Marcus Blackwood
Staff Writer
Reports on crime trends and analysis.
Published Articles
85 articles
Charges Filed Against Suspect in 1990 'Lovers' Lane' Cold Case Murders
Decades-old double homicide case sees breakthrough as suspect faces murder charges in connection with slayings that puzzled investigators for over three decades.
HomicideEx-Police Officer Suspected of Killing Mothers of His Children Arrested in Portugal
French authorities hunting Cedric Prizzon after discovery of two bodies linked to custody dispute.
TrialsLong Island Serial Killer Suspect Rex Heuermann Expected to Plead Guilty, Victims' Family Members Say
The 62-year-old former Manhattan architect, charged with killing seven sex workers including the 'Gilgo 4,' could enter plea at April 8 hearing.
TrialsRussian Man Jailed 4 Years for Assaulting Woman in London After Barron Trump Called Police
Matvei Rumiantsev convicted of assault with bodily harm in case witnessed via FaceTime by President Trump's youngest son.
HomicideMan Arrested After Twin Sister, 17-Month-Old Niece Found Slain Inside Okla. Home
Oklahoma law enforcement discovered two bodies inside a residence and took a man into custody in connection with the slayings.
Missing PersonsSavannah Guthrie Questions If Mom's Abduction Is Because of Her: 'Too Much to Bear'
NBC News anchor speaks out about her mother's disappearance, expressing guilt and urging public help in finding her.
HomicideMystery Surrounds Suspicious Death of 14-Year-Old Girl Who Vanished During South Dakota Snow Storm
McKenna Wendel disappeared on March 13 during a winter storm; her body was found six days later along a drainage creek near Brookings, 50 miles from where she vanished.
TrialsWife of Maui Doctor Describes Terrifying Birthday Hike at Attempted Murder Trial
The wife of a Maui physician took the stand to describe a frightening birthday hike that formed the centerpiece of an attempted murder case.
TrialsInside the Case Against Kouri Richins: Jury Convicts in Death of Eric Richins
Investigative reporter Nate Eaton discusses the evidence, motive, and testimony that led to the guilty verdict in the high-profile murder trial.
Missing PersonsLAPD Releases Sketch of Man Accused of Kidnapping 2 Girls in North Hills
Investigators seek public help identifying suspect in disappearance of two children in San Fernando Valley neighborhood.
HomicideVenezuelan Migrant Charged with Murder in Shooting Death of Loyola University Student Sheridan Gorman
Jose G. Medina, 25, allegedly opened fire near Chicago campus pier, killing 18-year-old Gorman who was walking with friends in what police called a random shooting.
Cold CasesFormer Soledad Resident Sentenced to 25 Years-to-Life in State Prison for Cold Case Murder
Monterey County case results in lengthy prison term for defendant convicted in decades-old homicide.
HomicideU.S. Park Police Officer Ambushed, Shot by 2 Men in Washington
Officer seriously wounded in targeted attack while driving unmarked vehicle during ongoing investigation.
HomicideHusband Vanishes on Thanksgiving. His Dead Body and a Salami Sandwich Revealed More Than Murder
A Thanksgiving dinner disappearance leads investigators to a rural property where forensic evidence and an unusual food item would become central to understanding what happened.
Missing PersonsFamily of Missing Arizona Mother Nancy Guthrie Renews Call for Help as Search Extends to Day 51
Guthrie family asks community to review camera footage, journal notes and observations as investigators continue searching Catalina Foothills area.
HomicideNeighbors Watched Connie, Austin Herbst Scrub Floors at Midnight. Then They Said, "I Think They Finally Killed Him"
After Gary Herbst vanished in 2013, his wife and son allegedly cleaned up evidence while neighbors looked on. A cadaver dog would later detect human remains odor in the family home.
HomicideUS Border Patrol Captures Mexican Fugitives Wanted For Murder, Child Sex Crimes In California
Two suspected killers and child sex offenders apprehended near southern California border crossing in joint operation.
HomicideAmerican Nightmare Survivor Denise Huskins Exposes Privacy Loophole in California Law
Kidnapping and sexual assault victim discovers her attacker's ex-wife retained explicit evidence a decade after conviction, driving legislative reform.
Cold CasesArrests Made in 2023 Unsolved Murder of Omar Stegall in Coweta County
Breakthrough announced in cold case investigation nearly two years after homicide remained unsolved.
Missing PersonsLicense Plate Reader Helps Bring Missing Man With Dementia Home in Caroline County
Virginia sheriff's office uses automated technology to locate vulnerable missing man, marking potential breakthrough in search methods.
HomicideSecurity Footage Shows University of Alabama Student James Gracey Falling Into Water Near Barcelona Beach
Spanish police say 20-year-old American student died in accidental drowning after vanishing during spring break trip.
TrialsSex Offender Josh Duggar Rebukes 'False Accusations' After Brother's Arrest for Child Molestation
Josh Duggar, serving 12-year child pornography sentence, calls brother's Florida arrest 'deeply saddening' as prosecutors pursue lewd molestation charges.
Missing Persons'We Just Want You Home,' Tri-State Mom Amie Owens Pleads After Nearly a Year
Family desperate for answers after mother of two vanishes; last known contact was cryptic text about staying with unknown man in Kentucky.
HomicideCalifornia Aunt, Boyfriend Charged With 27 Counts of Torture After Allegedly Dragging 11-Year-Old on Dog Leash
Stanislaus County prosecutors charge woman and her boyfriend with torture, child endangerment, and assault in case involving strangulation, forcing child to sleep in uninsulated garage
HomicideArrest Made in Death of Iowa Real Estate Agent Killed During Open House in 2011
Authorities announce breakthrough in cold case investigation, suspect facing charges in connection with homicide.
Missing PersonsCoast Guard Searches for Missing Person off Condado Beach in San Juan
U.S. Coast Guard teams comb waters off Condado Beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in search of missing individual.
HomicideDenise Amber Lee Was Murdered Despite Pleading With 911. Inside the Case.
The 2008 Florida abduction and murder of Denise Amber Lee became a landmark case in 911 protocol reforms after her desperate emergency call went unheeded.
HomicideStarving Child Found Locked in Missouri Shed Near Buried Skeleton; Couple Arrested
Texas County deputies discovered three children living in squalor while investigating missing person case, leading to arrest of Chaun and Tamala Asbury.
HomicideUniversity of Alabama Student Vanishes During Spring Break Trip to Barcelona
James 'Jimmy' Gracey, 20, reported missing after night out at Port Olímpic nightclub; Catalan police launch investigation
HomicideTwo Girls Escape Suspected Kidnapper on Los Angeles Cul-de-Sac After Man Allegedly Offered Money, Alcohol, Drugs for Sex
The 12-year-old and 16-year-old victims jumped from the moving vehicle in North Hills neighborhood, escaping their abductor Sunday evening.
Missing PersonsMan Sentenced in Attempted Abduction of 9-Year-Old at Lakewood Grocery Store
Colorado First Judicial District Attorney's Office announces sentencing in case involving attempted kidnapping of child at local supermarket.
TrialsMoscow Mule Mom Convicted of Killing Husband With Fentanyl-Laced Cocktail
Utah jury finds former realtor and children's book author guilty of murdering her husband in 2022, also convicts her of attempted murder and insurance fraud.
Missing PersonsTrial Date Moved to June in Bakersfield Child Abduction Case
Court reschedules proceedings in high-profile Kern County case involving alleged child abduction.
HomicideWest Virginia Man Accused of Killing Wife on Front Porch While Toddler Was Inside Home
Mingo County Sheriff's Office says Leroy Hunt surrendered after brief standoff; child was home at time of shooting.
Cold CasesMy Brother's Killer Documentary Examines Decades-Old Unsolved Murder At SXSW
Documentary review sparks discussion on how average treatment fails to revive cold case interest.
Homicide10-Year-Old California Boy Allegedly Stabs 7-Year-Old Girl With Kitchen Knife at Elementary School
Mountain View police identify suspect using residential surveillance footage; victim treated at scene for three stab wounds to shoulder.
Missing PersonsECPD Resolves Amber Alert in Wharton County With Child Recovery
El Campo Police Department executes successful missing child recovery operation.
Missing PersonsLong Beach Man Sentenced to 15 Years to Life for Kidnapping and Sexual Assault in Huntington Beach
Orange County judge imposes maximum sentence on man convicted of kidnapping and sexual assault charges stemming from incident in Huntington Beach.
HomicideManhunt for Louisiana Man Wanted in Deadly Crash Continues Into 6th Month
Authorities believe suspect may have fled state or country as search intensifies.
Missing PersonsBOLO: North Carolina Woman Missing for Weeks, Sheriff's Office Seeks Tips
Union County investigators search for Cquila Singleton, last seen at parents' home Feb. 26.
HomicideMan Attacked Michigan Synagogue a Week After Airstrike Killed Relatives in Lebanon, Officials Say
Authorities investigating potential link between Middle East conflict and domestic incident at Jewish house of worship.
HomicideROTC Students at Old Dominion University Subdue, Kill Armed Gunman After Shooting Leaves 1 Dead, 2 Injured
Armed suspect opened fire on Norfolk campus before being neutralized by ROTC members; authorities investigate motive and timeline of incident.
Organized CrimeMexico Seizes 14 Million Doses of Fentanyl From Secret Drug Lab in Colima
Authorities discover 270 kilograms of fentanyl during raid on clandestine laboratory as Trump escalates pressure on Mexican drug fight.
HomicideOld Dominion University Shooter Had Prior ISIS Support Conviction, Records Show
Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Virginia National Guardsman, was released from federal prison in December 2024 after serving time for attempting to provide material support to ISIS.
Missing PersonsMom and 2 Children Found Buried in Alabama Woods Weeks After Suspicious Disappearance
Authorities confirm three bodies discovered in wooded area; suspect already in custody on kidnapping charges.
HomicideNurse Charged With Murder in Co-Worker Death as Text Messages Reveal Secret Birthday Plans
Investigators say text messages between the accused nurse and victim uncovered what authorities describe as a secret meeting planned for the victim's birthday.
HomicideTammy Tracey Murder: Family Seeks Answers in 2019 Rockford Homicide Cold Case
Family and advocates continue seeking answers in 2019 homicide case as cold case remains unsolved
HomicideFBI Analyzes Suspect's Possible Tattoo as Search for Missing Arizona Mother Reaches Day 40
Investigators examine forensic evidence and release images of male suspect seen on victim's Nest camera in Catalina Foothills.
TrialsLaken Riley Convicted Killer Jose Ibarra's New Trial Request Denied, Judge Cites 'Overwhelming' Evidence
Clarke County judge rejects Jose Ibarra’s motion for new trial, defense plans appeal in 2024 murder case.
Cold CasesDNA Evidence Identifies Suspect in 1974 Murder of Long Island Woman Barbara Waldman
Advanced DNA technology helps investigators crack a half-century-old Oceanside cold case.
Missing PersonsLubbock Man Indicted on Kidnapping, Sexual Assault Charges
A Lubbock County grand jury has returned an indictment charging a local man with kidnapping and sexual assault offenses, according to court records.
Missing PersonsTrung Duc Lu Added to FBI's Most Wanted List for Kidnapping, Murder of 2 Vietnamese Brothers in Philadelphia
FBI offers $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture of suspect wanted in connection with 2023 disappearances.
HomicideCould Michigan Prosecutors Prove Murder in Case of Missing Woman Dee Warner?
Family believes Dale Warner killed his wife, but without a body, investigators face significant legal challenges in pursuing homicide charges.
HomicideBloody Kentucky Man Caught Dragging Murdered Wife's Unrecognizable Body in Garage
Mount Washington police find woman beaten so severely she was unrecognizable; husband Richard Chesher, 67, charged with murder.
HomicideGlove Found in Search for Missing 84-Year-Old Nancy Guthrie Has 'Nothing to Do With the Case'
Pima County investigators determine restaurant employee who owned glove has no connection to Guthrie's disappearance.
HomicideFamily of Georgia Teacher Killed in Prank Gone Wrong Want Charges Against Teens Dropped
Family of a Georgia teacher killed in an alleged prank gone wrong is urging prosecutors to drop charges against two teenagers accused in the fatal incident.
HomicideKiller Chris Watts Tells 'Motherly' Pen Pal About Twisted Affair, Details of Murder
Convicted killer confided in 72-year-old woman about sexual relationship with mistress Nichol Kessinger, letters show.
Missing PersonsPasco Sheriff Seeks Public Help Finding Endangered Missing Person Richard Wagner
Law enforcement authorities have identified Richard Wagner as a missing endangered person and are requesting public assistance in locating him.
Missing PersonsMan Allegedly Threatened to Kill 10-Month-Old, Self Before Kidnapping in Las Vegas Area
Authorities investigating after reports emerged of threats made prior to an infant's disappearance.
HomicideWife of Teacher Killed in Senior Prank Makes Unexpected Request for Charged Students
The widow of a teacher killed during a senior prank incident has made an unexpected request regarding the students who have been charged in connection with her husband's death.
HomicideIan Huntley, Convicted of Killing 2 Pre-Teen School Girls in Soham Murders, Dies After Prison Attack
The convicted killer serving a life sentence for the 2002 murders of Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells was attacked at HMP Whitemoor.
HomicideTeens Inspired by 'Scream' Recorded 'First Kill' Plot Before Stabbing Classmate to Death
Authorities say the teens documented their murder plans before allegedly killing a fellow student.
Missing PersonsThornton Man Sentenced to 68 Years for Kidnapping, Assaulting Teen Girl
Adams County judge delivers maximum term in case involving abduction and sexual assault of minor.
HomicideLouisiana Mother Arrested After Abandoning 8-Year-Old Son At Laundry Mat
Jeannette Edmonds allegedly drove 60 miles away after three failed attempts to leave the child behind.
Cold CasesDaughter's Search for Estranged Father Ends at Site of Mason County Unsolved Murder
New developments link a missing man to a decades-old investigation in Washington state.
Cold CasesGBI Announces Arrest in 16-Year-Old Cold Case Killing of South Georgia Mother of Four
Investigation into the death of a mother of four has moved forward after sixteen years in South Georgia.
HomicideIowa Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Stabbing Mother Over Speaker Dispute
Nathan Norrell allegedly ambushed his mother in her bathroom before fleeing to his grandfather’s home.
HomicideTeen Fatally Shoots Wife At Hospital Moments After Childbirth
Kynath Terry Jr. allegedly killed Precious Johnson at Baptist Health Brookwood before taking his own life.
Homicide12-Year-Old Khimberly Zavaleta Dies After Classmate Strikes Her in Head With Metal Water Bottle
Los Angeles police have opened a homicide investigation into the death of a student at Reseda Charter High School.
HomicideFour Adults Arrested After Florida Toddler Ingests Meth From Sippy Cup
Nassau County Sheriff says child welfare agency alerted authorities after the one-year-old was hospitalized.
Cold CasesKentucky Police Pleading for a Spark to Solve 2023 Cold Case Murder of Meade County Woman
Authorities in Meade County are renewing their appeal for public assistance to crack a homicide investigation that has remained open since 2023.
Homicide12-Year-Old Girl Arrested in Florida After Posting 13-Point School Shooting Plan Online
Authorities say the teenager posted a detailed, 13‑point outline of a hypothetical school attack on a public forum, prompting a swift investigation and juvenile charges.
HomicideAnna Kepner’s Family Says Stepbrother Charged With Homicide After Death on Florida Cruise Ship
The Kepner family alleges the stepbrother’s alleged involvement in the 24‑year‑old’s fatal injuries while she was on a Caribbean cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale.
Missing PersonsEndangered Missing Person Emmanuel Posado Sought in 26th District
Authorities say the 24‑year‑old vanished from his apartment in the 26th District on Jan. 12, prompting a multi‑agency search.
TrialsChildren’s Grief Book Author Allegedly Killed Husband in Dallas for Money
Prosecutors say Jenna Harper plotted the murder of her spouse to cash in on a life‑insurance policy and a lucrative book advance.
HomicideRomantic Partner’s Tip Leads to Deadly Capture of Top Mexican Cartel Leader
Authorities say a woman’s cooperation after a violent confrontation helped Mexican federal police locate and kill Ismael “El Mencho” Zambada García, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
HomicideMexican Military Operation Kills Alleged Cartel Kingpin ‘El Mencho’ With U.S. Intelligence Support
Federal forces shot dead Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes in Jalisco during a joint operation, ending a decades‑long manhunt for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel’s leader.
Missing Persons‘Golden Swan’ Trailer Spotlights Director’s Brother Kidnapping as Case Remains Unsolved
The new series trailer revives public interest in Marco Ortiz’s 2024 disappearance, prompting renewed pressure on federal and state investigators.
Missing PersonsMother and Cousin Charged After Attempted Kidnapping at Bryan Restaurant
Authorities say the pair tried to abduct a 7‑year‑old boy from a family‑friendly eatery in Bryan, Texas, before being thwarted by staff and police.
Missing PersonsDNA Complications Delay Nancy Guthrie Case until Arrest Made Following Amber Alert
After a statewide Amber Alert and a forensic backlog, Phoenix police arrested a suspect in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, but DNA testing issues continue to cloud the investigation.
Homicide3-Year-Old Avondale Girl Found Safe at Phoenix Gas Station, Suspect Arrested
The child was located unharmed after a frantic search, and police say the suspect is now in custody on kidnapping charges.
Missing PersonsBody Found in Lake Berryessa May Be Linked to Missing Man’s Abduction
A partial skeletal remain recovered from the lake could belong to Michael J. Ramirez, who vanished in early January, officials said.
Trials11-Year-Old Accused in Adoptive Father’s Birthday‑Night Killing Faces Adult Trial
Prosecutors say the Ohio boy allegedly shot his adoptive dad during a dispute over a video‑game, and they are seeking to have him tried as an adult.
Detectives Identify Suspect in Decades-Old Cold Case Following DNA Breakthrough
Forensic genealogy identifies alleged killer in 1998 disappearance near Portland.
Cold CasesDNA Breakthrough Solves Decades-Old Disappearance in Pacific Northwest
Genetic genealogy identifies suspect in 1998 disappearance of local teacher.