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SDPD: Rate How Our Officers Are Doing

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As a Department of Justice audit is set to start, the San Diego Police Department is undergoing another survey. This one involves the University of Illinois at Chicago and you.

So far more than 8,000 people have been sent letters asking them to take a survey.

The SDPD is asking thousands of people to participate in a survey, designed to collect information that could improve the department.

“The people who would be receiving a letter would be someone who may have been involved in a traffic accident, someone who may have been stopped and received a traffic citation, or someone who may have been a victim in a crime,” said Lt. Kevin Mayer.

The department is one of approximately 100 agencies nationwide that’s part of this survey. They’ve partnered up with the National Police Research Platform and the University of Illinois at Chicago.

“Chief Lansdowne was asked back in the summer of 2013 if he’d be willing to participate and he said ‘absolutely, count us in.’ We’re always looking for ways to be better, to do our job more efficiently, and to provide better service,” Mayer said.

The survey has about a dozen questions, addressing all kinds of topics. Some sample questions include – “During you encounter with police, at the start, did the officer greet you by saying hello and stating his/her name?” or “Please rate how good a job the police are doing in your neighborhood.”

Dr. Joshua Chanin, assistant professor of Public Affairs at SDSU says this survey could increase the legitimacy of the department in the eyes of the public.

“Given the problems that pervade the department right now, I think any time that they’re soliciting feedback, that suggests that there’s an important message being sent that they care,” says Chanin.

The survey comes around the same time the Department of Justice launched an independent audit of the SDPD, after allegations of sexual misconduct by uniformed officers. Lt. Mayer says the timing of this is just coincidence.

The cost of the survey to the city is minimal. Results should be made public, hopefully by the end of the year.

If you receive a letter, the survey takes about 10 minutes and the department tells NBC 7 answers are confidential.


Cop's Son Drove Dad's Cruiser: Cops

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A 27-year-old man has been arrested for driving his father's marked police cruiser and unlawfully firing a weapon, all while wearing his father's uniform shirt. 

Crews initially responded to the 15000 block of Stillfield Place in Centreville around 2 a.m. March 16 for suspicious noises. They say 27-year-old James Michael Puebla Berling, a son of a Fairfax County police officer, fired a gun there.

Shortly after, a trooper noticed a Fairfax County police cruiser driving over the speed limit on Route 29. Fearing an officer was in distress, the trooper gave chase to offer assistance. 

At some point during the drive, Berling had activated his police lights. 

Troopers caught up with him back on Stillfield Place, at which Berling and a passenger attempted to escape into nearby woods. They were arrested and charged shortly after. 

Berling was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, impersonating a police officer and wreckless discharge of a weapon. Officials say the gun fired by Berling was not issued to police. 

Caitlin Lee, 18, of Centreville was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, possession of marijuana and schedule I or II narcotic.

 

 

America's Favorite Pandas

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Don't miss these amazing photos of pandas and their cubs in action. Click to see the life of the beloved bamboo-crunching animals in various zoos.

Photo Credit: Smithsonian National Zoo

DC Mayor Loses Primary Amid Scandal

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Muriel Bowser won the Democratic nomination for D.C. mayor Tuesday, defeating an incumbent wounded by a fundraising scandal.

The race was shortened by weather and roiled by an investigation into the fundraising of incumbent Mayor Vincent Gray's 2010 campaign.

Turnout Tuesday in many of the city's 143 precincts was light but steady.

With 127 of the city's 143 precincts reporting, Bowser had claimed almost 44 percent of the vote to Gray's 33 percent. Just before midnight in front of a subdued crowd, Gray conceded the election.

"The amount of work we've done over the past three and a-half years has been nothing short of phenomenal," Gray said. 

Gray pointed to the unusually cold winter as hampering his campaign.

"One thing I have to say, I hope the city will change the date of the primary," Gray said. "This is really poor... having to run a campaign in winter. Trying to knock on doors in February is hard, it's complex and it's cold."

He still has nine more months in office as a lame-duck mayor.

In her victory speech, Bowser pledged to unite the party amid thunderous applause of her supporters.

"We know we need a fresh start," Bowser told a fired up crowd. "[Democrats] will unite. The Democrats of the nation's capital have always elected a Democratic mayor, a Democratic mayor, and in big numbers. And we're going to do it again in November... I accept your nomination!"

Bowser will face David Catania, a former Republican and now an Independent, in November's election.

"No one wanted to vote [Tuesday],'' Catania said. "It's a little bit disheartening to see the light turnout. It's a function of people losing faith in the system.''

Though eight candidates ran in the Democratic mayoral primary, the race quickly narrowed to two leading candidates: Gray and Bowser. Gray's support through the campaign stayed steady, but enthusiastic, even after federal prosecutors said he knew his campaign took funds raised illegally by D.C. businessman Jeffrey Thompson.

Gray, 71, has emphatically denied that he did anything wrong.

But support for Bowser, who has been advertising herself as a "fresh face" in local D.C. politics, spiked after Thompson was charged, and the last NBC4/Marist poll, one week before Election Day, showed the two in a statistical tie.

In other races, Brianne Nadeau defeated incumbent Jim Graham as the Democratic nominee in Ward 1 in District Council. Kenyan McDuffie easily won the Ward 5 nomination, Anita Bonds was re-elected as a nominee for council at large and Phil Mendelson won the nomination for council chair. In Ward 6, Charles Allen defeated Darrel Thompson.

Light Turnout

Bowser was the first mayoral candidate to cast her vote Tuesday, arriving at LaSalle Elementary School just after polls opened Tuesday morning.

Gray stopped by the northeast Washington school around the same time. He talked with voters and danced with volunteers.

Volunteers for his campaign stood outside the school chanting, "Four more years," while Bowser's camp yelled, "New mayor, fresh start."

Wearing a campaign shirt rolled halfway up his torso, Gray voted a few hours later at his polling location in Ward 7. The shirt was rolled up because candidates can't show campaign logos inside polling locations.

Other candidates ouvoting early Tuesday included Ward 2 Council member Jack Evans and Ward 6 Council member Tommy Wells, who were both trailing in the polls and looking for an upset. Restaurant owner and newcomer candidate Andy Shallal voted as his campaign workers worked the polls. Also on the ballot were candidates Vincent Orange, Reta Jo Lewis and Carlos Allen.

Residents Have Their Say

Aggie Wellington, 64, who has lived in the city for close to 40 years, said she is fairly happy with the direction of the city and voted for Gray.

"To be honest, I don't have any complaints,'' Wellington said at a polling station at William B. Powell Elementary School.

Wellington, an administrative assistant, said she wavered between candidates and would like to see a female mayor, but in the end voted for Gray.

"I don't mind giving him another chance,'' she said.

Zach Teutsch, 30, cast his vote for Wells. The federal worker said he voted for Gray in 2010 and was "disappointed not to be voting for him this time around.'' Teutsch said he believes Gray has "generally been a good mayor'' but is concerned that he has pledged to stay in office if indicted.

"I think it would be bad for the city,'' Teutsch said.

Five people involved with Gray's campaign four years ago have pleaded guilty to felonies. Three weeks ago, federal prosecutors said for the first time Gray knew about an illegal, $668,000 slush fund that helped him get elected in 2010.

All seven of his campaign opponents believe he knew about the shadow campaign

The Associated Press contributed to this report.



Photo Credit: AP

8,730 Pounds of Chicken Recalled

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AdvancePierre Foods is recalling approximately 8,730 pounds of frozen chicken breast products due to misprinting and undeclared allergens, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The products recalled were "Our Down Home Style Chicken Breast Fritters for Chicken Frying" with lot code 5440730403 or 5440800403, produced March 14 and 21, 2014. Only these lot codes and dates are affected.

Oklahoma-based firm said these products were distributed to food service establishments in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Virginia.
 
AdvancePierre Foods discovered the issue during an internal label review. The USDA said the problem occurred when AdvancePierre Foods used labels with an incorrect ingredient statement.
 
There have been no reports of allergic reactions.


Photo Credit: USDA

Razor Blades on Pa. Playground

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Parents in a Pennsylvania community are on edge after police say a vandal attached razor blades to playground equipment.

"I can't believe anyone would do that, that's disgusting," said one woman from the Delaware County community.

The razor blades were found duct-taped on playground equipment at Eaton Park at West Maple and Mount Vernon Avenues in Brookhaven on Tuesday.

"It's just absurd," said Joe Lombardo, the father of a 3-year-old boy. "I can't believe someone could do something like that. I'd definitely kill somebody over that. If my son got hurt, it would be a great thing for the cops to find them, let's put it that way."

No children were hurt.

Brookhaven Police removed the blades and checked other parks in the town. While nothing else was found, police say officers will continue to check the parks during each shift.

"I do see a group of kids who are up here all the time," said Bob Kilman, who lives near the playground. "I know they're up to no good and I always tell them to get out of here."

This incident came just a week after a toddler was hurt by razor blades taped to playground equipment in Illinois.

If you have any information on the vandalism, please call Detective Tim Habich or Officer Robert Barth at 610-876-6142.



Photo Credit: NBC10.com

Woman Mauled by Son's Dogs

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The body of an 85-year-old Kaufman, Texas, woman found deceased in her home Monday had been mauled by dogs, police say.

Officers were called to a home in the 1400 block of E. First Street at about 4:45 p.m. after the woman, identified as Dorothy Hamilton, had been found deceased by her son.

Police said two dogs broke through a bedroom door to get to the woman but they have not been able to confirm if the dogs killed her or if they mauled her after she died. Investigators are classifying the incident as an unexplained cause of death pending the autopsy results from the medical examiner.

The woman's son, identified by family members as Michael Hamilton, told police he had seen his mother alive earlier in the day.

Eight dogs were found on the property and all of them were seized by authorities.  Police said all of the dogs, described as pit bulls, are very aggressive and will be euthanized.

Hamilton lived at the residence with her son Michael, who police said owned the dogs and had been keeping two of the animals inside the home.

Willie Thompson said he knew his cousin Michael had a couple of dogs but didn't know there were so many on the property.  Thompson said the dogs he saw weren't aggressive and were "more of a pet."

"Any time you lose a loved one in a tragic incident like this ... a sudden death, that's a hard thing to go through, so we working through it right now," said Thompson.

Carl Garmon, the victim's oldest son, said he was aware that the dogs were in the house and that his mother wanted them out.

"I was talking to her on the telephone, she was telling the dogs, 'Go on, Go on, Go on.' And, she said, 'I'm going to tell your brother to get the dogs out of the house,'" said Garmon. "She was a good woman, a very good woman. She loved everybody. Everybody in Dallas that knew her loved her.'

Police said no charges have been filed in the case at this time.

NBC 5's Greg Janda and Frank Heinz contributed to this report.



Photo Credit: NBC 5 News

Calif. Woman Struck by Lightning

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A California woman who was struck by lightning during Monday's storm that dumped down on the Bay Area says she's doing fine.

Emily Davis said she has a lingering metallic taste in her mouth and that her teeth hurt a bit after the bizarre event. She got checked out by a healthcare provider on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old woman says she was struck by lightning on Monday afternoon as she was crossing Adeline Street in Berkeley.

Davis was holding an umbrella in one hand and a coffee in the other when she heard a nearby clap of thunder.

"I started to have that metallic taste in my mouth and after that it looked like someone took a picture with the flash, and a bolt of light went down my umbrella hand," Davis said. "My hands started shaking. I couldn't control it for five minutes."

Davis said she threw her coffee on the ground because she could no longer hold it while her hands shook uncontrollably.

According to the National Weather Service, the odds of being struck by lightning in a given year are 1 in 500,000. About 60 people each year are killed by lightning in the United States, and several hundred are injured.

Lightning and electricity are no strangers to Davis' family.

Her father is an electrician. Davis' grandfather also served as an electrician, she said.

And to top it off Davis said her great-great-great-grandfather was struck by lightning and killed while sitting on a horse in Missouri.

Davis plans to have an EKG done on Wednesday to make sure her heart is strong.

Representatives from the Katie Couric show have also reached out to Davis for a possible appearance on the show.

 

Chris Roberts contributed to this report.



Photo Credit: Terry McSweeney

Fundraiser Planned for Unsolved Christmas Eve Murders

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Family and friends of three murder victims are holding a fundraiser to increase the reward for information leading to the killer’s arrest.

On Christmas Eve 2013, Salvatore Belvedere, 22, and Ilona Flint, 22, gunned down in a parking lot at the Westfield Mission Valley mall. Flint was pronounced at the scene, while Salvatore died a few days later from his injuries.

Gianni Belvedere -- Salvatore's brother and Flint's fiancé -- went missing following the shooting. The San Diego Police Department launched a missing person search for Gianni that lasted several weeks.

Finally, on Jan. 17, Gianni’s body was discovered in the trunk of his car in Riverside. He, too, had been fatally shot.

Three months later, the case remains a mystery.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case. Loved ones have also created a website to increase the reward, which has raised $1,000 so far.

The fundraiser is scheduled for April 13 at the Eastbound Bar and Grill in Lakeside.

SUV Flips on Rain-Soaked Highway

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NBC 7's Sherene Tagharobi reports on the rainy day crash that ended with an SUV flipped on its side near Escondido.

Woman Living in Filthy La Jolla Home Wants Pets Back

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NBC 7 Investigates has learned that the woman at the center of an elder abuse and animal neglect investigation in La Jolla wants her pets back.

On March 2, 19 dogs and cats were removed from a home on Avenida De Las Pescas, according to San Diego County Animal Services. Two animals were found dead, and a Chihuahua mix was discovered inside the garage freezer.

The million-dollar house was filled wall-to-wall with trash and clutter. The homeowner, 90-year-old Robert Stella, has been removed from the home. Victoria Turner is under investigation for possible elder abuse and animal neglect.

Of those 19 animals, investigators say six animals could not be rehabilitated and had to be euthanized. Of the 11 surviving animals, four have been adopted. Four dogs and three cats are currently in quarantine.

According to Animal Services, Turner has asked for an opportunity to plead her case and have these animals returned to her.

Officials say Turner is entitled to a hearing within 48 hours that would determine whether the confiscation of the animals was necessary. They say Turner waived the deadline and requested a new date.

“The owner has a right to go ahead and attain those animals back. She has a right to a hearing to determine the legality of the impoundment. She has requested a hearing and once that hearing is held, we will be able to determine whether the animals will be returned to her or not,” Animal Control Investigator Lt. Kalani Hudson explained.

An attorney employed by San Diego County will listen to the testimony, review the evidence and ultimately make the decision on whether or not the animals are returned.

Animal Control says Turner would also have to show proof she could provide proper housing and treatment of the animals and reimburse the shelter for its boarding and care since her pets have been impounded.

Animal Services says the animals are in good health and responding well. They have received veterinary care and are taking regular meals in a clean environment.

Turner did not return NBC 7’s calls for comment.

April Events in North San Diego

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April showers or not, this month North San Diego is throwing its cares to the wind and celebrating the start of spring with a long list of local events, all found on Yelp’s San Diego events page. From fashion shows to the popular Best Of North County party, spring is sweeping in soirees and festivals left and right!

The Avocado Festival, Apr. 13 (Fallbrook)
This year is the 28th annual avocado celebration in Fallbrook and it’ll be filled to the brim with the Festival’s Farmers Market and a ton of fun activities. There’s competition for all at every turn including a guacamole contest, the “Avo 500” Children’s Car Race and the Best Decorated Avocado Contest. Attendees will also enjoy live bands and entertainment on every corner. With all that in one place, it’s certainly worth the drive!

The FWSD Spring Showcase, Apr. 26 (Harrah’s Resort Southern California)
Celebrating its growing success, Fashion Week San Diego™ 2014 is holding its 1st Annual FWSD Spring Showcase at the fabulous Harrah’s Resort Southern California. Guests will enjoy fashion shows, a sample sale, entertainment (singer Aquile from NBC’s “The Voice”) art, mini makeovers and more. Tickets are around $50 at the door, or included with your FWSD passes.

San Diego Magazine’s Best Of North County Party, Apr. 25 (Carlsbad)

One of the most anticipated soiree’s of the spring. At this shindig, attendees will sample bites from North County's best restaurants, sip beer and wine from the top craft breweries and wineries and enjoy live music and entertainment. Hosted valet parking is available. Also, be sure to dress to impress in California cocktail attire. Tickets are $60 now through Apr. 7

4th Annual Bags & Baubles, Apr. 27 (Rancho Santa Fe)

This is the event of the season for the Foundation of Animal Care and Education (FACE), a non-profit charity dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for animals. At Bags & Baubles, attendees can join fellow animal lovers and fun fashionistas at a private estate in Rancho Santa Fe for a silent auction of hundreds of new and "gently loved" handbags, gorgeous jewelry and select men's items. Mix and mingle over decadent wines, delicious appetizers and yummy desserts. Tickets are only $10.

Encinitas Annual April Street Fair, Apr. 26-27 (Encinitas)
Enjoy over 450 unique foods, arts and crafts vendors plus four entertainment stages, children’s rides, a Dog Zone, a Kids Zone, bike valets and a Beer Garden at the annual April Street Fair in Encinitas. With its national award-winning Main Street, this traditional SoCal beach town is street fair perfection. Insider tip: Take the Coaster train, as there will be no parking on Hwy 101. The family-friendly, entertainment-packed event is free.
 

Trish Sanderson is the community manager and marketing director for Yelp North County San Diego. She leads the local community of Yelp reviewers both online and off.



Photo Credit: Vito Di Stefano

Reporter Challenges NCAA Policy, Gets His Cat Mug Confiscated

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A reporter covering the Elite Eight showdown on Sunday found that even his cute cat mug would not escape NCAA's strict branding rules.

Wall Street Journal reporter Jason Gay brought a mug featuring illustrations of cats in various poses to Sunday's game between Connecticut and Michigan State at Madison Square Garden in New York City, violating NCAA's ban on all unofficial cups at tournament games.

"I was not innocently wandering into the Garden with a cat mug," Gay wrote in an article documenting the absurd incident. "I felt the NCAA cup rule was pretty funny, and a bit ridiculous, so I wanted to wage a tiny protest against the NCAA by bringing my kitty cat beverage holder to the game.”

Gay knew the mug, although adorable, violated NCAA regulations and that his credentials to cover the tournament required him to obey those rules. Powerade is the exclusive and official beverage of the NCAA, and blue and black paper Powerade cups are the only ones permitted at facilities during the games.

Gay was upfront with his 31,000 Twitter followers about his plans to sneak the cat mug into MSG. He first tweeted a photo of the mug in front of a sign at MSG that read “Only NCAA Cups Allowed Beyond This Point.” Another shot showed the mug on a table next to the official NCAA paper cup.

 

With only a few minutes left to go in the UConn-Michigan State game, a staffer approached Gay at courtside and asked for the mug.

“I was asked if the Journal intended to cover the Final Four next weekend, and I said that, yes, I believed the Journal intended to cover the Final Four,” Gay wrote. “I still was hanging onto the idea that this whole thing was a joke. Then the cat mug was requested. As in, they wanted the cat mug.”

Gay considered putting up a fight "because this cat mug is a protest of what I see as the hypocrisy of big-time college athletics in this country, where an urge to reap every possible dollar has undermined a beautiful endeavor." He surrendered it instead.

The mug was returned after the game.

The NCAA, which makes billions of dollars from corporate deals and from using players' names and likenesses on merchandise, has come under fire for their refusal to pay college athletes.

A recent lawsuit by Northwestern University football players has challenged the NCAA's rules, and the National Labor Relations Board ruled last week that college athletes must be considered employees, in a decision that moves Northwestern players a step closer to organizing the nation's first college athletes' union.

The NCAA has not yet responded to a request for comment. 



Photo Credit: Getty Images/DeAgostini

PB Icon Featured in Slomo:The Movie

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The mystery of a Pacific Beach icon is unveiled in a new documentary that was shown at SXSW and has caught the eye of NY Times readers.

If you’ve seen Slomo skating along the boardwalk in Pacific Beach you may have wondered “what’s his story?”

He often glides by other people walking along the beach, moving to his own beat and at times rolling on just one skate with his arms outstretched.

“I think what I’m doing with all due modesty is a type of flying,” he says in the documentary "Slomo: The Movie."

The film reveals the story of John Kitchin, 69, a former neurologist who hung up his white coat and stethoscope and exchanged luxury cars for an MP3 player and a pair of roller skates.

Kitchin explains in detail what prompted him to leave his profession and reinvent himself.

He also shares some of his personal philosophy.

“I experience myself like a tip of a great iceberg of consciousness,” Kitchin tells the filmmakers.

Watch the profile and you’ll know the true story behind Slomo.
 

SDSU Seeks Photos, Memories from MLK Jr. Speech

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Nearly 50 years ago, Martin Luther King, Jr. visited San Diego and gave a public address at the Open Air Theatre at what was then San Diego State College. Today, San Diego State University (SDSU) is searching for memories from that historic event – hoping the public can share any mementos.

According to the university, MLK’s speech on campus – delivered on May 29, 1964 – urged all Americans to push for the passage of legislation that would help counter racial prejudice, bigotry and intolerance.

More than 4,000 people attended that address, yet the university has very few remnants of that day.

Five decades later, SDSU said all that remains is a grainy photograph scanned from a newspaper article.

Seth Mallios, chair of SDSU’s anthropology department, said the audio and transcript of the speech have been lost and there is no video of the event. To date, Mallios said the university has only been able to track down two people who actually attended the civil rights leader’s address on campus.

Now, as SDSU prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of King’s local speech, the university is calling on the community for help, asking anyone who attended the event to share their memories, photos or audio recordings.

People can email the university at community@sdsu.edu with their mementos from King’s SDSU visit, or call (619) 594-3952. According to SDSU, photos and memorabilia shared by the community may be posted online or displayed during a special anniversary ceremony on Apr. 30.

Mallios said artifacts and anecdotes from that day are very important to the history of the university.

“When Dr. King came to San Diego State, he had just been named ‘Time’ Magazine’s Man of the Year and was about to be named the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner in history; he was already a global icon," said Mallios. “Martin Luther King, Jr.’s visit to San Diego State is undoubtedly one of the most important moments in campus history.”

Mallios also said memories or photos from the event will “shed light on the Civil Rights Movement in San Diego and on Dr. King’s vision for racial harmony across the nation and world.”

SDSU will commemorate King’s local appearance and speech during a free public event on Apr. 30 at 3:30 p.m. in the courtyard of the Open Air Theatre. The event will feature addresses by local community leaders, civil rights advocates, historians and students.
 



Photo Credit: Courtesy of SDSU

Was Ortiz Selfie With Obama Staged?

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That selfie that Red Sox slugger David Ortiz took with President Barack Obama on Tuesday may have been part of a marketing stunt.

Now, Ortiz is taking some heat, NECN reports, after it emerged that Samsung coached him on how to snap his widely-tweeted White House photo.

Samsung acknowledged Wednesday that it had a relationship with Ortiz and the Red Sox and that it had helped him take his photo, and Sports Business Journal reported Monday that Ortiz just signed a new endorsement deal with the mobile provider.

"It was an honor to help him capture such an incredible and genuine moment of joy and excitement," Samsung said, comparing his selfie to the star-studded one that Ellen DeGeneres took at the Oscars.

The White House said Wednesday that Obama wasn't aware of the marketing stunt.

Ortiz snapped the photo with the president Tuesday as his team, last year's World Series champs, was being honored at the White House. Ortiz presented Obama with a personalized Red Sox jersey, which they're holding in the photo. 

Within moments, the photo was retweeted thousands of times.

Obama, a Chicago White Sox fan, told the team that several members of his administration are Red Sox fans and praised the team for its win and for bringing the city of Boston together in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings.

"Obviously, all the wins were sweet for Red Sox fans, but I think for the nation as a whole, there was something particular about this squad that was special and will go down in history," the president said.

He said the team represented the grit and resilience of one of America's iconic cities during one of its most difficult moments.



Photo Credit: @davidortiz

Ft. Hood Gunman Believed Dead

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A shooting Wednesday afternoon at the Fort Hood Army post has left multiple people injured, and the shooter is believed to be dead, post officials said. The post remains on lockdown.

NBC News reported that eight people were injured, four of them critically, and that the person who died is believed to be the gunman. Officials are still searching and clearing buildings at the post, but a military official told NBC News that the deceased shooter appeared to be the only shooter.

The Associated Press, citing an internal memo from the Justice Department, reported that the Fort Hood shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The AP also reported, citing a defense official, that 14 people had been wounded in the shooting.

Fort Hood officials have confirmed that a shooting occurred at the post, though the post has not confirmed the number of people injured. Scott & White Hospital in Temple confirms they have a command center in place and are receiving patients from the post.

Just after 5 p.m. local time, the post tweeted that all personnel were being asked to shelter in place, close doors and stay away from windows.

The shooting is believed to have taken place at the Medical Brigade Building. Local NBC affiliate KCEN-TV reported there were also reports of victims at the Battle Simulation Center.

Officials with the Bell County Sheriff's Office and Texas Department of Public Safety are helping to secure the perimeter of the largest active duty armored post in the United States Armed Services.

Central Texas College's campus was evacuated due to the shooting, with all personnel and students asked to leave and all classes canceled.

In November 2009, 13 people were killed and more than 30 others injured when Maj. Nidal Hasan opened fire on dozens of people at the post. Hasan was paralyzed during an exchange of gunfire and, in late 2013, was sentenced to death.  He is currently awaiting execution.

In February, officials at the Central Texas Army post said the site of the 2009 massacre, a processing center also known as Building 42003, had been razed.

Fort Hood covers a total of 340-square miles and supports multiple units, a corps headquarters and a robust mobilization mission. It is home to two full divisions, the 1st Cavalry Division and 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) and 12 additional units. About 41,000 soldiers work at Fort Hood.

The post is about 60 miles north of the capital city of Austin, 50 miles south of Waco, 160 miles south of Dallas, and 150 miles north of San Antonio.

As this story is developing, check back and refresh this page for the latest updates.

Murder Suspect Sobs as Trial Shifts Focus to Forensics

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A San Diego-based Iraqi immigrant on trial for beating his wife to death sobbed in a courtroom Wednesday as the focus of his trial shifted to forensics, including blood evidence, fingerprints and photographs of the murder scene.

With his head in his hands, defendant Kassim Al-Himidi, 49, wept in court, loud enough that the jury could hear him – albeit more quietly than when he wailed in court Tuesday after hearing the 911 call tied to his case.

Al-Himidi is accused of fatally beating his wife, Shaima Alawadi, 32, two years ago. Her brutally beaten body was found in a pool of blood by the couple’s then 17-year-old daughter in the dining room of their family home in El Cajon on Mar. 21, 2012.

Alawadi died a few days later from critical brain injuries.

At first, the case was investigated as a hate crime because a threatening note was found at the crime scene that read: “This is my country, go back to yours, terrorist.”

Both the defendant and victim are Iraqi immigrants. The case reverberated across the nation until El Cajon police later said the killing was an isolated incident and Alawadi’s death was likely not a hate crime, but rather one of domestic violence.

In court last July, the couple’s daughter, Fatima, testified that her parents’ marriage had been on the rocks and her mother had planned to file for divorce and move to Texas. Fatima said her father was not pleased with those plans and begged Alawadi to stay with him.

According to the prosecution, Al-Himidi killed his wife because she wanted a divorce, then staged the scene to make it look like a hate crime.

On Wednesday, as with the remainder of the trial, cameras were not allowed in the courtroom during testimony. Cameras were only allowed inside on Tuesday during opening statements.

However, an NBC 7 reporter was in court Wednesday during testimony and Al-Himidi’s emotions ran high once again.

This time, the accused husband cried aloud when a photo was shown of the master bedroom at the family’s home on Skyview Street. On top of the dresser were photographs of the couple and the family.

The couple’s daughter is expected to testify Thursday about finding her mother’s body, calling 911 and the state of her parents’ marriage at the time of the murder.
 



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego

Cop Coverup Claims to Be Heard in Civil Suit

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A federal judge ruled Tuesday there is enough evidence for a jury to hear allegations that the San Diego Police Department condoned and covered up misconduct by former police officer Anthony Arevalos.

Arevalos was convicted of eliciting sexual favors from women while on patrol in the Gaslamp Quarter.

According to Linda Workman, the attorney for one of the victim’s only identified as “Jane Doe,” her client will be allowed to present evidence to the jury of the police department’s alleged “Code of Silence.”

"We are pleased that the truth about the SDPD's code of silence is coming out," said Workman. “This is about whether a woman feels safe driving at night. This is about my daughter or your daughter my sister or your sister are safe on the streets at night.”

NBC 7 reached out to the San Diego Police Department which referred questions to the City Attorney’s office.

Deputy City Attorney Michael Giorgino provided this statement:

“The ruling does not change much in that the city is already responsible under the law for Arevalos’ misconduct while on duty. We settled with 12 of the 13 victims. We were unable to reach an agreement with Jane Doe, so we will go to trial. The issue at trial remains what injuries Jane Doe suffered and how much she should be awarded.

She says she fears being outside because of the incident, for example, and should be awarded damages for that. We want the jury to see all the evidence and set a reasonable amount for whatever injuries they find she, in fact, suffered. That’s what the case is about.”

Workman and Jane Doe’s other attorney Joe Dicks would not say how much Jane Doe is seeking in damages. They told NBC 7 that information and their evidence on the alleged cover-up will only be revealed in court.

According to Workman, Jane Doe is scheduled present the evidence to a jury at trial which begins July 8, 2014 in Federal Court.

Jury: County at Fault for Girl's Molestation

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A jury ruled San Diego County must pay nearly $2 million for its failure to protect a child in its care from her sexually abusive biological father.

One of Child Welfare Services missions is to protect children but a recent jury verdict ruled the county agency didn’t protect attorney Randall Rechs' young client we're calling "Doe."

“They were in the best position to protect this young lady and I think they failed. And this little girl paid the price,” explained Rechs.

According to the civil suit Rechs filed in 2010, the adopted girl told family members she'd been molested over four months time while visiting her biological father. The child was 12 at the time of the abuse.

A traumatizing crime that likely could have been prevented.

Even though bound by law, Child Welfare Services didn't tell the adoptive parents that as early as 1998 the father was accused of sexually assaulting Doe's older brother.

According to Rechs, the information released in adoption papers only noted the father's drug and physical abuse.

“Many other facts were disclosed but that’s an important one they left out and it cost my client dearly,” the attorney told NBC 7 Monday.

Now it’s going to cost the county.

On Wednesday, a jury ruled in Doe's favor rendering a $1.8 million verdict against San Diego County.

Rechs hopes the penalty helps to change the system so no other child ever has to suffer a similar fate.

“I hope the system gets better and there are checks and balances to know the right hand knows what the left hand is doing,” he said.

NBC 7 requested a comment from a San Diego County spokesperson but has not received a reply.

The victim’s father is serving time for his crimes. The jury also issued a verdict against him of more than $600,000.

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