Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Criminal.
Mr. Black
The sharp wind bit against Guy Black's exposed flesh, and the sound of screaming sirens wailed through the cold night air. He glanced out across the city from the edge of the skyrise building, ready to jump, and his eyes locked down onto the busy streets of London. Despite the time of night, the city was still alive, lit up like a beacon of light shining up to the heavens but struggling to attract the attention of God's forgiveness. Instead, the mundane lives of the public found themselves bathing in the sins of the devil. Every other street corner found itself occupied with lowlives looking for their next fix for the night and shady dealers winning off their suffering. However, the odd flower bloomed out from the chaos of tangled weeds, the beautiful rhythmic sounds of laughter, and music. The noises of the real world were a blissful distraction for what Guy was about to do.
By Robin Amor7 years ago in Criminal
Reason First: Can Social Media Save OJ Simpson's Image?
OJ Simpson is looking like he never had a double homicide charge against him or served nearly a decade for robbery. All of this, of course, is allegedly orchestrated propaganda to boost the former NFL star and actor’s profile. He donned casual clothes by a poolside, showing off his ring, watch, and sunglasses in one Instagram video. In it, he addressed all of the dads out there on Father’s Day. In a Twitter post, Simpson provided much more substance. He outlined the rumor that he is Khloe Kardashian’s father and that Kris Jenner and he engaged in trysts.
By Skyler Saunders7 years ago in Criminal
Reason First: Rapper Key Glock Avoided the Penal System... Now What?
The trappings of the rap game include mostly carnal urges, firearms, and the persistent chase of banknotes. Such topics have fueled the genre for decades. Rapper Key Glock is no different in his expression of such subject matter. And his once legal woes turned into a win as his charges for gun and marijuana possession were eliminated. With the simple message “charge dropped” on his Twitter, Key Glock announced to the world that he has been cleared legally. A month after being arrested on these charges, Key Glock seems poised to advance in his rap career, which should see a boost in interest due to his brush with the law. In just a little over a month, Glock secured his placement in the pantheon of rappers whose charges were dropped like the Dow Jones Industrial Average in a bear market. Glock brings to the game more of the same in many respects, but his ability to combat the obvious role of law enforcement seeking to lock up as many rappers as possible appears to be at the forefront of his message. It’s raw, unmistakable and dedicated to street themes. So, Glock’s subject matter coincides with his lifestyle. What else is new?
By Skyler Saunders7 years ago in Criminal
Series Review: 'When They See Us'. Top Story - June 2019.
So... when I saw this dramatic re-telling of the ordeal of the Central Park 5 being advertised on Netflix, I was already pretty sure that it was going to be must-watch television. I was also extremely apprehensive about seeing the events through the eyes of these five kids (now grown men) and being able to emotionally process it all. The case (and the legal and societal issues it brings to the forefront) kind of hits close to home for me as a parent, and as an African-American man. I'd seen the Ken Burns documentary on the Central Park 5 a while back, so I was already very familiar with the case, and some of the very problematic issues it brought to the table for the American public to address. Systemic racism, classism, and lack of accountability for law enforcement and agents of the legal system were all things that were at the forefront of the documentary. Ava Duvernay did an excellent job of showing the social and personal toll this case had on these men and their families, as well as the greater impact that the institutions of the law and media played in that accrued trauma. Every episode of this mini-series was visceral and traumatic. Whether it was the very public shunning of Yusuf Salaam, Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, and Raymond Santana upon their release from custody as adults, to the entire fourth episode being devoted to the ordeal of Korey Wise's experiences at Riker's Island as an adult, the entire progression of the series takes a huge emotional toll on the audience watching it.
By Herbert L. Seward III7 years ago in Criminal
Asphalt
I’m running and my breath is staggered. I don’t know where I’m going, I couldn’t even tell you if I’m going north or south. My feet feel like cinderblocks as they clamp onto the floor. It’s finally morning time and I’ve broken free. The air is icy and moist as I sprint towards a big open field. The air slaps my cheeks and stings my nose and lips with every breath I take in. I can see it just beyond the tall pine tree’s, the road. It’s still so far away, but my heart seems to thaw out of the cold depressing cage it was just trapped in. Just a bit further, I think to myself. The only flaw in my plan was leaving at dawn. I spent the past three months, living in a tent, humiliated and imprisoned.
By Rachel Jacobs7 years ago in Criminal
Reason First: Will UK Rapper Nines' Attack Signal an End to Gangs Across the Globe?
Some say that the world is a gang. This may be true as gangs have risen to places all over the globe in expression of the lowest rungs of tribalism. UK rapper Nines sustained lacerations in the face during a stop in his Porsche. Eleven years after his brother Wayne was shot to death in a gang related hit, allegedly, Nines took those blows to the visage. This has clearly become such a top story, and is particularly vicious because Nines is one of Europe’s top rap acts.
By Skyler Saunders7 years ago in Criminal
Reason First: From "Big Papi" Ortiz to the Deaths of Americans in the Dominican Republic, How Dangerous Can Paradise Be?
So it appears that the Dominican Republic’s public relations team has quite a bit on their hands. In a matter of a few months, shady stories have rocked the tiny country. The true tales have given pause to anyone living there or who looks forward to visiting the area. The latest story to come out of that Caribbean nation was the shooting and attempted robbery of Major League Baseball (MLB) legend and American David “Big Papi” Ortiz. He received a slug to his back while relaxing at a local bar on the island. Though he sustained this wound, it was not life-threatening and he is expected to fully recover. But where was the security before the whole altercation took place? Fortunately, Ortiz can talk about the whole incident.
By Skyler Saunders7 years ago in Criminal
Was Michael Jackson a Bad Person?
Michael Jackson was the king of pop music; he died in 2009, but earlier this year, Leaving Neverland was released, a documentary that had interviews with Wade Robson and James Safechuck; they claimed Jackson raped and sexually abused them when they were seven and ten years old, and that the abuse lasted for years. The four-hour long movie was released by HBO, which is currently being sued by Jackson's estate and family.
By Scott Lavely7 years ago in Criminal
Murder On the Train
Winter mornings are always depressing. Dark skies, thick with fog, air so cold your breath leaves a cloud of smoke. This morning was especially depressing; I had to wake up at five AM to get the 6:30 AM train. Working in retail around Christmas completely ruins the holidays. Early mornings, long hours, rude customers. The train station seemed completely empty that morning. The sky was darker. The fog was thicker. The air so cold my fingers felt like icicles. I could barely see two foot in front of me. I checked my phone '06:25'. I reached my hands into my thick parka coat pockets in search of my headphones, but with no success. Great. I'll just have to stand in silence. Or not?
By Twisting MyMelons7 years ago in Criminal
Statutes of Limitations: Is It Too Late to Sue?
Whether you watch lots of crime shows on television, or just have a basic understanding of law, you’ve likely come across the phrase “statute of limitations.” While this phrase may sound a bit daunting to the uninitiated, it is actually a relatively straightforward concept once you begin to break it down. If you’re about to enter into legal proceedings (or think you may have reason to), it’s important to fully understand what a statute of limitations is, and how it applies to your case:
By Casey Chesterfield7 years ago in Criminal
