” to Rosenbaum who was just previously shot by Rittenhouse. Richards also argues that Grosskreutz was proceeding on Rittenhouse when he was shot, and this was part of the reason for him shooting.

Richards goes on with his point that Rittenhouse was not searching for trouble when he went to Kenosha despite what the prosecution argued. The defense states that Rittenhouse “feels for this community,” and that he was not trying to start conflict.” The defense soon after wrapped up their closing arguments, and the court went on break.

After returning from the break, the prosecution began their rebuttal. Attorney James Kraus argued that it was unnecessary for Rittenhouse to react to threats by using deadly force. The prosecution says that Rittenhouse should have used all other methods of self-defense before turning to shooting.

Deliberations for the Rittenhouse trial began on November 16, 2021. The panel of 18 potential jurors was narrowed down to 12, with those who were not chosen to serve as alternates. The jury consists of five men and seven women. During the first day of deliberations, the jurors made two requests for more copies of the jury instructions. The jury was dismissed on November 15 after a little over eight hours.

The second day of deliberations continued for the Rittenhouse trial again on November 17, 2021. Judge Schroeder did receive a question from the jury during the morning of November 17, asking about the reviewal process of video evidence in the case. The question was essentially if the jurors would be able to view videos in private or in the courtroom.

Schroeder also addressed the fact that he had not had a chance to read the defense’s motion for mistrial with prejudice. He explains that only one day prior to November 17 he received the motion. Schroeder continues, stating “And I really think before I rule on a motion, I should let the state respond. So why anyone would think, it is odd for the judge to sit on a motion to dismiss, I have no idea.”

Following the request of video evidence earlier during the day of November 17, this permission was granted to the jury. The jury requested a livestream video shot by Gaige Grosskreutz. The livestream was shot moments after Rittenhouse shot Joseph Rosenbaum.

Deliberations continued through November 19, and after 24 hours of deliberations, the jury found Kyle Rittenhouse not guilty on all charges he faced.

Judge Bruce Schroeder spoke to the jury and thanked them for their efforts, stating “”All of you – I couldn’t have asked for a better jury to work with, and it has truly been my pleasure. I think without commenting on your verdict… the verdict themselves, just in terms of your attentiveness and the cooperation that you gave to us justifies the confidence that the founders of our country placed in you.”

Missing JP Ramirez

Very esteemed make-up artist, JP Ramirez (42 year old Chicago native), who has worked with many people in the entertainment industry, including 360 Magazine, was found dead a few days ago.

Ramirez was last seen in Hell’s Kitchen this past week.

Recently, family and friends held an evening vigil in his loving memory. If anyone has information relating to his disappearance or death, please contact the authorities.

360 Latinx Editor, Javier Pedroza says, “To know JP is to love JP! Juan Pablo was one of the most sweetest and creative souls that I had the honor of knowing and create magic with. Growing up in New York City as young adults, we were discussing our future and how we would help humanity. JP had a sense of community and was always there for anyone who needed him. I will miss dancing ferocious salsa, styling together and laughter with our friend, but we will never forget his heart and soul. Rest in power amigo and thanks. Love you.”

“He was a beacon of hope, with a positive spirit that penetrated the room. We met JP on a special music presentation for our agency as a makeup artist, featuring LaJune. He will be missed but not forgotten,” says Vaughn Lowery (President of 360).

Newly appointed 360 Creative Director, Armon Hayes says, “Having had the pleasure of working with you [Ramirez] … his openness and willingness to collaborate on short notice was unparalleled. I knew I was seeing somebody special. Talent beyond what the eye can see, we’re really going to miss you and you made an impact on me.”

According to the 360 brand ambassador LaJune says,” JP was a brilliant light, his energy was exhilarating and soothing at sight! He was really talented yet very humble. I am so fortunate to have had to opportunity to meet and work with him! Losing JP is a reminder to enjoy every beautiful soul you encounter. Pray to turn the page and send light and positive vibes to your loved ones.”

Find out more about JP Ramirez and his talents from a recent interview.

A celebration of JP Ramirez’ life will be held at 7pm on Friday, August 6, 2021. The ceremony will start at 7:30pm and take place at Tito Murphy’s (346 W 46th St, New York, New York 10036.) Guests are invited to come dressed as you are, as JP loved for you. The celebration of JP’s life will include both a bar and DJ.

Juan Pablo celebration poster image via Vaughn Lowery for use by 360 Magazine
Guillen illustration

The Murder of Fort Hood Soldier, Vanessa Guillen

By Emmet McGeown


“How can this happen on a military base? How can this happen while she was on duty? How can this just happen and then let it go under the rug like it was nothing?” These were the words of Mayra Guillen, sister of Pfc. Vanessa Guillen, who has been missing for months and is now confirmed dead.  

On April 22nd, Pfc. Vanessa Guillen, a 20-year-old Hispanic Small Arms and Artillery Repairer, went missing. She was last seen alive at a parking lot at squadron headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas. For months, Pfc. Guillen’s family held out hope that their beloved was still alive, yet the discovery of remains near the Leon River, north of Austin, has vanquished that hope. While the FBI is still awaiting a positive DNA analysis, the family believes that the remains belong to Vanessa.  

Yet, this story does not begin with her disappearance nor does it end with her death. Prior to her vanishing, Pfc. Guillen, according to her sisters, was having difficulties with sexual harassment while stationed at Fort Hood, outside Killeen, Texas. The attorney representing the family in the case revealed that Guillen had confided to her sisters and several other soldiers that a superior had walked in on her while taking a shower and that he proceeded to sit down and watch her. Other relatives and Pfc. Guillen’s boyfriend have noted on social media that something is “not right” and that Vanessa felt unsafe at the military base.  

However, during a press conference on Thursday, July 2nd, senior special agent for the Fort Hood Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID), Damon Phelps, reported that there was no evidence backing the claim that she had been sexually harassed. He affirmed that “there has been no information — and we have interviewed hundreds of people… There is no credible information about that.” Despite this rebut by CID, family attorney, Natalie Khawam said, in an interview with PEOPLE, that she believes Pfc. Guillens was sexually harassed by Spc. Aaron David Robinson.

Spc. Robinson was the leading suspect in Vanessa Guillen’s disappearance, and as authorities caught up with him on Tuesday evening, he shot himself. It has since been revealed that Robinson was, in fact, responsible for the murder of Pfc. Guillen’s. Guillen’s was bludgeoned to death with a hammer in the armory where she worked, according to the family’s attorney. They made this discovery through an extensive investigation, in which witnesses divulged that they saw Robinson transporting a large box labelled “very heavy in weight.”

Then, after consenting to an examination of his cellphone records, court documents reveal, it was discovered that Robinson made several phone-calls to his girlfriend Cecily Aguilar on the night of Apri 22nd and into the early hours of the April 23rd. After being interviewed multiple times, Aguilar finally told investigators that her boyfriend had murdered Guillen. She also revealed how she and her boyfriend had met up and dismembered Guillen’s body together with a “hatchet or machete type knife” and, after attempting to set her corpse on fire, buried Guillen’s body parts in three different holes. Texas Rangers have since arrested Aguilar and she now faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.  

The issue of sexual harassment within the Army remains a problem in this case, given that Guillen’s family, according to their attorney, claimed that Vanessa was planning on reporting Robinson the day after she was murdered, and had delayed over fear of reprisal and inaction. Yet the Army says there exists no credible evidence that she was sexually harassed before her disappearance, and in a statement from the Fort Hood Press Center, officials said that the criminal investigation “has not found any connection between sexual harassment and Vanessa’s disappearance.” They plan to continue their investigation in light of new revelations. 

Lupe Guillen, another sister of Vanessa’s, told NPR that her sister wanted to be in the military since she was a little girl, “she wanted to be a fighter. She wanted to be a hero. She wanted to be someone in life. … The military failed her.

The family is now pushing for legislation to create an independent agency for soldiers who are victims of sexual harassment and assault. 

After a year Vanessa’s fiancé speaks out claiming “They failed us,” see the full ABC interview here.

For more updated information and to read other statements from family and friends click here.

It has been a year since Vanessa’s body was found and her family members, friends, and fellow military members still have many unanswered questions. While it is assumed that Vanessa’s killer was one of another soldier stationed at Fort Hood in Texas, Aaron Robinson, the army is still investigating. Her fiancé spoke to ABC last week, discussing his anger and frustration at the lack of answers and closure he, her family and friends have. Many are upset with how the Army handled the situation and investigation. Interrogating her friends instead of going after Robinson, who many suspected from the beginning.

Her family now hopes that the “I Am Vanessa Guillen” bill, which will make sexual harassment a crime in military law will be approved and help prevent other soldiers from being harassed while defending their country, and other families from feeling the loss they do.

Stay tuned to 360 Magazine for more updates and links to current articles and videos.

ABC will also be airing coverage every week until someone is convicted.

Gun Violence illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

Indianapolis FedEx Mass Shooting

EIGHT KILLED IN INDIANAPOLIS FEDEX FACILITY SHOOTING

What we know so far

  • Brandon Hole, the shooting suspect, opened fire outside and inside of a FedEx facility in Indianapolis, Indiana on Thursday evening.
  • Eight people were shot and killed, while several others were wounded in addition to the gunman.
  • Police believe the gunman killed himself as officers encountered him.
  • The motive for the shooting known at this time.

Law enforcement were notified of a mass casualty situation at the Indianapolis FedEx location late Thursday evening. Timothy Boillat, a FedEx employee, was inside of the building when the gunshots began, according to CNN. He was on break when he heard “two loud metal clangs,” not realizing that it was gun shots. Boillat said his friend saw someone grabbing a gun out of the trunk of their car. It was at that moment that Boillat saw a body on the ground. Levi Miller was interviewed this morning by the Today Show and stated “I saw a man, a hooded figure. The man did have an AR in his hand, and he started shouting and then he started firing. I thought he saw me, so I immediately ducked for cover.”

Deputy Chief of Criminal Investigations for Indianapolis Police, Craig McCartt, stated that four of the victims were found inside of the FedEx facility and four were found outside. The suspect was found deceased, in addition to eight other people. The Indianapolis Police Department said they have an idea of who the suspect was, however, have not formally identified him. The Department believes that the shooter was using a rifle, but they do not yet have any specifics on the weapon. The police are being assisted by the FBI in searching the suspect’s house. Special agent Paul Keenan is in charge.

During a news conference McCartt stated, “This suspect came to the facility. He got out of his car and pretty quickly started some random shooting outside the facility. There was no confrontation with anyone. That began in the parking lot and then he did go into the building.”

Alfarena McGinty, the Chief Deputy Coroner at the Marion County Coroner’s Office, said that the Department is conducting an investigation, but cannot yet enter the crime scene to confirm the victims’ identity until all evidence has been collected. “We are still a number of hours out before we are able to go on to the scene to conduct our investigation, and then after that, we’ll work with the families. Following that process, what we have to do is we will perform our examinations,” she said, adding that extra staff will be called in to complete those examinations in the next 48 to 72 hours, reports CNN.

According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, there have been at least 147 mass shootings incidents in 2021 in the United States. The Gun Violence Archive is an online archive of gun violence incidents collected from various law enforcement, media, government and commercial sources daily in order to provide near-real time data about the results of gun violence. GVA is a non-profit corporation based out of Washington DC, as stated on their website.

UPDATE:

Indianapolis Police has released the names of the deceased victims from Thursday night’s shooting. 

The victims are: 

  • 32-year-old Matthew R Alexander 
  • 19-year-old Samaria Blackwell
  • 66-year-old Amarjeet Johal
  • 64-year-old Jaswinder Kaur
  • 68-year-old Jaswinder Singh
  • 48-year-old Amarjit Sekhon
  • 19-year-old Karlie Smith
  • 74-year-old John Weisert

A statement by IMPD says the next of kin has been notified by the Marion County Coroner’s Office.

The cause of death will be determined after autopsies are complete, according to the statement. 

IMPD said the names of those injured are not being released. 

Murderous History illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

Murderous History Series

TRUE CRIME MYSTERIES PULLED STRAIGHT OUT OF HISTORY

MURDEROUS HISTORY

ALL-NEW SIX PART SERIES PREMIERES SUNDAY APRIL 25 at 9PM ET/PT ON SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL

No fingerprinting? No DNA tests? No psychological profiling? No problem. Smithsonian Channel steps back in time to investigate history’s most shocking murder mysteries and reveal how they were solved in the upcoming all-new series, Murderous History. On the heels of the channel’s recent success in true crime, historians guide viewers through the sinister undercurrents of various city’s past where odd and lethal scandals perplexed historical detectives and expose the dark undercurrents of society. From the devastatingly bombed streets of London to industrial Chicago to Nazi Berlin, each episode captures nail-biting criminal investigations to prove that everything is not always what it seems. Murderous History premieres on Smithsonian Channel Sunday, April 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

At the scene of every crime is a story of a time, the place, and its people. This six-part series steps back in time to examine the most gruesome and compelling murder mysteries of the past 200 years, viewed through the lens of the eras and cities in which they took place. Through cinematic reenactments, we follow the determined investigators and complex perpetrators while revealing how each case made its own mark on history.

They happened in times of war and peace, during daylight and darkness, and to victims old and young. These are the stories of the most heinous murders of the 19th and 20th centuries, some which have faded from memory and others that continue to haunt their host cities to this day. Join us as we travel back to some of history’s defining moments when detectives had to overcome the limited tools of their era—and often invented new forensic techniques on the fly—in a race to catch the killers before they struck again.

Murderous History is produced by Warehouse 51 Productions Ltd. for Smithsonian Channel. The executive producers are TKTK from 51 Productions and John Cavanaugh for Smithsonian Channel. 

About Smithsonian Channel

Smithsonian Channel, a ViacomCBS Inc. brand, is the place for awe-inspiring stories, powerful documentaries and amazing factual entertainment, available in HD and 4K Ultra HD across multiple platforms. Smithsonian Channel, winner of Emmy and Peabody awards, is the home of popular genres such as air and space, travel, history, science, nature and pop culture. Among the brand’s hit series are Aerial America, America in Color, America’s Hidden Stories, Apollo’s Moon Shot, The Pacific War in Color and Air Disasters, as well as critically acclaimed specials that include The Green Book: Guide to Freedom, Black in Space: Breaking the Color Barrier, Walk Against Fear: James Meredith and Princess Diana’s Wicked Stepmother. Smithsonian Channel is available internationally in Canada, Singapore, Latin America, the UK and Ireland.

Chris Crowley's The Practical Navigator book press image for use by 360 Magazine

Chris Crowley’s “The Practical Navigator”

Chris Crowley is the author (with the late Henry S. Lodge, MD) of “Younger Next Year, the New York Times bestseller, with over two million copies sold in twenty-three languages. A former Wall Street trial lawyer, Crowley’s debut work of fiction is “The Practical Navigator” now available everywhere books are sold.

Read below for an excerpt adapted from “The Practical Navigator,” a literary legal crime thriller.

July 1988, Broken Harbor  

Harry’s death was utterly like him: orderly, decisive, and oddly considerate. He sailed to Maine without telling a soul—left a note saying he was going on a business trip but of course he wasn’t. He picked up his boat in Marion and sailed overnight to Broken Island, seven miles off the coast of Maine, near the Canadian border. It’s a big boat, over fifty feet, but it has all kinds of gadgets so it wasn’t hard for someone like Harry to do it alone. Actually, he wasn’t entirely alone. He had stopped at the New York apartment and picked up Gus, the big black Newfoundland, to keep him company on this . . . this journey, I guess. He got there late in the afternoon, furled the sails, and set the anchor with his usual care. Then he fed the dog and had something himself, down below. Put the dishes in the sink and opened a bottle of wine, which he took up into the cockpit. A very good bottle of wine, but he only had the one glass. It was a sacrament, I imagine; he didn’t really drink.

 No one was there so I can’t tell, but it looks as if Harry sat there for quite a while, with Gus at his side. I see them with great clarity: there is Gus, with his huge head on Harry’s lap and Harry calmly looking around, his hands working the thick black fur around Gus’s neck and ears. Or I see them both, sitting up now, looking at the beach and that remarkable shoreline, the sun going down over the Cut. It is the loveliest place. Then he shuts Gus down below. One imagines the intimate business of getting Gus down the steps. Harry stands at the bottom of the companionway, and gets his arms around him (a face full of fur, legs every which way; Gus’s great face is interested but relaxed: they’ve done this a hundred times). Then he picks him up, all hundred pounds of him, and gently sets him down on the cabin sole. Sets out some water. Harry put him below because he didn’t want him to see. Or more likely, he was afraid the dog would jump in and try to save him, as Newfies are bred to do. 

 Then, after he had lowered the guardrail on the starboard side, he got the Camden marine operator to call the sheriff, Bud Wilkerson, over in Hanson, and told him what he was about to do. Hung up before Bud could say anything, but wanted him to know so he’d come out and get the dog. Then he put on his commodore’s cap—an old-fashioned hat with a small, shiny visor and a narrow crown, the kind worn in the Navy in World War I. Do you remember the photos of Admiral Sims? Like that. That was one of a number of affectations at the Great Arcadia Yacht Club of New York, Boston, and Mount Desert, of which Harry had recently been commodore. That and the pips, the four raised brass-and-enamel symbols of his rank on each epaulet. Then Harry sat down on the gunwale with his back to the water. And blew his brains out. Here’s an interesting thing. Just before he did it, he tied a float to his leg. When he shot himself, his body went over the side, as he intended. Not a drop of blood in the boat. But it floated. So my friend Bud wouldn’t have to dive for it when he got there. Imagine thinking of that, in the closing moments of your life. Well, Harry—my brother, Harry—had a weakness for order. More than a weakness, a passion. 

He was a subtle man, entirely capable of making his way in a dark and uncertain world. But his great passion was for order. That was the real business of his life: not making an astonishing fortune as a very young man or becoming a cabinet officer, but preserving order. Against the sweet, dark pull of the Labyrinth, as it spins away, under the city, under our lives.

“The Practical Navigator” is available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indie Bound, and as an ebook.