Rita Gonzalez
Correspondent
Investigates crime stories.
Published Articles
82 articles
Jeffrey Blevins, 56, Found Dead in 'Pool of Blood' After Mother Heard Him Fall During Phone Call
Jeffrey Blevins, 56, was pronounced dead at Bartow Regional Medical Center after his sister found him outside his apartment.
Missing PersonsDetroit Lions Player Mentioned in Text Messages Linked to Robbery, Kidnapping Case
Text messages recovered in investigation reference NFL player as Hillsborough County prosecutors pursue charges.
HomicideDrunk Arizona Woman Slams Head-on Into Minivan, Killing 3 Before Fleeing to Utah
Amy Lynn Mickelson arrested in Salt Lake City, charged with second-degree murder and aggravated DUI in December 2024 crash that claimed three lives.
Cold CasesLover's Lane Murders: Texas Man Charged With 1990 Killings of Young Houston Couple Posed as Officer for Years
William Parrott arrested in Nebraska decades after Cheryl Henry and Andy Atkinson were found slain near their parked vehicle; prosecutors say more victims may exist.
HomicideBOLO: Long Island Woman Missing After Unexpectedly Jumping From Moving Car
Family searches for Brittany Kritis, 32, who fled vehicle in Oyster Bay area Friday night; described as vulnerable and possibly disoriented.
HomicideJennifer and Sarah Hart Allegedly Killed Their Kids in Murder-Suicide Crash. Inside the Case 8 Years Later
What began as a tragic car accident on a California cliffside has become one of the most controversial cases in recent true crime history.
HomicideWisconsin Mom Charged With Homicide After 5-Year-Old Epileptic Daughter Drowns in Urine-Filled Bathtub
Merrill woman faces charges in death of her second child; investigators allege the girl had not received seizure medication for several days.
Missing PersonsSavannah Guthrie Says Her Wealth and Fame Are 'Probably' the Catalysts for Mom's Kidnapping
NBC News anchor opens up about the terrifying incident that left her family searching for answers.
HomicideTepe Double Murder: Autopsy Reveals Couple Shot 16 Times, Killer Unloaded Full Clip
Autopsies show Spencer and Monique Tepe each shot in the head; ex-husband charged with aggravated murder after 900-mile drive from Illinois.
Cold CasesMiami-Dade Detectives Seek Public Help Solving 2023 Murder of 21-Year-Old Man
Authorities release composite sketch as they investigate fatal shooting that remains unsolved nearly three years later.
HomicideEx-American Idol Contestant Faces New Charges Over Alleged Murder of Wife in Ohio Home
Former reality TV competitor faces additional charges related to wife's death at Ohio residence.
TrialsFormer Nevada Death Row Inmate Released From Prison Over Victims' Family Wishes
Release comes after victims' family expressed preferences regarding the inmate's fate, marking unusual development in Nevada criminal justice case.
HomicideBoston Strangler Case: Author Questions Evidence in Aunt Mary Sullivan's Murder
Casey Sherman, whose aunt was the final victim attributed to Albert DeSalvo, speaks out about DNA evidence, missing confession tapes and alternate suspects that his family says raise serious questions.
HomicideOregon Man Stabbed by Passenger After Vehicle Hits Pregnant Wife in Parking Lot
The husband confronted the driver about striking his wife, who was carrying their 2-year-old son, when a passenger emerged and stabbed him in the back.
HomicidePennsylvania Mom Forces Children to Choose Between Being Beaten With Gun or Belt While Boyfriend Laughs
Maria Roche and William Witherspoon arrested after children describe months of abuse including shot fired at sibling's head.
Missing PersonsProvo Boy's Family Breaks Silence After Kidnapping Charges Filed Against Local Mom
Family of missing Provo boy speaks publicly for first time after woman charged with kidnapping in Utah County.
HomicideVacation Rental Landlord Charged With Filming Guests' Private Moments Including Children
California man faces multiple felonies after investigators discover more than 4,000 digital files containing child sexual abuse material.
HomicideSavannah Guthrie Describes 'Unbearable' Agony in First Interview Since Mother's Disappearance
The "Today" show co-host made a tearful plea for someone to "do the right thing" nearly two months after her 84-year-old mother vanished from her Tucson home.
Cold Cases1993 Killing of State Employee at Cleveland County Rest Stop Remains Unsolved
More than three decades later, investigators continue seeking answers in the murder of a North Carolina state worker found at a highway rest area.
Missing PersonsAuthorities Find Father and Son Shortly After Amber Alert Notice
Law enforcement locates missing pair hours after alert issued in California community.
TrialsBill Cosby Loses Sex Assault Lawsuit, Jury Awards $19M to Former California Waitress
Donna Motsinger, 84, alleges actor drugged and assaulted her in 1972 at The Trident restaurant in Sausalito.
TrialsAniah Blanchard's Mother Says 'Justice Wasn't Served' After Murder Trial Verdict
The mother of the slain Alabama woman calls the trial 'traumatic' as she speaks out publicly for the first time since the verdict.
Missing PersonsUtah Mother Accused of Kidnapping, Threatening Child's Bully for an Apology
Alleged incident in Utah raises questions about parental actions taken to protect children from school bullying.
HomicideWho Killed Cynthia Moffett? Cold-Case Murder Turns 20 Years Old
Palm Beach County investigators continue seeking answers in 2006 homicide of Florida woman.
Missing PersonsSheriff in Nancy Guthrie Abduction Case Requested Surveillance Weeks Before Her Disappearance, Then Retracted Ask
Questions emerge about timeline of surveillance request in missing person case that has drawn national attention.
Missing PersonsCommunity Alert Issued for 19th District Following Reported Attempted Kidnapping
Chicago Police Department releases community alert JK188969 for 19th District following reported attempted kidnapping incident.
Missing PersonsKenyan Ex-Foreign Minister Arrested, Accused of Staging His Disappearance
Former Kenyan foreign minister taken into custody and charged with orchestrating his own disappearance in what authorities describe as an elaborate scheme.
TrialsMan Who Used False Gaming Alibi Found Guilty of Natalie McNally's Murder
Jurors convict suspect in killing of pregnant Northern Ireland woman after rejecting gaming center alibi.
Missing PersonsPolice Warn of Attempted Kidnapping of Child in Chicago's Park West Neighborhood
Authorities alert residents after reports of an attempted abduction of a minor in the Park West area.
HomicideSon Arrested After Elderly Father's Dismembered Body Found in 55-Gallon Drum in South Carolina
Judson Hawkins Jr., 82, was found dead in a Hartsville home in March; his son faces charges of destruction of human remains and obstruction of justice.
HomicideTexas Man Charged After Tossing Bucket of Human Bones Over FBI Dallas Fence
Michael Chadwick Fry allegedly stole remains from cemeteries in Oklahoma and Texas before posting YouTube video of fence throw at FBI office.
Cold CasesGrand Jury Declines to Indict Suspect in Killing of UTA Student, Cold Case Remains Unsolved
After years of investigation into the death of a University of Texas at Arlington student, prosecutors present evidence to grand jury, which declines to move forward with charges.
HomicideCollege Freshman Fatally Shot by Masked Gunman While Walking With Friends Near Chicago Beach
Sheridan Gorman, 18-year-old Loyola University student, killed in shooting on Lake Michigan pier; police say she was not the intended target.
Missing PersonsMissing Woman Found Deceased in Hamilton, Police Say No Foul Play Suspected
Hamilton police confirm discovery of missing woman whose whereabouts were unknown for days, death investigation ongoing.
Trials5 More Defendants Plead Guilty in Feeding Our Future $14.6 Million Fraud Scheme
Four Minneapolis-area defendants admitted to stealing federal child nutrition funds meant to feed hungry children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
HomicideFirst-Degree Murder Charges Filed Against 11-Year-Old Boy Who Killed 5-Year-Old Brother
Colorado prosecutors charge child in homicide of younger sibling; case proceeds through juvenile court system.
Missing PersonsNMSU Issues Safety Alert After Attempted Kidnapping; Suspect Sought
University police alert campus community following reported attempted kidnapping incident involving suspect still at large.
HomicideSuspect Confesses to Pastor's Murder, Demands Execution in Bizarre Case
Adam Sheafe, 52, allegedly admits to killing Pastor William Schonemann and tells court he wants the death penalty to prove he cannot be killed.
HomicideFlorida Executes Convict in 2008 Rape, Killing of Woman Whose Final Call Sparked 911 Reforms
The execution marks the culmination of a case that prompted changes to emergency response protocols.
HomicideGunman Killed, Employee Hospitalized After Shooting at Georgia VA Clinic, Police Say
Authorities respond to violent incident at Veterans Affairs facility; investigation ongoing into circumstances surrounding the shooting.
HomicideTexas Man Rams Truck Into Home, Kills Wife and Mother-in-Law in Conroe
Stanley Earl Hardin allegedly shot and killed his wife Tara Hardin and her mother Floris Wolford before fleeing the scene, authorities said.
HomicideCold-Case Murder of 14-Year-Old Rachel Hurley Marks 36th Year
Palm Beach investigators continue pursuing justice for the teenage girl found dead in 1990, one of the county's most haunting unsolved cases.
HomicideComedy Club Owner Allegedly Kills Ex-Wife's Elderly Father Before Being Found Dead in Alaska Woods
Mathew Thomas Becker, 61, allegedly shot and killed his ex-wife's 87-year-old father before dying in the wilderness near Anchorage.
TrialsGerhardt Konig Trial: Wife of Former Doctor Faces Death at Sheer Cliff Edge on Romantic Getaway
Former anesthesiologist accused of attempting to kill his wife during Hawaii hiking trip, prosecutors say
HomicideHere's What Happens Next for Convicted Murderer Kouri Richins
Kouri Richins faces sentencing after being convicted of murdering her husband Darren in a Utah road rage shooting, with the possibility of life imprisonment.
Missing PersonsAmber Alert: Missing Teen Girl in Pueblo May Be in Danger, Says CBI
Colorado Bureau of Investigation issues alert for missing juvenile in Pueblo area, warning of potential danger.
Cold CasesDNA Identifies Headless, Handsless Man Found Along Rural New York Road in 1970
Clyde A. Coppage, 35, was living in Pennsylvania when he disappeared; investigators exhumed body in 2022 for DNA testing
HomicideDNA Testing Could Clear a Dead Man's Name — and Point to a Serial Killer
New forensic analysis in a decades-old case may vindicate a man who died in prison while maintaining his innocence.
Missing PersonsKnox County Rescue Continues Search for Missing Man in Georgia Ahead of Spring
Search teams persist in efforts to locate missing individual as weather improves in North Georgia mountains.
Missing PersonsArrest Warrant Issued for Suspect in Rochester Kidnapping and Rape Case
Authorities seek suspect in connection with alleged kidnapping and sexual assault investigation in Rochester area.
Missing PersonsKidnapped Child Found Alive After Years Hidden Under Fake Name: Police
Authorities discover missing child alive years after disappearance, suspect allegedly kept victim under assumed identity.
HomicideLong Island Teen Who Vanished After Trip to NYC Found Dead in Brooklyn Waters
Authorities discovered the body of a missing Long Island teenager in Brooklyn waters days after she disappeared following a day trip to Manhattan.
Missing PersonsAMBER Alert Canceled After Missing 2-Year-Old From Austin Found Safe in El Campo
Law enforcement located the child unharmed after an extensive search across central Texas.
HomicideWest Virginia Father Pleads Guilty to Sexual Assault, Incest Against Minor Daughter
Clifford Fronda, 37, admits to multiple instances of abuse spanning 2022-2024; faces 45 to 115 years in prison
HomicideAlabama AG Steve Marshall Seeks Execution of 4 Inmates in Decades-Old Capital Murder Cases
Attorney general says courts have had long enough to resolve four capital murder convictions dating back decades, pushing for death penalty in aging cases.
Missing PersonsWaterbury Stepmom Faces Upgraded Kidnapping Charges One Year After Arrest
Connecticut woman who was originally charged with unlawful restraint now faces more serious kidnapping allegations.
HomicideCollege Stunt Team Member, Beauty Queen Indicted on Manslaughter in Newborn Death
Former University of Kentucky student Laken Snelling faces new charges after grand jury reviews case of infant found dead in her closet.
Missing PersonsTiffany Lynn Braddock Reported Missing From Philadelphia's 35th District
Philadelphia Police Department seeks public assistance in locating missing woman.
HomicideKentucky Couple Arrested After Autistic Boys Found Locked in Closet With Bloody Fingers
Two nonverbal boys, ages 8 and 9, were allegedly locked in a bedroom closet and tried to scratch their way out, according to court documents.
Missing PersonsMissing 16-Year-Old North Carolina Girl Found With 37-Year-Old Man During Florida Traffic Stop
Teen reported missing in February located safe during traffic stop; man faces multiple charges including interference with child custody
Cold CasesSuspects Identified in 2017 Visalia Homicide Cold Case, Police Say
Visalia police announce breakthrough in unsolved homicide investigation nearly nine years after the killing.
TrialsAlexander Brothers Convicted on All Charges in Federal Sex Trafficking Trial
New York City jury finds three wealthy brothers guilty of sex trafficking after four weeks of testimony from women who accused them of assault.
Homicide11-Year-Old Boy Fatally Shoots Mother's Boyfriend During Assault in Philadelphia Home
Child witnesses mother being attacked, grabs registered handgun and fires single shot to attacker's face in domestic incident.
HomicideHonolulu Man Out on Work Furlough Fatally Stabs Girlfriend, Critically Injures Estranged Wife
55-year-old John Nihipali Sr., out on resocialization pass from prison, allegedly killed his 53-year-old girlfriend and attacked his estranged wife in separate incidents.
Missing PersonsMan Faces Kidnapping Charge in Amber Alert Case That Started in North Las Vegas
Authorities issued an Amber Alert after a child was reported missing in North Las Vegas; the suspect was taken into custody following a multi-agency search.
HomicideWoman Claims Intruder Stabbed Boyfriend 64 Times; Police Allege She Delivered Fatal Blow During 911 Call
Authorities say the woman's account of a home invasion unraveled during investigation, leading to her arrest on murder charges.
HomicideWoman Allegedly Fires 10 Shots Into Rihanna's Beverly Crest Home in Broad Daylight
Pop star was home with partner ASAP Rocky and three young children when suspect opened fire with AR-15-style rifle, police say
HomicideMan in Los Angeles Dies After Severing His Own Penis, Police Say
Downtown LA responders found the man with severe self-inflicted wounds at Figueroa Street and Pico Boulevard intersection.
Missing PersonsSuspect Detained After Reported Attempted Abduction of 8-Year-Old Girl in Wichita
Wichita police responded to a reported attempted abduction involving an elementary-school-aged girl, taking one person into custody.
HomicideUtah Triple Murder Suspect Ivan Miller Arrested in Colorado After Multi-State Manhunt
The 22-year-old suspect was taken into custody Thursday, ending a intensive search for the killing of three people in Utah.
Homicide3 Killed, 14 Injured in Shooting at Bar Near University of Texas in Austin
Authorities investigate deadly violence on Austin night; three victims confirmed dead, dozens hospitalized.
HomicideOklahoma Teen Allegedly Used as Surrogate by Mother and Boyfriend
Court documents reveal a 14-year-old girl is pregnant with twins in a complex abuse investigation.
Cold CasesPregnant Ventura County Victim Identified as Karen Louise McCoy After 46 Years
DNA analysis by the Ventura County Sheriff's Office and a private forensic firm finally gave a name to the Jane Doe whose body was found in a desert ditch in 1977.
Homicide23-Year-Old Bradenton Man Killed in Overnight Shooting, Deputies Say
Sarasota County deputies say the 23‑year‑old was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds after an alleged robbery turned violent in the early hours of Thursday.
HomicideArmed Intruder with Gas Can Killed at Trump’s Mar‑a‑Lago Resort in Palm Beach
A 42‑year‑old suspect died after a standoff with Palm Beach Police and federal agents following a violent intrusion at the former president’s private club.
HomicideSeat Position in Teen’s Car Led Police to Suspect in Milwaukee Murder
Investigators say the angle of the driver’s seat in Sade Robinson’s vehicle helped tie Maxwell Anderson to the fatal shooting.
Missing PersonsMissing Person Found Dead in Submerged Car After iPhone Crash Alert Prompts Search in Northern Kentucky
An iPhone crash‑alert from the missing woman's phone led authorities to a vehicle submerged in the Ohio River, where her body was recovered Friday.
HomicideThree Men Arrested in Spain for Allegedly Shipping Opium Poppy to United States
Spanish authorities say the trio used the international mail system to move thousands of poppy seeds, sparking a joint investigation with U.S. drug enforcement agencies.
Missing PersonsPolice Search for Man with Schizophrenia After Seizure‑related Disappearance
Authorities in Riverside County are combing neighborhoods and hospitals after 38‑year‑old John Martinez vanished following a seizure episode linked to his schizophrenia.
Missing PersonsSikh Man From California Missing in Possible Abduction, Police Investigate
The 38‑year‑old husband and father, Amar Singh, vanished from his Fresno home on Feb. 12, prompting a multi‑agency search and a statewide Amber Alert.
Missing PersonsSilver Alert Issued for Missing Washington County Man James L. Whitaker
Authorities launched a statewide Silver Alert Tuesday after 58‑year‑old James L. Whitaker vanished from his Pomeroy home, prompting a multi‑agency search.
HomicideU.S. Military Strikes Alleged Drug Boat in Eastern Pacific, Killing Three
The strike, carried out by U.S. Southern Command, targeted a vessel suspected of transporting cocaine, resulting in three crew deaths and raising questions about maritime interdiction protocols.