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1 Killed in Head-On Crash

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One man was killed in a head-on crash in San Pasqual Friday, officials confirmed.

The fatal collision involving a car and a large truck happened just before 4 p.m. on eastbound State Route 78 and San Pasqual Road.

Police say a 32-year-old man was driving a Toyota Scion when, for unknown reason, he lost control of the vehicle on a bend and swerved into the westbound lane. His car then struck an oncoming Ford F-350 truck head-on.

Police say the man in the Scion died at the scene. The driver of the truck, a 35-year-old man, was transported to Palomar Hospital, officials said.

An investigation into the crash is underway. Polcie do not believe alcohol played a factor in the fatal accident.

Police issued a SigAlert following the collision for San Pasqual Valley Road, saying the street would be closed for the next several hours.
 


Convicted Marine Released from Military Prison

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A San Diego marine sentenced to 11 years in prison in one of the biggest crime cases from the Iraq war was officially released from military prison Friday evening.

Sgt. Lawrence Hutchins III was freed from the Miramar Brig and reunited with his wife and children, his attorney Babu Kaza confirmed.

Following his release, Hutchins checked into the Headquarters and Support Battalion at Camp Pendleton. He was picked up by his wife, Reyna, and their two children.

Via his attorney, Sgt. Hutchins had this to say about his homecoming on Friday:

“The emotions I am feeling right now are hard to describe. I am overcome. This is all I ever wanted.”

“There is a family in Iraq right now that does not have a father or a husband home with them and I have never forgotten. It has always been my sincere hope that if that man were to see me today, he could at least be proud with the man this whole experience has turned me into,” he continued.

“I am afraid that any future retrial will be tainted with the unlawful command influence that was a result of Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus' comments back in 2009.”

Hutchins led an eight-man squad accused of kidnapping and killing a retired Iraqi policeman from his home in April 2006. Hutchins and his squad were accused of marching the man into a ditch and fatally shooting him in Hamdania, and then staging the body to look like the man had been planting bombs.

In all the years of fighting this case, Hutchins has been incarcerated, granted clemency, denied it by the Navy secretary, released for eight months and taken back to the Miramar Brig, where he has spent most of his time behind bars.

On Jun. 26, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces overturned Hutchins’ murder conviction and announced he would soon be released from prison.

The military Court of Appeals said Hutchins’ constitutional rights had been violated at the time of his arrest when Hutchins was held in a trailer for a week without legal representation. A confession he made during that time ultimately led to his conviction.

On Friday, after nearly seven years in prison, Hutchins was finally able to return home to his family.

NBC 7 spoke exclusively with Hutchins’ father, Lawrence Hutchins Sr., from his Massachusetts home by phone following the marine's release.

“This was an up-and-down rollercoaster, all in a matter of 10 hours. It was like, holy mackerel, unbelievable. Its’ overwhelming,” said the marine’s father.

NBC 7 also spoke with a friend of Hutchins, former marine Roger Herman, who said Hutchins does have regrets over what led to his time behind bars.

“I can’t tell you exactly what happened; I mean that’s between him and his God. But, I know he’s very remorseful of the fact that he took another life. Even when you kill an enemy in combat, I mean you feel very bad about it, and he’s remorseful,” said Herman.

While Hutchins is now a free man, his legal woes may not be over. Now, the Navy must decide if they will appeal to the Supreme Court.

In the meantime, Hutchins will be reporting to the unit he just checked into at Camp Pendleton.

Aurora, Colo., Cinema Rampage Remembered

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Actor Christian Bale and his wife Sibi Blazic visit a memorial to the victims of the mass shooting at the midnight showing for "The Dark Knight Rises," which stars Bale playing Batman. Click to see more photos from the aftermath of the movie massacre tragedy.

Top News Photos of the Week

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New Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Photos: Sgt. Sean Murphy of the Massachusetts State Police release photos of Tsarnaev's capture in Boston Magazine in response to Rolling Stone's controversial magazine cover. Click through to see more photos from July 12 to July 19.

Man Dies After Falling From Scaffolding

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A man was killed on the job in Chula Vista Thursday after falling 30 feet from a forklift scaffolding onto the pavement below, a report released by the county medical examiner’s office confirmed.

According to the ME report, Kleen Blast employee Marcelino Lugo Ortega, 61, suffered a fatal accident while working in the 600 block of Moss Street.

Witnesses saw Ortega fall about 30 feet from a forklift scaffolding onto the concrete below. The scaffolding then fell off the elevated forklift and onto his body, the report said.

Despite resuscitative efforts by paramedics, Ortega’s died at the site of the accident.

According to the company website of Ortega’s employer, Kleen Blast, the company is located in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and specializes in abrasives, resurfacing and sandblasting equipment and supplies.

The fatal fall is under investigation.



Photo Credit: Monica Garske

Dems Split on Filner, But Won't Ask Him to Resign

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After three hours of debate and two votes, the San Diego County Democratic Party has decided they won't be asking embattled Mayor Bob Filner to resign.

The San Diego County Democratic Central committee met Thursday evening to discuss the allegations of sexual harassment against Filner.

Votes on whether to recall Filner were tallied, and split right down the middle, with 24 votes both ways. With votes in, the party announced they will not recall Filner, and will instead let due process run its course.

SPECIAL SECTION: Mayor Under Fire


Before the meeting, party Chair Francine Busby said sexual harassment is unacceptable at any level of government. She said it’s the party’s priority to ensure that the office of the mayor is leading San Diego effectively.

Busby said she called the meeting as a forum to discuss this issue that has the party split. It was a closed meeting, meaning only the governing board was allowed inside, though Filner was invited.

This meeting was meant to serve has a sounding board -- Busby says, a chance to try to figure out how the party will stand and the possible implications associated with what has transpired.

She said it has been sad and frustrating for everyone who worked hard for 20 years to have a democratic mayor but wouldn't call it chaos.

However, she did admit before the meeting that the party seemed to be equally split between those who want Filner to resign and those who feel he is entitled to due process.

“I can tell you I am on the phone nonstop and people feel very strongly but there are mixed feelings about it. So, I'm going to have to let them speak for themselves,” she said.

Francis Barraza, Executive Director of the Republican Party of San Diego County, issued a statement immediately after the vote saying this should not be a partisan issue.

"Democrats have shown that they care more about preserving political power than standing up for women who have been victimized. San Diego deserves better," Barraza said in the prepared statement.

The mayor released a flyer Thursday, vowing to move forward with city business as a recall effort to get him out of office, moves forward.  He has also said he will not resign.

Meanwhile, Filner was seen Thursday night at the Black Mountain Democratic Club speaking to a group of people.

Even the club's president was surprised the mayor appeared.

"Regardless of what you think he did show up," said Michael Wray with the Black Mountain Democratic Club. "He's not talking to press but he is at least trying to talk to constituents, people who got him here."

"These are the people who got him elected. He should hear from those people at least- whether he should stay or go," Wray said.

An NBC 7 news crew tried to talk to Filner but he ignored our requests.

Grandson Sentenced in Home Invasion of Grandmother

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A man and his friend were sentenced on Friday in the home invasion of his own grandmother.

On March 3, around 10:30 a.m., Gregory Drobish, 27, along with his friend, Christopher Brunkel, 31, drove to the home of Drobish's grandmother on the 2800 block of Unruh Avenue in Mayfair. Brunkel knocked on the door, forced his way inside and threatened to harm the 94-year-old woman with something that looked like a syringe.

"This male pushed her inside, assaulted her by punching her and secured her with duct tape," said Lieutenant Michael Gross.

Brunkel stole jewelry, valuables and the victim's purse while her grandson waited in the car. The two then fled the scene.

The victim was taken to Torresdale Hospital where she was treated for facial injuries. Police also say her medical alert necklace was torn off during the attack. She was treated and later released.

Investigators say the victim's family called police after hearing she was attacked, suspecting that Drobish was involved. Detectives say he's borrowed money from her in the past and never paid it back.

Investigators later arrested Drobish and Brunkel at a home on the 3200 block of Tyson Avenue. Police also served a search warrant at that home where they say they found the stolen items. While they were in custody, police say the two men implicated each other in the crime. Both men lived in Northeast Philadelphia and had a history of drug arrests.

On Friday, Drobish was sentenced to three and a half to seven years in prison while Brunkel was sentenced to 13 to 26 years. 



Photo Credit: NBC10.com

Boy Who Fell in Sand Dune Walking, Eating

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The news continues to get better for a 6-year-old boy who was buried for three hours under sand at the Indiana Dunes last week.

According to Dr. Rachel Wolfson of the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital, Nathan Woessner is now able to get out of bed and walk with assistance, and is also eating for the first time. The boy remains in serious condition.

Woessner fell into a sinkhole sometime after 4 p.m. July 12 at Mt. Baldy in Michigan City, Ind.

Woessner's grandfather, Pastor Don Reul, said the boy was walking to the top of the popular dune with his dad, an adult friend of the family and another boy when he fell.

"They immediately went back, and he was nowhere to be seen," Reul said. "The ground had swallowed him up."

Doctors said Monday they expect the boy to be released from the hospital within 10 to 14 days. His condition had been listed as critical before Thursday.

The Mount Baldy area at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore will remain closed indefinitely following the accident.


Boy Found Shackled, Home Alone

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A mother of three was arrested Thursday after her 10-year-old son was found with a chain locked around his ankles, crying and in pain, Santa Ana police said.

Police were called about 11:40 a.m. for a welfare check at an apartment complex in the 700 block of S. Lyon Street, where they found the boy lying on the ground in the courtyard with a long aluminum chain wrapped four to five times around his ankles with a padlock fixed to it.

"She basically left him in his underwear with the chain around his feet. She took the lock with her, but she left him food; she left him games to play with," Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said.

The chain had to be clipped with bolt cutters. Officers said they noticed slight bruising and redness around the child's ankles.

The boy said his mother, Irma Jacobo Navarro, had shackled him before she left him home alone and went to work.

Navarro told police she was having disciplinary problems with her son and placed him in chains while she was away because he would often leave the home without permission and not return home until after dark.

Neighbors called Navarro a good mother who works hard cleaning homes. They described her middle son as rebellious and say he's been caught breaking doors and windows in nearby apartment buildings.

Bertagna said the mother of three is worried her son will join a gang or get into trouble.

"She's trying to do the right thing, but he’s not cooperating," Bertagna said.

"He gets frustrated, cusses at her," he added. "She feels like she’s losing control of him, so this is basically a last resort."

Navarro has two other sons, one of whom was with a babysitter and another who was at school at the time, police said. All three of her children were placed into protective custody by social services.

Navarro was booked for willful cruelty to a child.

More Southern California Stories:

 



Photo Credit: Santa Ana Police Department

ConsumerBob's Comic-Con Pics

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Images captured by Consumer Bob at Preview Night for Comic-Con 2013.

Photo Credit: Consumer Bob

Gang Member Arrested in Slaying of O'side Teenager: Cops

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Oceanside police announced the arrest of a 16-year-old documented gang member in the stabbing death of a teenager last month.

Officials have identified the victim as Jorge Basave, 17, of Oceanside. They have said there is no indication that Basave was affiliated with a gang.

The stabbing happened Thursday, June 20 at 8:45 p.m. at a parking lot on  Mission Avenue, just west of the railroad tracks.

According to homicide detectives, two groups of individuals were involved in a verbal confrontation prior to the stabbing.

Detectives have worked to identify the people present at the fight and believe they have the suspect who stabbed Basave in custody.

The suspect has been booked into Juvenile Hall facing one count of murder.

The Oceanside Police Department has set up an anonymous tip line for those witnesses who wish to come forward with more information about the incident. That number is (760) 435-4730.


 



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego

Filner's "Airport Rage" Similar to Allegations: Victim

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A woman who filed assault charges against San Diego Mayor Bob Filner six years ago spoke exclusively to NBC 7 about the current allegations against Filner and the "bullying" behavior she witnessed.

In 2007, United Airlines customer service representative Joanne Kunkel filed an assault and battery complaint against then-U.S. Rep. Bob Filner after an incident at Dulles Airport.

“For me it was personal intimidation and bullying,” Kunkel said. “And I think that is how he has gotten to where he is.”

As he complained about lost luggage, Filner lost his temper, barged past a long line of passengers and right through customer service.

“I had my arm out to block him from coming in he pushed right through me and pushed my arms out of the way,” Kunkel said.

“His face was just bright red enraged. I was scared and everyone else was like ‘Is this really happening,’” Kunkel said.

It was the airport rage case heard round the world. Filner was charged with assault and battery. Only to effectively plead no contest to the lesser charge of trespassing for which he paid a $100 fine and was ordered to apologize to Kunkel.

Not satisfied, Kunkel agreed to tell her story in this political ad. Filner's opponent Carl Demaio ran it two weeks before the election.

Kunkel found the apology she got insincere.

“Very similar to the apology I saw on TV last week," Kunkel said referring to the videotaped statement Filner made in response to allegations of sexual harassment. "Obviously written by somebody else."

Kunkel is still working the baggage service center six years later and had plenty to say about current allegations against Mayor Filner.

“It doesn't surprise me. It does not surprise me,” Kunkel said.

“He has a control issue and definitely a short temper as far as what I saw,” Kunkel said.

Mayor Filner has admitted to disrespecting women in the past and at times intimidating them.

Those calling for his resignation claim the mayor has a pattern of behavior toward women that includes asking them if they are married or dating anyone, isolating them from others and then forcing affection on them through kissing or even groping.

The mayor has not addressed those specific allegations but has asked that the anonymous accusers file a claim so he can have due process.

Kunkel admits she was at least intimidated by the power of Filner's position but doesn't regret her decision to press charges.

“I was just trying to do my job. I wouldn't let anybody do that today and even if it's “Joe Schmo” off the street,” Kunkel said.

At the time of the incident, Filner said he did not get physical with Kunkel, and denied receiving special treatment. He did admit to walking back into the employee only area.

Mayor Filner has declined NBC 7’s repeated requests for an interview.
 

Victim Hotline Opened in Mayor Scandal

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Should there be a criminal investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment surrounding Mayor Bob Filner, the San Diego Sheriff's Department will take the lead as the investigative agency.

On Friday, law enforcement officials announced that the Sheriff's Department would spearhead any potential sexual misconduct or harassment investigations surrounding the embattled mayor, who's been accused by former allies of inappropriately touching, kissing and groping several unidentified women.

Law enforcement officials say a framework has now been established for any possible criminal investigation on Filner, and it starts with a phone number.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department has created a special victim’s hotline for anyone wishing to come forward with reports of sexual harassment or other unlawful claims involving Filner.

The hotline – which can be reached at (619) 481-0220 – will be used by law enforcement if a criminal investigation into Filner is initiated.

It's designed for anyone who wants to report an incident in which they allegedly felt victimized or sexually harassed by the mayor. The claims will be then be investigated by officials, who will conduct a “thorough analysis of each complaint if warranted.”

After that, details would be provided to the State Attorney General’s Office for review and possible prosecution.

SPECIAL SECTION: Mayor Under Fire

Officials say those who report being the victim of a sexual offense will be provided anonymity under California Penal Code. Under Marsy’s Law, victims of sexual offenses can be accompanied by a representative or an advocate during the interview process with law enforcement. 

According to Sheriff Bill Gore, the sheriff’s department will not be providing details to the public, should an investigation into Filner proceed.

TIMELINE: Bob Filner's Term as Mayor

If an investigation is warranted, officials say Capt. Duncan Fraser, who commands the San Diego County Sheriffs Department’s Central Investigations Division, will oversee the matter.

On Friday, the San Diego District Attorney’s office also outlined the process for a potential criminal investigation into the accusations surrounding Filner, confirming the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department would take the lead on this.

Earlier this week attorney Marco Gonzalez said his client is taking the next step to formalizing her allegations against Filner.

As of Friday afternoon, there has been no formal claim or charges filed against the mayor.

Late Friday, Mayor Filner released this statement about the victim's hotline established by law enforcement:

“I very much welcome the fact that some of these allegations will finally be addressed by an appropriate investigative authority rather than by press conference and innuendo. As I have stated before, everyone deserves due process and I am encouraged an effort to implement that has begun.”

County Clerk Asks CA Court to Stop Same-Sex Marriage

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The San Diego County Clerk independently filed a petition with the California Supreme Court on Friday asking to prohibit county clerks from issuing same-sex marriage licenses.

San Diego County Assessor Ernie Dronenberg, who is in charge of issuing marriage licenses, filed the petition Friday through a private attorney. Dronenberg was elected two years ago.

“What we asked is for clarification of the law,” said Sandra Banaga from the clerk’s office.

Banaga also said 19 other counties have also filed a petition and are asking for a temporary stay, meaning no same-sex marriage licenses would be issued should the California Supreme Court decide to take up the petition.

When asked why the counties were filing this petition, she said the reason was simply for clarification.

"We’re making sure to follow the constitution so there isn’t any confusion," she said.

She also said the office hopes that a sense of urgency is brought to the California Supreme Court regarding this petition.

The San Diego County Clerk office also issued a statement Friday saying they will continue "Walk-In Wednesdays" which is when people do not need to make an appointment to get a marriage license.

County Chairman Greg Cox issued a statement about the petition, saying:

"The County Clerk has acted independently on this matter. No one else from the County was consulted or had any part of this court action, including the Board of Supervisors. The County’s position is and always has been that we, the County, will follow applicable law with regards to same-sex marriage."

California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris also issued a statement saying:

"The filing offers no new arguments that could deny same-sex couples their constitutionally protected civil rights. The federal injunction is still in effect, and it requires all 58 counties to perform same-sex marriages. No exceptions," it said.



Photo Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Psychology of Batman

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Dr. Travis Langley is a professor of psychology at Henderson State University, and the author or “A Dark And Stormy Knight: The Psychology of Batman.” He tells NBC7.com how fictional characters can help students learn about psychology, and perhaps even help folks who need treatment seek it out. You can follow him on Twitter @Superherologist.

Jay Z and Beyonce Attend Trayvon Martin Rally

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NEW YORK, NY - JULY 20: Singer Beyonce and her husband Jay-Z attend a rally honoring Trayvon Martin outside One Police Plaza in Manhattan on July 20, 2013 in New York City. Demonstrators have gathered in various cities across the country to protest the acquittal of neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman and press for his federal prosecution in the shooting death of teenager Trayvon Martin. (Photo by Kena Betancur/Getty Images)

Three 7-Eleven Stores Robbed Within 1 Hour

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San Diego Police are investigating a string of robberies that happened within one hour at three different 7 Eleven stores overnight.

The first attempted robbery happened around 12:30 a.m. at the 7-Eleven located at 4080 Convoy St. in Kearny Mesa.

Officers said a man went into the store and simulated having a gun in his waistband. He then demanded cash from the clerk.

According to police, the clerk refused to give him any money and the suspect left the scene.

Police describe the suspect as a white or Hispanic man in his early 20s. He’s about 5-foot-11 and 180-pounds. Officers said he was wearing a black hoodie and a green shirt.

The second robbery happened in San Ysidro just about half an hour later, at around 1 a.m.

According to police, a man described as being in his 30s entered the 7-Eleven at 644 San Ysidro Blvd. and demanded cash from the clerk.

The suspect left with an undisclosed amount of money. Police described him as a Hispanic male, about 5-foot-6, wearing a blue shirt, blue pants, and a blue cap.

The third in the string of robberies also happened in Kearny Mesa at about 1:30 a.m.

Officers said a man walked into the 7-Eleven at 3860 Kearny Mesa Rd. demanding cash from the clerk. The suspect fled with some cash and cigarettes.

Police described him as a 20 year-old Hispanic male, about 6 feet tall. He was wearing a black hoodie and jeans.

No one was injured in the three incidents, but police are investigating further. Anyone with information is asked to call the San Diego Police Department.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Armed Suspect Robs Jewelry Store at Mall

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A jewelry store in Fashion Valley Mall was robbed at gunpoint Saturday, officials said.

The robbery happened around 6:35 p.m. at Royal Maui Jewelers and involved a man armed with a gun.

Police responded to the scene and set up a perimeter around the mall.

Witnesses told officials they saw the suspect fleeing the mall – possibly near Bloomingdales – in a two-door red Honda Civic. He may have fled eastbound on Friars Road, according to witnesses.

No injuries were reported.

Police said the suspect is described as a white man in his 50s, 6 feet tall and about 200 pounds. He has gray hair and was wearing a brown shirt and khaki pants at the time of the robbery.

The incident is under investigation. Check back for updates.

 



Photo Credit: Chris Chan

Coast Guard Offloads $35 Million in Cocaine in Miami Beach

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Coast Guard crews in Miami offloaded 2,300 pounds of cocaine at the Miami Beach base Saturday.

The $35 million worth of cocaine was recovered last week from a go-fast vessel with suspicious packages on board, according to a Coast Guard press release.

Boat and air crews followed the boat after an Air Station Miami crew saw the packages from overhead, officials said. When the suspected smugglers realized they were being chased, they jettisoned 42 bales that later tested positive for cocaine, the release said.

Coast Guard Gets New Crime Fighting Cutter

Four people were detained and transferred to law enforcement officials in Tampa, authorities said.

Among the boats that responded was the Robert Yered, a Fast Response cutter homeported in Miami and the fourth of its kind for conducting maritime drug busts.

More Local Stories:

 



Photo Credit: Courtesy U.S. Coast Guard

Man Accused of Killing Transgender Lover, Dumping Body Parts in Lot

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A man is in custody after he allegedly murdered his transgender lover and then dumped her body parts in a vacant lot in the Strawberry Mansion section of Philadelphia.

On Wednesday, police received a call from a woman who claimed that her boyfriend had killed someone, according to law enforcement sources.

Sources say that in her statement to police, the woman claimed she returned to her home on Sunday where she heard her boyfriend, 43-year-old Charles Sargent, making noise on the second floor. The woman says Sargent then confronted her while naked and with blood on his leg and threatened to kill her if she said anything about the noise she had just heard.

The woman said in her statement that Sargent then brought a body wrapped in bed sheets and then once again threatened to kill her.  The woman told police he later grabbed plastic bags to wrap up the body. Sargent also allegedly had an axe in his possession.

According to the woman, Sargent told her that the body was that of a person he had relations with. Sargent allegedly killed the victim after finding out she was a transgender woman, identified as Mark Williams of Philadelphia. Sargent allegedly used a hatchet and screwdriver to kill Williams and then dumped her remains in a vacant lot at the intersection of Sedgley Avenue and York Street. (Pictured on Right, Mark Williams)

The woman said that Sargent threatened to harm her and her children if she told anyone, according to sources. That didn’t stop her from telling police however, who arrested Sargent and took him into custody. Once in custody, he allegedly confessed to the murder.

Sargent is charged with murder, possession of an instrument of crime, abuse of a corpse and making terroristic threats. According to court documents, he has a criminal record and was charged with rape and aggravated assault in the past.

Investigators say police recovered a six-inch pocket knife as well as screwdrivers from the home Sargent shared with his girlfriend on the 2100 block of North 32nd Street. Investigators searched the vacant lot on Sedgley and York where they found Williams' body parts. According to police, Williams was arrested previously for prostitution.

Sargent's girlfriend is currently staying with her mother. She says that the home she shared with him "smells like death" and that she likely won't return.

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