15 Years to Life for Chef Who Killed Wife, Cooked Remains

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Chef's Murder Trial to Go Into 3rd Day of Deliberation

A jury in the murder trial of a Lomita chef accused of killing his wife then slow cooking her body its second day of deliberations without a verdict. The defense is making the case that his wife's death was unintentional - a tragedy, but not murder. Whit Johnson reports from Downtown LA for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Sept. 26, 2012.

Guilty Verdict For Chef Who Cooked Wife

Jurors deliberated for nearly three hours over three days before coming to a verdict Thursday in the case of an LA chef accused of murdering his wife. David Viens was found guilty of second degree murder. Conan Nolan reports from Downtown LA for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2012.

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A former chef who killed his wife and cooked her body for four days to dispose of her remains was sentenced on Friday to 15 years to life in prison.

David Robert Viens, 49, was convicted of second-degree murder for the slaying of his wife, Dawn, in 2009.

Before Viens was sent back into custody, the victim's sister, Dayna Papin, urged the court to continue to keep Viens locked up.

"He's going to continue to fight for his freedom, which I hope you don't give to him for a very long time," Papin said.

Viens attended his court proceedings in a wheelchair as a result of injuries suffered when he jumped 80 feet down Inspiration Point in Rancho Palos Verdes on Feb. 23, 2011, after a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy tried to stop his vehicle and Viens' girlfriend tried to stop him from plunging from the oceanfront cliff by grabbing his clothes.

Viens said he argued with his wife and bound her mouth, hands and feet with duct tape because he didn't want her going out driving while intoxicated, prosecutors said.

After he found her dead the next morning, he concocted a plan to cook her remains, prosecutors said.

"I took some, some things like weights that we use and I put them on the top of her body, and I just slowly cooked it and I ended up cooking her for four days," Viens said, according to audio released in court from an interview with deputies.

He jumped off a cliff in a botched suicide after being confronted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies.

Defense attorneys argued that Viens did not intend to kill his wife.

Dawn Viens was reported missing by friends and family members three weeks after she was last seen at the couple's Lomita restaurant, the Thyme Contemporary Café, in October 2009.

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DNA Links 3 Lake Highlands Rapes to One Attacker

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Dallas police now say they are looking for only one person in connection with three sexual assaults in Lake Highlands that occurred over the last month.

The series of attacks took place Feb. 22, March 15 and March 19 at homes along Ferndale Road and Aldwick Drive.

Maj. Jeff Cotner said Friday that DNA evidence obtained from the cases all point to one attacker.

"Today, Southwest Institute Forensics Sciences (SWIFS) released their findings into forensic evidence collected from the March 15 and 19 sexual assaults in the Lake Highlands community of Dallas. The DNA profile from these offenses matched the DNA profile obtained from the Feb. 22 offense. We have one suspect," Cotner said. "The DNA profile has been entered into statewide and national databases. No match was identified. He is unknown."

DPD: Looking for One Attacker in Lake Highlands

Dallas police say they are looking for only one person in connection with three sexual assaults in Lake Highlands that occurred over the last month. The sketches, police say, are from the first two offenses on Feb. 22 and March 15.

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Cotner said they believe the man sustained injuries in the most recent attack and may have scratches on his face, cheeks and neck as well as bite marks on his hands and fingers. Police said the man may also have a deep laceration on one finger.

During a news conference Friday, police revealed two sketches of the attacker from the first two assaults. Victim descriptions of the attacker have varied and included references to the man being black or Latino, between 5 feet 6 inches tall and 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing between 140 and 200 pounds.

"Our victims provided this information to us," Cotner said. "They encountered a very violent attack. This information is through their trauma. Based upon the individual dynamics of their attack, this is what they can give us. Our suspect can be black; he can be dark-complected. He can be Hispanic. We don't know."

Despite the different descriptions, Cotner said DNA evidence indicates all three attacks were committed by the same person.

"The DNA profile tells us it is one guy for all three," Cotner said.

Dallas police said an anonymous donor has increased the reward from $5,000 to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in the case. To be eligible for the reward, the tip must be received through Crime Stoppers by calling 877-373-8477.

Officials said more than 100 tips have been received in the case, and they urge the public to continue reporting anything suspicious. They urge citizens to call 911 if the situation requires an immediate response. An additional tip line is available at 214-670-4415, though tipsters using that number will not be eligible for the reward.

Timeline of Attacks

Feb. 22 attack on Ferndale Road: A woman was assaulted in her home after a man broke in at about 12:45 a.m. and assaulted her in her bed at knife-point. Police said the attacker entered the home through a window and was described as 35-years-old, black with bald or short hair and that he spoke with an African accent. He is estimated to be about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs about 180 lbs.

March 15 attack on Ferndale Road: A woman was assaulted at about 10 p.m. inside her home on Ferndale Road after a man entered the home through a window. The man was described as Latino and in his 20s with a round, chubby face and a buzz cut. He was clean-shaven and spoke English with a Spanish accent. He is estimated to be about 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs about 200 lbs.

March 19 attack on Aldwick Drive: A woman was assaulted at about 6:45 a.m. inside her home on Aldwick Drive after a man kicked in the front door. The man is described as Latino, in his early 20s with light skin, a thin build and a thin mustache. He is estimated to be 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds. The man spoke English with a Spanish accent and wore a gray hoodie and black leather gloves. Police said the man may have a scratch on his body.

Residents on Edge

Despite the heavy police presence in the area, Lake Highlands residents say they are not letting their guard down.

Kristi Manning said she has armed herself in case the worst happens.

"Every time I get out of my car, I look both ways," she said. I have my keys out -- they say that's one of the best ways to defend yourself."

She said she also has started carrying mace for the first time.

One of the assaults happened a few blocks from Seth Harrington's home. He updated his alarm once the rapes started in the neighborhood.

"My alarm was working before; that didn't mean I set it every day," he said. "But now, I make sure every time I leave, I set my alarm. And I actually made sure the window-break system was working, as well."

NBC 5's Omar Villafranca contributed to this report.

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2 Arrested in Slaying of 79-Year-Old Woman

Eric King, NBC 5 News

Dallas police have arrested two men in the slaying of a 79-year-old woman who was killed in her East Dallas home. David Herron, 29, and Daniel Brooks, 28, will be charged with capital murder.

2 Arrested in East Dallas Slaying

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Dallas police say they have made two arrests in the slaying of a 79-year-old woman who was killed in her East Dallas home two weeks ago.

Police found the body of Avanell Cowgill in home home in the 11300 block of Earlywood Drive on March 9 after her daughter asked officers to check on her.

Dallas police said late Friday night that David Herron, 29, and Daniel Brooks, 28, will be charged with capital murder in Cowgill's death.

"It was a brutal murder," Maj. Jeff Cottner said. "It was a clearly irresponsible and just dasterdly deed. We don't know why. They took a life of a grandmother, needlessly."

Police said Brooks was in custody at DPD headquarters, while Herron was at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Officials did not elaborate on his injuries or what caused them.

Investigators said Herron and Brooks took Cowgill's purse and used her credit cards to buy an electronic device at Wal-Mart, a purchase that was captured on surveillance video.

Dallas police last week released surveillance photos and video of two men at a Wal-Mart who used Cowgill's credit cards.

Surveillance video also recorded Herron and Brooks attempting to withdraw money from Cowgill's account at an ATM, police said.

Police learned where Herron and Brooks sold the electronic device they had purchased with Cowgill's credit card and then learned the identity of Brooks. Investigators then determined that the two had been arrested Wednesday and were being held in the Richardson jail on an unrelated theft charge.

Investigators have said that Cowgill left church at approximately 3:30 p.m. on March 7 before going to a store and then home. Police have said she may have been killed that night.

NBC 5's Eric King contributed to this report.

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CDC: No Flu Shot in Most Pediatric Flu Deaths

Kevin Cokely, NBC 5 News

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 90 percent of the 105 children who have died from the flu this season nationally were not vaccinated for the flu.

Vaccines Urged After Report on Pediatric Fl...

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Dallas health officials are urging everyone to get the annual flu vaccine after a federal report shows that most of the children who died of the flu this season did not get a flu shot.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 90 percent of the 105 children who have died from the flu this season nationally were not vaccinated for the flu.

"Prevention works wonders, so we can minimize complications of the flu," said Dr. Christopher Perkins, Dallas County medical director. "The flu vaccine, it's not 100 percent effective. It varies on a person's background as far as age, underlying or chronic health issues, but if you get the flu shot and get infected with the flu, then you'll have minimal symptoms as a result if you had not gotten a flu vaccine."

Three children in Dallas County died of flu complications this season. None of them had a flu shot.

"We encourage everyone to get the flu shot," Perkins said. "Unfortunately some people do not and as a result, you put yourself at increased risk of having complications from the flu", says Dr. Perkins.

The CDC recommends the flu vaccine for all children 6 months to 18 years of age, but says that nationally, only 52% of them got the vaccine during the 2011-2012 flu season.

The 2012-2013 flu season runs through May.

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Plan Commission Rejects Dallas Gas Well Proposals

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The drilling permits requested by Trinity East need a supermajority of 12 votes to be approved in their final review by the City Council.

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Proposed gas wells in northwest Dallas will have a harder path after the Dallas Plan Commission on Thursday rejected the request for the second time.

The commission voted 8-7 to reject the drilling proposal.

The vote means that the drilling permits requested by Trinity East need a supermajority of 12 votes to be approved in their final review by the City Council.

That vote has not been scheduled.

Trinity East paid Dallas millions of dollars years ago for a gas lease on city property. The company has threatened to sue if it is not allowed to drill.

Opponents have fought the proposed drilling sites.

Other cities around the region earn big money on gas production.

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Mavs Guard Makes NBA History

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The Dallas Mavericks may be struggling for a spot in the postseason, but their newest player knows all about struggle and plenty about how to fight.

Chris Wright became the first player with multiple sclerosis in NBA history to take the court.

MS is a disease that effects the nervous system. It can cause fatigue, blurred vision, loss of balance and poor coordination.

"It was a little frightening at first, but I just had to make the smartest decision for me and my family, and you know, ended up here," said Wright.

He makes it sound so simple, but after a stint in the minors, Wright is living his dream. He admits he has to be sure to eat right and get plenty of rest, and once a month he gets medication for the illness. The injection, called Tysabri, is a two-and-a-half hour process with an IV, Wright said.

"I'm a bit drained after. I maybe take a nap and then I'll be OK. I might be it sluggish that day, but then I'm all right," he said.

He's more than all right. And he's been an inspiration to his coaches and teammates.

"It's unprecedented, historic. And he's done a great job while he's been here. working on his game and helping his teammates," said Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle.

Dirk Nowitzki is also impressed with the story.

"I think everybody's rooting for him. I think it's a great story and it's very inspirational," he said.

If you think the Mav just did this as a gesture to a man fighting a disease, or to help raise awareness for MS, you couldn't be more wrong. Wright was a first-round pick out of Georgetown, and he's proven himself as a top notch NBA-caliber player.

"He's a fast guard. He can shoot a bit, he can get in there, he can finish he can defend," Nowitzki said.

"He was one of the top players in the D-League and the opportunity he had here, he's showed some very good things," said Carlisle.

Wright also knows he can help raise awareness for MS while at the same time helping others dealing with this debilitating disease.

"I'm living proof you can do whatever you put your mind to. I didn't know it was going to be this big, but I'm glad I'm an inspiration to a lot of people, and it's a great thing for the MS society," he said.

Wright is on a 10-day contract with the Mavs, and they have to make a decision about his future Friday. As for his health, there is no reason he shouldn't be able to continue playing while continuing the treatment doctors have provided.

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Alligators Seen Near Eagle Mountain Lake Dam

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It's a sight that's not all that surprising -- an alligator was spotted near Eagle Mountain Lake the last few days.

The alligator is in a restricted area on the other side of the dam from the lake in the spillway. It's technically in the Trinity River channel, which is where most American Alligators are found in North Texas.

Actually seeing one isn't always easy, just ask David Geary, Tarrant Regional Water District Eagle Mountain Lake Reservoir Manager.

"They tend to keep to themselves," he said. "I've been out here for several years and I see them rarely."

But, the last few days a single alligator has been spotted, by some contract workers on TRWD property, in the spillway just hanging out.

"They're an elusive animal," Geary said. "You're not going to see them out where there's a lot of public, so they like to stay in places that are restricted where there's not a lot of public activity going on."

In fact, the alligator in the spillway and another in a nearby pond are in a restricted and dangerous area owned by TRWD. The area is fenced off and under 24-hour surveillance being so close to steep hills and drop-offs near one of the lake's spillway mechanisms. NBC 5 received permission and was escorted into the area by TRWD officials. It's an area the water district wants to make clear is not open to the general public. But, if you have really good eyes while driving on the road over the dam you might catch a glimpse.

Seeing alligators out and about on water ways in North Texas isn't unusual, they're natives to the area, and seeing them now is actually not all that rare.

"We're seeing more of them, I'm not sure if that actually means we have more," Rob Denkhaus, Natural Resource Manager at the Fort Worth Nature Center, said. "We've been seeing some weird water conditions, there isn't as much water so they're condensed. But I also think they're becoming less afraid of people because there isn't as much harassment as they used to get."

You can see an infant alligator at the Fort Worth Nature Center's Hardwicke Center, and that's probably as close as you'll want to get.

"Most definitely," Denkhaus said. "You got to leave them alone, they are wild animals they are potentially dangerous. You don't want to do any kind of harassment, even if you find a little one they're not good pets and they're not legal pets. Just leave them be and enjoy the fact that they're there."

Where they are found is in the Trinity though, not in Eagle Mountain Lake.

"We have not had any sightings in the lake proper," Geary said.

Which means unless you're really looking for them, you might just miss them.

"Even people who canoe these waters  frequently canoe right past them without even realizing they're there," Denkhaus said.

Hunting season for alligators begins April 1, however, the rules for hunting them are very strict and specific. The local game warden says, if you do see one, you should take a picture but otherwise leave it alone.

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Pilot Impersonator Arrested at Philly Int'l Airport: FBI

NBCPhiladelphia.com - Rosemary Connors

A man was arrested Thursday for allegedly impersonating a pilot. Authorities say he got into the cockpit of a U.S. Airways plane moments before takeoff. Police say he had on an Air France uniform, had fake credentials, and was carrying phony flight plans. NBC10's Rosemary Connors reports from Philadelphia International Airport.

Pilot Impersonator Arrested

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A French man impersonating a pilot was arrested at Philadelphia International Airport on Wednesday night after boarding a US Airways flight scheduled to fly to West Palm Beach, Fla.

Philippe Jernnard, 61, talked his way into a cockpit, saying he wanted to sit in one of its jump seats, according to the FBI. He told the captain and first officer that he was a pilot with Air France and knew how to fly 747, but they grew suspicious when he couldn't figure out how to open the jump seat.

NBC10's Rosemary Connors talked with airport police Capt. Michael Murphy who says that Jernnard was wearing an Air France shirt, had an Air France bag and presented a ticket to the gate agent and walked onto the plane.

The gate agent told authorities that Jernnard had asked if there was any room in first class and was told "no."

According to the arrest report, Jernnard became irate after being told "no" and told her that he hated Americans and began to argue with her.

When the gate agent finished boarding the flight and went to close the plane's doors for takeoff, the arrest report states that she saw Jernnard sitting in the jump seat behind the captain's seat and his carry-on bag was stowed in the cockpit.

"She just assumes he takes his seat in coach and when she goes in to inform co-captain of the number of passengers on the flight that's when she kind of recognizes he's out of place," said Philadelphia Police Lt. John Walker.

According to that arrest report, the agent told Jernnard that he couldn't sit there unless he filled out paperwork and the captain told him to return to his assigned seat.

Police say Jernnard started arguing and that's when they notified authorities.

After Jernnard was taken off the plane, police found an Air France ID card that had been changed to match his name.

Jernnard was arrested and charged with criminal trespass, tampering with records, impersonating a person privately employed and presenting a false ID to law enforcement. He will be charged federally Friday morning.

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Lake Highlands DNA Not a Match for Jailed Man

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Lake Highlands DNA Not a Match for Jailed Man

DNA from Fernando Munoz, inset, does not match forensic evidence collected in the Feb. 22 assault, Dallas police said Wednesday. Police have not been able to determine if the attacks were carried out by one man or separate individuals.

Police Patrols Continue in Lake Highlands

Dallas police continue to patrol the Lake Highlands area after forensic evidence collected from a Feb. 22 sexual assault on Ferndale Road does not match the man they named a suspect in the attack. The suspect is still at large.

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Dallas police now say forensic evidence collected from a Feb. 22 sexual assault on Ferndale Road does not match the man they named a suspect in the attack.

The latest information is based on findings from The Southwestern Institute of Forensic Science, or SWIFS, that indicate Fernando Munoz's DNA profile does not match the evidence collected at the February crime scene.

In a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Police Chief David Brown said Munoz was linked by DNA evidence to at least three sexual assaults in 2008 and 2010 and was a strong suspect in the assault in Lake Highlands on Feb. 22.

While being held in the Dallas County Jail since March 1 on outstanding warrants, Munoz was never a suspect in two other sexual assaults that took place in the same Lake Highlands neighborhood on March 15 and March 19.  As such, those incidents were considered by investigators to be unrelated to the Feb. 22 attack.

With varying descriptions of the attackers and DNA analysis not yet concluded, police have not been able to determine if the attacks were carried out by one man or separate individuals.

Police said as recently as Wednesday morning that they were looking for as many as two men in connection with the March attacks. Now, without a suspect in the February assault, the number of Lake Highlands rape cases increases to three with an unknown number of perpetrators.

Wednesday night, Dallas police addressed residents about the attacks at a meeting at Lake Highlands High School.

Officials said DNA analysis of forensic evidence from the March 15 and March 19 offenses is ongoing and will be compared to the evidence from the Feb. 22 offense.

Timeline of Attacks

Feb. 22 attack on Ferndale Road: A woman was assaulted in her home after a man broke in at about 12:45 a.m. and assaulted her in her bed at knifepoint.  Police said the attacker entered the home through a window and was described as 35-years-old, black with bald or short hair and that he spoke with an African accent.  He is estimated to be about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs about 180 lbs.

March 15 attack on Ferndale Road: A woman was assaulted at about 10 p.m. inside her home on Ferndale Drive after a man entered the home through a window. The man was described as Latino and in his 20s with a round, chubby face and a buzz cut. He was clean-shaven and spoke English with a Spanish accent. He is estimated to be about 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs about 200 lbs.

March 19 attack on Aldwick Drive: A woman was assaulted at about 6:45 a.m. inside her home on Aldwick Drive after a man kicked in the front door. The man is described as Latino, in his early 20s with light skin, a thin build and a thin mustache. He is estimated to be 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds. The man spoke English with a Spanish accent and wore a gray hoodie and black leather gloves. Police said the man may have a scratch on his body.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the cases. Anyone with information is asked to call the police tip line at 214-670-4415.

Dallas police and SWAT team members continue to patrol the Lake Highlands area.

NBC 5's Ray Villeda contributed to this report.

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14-Year-Old Girl Dies After Inhaling Computer Cleaner

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A 14-year-old honor student from Northridge, California died this week after inhaling computer keyboard cleaner, a growing trend among students as young as eighth grade.

"I'm positive my daughter didn't realize it had the potential to kill her," Carolyn Doherty said.

A straight-A student at Nobel Middle School, Aria Doherty died Monday. She'd been home alone for a couple hours when she inhaled the duster. Her parents believe it was her first time huffing – also known as bagging or dusting.

Her older sister found Aria in bed with a can of compressed air still attached to her mouth, her nostrils taped shut. A plastic bag was found nearby.

"I would give anything to have her back," said Richard Doherty, Aria's father. "It just took her, like that."

"I just miss her. I wish she was here. It doesn't seem real," he said through tears.

The Doherty's kept no dangerous weapons in their Porter Ranch home, stored prescription drugs under lock and key, and recently purged their home of all alcohol. They talked to their teen daughters about the dangers of substance abuse.

But authorities said the practice of huffing does not involve the typical chemical culprits. Inhaling household cleaners, paint or glue offers a quick high and they're accessible.

"Death can happen very quickly. It can happen the first time," said Kezia Miller, a counselor with the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Counselors are available at Nobel Middle School and are planning an inhalant education program for Aria's peers.

"These are substances that are poison," Miller said. "They're toxic and they're being ingested."

Long-term effects of inhalants include damage to the kidney, liver and brain. Short-term dangers include heart problems.

"When you mess with the cardiac system, the electrical system of the heart, you can have a lot of issues, like arrhythmia," said Dr. Michael Lewis, with Northridge Hospital Medical Center.

It's possible the computer cleaner caused cardiac arrest or the teen asphyxiated. An autopsy is pending.

The Doherty's said they want their daughter's death to be a message to other parents to be aware of this developing threat.

"We didn't know," Carolyn said. "But clearly, the kids do know."

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One Killed, One Critical in Apartment Complex Shooting

Homicide detectives are investigating a possible murder in a south Fort Worth apartment complex.

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Homicide detectives are investigating a possible murder in a south Fort Worth apartment complex.

Police say a woman was shot and killed at the Primavera Apartments on Berry Street late Wednesday night.

When officers arrived on the scene, they also discovered a man who had been shot and seriously injured.

That man was rushed to an area hospital in critical condition.

Police are still interviewing neighbors at the scene and have not yet identified any suspects.

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Couple Planned Babysitting Business to Cover Sex Abuse: Feds

NBC 4 New York

A Brooklyn couple has been arrested and accused of plotting to babysit children as a cover to drug and sexually abuse them, federal prosecutors said. Brynn Gingras reports.

BK Couple Planned Babysitting Business...

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A New York couple has been arrested and accused of plotting to babysit children as a cover to drug and sexually abuse them, federal prosecutors said.

Special agents with the FBI and NYPD detectives arrested Bebars Baslan, 35, and Kristen Henry, 25, Tuesday night at a hotel in Jersey City, N.J. Prosecutors say they believed they were going there to meet an acquaintance and three children, including a 1-year-old and a 3-month-old baby, that the group was planning to drug with children's Benadryl and take sexually explicit photos.

Prosecutors say that acquaintance was actually an informant who had contacted authorities last month to report that the couple possessed child pornography and were planning to open a babysitting business to find victims to abuse.

According to the criminal complaint, the informant then began working with the FBI to record phone calls and obtain other evidence.

In one recorded conversation, Baslan allegedly told the informant about drugging children before abusing them: "Trust me, all what I'm doing, nothing is going to be, no memories, nothing."

The meeting planned for Jersey City was so that Baslan could get incriminating pictures of Henry before they began the business, the complaint said. He wanted collateral, and wanted to take pictures of her sexually abusing the baby.

When the informant said he was concerned about the effect of the abuse on the baby, Baslan allegedly told him "if it's one minute he won't even know what's going on." 

The pair are charged with aggravated sexual abuse and face 30 years to life in prison. Their lawyers had no comment.

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Dallas Promotes Legal Graffiti

NBCDFW.com

The City of Dallas wants local graffiti artists to showcase their art in a legal way.

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The City of Dallas wants local graffiti artists to showcase their art in a legal way.

A special event will be held march 21 at the American Airlines Center to showcase the works of art made by local graffiti artists who pledge not to create unlawful artworks.

John Barr, who was appointed by Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings to help reduce unlawful graffiti, said he hopes the event will lead to new success for artists.

"To participate, all artists sign a written pledge to cease unlawful graffiti, and in turn, we will help promote those with artistic promise," said John Barr. "The City of Dallas will hopefully set a new pathway to success for these artists."

It's not the first time the city has encouraged taggers to do legal public artworks -- last year, the city allowed artists to paint pillars under the Commerce Street Bridge during the Trinity River Wind Festival.

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DPD Releases Info in Lake Highlands Sex Assaults

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Dallas police said a woman was sexually assaulted in the Lake Highlands area on Tuesday morning, the third attack in less than a month.

Police said the man kicked in the door of a home on Aldwick Drive at about 6:45 a.m. and sexually assaulted a woman in her bed. The woman's husband had just left for work, police said.

The woman described her attacker as a Latino man in his early 20s with light skin, a thin build and a thin mustache. The man spoke English with a Spanish accent and wore a gray hoodie and black leather gloves. Police said the man may have a scratch on his body.

Officials said the victim lives just blocks away from Ferndale Road, where police are investigating two other sexual assaults, one on March 15 and one on Feb. 22.

Dallas Police Investigate Third Sex Assault

The Dallas Police Department is investigating a third sexual assault in the Lake Highlands area, this time the victim fought back.

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Police say a man who has been in police custody on other charges since early March is suspected in the Feb. 22 case.

On March 15, a woman was assaulted at about 10 p.m. inside her home on Ferndale Drive by a man she described as Latino and in his 20s with a round, chubby face and a buzz cut. He was clean-shaven and spoke English with a Spanish accent.

In a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Police Chief David Brown said Fernando Munoz, the man suspected the Feb. 22 attack, has been linked by DNA evidence to at least three other sexual assaults in 2008 and 2010.

Brown said the public should be aware that the Lake Highlands attacks are not all related.

"We want the public to be clear that some of the offenses that have occurred, we attribute to Munoz, and he's in jail and won't be getting out," Brown said. "We want the public to be concerned about the right things. Today's incident and the March 15 incident have outstanding suspects that we need to catch, and we need their help."

Brown said investigators have not yet determined if the attacks on March 15 and March 19 are connected, saying there could be two potential attackers. Brown said police need to further speak with the victims to learn as much as they can about their attackers, and that takes time.

Meanwhile, police are contacting all known sexual assault offenders in the area who match the description of the attackers and have beefed up patrols in the area, Brown said.

Lake Highlands residents packed a previously scheduled crime watch meeting at the Dallas Assembly of God Church on Tuesday night.

Officers tried to reassure residents that their efforts to catch those responsible for the attacks are constant, including increased patrols in cars and on bikes. Much of the meeting was devoted to the previously planned agenda for the crime watch meeting, such as upgrades on technology, social media, crimes statistics and other information.

Some residents left feeling satisfied with the police departments efforts, while others said they wanted more specifics on the attacks and what they can do to protect themselves and their neighbors.

Neighbors are now looking out for each other as concern grows about whether or not  a sexual predator may strike again.

"Our doors are locked, our windows are locked, and we're just, we're just looking out for each other," said Lake Highlands resident Ashley Jones.

Some suggested that another meeting was necessary to specifically address concerns on the sexual assaults. No such meeting has been scheduled, but police say they are open to listening and responding to any concerns.

A dozen schools in the Richardson Independent School District were placed under a "caution lockdown" Tuesday while officers searched for the attacker.

Police officials said they did not request the "caution lockdown" of the 12 campuses, which was implemented by the school district as a precaution.

Tim Clark, with the school district, described a caution lockdown as one in which students are not allowed to leave the building. He said the district was just being cautious because of the police activity. School officials said all campuses dismissed at the normal time.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the cases. Anyone with information is asked to call the police tip line at 214-670-4415.

NBC 5's Randy McIlwain and Ray Villeda contributed to this report.

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Prenuptial Agreement Will Stand in Sanders Divorce

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The prenuptial agreement between Deion and Pilar Sanders will stand. The arbitrator in their divorce confirmed both of them signed the agreement.

Pilar Sanders' attorneys claimed the document was partially forged. The ruling settles the division of property between the estranged couple as spelled out in the agreement.

A Collin County judge also ruled Deion Sanders does not have to pay any more child support, that's because a jury ruled the couple will have joint conservatorship of their daughter and he would be the sole conservator of their two sons.

Jury Returns Verdict in Sanders Custody Battle

Deion and Pilar Sanders will have joint conservatorship of their daughter, but Deion Sanders will have sole conservatorship of their two sons.

Deion Sanders Gets Custody of Sons, Shares Custody of Daughter

A North Texas jury has awarded Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders primary custody of his two sons by estranged wife, Pilar, pending the couple's divorce. The Collin County jury also awarded joint custody of their daughter, but the former Dallas Cowboys star can decide where she lives.

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Conservators have the right to make decisions for the children, such as their primary residence, education and extracurricular activities. However, the court determines visitation rights.

Next, the pair must finalize their divorce.

Divorce drama extends for more than a year

Deion Sanders announced his split from Pilar Sanders on Facebook in December 2011.

Since then, both sides have argued over everything from the prenuptial agreement to alleged assaults and criminal mischief, child support payments and child custody.

NBC 5's Ray Villeda, Catherine Ross, Kendra Lyn and Randy McIlwain contributed to this report.

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Too-Sheer Lululemon Yoga Pants Pulled From Shelves

Associated Press

Yoga-inspired clothing giant Lululemon Athletica yanked their black bottoms from shelves March 2013, saying they were too sheer to wear, suffering a hit in the stock market.

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The popular, high-end yoga clothing company Lululemon took a sizeable hit in the stock market after it yanked yoga pants from shelves over the weekend, saying the pants were too see-through to meet company standards.

Lululemon Athletica Inc., which sells premium yoga-inspired clothing and boasts an almost fanatical following, ended with a closing stock price of $64.08, dropping 2.76 percent since the "recall" announcement.

The company's stock initially saw a bigger drop of more than 5 percent in early bidding hours Tuesday morning.

The drop came after the company announced Monday that their black Luon bottoms fall "short of our very high standards."

The company makes pants that range in price from $88 to $128, according to its retail site. Lululemon brought in $1 billion in revenue last year.

The Vancouver, B.C.-based company said in a statement that it promised to replace the affected 17 percent of pants on shelves as soon as possible.

Lululemon said it became aware of the problem with the nylon and Lycra spandex pants during a conference call with store managers.

"Some of our store managers expressed concern over the sheerness of some of our women's black luon bottoms," the company said in an FAQ on its website.

A Lululemon's Brentwood store employee said they pulled the pants from the shelves per the company's instruction. She declined to comment further, saying the company instructed its employees not to answer questions about the pants.

The company has used the same Taiwan-based factory since 2004, Lululemon said in the statement.

"We are working closely with our manufacturing partner to understand what happened during the period this specific fabric was made," the company said in the FAQ.

Customers who purchased the thin stretch pants after March 1 either online or in stores are invited to get a full refund or exchange.

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Sheriff Seeks to Replace Jail Cells With Classrooms

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The gutting of Men's Central Jail cells to be replaced with inmate classrooms is one element of a dramatic re-envisioning of the Los Angeles County jail system as proposed by Sheriff Lee Baca.

During his tenure, Baca has expanded educational opportunities for county inmates. Gutting the old central jail to make room for inmate classrooms would take the program to a new level.

Inmates who obtain their high school graduate equivalent degrees (GEDs) are more likely to find work when released into society, and less likely to re-offend, Baca is convinced.

The response to the county's inmate educational program is "like nothing I've seen in my 47 years in law enforcement," Baca told reporters Tuesday outside the County Hall of Administration.

"It's a good idea," said one man following his release from Men's Central Jail after serving a week for a drug violation. "Not everyone, but a lot of the men want to change."

"Education can help," said the former inmate, who declined to give his name.

Other aspects of his plan include building a new central jail, repurposing Lancaster's Mira Loma detention center, and transferring women inmates out of the Century Regional Detention Facility, either to Mira Loma or to the Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic.

The estimated cost would be about $1 billion, according to a 21-page letter sent to the County Board of Supervisors by Baca and William T. Fujioka, the county's chief executive officer.

The proposal was on the agenda for Tuesday's Board meeting, but was removed after two Supervisors brought a motion calling for additional research and analysis before the county considers approving a comprehensive jail plan.

It's expected a private consultant will have the report ready in two months, said Supervisor Michael Antonovich, co-author of the motion with Supervisor Gloria Molina.

Removing the plan from the agenda did not deter members of activist groups from speaking against jail expansion during the public comment period Tuesday.

"Put a moratorium on all jail expansion plans," said Sheila Pinkel, of the group LA No More Jails, which encourages the county to seek alternatives to incarceration, particularly for female inmates.

The Century Regional Justice Center which currently houses women in Lynwood was designed as a men's jail. Transferring women to another facility would make room for male custodies and enable the facility to be more fully utilized, Baca said.

An earlier sheriff's proposal had envisioned a "women's village" to be built at the Pitchess complex in Castaic. A recently proposed alternative location, at Mira Loma, became available at the end of a federal government lease for detaining undocumented suspects facing deportation.

That arrangement ended last November, and for now Mira Loma is empty. The facility has barrack-style housing.

Just northeast of Downtown Los Angeles, aging Men's Central Jail, with rows of cells for more than 3,000 inmates, is regarded as the nation's largest jail, and one of California's oldest, marking its 50th year.

Linear rows of cells have been supplanted in more modern jail design by so-called "modular" cellblocks, in which the cells wrap around a central jailers' station, enabling guards to see into any cell at any moment, improving safety and emergency response.

A modular style central jail would also be more efficient and less costly to operate, Baca said. As currently envisioned, with a capacity of 3,456 inmates when housed two to a cell, the replacement central jail would not provide any increase in capacity.

"We know Men's Central needs to be replaced, that's on the table," Antonovich said.

Even though the jail plan did not come up formally, Sheriff Baca appeared before the board with a follow-up report on his response to recommendations last year by the Citizen's Commission on Jail Violence.

Baca was joined by Terri McDonald, the department's new assistant sheriff in charge of the jail system. McDonald served previously as Undersecretary of California's Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Operation of most every county jail in the state has been complicated by the AB 109 realignment, steering the sentences for many felony convictions from prison to jail.

"The sheriff was candid" in describing the issues facing LA County's jail system, McDonald said. "I love a challenge."

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Dallas Councilman Proposes Plastic Bag Ban

Omar Villafranca, NBC 5 News

The city of Austin just started a plastic bag ban and Dallas City Councilman Dwaine Caraway wants to put forward a similar ordinance.

Dallas Councilman Wants to Ban...

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Is Dallas trying to be like Austin?

When it comes to plastic shopping bags, yes.

A ban on plastic shopping bags went into effect this month in Austin. 

The office of Dallas City Councilman Dwaine Caraway confirms that Caraway is working on a similar ordinance for the city of Dallas. No details have been released yet.

But before the ordinance is even discussed, a state lawmakers is pushing the "Shopping Bag Freedom Act", which would stop all plastic shopping bag bans.

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House Explodes in Frisco

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Frisco police are working at the scene of a house that reportedly exploded early Tuesday morning.

A home in the 6000 block of Arlington Drive in Frisco has massive damage including portions of the roof and walls of the home that were blown off.

The explosion shattered windows at the home and sparked a fire. A home next door to the one that exploded suffered some minor damage.

Firefighters left the scene before 4:40 a.m. and police units that remained at the damaged home did not immediately confirm information.

Police are considering the area a crime scene and don't plan to be leaving the area for some time.

Public information officers for the department say they don't plan to release additional information until after 8 a.m.

Police are questioning a woman believed to be the homeowner about the incident. That woman did not want to talk about the incident with NBC 5 crews.

As this is a developing story, some details may change as more information comes into the newsroom.

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Weatherford Street Bridge Demolished Monday

Crews demolished the old Weatherford Street bridge near downtown Fort Worth at about 10:15 p.m. Monday.

Weatherford Street Bridge Demolished

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Clean up is underway and is expected to last into mid-day Tuesday following the planned demolition of the old Weatherford Street bridge between downtown Fort Worth and Interstate 35W.

Demolitions experts, contracted by the Texas Department of Transportation, imploded the bridge at approximately 10:22 pm Monday.

The implosion will make way for completion of the new Weatherford Street bridge, as well as new on-ramps to I-35W, said Val Lopez of TxDOT.

The demolition was necessary, Lopez said, because the new bridge sits less than six feet away from the old bridge. That close proximity makes using a crane too dangerous for the integrity of the new bridge, Lopez said.

Prior to the explosion, officials on the scene had said that an air horn would sound for one minute as a warning leading up to the actual demolition. By several accounts, that horn never sounded.

The blast could be heard as far away as Arlington, more than 15 miles away, according to witnesses.

Several streets around the area of the demolition will be closed through Tuesday morning as crews clear steel rebar and concrete chunks.

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Polyurethane Spill Closes I-35E in Waxahachie

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Interstate 35E is back open after a crash involving an 18-wheeler in Waxhachie.

Waxahachie police closed Interstate 35E southbound at West 287 Business early Tuesday morning when a truck overturned and spilled polyurethane on the roadway around 3:40 a.m.

Police say they believe the driver misjudged the exit and over-corrected.

No injuries were reported.

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Second Sexual Assault In Lake Highlands Area

Chris Van Horne, NBC 5 News

For the second time in a month, Dallas Police are investigating the sexual assault of a woman inside a home along Ferndale Road.

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For the second time in weeks, police are investigating the sexual assault of a woman inside a home along Ferndale Road in the Lake Highlands area of Dallas.

Dallas police said the latest attacked happened Friday, March 15 around 10:00 p.m.  The suspect is described as a man in his 20's. He was 5'8" tall with a round, chubby clean shaven face and short buzz cut hair. He was wearing gray shorts and a jacket. The victim said the suspect spoke English with a Spanish accent.

The first assault happened at a home along Ferndale Road back around 12:45 a.m. on February 22, 2013.  Police said the man broke into the home in the 10800 block of Ferndale Road. The victim was asleep in bed when she was raped at knife point. Police said the suspect description in that case is different from the March 15 attack.

On March 1, Dallas Police officers arrested Fernando Munoz for outstanding warrants. The department also said DNA evidence linked Munoz to a 2010 sexual assault offense in Dallas.

Dallas detectives said they are testing DNA evidence to see if he is connected to as many as four rapes in the East Dallas area.

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Early Start to Swarming Season?

Catherine Ross, NBC 5 News

One Arlington, Texas family says it only took about three hours for a swarm of two thousand honey bees to take over its mailbox. Beekeepers say the swarming season may be beginning early this year.

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The honey bee swarming season may be buzzing into neighborhoods in DFW earlier than expect this spring.

"They want to find a home," said beekeeper Christine Garcia of Bee Charmer, based in Boyd, TX.

"They want to find a home in a barbecue grill, a mailbox, a wall of a house."

Garcia was called to Arlington on Sunday, after the Aguilar family returned home after about three hours to find its mailbox newly covered in honey bees.

"[We] came home and saw a swarm of bees," said Hank Aguilar.

"[I'd] never seen anything like this before."

Garcia tells NBC5 the warmer temperatures this month may have contributed to an earlier start to swarming season, which usually runs through March, April and May.

She says the swarm of bees is following one queen, and searching for a place for the queen to rest.

Garcia removed about two thousand honey bees from the Aguilar home.

The majority of those insects will end up at her honey farm.

She says because bees can see humans approaching and feel the vibration of footsteps, it's best to call in a professional for removal, instead of risking agitating the swarm.

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Jury Selection Begins in "Justice" Case

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Jury selection begins Monday for a trial that will see four men defending charges of animal cruelty by allegedly dousing a four-month-old Labrador-terrier mix in lighter fluid and setting it on fire.

The puppy was found severely burned on April 4 at a Dallas apartment complex.

Despite efforts to save the animal's life, Justice, who was given the name by members of the animal rescue group DFW Rescue Me, had to be put down by veterinarians nine days later due to the extent of his injuries.

Justice was estimated to be burned over 70 percent of his body on his legs, back and face.

4 Men in Court in Justice the Puppy Trial

Four men accused of setting Justice the puppy on fire earlier this year were in court for a hearing to determine if they would be tried together or separately.

Controversy Brews in Justice Bond Case

Darius Ewing, the man accused of setting Justice the puppy on fire will have to wait to see if his bond is reduced because the judge in the case recused himself, but there's more controversy brewing behind the scenes.

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Four men, Adrian Ayers, Darius Carey, Darius Ewing and Richard Valentine, are charged in connection with the case.

Their attorneys argued that one trial for all four men would not be in their best defense, considering each defendant may implicate the other in testimony.

Dallas County Judge Larry Mitchell denied the motions for separate trials in December, meaning all four defendants will be tried together, with jury selection beginning on Monday.

Each of the men face a penalty of 2 to 10 years behind bars if convicted.

Crowd Laughs While Puppy Burns: Witness

Police received a call April 4 at about 9 p.m. about a group of males setting a dog on fire at an apartment complex.

A witness told police someone poured lighter fluid on the puppy before setting him on fire and that they might have even tried to strangle the dog with a rope.

Before police arrived, a woman tried to put out the flames while the crowd laughed, witnesses said.

Dallas police arrived and the crowd scattered. Officers found the Labrador-terrier mix hiding behind an air conditioning unit a short time later.

The puppy was then turned over to animal services who contacted DFW Rescue Me -- a volunteer group who transported the puppy to an emergency clinic.  The rescue group named the dog Justice after another dog that was burned years ago.

Civil, Animal Rights Debated

A Dallas judge cut bond for one of the men, 18-year-old Darius Ewing, in May of 2012, reducing the amount from $100,000 to $50,000. Ewing is accused of lighting a 4-month-old Labrador-terrier mix on fire.

Animal rights activists said the new $50,000 bond is too low.

"It's a helpless creature that was tortured, tortured," said Diane Phillips, of Justice for Justice. "We need to let the people know that this will not be tolerated."

Civil rights activists, who had said the original bond amount was too high, said the new amount was also too high.

"I still think that $50,000 is ridiculous, because they have yet to present any evidence that this man committed the crime," said the Rev. Ronald Wright, of Justice Seekers Texas. "There were three suspects, where are the other three suspects."

In the past, Wright said the original $100,000 bond was too high and put more value on the life of a dog than the life of a black man. He said he now plans to lead a community-wide effort to raise the money for Ewing's bail.

But Ewing's uncle said his nephew may be safer in jail.

"The racial comments I've been looking at -- hundreds of comments I've been looking at -- I believe he would be better off," Fred Ewing said.

At the end of the May 18 hearing, prosecutor David Alex said a grand jury had indicted Ewing on the animal cruelty charges.

Multiple NBC 5 reporters and editors contributed to this report.

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Seven Terrorized Inside Dallas House

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Seven people in a Dallas home were shaken up after a terrifying home invasion had a teenaged girl staring at an AK-47 pointed at her head.

Dallas police say three men forced their way inside a home on Reynolds Avenue around 1 a.m. Saturday morning.

One family member, 19-year old Maria Herrera, hid her two brothers under the covers, as the intruders made their way room to room.

When she thought they had left, she popped her head up from under the blanket, only to be faced with an AK-47, according to police.

"The gun was probably three inches away from my head, that's how close it was," she said.

Herrera says her mind went blank, and she kept thinking about her young siblings, ages two and eight.

"They just came in," Maria Herrera said about the intruders. "And when my dad got here, like, right here by the couch, they were like get down, get down -- they were pointing at him."

Police say one of the suspects hit Herrera's father with the back of the gun and yanked a gold chain off his neck. Herrera's mother hid inside a bathtub.

Police reports say the intruders left with purses, money, and even a car. They also robbed the family of their sense of security.

Herrera says she has a hard time sleeping after the incident.

"I would hear noises and get paranoid, thinking, 'what if they come back?', they know we called the cops, they know the cops were here," Maria Herrera said.
 
Dallas police say they do not have suspect descriptions and have not yet found the vehicle. If you have any information about this case, call Dallas Police.

NBC 5's Ray Villeda contributed to an earlier version of this report.

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Mesquite Mother Killed Family, Self: Dallas ME

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Mesquite Woman Killed Family, Self

Angelica Vazquez shot and killed her husband, Marcelo Vazquez, and two young adult children, 21-year-old Paulina Vazquez (left) and 18-year-old Alejandro Vazquez (right), before killing herself in their suburban Mesquite home, according to the Dallas County Medical Examiner.

Four Found Dead Inside Mesquite Home

On Thursday, we expect to learn the names of the four people found dead inside a Mesquite home.

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The Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled the cause of deaths of four people found inside a Mesquite home as a murder-suicide.

The Dallas County medical examiner said the deaths of 44-year-old Marcelo Vazquez, 18-year-old Alejandro Roman Vazquez and 21-year-old Paulina Belen Vazquez have been ruled as homicides.

The death of Angelica Vazquez, 43, wife and mother, has been ruled as a suicide. A handgun was located on the floor in the master bedroom near her body, according to Mesquite police.

Detectives are still investigating a motive.

Mesquite police say the four bodies were found inside the home in the1400 block of Paintbrush Street four days after receiving a 911 call reporting gunfire.

Police officials told NBC 5 that officers were called to the home at about 6:30 a.m. Saturday after someone reported hearing gunfire.

The responding officers said they did not see anything unusual and did not see signs of forced entry. They said they were unable to reach the residents.

The officers left after talking with a neighbor who reported hearing and seeing nothing out of the ordinary. Officers returned to the house two more times Saturday morning but were still unable to reach anyone who lived at the home.

Police said the same officer who initially responded to the call returned to the home Wednesday morning and noticed mail in the mailbox and newspapers in the yard. Officials then made the decision to enter the home. Once inside, police discovered the four bodies.

The bodies of two men and two women were found in four separate rooms of the house. Each victim had been shot, Lt. Bill Hedgpeth said.

Police identified the victims on Thursday.

"We process every death scene the same way," he said. "We look for any type of forensic evidence and any type of evidence at all that would lead us in a particular direction. We keep an open mind about it, because we want to see where that evidence will take us."

Police have released few details about the case.

A family friend told NBC 5 that Paulina attended the University of North Texas and that her brother Alejandro graduated from Mesquite High School last year.

"It was just what I thought was just a happy family," said Gustavo Herrera, who told reporters he went to his senior prom with the 21-year-old victim.

Herrera and other friends were gathered outside of the victims' home until well past dark Wednesday night.

"There wasn't anything bad going on with the family," said neighbor Alex Turrubiartes, who graduated high school with the 18-year-old. "There was nothing -- no trouble, nothing; normal."

The investigation into the deaths is ongoing.

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DWI Officer Fired for Drunken Driving

Officer Nicolas Ramirez, mugshot.

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Police officials have fired a DWI enforcement officer whose arrest in January on suspicion of drunken driving came amid a string of similar charges against Fort Worth officers and prompted a tough response by the department.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports a disciplinary letter filed Thursday indicates Nicolas Ramirez's firing took effect earlier in the week.

Ramirez, 32, was off-duty and driving north of Fort Worth when his vehicle was spotted by an officer drifting off the road. Ramirez was arrested on suspicion of DWI after failing a field sobriety test. He's been free on $1,500 bond since shortly after his arrest.

Stella Lopez, whose daughter Sonia Baker was killed in a crash with an officer who was later convicted of intoxication manslaughter, said after Ramirez's arrest that Fort Worth Chief of Police Jeffrey Halstead needed to get tough and fire officers who break the law.

Halstead said at the time that he judges each case individually, but said Ramirez's arrest would be handled quickly and that he would fire any officer internal investigators determine had driven while drunk.

Ramirez's attorney could not be immediately reached for comment.

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Gas Line Cut in Wilmer, Homes Evacuated

Residents evacuated from the Cottonwood Creek Mobile Home Park in Wilmer.

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Some residents of the Cottonwood Creek Mobile Home Park in Wilmer were evacuated Friday due to a gas leak, police say.

A high-pressure gas line near the 500 block of Boyd Road was accidentally ruptured by a construction crew, police said.

There have been no injuries reported and the gas has not ignited, police said.

Atmos crews have been dispatched to repair the ruptured line.

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What You're Doing for St. Patrick's Day

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Whether you're looking to head down to the local boozer (bar), snog (kiss) with your sweetie at the 34th annual Dallas St. Patrick's Parade and Festival or just go somewhere to get locked (drunk), there is plenty of exciting St. Patrick's Day celebrations in DFW this year. Check out our lucky list of events.

All events take place on Saturday, March 16, unless otherwise specified.

Dallas County
34th annual Dallas St. Patrick's Parade and Festival
Time: 11 a.m.
What began in 1979 as a local community event with no more than a few vehicles has evolved into one of the biggest events of the year in Dallas. With over a hundred floats and an average public attendance of 100,000, this parade rivals those in Boston, Chicago and New York.  CLICK HERE for your 2013 Dallas St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival Survival Guide

Dash Down Greenville 5K
Greenville Ave & Lovers Lane in Dallas
Time: 8 a.m.
Price: $45 on race day
Kick off a day of St. Paddy's Day fun in Dallas with the Dash Down Greenville 5k benefiting the North Texas Food Bank. 8,000 people are expected to hit the streets. Last year the event raised more than $61,000 for the North Texas Food Bank.
CLICK HERE for Dash Down Greenville 5K information

St. Patrick's Day After Parties
The Granada Theater and Sundown at Granada
The Granada Theater: 3524 Greenville Ave, Sundown at Granada: 3520 Greenville Avenue in Dallas.
Time: Doors open at 10 a.m.
Price: $10 cover
Sundown at Granada and the historic Granada Theater will be home to a day packed with St. Patrick's entertainment. Sundown at Granada's parade after-party starts at 10 a.m. The parking lot will have couches, food, bars and a DJ while starting at noon the rooftop patio features Reggae music from Bum Lucky, Drenz Reggae, Preston Hall & DF Dub Allstars, Melody Memory and Ugly Lion. Inside Sundown it's live music from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. from Oil Boom, The Roomsounds and Taddy Porter. Meanwhile at the historic Granada Theater starting at 11 a.m. you can people watch on the patio and take a picture with the Granada Leprechaun, listen to great Irish music, at 8 p.m. Alt J takes the stage for a sold out show. Must be 21 and over to attend.
CLICK HERE for the Dallas Observer's Two Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's at Granada Information

St. Patrick's Day Concert with Snoop Dogg
Energy Square, corner of Greenville Avenue and University Boulevard in Dallas.
Price: Sold Out
Time: Gates open at noon
Dallas Observer and House of Blues Entertainment are joining forces for a post-parade extravaganza. Snoop Dogg will perform for a sold out audience. Must be 21 and over to attend.
CLICK HERE for TicketFly.com's St. Patrick's Day Concert information

St. Patrick's Parade & Block Party
Trinity Hall Irish Pub
5321 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas
Time: All Day starting at 8 a.m. (3/16) All Day starting at 10 a.m. (St. Patrick's Day, 3/17)
Trinity Hall understands that just one day of St. Paddy's Day fun isn't enough. That's why the bar will host celebrations Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy live music from Jigsaw, Seamus Stout, Jeff Phillips, The Irish Rogues and Behan!
CLICK HERE for Trinity Hall's St. Patrick's Day celebration information

St. Patty O'Party
QuikTrip Park
1600 Lone Star Parkway, Grand Prairie
March 15, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Enjoy live music, running the bases, playing catch out on the field, and dollar hot dogs, hamburgers and green beer during this free family-friendly event at the home of the AirHogs.
CLICK HERE for AirHogs St. Patty O'Party information

Tarrant County
Cowtown Goes Green
Stockyards Station
130 East Exchange Ave, Fort Worth.
Time: 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Trade in your belts and boots for something a little greener and head to the Fort Worth Stockyards this St. Patrick's Day. The family-friendly event will feature free activities for kids including pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, games and contests with Radio Disney, live music, gunfights and an "Irish Western" parade following the 4 p.m. cattle drive.
CLICK HERE for Stockyards Station Cowtown Goes Green information
Website

J. Gilligan's St. Patrick's Day Celebration
J. Gilligan's Bar & Grill
400 E. Abram, Arlington
Time: Bar opens at 11 a.m.
Celebrate like a true Irishman at this local Irish Pub. In addition to Irish Nachos and Green Beer, you can also enjoy live music all day long. The bar will host the talents of the McTaggart Irish Dancers, bag pipe players as well as live music from Sting Rays, Brandon Steadman, Larry Heath & Hill City and Morning People.
CLICK HERE for J. Gilligan's St. Patrick's Day celebration information

Other
Dublin St. Patrick's Day Festival
Time: All Day
If you're not able to make a trip to Ireland this St. Patrick's Day, the Dublin, Texas, St. Patrick's Day Festival is the next best thing! Visit "Texas' Official Irish Town" just 80 miles southwest of Fort Worth. The festivities begin with the Shamrock Shuffle 5K and Leprechaun Leap 1 mile at 8 a.m., then there's the Main Street Parade at 10 a.m. The festival will also include an Irish Stew cook-off, a carnival, square & line dancing, arts & crafts, a petting zoo, a dog show, a dance and more! 
CLICK HERE for Dublin's St. Patrick's Day Schedule

Want to find a drink at one of the dozens of Irish-inspired bars and pubs in Dallas-Fort Worth? Click here for a big list of brew spots.

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Arlington Bond Sales to Fund Infrastructure Projects

Mola Lenghi, NBC 5 Arlington Reporter

The City of Arlington plans to sell bonds in order to fun tens of millions or dollars in critical infrastructure projects.

Arlington Plans for Major...

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The city of Arlington has a backlog of infrastructure projects in the works.

The city hopes to raise $20 million this summer by selling bonds on the capital market. Revenues generated from the bond sales will fund the city's critical projects.

"We've got a backlog, so it's important that as aggressively as we can we try to meet those needs," Councilman Jimmy Bennett said.

The city is proposing nearly $55 million in capital budget projects this year.

A majority of the $20 million is expected to go to the Public Works Department for significant road repairs, as well as upgrades to parks and buildings. The City Council is also considering a possible new fire station.

The city plans to also address water and sewer system needs with bond revenues.

"It does allow us to finance those major capital projects in the city but it's also important to responsibly manage that," Bennett said. "To be good stewards of the taxpayers' money, we want to make sure we're not overextended ourselves but also trying to meet those project needs the best we can."

With an improving economic outlook and property values on the rise, Bennett said the city would be able to take on even more upgrades in the future.

Councilman Robert Rivera agreed.

"[The bonds are] an investment into our community and it's one that will help us grow and flourish into the future," he said.

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