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Most recently published stories in Criminal.

Responding to an Active Shooter
Introduction Active Shooters are individuals who are actively engaged in killing or attempted killing of people in a confined populated area. These situations can occur in businesses, schools, hospitals, worship areas, military areas, homes, and other locations. They are unpredictable and evolve fast as individuals must deal with an active shooter before emergency responders arrive.
By Matthew Philip Wee5 years ago in Criminal
The Next Step
The logs in the hearth cracked loudly, keeping the house warm from the whistling wind outside. A family of four sat around it, roasting scraps of meat while talking.
By Caleb Arentz5 years ago in Criminal
The old barn of love.
"Tell me about these dreams." A therapist asked, sitting across me with her legs crossed with a notebook and a pen in her hands. I looked at her for a brief second trying to think of something to say. I wasn't supposed to be here right now, and I felt like I was invading the time for the therapist, who thought that I am her patient for the past two weeks. I wasn't the patient she thought I was, but I wasn't in the position to say anything about it. I had to keep the cover a little bit longer.
By Alice5 years ago in Criminal
Made With Love
It’s well-known that apples support a healthy immune system. I’ve packed hundreds of them in my children’s lunchboxes over the years.
By Lia Mercado5 years ago in Criminal
Ted, Americas second serial bomber
Two months after the una-bomber was arrested there was a suspicious package found in the lobby of the Poff Federal Building in Downtown Roanoke, VA. It was in a brown box wrapped in similar packaging to what Ted was known to have used. This had to be a copy cat crime otherwise, Ted being in prison was a lie. The building was evacuated immediately through alternative methods. The SWAT team was called in and VMI sent in their bomb disposal units. After several hours of work they had the bombs defused and everyone could return to work, Those who felt unsafe could go home for the rest of the day.
By Lawrence Edward Hinchee5 years ago in Criminal
A Chance Encounter
“So, I bet you’re wondering why you’re here.” It was a complicated answer to a simple question. Why was she here? “Please. You don’t have to do this.” You could hear the desperation dripping from every word. This caused his lips to curve into the most deliciously evil smile.
By Lindsay Dewolfe5 years ago in Criminal
A Series of Firsts
Dear Detective Randall Hawthorne, I am writing in response to the ad placed in the Sunnyvale Post on May 21st, 2021 (pg.7). I can’t recall a time I’ve been more delighted to be able to assist in the capture of a fugitive. I've sent in a tip here and there when I thought I could offer some insight, but this one excites me. I can finally contribute in a meaningful way. All my life I’ve found the cat and mouse chase of detective and criminal so fascinating. Strands of DNA discovered years after the initial incident, bones found on the side of the highway, an old murder weapon found behind some drywall… It takes a sharp eye to catch the small stuff and lots of training and skill (or so the documentaries say). But it doesn’t hurt to get a helping hand from an outsider every now and again, right?
By Joseph DelFranco5 years ago in Criminal
Junko Furuta: The Concrete-Encased Girl
Junko Furuta was a 16-year-old high school student when she was kidnapped, and for 44 days, raped and tortured until she died from her injuries on November 22, 1989. Junko suffered extensively in those days leading to her death.
By Criminal Matters5 years ago in Criminal
Beyond Depraved: LaLaurie Mansion’s Death Attic
On the evening of April 10, 1834, a fire broke out in an elegant three-story mansion in New Orleans’ French Quarter. The rescuers found a slave woman chained in the kitchen who admitted to deliberately setting the blaze. She felt it was worth the risk of dying in a fire to escape further torture at the hands of Madame LaLaurie, the lady of the house. After the authorities released her, she led them to the attic where worse horrors awaited them.
By Kathy Copeland Padden5 years ago in Criminal
Ulner Still Abuses Wife, Forces Kids to Abuse Her: 36-Year Domestic Violence Sentence
Ulner Lee Still was handed a sentence longer than some murderers in 2003 when a court found him guilty of several charges related to domestic violence and sentenced him to 36-years in prison. Still mentally and emotionally abused Susan for the entire 14 years they spent together. Ulner turned physical in the final two years of the relationship.
By Criminal Matters5 years ago in Criminal
why I'm sad that the case of the Somerton Man may finally be solved
The case of the Somerton Man has inspired a generation of internet sleuths and crime enthusiasts. Filled with mystery and intrigue and even some suggestion of links to secret-agent espionage, the case of the Somerton Man is entirely fascinating. But now, following the exhumation of the Somerton Man's body and advances in DNA testing, there is a fair chance that this case could be solved. We might finally find out who the Somerton Man is, how he died, and maybe even why he died.
By Jaimie5 years ago in Criminal
Murder On The Boardwalk
Neon lights illuminated the dark street as I walked down the sidewalk. Drunken choruses intermingled with music from Sound Waves, a popular karaoke bar on the boardwalk. I never could stand karaoke. Hardly anyone could truly sing. Most of the time it was the result of liquid courage convincing the banshees that they could sound as good as the original. Nine times out of ten, though, it sounded like nails on a chalkboard, and tonight was no exception.
By Joseph Dib5 years ago in Criminal