Breaking Tweets » Crime

‘Beltway sniper’ execution fuels death penalty discussion on Twitter

Tony Valdivieso — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:54:19 +0000

John Allen Muhammad terrorized the Washington D.C. area with Lee Boyd Malvo, killing ten people in 2002. Muhammad, better known as the ‘Beltway sniper’, now sits on death row, his fate all but sealed. He is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection Tuesday evening in Virginia.

According to CNN, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine denied a clemency request from Muhammad’s lawyers, closing off what is likely to be his last avenue of appeal early Tuesday. “I find no compelling reason to set aside the sentence that was recommended by the jury and then imposed and affirmed by the courts,” Kaine wrote in a statement released Tuesday. “Accordingly, I decline to intervene.”

Kaine’s statement came after the US Supreme Court rejected an appeal for a stay of execution from Muhammad’s lawyers on Monday. “We have allowed Virginia to truncate our deliberative process on a matter… that demands the most careful attention,” said Justice John Paul Stevens according to the New York Times.

While most Twitter users bid Muhammad a less than fond farewell, some used their tweets and the situation to argue against the death penalty:

anjxoxo (California) How do you feel about the death penalty? Are you ready for justice to be served? Or is a death sentence an unjust form of punishment? 09 Nov 2009 from web

whygreenberg (Brooklyn, NY) END DEATH PENALTY! RT @markknoller: SCOTUS denies stay of execution for DC sniper John Allen Muhammed…scheduled 2 b put 2 death tomorrow. 09 Nov 2009 from Tweetie

heidiweimer (Nashville, TN) RT @cnnbrk Supreme Ct refuses 2 block Tues execution of D.C.-area sniper//Seriously can’t believe we still execute n the U.S. Pray 4 him.#fb 09 Nov 2009 from web

melmarinda (Columbia, MD) So sad about tomorrow’s scheduled execution of the dc sniper in VA. I’m sad for his family…particularly his son. I remember being afraid.. 10 Nov 2009 from web

RazorSharp215 (Philadelphia, PA) As an opponent of the death penalty, am I the only one not celebrating the execution of the DC sniper? Legalized murder… HOW BARBARIC! 10 Nov 2009 from web

brodiehubbard (Los Angeles, CA) I don’t think killing people is right. I didn’t like it when the Beltway Sniper did it, I don’t like it any better when the state does it. 10 Nov 2009 from web

MzPortr (Novato, CA) The “beltway sniper” John Muhammad will be executed today. Not sure how I feel about that yet. 10 Nov 2009 from UberTwitter

Muhammad and Malvo were arrested in October 2002. Malvo is currently serving life in prison.

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Twitter users react to recent increase in shootings

Lindsey Drakert — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:29:18 +0000

After the shooting at Ford Hood, Texas Thursday that killed 13 people and the shooting in Orlando, Florida that killed at least one and injured several others Friday, Twitter users are taking notice of the increase in gun violence.

Twitterers, especially those in Florida, posted about how gun violence keeps getting closer to their homes:

alexthewheel (Winter Park, FL) @philososaurus def dude today there was a shooting in downtown orlando -_- s’getting too close to home now. it was work related too. 06 Nov 2009 from mobile web

SummerLynn (Orlando, FL) Shooting in Orlando. Such an awful thing happened here today. I am 10 miles from it and safe. My heart goes out to the victims here today. 06 Nov 2009 from web

NewBodyCoach (Orlando, FL) Not even the vacation capital is immune from mass shootings. Prayers go to all the victoms of downtown Orlando shooting. 06 Nov 2009 from Echofon

yaya27 (Orlando, FL) Omg wats up with all this shooting!! What’s wrong with America?? I think da world is ending!! 06 Nov 2009 from Twitterrific

Some Twitterers reflected on what this gun violence means:

Joecool169 (Undisclosed) Anybody else think men are predisposed to gun violence after this weeks killings? 07 Nov 2009 from txt

jeremeets (Central New York) 2nd round of gun violence in as many days…sad…current gun legislation does not work…maybe we should focus on that 06 Nov 2009 from web

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Gunman opens fire at Florida office

Kari O'Rourke — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:57:30 +0000

A gunman opened fired at an office downtown Orlando, Florida, Friday morning killing one person and injuring five others.

BBC News reports that Orlando police identified the gunman as Jason Rodriguez, 40, who used to work there. He was arrested at his mother’s house after fleeing the scene.

Twitter users in the area shared their concerns on the trending topic:

scotymax (Orlando, Fla.) Holy smokes! Shootings at the office building where I work in Orlando. Just happened to take today off. 06 Nov 2009 from Tweetie

GarrickBoyd (Orlando, Fla.) Suspect in the Orlando office shootings, Jason Rodriguez, 40, silver 02 Nissan SUV D11UXR http://yfrog.com/j84jxj 06 Nov 2009 from Tweetie

JP_Renaud (Orlando, Fla.) Orlando Florida Legion Place shooting – businesses at this location: RS&H, Tews staffing, Gulfatlantic Tile, an attoryney’s office, etc. 06 Nov 2009 from web

CMHillard (Orlando, Fla.) The office of one of our engineering subcontractors was shot up this afternoon by some psycho!!! I hope Keith is okay!!! 06 Nov 2009 from web

sam_gardner (Orlando, Fla.) Last I heard, our 16th floor office has been evacuated, but the 7th floor is still locked in the building, but safe #orlandoshooting 06 Nov 2009 from TweetDeck

ShirleyHuangESQ (Orlando, Fla.) News station reporting suspected Orlando office gunman said “They (his employer) left me to rot” (re: layoff). 06 Nov 2009 from DestroyTwitter

Krispykreme88 (Undisclosed) Scary – Lure office less than a mile from the shooting – thankful our design friends at Engauge are all safe! 06 Nov 2009 from TweetDeck

riccaboni (Orlando, Fla.) My school & hospital were on locked down because some dude shot up an office building that was 5 blocks from my location. What is going on?! 06 Nov 2009 from web

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Fort Hood shootings: Seven dead at army post outside Killeen, Texas

Fahad Zuberi — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:28:21 +0000

At least seven people were killed and several others injured in a shooting at the Fort Hood military base outside Killeen, Texas on Thursday afternoon.

Local television station KXXV reported, “We’ve learned an incident has taken place at the sports dome, now known as the soldier readiness area. Temple ISD Schools Have Been locked down as part of this incident. The district’s spokeswoman tells News Channel 25 the district is on soft lockdown.”

People in and around Fort Hood were worried and shared their concerns on Twitter.

RicoRossi (Fort Hood, Texas) if your OFFPOST right now dont come to base, multiple shootings, several casualties, possible terrorist suspects… FT HOOD TX 05 Nov 2009 from web

Norrek4040 (Killeen, Texas) FORT HOOD IS LOCKED DOWN, 7 DEAD 12-15 WOUNDED! THEY DONT KNOW WHO’S DOING IT, BE SAFE PEOPLE! 05 Nov 2009 from MySpace

aneeia26 (Killeen, Texas) Wow. I do not know what to say, but thank you Jesus, I had left Fort Hood an hour before the shootings. 05 Nov 2009 from web

Jus_Shuga (undisclosed location) Over here at wrk lockdown too!!! Forthood is crazy right now 05 Nov 2009 from txt

music4life00 (undisclosed location) That’s what happens when yu live in a military town so sad 7 dead 05 Nov 2009 from UberTwitter

RicoRossi (Fort Hood, Texas) emergency sirens going off, HALO evacs, lockdowns, there is not 1 person walking thru the streets of FT HOOD 05 Nov 2009 from web

RebekahReports (Texas) Police have shot a male suspect in Army uniform with Major rank. He has run in to another building on Fort Hood. 05 Nov 2009 from TweetDeck

Other Twitter users are praying for the terror to end in Fort Hood.

nikimoo3 (location undisclosed) Pray for Fort Hood. Justin’s ok but idk about his friends 05 Nov 2009 from txt

LauraSergi (Connecticut) Prayers go out to the families and the people at Fort Hood 05 Nov 2009 from web

RobertEvans007 (undisclosed location) Please pray safety and protection for the soldiers and families at Fort Hood! 05 Nov 2009 from txt

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Castro’s sister reveals she worked with CIA during Cold War

Tony Valdivieso — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:58:54 +0000

In her recently released memoirs, “My Brothers Fidel and Raul, the Secret History,” Juanita Castro made some shocking revelations: the younger sister of long-time Cuban leader Fidel Castro revealed between the years of 1961-1969, she worked for the CIA helping to keep agents within Cuba safe.

According to CNN, Juanita was originally a supporter of the Cuban revolution which brought her brother to power in 1959 but became disillusioned by the growing injustice of his rule. In 1961, the wife of the Brazilian ambassador to Cuba persuaded Castro to meet with a CIA officer during a trip to Mexico, according to AP.

“[The CIA] wanted to talk to me because they had interesting things to tell me, and interesting things to ask of me, such as… if I was ready to listen to them. I was semi-shocked, but I said yes anyway,” she told CNN affiliate Univision-Noticias 23.

While most Twitterers were shocked upon hearing the news…

patricia_andrad (Miami, FL) En Miami estamos en shock!Juanita Castro se guardo el secreto,se arriesgo,y acepto colaborar con la CIA para ayudar a sacar a Fidel y Raul (In Miami we are in shock! Juanita Castro held the secret, take risks, and agree to cooperate with the CIA to help lift Fidel and Raul) 26 Oct 2009 from UberTwitter

carlaa11 (Undisclosed) Juanita Castro collaborated with CIA, thank goodness she lives in Miami. 26 Oct 2009 from web

mfreitasneto (Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil) Com codinome de Donna – JUANITA CASTRO, 76 – IRMÃ TRAÍDORA DO COMANDANTE FIDEL CASTRO, TRABALHOU NA CIA. Ela não fala com irmãos há 45 anos. (Code-named Donna – JUANITA CASTRO, 76 – SISTER traitor Commander Fidel Castro, he worked at the CIA. She does not speak to brothers for 45 years.) 27 Oct 2009 from web

— this quote was brought to you by quoteurl

…a few were able to find humor in the situation:

thejohnblog (Arlington, TX) Castro’s sister gave info to CIA. Man, I thought my sis was a traitor for eating my last Pop Tart on May 12th, 1987. But I’m over it now. 27 Oct 2009 from txt

charliehaldeman (Sherman, TX) What’s up with news of people on the CIA payroll? Castro’s sister… now Afghan prez’ brother? Thank goodness I’m an only child! 28 Oct 2009 from TweetDeck

renatamonte (Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil) Minha irmã é como a irmã do Fidel Castro. Só que não espionar pra CIA e sim pros meus pais. (My sister is like the sister of Fidel Castro. But not a CIA spy, for my parents.) 27 Oct 2009 from web

— this quote was brought to you by quoteurl

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FBI eyes DMV photos in search for fugitives

PJ Randhawa — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:34:19 +0000

The FBI has unleashed its newest crime fighting tool which could leave fugitives with fewer places to hide. Starting in North Carolina, the FBI will begin using facial recognition software on millions of motorists to compare license photos with pictures of wanted convicts, reports the Associated Press.

While the technology is not entirely fool proof, one fugitive was caught earlier this year after police compared his photo to over 30 million stored in the motor vehicle agency in North Carolina, according to the AP. Within seconds, a match came up and the double murder suspect was apprehended.

Although the FBI hopes to eventually increase the use of facial recognition software nationwide, many people are concerned that their constitutional rights are being violated. The AP reports that privacy advocates are protesting that the technology allows authorities to track people who have done nothing wrong, putting them up in a “virtual line up.”

This seems to be a popular sentiment from Twitter users around the United States who worry about the ever-broadening reach of big brother.

jaybeasley (undisclosed) Fbi is going to start using dmv photos to track ppl down…here go more errors in the criminal justice field… http://myloc.me/11jYt 13 Oct 2009 from UberTwitter

BlueCamel (North Carolina) Big brother not bothering to be non-obvious: FBI Bringing Biometric Photo Scanning To North Carolina, Via DMV http://tinyurl.com/yf8xm7j 13 Oct 2009 from API

ocbarista (Orange County, CA) FBI Bringing Biometric Photo Scanning To North Carolina, Via DMV: http://bit.ly/6jKLG 13 Oct 2009 from WP to Twitter

ArtVuilleumier (USA) RT @libertyideals: FBI delves into DMV photos in search for fugitives #libertarian http://bit.ly/10QNAM – WE SHOULD BE FRIGHTENED OF THIS! 14 Oct 2009 from TweetDeck

veritasmartyr (Pittsburgh, PA) FBI violating the Constitution by searching DMV database for fugitives http://bit.ly/11g3Yc 14 Oct 2009 from Tweetie

ninanintius (Oregon, USA) I was ok with it until it was noted that a federal statute would prevent the FBI from browsing DMV photo’s… http://bit.ly/3nmwNd 15 Oct 2009 from Facebook

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UConn mourns loss of star athlete, fatally stabbed after homecoming win

PJ Randhawa — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:21:05 +0000

The University of Connecticut community is mourning the loss of star cornerback Jasper Howard. The 20-year-old expectant father and UConn Junior was stabbed to death on campus Sunday, hours after winning the homecoming game, according to the Associated Press.

Howard was fatally stabbed outside of a campus ‘Welcome Back’ party, after a fight broke out between two groups including students and non-students. Two of Howard’s teammates witnessed the attack, and another is reported by the Hartford Courant to have also been stabbed.

A suspect by the name of Johnny Hood, 21, is being held in connection with the case, after lying to police at the scene and giving them a fake name. He has not been charged with the stabbing but police believe he was involved in the altercation.

Twitters express their condolences for the football star’s family and commiserate over the tragedy of Howard’s untimely death.

Bluestar_Lali (Heartbeat, CT) i was wit him just a lil while b4 his death….i love u JASPER HOWARD AKA JAZZ. 19 Oct 2009 from web

prthecrazyone (Connecticut) @PhillyD The UConn stabbing and how the press needs to back the [expletive] off and stop harassing students about it. I was followed today! 19 Oct 2009 from web in reply to PhillyD

LisaLeesSports (Undisclosed) today was too much of the most hated part of my job. RIP Jasper Howard. Thoughts are with all the UCONN fam 19 Oct 2009 from web

EvangeRess (Georgia) Keep my Alma mater Uconn in ur prayers http://bit.ly/1toXhde esp that those who are asleep will be awaken and come 2 Christ while they can. 19 Oct 2009 from Twitterrific

Instatesports (USA) UConn teammates witnessed stabbing http://ow.ly/vis8 19 Oct 2009 from HootSuite

NayBeazy (Arkansas) this world gets crazier and crazier..i bet tht UCONN fball playa was stabbed by sum1 jealous of him…SMH 19 Oct 2009 from mobile web

TiffanieJane (Austin, TX) It’s so sad to lose a great athlete in such a awful way… Prayers go to to family and friends of UConn player #JasperHoward… 19 Oct 2009 from web

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Maria Shriver breaks Schwarzenegger’s law

Steph — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:50:14 +0000

Maria Shriver, wife of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, seems to have thought should was above the law. Shriver was caught by paparazzi at the wheel while talking on her cell phone.

Governor Schwarzenegger signed a law in 2008 that stated all drivers in California must use a hands free device when talking on cell phones and driving.

The Governor promised “swift action” when questioned; hopefully Shriver has learned her lesson and will not commit any more cell phone conundrums.

Here is what Twitters had to say:

glamma_ink LMAO! RT @lindawoods: The real crime might be that Maria Shriver appears to still have a gigantic cell phone from 1973 http://bit.ly/4cGqSh 13 Oct 2009 from TweetDeck

SoCal1978 police should fine maria shriver $100 mil for ea. time she was caught on her cell phone, to fix the CA budget 14 Oct 2009 from web

HughBriss The Terminator says he will terminate his wife’s (Maria Shriver) cell phone in the car use. http://bit.ly/wbwYz 14 Oct 2009 from TBUZZ

DOCWASH Maria Shriver seen driving while talking on cell phone. When the Governor’s wife breaks his law, why should we obey the law. ANARCHY NOW!! 14 Oct 2009 from Echofon

sumyunguy HAHAHAHA Maria Shriver Busted Breaking Husband’s Own Law – Yaking on cellphone while driving http://bit.ly/303p12 14 Oct 2009 from Seesmic

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Brazilian crime show host reportedly ordered murders to boost ratings

PJ Randhawa — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:34:41 +0000

Popular Brazilian crime show host and former lawmaker, Wallace Souza, has been arrested after a four-day manhunt in the largely lawless jungle state of Amazonas, according to the Associated Press.

Souza, a reported gang leader and popular state Deputy, was arrested on suspicion that he commissioned the assassination of at least five drug-trafficking rivals, and used the resulting murder cases to boost ratings for his show “Canal Livre” in which he condemns crime and corruption.

The BBC confirms that the media personality came under suspicion after Souza’s camera crew reportedly arrived at one murder scene before police.

Tweeters seem to be amused and also shocked at this egregious miscarriage of justice.

keithpenn (Canyon, TX) Fugitive TV host surrenders, -CNN: http://bit.ly/aJcDn (maybe Wallace Souza isn’t one of the usual suspects’ Keyser Söze after all) 09 Oct 2009 from web

ColinStamp (Reading, England) Banana News:Wallace Souza, Brazilian TV pundit & politician, whose legislative immunity expired, arrested for murder and drug trafficking. 09 Oct 2009 from TwitterBerry

Talisiavianez (São Paulo, Brazil) And Where’s Wally (Wallace Souza) has finished. Onde pô-lo, agora? Porra…NEM FORMADO o diacho do vereador mais votado, é! =P (Where to put it now? Damn … OR SHAPED the deuce Alderman most votes, it is! = P) 10 Oct 2009 from web

bring_theaction (Kassel, Germany) shame on you, Wallace Souza!! …in the end justice prevails… 10 Oct 2009 from web

startstoprepeat (Liverpool, England) I’ve read enough comics to know that Wallace Souza is, in all likelihood, a supervillain in the making. 10 Oct 2009 from Digsby

ljanevidalrp (Manaus, Brazil) Wallace e Rafael Souza dividem cela. Família que rouba unida permanece unida! (Wallace and Rafael Souza divided cell. Family that steals together stays together! ) 10 Oct 2009 from web

kiliankoe (Southern Germany) Wallace Souza – Wow, what a story! 10 Oct 2009 from web

As a congressman, Souza had been protected by Parliamentary immunity despite the serious charges of murder, and drug trafficking laid against him on July 30. After a state legislative committee ousted him from his post last week, new warrants were issued for his arrest and Souza, now behind bars, has continued to plead his innocence.

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Suburban Mom shot while chatting on webcam

PJ Randhawa — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 16:08:30 +0000

Meleanie Hain, a 31-year-old Pennsylvania soccer mom, was shot to death by her husband on Wednesday evening, while chatting with a friend via webcam, according to CNN. Police are calling the tragedy a murder-suicide. According to Lebanon Police Chief Daniel Wright, Scott Hain, 33, was found in an upstairs bedroom with a self-inflicted 12-gauge shotgun wound to the head.

The friend who was chatting with Meleanie at the time of her murder is not being named, and apparently did not actually see her being shot, but heard a scream, shots ring out and Meleanie’s husband shooting at the area where she had been sitting, per Associated Press.

The web video was not recorded and that leaves police with little with which to make sense of this crime. What they do know is that the Hain’s three children were home at the time and the Hain’s were going through a separation.

Hain made headlines last year after packing a loaded, holstered hand gun to her 5-year-old daughters soccer game, and she soon became affectionately known as the “gun toting soccer mom” and an outspoken gun-rights advocate.

Tweeters around the country are in disbelief over the ironic murder of the Pennsylvania gun lover.

MrStevenYoung (York, PA) “Soccer Mom” Melanie Hain shot and killed by her husband !!! I’m so sad!!! 08 Oct 2009 from web

bydanielvictor (Harrisburg, PA) Unbelievable story: Melanie Hain, the famous “gun-toting soccer mom” from Lebanon Pa., shot dead in her home. http://bit.ly/Okgap 08 Oct 2009 from bit.ly

JenniferRStorm (Harrisburg, PA) Sad twist of fate for this gun-toting soccer mom in PA http://bit.ly/2jLmxt 08 Oct 2009 from web

MercuryX (Pottstown, PA)Husband allegedly shot gun-toting soccer mom. He worked in Reading as a correctional officer. http://shar.es/1enha 08 Oct 2009 from ShareThis.com

k5project (Undisclosed) Pistol-Packing’ Soccer Mom Shot Dead, this is in my town http://www.ldnews.com/ci_13506791 via @addthis 08 Oct 2009 from web

HeferDust (Harrisburg, PA) RT @PatriotNews: Gun-toting soccer mom’s death reignites national debate on gun rights .. http://bit.ly/3LFFSM 09 Oct 2009 from TweetDeck

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