Archive for December, 2008

Jury Convicts Gang Member of First-degree Murder of Blind Man

On December 2, Ruben Alejandro Oliveros, 27, received a conviction of first-degree murder in the 2006 death of legally blind Raffi Yessayan, 26.

Man in Santa Costume Massacres Ex-In-Laws’ Christmas Party

Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, dressed as Santa, killed nine people and injured several others at his ex-in-laws’ Christmas Eve party at their Los Angeles residence. Pardo began shooting indiscriminately before setting the house on fire and, finally, committing suicide.

Settlement Awarded to Victims of Charter Bus Crash

$10 million has been awarded to victims of a January 2008 charter bus crash, in a personal injury settlement that was made public last Wednesday.

Investigators Search Caylee Anthony’s Grandparents’ Residence

Investigators searched and removed evidence from the Orlando residence of the grandparents of murder victim Caylee Anthony.

RIAA Will End Filesharing Lawsuits

The industry's new approach may take the form of a 3-strikes policy, in which Internet service providers would be required to eventually suspend service to customers who download illegally.

Donald Trump Files $100 Million Civil Rights Suit

Trump has had a series of conflicts with the city and its residents since buying property in 2002 and developing a golf course.

Trucking Firm Forced to Pay $15.3 Million to Injured Man

In one of the largest personal injury settlements in Kansas state history, a federal jury awarded Terry Frederick $15. 3 million dollars for injuries he sustained in a 2006 late-night tractor-trailer crash.

Legendary Wall Street Trader Faces Fraud Charges

Bernard L. Madoff, a prominent stock trader and fixture on Wall Street for more than four decades, was arrested at his Manhattan home on Thursday, December 11 by federal agents and charged with defrauding investors of billions of dollars.

Sarah Palin’s to-be In-law Arrested on Drug Charges

Alaska governor Sarah Palin’s in-law-to-be, Sherry Johnston, was arrested for misconduct involving a controlled substance.

Supreme Court Considers Re-Examining Convicted Murderer’s Case

Supreme Court justices deliberated whether prosecutors had committed misconduct in giving a convicted murderer the death sentence in the 1980 murder of a Memphis couple.

Police Captain Settles Out of Court in Suit Against County

Matthew Jamison, a police captain in New Castle County, Delaware, has settled a federal lawsuit against New Castle County out of court for $77,200. The suit was originally filed in 2005.

Judge Reduces Murder Suspects’ Bail in Slaying of College Student

On December 10, a San Diego judge reduced the bail of four suspects in the October murder of a college student.

Trampled Man's Family Sues Wal-Mart for Wrongful Death

The family of a temporary Wal-Mart worker who was trampled to death by shoppers on Black Friday filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the retail chain.