The Real Crime Diary

Craig McQuillian, a 44-year-old individual, was sentenced to six years in prison for attempting to murder a man and a young boy by starting a fire outside their high-rise flat. The incident occurred at the 14-storey Fidra Court building in Edinburgh on November 12. McQuillian was captured on CCTV carrying a metal crowbar, a plastic bag with petrol, and was seen setting fire to the door of one of the flats, before fleeing the scene. The attack was well-planned as he targeted the victims when most residents would have been asleep in bed. Fortunately, the occupants of the flat, a young boy and a man, were able to escape harm. The young boy detected the smell of burning and raised the alarm, allowing the man to extinguish the flames with a wet towel before they could spread. McQuillian admitted to one charge of wilful fire-raising, danger to life, and attempted murder in court. The sentencing took place at the High Court in Edinburgh, where he received a six-year prison term. Moira Orr...

Crown prosecutors are set to wrap up their evidence Wednesday in the trial of a Winnipeg man who has admitted to killing four Indigenous women. Court is expected to hear about letters Jeremy Skibicki sent to an inmate about the charges he's facing. Skibicki has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the 2022 slayings of Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and an unidentified woman Indigenous leaders have named Buffalo Woman. His lawyers say he killed the women but argue he should be found not criminally responsible due to mental illness. Prosecutors say the killings were racially motivated, and Skibicki preyed on the vulnerable victims at homeless shelters. Skibicki's lawyers have said an expert will later testify to Skibicki's mental state at the time of the killings. The trial of Jeremy Skibicki, who confessed to killing four Indigenous women, is reaching its conclusion as Crown prosecutors present their final evidence. Skibicki is facing charges of f...

Yony Morales-Garcia, a 24-year-old man from Sussex County, has been sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in a double homicide that occurred in 2022. He was found guilty on 17 charges, including first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a felony, robbery, carrying a concealed weapon, wearing a disguise during a felony, conspiracy, reckless endangering, and aggravated menacing. The incident took place on January 22, 2022, when Yony Morales-Garcia and another suspect entered the El Napolito restaurant in Georgetown wearing masks. While the second suspect, Emner Morales-Garcia, stole a bystander's necklace, Yony Morales-Garcia fired shots at two other bystanders, resulting in the deaths of Armando Chilel Lopez and Honorio Velasquez. The tragic events unfolded during the evening hours at the El Napolito restaurant in Georgetown, where Yony Morales-Garcia and Emner Morales-Garcia carried out a robbery that led to a double homicide. Emner reportedly approached Fran...

Craig McQuillian, a 44-year-old man, has been sentenced to six years in prison for attempting to murder a man and a young boy by starting a fire outside their high-rise flat in Edinburgh. The incident took place on November 12, and McQuillian was caught on CCTV carrying a metal crowbar and a container of petrol into the 14-storey building. He was seen using the petrol to set fire to the door of one of the flats before fleeing the scene. Fortunately, the young boy inside the flat smelled the burning and was able to raise the alarm, preventing the flames from spreading further. McQuillian pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh to charges of wilful fire-raising, danger to life, and attempted murder. He admitted to deliberately setting fire to the victims' front door, blocking their only escape route. As a result, he was sentenced to six years in prison at the same court. Moira Orr from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service described the incident as an extremely reck...

Guelph police were called to a downtown social services agency on Tuesday in response to a disturbance involving a 35-year-old man threatening people with a knife. The officers were able to safely apprehend the man and recover two knives from the scene. The incident, while resolved without any injuries, highlights the potential dangers faced by those working in social services and the importance of being prepared to handle volatile situations. In recent years, incidents of violence and aggression in social services agencies have been on the rise, prompting concerns about the safety of both clients and staff. The presence of weapons in these settings can escalate conflicts and put individuals at risk of harm. Guelph police responded swiftly to the disturbance, demonstrating the critical role that law enforcement plays in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of the community. The incident at the social services agency serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by thos...

In a tragic turn of events, an inmate at the Red Onion supermax in Wise, Virginia, serving a 58-year sentence for aggravated malicious wounding, has been charged with the murder of his cellmate. The victim, Jowell Travis Legendre, was serving a 30-year sentence for sexually assaulting a University of Virginia student in Charlottesville. Legendre was convicted in 2019 for the September 2018 assault near 14th and Grady and was found unresponsive in his cell in August of the following year. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital in Dickenson County. Following an investigation by Wise County's Commonwealth Attorney and the Virginia Department of Corrections, the inmate accused of killing Legendre, Julian Leon Mitchell, now faces an aggravated murder indictment. Mitchell initially claimed that Legendre had fallen off a top bunk in their cell, but authorities have determined that his death was not accidental. Mitchell, 36, was already serving time for a 2011 incident in Newport Ne...

Former subpostmaster Tim McCormack attempted to alert the Post Office about issues with the Horizon IT system during Paula Vennells' tenure as chief executive. In an email to Vennells, an ordained priest, McCormack expressed concerns about an intermittent bug in the system causing significant financial losses for subpostmasters. This communication took place in 2015, where McCormack provided clear evidence of the problem and expressed frustration over the lack of action from the Post Office. The email correspondence between McCormack and Vennells was then brought to the attention of Post Office lawyer Rodric Williams. Williams suggested responding to McCormack with a standard reply and dismissed him as someone not worthy of serious consideration. Vennells, however, denied having the same opinion as Williams regarding McCormack, stating she could not recall what actions were taken in response to McCormack’s email. This lack of attention to serious concerns raised by McCormack she...

A duo from Selkirk, Manitoba, recently encountered an unfortunate situation during a routine traffic stop conducted by the Manitoba RCMP. The police officers noticed a knife in the vehicle, prompting further investigation into the matter. The individuals, aged 34 and 54, were pulled over on Selkirk's Main Street around 4:20 a.m. on a Sunday. Upon speaking with the suspects, the law enforcement officers observed the presence of the knife, leading to their arrest for possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Subsequent searches of the vehicle uncovered prescription medication, suspected drugs, weapons, and over $4,500 in cash. As a result, the two individuals were released with a scheduled court date and are facing multiple charges. The RCMP is continuing its investigation into the incident to gather more information and evidence. The incident in Selkirk, Manitoba, serves as a reminder of the importance of following the law and abiding by the regulations set forth by the author...

A Norfolk man, Cola Beale, was convicted of his third murder on Wednesday. This time, Beale was found guilty of the first-degree murder of his cousin, Downing McLean in Norfolk. Beale's criminal history includes two prior convictions from Virginia Beach in March 2022 for murdering his girlfriend, Czavi'er Hill, and the man he considered his father, Clifton Baxter. Testimony in court revealed that McLean was present during those murders and Beale admitted to killing his cousin days later after refusing to carry out a murder on his cousin's behalf. McLean was shot once in the mouth and once in the back. Beale's defense attorneys attempted to argue that his actions were manslaughter, not murder, but the court ultimately found him guilty of first-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The previous coverage of Beale's second murder trial in Norfolk, where he was found guilty in the two Virginia Beach homicides, sheds light on his pattern...

Former Post Office boss Paula Vennells has finally broken her almost decade-long silence on the Horizon scandal as she faced intense scrutiny on her management during her tenure. The inquiry room at Aldwych House in London set the stage for her emotionally charged testimony, where Ms Vennells broke down twice under the probing questions from Jason Beer KC, the counsel to the Horizon IT Inquiry. Her admission of making a false statement to Members of Parliament marked a pivotal moment in the proceedings, revealing the depth of the issues faced by subpostmasters under her leadership. During her interrogation at the hearing, Ms Vennells was faced with a barrage of accusations, including allegations of a cover-up by Dame Moya Greene, the former Royal Mail Group chief executive. The revelation that Ms Vennells was accused of knowing about IT errors in the Horizon system by Dame Moya added a layer of complexity to her defense, leading to a tense exchange between the two prominent figures....

A tragic incident occurred in Vaughan late Tuesday, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old boy who was struck by a vehicle. The York Regional Police reported that a 24-year-old man is now facing charges in connection with the incident. The collision took place at the intersection of Martin Grove Road and Jackman Crescent, south of Langstaff Road, around 10:45 p.m. The crash involved a mini bike and a vehicle at a four-way stop. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the young male with life-threatening injuries. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the boy succumbed to his injuries. Following the incident, Vaughan resident Harnoor Chauhan was charged with dangerous operation causing death, failing to stop after an accident causing death, and possession of a controlled substance. It was also revealed that at the time of the offence, Chauhan was already bound by a release order for unrelated offences. The police are actively seeking witnesses to provide information or any vi...

Connecticut law enforcement officials faced backlash after releasing an illegal immigrant who had been convicted of killing two young children in a drunk driving accident. The man, identified as Israel Alejandro Gonzalez-Arcinega, a Mexican national, was arrested by ICE agents for the crimes he committed a decade ago in Connecticut, including two counts of manslaughter and illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Despite an immigration detainer lodged against him, local officials in Connecticut released Gonzalez, leading ICE to criticize the decision and highlight the devastating impact of his actions on the victims' family. The arrest of Gonzalez in 2013 came after a tragic car crash in Meriden, Connecticut, that resulted in the deaths of two young children and injuries to others. Gonzalez fled the scene after the crash, leaving behind an 8-year-old boy and his 5-year-old sister who lost their lives, and their parents who were hospitalized. ICE immed...

The Metropolitan Police has referred itself to a watchdog after a man died on Tube tracks in north London. This incident occurred outside Colindale Underground Station, where officers responded to reports of a fight and criminal damage. The trespasser involved entered the building around 1 am on Sunday and was pursued by police. Despite attempts to detain him inside the station, he managed to escape onto the tracks and suffered fatal injuries. British Transport Police are investigating the circumstances and providing support to the deceased's family. Following the incident, the Metropolitan Police urged for calm in the local community and assured that they would address any arising concerns. Superintendent Lorraine Busby-McVey, responsible for policing in Barnet, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and emphasized the support being provided by BTP. She reiterated that the police would cooperate with investigations and maintain transparency in their actions. The in...

Homicide detectives in Edmonton are currently investigating the tragic death of a 15-year-old boy who succumbed to his injuries in northwest Edmonton on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred near 137th Avenue and 184th Street, where officers responded to a report of an injured person around 9:30 p.m. Upon arrival, they found the young boy with serious, life-threatening injuries. Despite their best efforts and the intervention of paramedics, the boy tragically passed away at the scene. The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) disclosed that a man who was acquainted with the victim was taken into custody shortly after the incident. The relationship between the victim and the suspect is under scrutiny as the EPS affirmed that they appear to have been known to each other. It is important to note that the police are not seeking any additional suspects in connection with this case. An autopsy has been scheduled for Friday to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of t...

On May 22, 2024, Attorney General Michelle Henry made an announcement regarding the conviction of a man from Bedford County, Pennsylvania. The man, identified as Brian David Taylor, was found guilty of felony aggravated assault for slashing a man's throat outside a bar in 2021. The incident took place on November 5, 2021, outside Rookeez bar in Bedford. According to the evidence presented by the Office of the Attorney General, Taylor and the victim had initially engaged in an altercation inside the bar, which escalated when they went outside. Taylor pulled out a concealed knife and proceeded to slash the victim's throat. The jury returned its verdict on a Friday evening, and Taylor, who is 52 years old, is scheduled to be sentenced on June 24. Attorney General Henry commended the jurors for carefully considering the evidence and reaching a just verdict that holds Taylor accountable for his violent actions. She described the attack as an "extremely violent act" and ...

A prison branded unsafe by inspectors will be permanently taken over by the Government. In December, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) intervened to take control of HMP Lowdham Grange in Nottinghamshire and appointed a new governor to improve safety and security at the prison. This move came after warnings about the conditions at the jail, which holds up to 900 men, were raised by the prisons watchdog earlier in the year. The arrangement, initially described as interim, has now been confirmed by the MoJ to become permanent, with a formal handover scheduled for the summer. Additionally, the former private contractor, Sodexo, will pay a settlement to cover the cost of the Government's intervention. The decision to permanently take over HMP Lowdham Grange was made after the MoJ stepped in to provide extra support and improve conditions. Prisons Minister Edward Argar emphasized the need for swift action to address the specific challenges faced by the troubled prison. The takeover is see...

Two teens and one adult from northwestern Manitoba were arrested on Minegoziibe Anishinabe First Nation after facing serious drug and weapons charges. The Manitoba RCMP conducted a traffic stop in the community around 3:15 a.m. and discovered drug paraphernalia in plain view in the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered crack cocaine, illicit cannabis, a sawed-off shotgun, a handgun, black ski masks, and cash. The three suspects, an 18-year-old from Dauphin, a 16-year-old from Duck Bay, and a 15-year-old from Camperville, were all taken into custody. They have been charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possessing a weapon obtained by crime, and other firearms offences. The arrest of the three individuals highlights the ongoing issue of drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession in the region. The presence of crack cocaine and illicit cannab...

Gurpreet Singh, the man convicted of killing four family members, faced a formal sentencing to death four times over, along with an additional 12 years on gun specifications, in Butler County Common Pleas. The decision was announced by a three-judge panel a week prior to the sentencing. The date set for execution was November 27, although it is unlikely to be carried out due to the automatic appeal process in capital cases and the current moratorium on executions in the state. Despite this, Judge Greg Howard emphasized that the formal requirements of the law mandated the setting of a date. The tragic events unfolded on April 28, 2019, when the 41-year-old former truck driver fatally shot his wife, Shalinderjit Kaur, his in-laws, Hakikat Singh Pannag and Parmjit Kaur, and his aunt-in-law, Amarjit Kaur, inside their home on Wyntree Drive in West Chester Twp. This act of violence occurred after Singh's first trial resulted in a hung jury in October 2022. As the sentences were impos...

A nursery nurse named Kate Roughley has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for the death of a baby girl, Genevieve Meehan, whom she left strapped face down on a bean bag for over 90 minutes. The incident occurred at Tiny Toes nursery in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport. Roughley tightly swaddled the nine-month-old baby, further restrained her with a harness, and covered her with a blanket, leading to her untimely demise. Despite her distress, Genevieve was left unattended by Roughley, who only discovered her lifeless and blue in the afternoon of May 9, 2022. Attempts to resuscitate Genevieve by her colleagues and paramedics were futile, and she was declared dead at the hospital. During Roughley's trial, the prosecution alleged that she showed ill-treatment towards Genevieve, leading to her death. The jury unanimously found Roughley guilty of manslaughter by ill-treatment, stating that she "persecuted" the child due to occupying too much of her time. Genevieve's cause of ...

Three teenagers in London, Ont., are facing a multitude of charges after causing chaos in a store. The incident occurred in the early evening at a store in the Hyde Park Road and Oxford Street West area. The teens, aged between 14 and 17, ran through the store, threw groceries at patrons, yelled profanities, attacked a staff member, and even fired a fake gun. They assaulted an employee, stole items, and fled on foot, prompting multiple 911 calls from witnesses who provided descriptions of the suspects. Two of the teens were apprehended just outside the building, while the third was arrested nearby after a confrontation that resulted in minor injuries to an officer. Upon searching the suspects, police found stolen items and a cap gun. The trio is collectively charged with causing a disturbance, with additional charges for possession of stolen property, theft, and possession of a weapon or imitation weapon. Due to their ages, the names of the teenagers have not been disclosed. The ser...