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Ex-addict warns over painkiller dangers
By STEVE STOLER / WFAA ABC 8
Jonathan's mother says he's always been a sweet, fun-loving boy who loved to play hockey, not the kind of kid who would abuse prescription drugs on his way to becoming a heroin addict.
"They'd get rid of my feeling when I wanted to go do something. I'd just be real relaxed, feel kind of numb, like I don't have to worry about anything," says Jonathan.
He says he used three of the most popular prescription drugs among teenagers today: Xanax, commonly used for anxiety, and painkillers including Vicodin and OxyContin.
"Xanax, I used to know someone that would get prescribed it and they would sell me their bottle for $120."
"It's scary that it's so available and it's so widespread," says his mother.
Jonathan is now in a half-way house. He hasn't done drugs for one year. He has a second chance at life.
Richard Tomerlin of Fort Worth wasn't so lucky.
"We're never going to have that smile. We're never going to see his dimple again. We're never going to have that silly laugh," says Susi Tomerlin, the victim's mother.
Tomerlin's parents believe he overdosed after taking a combination of painkillers, including four OxyContin and two Vicodin.
"When your child makes this mistake, it's final," said his father.
Karen van de Mark understands the Tomerlin's pain. Her son, John David Chandler died the same way, after taking four OxyContin.
"They don't understand how dangerous it is," she says.
"The pain I go through every day and every year is not worth one experiment and he was my only son. That's the biggest pain a parent can go through, is losing a child."
Jonathan survived his abuse of prescription and illegal drugs. Now he wants to help prevent other kids from learning the hard lesson he did.
"All you're going to do is end up going to jail or an institution, or you can end up like one of my friends and end up dead," he says.
By STEVE STOLER / WFAA ABC 8
Jonathan's mother says he's always been a sweet, fun-loving boy who loved to play hockey, not the kind of kid who would abuse prescription drugs on his way to becoming a heroin addict.
"They'd get rid of my feeling when I wanted to go do something. I'd just be real relaxed, feel kind of numb, like I don't have to worry about anything," says Jonathan.
He says he used three of the most popular prescription drugs among teenagers today: Xanax, commonly used for anxiety, and painkillers including Vicodin and OxyContin.
"Xanax, I used to know someone that would get prescribed it and they would sell me their bottle for $120."
"It's scary that it's so available and it's so widespread," says his mother.
Jonathan is now in a half-way house. He hasn't done drugs for one year. He has a second chance at life.
Richard Tomerlin of Fort Worth wasn't so lucky.
"We're never going to have that smile. We're never going to see his dimple again. We're never going to have that silly laugh," says Susi Tomerlin, the victim's mother.
Tomerlin's parents believe he overdosed after taking a combination of painkillers, including four OxyContin and two Vicodin.
"When your child makes this mistake, it's final," said his father.
Karen van de Mark understands the Tomerlin's pain. Her son, John David Chandler died the same way, after taking four OxyContin.
"They don't understand how dangerous it is," she says.
"The pain I go through every day and every year is not worth one experiment and he was my only son. That's the biggest pain a parent can go through, is losing a child."
Jonathan survived his abuse of prescription and illegal drugs. Now he wants to help prevent other kids from learning the hard lesson he did.
"All you're going to do is end up going to jail or an institution, or you can end up like one of my friends and end up dead," he says.
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Convicted killer of Houston taxi driver executed
HUNTSVILLE, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) - Convicted killer Clyde Smith was executed Wednesday for the 1992 fatal shooting of a Houston cab driver during a robbery.
"I want to thank you all for being here and for your love and support," Smith said to friends who watched from a nearby window.
Smith, who was executed for the 1992 death of cab driver David Jacobs, did not acknowledge the relatives of another slain cab driver who were present for the execution.
Seven minutes after the lethal drugs began to flow, he was pronounced dead at 6:17 p.m. CST.
His execution was the fourth this year in Texas and the second of three scheduled this month in the nation's busiest capital punishment state.
Smith confessed to the Feb. 7, 1992, slaying of the 45-year-old Jacobs, and a similar shooting and robbery six weeks later of another cab driver. But Smith said the confession was made under duress from police.
"I realize how bad that looked, because the two were so similar," he said of the two deaths. "But at the same time, I still maintain I didn't kill those persons."
Smith, 32, was convicted of shooting Jacobs four times in the head and robbing him of about $100.
"I wasn't there when he was killed," Smith said in a recent interview at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Polunsky Unit, home to the state's death row. "I got there afterward."
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles on Tuesday rejected requests to commute Smith's sentence to life and to issue a 180-day reprieve. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected the request for a stay about an
About an hour before the scheduled execution on Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal in the case. Smith's lawyers had challenged the constitutionality of the lethal combination of drugs used in the injection. Similar appeals in recent weeks have failed to halt two other executions carried out in Texas.
In earlier appeals, lawyers pointed out federal judges agreed Smith may have had poor legal help during his trial and that he suffered significant abuse as a child, which they say was not pursued by his trial defense team.
"Nevertheless, ... courts concluded that Smith must shoulder the consequences," Clint Broden, Smith's appeals lawyers, said.
At his trial, defense attorneys presented no witnesses.
"I had no idea how the system worked," Smith said from death row. "All I knew was what I saw on TV. It's much different."
Joe Owmby, who prosecuted the case, said defense lawyers "had nothing to work with except ... to discredit the witnesses that we did have."
Two women, girlfriends of Smith, testified against him. One of his girlfriends called a crime tip line that led police to Smith. One of them said she was in the cab when he committed one of the slayings.
"Things always went wrong when I was associated with people," said Smith, who was 18 at the time of the deaths. "I didn't actually kill anyone, but it's possible I could be killed by the state."
Owmby doesn't believe Smith's claims of innocence.
"He is a cold-blooded, remorseless individual who could have contributed to society, but decided to take the lives of two people who were important to a lot of people just by being who they were -- hardworking people who drove cabs and lived good lives in Houston," Owmby said.
Smith, a Charlotte, N.C., native, had been in Houston about 10 months. His father lived in Houston and his mother in Mississippi.
Smith dropped out of the ninth grade in Laurel, Miss., and once worked as a security guard.
He has four brothers and a sister. From death row, he said the last time he saw a relative was 1991.
He also has a daughter, about 18, who has no contact with him.
"I didn't want her to be exposed to this," he said.
Next on the execution schedule is Steven Staley, condemned for the 1989 slaying of a Fort Worth restaurant manager during a botched robbery. Staley, scheduled to be executed Feb. 23, won a reprieve last year.
HUNTSVILLE, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) - Convicted killer Clyde Smith was executed Wednesday for the 1992 fatal shooting of a Houston cab driver during a robbery.
"I want to thank you all for being here and for your love and support," Smith said to friends who watched from a nearby window.
Smith, who was executed for the 1992 death of cab driver David Jacobs, did not acknowledge the relatives of another slain cab driver who were present for the execution.
Seven minutes after the lethal drugs began to flow, he was pronounced dead at 6:17 p.m. CST.
His execution was the fourth this year in Texas and the second of three scheduled this month in the nation's busiest capital punishment state.
Smith confessed to the Feb. 7, 1992, slaying of the 45-year-old Jacobs, and a similar shooting and robbery six weeks later of another cab driver. But Smith said the confession was made under duress from police.
"I realize how bad that looked, because the two were so similar," he said of the two deaths. "But at the same time, I still maintain I didn't kill those persons."
Smith, 32, was convicted of shooting Jacobs four times in the head and robbing him of about $100.
"I wasn't there when he was killed," Smith said in a recent interview at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Polunsky Unit, home to the state's death row. "I got there afterward."
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles on Tuesday rejected requests to commute Smith's sentence to life and to issue a 180-day reprieve. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected the request for a stay about an
About an hour before the scheduled execution on Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal in the case. Smith's lawyers had challenged the constitutionality of the lethal combination of drugs used in the injection. Similar appeals in recent weeks have failed to halt two other executions carried out in Texas.
In earlier appeals, lawyers pointed out federal judges agreed Smith may have had poor legal help during his trial and that he suffered significant abuse as a child, which they say was not pursued by his trial defense team.
"Nevertheless, ... courts concluded that Smith must shoulder the consequences," Clint Broden, Smith's appeals lawyers, said.
At his trial, defense attorneys presented no witnesses.
"I had no idea how the system worked," Smith said from death row. "All I knew was what I saw on TV. It's much different."
Joe Owmby, who prosecuted the case, said defense lawyers "had nothing to work with except ... to discredit the witnesses that we did have."
Two women, girlfriends of Smith, testified against him. One of his girlfriends called a crime tip line that led police to Smith. One of them said she was in the cab when he committed one of the slayings.
"Things always went wrong when I was associated with people," said Smith, who was 18 at the time of the deaths. "I didn't actually kill anyone, but it's possible I could be killed by the state."
Owmby doesn't believe Smith's claims of innocence.
"He is a cold-blooded, remorseless individual who could have contributed to society, but decided to take the lives of two people who were important to a lot of people just by being who they were -- hardworking people who drove cabs and lived good lives in Houston," Owmby said.
Smith, a Charlotte, N.C., native, had been in Houston about 10 months. His father lived in Houston and his mother in Mississippi.
Smith dropped out of the ninth grade in Laurel, Miss., and once worked as a security guard.
He has four brothers and a sister. From death row, he said the last time he saw a relative was 1991.
He also has a daughter, about 18, who has no contact with him.
"I didn't want her to be exposed to this," he said.
Next on the execution schedule is Steven Staley, condemned for the 1989 slaying of a Fort Worth restaurant manager during a botched robbery. Staley, scheduled to be executed Feb. 23, won a reprieve last year.
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Shooting in Oak Cliff leaves mother dead
By BERT LOZANO / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - A shooting in mini-mall parking lot in Oak Cliff in Dallas has left a mother dead.
The incident took place at the intersection of Lancaster and Kiest as the mother and her daughter came to pick up a family member. As they were leaving in the car, witnesses said someone open fired on the vehicle.
The daughter and the woman's nephew were not hurt.
Witnesses said the man escaped in a tan Oldsmobile.
By BERT LOZANO / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - A shooting in mini-mall parking lot in Oak Cliff in Dallas has left a mother dead.
The incident took place at the intersection of Lancaster and Kiest as the mother and her daughter came to pick up a family member. As they were leaving in the car, witnesses said someone open fired on the vehicle.
The daughter and the woman's nephew were not hurt.
Witnesses said the man escaped in a tan Oldsmobile.
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Traffic jam likely along Preston Road
By BRAD HAWKINS / WFAA ABC 8
A traffic jam will most likely ensue as Tex-Dot moves traffic to new lanes on Preston Road between Gaylord Parkway in Frisco and Headquarters Drive in Plano Wednesday night.
The traffic switch will also include major changes to the traffic signals and lane markings at the intersection of Preston and State Highway 121, which has been historically one of the most dangerous intersections in North Texas.
Live Dallas/Ft. Worth Traffic Reports from Traffic Pulse
By BRAD HAWKINS / WFAA ABC 8
A traffic jam will most likely ensue as Tex-Dot moves traffic to new lanes on Preston Road between Gaylord Parkway in Frisco and Headquarters Drive in Plano Wednesday night.
The traffic switch will also include major changes to the traffic signals and lane markings at the intersection of Preston and State Highway 121, which has been historically one of the most dangerous intersections in North Texas.
Live Dallas/Ft. Worth Traffic Reports from Traffic Pulse
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Bull terriers offered for adoption
By JEFF BRADY / WFAA ABC 8
They were originally bred in England as fighters but today, they're more accustomed to fetching.
Breeders say bull terriers are active, stout, intelligent dogs.
"They love people, they can be boisterous, they can be stubborn, they're very smart, they're difficult to train because they bore very easily," said Marilyn Sibley, a bull terrier owner.
And now, with one of their own winning the top honor at Westminster, owners like Marilyn Sibley worry about puppy mills and sub-standard breeders.
"Whenever a specific breed is targeted for advertising, or because of Westminster, the breed becomes very popular, very quickly," Sibley added.
Pure-bred bull terriers typically sell for up to $1,800.
Sibley says they need close attention and daily activity, or can become destructive or annoying with constant barking.
"These dogs need a lot of attention, they are not a dog to be put out in the back yard and left alone... I know that after the Spuds McKenzie craze, we had a horrible, horrible rescue problem."
These bull terriers are all rescue dogs... awaiting adoption.
Hopefully, she says the Westminster honor will get responsible dog owners interested.
"Every dog should be chosen for the right reason, and every dog needs to be chosen wisely and taken care of appropriately. And I think this is gonna give us the opportunity to show that bull terriers are really great dogs," she says.
For more information, contact The Bull Terrier Club of Dallas.
By JEFF BRADY / WFAA ABC 8
They were originally bred in England as fighters but today, they're more accustomed to fetching.
Breeders say bull terriers are active, stout, intelligent dogs.
"They love people, they can be boisterous, they can be stubborn, they're very smart, they're difficult to train because they bore very easily," said Marilyn Sibley, a bull terrier owner.
And now, with one of their own winning the top honor at Westminster, owners like Marilyn Sibley worry about puppy mills and sub-standard breeders.
"Whenever a specific breed is targeted for advertising, or because of Westminster, the breed becomes very popular, very quickly," Sibley added.
Pure-bred bull terriers typically sell for up to $1,800.
Sibley says they need close attention and daily activity, or can become destructive or annoying with constant barking.
"These dogs need a lot of attention, they are not a dog to be put out in the back yard and left alone... I know that after the Spuds McKenzie craze, we had a horrible, horrible rescue problem."
These bull terriers are all rescue dogs... awaiting adoption.
Hopefully, she says the Westminster honor will get responsible dog owners interested.
"Every dog should be chosen for the right reason, and every dog needs to be chosen wisely and taken care of appropriately. And I think this is gonna give us the opportunity to show that bull terriers are really great dogs," she says.
For more information, contact The Bull Terrier Club of Dallas.
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UT-Arlington is the star of new branding campaign
Leader hopes initiative will better define college, attract interest
By TOYA LYNN STEWART / The Dallas Morning News
ARLINGTON, Texas - The University of Texas at Arlington has a new story to tell, and it started Wednesday at a party to launch its brand marketing initiative.
"When we tell the story of UT-Arlington, people are often surprised to learn what happens here every day ... things you and I already know," UTA President Jim Spaniolo said during the celebration. "Our nationally recognized research, for example. Or how impressive our students and alumni are. Or the strength and diversity of our academic programs.
"They say they didn't know. Well, it's time they did know," Mr. Spaniolo told the cheering crowd. "And we're going to tell them."
No longer, he said, will UT-Arlington be the area's best-kept secret.
"This afternoon I'm pledging that we'll never say that again," Mr. Spaniolo said.
The new branding campaign became official Wednesday with the unveiling of a new UTA logo – a capital letter "A" colored blue and outlined in orange. Inside the "A" is a five-point blue-and-white star. Underneath the star are the words "The University of Texas Arlington."
The image is already on UTA's Web site and will be added to university products soon, officials said. It replaces the familiar UTA symbol – which also included a star in the letter "A" – that has been used since 1994.
The first phase of UTA's brand initiative consists of ads and billboards to target incoming and undergraduate students.
UTA isn't the first university to catch the branding fever. It has become more common as universities compete to make their mark both on campus and off.
The idea is to promote a university's image as a way to attract students, top-notch educators and outside funding. It's the same method that companies have used for years – creating an identity to sell a product, concept or story.
"It helps us better focus our message and tell people about the university," Mr. Spaniolo said. "It's distinctive and emphasizes who we are.
"Everyone on campus knows what UTA is, but we're not sure if off campus everyone knows what UTA is."
The school has spent about $354,951 since October 2004 on brand development, media planning, logo research, commercials, invitations, food, print ads, T-shirts, alumni mailers and other items.
Eric Nedderman from the Class of 1983 brought his 3-year-old son, Matthew, to the party. Mr. Nedderman of Frisco said the initiative will enhance the image of the university. Mr. Nedderman is the son of past university President Wendell Nedderman.
UTA spokesman Bob Wright said organizers expected a few hundred attendees at Wednesday's launch. But the event was delayed about 15 minutes as more than 2,000 people lined up to get inside the Bluebonnet Ballroom at the University Center.
Students, including junior Chris Maloy, 20, said they were there out of curiosity as well as for the free food and a chance to win prizes that included iPods and a 52-inch television.
"It's really been hyped up," sophomore Grace Martin, 19, said outside the ballroom. "I came because I really wanted to see what the new brand launch was going to be."
Leader hopes initiative will better define college, attract interest
By TOYA LYNN STEWART / The Dallas Morning News
ARLINGTON, Texas - The University of Texas at Arlington has a new story to tell, and it started Wednesday at a party to launch its brand marketing initiative.
"When we tell the story of UT-Arlington, people are often surprised to learn what happens here every day ... things you and I already know," UTA President Jim Spaniolo said during the celebration. "Our nationally recognized research, for example. Or how impressive our students and alumni are. Or the strength and diversity of our academic programs.
"They say they didn't know. Well, it's time they did know," Mr. Spaniolo told the cheering crowd. "And we're going to tell them."
No longer, he said, will UT-Arlington be the area's best-kept secret.
"This afternoon I'm pledging that we'll never say that again," Mr. Spaniolo said.
The new branding campaign became official Wednesday with the unveiling of a new UTA logo – a capital letter "A" colored blue and outlined in orange. Inside the "A" is a five-point blue-and-white star. Underneath the star are the words "The University of Texas Arlington."
The image is already on UTA's Web site and will be added to university products soon, officials said. It replaces the familiar UTA symbol – which also included a star in the letter "A" – that has been used since 1994.
The first phase of UTA's brand initiative consists of ads and billboards to target incoming and undergraduate students.
UTA isn't the first university to catch the branding fever. It has become more common as universities compete to make their mark both on campus and off.
The idea is to promote a university's image as a way to attract students, top-notch educators and outside funding. It's the same method that companies have used for years – creating an identity to sell a product, concept or story.
"It helps us better focus our message and tell people about the university," Mr. Spaniolo said. "It's distinctive and emphasizes who we are.
"Everyone on campus knows what UTA is, but we're not sure if off campus everyone knows what UTA is."
The school has spent about $354,951 since October 2004 on brand development, media planning, logo research, commercials, invitations, food, print ads, T-shirts, alumni mailers and other items.
Eric Nedderman from the Class of 1983 brought his 3-year-old son, Matthew, to the party. Mr. Nedderman of Frisco said the initiative will enhance the image of the university. Mr. Nedderman is the son of past university President Wendell Nedderman.
UTA spokesman Bob Wright said organizers expected a few hundred attendees at Wednesday's launch. But the event was delayed about 15 minutes as more than 2,000 people lined up to get inside the Bluebonnet Ballroom at the University Center.
Students, including junior Chris Maloy, 20, said they were there out of curiosity as well as for the free food and a chance to win prizes that included iPods and a 52-inch television.
"It's really been hyped up," sophomore Grace Martin, 19, said outside the ballroom. "I came because I really wanted to see what the new brand launch was going to be."
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5,000 believed victims of postal worker's theft
By JIM DOUGLAS / WFAA ABC 8
Authorities said a crooked postal worker helped herself to huge amounts of mail from August of last year through December in Watauga, Haltom City and North Richland Hills.
Some of the stolen mail belonged to Kris Foote.
"Three times I mailed that check." Foote said. "After awhile it just got ridiculous. It's happening over and over again."
The alleged thief, Debra Lyn Sheffield, got Foote's social security number, driver's license and other personal information. After her information was stolen, she said someone began applying for credit cards.
"...Somebody...applied for my Citibank card," she said. "They sent in their pictures with my account."
Foote was one of thousands of people who had no idea their mail was disappearing right out of the post office boxes that were supposed to be secure.
Postal inspector Amanda McMurrey said the female employee had a key to the boxes.
"We believe there are over 5,000 victims at this time and climbing," she said.
Two months ago, investigators said they watched Sheffield empty a collection box in Watauga and followed her to a motel in Saginaw.
"Basically we knocked on the door and the jig was up," McMurrey said.
She said investigators arrested Sheffield in the room full of stolen mail.
"I was kind of shocked," McMurrey said of the amount of mail found in the room.
Inspectors said anyone who lost mail while using boxes in Watauga, Haltom City and North Richland Hills should check on their credit history and bank accounts.
By JIM DOUGLAS / WFAA ABC 8
Authorities said a crooked postal worker helped herself to huge amounts of mail from August of last year through December in Watauga, Haltom City and North Richland Hills.
Some of the stolen mail belonged to Kris Foote.
"Three times I mailed that check." Foote said. "After awhile it just got ridiculous. It's happening over and over again."
The alleged thief, Debra Lyn Sheffield, got Foote's social security number, driver's license and other personal information. After her information was stolen, she said someone began applying for credit cards.
"...Somebody...applied for my Citibank card," she said. "They sent in their pictures with my account."
Foote was one of thousands of people who had no idea their mail was disappearing right out of the post office boxes that were supposed to be secure.
Postal inspector Amanda McMurrey said the female employee had a key to the boxes.
"We believe there are over 5,000 victims at this time and climbing," she said.
Two months ago, investigators said they watched Sheffield empty a collection box in Watauga and followed her to a motel in Saginaw.
"Basically we knocked on the door and the jig was up," McMurrey said.
She said investigators arrested Sheffield in the room full of stolen mail.
"I was kind of shocked," McMurrey said of the amount of mail found in the room.
Inspectors said anyone who lost mail while using boxes in Watauga, Haltom City and North Richland Hills should check on their credit history and bank accounts.
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Toddler dies in car crash
By CYNTHIA VEGA / WFAA ABC 8
WILMER, Texas - A toddler was killed and four others were hurt early Thursday when a car crashed into a concrete culvert near Wilmer in southeast Dallas County.
Sheriff's deputies said the two-year-old who died had been thrown from the Lincoln Town car on impact and died a short time later at Children's Medical Center in Dallas.
Another child was being treated at Children's Medical Center and three adults—two men and a woman—were taken to area hospitals. Their names and conditions were not available.
Deputies said there was no indication that the driver of the car hit the brakes before running off the road in the 1300 block of Sunrise Road between Wilmer and Lancaster.
By CYNTHIA VEGA / WFAA ABC 8
WILMER, Texas - A toddler was killed and four others were hurt early Thursday when a car crashed into a concrete culvert near Wilmer in southeast Dallas County.
Sheriff's deputies said the two-year-old who died had been thrown from the Lincoln Town car on impact and died a short time later at Children's Medical Center in Dallas.
Another child was being treated at Children's Medical Center and three adults—two men and a woman—were taken to area hospitals. Their names and conditions were not available.
Deputies said there was no indication that the driver of the car hit the brakes before running off the road in the 1300 block of Sunrise Road between Wilmer and Lancaster.
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Woman's decomposed body found in home
By MARY ANN RAZZUK / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - The death of a woman in an East Dallas home remains a baffling mystery to detectives who are trying to decide if she died from natural causes or foul play after they found her decomposed body Wednesday night.
The body was found in a home in the 9300 block of Mercer Drive where residence said they hadn't seen anyone come or go in months.
An elderly woman and her daughter, who were said to have kept mostly to themselves, lived in the home.
"They rarely ever came out," said neighbor Jody Kennedy. "Evidently, the elderly lady here was scared to even come out of the house."
Dallas police made the discovery after someone in the area asked for a welfare check on the residents.
Detectives spent hours inside the home and said they are investigating reports that someone had stolen items from within the home.
By MARY ANN RAZZUK / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - The death of a woman in an East Dallas home remains a baffling mystery to detectives who are trying to decide if she died from natural causes or foul play after they found her decomposed body Wednesday night.
The body was found in a home in the 9300 block of Mercer Drive where residence said they hadn't seen anyone come or go in months.
An elderly woman and her daughter, who were said to have kept mostly to themselves, lived in the home.
"They rarely ever came out," said neighbor Jody Kennedy. "Evidently, the elderly lady here was scared to even come out of the house."
Dallas police made the discovery after someone in the area asked for a welfare check on the residents.
Detectives spent hours inside the home and said they are investigating reports that someone had stolen items from within the home.
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Love abound at marine homecoming
By DAN RONAN / WFAA ABC 8
FORT WORTH, Texas - As 50 marines were reunited with loved ones Wednesday when they arrived at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth, one in particular said his time spent in Iraq helped ready him to take a big step in life.
The marines had been in Iraq since last July working as air traffic controllers and aviation technicians.
Cpl. Shawn Michael Reneman, 23, said the time he spent overseas gave him a lot of time to think about who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
As the marines got off the plane, Cpl. Reneman was ready to share his revelation with his girlfriend Laura Hull. He proposed to her.
"Laura will you marry me?" he asked on bended knee.
Hull answered with a yes.
"She's been very supportive," Reneman said. "I've been through two deployments and she's been there by my side and my strength. She's helped me out."
The now engaged couple had met more than two years ago and during Reneman's deployment and they talked and emailed daily.
"This is the best guy anybody could ever have," Hull said.
Other marines also had joyous reunions as well.
Cpl. Elmer Sims and his wife Ashley, who got married just months before he was deployed, were reunited.
Cpl. Chris Hill saw his wife Jenna and his six-month-old daughter Delaney for the first time.
"It is an amazing feeling," Hill said as he saw his child for the first time.
The air traffic controllers and technicians also had other reasons for celebration. The group that was deployed together returned home without losing any casualties.
By DAN RONAN / WFAA ABC 8
FORT WORTH, Texas - As 50 marines were reunited with loved ones Wednesday when they arrived at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth, one in particular said his time spent in Iraq helped ready him to take a big step in life.
The marines had been in Iraq since last July working as air traffic controllers and aviation technicians.
Cpl. Shawn Michael Reneman, 23, said the time he spent overseas gave him a lot of time to think about who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
As the marines got off the plane, Cpl. Reneman was ready to share his revelation with his girlfriend Laura Hull. He proposed to her.
"Laura will you marry me?" he asked on bended knee.
Hull answered with a yes.
"She's been very supportive," Reneman said. "I've been through two deployments and she's been there by my side and my strength. She's helped me out."
The now engaged couple had met more than two years ago and during Reneman's deployment and they talked and emailed daily.
"This is the best guy anybody could ever have," Hull said.
Other marines also had joyous reunions as well.
Cpl. Elmer Sims and his wife Ashley, who got married just months before he was deployed, were reunited.
Cpl. Chris Hill saw his wife Jenna and his six-month-old daughter Delaney for the first time.
"It is an amazing feeling," Hill said as he saw his child for the first time.
The air traffic controllers and technicians also had other reasons for celebration. The group that was deployed together returned home without losing any casualties.
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Four Dallas officers shot; suspect in custody
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Four Dallas police officers were shot Thursday morning while attempting to serve a search warrant at a home in the 1200 block of Oak Park Drive. The officers were being treated at UT Southwestern's Parkland Medical Center for wounds that were not believed to be life-threatening.
DPD SWAT officers—along with tactical officers, patrol officers, and federal officers—rushed to the scene of the shooting just before 7 a.m.
The gunfire woke up Teresa Duran, who lives nearby. "I heard like back-to-back 'pop, pop, pop,'" she said.
A police tactical vehicle positioned itself between the wounded officers and the source of the gunfire so that they could be evacuated. The SWAT team had emergency physicians at the scene to deal with any emergeny situation.
SWAT officers broke through walls and fired tear gas into the residence at 8 a.m. Four suspects were taken into custody. One of them was wounded, apparently by police gunfire.
The first of the wounded officers to arrive at Parkland was hit in the chest and the arm. He was conscious and talking upon arrival at the hospital.
"There was extensive bruising," said Dallas police Chief David Kunkle, who visited all of the wounded officers shortly after they were stabilized. He said the officer that was struck in the chest had been wearing a protective vest. "It certainly probably saved his life," he said.
Three other officers followed him to the Parkland emergency room. One was listed in serious condition, after taking a shot in the upper thigh. The others—one wounded in the hand, another in the ear—were reported in fair condition.
Chief Kunkle said the suspects apparently knew the SWAT team was moving in before the gunfire rang out. "The officers didn't want any confusion that they were police officers, so they announced their presence both in English and in Spanish."
Chief Kunkle said that procedure would be reviewed, but added, "I don't think that any of this was handled inappropriately."
The incident rattled the normally quiet neighborhood near Highway 67 and Ledbetter Drive. "I'm scared and I'm in shock," Duran said. "You never hear that around here; that really shocked me."
WFAA-TV reporters Cynthia Vega at Parkland Hospital and Brett Shipp on Oak Park Drive and editors Jack Beavers and Walt Zwirko contributed to this report.
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Four Dallas police officers were shot Thursday morning while attempting to serve a search warrant at a home in the 1200 block of Oak Park Drive. The officers were being treated at UT Southwestern's Parkland Medical Center for wounds that were not believed to be life-threatening.
DPD SWAT officers—along with tactical officers, patrol officers, and federal officers—rushed to the scene of the shooting just before 7 a.m.
The gunfire woke up Teresa Duran, who lives nearby. "I heard like back-to-back 'pop, pop, pop,'" she said.
A police tactical vehicle positioned itself between the wounded officers and the source of the gunfire so that they could be evacuated. The SWAT team had emergency physicians at the scene to deal with any emergeny situation.
SWAT officers broke through walls and fired tear gas into the residence at 8 a.m. Four suspects were taken into custody. One of them was wounded, apparently by police gunfire.
The first of the wounded officers to arrive at Parkland was hit in the chest and the arm. He was conscious and talking upon arrival at the hospital.
"There was extensive bruising," said Dallas police Chief David Kunkle, who visited all of the wounded officers shortly after they were stabilized. He said the officer that was struck in the chest had been wearing a protective vest. "It certainly probably saved his life," he said.
Three other officers followed him to the Parkland emergency room. One was listed in serious condition, after taking a shot in the upper thigh. The others—one wounded in the hand, another in the ear—were reported in fair condition.
Chief Kunkle said the suspects apparently knew the SWAT team was moving in before the gunfire rang out. "The officers didn't want any confusion that they were police officers, so they announced their presence both in English and in Spanish."
Chief Kunkle said that procedure would be reviewed, but added, "I don't think that any of this was handled inappropriately."
The incident rattled the normally quiet neighborhood near Highway 67 and Ledbetter Drive. "I'm scared and I'm in shock," Duran said. "You never hear that around here; that really shocked me."
WFAA-TV reporters Cynthia Vega at Parkland Hospital and Brett Shipp on Oak Park Drive and editors Jack Beavers and Walt Zwirko contributed to this report.
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Train derailment detours I-45 near Corsicana
CORSICANA, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) - Traffic was diverted from Interstate 45 north and south of Corsicana Thursday after an early morning train derailment.
The Navarro County Sheriff's Department said the derailment happened when an 18-wheeler overturned beneath I-45 on State Highway 31, which parallels the Union Pacific railroad tracks.
A sheriff's dispatcher said debris from the tractor-trailer accident apparently scattered on the nearby track, causing the derailment.
No injuries were reported. Traffic on I-45 was being diverted through Corsicana on Business Route 45.
CORSICANA, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) - Traffic was diverted from Interstate 45 north and south of Corsicana Thursday after an early morning train derailment.
The Navarro County Sheriff's Department said the derailment happened when an 18-wheeler overturned beneath I-45 on State Highway 31, which parallels the Union Pacific railroad tracks.
A sheriff's dispatcher said debris from the tractor-trailer accident apparently scattered on the nearby track, causing the derailment.
No injuries were reported. Traffic on I-45 was being diverted through Corsicana on Business Route 45.
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Four shot Dallas officers 'in good condition'
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - The four Dallas police officers who were shot Thursday morning while attempting to serve a search warrant at a home in the 1200 block of Oak Park Drive are now listed in good condition. Three of the officers have been released from UT Southwestern's Parkland Medical Center; the fourth is expected to stay overnight as a precaution.
DPD SWAT officers—along with tactical officers, patrol officers and federal officers—rushed to the scene of the shooting just before 7 a.m. Police had been looking for an alleged meth distributor as part of a bigger operation to track down high profile drug dealers, sources told WFAA.
They were serving three search warrants and ten arrest warrants, both in North Texas and Oklahoma. There may be some federal indictments related to this particular case.
The gunfire woke up Teresa Duran, who lives nearby. "I heard like back-to-back 'pop, pop, pop,'" she said. Police said suspects may have fired on them with a 2'23 high-powered rifle.
"They had the guns and they fired tear gas," said neighbor Levette Grant.
A police tactical vehicle positioned itself between the wounded officers and the source of the gunfire so that they could be evacuated. The SWAT team had emergency physicians at the scene to deal with any emergency situation.
SWAT officers broke through walls and fired tear gas into the residence at 8 a.m. Four suspects - including a ten-year-old boy and a woman - were taken into custody. One of them was wounded, apparently by police gunfire.
The first of the wounded officers to arrive at Parkland, Sr Cpl Adolfo Perez, was hit in the chest and the arm. He was conscious and talking upon arrival at the hospital.
"There was extensive bruising," said Dallas police Chief David Kunkle, who visited all of the wounded officers shortly after they were stabilized. He said the officer that was struck in the chest had been wearing a protective vest. "It certainly probably saved his life," he said.
Three other officers followed him to the Parkland emergency room. Sr Cpl Dale Hackbarth was earlier listed in serious condition, after taking a shot in the upper thigh. Sr Cpl Kenneth Wilkins was wounded in the hand, and the Sr Cpl Harry Deltufo in the ear.
Chief Kunkle said the suspects apparently knew the SWAT team was moving in before the gunfire rang out. "The officers didn't want any confusion that they were police officers, so they announced their presence both in English and in Spanish."
Chief Kunkle said that procedure would be reviewed, but added, "I don't think that any of this was handled inappropriately."
The incident rattled the normally quiet neighborhood near Highway 67 and Ledbetter Drive. "I'm scared and I'm in shock," Duran said. "You never hear that around here; that really shocked me."
WFAA-TV reporters Cynthia Vega at Parkland Hospital and Brett Shipp and Rebecca Lopez on Oak Park Drive and editors Jack Beavers and Walt Zwirko contributed to this report.
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - The four Dallas police officers who were shot Thursday morning while attempting to serve a search warrant at a home in the 1200 block of Oak Park Drive are now listed in good condition. Three of the officers have been released from UT Southwestern's Parkland Medical Center; the fourth is expected to stay overnight as a precaution.
DPD SWAT officers—along with tactical officers, patrol officers and federal officers—rushed to the scene of the shooting just before 7 a.m. Police had been looking for an alleged meth distributor as part of a bigger operation to track down high profile drug dealers, sources told WFAA.
They were serving three search warrants and ten arrest warrants, both in North Texas and Oklahoma. There may be some federal indictments related to this particular case.
The gunfire woke up Teresa Duran, who lives nearby. "I heard like back-to-back 'pop, pop, pop,'" she said. Police said suspects may have fired on them with a 2'23 high-powered rifle.
"They had the guns and they fired tear gas," said neighbor Levette Grant.
A police tactical vehicle positioned itself between the wounded officers and the source of the gunfire so that they could be evacuated. The SWAT team had emergency physicians at the scene to deal with any emergency situation.
SWAT officers broke through walls and fired tear gas into the residence at 8 a.m. Four suspects - including a ten-year-old boy and a woman - were taken into custody. One of them was wounded, apparently by police gunfire.
The first of the wounded officers to arrive at Parkland, Sr Cpl Adolfo Perez, was hit in the chest and the arm. He was conscious and talking upon arrival at the hospital.
"There was extensive bruising," said Dallas police Chief David Kunkle, who visited all of the wounded officers shortly after they were stabilized. He said the officer that was struck in the chest had been wearing a protective vest. "It certainly probably saved his life," he said.
Three other officers followed him to the Parkland emergency room. Sr Cpl Dale Hackbarth was earlier listed in serious condition, after taking a shot in the upper thigh. Sr Cpl Kenneth Wilkins was wounded in the hand, and the Sr Cpl Harry Deltufo in the ear.
Chief Kunkle said the suspects apparently knew the SWAT team was moving in before the gunfire rang out. "The officers didn't want any confusion that they were police officers, so they announced their presence both in English and in Spanish."
Chief Kunkle said that procedure would be reviewed, but added, "I don't think that any of this was handled inappropriately."
The incident rattled the normally quiet neighborhood near Highway 67 and Ledbetter Drive. "I'm scared and I'm in shock," Duran said. "You never hear that around here; that really shocked me."
WFAA-TV reporters Cynthia Vega at Parkland Hospital and Brett Shipp and Rebecca Lopez on Oak Park Drive and editors Jack Beavers and Walt Zwirko contributed to this report.
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Man surrenders in second SWAT standoff
By BERT LOZANO / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - A suspect holed up in an Oak Cliff apartment for more than three-and-a-half hours surrendered Thursday morning after SWAT team officers pumped tear gas into the building.
A woman reportedly returned home to find a man attempting to break into her apartment at Llewellyn Ave. and Van Buren St.
"At first, she thought it was one of her in-laws," said Dallas police spokesman Sgt. Gil Cerda.
The man fled, but the woman recognized the suspect and pursued him to his apartment. When the suspect threatened her with a gun, she left the scene and called police.
The building was evacuated.
A tense standoff continued until police decided to take action. "They did have to deploy several cans of gas, and at 11:25 the tactical officers were successful at bringing him out without injury," Sgt. Cerda said.
Police said no shots were fired, and no police were hurt.
"More than likely, he will be charged with an aggravated assault in this inicdent," Sgt. Cerda said of the 18-year-old suspect.
It was Thursday's second major operation for the Dallas police SWAT team. Four of its members were injured earlier in the day while attempting to serve a search warrant not far away.
"Obviously, it does create some strain because some of the officers hbad to be deployed from the earlier incident," Sgt. Cerda said.
By BERT LOZANO / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - A suspect holed up in an Oak Cliff apartment for more than three-and-a-half hours surrendered Thursday morning after SWAT team officers pumped tear gas into the building.
A woman reportedly returned home to find a man attempting to break into her apartment at Llewellyn Ave. and Van Buren St.
"At first, she thought it was one of her in-laws," said Dallas police spokesman Sgt. Gil Cerda.
The man fled, but the woman recognized the suspect and pursued him to his apartment. When the suspect threatened her with a gun, she left the scene and called police.
The building was evacuated.
A tense standoff continued until police decided to take action. "They did have to deploy several cans of gas, and at 11:25 the tactical officers were successful at bringing him out without injury," Sgt. Cerda said.
Police said no shots were fired, and no police were hurt.
"More than likely, he will be charged with an aggravated assault in this inicdent," Sgt. Cerda said of the 18-year-old suspect.
It was Thursday's second major operation for the Dallas police SWAT team. Four of its members were injured earlier in the day while attempting to serve a search warrant not far away.
"Obviously, it does create some strain because some of the officers hbad to be deployed from the earlier incident," Sgt. Cerda said.
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Former stepfather: No way Schlosser was in right mind
By JENNIFER EMILY / The Dallas Morning News
McKINNEY, Texas – The man Dena Schlosser calls “daddy” testified this morning there is “no way” she would have hurt her daughter had she been in her right mind.
“There is no way that I feel Dena, had she been in her right mind, that Dena would have done this,” her former stepfather Bob Nicholas said. “I can’t reconcile it.”
Mr. Nicholas, now 61 and living in North Carolina, met Ms. Schlosser when she was 5 and married her mother two years later. The couple divorced when Ms. Schlosser was in college but the two retained their father-daughter relationship.
Mr. Nicholas testified he found out about Maggie’s death on the Internet. Ms. Schlosser’s husband John left a message that Ms. Schlosser was in jail the night of the baby’s death. He did not hear the message the following day. The message did not say why Ms. Schlosser was in jail.
“I screamed,” Mr. Nicholas said when he found out what happened. His voice cracked, and he visibly held back tears as he spoke.
Mr. Nicholas also described a series of brain surgeries Ms. Schlosser underwent as a child to alleviate fluid build up in the brain. She underwent at least eight surgeries where five holes were drilled into her skull. Doctors put in a shunt to relieve the fluid. There were numerous shunt malfunctions, and the surgery had to be done again.
Ms. Schlosser's mother was set to take the stand after Mr. Nicholas.
Today, the jury will only hear testimony in the morning.
By JENNIFER EMILY / The Dallas Morning News
McKINNEY, Texas – The man Dena Schlosser calls “daddy” testified this morning there is “no way” she would have hurt her daughter had she been in her right mind.
“There is no way that I feel Dena, had she been in her right mind, that Dena would have done this,” her former stepfather Bob Nicholas said. “I can’t reconcile it.”
Mr. Nicholas, now 61 and living in North Carolina, met Ms. Schlosser when she was 5 and married her mother two years later. The couple divorced when Ms. Schlosser was in college but the two retained their father-daughter relationship.
Mr. Nicholas testified he found out about Maggie’s death on the Internet. Ms. Schlosser’s husband John left a message that Ms. Schlosser was in jail the night of the baby’s death. He did not hear the message the following day. The message did not say why Ms. Schlosser was in jail.
“I screamed,” Mr. Nicholas said when he found out what happened. His voice cracked, and he visibly held back tears as he spoke.
Mr. Nicholas also described a series of brain surgeries Ms. Schlosser underwent as a child to alleviate fluid build up in the brain. She underwent at least eight surgeries where five holes were drilled into her skull. Doctors put in a shunt to relieve the fluid. There were numerous shunt malfunctions, and the surgery had to be done again.
Ms. Schlosser's mother was set to take the stand after Mr. Nicholas.
Today, the jury will only hear testimony in the morning.
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Portion of I-20 renamed for Reagan
From the Dallas Morning News Staff
A portion of Interstate 20 in Tarrant and Dallas counties was renamed the "Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway" Thursday afternoon in a ceremony that featured state, region and county officials.
Gov. Rick Perry was scheduled to appear at the event at the Knights of Columbus Hall on S. Cooper Street, along with Rep. Kent Grusendorf, R-Arlington, state Sen. Chris Harris, R-Arlington and Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck.
The Arlington City Council in July 2004 endorsed a resolution supporting the highway designation, and last September the Texas Legislature authorized the renaming of the interstate from the Parker-Tarrant county line to the border between Grand Prairie and Dallas.
Memorial markers displaying Ronald Reagan's name are being installed along I-20's eastbound lanes between Green Oaks Boulevard and Bowen Road, and on the westbound side between New York Avenue and Collins Street.
Live Dallas/Ft. Worth Traffic Reports from Traffic Pulse
From the Dallas Morning News Staff
A portion of Interstate 20 in Tarrant and Dallas counties was renamed the "Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway" Thursday afternoon in a ceremony that featured state, region and county officials.
Gov. Rick Perry was scheduled to appear at the event at the Knights of Columbus Hall on S. Cooper Street, along with Rep. Kent Grusendorf, R-Arlington, state Sen. Chris Harris, R-Arlington and Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck.
The Arlington City Council in July 2004 endorsed a resolution supporting the highway designation, and last September the Texas Legislature authorized the renaming of the interstate from the Parker-Tarrant county line to the border between Grand Prairie and Dallas.
Memorial markers displaying Ronald Reagan's name are being installed along I-20's eastbound lanes between Green Oaks Boulevard and Bowen Road, and on the westbound side between New York Avenue and Collins Street.
Live Dallas/Ft. Worth Traffic Reports from Traffic Pulse
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Officers out of hospital, 7 arrests made
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Three of the four Dallas police officers who were shot while attempting to arrest a meth dealer are now out of hospital, as seven suspects were arrested in connection with the case.
The shoot out took place at a home in the 1200 block of Oak Park Drive on Thursday morning.
The fourth officer is expected to stay overnight in Parkland Memorial Hospital as a precaution.
Those in custody are being charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams of methamphetamine. The sentences range from ten years to a maximum of life in prison. Four arrests are pending.
DPD SWAT officers—along with tactical officers, patrol officers and federal officers—rushed to the scene of the shooting just before 7 a.m. Police had been looking for an alleged meth distributor as part of a bigger operation to track down high profile drug dealers, sources told WFAA.
They were helping federal agents serve three search warrants and ten arrest warrants, both in North Texas and Oklahoma.
The gunfire woke up Teresa Duran, who lives nearby. "I heard like back-to-back 'pop, pop, pop,'" she said. Police said suspects may have fired on them with a 2'23 high-powered rifle.
"They had the guns and they fired tear gas," said neighbor Levette Grant.
A police tactical vehicle positioned itself between the wounded officers and the source of the gunfire so that they could be evacuated. The SWAT team had emergency physicians at the scene to deal with any emergency situation.
SWAT officers broke through walls and fired tear gas into the residence at 8 a.m. Four suspects - including a ten-year-old boy and a woman - were taken into custody. One of them was wounded, apparently by police gunfire. The woman and boy will be released without charge tomorrow.
The first of the wounded officers to arrive at Parkland, Sr Cpl Adolfo Perez, was hit in the chest and the arm. He was conscious and talking upon arrival at the hospital.
"There was extensive bruising," said Dallas police Chief David Kunkle, who visited all of the wounded officers shortly after they were stabilized. He said the officer that was struck in the chest had been wearing a protective vest. "It certainly probably saved his life," he said.
Three other officers followed him to the Parkland emergency room. Sr Cpl Dale Hackbarth was earlier listed in serious condition, after taking a shot in the upper thigh. Sr Cpl Kenneth Wilkins was wounded in the hand, and the Sr Cpl Harry Deltufo in the ear.
"Thank God they didn't lose an officer. It looks like everyone is going to walk away from this one," said Officer Mike Hackbarth, Dale Hackbarth's brother.
Chief Kunkle said the suspects apparently knew the SWAT team was moving in before the gunfire rang out. "The officers didn't want any confusion that they were police officers, so they announced their presence both in English and in Spanish."
Chief Kunkle said that procedure would be reviewed, but added, "I don't think that any of this was handled inappropriately."
The incident rattled the normally quiet neighborhood near Highway 67 and Ledbetter Drive. "I'm scared and I'm in shock," Duran said. "You never hear that around here; that really shocked me."
WFAA-TV reporters Cynthia Vega at Parkland Hospital and Brett Shipp and Rebecca Lopez on Oak Park Drive and editors Jack Beavers and Walt Zwirko contributed to this report.
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Three of the four Dallas police officers who were shot while attempting to arrest a meth dealer are now out of hospital, as seven suspects were arrested in connection with the case.
The shoot out took place at a home in the 1200 block of Oak Park Drive on Thursday morning.
The fourth officer is expected to stay overnight in Parkland Memorial Hospital as a precaution.
Those in custody are being charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams of methamphetamine. The sentences range from ten years to a maximum of life in prison. Four arrests are pending.
DPD SWAT officers—along with tactical officers, patrol officers and federal officers—rushed to the scene of the shooting just before 7 a.m. Police had been looking for an alleged meth distributor as part of a bigger operation to track down high profile drug dealers, sources told WFAA.
They were helping federal agents serve three search warrants and ten arrest warrants, both in North Texas and Oklahoma.
The gunfire woke up Teresa Duran, who lives nearby. "I heard like back-to-back 'pop, pop, pop,'" she said. Police said suspects may have fired on them with a 2'23 high-powered rifle.
"They had the guns and they fired tear gas," said neighbor Levette Grant.
A police tactical vehicle positioned itself between the wounded officers and the source of the gunfire so that they could be evacuated. The SWAT team had emergency physicians at the scene to deal with any emergency situation.
SWAT officers broke through walls and fired tear gas into the residence at 8 a.m. Four suspects - including a ten-year-old boy and a woman - were taken into custody. One of them was wounded, apparently by police gunfire. The woman and boy will be released without charge tomorrow.
The first of the wounded officers to arrive at Parkland, Sr Cpl Adolfo Perez, was hit in the chest and the arm. He was conscious and talking upon arrival at the hospital.
"There was extensive bruising," said Dallas police Chief David Kunkle, who visited all of the wounded officers shortly after they were stabilized. He said the officer that was struck in the chest had been wearing a protective vest. "It certainly probably saved his life," he said.
Three other officers followed him to the Parkland emergency room. Sr Cpl Dale Hackbarth was earlier listed in serious condition, after taking a shot in the upper thigh. Sr Cpl Kenneth Wilkins was wounded in the hand, and the Sr Cpl Harry Deltufo in the ear.
"Thank God they didn't lose an officer. It looks like everyone is going to walk away from this one," said Officer Mike Hackbarth, Dale Hackbarth's brother.
Chief Kunkle said the suspects apparently knew the SWAT team was moving in before the gunfire rang out. "The officers didn't want any confusion that they were police officers, so they announced their presence both in English and in Spanish."
Chief Kunkle said that procedure would be reviewed, but added, "I don't think that any of this was handled inappropriately."
The incident rattled the normally quiet neighborhood near Highway 67 and Ledbetter Drive. "I'm scared and I'm in shock," Duran said. "You never hear that around here; that really shocked me."
WFAA-TV reporters Cynthia Vega at Parkland Hospital and Brett Shipp and Rebecca Lopez on Oak Park Drive and editors Jack Beavers and Walt Zwirko contributed to this report.
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Rare Fort Worth leopard gets MRI
By JANET ST. JAMES / WFAA ABC 8
FORT WORTH, Texas - Six-year-old Joe is spry.
But this rare cat at the Fort Worth Zoo is even more endangered than most clouded leopards.
Joe has a medical condition called hydrocephalus - water on the brain.
"That actually puts pressure on the brain tissue and creates neurological symptoms," says veterinarian Jake Hersman.
Five years ago, veterinarians surgically implanted a shunt to drain that brain fluid.
Now, they need an MRI to make sure it's still working.
Animal Imaging in Las Colinas is one of only a few veterinary clinics in the state that can perform this sophisticated human scan on an exotic animal.
They've done high-priced horses, a kangaroo - the leopard is another first.
"We were also scheduled to do a gorilla that has also been delayed as well. We see a few odd things here," added Hersman.
Developing veterinary medicine like this is critical to animals who otherwise would've died. "By Joe being alive, that's one less animal that might be pulled out of the wild," said Nancy Lung, zoo veterinarian. During Joe's scan, experts see something that gives them pause - a symptom which could be that of meningitis.
They later determine his condition is unchanged. No need for this leopard to change his spots, or anything else.
For more information, please go to Joe at Fort Worth Zoo.
Fort Worth Zoo
By JANET ST. JAMES / WFAA ABC 8
FORT WORTH, Texas - Six-year-old Joe is spry.
But this rare cat at the Fort Worth Zoo is even more endangered than most clouded leopards.
Joe has a medical condition called hydrocephalus - water on the brain.
"That actually puts pressure on the brain tissue and creates neurological symptoms," says veterinarian Jake Hersman.
Five years ago, veterinarians surgically implanted a shunt to drain that brain fluid.
Now, they need an MRI to make sure it's still working.
Animal Imaging in Las Colinas is one of only a few veterinary clinics in the state that can perform this sophisticated human scan on an exotic animal.
They've done high-priced horses, a kangaroo - the leopard is another first.
"We were also scheduled to do a gorilla that has also been delayed as well. We see a few odd things here," added Hersman.
Developing veterinary medicine like this is critical to animals who otherwise would've died. "By Joe being alive, that's one less animal that might be pulled out of the wild," said Nancy Lung, zoo veterinarian. During Joe's scan, experts see something that gives them pause - a symptom which could be that of meningitis.
They later determine his condition is unchanged. No need for this leopard to change his spots, or anything else.
For more information, please go to Joe at Fort Worth Zoo.

Fort Worth Zoo
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Woman lived in fear and isolation
After body found in house, cashier recalls lonely, timid friend
By MARGARITA MARTÍN-HIDALGO and MICHAEL GRABELL / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Denise Eileen Day was afraid to live.
She was afraid to go to the grocery store or the movies, a friend said. She was afraid to go outside at night for fear of being bitten by mosquitoes. She was afraid to date because she didn't think anyone would want her.
Still, she told the friend she longed to live a happy, healthy life and have a family.
"She wanted to experience life, but she was afraid of taking that leap, I guess," said Jackie Moore, a cashier at the Casa Linda Cafeteria, where Ms. Day was a regular for years.
After not hearing from her for more than a year, Ms. Moore learned Wednesday that Ms. Day's life may have taken the most tragic of turns: Police found the mummified body of a woman inside Ms. Day's home.
Although the Dallas County medical examiner's office and police have not positively identified the body, a police report lists the victim as 54 years old, the same age as Denise Day.
And residents in the upper-middle-class neighborhood near White Rock Lake are all but certain the dead woman is Ms. Day.
Ms. Moore, 43, said she tried to reach Ms. Day during the last year but to no avail. Dozens of phone messages went unanswered.
She dropped by the house in the 9300 block of Mercer Drive several times, but no one came to the door. The last time she saw Ms. Day was in 2004, when she took her grocery shopping.
"I'm just really distraught, to tell you the truth," said Ms. Moore, sitting at a table in the cafeteria. "I knew all this time something was wrong."
Dallas police detectives are trying to contact relatives and two women who might have entered the home two weeks ago, said Deputy Chief Alfredo Saldaña, head of the crimes against persons division, which investigates unexplained deaths.
First police report
A neighbor called police Feb. 1 and said the two women arrived in a pickup, entered the home with a key and left with some boxes, according to a police report. But it's unclear who they were.
Deputy Chief Jan Easterling, who oversees the northeast division, said a neighbor had called police last April, but no report was made. Other than those calls and one on Wednesday, police have found no other calls concerning the victim or the house.
A report on Wednesday shows that an e-mail request came in about 10 a.m., asking that Ms. Day's home be checked.
Later that day, about 3 p.m., an officer entered the two-story home through an unlocked garage door and discovered the mummified body on the floor of a downstairs bedroom.
According to the report, other doors were locked and windows were covered with iron bars. It appeared that the utilities had been turned off, and neighbors said no one had been living there for about a year.
Officials with Dallas Water Utilities said service was shut off for nonpayment in April. The last payment received was in January 2005.
Chief Saldaña said detectives are investigating whether the house had been burglarized because the inside was in disarray.
Dresser drawers were open, and clothing and newspapers were strewn on the floor. The house was so cluttered that there appeared to be nowhere to walk.
"Usually when people live in conditions that are cluttered, there's usually a pathway that they walk though, but this one was hard to determine," Chief Saldaña said.
Chief Easterling said police are also investigating possible burglaries at two other homes owned by the Days.
Officers went to the homes in the 2900 block of Rambling Drive in the same neighborhood, but on the other side of Ferguson Road.
"There was enough evidence for the officers to make the burglary offenses at both these locations," Chief Easterling said.
Neighbors said that the two houses were burglarized last week. In one incident, a neighbor said that on her way to work, she saw a man crouching in between the two houses, which are side by side. Three days later, another neighbor saw two people taking an antique car from the garage of one of the houses, neighbors said.
Neighbors said the Days bought the two homes 20 years ago but never lived in them and never rented them out, despite paying taxes.
According to property tax records, the houses are assessed at about $135,000 each. Post office records show someone asked that mail be forwarded to a post office box in 2004. The box was closed in July.
Cafeteria customer
Ms. Day told Ms. Moore she was an only child, that she'd gone to college and that she had married once, when she was in her 20s. She also said she worked with her father, Glenn Day, who died more than a decade ago.
Ms. Moore said she met Ms. Day about 10 years ago. The woman and her mother were regulars at the East Dallas eatery, and Ms. Moore recalled her friend loved to eat brisket, mashed potatoes, black-eyed peas and peach cobbler.
At the restaurant, she seldom mingled with other customers and kept to herself. Ms. Moore said her friend was a "sweet, sweet girl" but had a lot of problems and lived a sheltered life.
Most of their conversations revolved around Ms. Moore's children and grandchildren. Ms. Day seldom talked about herself. "Seemed like she opened up more after her mother died," Ms. Moore said.
It took her awhile to gain Ms. Day's trust, Ms. Moore said, and even when she did, it was hard for her to get close. Ms. Moore said she'd often suggest that they do things together, but Ms. Day never seemed interested.
"She didn't want to bring anybody into her life that way," Ms. Moore said.
Ms. Moore said she tried to set her up with her brother on a date but that Ms. Day never took her up on the offer because she didn't think anyone would find her desirable.
She said Ms. Day's house was messy and dirty. Garbage bags were piled up in the kitchen. Stacks of groceries appeared to have been there for years. The walls in one bathroom were covered with mold, and the curtains were falling apart.
"The house had been leaking for years," Ms. Moore said.
The city issued a warning for a litter code violation to the house in October, and a citation was issued in November.
Because no one cleaned the property after the citation was issued, the city mowed the lawn and sent a bill for the service to the homeowner.
City officials said they did not know whether the fines and bills were paid.
Ms. Moore said she didn't know whether Ms. Day had any friends, but she said the woman was very close to her mother, Vivian, who died in 2004.
She said she became concerned for her friend after Mrs. Day died because she seemed depressed, physically weak and more reclusive.
She said Ms. Day would call her and leave messages telling her, "You're all I have now... I'm lost 'cause I don't have Mom...."
Still, Ms. Moore said, her friend longed for a life of her own.
"She always talked about wanting to live," she said, "she never talked about wanting to die."
Staff writer Katie Menzer contributed to this report.
After body found in house, cashier recalls lonely, timid friend
By MARGARITA MARTÍN-HIDALGO and MICHAEL GRABELL / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Denise Eileen Day was afraid to live.
She was afraid to go to the grocery store or the movies, a friend said. She was afraid to go outside at night for fear of being bitten by mosquitoes. She was afraid to date because she didn't think anyone would want her.
Still, she told the friend she longed to live a happy, healthy life and have a family.
"She wanted to experience life, but she was afraid of taking that leap, I guess," said Jackie Moore, a cashier at the Casa Linda Cafeteria, where Ms. Day was a regular for years.
After not hearing from her for more than a year, Ms. Moore learned Wednesday that Ms. Day's life may have taken the most tragic of turns: Police found the mummified body of a woman inside Ms. Day's home.
Although the Dallas County medical examiner's office and police have not positively identified the body, a police report lists the victim as 54 years old, the same age as Denise Day.
And residents in the upper-middle-class neighborhood near White Rock Lake are all but certain the dead woman is Ms. Day.
Ms. Moore, 43, said she tried to reach Ms. Day during the last year but to no avail. Dozens of phone messages went unanswered.
She dropped by the house in the 9300 block of Mercer Drive several times, but no one came to the door. The last time she saw Ms. Day was in 2004, when she took her grocery shopping.
"I'm just really distraught, to tell you the truth," said Ms. Moore, sitting at a table in the cafeteria. "I knew all this time something was wrong."
Dallas police detectives are trying to contact relatives and two women who might have entered the home two weeks ago, said Deputy Chief Alfredo Saldaña, head of the crimes against persons division, which investigates unexplained deaths.
First police report
A neighbor called police Feb. 1 and said the two women arrived in a pickup, entered the home with a key and left with some boxes, according to a police report. But it's unclear who they were.
Deputy Chief Jan Easterling, who oversees the northeast division, said a neighbor had called police last April, but no report was made. Other than those calls and one on Wednesday, police have found no other calls concerning the victim or the house.
A report on Wednesday shows that an e-mail request came in about 10 a.m., asking that Ms. Day's home be checked.
Later that day, about 3 p.m., an officer entered the two-story home through an unlocked garage door and discovered the mummified body on the floor of a downstairs bedroom.
According to the report, other doors were locked and windows were covered with iron bars. It appeared that the utilities had been turned off, and neighbors said no one had been living there for about a year.
Officials with Dallas Water Utilities said service was shut off for nonpayment in April. The last payment received was in January 2005.
Chief Saldaña said detectives are investigating whether the house had been burglarized because the inside was in disarray.
Dresser drawers were open, and clothing and newspapers were strewn on the floor. The house was so cluttered that there appeared to be nowhere to walk.
"Usually when people live in conditions that are cluttered, there's usually a pathway that they walk though, but this one was hard to determine," Chief Saldaña said.
Chief Easterling said police are also investigating possible burglaries at two other homes owned by the Days.
Officers went to the homes in the 2900 block of Rambling Drive in the same neighborhood, but on the other side of Ferguson Road.
"There was enough evidence for the officers to make the burglary offenses at both these locations," Chief Easterling said.
Neighbors said that the two houses were burglarized last week. In one incident, a neighbor said that on her way to work, she saw a man crouching in between the two houses, which are side by side. Three days later, another neighbor saw two people taking an antique car from the garage of one of the houses, neighbors said.
Neighbors said the Days bought the two homes 20 years ago but never lived in them and never rented them out, despite paying taxes.
According to property tax records, the houses are assessed at about $135,000 each. Post office records show someone asked that mail be forwarded to a post office box in 2004. The box was closed in July.
Cafeteria customer
Ms. Day told Ms. Moore she was an only child, that she'd gone to college and that she had married once, when she was in her 20s. She also said she worked with her father, Glenn Day, who died more than a decade ago.
Ms. Moore said she met Ms. Day about 10 years ago. The woman and her mother were regulars at the East Dallas eatery, and Ms. Moore recalled her friend loved to eat brisket, mashed potatoes, black-eyed peas and peach cobbler.
At the restaurant, she seldom mingled with other customers and kept to herself. Ms. Moore said her friend was a "sweet, sweet girl" but had a lot of problems and lived a sheltered life.
Most of their conversations revolved around Ms. Moore's children and grandchildren. Ms. Day seldom talked about herself. "Seemed like she opened up more after her mother died," Ms. Moore said.
It took her awhile to gain Ms. Day's trust, Ms. Moore said, and even when she did, it was hard for her to get close. Ms. Moore said she'd often suggest that they do things together, but Ms. Day never seemed interested.
"She didn't want to bring anybody into her life that way," Ms. Moore said.
Ms. Moore said she tried to set her up with her brother on a date but that Ms. Day never took her up on the offer because she didn't think anyone would find her desirable.
She said Ms. Day's house was messy and dirty. Garbage bags were piled up in the kitchen. Stacks of groceries appeared to have been there for years. The walls in one bathroom were covered with mold, and the curtains were falling apart.
"The house had been leaking for years," Ms. Moore said.
The city issued a warning for a litter code violation to the house in October, and a citation was issued in November.
Because no one cleaned the property after the citation was issued, the city mowed the lawn and sent a bill for the service to the homeowner.
City officials said they did not know whether the fines and bills were paid.
Ms. Moore said she didn't know whether Ms. Day had any friends, but she said the woman was very close to her mother, Vivian, who died in 2004.
She said she became concerned for her friend after Mrs. Day died because she seemed depressed, physically weak and more reclusive.
She said Ms. Day would call her and leave messages telling her, "You're all I have now... I'm lost 'cause I don't have Mom...."
Still, Ms. Moore said, her friend longed for a life of her own.
"She always talked about wanting to live," she said, "she never talked about wanting to die."
Staff writer Katie Menzer contributed to this report.
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Two head-on collisions on area highways
From WFAA ABC 8 Staff Reporters
Wrong-way drivers caused two separate head-on collisions early Friday, and at least one motorist was killed.
In the first wreck, about 1:20 a.m., Wilmer police were in pursuit of a stolen car that was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 45 when the car crashed head-on into a tow truck in the Ferris city limits.
The unidentified driver of the stolen car was killed. The driver of the tow truck was rushed to a Dallas hospital by helicopter ambulance.
Less than three hours later, in Collin County, a pickup truck driving north in the southbound lanes of U.S. 75 collided with an 18-wheeler in McKinney.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, who was on a Kansas to Florida run, told News 8 he saw the wrong-way driver and tried unsuccessfully to avoid the collision.
A helicopter ambulance was dispatched to take the pickup truck driver to a hospital for treatment of serious injuries including two broken legs and one broken arm.
The driver of the semi rig and a passenger were not injured.
Traffic on U.S. 75 was diverted between El Dorado Parkway and Highway 121 after the accident, but the scene was cleared before the height of Friday's morning rush hour.
WFAA-TV reporter Cynthia Vega in McKinney contributed to this report.
Live Dallas/Ft. Worth Traffic Reports from Traffic Pulse
From WFAA ABC 8 Staff Reporters
Wrong-way drivers caused two separate head-on collisions early Friday, and at least one motorist was killed.
In the first wreck, about 1:20 a.m., Wilmer police were in pursuit of a stolen car that was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 45 when the car crashed head-on into a tow truck in the Ferris city limits.
The unidentified driver of the stolen car was killed. The driver of the tow truck was rushed to a Dallas hospital by helicopter ambulance.
Less than three hours later, in Collin County, a pickup truck driving north in the southbound lanes of U.S. 75 collided with an 18-wheeler in McKinney.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, who was on a Kansas to Florida run, told News 8 he saw the wrong-way driver and tried unsuccessfully to avoid the collision.
A helicopter ambulance was dispatched to take the pickup truck driver to a hospital for treatment of serious injuries including two broken legs and one broken arm.
The driver of the semi rig and a passenger were not injured.
Traffic on U.S. 75 was diverted between El Dorado Parkway and Highway 121 after the accident, but the scene was cleared before the height of Friday's morning rush hour.
WFAA-TV reporter Cynthia Vega in McKinney contributed to this report.
Live Dallas/Ft. Worth Traffic Reports from Traffic Pulse
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