Christopher Ruddle, Author at Ballot News

6-Year-Old Dies After Driftwood Structure Collapses on Washington Beach

Relatives described 6-year-old Killian Gonzales as a curious and inclusive child who loved outdoor adventures and giving hugs. BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The family of a 6-year-old boy who died after a driftwood accident at a Bellingham beach remembered him as a joyful, curious child whose laughter made other people smile. Killian Gonzales died Sunday after spending four days in hospital care for injuries suffered when a large driftwood log fell on him at Little Squalicum …

Missing Glendale Woman Found Buried After Alleged First Date

Investigators used cellphone locations, surveillance video and vehicle data to find Arianna Jones in a remote desert grave. GLENDALE, Ariz. — Cellphone records, surveillance footage and vehicle-tracking technology led detectives to a remote area near Lake Pleasant, where police found the body of a missing Glendale woman and arrested the man accused of killing her. Glendale police said 21-year-old Arianna Jones was found July 11 in a shallow grave, four days after her family reported …

Girl, 12, Shot as Siblings Sit Beside Her

Investigators reported no arrests after bullets struck three vehicles near a Gladeview home, injuring a child inside one car. MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — Detectives asked Gladeview residents to check security-camera recordings after early morning gunfire damaged three vehicles and wounded a 12-year-old girl sitting in a car with two siblings Tuesday. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called shortly before 1 a.m. to Northwest 64th Street and Northwest 21st Avenue. They found several vehicles …

Airline Meteorologist Killed; Husband Faces Murder Charge

Chisen Jameson worked in aviation weather before police found her fatally shot Sunday night and arrested her husband. FAIR OAKS, Va. — An aviation meteorologist remembered by her employer as a valued colleague was found fatally shot in her Fair Oaks home, leaving relatives, co-workers and neighbors grieving as her husband faces murder charges. Fairfax County police identified the woman as 60-year-old Chisen Jameson. Officers found her inside a residence in the 12000 block of …

Mother Left Teen Chained Without Food or Water, Police Say

Investigators said surveillance video documented the encounter before officers found the 13-year-old girl restrained at a relative’s home. HIALEAH, Fla. — A 34-year-old Hialeah mother admitted chaining her 13-year-old daughter to a fence and leaving her outside without food, water or protection from the sun, according to police and an arrest report. Yashira Marie Maldonado was arrested on child abuse and child neglect charges after officers found the teenager restrained outside a relative’s home Saturday …

Woman Found Dead Inside Garbage Can in Chicago Alley

Lakesia Collins asked the public to stop circulating video connected to Zenobia Weatherspoon’s death as police continue investigating. CHICAGO — An Illinois state senator is urging people to stop sharing a video connected to the death of a woman whose body was found inside a garbage can in a Southwest Side alley. State Sen. Lakesia Collins identified the woman as Zenobia Weatherspoon, who was also known as “Zee.” Chicago police said a woman was found …

Deadly Gunfire Erupts at Griffin Park, Leaving Father of Seven Dead

Malcolm Freeling, 31, died at a hospital after officers found him wounded at Raymond Head Park late Saturday. GRIFFIN, Ga. — Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 31-year-old man during a Saturday night gathering at Raymond Head Park, with no suspect or motive publicly identified as of Monday. Griffin police identified the man as Malcolm Freeling. Officers responded shortly after 10 p.m. July 11 to reports of gunfire at the park, located at …

One Killed, Four Wounded at Lawncrest Apartment Party

Police found 17 spent shell casings after gunfire scattered victims across the Hill Creek apartment complex. PHILADELPHIA — A man was killed and four other people, including two teenagers, were wounded when gunfire broke out during a large gathering at an apartment complex in the city’s Lawncrest neighborhood late Sunday, police said. Officers stationed near Adams Avenue heard shots coming from the Hill Creek apartment complex at about 11:52 p.m., according to Police Capt. Higginson. …

Two Roommates Found Shot Dead Inside Houston Home, Killer at Large

Detectives are reviewing surveillance video and interviewing witnesses after two roommates were found fatally shot inside their home. HOUSTON — Houston homicide detectives are seeking surveillance video and witness information as they try to determine who fatally shot two roommates inside a Glen Hollow Drive home early Sunday. The man and woman were found inside the residence in the 12800 block of Glen Hollow Drive after police were called about 2:20 a.m. Authorities had not …

Vehicle Explosion Damages Totowa Home and Injures One

The blast shattered windows, displaced a family and left debris scattered across a quiet residential street. TOTOWA, N.J. — A vehicle exploded on a residential street early Monday, injuring one person and damaging a nearby home as residents were jolted awake by a powerful blast, fire officials and neighbors said. The explosion happened shortly after 5:30 a.m. on Congressional Lane. Fire officials believe a plumber was starting the vehicle when it exploded. The driver’s condition …