‘Affluenza’ teen’s mom took $30K before run
FORT WORTH, Texas – Weeks before “affluenza” teen fugitive Ethan Couch was arrested in Mexico with a cheap disguise of dyed hair and beard, his mother had pulled $30,000 from a bank account and told his father he’d never see them again, according to her arrest warrant.
Just how far the mother and son planned to get with the $30,000 and the pickup truck they used to drive across the border was unclear.
When arrested, the pair had made it about 1,200 miles to the Pacific coast resort town of Puerto Vallarta, where a pizza delivery order led authorities to their apartment.
Suspect who shot officer arraigned
PHILADELPHIA – A man who investigators say claimed he shot and wounded a Philadelphia police officer in the name of Islam has been charged with attempted murder.
Thirty-year-old Edward Archer of Yeadon was arraigned Saturday on charges that also include aggravated assault and assault of a law enforcement officer.
Authorities allege Archer fired at least 13 shots late Thursday toward Officer Jesse Hartnett, who was seriously wounded but was able to pursue him and return fire. Other officers apprehended Archer about a block away.
Investigators say Archer told them he was “following Allah” and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.
Rhythm and blues singer Clay dies at 73
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Hall of fame rhythm and blues artist Otis Clay, known as much for his big heart and charitable work in Chicago as for his singing internationally, died Friday. He was 73.
The Mississippi-born Clay – whose gruff, tenor-tinged voice on blues songs such as “Trying to Live My Life Without You” varied from his haunting but hopeful baritone on gospel standards like “When the Gates Swing Open” – died suddenly of a heart attack at 6:30 p.m., said his daughter, Ronda Tankson.
The one-time Grammy nominee had a year of touring planned behind recent records and recognition at May’s 37th Blues Music Awards, manager Miki Mulvehil said. Clay is nominated for Soul-Blues Male Artist and Soul-Blues Album for “This Time for Real,” his collaboration with Billy Price.
Kerry to respond on jailed reporter’s case
WASHINGTON – The State Department said Saturday that Secretary of State John Kerry will respond “as appropriate” to a letter from executives at 25 news organizations, including The Associated Press, asking him to press Iran to free jailed Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian.
The department is “working very hard to get our citizens back home and we call again on Iran to release them,” spokesman John Kirby said.
Besides Rezaian, three other Iranian-Americans are known to be held by Iran. Separately, a former FBI agent disappeared in Iran in 2007 while working for the CIA on an unapproved intelligence mission.
The letter said Iran should recognize independent journalism is “a fundamental human right” and should release Rezaian.
Associated Press
