The Whitsdom Press

Tag: crime

  • Final Fugitive Caught: Derrick Groves Captured in Atlanta

    The long search for convicted murderer Derrick Groves ended dramatically in Southwest Atlanta, Georgia, on Wednesday, October 8th. Groves, the very last inmate on the run from a major jailbreak in New Orleans, was caught after a stand-off with police. His arrest closes a long race for law enforcement.

    New mugshot of Derrick Groves

    Dramatic End to the Manhunt in Atlanta

    Authorities, including the U.S. Marshals and the Atlanta Police SWAT team, surrounded a home in southwest Atlanta after getting a tip. Groves had been hiding there for some time. After hours of trying to get him to come out, officers fired gas into the house. Groves was later found by a police dog hiding in a small crawl space in the basement. He was arrested without anyone getting hurt.

    When police led the prisoner away, Groves, who was barefoot and shirtless, smiled and blew a kiss at the camera, a shocking reaction that quickly spread online. He is now being held in the Fulton County Jail and will be sent back to New Orleans soon.

    Who is Derrick Groves and What Were His Charges?

    Derrick Groves, 28, was one of the most dangerous of the men who broke out. He has a long history of violent crime.

    • Main Crime: Groves was convicted of second-degree murder in October 2024. He was found guilty of using an assault rifle to shoot at a family party on Mardi Gras in 2018, killing two people (Jamar Robinson and Byron Jackson) and injuring several others. He was facing a possible life sentence without parole.
    • Past Charges: Court records show Groves, who goes by the street name “Woo,” sold heroin as a teenager and faced federal drug charges. He was involved in at least four killings over an 18-month period. He also later pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges in connection with a separate double killing in 2017.
    • Family Connection: Groves is the grandson of a New Orleans woman, Kim Groves, who was famously murdered in 1994 by a corrupt police officer after she filed a brutality complaint against him.

    The New Orleans Jailbreak and the Capture of All Ten Fugitives

    Groves was part of an unusual mass escape from the Orleans Parish Justice Center in New Orleans on May 16. Ten inmates escaped by breaking through a faulty cell door, taking a toilet off the wall, and crawling through a hole behind it. They then climbed a barbed-wire fence and escaped onto the highway. The escape went unnoticed for hours.

    The New Orleans Jail Escapees

    This major jailbreak led to a huge, multi-state search for all ten men.

    • Quick Captures: Many of the escapees were caught quickly, most of them within New Orleans or Louisiana. Three of the men were caught the same day as the escape.
    • Other Escapees: The other nine inmates who escaped were: Antoine Massey, Jermaine Donald, Leo Tate, Lenton Vanburen, Kendall Myles, Gary Price, Corey Boyd, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis.
    • Manhunt: While nine were brought back into custody within about six weeks (one was caught as far away as Texas after a car chase), Derrick Groves stayed on the run for nearly five months, making him the target of a high-reward, nationwide search until his arrest in Atlanta.
    • Inside Help: Investigators believe the escape was an inside job. A jail maintenance worker was arrested for turning off the water to the toilet, and a former jail employee (who was Groves’ girlfriend) was also arrested and charged with helping to plan the escape.

    All ten inmates will now face extra charges for simple escape, which can add between two and five years to their original prison time. Groves’ capture means that every single person involved in the jailbreak is now back in custody.

  • Oninda Romelus & the Brazoria County Gas Station Tragedy

    The news of a tragic shooting at a gas station in Brazoria County, Texas, has sent shockwaves across the nation. The case involves 31-year-old Oninda Romelus, a mother of four, who is accused of a crime that resulted in the death of two of her children and serious injury to two others. This article delves into the distressing details revealed in court documents and media reports surrounding the incident and the mother’s alleged statements.

    The Incident at Falcon Express

    The horrific event unfolded at pump number 2 of the Falcon Express gas station located near Angleton, off Highway 288. According to investigators, Oninda Romelus pulled into the station in her white Audi and called 9-1-1 on a Saturday afternoon.

    When sheriff’s deputies quickly arrived at the scene, they found a devastating sight: two of the four children—a 13-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter—were dead from gunshot wounds. Deputies immediately provided life-saving measures to the two other children, an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old, who were later hospitalized and are reportedly recovering. Romelus was placed into handcuffs without resistance.

    Disturbing Allegations and Confessions

    The most chilling details of the case emerged from Romelus’s alleged statements to investigators. During her interview at the county jail, she reportedly made several disturbing claims that suggested a motive rooted in extreme delusion or malice.

    When questioned about her actions, Romelus allegedly stated, “instead of them doing it to me, I’m going to do it to them,” and clarified that her intent was to “killed them all”. Furthermore, when asked why she called 9-1-1, she corrected the officers, claiming she did not call the police, but rather, she “called the devil”. She later told investigators her children “were with the devil”.

    Background and Prior History

    Court records reveal a complex and troubled past for Oninda Romelus. She had previous legal issues, including closed cases tied to DUI and marijuana possession in Fayette County, Georgia.

    Fayette County, GA mugshot

    The news report from KHOU 11 Houston noted that Child Protective Services (CPS) had previously been called to her home, though the specifics of that case remain unclear.

    In a further layer of complexity to her family life, Oninda once appeared on “Paternity Court” in a 2022 case involving a child, who allegedly may have been a victim in the shooting. The episode showed neither of the two tested men were the father, adding a troubling public dimension to the family’s history. https://youtu.be/NXYHvlSZnz4?si=WhlO948h78ujn85J

    New Evidence: Identity Theft and Timeline

    A search warrant for Romelus’s home in Porter (Montgomery County) uncovered evidence of a separate criminal investigation into identity theft. When detectives searched the home, they found numerous items, including dozens of social security cards, credit cards, and identification cards.

    The search warrant affidavit noted that some of the identification cards had Romelus’s photograph but used different names and were in various stages of manufacture. Investigators also seized a Tesla from the driveway to look at its onboard surveillance system.

    Investigators used a neighbor’s security camera to establish a timeline, which showed Romelus’s vehicle leaving her Porter home around 2:39 AM Saturday morning. The 9-1-1 call from the Brazoria County gas station came about two hours later.

    Following the shooting, Romelus was charged with murder and is currently being held in the Brazoria County jail on an extremely high bond of $14 million.

    For more details on the identity theft evidence, you can refer to the KHOU 11 coverage: Investigators find evidence of identity theft at home of mother accused of shooting 4 children.

  • Let’s Talk About These ICE Raids in Chicago

    Look, let’s talk about what’s been happening right here in our Chicago neighborhoods. When you hear about ICE raids in Chicago, it’s not just some headline on the news; it’s our neighbors, our families, and our community safety on the line. Things have been tense since Operation Midway Blitz rolled into town, and it’s stirring up a lot of worry and fear.

    The Big South Side Raid: Targeting and Trauma

    You probably heard about the big operation that went down on the South Side, near the 75th and South Shore Drive apartment complex. The agents came in early, saying they were targeting members of a Venezuelan gang called Tren de Aragua. Now, nobody is trying to protect real criminals, but federal agents swept through, and they ended up detaining nearly 40 people.

    Here’s where the heart of the matter is. While the authorities say they were trying to stop drug crimes, you can’t just raid a whole building and not cause harm. Folks who were just living their lives—not involved in anything illegal—became collateral damage. One person even spoke about the trauma of having a gun put in their face. When the enforcement is that extreme, it stops being about safety and starts feeling like a nightmare for the innocent people caught in the crossfire.

    The Community Is Fighting Back!

    But listen, we are Chicago, and we do not bow down! When our community is under threat, we show up. People have been taking to the streets to protest Operation Midway Blitz, standing outside the ICE facility and shouting, “We want liberation now!”. That kind of community solidarity is what keeps us strong.

    Even our local leaders are putting their foot down. We saw the Illinois Governor push back hard against the claims that Chicago is just a crime-ridden city, making it clear that the city won’t be intimidated. The people are exercising their rights to say loud and clear that we are not going to stand by while our neighbors are being separated from their families. This is a fight for democracy and fundamental rights.

  • What Happened to Jade McKissic?

    The University of Houston community is grieving. They are mourning the tragic discovery of Jade “Sage” Elise McKissic. She was a 20-year-old University of Houston student. Her body was found in Brays Bayou. Her death has raised many questions. Friends, family, and classmates are mourning the loss of a young woman who was active, kind, and full of potential.

    Who Was Jade McKissic?

    Jade McKissic was a junior at the University of Houston. She studied Strategic Communications and Advertising in the Honors College. She was well known on campus for being active in student life. She served as an orientation guide. She worked as a front desk assistant. She also helped manage social media for different student groups.

    Friends and classmates described her as thoughtful, encouraging, and creative. She was the type of person who lifted others up and made them feel welcome. Many who knew her remember her smile and her willingness to help others succeed.

    Posted on IG page @houstontips on 9/17/2025

    What Happened to Jade?

    Jade was last seen on September 11, 2025. She was leaving a restaurant called LA Burgers and Daiquiris near MacGregor Way in Houston. She was reported missing three days later on September 14 when no one had heard from her. On September 15, Houston Police recovered her body from Brays Bayou. This location is near Spur 5 and not far from the University of Houston campus. On September 18, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences confirmed her identity. At this time, the cause of death has not been released. The medical examiner is still working on the case; as of 9/19/2025 at 11:57am CST, the case status is pending. Houston Police have said there is no confirmed sign of foul play, but the investigation is ongoing.

    Source: KPRC Click 2 Houston evening newscast
    Update with surveillance footage

    Concerns About Safety

    Jade’s death has shaken the University of Houston community. Some student groups have raised concerns about campus safety. They point out the need for better lighting. More transportation options are necessary. Faster communication is essential when students go missing. The group Deeds Not Words at UH was especially vocal. They said the university could have responded faster. The university could have done more to protect students. University officials have since offered support services for students and staff who are grieving.

    Jade’s case is especially alarming because she is not the only one found in Houston’s waterways. In the same week, at least four bodies were recovered from bayous around the city. This brings the total to 13 bodies found in Houston Bayous this year. While police say these cases are not connected, it has made many residents more concerned about safety in the area.

    Remembering Jade

    Jade McKissic is remembered as much more than a headline. She was a bright student, a loyal friend, and a leader who touched many lives in her short time. From Spring ISD, where she graduated, to the University of Houston, her impact is being felt deeply.

    The loss of Jade McKissic is heartbreaking for her family, friends, and classmates. The investigation is ongoing. Her story reminds us how valuable every life is. It is important for communities and schools to take student safety seriously.

  • The Tragic Story of Romeca Meeks: A Community Seeks Justice

    Romeca Meeks-Blackmon, a 31-year-old mother, was shot in the face and killed on Monday morning, September 8, 2025, in Chicago’s South Loop area near State Street and Cermak (South State Street near Serach Road) while dropping off her son at school. She was taken to Stroger Hospital but did not survive.

    Following the shooting, the suspect—Quadajah “Holly” Johnson—was arrested and held by Chicago police. However, as of reports published September 12–13, 2025, prosecutors announced that Johnson has been released without any charges filed.

    Romeca’s mother, Tina McMiller, has publicly demanded justice and called for stricter measures against domestic violence. She joined local leaders near the scene of the shooting and urged enforcement of Illinois House Bill 158, which treats violence as a public health crisis. A vigil was held outside Englewood STEM High School (or nearby), where hundreds of balloons were released in memory of Romeca, and her family described her as a kind, loving person who cared deeply for her child.

    Romeca’s young son is now being cared for by his grandmother. He is still trying to understand the loss of his mother.

    Many reports highlight that Romeca shared a child with a man named Carlos (sometimes referred to as Carlos Losos Way), who was present during the altercation. There are differing accounts about what triggered the confrontation. Some say Romeca had a restraining order against Carlos, and the relationship was unstable. Others—including people close to Carlos and Holly—claim Romeca may have harassed Holly, destroyed property, and initiated the fight on the day of the shooting.

    Witnesses reported that a physical struggle broke out. They allege Carlos held Romeca in a headlock, while Holly retrieved a firearm from their vehicle and shot Romeca in the face. Holly later told police she feared for her life, citing her concealed-carry license and claiming self-defense.

    Ultimately, no charges were brought against either Johnson (“Holly”) or Carlos. Police have labeled the shooting “domestic in nature,” but the exact sequence of events are still debated.

    The most heart-wrenching part of this story was the note she wrote for her son. She wrote it on the first day of school and put it in his lunch bag. As a mom, that messed me up a little. Was she expecting something bad to happen?

    What should have been a normal start to her day turned into a nightmare her child will never forget. Romeca wrote one last note to her child.

    I started thinking the other day. Most BW on BW (Black Woman on Black Woman) violence stems from either jealousy or a man. This happens whether you’re trying to impress him or keep him. Its sad because once again, kids will be missing a mother. Do you even care about your kids at all???

  • NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas Charged with Illegal Gambling

    Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas was arrested Wednesday, July 30, 2025, on federal charges for his alleged involvement in an illegal gambling operation. The arrest, which took place in Los Angeles, is the latest in a series of controversies that have followed the talented but tumultuous basketball player.

    Source: TMZ.com

    According to the indictment, Arenas, 43, is accused of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators. The charges stem from an alleged high-stakes poker ring run out of a mansion owned by the former Washington Wizards point guard.

    Federal prosecutors allege that from September 2021 to July 2022, Arenas’s property was used to host illegal poker games. Authorities have also charged five other individuals in connection with the operation.

    This is not the first time Arenas has been linked to gambling-related issues. In a well-publicized incident in December 2009, Arenas and then-teammate Javaris Crittenton were involved in a locker room confrontation over what was reported to be a gambling debt from a card game. The dispute escalated to the point where firearms were brought into the team’s locker room, leading to lengthy suspensions for both players from the NBA. Arenas eventually pleaded guilty to a felony charge of carrying a pistol without a license.

    After both Arenas and Crittenton lost money, Arenas made a threat in jest about burning Crittenton alive. Crittenton took this seriously and threatened to shoot Arenas, to which Arenas replied by saying he would bring the guns for him to do it. – People.com

    That incident significantly altered the trajectory of Arenas’s once-promising career. A three-time NBA All-Star known for his explosive scoring and “Agent Zero” moniker, Arenas’s on-court production declined following the gun scandal and subsequent injuries.

    As this is a developing story, more details are expected to emerge as the case proceeds through the legal system. Arenas is expected to make his initial court appearance soon to face the charges.

  • 300 Entertainment’s Kevin Liles Faces High-Profile Lawsuit

    Kevin Liles is a prominent American music executive and entrepreneur. He is best known as the co-founder and former CEO of 300 Entertainment. This is a powerhouse label behind artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Young Thug, and Migos. A key figure in hip-hop culture, he has expanded Def Jam’s global reach. He launched innovative ventures like artist services divisions and brand expansions into gaming and TV.

    Beyond music, Liles is a philanthropist. He focuses on education and community initiatives through his Kevin Liles for a Better Baltimore Foundation. He also authored the bestselling business guide Make It Happen.

    Kevin Liles: Music mogul, Def Jam president, 300 Entertainment co-founder. Faced 2025 sexual assault lawsuit he denies.

    Recently, he stepped down as CEO of 300 Entertainment in late 2024. He has faced a high-profile sexual assault lawsuit filed in early 2025. He denies the allegations as “patently false” and is trying to dismiss a sexual assault lawsuit filed against him. This action is sparking rumors, side-eyes, and a lot of chatter in the industry. The legal drama has been quietly brewing. It just hit a boiling point as Liles’ lawyers demand the case be thrown out. But is this a victory lap or a desperate Hail Mary?

    According to court docs, the lawsuit accuses Liles of misconduct dating back years. But the CEO of 300 Entertainment isn’t staying quiet. His legal team has fiercely denied the claims, calling them “baseless” and arguing there’s zero evidence to back them up. They’re now urging a judge to dismiss the case entirely, claiming it’s riddled with inconsistencies and “conveniently timed” allegations. Ouch.

    So, why the sudden move to shut it down? Sources close to Liles hint the lawsuit is a “targeted money grab.” They point out the accuser’s delayed timing. They also highlight the lack of documentation. Meanwhile, critics argue this is just another powerful figure using legal loopholes to dodge accountability. The drama has left the music world split—with some rallying behind the exec and others demanding transparency.

    But here’s the tea: Even if the case gets dismissed, the damage to Liles’ rep might already be done. Social media is buzzing with debates, and industry watchers are side-eyeing how these high-profile battles play out behind closed doors. Will this end quietly, or could more skeletons tumble out of the closet?

    For now, the ball’s in the court’s hands. But one thing’s clear: This isn’t just a legal fight—it’s a PR war. And in the court of public opinion, everyone’s got a verdict.

  • Mandeville Educator Faces Over 300 Charges in Shocking Exploitation Case

    And in ‘This Sh*t is Outta Pocket’ news…

    A high school teacher in the Mandeville area (Louisiana) has been apprehended following disturbing allegations of soliciting sexually explicit content from students. Jarvis Harry, whose identity was confirmed by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, is accused of exploiting minors through a scheme involving payments for inappropriate photos and videos.

    Investigation Uncovers Alarming Details

    Authorities launched a probe in October 2024 after receiving reports that Harry, then on leave from his teaching position, had allegedly offered money to students in exchange for images of their feet. What began as an inquiry into financial transactions quickly escalated as detectives combed through extensive digital evidence, including social media records, phone logs, and interviews with witnesses. Their findings revealed that Harry had reportedly collected not only foot photographs but also sexually explicit videos and images of minors.

    Arrest and Mounting Charges

    After months of deep investigation, warrants were issued for Harry’s arrest. He was located in Tangipahoa Parish of Louisiana on March 13 and detained as a fugitive before being transferred to the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on March 17. The charges against him are staggering, reflecting the breadth of his alleged crimes:

    • 1 count of Indecent Behavior with Juveniles
    • 142 counts of Pornography Involving Juveniles
    • 60 counts of Computer-Aided Solicitation of a Minor
    • 102 counts of Prohibited Sexual Conduct Between an Educator and Student

    These charges underscore the severity of the accusations and the systematic nature of the exploitation.

    Ongoing Efforts to Identify Victims

    While investigators have successfully identified some of the students involved, many others depicted in the recovered materials remain unnamed. The sheriff’s office has emphasized its commitment to pursuing justice for all victims, urging anyone with additional information to come forward.

    Community Impact and Call for Vigilance

    This case has reignited conversations about student safety and the mechanisms in place to prevent abuse within educational settings. Parents and advocates are calling for stricter oversight of educator-student interactions and enhanced protocols for reporting suspicious behavior.

    As the legal process unfolds, the community grapples with the betrayal of trust by someone tasked with shaping young minds. The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities minors face. It highlights the critical need for vigilance to protect them from exploitation.

    Authorities continue to investigate. If you have information related to this case, contact the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office anonymously.

  • Idaho Police Shooting of Autistic Teen Sparks Anger

    On April 7, 2025, a 17-year-old autistic teenager named Victor Perez was shot nine times by police in Pocatello, Idaho. This left him in critical condition with a leg amputated. His chances of survival are uncertain. The incident occurred during Autism Awareness Month. This has caused widespread anger. It has also raised urgent questions about how police handle situations involving people with disabilities.

    What Happened?

    Police responded to a 911 call about a “domestic disturbance.” A neighbor reported a teen with a knife chasing people in a backyard. The caller thought the teen was drunk, but his family later explained Victor has autism, cerebral palsy, and cannot speak. His disabilities cause him to walk unsteadily, which might have been mistaken for intoxication 4910.

    When officers arrived, they ran to a chain-link fence separating them from Victor, who was sitting on the ground. Security footage shows Victor standing up and stumbling toward the officers with a kitchen knife. Within 12–20 seconds of exiting their cars, four officers fired multiple shots through the fence, hitting him nine times 3916. His sister screamed that he was “special,” but it’s unclear if police heard her.

    Why Are People Upset?

    1. Speed of the Shooting: Critics say police didn’t try to de-escalate. They did not use non-lethal tools like Tasers or pepper spray. Department policy requires officers to carry them.
    2. Victor’s Disabilities: His family says he couldn’t understand commands due to his autism and intellectual disability. They’d never called police for help before, highlighting a lack of prior interaction with law enforcement.
    3. Autism Awareness Month Timing: The shooting occurred during a month meant to promote understanding of autism. This timing made the tragedy feel even more painful to advocates.

    Social Media Reacts

    Online, people are sharing the witness video and demanding change. Many comments focus on police training gaps:

    • “Why shoot so fast? They need better training for disabilities!”.
    • “This is why cops should learn how autism affects behavior,” wrote one user.
    • Protesters outside the police station said, “We can’t trust them after this”.

    Police Response

    Pocatello’s police chief defended the officers, saying they faced an “immediate threat” because two people were near Victor. He also noted the viral video shows “only one angle” and urged patience during the investigation. However, experts like former officer Seth Stoughton questioned why police didn’t create space between themselves and Victor instead of shooting. Sir, THERE WAS A WHOLE GATE AND YARD SEPARATING THEM!!!

    What’s Next?

    Victor remains hospitalized with severe injuries, including possible brain damage. An independent task force is investigating, and over 500 people have signed a petition demanding accountability. Meanwhile, advocates stress the need for better police training to recognize disabilities and use calm strategies.

    Final Thoughts
    This heartbreaking incident underscores a harsh reality: police often aren’t prepared to interact with autistic or disabled individuals. During Autism Awareness Month, many are asking—how can we prevent this from happening again? Training, community outreach, and policies that prioritize de-escalation could be a start. For now, Victor’s family and supporters wait for answers—and hope he survives.

  • Corruption Chronicles: Angelique Lee’s Bribery Case

    In Mississippi, politics often makes headlines for the wrong reasons. Recently, Angelique Lee, a Jackson City Council member, has found herself at the center of a corruption scandal. The allegations against her have raised concerns about political misconduct, power abuse, and improper financial dealings. However, Lee is not the only person involved in this growing controversy. The investigation has begun to shed light on others who may have played a role in these questionable activities.

    Further complicating the case is the involvement of Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens. Owens is being scrutinized for his real estate ventures linked to the same hotel project. Owens has not been charged. However, his dual roles as DA and a private businessman raise concerns about conflicts of interest. His attorney states that Owens was unaware that the FBI had orchestrated the deal. He cooperated under the belief that it was legitimate.

    The Allegations Against Angelique Lee

    In a significant corruption scandal in Jackson, Mississippi, Angelique Lee, a former city councilwoman, pled guilty to federal bribery charges. The FBI sting revealed Lee accepted bribes, including cash. She also accepted luxury items in exchange for supporting a fraudulent hotel development deal. She resigned from her position ahead of her guilty plea and faces up to five years in prison.

    Others Tied to the Case

    Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens
    Mayor Chokwe Lumumba

    Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has also been named in the investigation, though no charges have been brought against him. There are questions about how federal authorities came to target Jackson officials. People speculate that multiple figures in the city were vulnerable to bribery. As the investigation unfolds, it’s expected that additional indictments may follow, potentially expanding the scope of the case even further.

    Corruption in Mississippi Politics

    Mississippi has long struggled with corruption in its politics. The state has seen numerous scandals involving the mismanagement of public funds, misuse of power, and unethical behavior by politicians. The 2020 welfare scandal is particularly notorious. Millions of dollars meant for low-income families were misused in this scandal.

    Angelique Lee’s case is not as large in scale. However, it reflects the same underlying issues that have plagued the state for years. Leaders prioritize personal interests over public service. The involvement of multiple individuals in her case also points to a more systemic problem within the political structure.