Former Philadelphia homicide detective accused of sexually assaulting sister of murder victim

PHILADELPHIA - Emergency crews are responding to a large junkyard fire sending smoke into the air in Southwest Philadelphia. Multiple cars are reportedly on fire in the junkyard. SKYFOX flew over the junkyard on South 61st Street, where large flames from the 2-alarm blaze and explosions could be seen. The Philadelphia Fire Department has not released any official information on the size of the fire or the response from crews. Residents in the area have been urged to take precautions to avoid exposure to the smoke. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESAccording to the Philadelphia Health Department, people in the area should avoid going outdoors, avoid excessive activity, close all windows and doors to minimize indoor pollution and recirculate air with fans. The smoke from the flames may be especially troubling for children, the elderly, individuals who are pregnant and those with respiratory conditions. This is a developing story.

PHILADELPHIA - A vice principal from West Philadelphia is going viral for all the right reasons. His name is Arnold Ford, and he’s creating a bond and a safe space for his loving students at Mastery Charter Mann Elementary. The school is equipped with newly installed security cameras that can capture a wide range of things. Recently, they’ve been capturing adorable acts of kindness and caring from Vice Principal Ford. "We’ve been doing this for years," Arnold explained. "The interactions that you see on the cameras, we’ve been doing that for years.

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Police Department is asking for the public's help to identify a shooter and a person of interest in connection with a fatal shooting on a SEPTA bus in Philadelphia. The shooting took place on Wednesday night inside a bus on the 5200 block of Germantown Avenue, police say. According to investigators, a confrontation between the suspect and a young man broke out on the bus before shots were fired. Officials say responding officers found the victim on the floor of the bus bleeding from a gunshot wound to the chest. The victim was rushed to Einstein Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.  Related According to investigators, eight passengers were on the bus at the time of the shooting.The City of Philadelphia is offering a $20,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspect. Authorities say police are also searching for a person of interest in relation to the investigation. RELATED: Ski masks banned from SEPTA property, Transit Police Chief says: 'You will be engaged by police'Police released surveillance video of the shooting on Friday in an effort to get information on the suspect and person of interest or information from potential witnesses. Anyone with information is urged to contact Philadelphia police at 215-686-8477. A man was shot and killed on a SEPTA bus in Germantown, police say.

BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. - The families of four young men killed and buried on a Pennsylvania farm have settled their wrongful-death lawsuits against the man who confessed in the killings and his parentsCosmo DiNardo, who was 20 at the time, admitted luring four young men ages 19 to 22 to the family’s farm in July 2017, saying he would sell them marijuana. He then killed them and buried them on the farm.

PHILADELPHIA - A young man has been hospitalized after he was shot and found by officers in a vacant lot in Philadelphia, police say. According to authorities, just after 1 a.m.

PHILADELPHIA - Congenital Heart Disease affects millions of Americans, but doctors in Philadelphia are on the cutting edge of new technologies that are helping patients live longer and more active lives. It's estimated that 1 in 100 Americans are currently living with Congenital Heart Disease, which is simply defined as structural heart defects that patients are born and live with. "It means it happens structurally when the heart was developing, you carry that diagnosis throughout your lifespan," Dr. Stephanie Fuller from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia said.Dr.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphians are known for having an edge, but this probably isn't something to be proud of. A recent survey found that among nearly 30 cities in the country, Philadelphia has the rudest kids and teens. Over 1,400 people were asked by Solitaired.com to rate the rudeness of the kids in their city on a scale of 1-to-10, with 10 being the rudest.The survey used 5.90 as the average on its ‘Rudeness Scale.’ Philadelphia ranked number one at 7.21, San Francisco was next at 6.78, and New York City's was third at 6.55.Participants also ranked what they believe are the rudest behaviors among children in their city, and which age groups displays those ill-mannered behaviors. The three worst behaviors for 5-8-year-olds were disobeying rules, not saying please and thank you, and making a mess. For 9-12-year-old, being absorbed in their phone, playing music or videos too loudly and not saying hello were the three worst behaviors.

HOUSTON - LaTonya Floyd, the sister of George Floyd, who was killed by then Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, said she forgives him for what happened to her brother. She told that exclusively to FOX 26 cameras who were at an event where a screening of a short documentary of the George Floyd sculpture was premiered. During an event in Houston on Wednesday night, George Floyd's Sister, LaTonya Floyd, forgave former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for his actions back in May 2020.She said, "I know America may think I'm crazy for saying this, but I gotta get this off my chest. At this point, three years down the line, I do forgive Derek Chauvin for what he did, it's not okay that he did. Ok, but I have to forgive him in order to move forward in my life.

HOUSTON - The man charged in the death of Migos rapper Takeoff has been indicted on a murder charge, officials confirm.According to the Harris County District Attorney's Office, Patrick Xavier Clark was indicted by a grand jury Thursday morning.CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX 26 NEWS APPPatrick Xavier Clark, left, charged with the murder of Migos rapper Takeoff, right. (Harris County Sheriffs Office/Erika Goldring/Getty Images)Takeoff, whose real name is Kirsnick Khari Ball, was killed on Nov.

Alexis Flores is wanted for the kidnapping and murder of a 5-year-old Philadelphia girl who was found strangled to death in an apartment in August 2000. (FBI / File) PHILADELPHIA - Federal authorities have raised their reward offer for a man accused in the kidnapping and murder of a Philadelphia girl in the summer of 2000. Alexis Flores, a handyman who came to the United States from Honduras, was allegedly involved in the July 2000 kidnapping of 5-year-old Iriana DeJesus. Investigators say DeJesus was found strangled to death near an apartment building in August. Flores is believed to go by several aliases, including Mario Flores, Mario Roberto Flores, Alex Contreras and Alesis Contreras.

NORRISTOWN, Pa. - A teenage suspect wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of an innocent bystander in the fall of 2022 has been arrested, officials say. According to Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele, 19-year-old Damien Wilson of Norristown was arrested by U.S.

PHILADELPHIA - Whether you call it a ski mask or a shiesty, it cannot be worn on SEPTA buses and trains or in stations, SEPTA officials announced Thursday. The announcement comes after the fatal shooting of a young man on a SEPTA bus in Germantown on Wednesday evening. Authorities say the victim was fatally shot in the chest by a suspect in a hoodie who was wearing a ski mask. "Those face masks are prohibited on SEPTA property," SEPTA Transit Police Chief Charles Lawson said in a press conference. "If you come on SEPTA property wearing your shiesty, you will be engaged by police.

PHILADELPHIA - A crash on a Philadelphia street is being investigated as the result of a police chase involving a stolen vehicle, authorities say. Officers with the Philadelphia Police Department were chasing a car that was reportedly stolen.The vehicle believed to be involved in the chase was later found damaged in the area of 56th and Media Streets. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESFOX 29's cameras were rolling as police surveyed the damage to a parked car in the area. No injuries have been reported at this time. Police have not released any details on the circumstances of the crash. This is a developing story.

PHILADELPHIA - An investigation is underway in Philadelphia after a man was fatally shot on a SEPTA bus, police say. According to authorities, the shooting erupted inside a SEPTA bus just before 11 p.m. on Wednesday evening in the area of Germantown Avenue and E Bringhurst Street. Police arrived on scene and entered the bus, where they found a man lying on the ground bleeding, police say. The man was rushed to Einstein Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:04 p.m., investigators say. According to Chief Inspector Scott Small, the man is currently a John Doe believed to be in his 20s. Investigators say the partition between the driver and the passenger area was struck by a bullet. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESInvestigators with the Philadelphia Police Department collect evidence after a deadly shooting on a SEPTA bus in Germantown.  The 52-year-old bus driver told authorities she heard a confrontation followed by gunshots, Small says. Authorities say the shooting was captured on the bus's interior and exterior cameras. The masked shooter fled the bus after the shooting, police say. According to investigators, eight passengers were on the bus at the time of the shooting. A man was shot and killed on a SEPTA bus in Germantown, police say.

PHILADELPHIA - Authorities say a licensed gun owner shot and wounded a man who smashed her car window with a crowbar during a rush hour road rage confrontation in Philadelphia. Officers from the Philadelphia Police Department were called to the 2200 block of Market Street just before 5:30 p.m. Wednesday for repots of a shooting victim. Police found a 22-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the groin and drove him to Penn Presbyterian Hospital where he was admitted in critical condition. Chief Inspector Scott Small told reporters that the shooting happened about eight blocks away during a road rage incident at the intersection of 30th and Chestnut streets. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESInvestigators believe that during the confrontation the man approached a 27-year-old woman's car and smashed her passenger's side window with a crowbar. The woman, who police say is licensed to carry a firearm, fired one shot from inside her car that struck the man in the groin.

PHILADELPHIA - Authorities are investigating two deadly broad daylight shootings in Philadelphia Wednesday afternoon that they say happened just 10 minutes apart.The spate of deadly violence happened just before 3 p.m. near the intersection of Gratz Street and Susquehanna Avenue when police say two people were shot. Both victims, ages 28 and 31, were driven to Temple University Hospital after they were each shot several times.

PHILADELPHIA - The Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia says he is ready to launch his 5-year strategic plan and believes safety for students and staff is his top priority.In an interview with FOX 29's Jeff Cole, Watlington, who arrived in the city nearly one year ago, said "we must win this war on gun violence in our city, and it’s a shared responsibility between the school district, the city, police department and parents."Watlington will present his Strategic Plan to the School Board Thursday. It was drawn up after months of meetings around the city, with the help of a consulting firm that was paid $450,000.The board will find that improving student achievement places third in the Superintendent’s list of priorities. Watlington believes schools need to be safe havens for students and staff to make the most of their educational opportunities, but the onus for safety isn't only on the school district.MORE LOCAL HEADLINES"For teachers to do their jobs schools have to be safe, students and staff must be safe," Watlington, 54, said.

PHILADELPHIA - Authorities are searching for a hit-and-run driver who they say is accused of three crashes on the same night in Philadelphia, including one that claimed the life of a young man. Neera Nicolas-Hudson, 32, is alleged to have been behind the wheel of a 2005 Ford Mustang on Dec. 26 when she struck a man riding a scooter on the 100 block of North Delaware Avenue.Nicolas-Hudson fled the scene of the crash, according to police, and hit a bicyclist near the intersection of Broad and Spring Garden streets. The victims of both crashes were taken to Philadelphia hospitals and placed in stable condition.

PHILADELPHIA - A Pennsylvania man has been arrested for running what authorities call a gun trafficking operation connected to several homicides and violent crimes. In a press conference held Wednesday, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele announced the arrest of 23-year-old Tamir Hartsock of Glenside, Pennsylvania. Hartsock faces numerous felony charges for straw purchasing and trafficking 15 firearms, of which four were recovered and connected to homicides and crimes in Philadelphia. Investigators say Hartsock purchased his first two guns on September 9, 2020, shortly after his 21st birthday.

Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/WireImage PHILADELPHIA - Eight-time Grammy award winner Usher will join Philadelphia's Roots Picnic as a special guest performer, Live Nation exclusively told FOX 29. The Roots Picnic will take place at The Mann in Fairmount Park from June 2nd to June 4th. Usher is taking the place of Diddy, who was set to co-headline the event with The Roots and Lauryn Hill.

Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/WireImage PHILADELPHIA - Eight-time Grammy award winner Usher will join Philadelphia's Roots Picnic as a special guest performer, Live Nation exclusively told FOX 29. The Roots Picnic will take place at The Mann in Fairmount Park from June 2nd to June 4th. Usher is taking the place of Diddy, who was set to co-headline the event with The Roots and Lauryn Hill.

Clifton Williams, 64, is pictured in a booking image. (Credit: Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections) LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A Kentucky man is accused of shooting his roommate after eating the last Hot Pocket, according to police and local reports. Clifton Williams, 64, was arrested early Sunday in Louisville and charged with one count of second-degree assault.

AUSTIN, Texas - Attorney General Ken Paxton is calling on Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan to resign, saying the Republican from Beaumont was "in an obviously intoxicated state" while presiding over the House.But Paxton's call for Phelan's resignation comes as a House committee revealed it's investigating Paxton and his office over a push to use taxpayer money to pay off his settlement with a group of whistleblowers.So far, the attorney general is the highest state official calling for Phelan to resign. Phelan's office fired back, saying a committee is investigating Paxton's office, and they said his comments were an attempt to "save face."Video from the House floor at the end of a 14-hour session on Friday night showed Phelan appearing to slur his words on the House floor while debating an amendment to a Senate bill. The video quickly went viral online over the weekend.Paxton, who is also a Republican, issued a statement on Tuesday about the incident:"After much consideration, it is with profound disappointment that I call on Speaker Dade Phelan to resign at the end of this legislative session.

PHILADELPHIA - A 15-year-old and two other teenagers were injured by gunfire Tuesday afternoon in North Philadelphia, according to police. Officers from the Philadelphia Police Department were called to the intersection of Diamond and Gratz streets just after 4 p.m. for reports of a shooting. Police found two teens, 15 and 17, suffering from gunshot wounds to the legs and drove the boys to Temple University Hospital where they were placed in stable condition. An 18-year-old, who police say was also shot in the leg, arrived at Temple Hospital in a private vehicle and was also placed in stable condition. No arrests were reported immediately following the triple shooting.

PHILADELPHIA - The School District of Philadelphia argues, in the wake of recent closures of city schools due to asbestos, it’s focused on the problem and inspecting school buildings.School officials called reporters to district headquarters Tuesday to hear from Victoria Flemming, one of the officials leading the effort to inspect for asbestos and do repairs. School officials said they are spending tens of millions of dollars to pay private firms to inspect school buildings with a goal of 50 per month. Six schools have been recently closed when asbestos was found disturbed in the buildings. Vare Middle School, Frankford High School and Mitchell Elementary School remain closed.MORE LOCAL HEADLINESThe district was noncommittal when asked if they're bracing for more closures from the upcoming inspections that Flemming called "a step in the right direction."Most of Philadelphia’s more than 300 school buildings, with an average age of 73-years, have asbestos around pipes, in floor tiles, and in plaster. The substance becomes a health hazard when disturbed.

PA State Game Commission Warden Tyler Barnes searches a wooded early after multiple residents reported a black bear wondering the Roxborough and Andorra neighborhoods in Northwest Philadelphia, PA in 2019.. (Photo by Bastiaan Slabbers/NurPhoto via Ge WRIGHT TOWNSHIP, Pa. - The Pennsylvania Game Commission is investigating a bear attack that left two young children with injuries. It happened Monday in Wright Township, Luzerne County as the children played in the driveway of their home. The children, ages 5 and 1, were treated for bites and/or scratches at Wilks-Barre General Hospital and later released. State officials say there are few details about the incident or what provoked the attack, but has set up two traps in the area.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police are looking to question a 19-year-old man about his role in a rash of shootings and robberies that plagued two Philadelphia neighborhoods over several days.Brian Amerman is a person of interest in three shootings and two robberies that occurred from May 12-21, according to police.One shooting left a man critically shot in the chest and legnear an ATM on Roosevelt Boulevard in Oxford Circle.The other shootings, one involving a 17-year-old victim, occurred a week apart on Amber Street in Kensington.

CAMDEN, N.J. - Ten years after a man was shot dead on the streets of Camden, officials say they have charged the man responsible, and he is already behind bars.Martin Muniz, 41, of Camden, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 45-year-old Jaime Molina.On October 30, 2013. Molina was found fatally shot in the head near North Fifth and Cedar streets in Camden.

PHILADELPHIA - The sweetest video captured the moment a little girl realized she was bringing her best friend home forever.Aubrey, who just turned 7 years old,  is in the back of her family's car when she is suddenly overcome with tears of joy, turning to cuddle her brother and new pet dog."She's crying over you, Alexia," the girl's mom Monique says in the background.And there's no doubt Alexia is just as excited to start a new life with her forever family!RELATED COVERAGE: Dog shot in Philadelphia learning to walk again after amputation surgery, PSPCA saysThe innocent dog's story began with tragedy, being found shot and terrified after crawling onto the porch of a Philadelphia home back in April.She was rescued by a Good Samaritan and nursed back to health by the Pennsylvania SPCA, where she was eventually adopted by Aubrey and her family."She is over the moon excited to be home! And we all love her so much!" Monique said.A happy ending for Alexia, and the start of a beautiful friendship for Aubrey!

E. Jean Carroll, the columnist who won a $5 million sexual abuse and defamation award against former President Donald Trump, is seeking at least $10 million more in a new court filing Monday that seeks to hold him liable for remarks he made after the verdict.An amended lawsuit seeking the $10 million in compensatory damages — and more in punitive damages — was filed in Manhattan by lawyers for Carroll, who say remarks by Trump in response to her rape allegations so spoiled her reputation that she lost her longtime job as an Elle magazine advice columnist.They said in the rewritten lawsuit that he “doubled down” on derogatory remarks about Carroll at a cable television appearance a day after the verdict.“Trump’s defamatory statements post-verdict show the depth of his malice toward Carroll since it is hard to imagine defamatory conduct that could possibly be more motivated by hatred, ill will, or spite,” the lawyers wrote.

NEW BRITIAN, Pa. - Authorities in Bucks County are searching for a group of masked men who they say tried to rob a local motorsport store under the cover of night. The Central Bucks Regional Police Department said the attempted robbery happened at Smith Marine around 2 a.m. last Tuesday. Police shared a picture of the six suspects dressed in dark clothes with hoods and masks.

MOSCOW, Idaho - A judge entered pleas of not guilty to all charges for Bryan Kohberger at his arraignment Monday, setting the stage for a quadruple murder trial in which he could potentially face the death penalty.Latah County, Idaho deputies escorted Kohberger into the courtroom around 9 a.m., where he stood before Judge John Judge.The defendant, wearing an orange jumpsuit and no handcuffs, smiled at his defense attorney, Kootenai County Public Defender Anne Taylor, and sat quietly. He nodded as Judge read his rights aloud.Taylor said they would "be standing silent," so Judge entered the not guilty pleas for the charges against Kohberger.

Boat in front of Philadelphia Skyline with Schuylkill River Park Boardwalk, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

PHILADELPHIA - Cherelle Parker, the Democratic nominee in the race for Philadelphia mayor, will hold her first press conference Monday, nearly a week after a health issue prevented her from speaking on election night. Parker, 50, was unable to attend her own victory celebration last Tuesday as she dealt with a dental emergency at the University of Pennsylvania. She spend the rest of the week resting, recovering, holding some meetings with staff. Monday's press conference will follow her meeting with Pennsylvania Gov.

MOSCOW, Idaho - Bryan Kohberger, the 28-year-old criminology buff accused of ambushing sleeping college students with a large knife in November, is expected to be arraigned Monday morning on murder and other charges.And if he finally enters a plea, it would trigger a countdown – giving prosecutors two months to officially announce that they are seeking the death penalty in connection with the ambush slayings of Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, both 21, as well as Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, 20."Upon entry of plea, the most morbid of all clocks starts ticking – the prosecuting attorney has 60 days to file, in writing, a notice of intent to seek the death penalty," said Edwina Elcox, a prominent Boise-based defense attorney who previously represented "cult mom" Lori Vallow.There are several potential outcomes – although experts say surprises are always possible:Ethan Chapin, 20, Xana Kernodle, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, along with the women's two other roommates in Kaylee Goncalves' final Instagram post, shared the day before the slayings. (@kayleegoncalves/Instagram) Possible scenarios in court Monday:A guilty plea would be highly unlikely given Kohberger's defense team just added the high-powered Elisa Massoth, according to Elcox.Massoth once attended the same college as the four victims, is certified to defend death penalty cases and boasts of being "one of the top criminal defense lawyers in Idaho."One of her previous cases includes the overturning of a conviction for a man accused of attempted murder and kidnapping.

Janelle Monae is embracing the present moment.

PHILADELPHIA - A two-vehicle crash left two people injured, and traffic backed up for hours on Interstate 76 in Philadelphia early Monday morning.State police say a tow truck crashed into a vehicle as it sat on the shoulder of I-76 East near Exit 341 around 2 a.m.Two people inside the vehicle at the time were transported to a local hospital, but their conditions are not known.The crash prompted a heavy emergency response, and shut down traffic for approximately three hours.

PHILADELPHIA - Two men are dead after several shots were fired in Philadelphia's Wynnefield section early Monday morning, sparking a homicide investigation.Police say both victims, ages 26 and 31, were found unresponsive near North Ruby and Hazelhurst streets after reports of more than a dozen gunshots around 3 a.m.One was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at a local hospital.MORE HEADLINES:A weapon was recovered at the scene of the shooting, along with at least eight shell casings.Police also said several items described as "odd" were also found, including a spark plug, welding hammer and gloves.No suspect description has been released, but police did say a vehicle could be involved in the deadly shooting.

PHILADELPHIA - Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a shooting that say may have started as road rage incident on I-95 in Philadelphia late Sunday night.A man is believed to have been driving when he was shot on I-95 near Columbus Boulevard, authorities say, He was transported to a local hospital, but his condition is not known.Both north and southbound lanes from Exit 20 to 17 were shut down for about an hour starting at 9 p.m.

BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. - A nationwide symbol that means even more to every Philadelphia Eagles fan is now safe thanks to the actions of police and residents in one Pennsylvania county.The injured bald eagle was rescued near Pidcock Creek Road in Solebury Township Sunday.Sgt.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 21: Bryson Stott #5 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a two run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning against the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park on May 21, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/ PHILADELPHIA - Bryson Stott hit his first career pinch home run, a two-run drive in the seventh inning that led the Philadelphia Phillies over the Chicago Cubs 2-1 Sunday.After extending their losing streak to five in the series opener, the defending NL champions won the final two games of the set."That's what these guys do," Phillies manager Rob Thomson said.

PHILADELPHIA - Emergency crews are on the scene of a barricade situation involving two young children in West Philadelphia Sunday evening.Police say a domestic dispute inside a home on the 500 block of Wanamaker Street escalated after a woman was pistol whipped by the male suspect.The woman made it outside, but the man remained inside with two small children, according to authorities. The relation between the children and male suspect is unknown at this time.MORE HEADLINES:Officials say the 43-year-old man has also made threats toward police, but it is unclear what kind of threats were made.This is a developing story.