A Suffolk County man was charged Monday for allegedly using an ax to dismember and dispose of a woman’s body.

Newsday reported Gary Cowell, a 72-year-old black man, pleaded not guilty to felonious concealment of a human corpse and tampering with physical evidence for the moments leading up to the death of 56-year-old Yvette Leonard, both of Patchogue, New York.

“Rather than attempt to render aid to her, rather than call for medical assistance or call the police, [Cowell] took an ax and butchered Ms. Leonard into four pieces,” Assistant Suffolk County District Attorney Kieran Rogers told Justice Anthony Senft.

According to law enforcement officials, the remains were found on Montauk Highway in East Patchogue. Cowell confessed to using the ax and showed law enforcement the whereabouts of the remains.

ADA Rogers alleges Cowell intended to slow detectives amid a “massive widespread investigation” into Leonard’s location. He believes Cowell was with Leonard when she died — between June 14 and 21. Newsday reported officials are still unsure how she exactly died.

Cowell is represented by Commack-based attorney Jeremy Scileppi, who argued that Cowell did not hinder the investigation but “told a consistent story with respect to what happened.”

Concerning Leonard’s discovery, her mother, Nancy Davis, told Newsday she utilized social media after her daughter’s roommate discovered Leonard was missing. When she found her cigarettes and an uncashed check inside her home, she knew, “I don’t think she’s alive.”

Justice Senft retained bail for Cowell at $1 million cash bail, $2 million bond, or $10 million partially secured bond, reported Newsday. Cowell faces life in prison as a repeated felony offender. He has four felonies and two misdemeanors, said the prosecutor. Additionally, state prison records indicate Cowell served 15 years for robbery and burglary between 1991 and 2013.

No Bail for NY Man Charged in Dismemberment Murder

On July 25, he will be back in court.

Four Suspected of Killing and Dismembering Human Corpses Released on NY Bail Reform

A group of four were charged with concealing a corpse and tampering with evidence relating to the finding of body parts of a man and a woman in a Long Island park. The individuals were released without bail Wednesday in accordance with New York State’s 2019 bail reform.

Newsday reported Steven Brown, 44, Amanda Wallace, 40, Jeffrey Mackey, 38, and Alexis Nieves, 33, were charged with a series of felonies, including first-degree hindering prosecution, tampering with physical evidence by concealing or destroying, and concealment of a corpse.

Four suspects in connection to the killing and dismemberment of two human corpses were released because of New York's bail reform.

Gov. Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) said, "Maybe the DA should have done a more thorough investigation … build your case." https://t.co/YVq7vE4T10 pic.twitter.com/iUmMXKlB13

— Brian J. Pfail (@brian_pfail) March 8, 2024

The charging documents state that the suspects attempted to get rid of “sharp instruments, multiple body parts and other related items and dispose[d] of them so conceal the crime of murder in the second degree.”

Suffolk County Police noted that the victims were a 53-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman. Their body parts were discovered in Babylon, West Babylon and Bethpage State Park.

Newsday reported Suffolk homicide detectives stated the alleged perps “did conceal, alter and destroy human body parts,” and the “dismembered body parts were removed” and “concealed at multiple known locations.”

During the arraignments, Suffolk Assistant District Attorney Frank Schroeder of the Homicide Bureau said they have a wealth of evidence, including the remains, butcher knives, meat cleavers, traces of blood and surveillance video.

However, all suspects were released without bail due to the state’s bail reform, making the crimes bail-ineligible. The suspects were ordered not to leave Suffolk County, report to weekly probation, surrender passports and wear GPS monitoring, reported Newsday.

On Good Day New York, New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul responded to the release, claiming the problem was not the new laws but the prosecution:

Maybe the DA should’ve done a more thorough investigation and brought murder charges or conspiracy to commit murder or even assault charges because all of them are bail-eligible. … I encouraged the DA’s office to go back and build your case … if you bring any of those charges, which I think would be appropriate … Those people would not be out on the street.

Republican Suffolk Country District Attorney Ray Tierney rebutted Hochul and railed the state’s bail reform, stating, “… charges relating to the mutilation and disposal of murdered corpses are no longer bail-eligible, meaning my prosecutors cannot ask for bail.”

Suffolk police reportedly believe the remains found at Bethpage State Park and West Babylon belong to the persons whose limbs were found the week prior at Babylon’s Southard Pond Park.

The media downplayed and often neglected to attribute the release of the suspected murderers to the state’s bail reform.

Many residents of Long Island fail to understand why these suspects were released. The cashless bail laws instituted in 2019 are rather rigid and arguably favor the criminal or, at the very least, make the prosecutor’s job more difficult. Under these reform laws, the aforementioned charges, including mutilation and disposal of murdered corpses, are not bail-eligible, making prosecutors unable to request bail.

America First Michigan state Rep. Joshua Schriver told National File:

[The situation] reminds me of the Dark Knight Rises when all the prisoners are released into the streets while Batman is working his way back to Gotham as he recovers from his broken back in the pit in the desert.

He added, “A natural byproduct of fear and hopelessness is one of the intentions behind why this all is being allowed to happen.”

NYC Subway Killer Had 19 Prior Arrests, Was Free due to ‘Bail Reform’

The fault ultimately lies with the New York Democratic legislators who put these “progressive” laws in place. But for now, Long Islanders fear for the safety of their home — the suburbs.

All Six Suspects Arrested in $7 Million Fentanyl Bust Were Released Due to New NY Bail Reform

Walmart has announced that all of its Portland locations will be closing amid surging crime.

“We have nearly 5,000 stores across the U.S. and unfortunately some do not meet our financial expectations. While our underlying business is strong, these specific stores haven’t performed as well as we hoped,” the company said in a statement to Fox Business.

Closures are currently scheduled for March 24, when the Hayden Meadows and East Port Plaza locations will close. Workers at those locations, some 580, are reportedly scrambling to find jobs outside of the city, Fox reported.

Walmart’s CEO recently stated that additional closures could be expected across the nation due to rampant retail theft in particular cities. “Theft is an issue. It’s higher than what it has historically been,” Walmart CEO Doug McMillon,” said in an interview.

In the company’s statement to Fox Business, WalMart sidestepped directly naming crime as the reason for the store closures. “We do a thorough review of how a store performs and weigh many factors before making the difficult decision to close a facility,” a company spokesman said.

“We consider many factors, including current and projected financial performance, location, population, customer needs, and the proximity of other nearby stores when making these difficult decisions. Our focus right now is taking care of our associates during this transition and working with our customers to transition their pharmacy, and other, shopping needs to nearby stores.”

Portland has recorded astronomical spikes in violent and property crimes since far-left militants have largely been given free reign in the city since 2019. Between 2019 and 2021, the city’s homicide rate spiked 207%, one of the highest increases in the nation.

The city also surpassed a record in car thefts in 2022.

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A St. Louis man is facing first-degree murder charges after a disturbing execution-style killing that was caught on camera.

The grisly moment was captured on camera by a bystander shortly after 10 am on Monday. In the clip, the gunman can be seen casually loading a handgun before pointing it at a homeless man’s head and pulling the trigger. People can be heard calling 911 in the background of the video, though law enforcement did not arrive in time.

https://twitter.com/collinrugg/status/1630593519386767360?s=46&t=yW8Lz2-it96nkXb9nFDqlQ

The victim was soon pronounced dead at the scene with a gunshot wound to the head.

According to witnesses, the two were involved in an altercation at a gas station prior to the viral clip.

Police later arrested 23-year-old Deshawn Thomas in connection with the shooting, who is now facing charges for first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

In a statement Monday night, police identified the victim as David Saldana, who appears to have been homeless.  Additional details have not been released as of this time.

St. Louis has had one of the highest per-capita murder rates in the United States over the past decade.

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An Ontario man is facing second-degree murder charges after allegedly shooting and killing a home intruder on February 19.

The shooting happened in the home of Ali Mian, 22, at about 5 a.m. on Sunday, according to the Halton Regional Police Service. One man, who remains unidentified, was shot dead after allegedly breaking into Mian’s home.

Police said another man, 20, of Oshawa, was arrested at the scene and charged with breaking and entering, as well as unauthorized possession of a firearm, CBC reported.

In a press release on Sunday, police said witnesses saw a group of men approaching the home who appeared intent on committing a robbery. “Upon entering the residence, they were confronted by an occupant and a number of gunshots were fired within the home. One individual was pronounced deceased at the scene, while two other individuals were arrested when police arrived,” the press release stated.

Despite police confirming that armed robbers targeted the home, Mian is still facing second degree murder charges.

Jag Virk, the 22-year-old’s lawyer, told reporters that his client is innocent and will argue self-defense. “It was a home invasion, intruders in his house, armed, dangerous, and he protected himself and his mother,” he said.

“[Mian] is a registered firearm owner and used his gun legally against an armed intruder,” the attorney later told CBC.

“He shouldn’t be charged with murder for protecting his mother from someone that broke into his home,” Virk continued. “His intention was not to kill the intruder, he only shot at him once. We are all saddened that the intruder passed away as a result of being shot.”

Police are still searching for three additional home intruders who are believed to have fled the scene in a white vehicle.

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On Valentines Day, Alexandria Cress Borys had just strapped her two-year-old and her infant in their car seats when 23-year-old Christina Harrison approached Borys’ vehicle. An argument ensued before Christian Harrison shot Alexandria Cress Borys in the back as her children sat in the car. Following the shooting, authorities pronounced Alexandria Cress Borys dead at 4:00 pm.

The accused shooter, 23-year-old Christina Harrison, fled the scene after the murder and was arrested by Irmo Police 90 minutes after the shooting. Prosecutors have charged Christina Harrison with murder, unlawfully carrying a pistol and possessing a weapon during a violent crime.

In a Facebook post, Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale described Alexandria Cress Borys’ murder: “Senseless is the only word I can think of to describe what happened today.” Irmo Police also confirmed that the women did not know each other before the argument. Police have yet to release the cause of the argument.

In a Gofundme campaign Tyler Borys, Alexandria Cress Borys’ husband, described his wife as: “A beautiful woman, wonderful mother, compassionate wife, trusting friend, and so so much more. Alexandria was truly taken too soon. The details of what happened were covered by the news so I’m saving myself doing it again here. We are not looking for personal donations or financial help. But there has been enough people asking so I’d like to use any funds collected to build a memorial for Alexandria to honor a great soul. Whether it be something small, a park installment, or wherever we can do. Anything additional will go towards a future fund to benefit our son. Thank you all for yours thoughts. Hold your loved ones close.”

Twitter users claim Boys’ murder is not receiving the media coverage it deserves.

The woman on the right shot & murdered the woman on the left over an argument in a grocery store parking lot, on Valentine’s Day, while her two little children were in the car. The media didn’t give it much coverage. Her name was Alexandria Borys, a wife & mom. Her life mattered. pic.twitter.com/ZVGv40hf6Y

— Steven Steele (@MrStevenSteele) February 19, 2023

Her Name Is Alexandria Cress Borys: 26-year Old White Mother Of Two With Her Kids Gunned Down By Black Stranger In Car Of Kroger Parking Lothttps://t.co/TFNWBCKGiY

— VDARE (@vdare) February 21, 2023

https://twitter.com/AFPerspective76/status/1627546789195788288?s=20

Irmo Police are asking anyone who witnessed the murder or has more information about Alexandria Cress Boys’ murder to call (803)781-8088.

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Shortly after 1:30 pm on Sunday afternoon, Philadelphia Police discovered an “18-inch pipe bomb” behind St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in the city’s Holmesburg section.

According to police, the PVC pipe bomb, which was equipped with capped ends and black powder, was noticed by a passerby. Police were soon called and the street was shut down while Philadelphia’s bomb squad removed the device, CBS 3 reported.

The device was then taken to headquarters for further investigation. Thankfully, no injuries were reported and local traffic was soon reopened.

According to reports, the device was found near Conrail train tracks running behind the church. Additional information has not been revealed at this time.

Breaking: “18 inch pipe bomb” discovered behind St. Dominic’s Catholic Church on Frankford Ave near Conrail railroad tracks in Philadelphia’s Holmesburg section. @PhillyPolice sources tell FOX29 News . PPD bomb squad just safely took it away. Made with PVC pipe. @FOX29philly pic.twitter.com/KNstNy3j3R

— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) February 19, 2023

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A Republican Borough councilman was fatally shot by a former colleague in New Jersey earlier this week, officials have confirmed. The killing marked the second time an elected official had been gunned down in the state in the span of a week, though authorities do not believe the two killings are related at this time.

Russell Heller, 51, was a council member in the South Jersey township of Milford, not far from border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Heller was fatally shot around 7 a.m. on Wednesday morning in the parking lot of the PSE&G Central Division headquarters building in Somerset, where he had worked as a supervisor for 11 years.

Officers responded to the scene but found that Heller had already succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel, according to the Franklin Township Police Department.

An investigation led authorities to identify 58-year-old Gary Curtis as the suspected gunman. Curtis, a former employee at PSE&G, was found dead several hours later from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, CBS News reported.

Investigators discovered Curtis’ body inside his car, which was traced to a parking lot in a neighboring township.

“The investigation remains on-going to determine motive,” wrote the Franklin Township police department in a press release.  “Preliminary investigation has revealed that the shooting was an isolated incident and Mr. Heller was the intended target.”

The Somerset prosecutor’s office later released an additional statement stating that the killing was not politically motivated. “Investigators have confirmed that Mr. Heller was a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough (Hunterdon County),” the statement read, according to CBS New York. “The investigation has revealed that the shooting of Mr. Heller was not politically connected with his elected office or political affiliation.”

Heller’s death comes just one week after Eunice Dwumfour, a borough councilwoman in Sayreville, was shot and killed in a “targeted” killing outside her home. Police have yet to identify a suspect or a motive in the Dwumfour killing more than eight days into the investigation.

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A woman from Phenix City, Alabama is facing first-degree murder charges after shooting 12-year-old Connor Mullins for playing in her yard on February 1.

According to authorities, Tywoana Anderson- Jakes, 50, found Mullins and two other children playing on the edge of her property across the street from her main residence on the evening of February 1.  When the boys realized that Jakes had come outside, two of them turned and ran away, but Mullins bent down.

At that point, Jakes fired a single shot that struck the 12-year-old in the neck, killing him instantly.

Phenix City, Alabama. 50-yr-old Tywoana Jakes has been charged with capital murder for killing 12-yr-old Connor Mullens on a lot across the street from her main residence. District Attorney Rick Chancey said she appeared to have little remorse. https://t.co/aTDsjLZvNB pic.twitter.com/vOTousqT7Q

— The Sentinel (@sentinelpatrol) February 3, 2023

Chancey said there is no indication that Connor was armed. He also said there’s no indication that Jakes and the boys knew each other, AL.com reported.

According to Russell County District Attorney Rick Chancey, Mullins and his friends were simply on the property “apparently doing mischief” when they were confronted by Jakes. “She said she shot, and I have a dead 12-year-old boy who was doing something he shouldn’t have been doing,” Chancey stated, adding that the whole situation was “hard to digest.”

“I hope we’re not in a society now where this is going to be the thing,’’ Chancey said. “I don’t want us to turn into a society where we take the law in our own hands and if somebody’s on our property, we shoot them or if we think it’s self-defense, we shoot them.”

Jakes is currently being charged with Capital Murder since the victim is under the age of 14. Authorities are also investigating an earlier incident in which Jakes is accused of shooting someone else on her property last year. Charges have not been filed in that case as of this time.

“There are still laws we have to abide by and if you’re going to have a gun, you have to know the laws and know what you can and can’t do,’’ Chancey said. “Once you pull that trigger, you can’t undo it. The stakes are bad.”

Russell County Circuit Judge Zack Collins Sr. ordered Jakes to be held without bond. A preliminary hearing is currently slated for next month.

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Dr. Michael Mammone, 58, was killed after Vanroy Evan Smith, 39, ran him over then proceeded to stab him death while ranting about “white privilege.” Multiple angles of the disturbing incident were captured by CCTV footage.

Mammone was riding a bicycle when he was run over at high speed by a suspect driving a white sedan. The suspect, later identified as Smith, then exited the vehicle and proceeded to stab the critically injured ER doctor.

According to ABC 7, the suspect was screaming racial slurs and ranting about “whites privilege” before killing the married father of two. Smith, an accountant who describes himself as mixed-race, was restrained by witnesses until law enforcement arrived.

“An innocent man is dead because he took a bike ride to enjoy a beautiful California day along the beach and he was hit with a car and stabbed to death by someone he apparently never met,” said Todd Spitzer, district attorney for Orange County. “The murder of a complete stranger in broad daylight for what appears to be absolutely no reason is the stuff of nightmares.”

Mammone worked in the emergency room at Providence Mission Hospital in Laguna Beach since 2011. He also occasionally worked at the Mission Viejo and the Children’s Hospital of Orange County in Santa Ana.

“We are stunned by this devastating tragedy. The entire Mission Hospital family is grieving over the loss of an incredible physician and friend,” wrote Mission Viejo in a statement.

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