Plano mom getting better, stepdad says
But he believes she was insane when baby's arms were severed
By JENNIFER EMILY / The Dallas Morning News
PLANO, Texas - Dena Schlosser recently told her family she experienced violent, vivid hallucinations with religious connotations in the days before she admitted cutting off the arms of her 10-month-old baby in November.
One led her to contemplate cutting off her own legs, her stepfather Mick Macaulay said Friday.
Ms. Schlosser, 36, has been treated at North Texas State Hospital in Vernon since February because a jury deemed her mentally unable to assist in her own defense. Doctors told her attorney this week that she has been restored to competency. She could return to the Collin County jail as early as next week.
On Friday, Mr. Macaulay described a woman who is improving but is still not fully aware of what has happened to her life.
He declined to give more detail about Ms. Schlosser's delusions.
"Based on my conversations with her, I am all the more convinced of her insanity when she hurt the baby, killed the baby," Mr. Macaulay said.
Doctors will soon determine Ms. Schlosser's mental state the day Margaret Schlosser died. Whether the Plano mother was sane or insane at the time will determine how her capital murder trial proceeds.
The Collin County district attorney's office has not decided whether it will seek the death penalty. Collin County First Assistant District Attorney Greg Davis said Friday that he has not yet reviewed the hospital report. The district attorney's office declined to comment further.
Ms. Schlosser's attorney David Haynes said once doctors determine her mental state when Margaret died, decisions can be made about her defense strategy.
"We're looking forward to getting her back and having a detailed discussion about all aspects of her case now that she has been restored to competency," he said.
Mr. Macaulay said his stepdaughter told him that she never told anyone about the hallucinations because her husband, John Schlosser, told her "if she insisted on being crazy, she was of no use to him."
So, she decided not to tell anyone, Mr. Macaulay said.
"I was puzzled why we didn't hear anything about this. Why she didn't tell me or her mother or John," Mr. Macaulay said. "By the time Maggie was killed, she was too far gone."
Mr. Schlosser and his attorney could not be reached for comment Friday.
Improved mental health
The Macaulays live in Canada and Ms. Schlosser's mother, Connie Macaulay, suffers from severe Parkinson's disease. Before Margaret's death, the Macaulays talked frequently by phone with their daughter and son-in-law, but did not see them often. Now, Mrs. Macaulay's ailing health prevents her from speaking with her daughter.
Mr. Macaulay said in his conversations with Ms. Schlosser, she shows improved mental health and is "brighter, less depressed and more in contact with reality."
Her family says it was Ms. Schlosser's mental state combined with fervent religious beliefs that led her to harm her youngest daughter. The Plano church the Schlossers attended taught that women have a "Jezebel spirit" and must submit to their husbands. They also claim that doctors and counseling are not necessary for those with enough faith.
Ms. Schlosser had been diagnosed with postpartum psychosis and tried to commit suicide the day after Margaret's birth. She was treated off and on during the months before Margaret's death.
On Nov. 22, police found Ms. Schlosser in her Plano apartment with a knife in her hand and a gash in her shoulder. Religious music was playing. Her child was in a back bedroom and was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Wanted to give baby up
Court records indicate that the day before Margaret died, Ms. Schlosser told her husband she wanted to give the baby "to God." Mr. Macaulay said Ms. Schlosser said recently that she wanted to give Margaret to their minister. He said Ms. Schlosser's reason was tied to one of her hallucinations but would not elaborate.
Mr. Macaulay also said Ms. Schlosser has said she misses her youngest daughter, but has not talked about what happened that day in detail. Mr. Macaulay, a mental health counselor, said Ms. Schlosser is "extremely depressed about Maggie."
Though Ms. Schlosser is now able to assist with her defense, Mr. Macaulay said he would not call her "a poster child for mental health."
She still holds out hope that she will be reunited with her husband and surviving daughters, ages 6 and 9, Mr. Macaulay said.
"She talks about how much she loves him and the fact that one occasion ... he (John) responded that he loved her and she locked onto that," Mr. Macaulay said.
Divorce filing
Mr. Schlosser filed for divorce on Tuesday and his attorney, Howard Shapiro, said in January that the Schlossers' marriage was over.
"He can never live with her in the same household again. She can't be around those kids again, ever," he said at the time.
Mr. Macaulay said he tells his stepdaughter she needs to focus on getting better whenever she talks about reuniting with her family.
"In light of his recent divorce filing, it's pretty clear that's not going to happen," he said.
Ms. Schlosser has not had contact with her daughters, he said. She won't until the girls' mental health providers say it is OK. Mr. Macaulay said Ms. Schlosser asks about her daughters.
He said most of her day at the hospital is spent in therapy. She is taking the antipsychotic medication Seroquel. She took a computer class and goes to church.
"She likes it there," Mr. Macaulay said. "She likes the staff and the nature of the place."
News from the Lone Star State
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TexasStooge
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Siblings survive home invasion ordeal
By APRIL KINSER / DallasNews.com
DALLAS, Texas - The victim doesn’t know what the gunman looked like who forced him to lie face down on the floor early Friday, but he’s well-acquainted with the fear.
“He said as long as we do what he tells us to do then we would be OK,” said the man, who asked not to be identified to protect his family’s safety. “I thought we weren’t going to make it out alive.”
The crime began unfolding shortly after 5 a.m., when his sister, who lives alone in the Churchill on the Park apartment complex in the 7600 block of Churchill Way, called him at home after hearing a knock and rustling outside the door.
“She was scared,” the brother said. “I told her not to open the door and that I was coming over.”
He said he and his mother drove to the complex and had been parked for a few minutes when they heard his sister scream.
He said he ran into the apartment, where the door had been kicked in, and saw the suspect, wearing a bandanna over his face, pointing a gun at his sister. The suspect then turned the weapon toward him and ordered them both to the ground before rummaging around and finding his sister’s bank card.
He ordered both of them to drive to the nearest ATM. The mother, who was not taken, went inside the apartment.
The brother said his sister drove his car, while he sat in the passenger seat and the suspect sat in the back. His sister withdrew several hundred dollars, then the suspect asked to be let out at the intersection of Forest Lane and Central Expressway, he said.
Dallas police Sr. Cpl. Jamie Kimbrough said police were investigating whether the suspect is responsible for a similar crime that occurred in the area overnight in the 18000 block of the Dallas North Parkway and several more nearby in recent months.
Kimbrough said the gunman was described as a black male, about 25 years old, between 6 feet and 6-foot-2 inches tall and weighing 185 to 200 pounds.
Although the brother and sister were not injured, Kimbrough discouraged the idea of running in on a home-invasion suspect, saying victims should call 911 immediately.
“No. 1 is to always keep the doors locked and don’t go to the door if you’re not absolutely sure who it is,” Kimbrough said. “Always call 911 if you think you might walk in on a burglary because you never know what could happen.”
Kimbrough said Friday’s invasion appears to be random; most usually involve victims and assailants who are strangers.
Herschel Wells, an apartment complex resident, said he was surprised by the suspect’s boldness.
“I cannot believe this,” Wells said. “I think this is as safe a complex as any around here.”
A neighbor, who asked not to be identified, said she is not shocked about the break-in.
She said her upstairs neighbors apartment was burglarized several months ago and her boyfriend recently confronted a man hiding in some bushes near their apartment at night.
“I was pretty freaked out by that,” she said. “There’s been a lot of crime here. The bottom line is if somebody wants to get in, then they will.”
DallasNews.com staff writer Janelle Stecklein contributed to this report.
By APRIL KINSER / DallasNews.com
DALLAS, Texas - The victim doesn’t know what the gunman looked like who forced him to lie face down on the floor early Friday, but he’s well-acquainted with the fear.
“He said as long as we do what he tells us to do then we would be OK,” said the man, who asked not to be identified to protect his family’s safety. “I thought we weren’t going to make it out alive.”
The crime began unfolding shortly after 5 a.m., when his sister, who lives alone in the Churchill on the Park apartment complex in the 7600 block of Churchill Way, called him at home after hearing a knock and rustling outside the door.
“She was scared,” the brother said. “I told her not to open the door and that I was coming over.”
He said he and his mother drove to the complex and had been parked for a few minutes when they heard his sister scream.
He said he ran into the apartment, where the door had been kicked in, and saw the suspect, wearing a bandanna over his face, pointing a gun at his sister. The suspect then turned the weapon toward him and ordered them both to the ground before rummaging around and finding his sister’s bank card.
He ordered both of them to drive to the nearest ATM. The mother, who was not taken, went inside the apartment.
The brother said his sister drove his car, while he sat in the passenger seat and the suspect sat in the back. His sister withdrew several hundred dollars, then the suspect asked to be let out at the intersection of Forest Lane and Central Expressway, he said.
Dallas police Sr. Cpl. Jamie Kimbrough said police were investigating whether the suspect is responsible for a similar crime that occurred in the area overnight in the 18000 block of the Dallas North Parkway and several more nearby in recent months.
Kimbrough said the gunman was described as a black male, about 25 years old, between 6 feet and 6-foot-2 inches tall and weighing 185 to 200 pounds.
Although the brother and sister were not injured, Kimbrough discouraged the idea of running in on a home-invasion suspect, saying victims should call 911 immediately.
“No. 1 is to always keep the doors locked and don’t go to the door if you’re not absolutely sure who it is,” Kimbrough said. “Always call 911 if you think you might walk in on a burglary because you never know what could happen.”
Kimbrough said Friday’s invasion appears to be random; most usually involve victims and assailants who are strangers.
Herschel Wells, an apartment complex resident, said he was surprised by the suspect’s boldness.
“I cannot believe this,” Wells said. “I think this is as safe a complex as any around here.”
A neighbor, who asked not to be identified, said she is not shocked about the break-in.
She said her upstairs neighbors apartment was burglarized several months ago and her boyfriend recently confronted a man hiding in some bushes near their apartment at night.
“I was pretty freaked out by that,” she said. “There’s been a lot of crime here. The bottom line is if somebody wants to get in, then they will.”
DallasNews.com staff writer Janelle Stecklein contributed to this report.
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Patients get VIP treatment
By JANET ST. JAMES / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Anyone who's ever stayed in a hospital knows the rooms aren't exactly comfortable—much less luxurious.
But Medical City Dallas Hospital is now offering a VIP option, and you can thank the health insurance crisis for the change.
The upscale hospital suite features gourmet coffee, a huge bathroom with a granite spa tub, and a big-screen plasma television with a DVD player.
"The best thing about this area is the privacy aspect it allows," said Pam Ward, who has been enjoying her recovery from a Caesarean delivery three days ago. "When the doctors come in, or I need to feed Samantha, you can pull the curtain and it separates it from your guests."
Ward's husband, Mitchell, has no need to leave and go to work, because there are wireless computer hook-ups available along with wall-beds instead of uncomfortable pull-out couches.
Ironically, tough financial times in the medical industry are responsible for all this luxury.
Getting insurance reimbursement for standard hospital rooms is a challenge for most hospitals. But patients pay for the upgrade of a VIP suite out of their own pockets."
Medical City's VIP suite costs an extra $250 a night.
"It's voluntary," said nurse Marilyn Hernandez. "If they want the room, they need to pay for it, and it's another way we can get reimbursement."
Pam Ward says the benefits of the VIP room go beyond luxuries. "Your family can be near; it's more of a comfort for me to have them near. It's worth it to me; you can't really put a price on that."
By JANET ST. JAMES / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Anyone who's ever stayed in a hospital knows the rooms aren't exactly comfortable—much less luxurious.
But Medical City Dallas Hospital is now offering a VIP option, and you can thank the health insurance crisis for the change.
The upscale hospital suite features gourmet coffee, a huge bathroom with a granite spa tub, and a big-screen plasma television with a DVD player.
"The best thing about this area is the privacy aspect it allows," said Pam Ward, who has been enjoying her recovery from a Caesarean delivery three days ago. "When the doctors come in, or I need to feed Samantha, you can pull the curtain and it separates it from your guests."
Ward's husband, Mitchell, has no need to leave and go to work, because there are wireless computer hook-ups available along with wall-beds instead of uncomfortable pull-out couches.
Ironically, tough financial times in the medical industry are responsible for all this luxury.
Getting insurance reimbursement for standard hospital rooms is a challenge for most hospitals. But patients pay for the upgrade of a VIP suite out of their own pockets."
Medical City's VIP suite costs an extra $250 a night.
"It's voluntary," said nurse Marilyn Hernandez. "If they want the room, they need to pay for it, and it's another way we can get reimbursement."
Pam Ward says the benefits of the VIP room go beyond luxuries. "Your family can be near; it's more of a comfort for me to have them near. It's worth it to me; you can't really put a price on that."
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rainstorm
TexasStooge wrote:Plano mom getting better, stepdad says
But he believes she was insane when baby's arms were severed
By JENNIFER EMILY / The Dallas Morning News
PLANO, Texas - Dena Schlosser recently told her family she experienced violent, vivid hallucinations with religious connotations in the days before she admitted cutting off the arms of her 10-month-old baby in November.
One led her to contemplate cutting off her own legs, her stepfather Mick Macaulay said Friday.
Ms. Schlosser, 36, has been treated at North Texas State Hospital in Vernon since February because a jury deemed her mentally unable to assist in her own defense. Doctors told her attorney this week that she has been restored to competency. She could return to the Collin County jail as early as next week.
On Friday, Mr. Macaulay described a woman who is improving but is still not fully aware of what has happened to her life.
He declined to give more detail about Ms. Schlosser's delusions.
"Based on my conversations with her, I am all the more convinced of her insanity when she hurt the baby, killed the baby," Mr. Macaulay said.
Doctors will soon determine Ms. Schlosser's mental state the day Margaret Schlosser died. Whether the Plano mother was sane or insane at the time will determine how her capital murder trial proceeds.
The Collin County district attorney's office has not decided whether it will seek the death penalty. Collin County First Assistant District Attorney Greg Davis said Friday that he has not yet reviewed the hospital report. The district attorney's office declined to comment further.
Ms. Schlosser's attorney David Haynes said once doctors determine her mental state when Margaret died, decisions can be made about her defense strategy.
"We're looking forward to getting her back and having a detailed discussion about all aspects of her case now that she has been restored to competency," he said.
Mr. Macaulay said his stepdaughter told him that she never told anyone about the hallucinations because her husband, John Schlosser, told her "if she insisted on being crazy, she was of no use to him."
So, she decided not to tell anyone, Mr. Macaulay said.
"I was puzzled why we didn't hear anything about this. Why she didn't tell me or her mother or John," Mr. Macaulay said. "By the time Maggie was killed, she was too far gone."
Mr. Schlosser and his attorney could not be reached for comment Friday.
Improved mental health
The Macaulays live in Canada and Ms. Schlosser's mother, Connie Macaulay, suffers from severe Parkinson's disease. Before Margaret's death, the Macaulays talked frequently by phone with their daughter and son-in-law, but did not see them often. Now, Mrs. Macaulay's ailing health prevents her from speaking with her daughter.
Mr. Macaulay said in his conversations with Ms. Schlosser, she shows improved mental health and is "brighter, less depressed and more in contact with reality."
Her family says it was Ms. Schlosser's mental state combined with fervent religious beliefs that led her to harm her youngest daughter. The Plano church the Schlossers attended taught that women have a "Jezebel spirit" and must submit to their husbands. They also claim that doctors and counseling are not necessary for those with enough faith.
Ms. Schlosser had been diagnosed with postpartum psychosis and tried to commit suicide the day after Margaret's birth. She was treated off and on during the months before Margaret's death.
On Nov. 22, police found Ms. Schlosser in her Plano apartment with a knife in her hand and a gash in her shoulder. Religious music was playing. Her child was in a back bedroom and was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Wanted to give baby up
Court records indicate that the day before Margaret died, Ms. Schlosser told her husband she wanted to give the baby "to God." Mr. Macaulay said Ms. Schlosser said recently that she wanted to give Margaret to their minister. He said Ms. Schlosser's reason was tied to one of her hallucinations but would not elaborate.
Mr. Macaulay also said Ms. Schlosser has said she misses her youngest daughter, but has not talked about what happened that day in detail. Mr. Macaulay, a mental health counselor, said Ms. Schlosser is "extremely depressed about Maggie."
Though Ms. Schlosser is now able to assist with her defense, Mr. Macaulay said he would not call her "a poster child for mental health."
She still holds out hope that she will be reunited with her husband and surviving daughters, ages 6 and 9, Mr. Macaulay said.
"She talks about how much she loves him and the fact that one occasion ... he (John) responded that he loved her and she locked onto that," Mr. Macaulay said.
Divorce filing
Mr. Schlosser filed for divorce on Tuesday and his attorney, Howard Shapiro, said in January that the Schlossers' marriage was over.
"He can never live with her in the same household again. She can't be around those kids again, ever," he said at the time.
Mr. Macaulay said he tells his stepdaughter she needs to focus on getting better whenever she talks about reuniting with her family.
"In light of his recent divorce filing, it's pretty clear that's not going to happen," he said.
Ms. Schlosser has not had contact with her daughters, he said. She won't until the girls' mental health providers say it is OK. Mr. Macaulay said Ms. Schlosser asks about her daughters.
He said most of her day at the hospital is spent in therapy. She is taking the antipsychotic medication Seroquel. She took a computer class and goes to church.
"She likes it there," Mr. Macaulay said. "She likes the staff and the nature of the place."
PLANO, Texas - Dena Schlosser recently told her family she experienced violent, vivid hallucinations with religious connotations in the days before she admitted cutting off the arms of her 10-month-old baby in November.
One led her to contemplate cutting off her own legs, her stepfather Mick Macaulay said Friday.
it always seems to be the same story. just like susan smith who supposedly wanted to kill herself, but saved her own skin and murdered her kids herself. apparently, this woman figured out cutting off her own legs was not wise.
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Teen dies 10 days after pool incident
By REBECCA RODRIGUEZ / WFAA ABC 8
BRIDGEPORT, Texas - A Bridgeport teenager who police said was thrown into a swimming pool during a party has died.
Luis Gonzalez, 13, clung to life for nearly ten days at Cook Children's Hospital in Fort Worth where he died Sunday night. Friends and family of Gonzalez kept a vigil at the hospital for more than a week hoping the boy would beat the odds, but it wasn't to be.
Gonzalez was described as a popular student.
"He was a really great friend, a good student," said classmate Gabi Rivera. "The teachers loved him and everything."
The teen was among nearly 100 seventh-graders treated to an end of the year party at the city pool. Rivera was there too.
"We talked to him for a while, asked him if he knew how to swim, and he told us 'no' so we just left him there," Rivera said. "All of a sudden the lifeguards were just yelling to get out, and then we just saw him there hanging there from the ladders."
Police said Gonzalez was pushed into the pool by a classmate who knew he could not swim; he had stopped breathing by the time paramedics pulled him out.
However, Bridgeport residents aren't just mourning his death; they're also very upset with the way police are handling the investigation. Police arrested another classmate and charged him with aggravated assault. In the days since, there have been marches to protest his arrest. It is too late to save one boy, but they are intent on saving the other.
Parents say the only crime was a lack of supervision.
"It's an injustice that they want to blame a child when it was an accident," parent Maria Teresa Rivera said through an interpreter. "It could have happened to any of the children there; there should have been no more than 50 children there."
"A lot of people think that this is just a tragic accident, children playing and being children," said Bridgeport police spokesman Sgt. Bobby Arriola. "Through the investigation, that is something we have determined is not what happened here."
In light of Gonzalez's death, Bridgeport police said they will meet with Wise County prosecutors on Tuesday to discuss whether to upgrade the charges against the 13-year-old classmate they say threw Gonzalez into the pool.
By REBECCA RODRIGUEZ / WFAA ABC 8
BRIDGEPORT, Texas - A Bridgeport teenager who police said was thrown into a swimming pool during a party has died.
Luis Gonzalez, 13, clung to life for nearly ten days at Cook Children's Hospital in Fort Worth where he died Sunday night. Friends and family of Gonzalez kept a vigil at the hospital for more than a week hoping the boy would beat the odds, but it wasn't to be.
Gonzalez was described as a popular student.
"He was a really great friend, a good student," said classmate Gabi Rivera. "The teachers loved him and everything."
The teen was among nearly 100 seventh-graders treated to an end of the year party at the city pool. Rivera was there too.
"We talked to him for a while, asked him if he knew how to swim, and he told us 'no' so we just left him there," Rivera said. "All of a sudden the lifeguards were just yelling to get out, and then we just saw him there hanging there from the ladders."
Police said Gonzalez was pushed into the pool by a classmate who knew he could not swim; he had stopped breathing by the time paramedics pulled him out.
However, Bridgeport residents aren't just mourning his death; they're also very upset with the way police are handling the investigation. Police arrested another classmate and charged him with aggravated assault. In the days since, there have been marches to protest his arrest. It is too late to save one boy, but they are intent on saving the other.
Parents say the only crime was a lack of supervision.
"It's an injustice that they want to blame a child when it was an accident," parent Maria Teresa Rivera said through an interpreter. "It could have happened to any of the children there; there should have been no more than 50 children there."
"A lot of people think that this is just a tragic accident, children playing and being children," said Bridgeport police spokesman Sgt. Bobby Arriola. "Through the investigation, that is something we have determined is not what happened here."
In light of Gonzalez's death, Bridgeport police said they will meet with Wise County prosecutors on Tuesday to discuss whether to upgrade the charges against the 13-year-old classmate they say threw Gonzalez into the pool.
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Tot dies in wreck; teen faces charges
GARLAND, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - An unlicensed 16-year old driver faces a charge of criminally negligent homicide after an overnight accident in Garland that killed a child.
Witnesses said they saw the teen's pickup truck run a flashing red light and hit a sport utility vehicle at West Avenue B and Glenbrook Drive around 11:30 p.m. Monday.
The SUV rolled over and two children were ejected from the vehicle. A three-year-old survived, but a four-year-old girl died later at Children's Medical Center Dallas.
Police said the children's 22-year-old mother and a three-month-old baby remained inside the vehicle and survived the crash.
The names of the victims were not released.
The 16-year-old boy who was driving the pickup truck was taken into custody and tested for intoxicants, police said. Criminally negligent homicide is a felony offense.
WFAA-TV photojournalist Robert Flagg contributed to this report.
GARLAND, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - An unlicensed 16-year old driver faces a charge of criminally negligent homicide after an overnight accident in Garland that killed a child.
Witnesses said they saw the teen's pickup truck run a flashing red light and hit a sport utility vehicle at West Avenue B and Glenbrook Drive around 11:30 p.m. Monday.
The SUV rolled over and two children were ejected from the vehicle. A three-year-old survived, but a four-year-old girl died later at Children's Medical Center Dallas.
Police said the children's 22-year-old mother and a three-month-old baby remained inside the vehicle and survived the crash.
The names of the victims were not released.
The 16-year-old boy who was driving the pickup truck was taken into custody and tested for intoxicants, police said. Criminally negligent homicide is a felony offense.
WFAA-TV photojournalist Robert Flagg contributed to this report.
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TexasStooge
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Police chase ends in deadly crash
By BRETT SHIPP / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - A pedestrian was killed in a crash that ended a brief police chase near downtown Dallas Monday morning.
The pursuit started shortly after 8:30 a.m. when police began following a red pickup truck with two drug suspects inside.
Witnesses said the pickup sped away at an estimated 80 mph traveling the wrong direction on North Peak Street when it was broadsided by a white van at the Bryan Street intersection.
The vehicles struck and killed a pedestrian who was crossing the road.
A visibly shaken Jason Ramsey witnessed what happened. "I'm not sure who they found under the truck, but one of the guys was under the truck," he said. "It's hard to believe you were looking at it."
The dead man, identified as Braulio Morales, 60, was described as a humble Cuban immigrant who was well-known and well-liked in the homeless community. He had just left Emmanuel Lutheran Church nearby with a voucher to pick up food later in the morning.
The driver of the pickup truck was seriously injured and taken to nearby Baylor University Medical Center for treatment. Police said he could face manslaughter charges if he survives.
Another person in the pickup and two people in the van were also hurt, but they are expected to survive.
No names were available.
On Jan. 14, another high-speed police chase ended with the deaths of two people when their van struck a utility pole in southeast Oak Cliff. The van had been stolen in McKinney.
At the time, Dallas police said they would investigate the accident to see whether the officers involved conformed to department policy regarding pursuits.
WFAA-TV assignment editor Gerardo Lopez and The Dallas Morning News contributed to this report.
By BRETT SHIPP / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - A pedestrian was killed in a crash that ended a brief police chase near downtown Dallas Monday morning.
The pursuit started shortly after 8:30 a.m. when police began following a red pickup truck with two drug suspects inside.
Witnesses said the pickup sped away at an estimated 80 mph traveling the wrong direction on North Peak Street when it was broadsided by a white van at the Bryan Street intersection.
The vehicles struck and killed a pedestrian who was crossing the road.
A visibly shaken Jason Ramsey witnessed what happened. "I'm not sure who they found under the truck, but one of the guys was under the truck," he said. "It's hard to believe you were looking at it."
The dead man, identified as Braulio Morales, 60, was described as a humble Cuban immigrant who was well-known and well-liked in the homeless community. He had just left Emmanuel Lutheran Church nearby with a voucher to pick up food later in the morning.
The driver of the pickup truck was seriously injured and taken to nearby Baylor University Medical Center for treatment. Police said he could face manslaughter charges if he survives.
Another person in the pickup and two people in the van were also hurt, but they are expected to survive.
No names were available.
On Jan. 14, another high-speed police chase ended with the deaths of two people when their van struck a utility pole in southeast Oak Cliff. The van had been stolen in McKinney.
At the time, Dallas police said they would investigate the accident to see whether the officers involved conformed to department policy regarding pursuits.
WFAA-TV assignment editor Gerardo Lopez and The Dallas Morning News contributed to this report.
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Vandalism spurs many to visit memorial
By CHRIS HEINBAUGH / WFAA ABC 8
IRVING, Texas - Some of the graffiti has now been removed from the Veterans Memorial in Irving.
The park, located on Rock Island Road just east of City Hall, was desecrated over the weekend by a vandal armed with spray paint.
After News 8 broke the story Sunday night, dozens of people began visiting the memorial. Many were veterans angry at what occured; several came with flowers to express thanks for the nation's fallen heroes.
"People died for us, and then people just came over here and act like they didn't even care and just wrote all over it," said Gabriela Ledesma. "It's really stupid."
The act of vandalism may have had a silver lining. Many of the visitors there Monday told News 8 it was their first visit to the park. Some said they didn't even know the park was there until they heard about the attack over the weekend.
By CHRIS HEINBAUGH / WFAA ABC 8
IRVING, Texas - Some of the graffiti has now been removed from the Veterans Memorial in Irving.
The park, located on Rock Island Road just east of City Hall, was desecrated over the weekend by a vandal armed with spray paint.
After News 8 broke the story Sunday night, dozens of people began visiting the memorial. Many were veterans angry at what occured; several came with flowers to express thanks for the nation's fallen heroes.
"People died for us, and then people just came over here and act like they didn't even care and just wrote all over it," said Gabriela Ledesma. "It's really stupid."
The act of vandalism may have had a silver lining. Many of the visitors there Monday told News 8 it was their first visit to the park. Some said they didn't even know the park was there until they heard about the attack over the weekend.
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TexasStooge
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- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
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Police to videotape confessions
Dallas: Recording of murder suspects to begin this summer
By JASON TRAHAN / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas police will join a growing number of police departments nationwide when they begin videotaping murder suspects' confessions later this summer.
The decision comes on the heels of two instances in which videotapes could have determined what occurred in interrogation rooms.
In one instance, a homicide detective called 911 for a murder suspect who suffered minor injuries after the detective said the man attacked him during closed-door questioning.
In another incident earlier this year, a woman said she was raped by an officer in an interrogation room. She later recanted the allegation and was subsequently indicted on charges that she lied about the attack.
Aside from recording investigators' conduct behind closed doors, prosecutors and police say videotapes would strengthen slaying cases and trials.
"We get a high number of voluntary statements, and we want to ensure they are secure," said Deputy Chief Alfredo Saldana, who heads Dallas' crimes against persons division. "We have an extremely high confidence in our detectives and believe this is a tool that can help them do their jobs even better."
Two national studies found that while police departments often are slow to embrace videotaping, virtually all officers who use it quickly support the practice.
"The 350 police departments that I've talked to love it," said Tom Sullivan, a Chicago lawyer who published a report last summer for the Illinois governor's office after 13 death penalty cases were overturned in that state. "The prosecutors love it because they get more lay-down cases, and the judges don't have to listen to who shot John for two days."
A video of a suspect detailing a crime makes a more salient point to jurors, who normally have to rely on a slaying defendant's written statement, prosecutors said.
"Sometimes, when defendants decide to talk, they will say the most devastating things and act out the crimes," said Toby Shook, a Dallas County assistant district attorney. "It is compelling testimony that doesn't really translate onto paper."
But videotapes, particularly of hours of interrogation leading up to a confession, can backfire on a detective who isn't trained to understand fully how their behavior will appear to jurors.
This is why the Dallas County district attorney's office will conduct training for the department's 24 homicide detectives beginning next month. The tapes then should start rolling on the fifth floor of the Jack Evans Police Headquarters by late summer.
"There are training benefits," said William Geller, who conducted a U.S. Department of Justice study in 1993 of taped interrogations and confessions. "Some interrogators are more professional than others. Just like pilots in flight training, it's a way of sitting down afterward and doing some tricks-of-the-trade lessons with detectives."
Experts disagree on whether it's better to tape an entire interrogation leading up to a confession, or just the confession.
Proponents of more thorough taping argue that recording only 20 minutes of six hours of questioning could lead to accusations of coercion.
Others say that taping just the confession limits possible material for defense attorneys who might note something early in the suspect's interrogation session that hints he/she didn't commit the crime – even if there's a confession later.
Dallas officials haven't decided how much of an interrogation they will record.
For now, they will use VHS technology – which leads to storage problems. Later, the department probably will switch to digital recording, which can be stored on computers, officials said.
Detectives will begin by taping murder suspects, but the department could extend the practice to other serious felony suspects.
"It's a good start," said Peter Barrett, president of the Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association. "When DNA first came out, defense lawyers feared it. But look at how much of a role it's played in exonerating people who otherwise might have been wrongfully convicted."
Dallas: Recording of murder suspects to begin this summer
By JASON TRAHAN / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas police will join a growing number of police departments nationwide when they begin videotaping murder suspects' confessions later this summer.
The decision comes on the heels of two instances in which videotapes could have determined what occurred in interrogation rooms.
In one instance, a homicide detective called 911 for a murder suspect who suffered minor injuries after the detective said the man attacked him during closed-door questioning.
In another incident earlier this year, a woman said she was raped by an officer in an interrogation room. She later recanted the allegation and was subsequently indicted on charges that she lied about the attack.
Aside from recording investigators' conduct behind closed doors, prosecutors and police say videotapes would strengthen slaying cases and trials.
"We get a high number of voluntary statements, and we want to ensure they are secure," said Deputy Chief Alfredo Saldana, who heads Dallas' crimes against persons division. "We have an extremely high confidence in our detectives and believe this is a tool that can help them do their jobs even better."
Two national studies found that while police departments often are slow to embrace videotaping, virtually all officers who use it quickly support the practice.
"The 350 police departments that I've talked to love it," said Tom Sullivan, a Chicago lawyer who published a report last summer for the Illinois governor's office after 13 death penalty cases were overturned in that state. "The prosecutors love it because they get more lay-down cases, and the judges don't have to listen to who shot John for two days."
A video of a suspect detailing a crime makes a more salient point to jurors, who normally have to rely on a slaying defendant's written statement, prosecutors said.
"Sometimes, when defendants decide to talk, they will say the most devastating things and act out the crimes," said Toby Shook, a Dallas County assistant district attorney. "It is compelling testimony that doesn't really translate onto paper."
But videotapes, particularly of hours of interrogation leading up to a confession, can backfire on a detective who isn't trained to understand fully how their behavior will appear to jurors.
This is why the Dallas County district attorney's office will conduct training for the department's 24 homicide detectives beginning next month. The tapes then should start rolling on the fifth floor of the Jack Evans Police Headquarters by late summer.
"There are training benefits," said William Geller, who conducted a U.S. Department of Justice study in 1993 of taped interrogations and confessions. "Some interrogators are more professional than others. Just like pilots in flight training, it's a way of sitting down afterward and doing some tricks-of-the-trade lessons with detectives."
Experts disagree on whether it's better to tape an entire interrogation leading up to a confession, or just the confession.
Proponents of more thorough taping argue that recording only 20 minutes of six hours of questioning could lead to accusations of coercion.
Others say that taping just the confession limits possible material for defense attorneys who might note something early in the suspect's interrogation session that hints he/she didn't commit the crime – even if there's a confession later.
Dallas officials haven't decided how much of an interrogation they will record.
For now, they will use VHS technology – which leads to storage problems. Later, the department probably will switch to digital recording, which can be stored on computers, officials said.
Detectives will begin by taping murder suspects, but the department could extend the practice to other serious felony suspects.
"It's a good start," said Peter Barrett, president of the Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association. "When DNA first came out, defense lawyers feared it. But look at how much of a role it's played in exonerating people who otherwise might have been wrongfully convicted."
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TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Creating a south-side safeguard in Irving
Residents' group encourages officials to plan development
By ERIC AASEN / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas – The quality of life in south Irving isn't in decline, but city officials should play a more active role in developing and improving the city's south side, according to a report from a residents' group.
The report comes as city officials and residents debate and study ways to improve life south of Airport Freeway. The area is home to downtown, the city's oldest neighborhoods and an increasingly diverse population.
"South Irving has the potential to be a gateway to the suburbs if the right mix of revitalization and redevelopment takes place," the report states. "But the city needs to capitalize on its strengths through aggressive revitalization of both business and residential areas."
The report "begs for action" from city leaders and residents, said Colvin Gibson, a member of the group, the Irving South Environment Resources, Values, and Entrepreneurship committee.
"We are undercapitalizing on a significant segment of the city," he said. "We should be part of a proactive movement to make south Irving the best that it can be."
Among the highlights from the report, "A Blueprint for the Future of Irving," which focused primarily on the area south of Airport Freeway:
•South Irving residential property values are on the rise, but use of federal grant money is critical to improve housing there.
•While south Irving may not be in a general state of decline, the report states that "certain areas show their age and certain properties show a lack of care from their owners."
•There are significant opportunities for redevelopment in south Irving, including downtown.
The report also studied other topics, including crime, the Irving school district, code enforcement and racism.
John Danish, committee chairman, calls the report "an honest portrayal of Irving." He says the entire city would benefit if city leaders implemented the recommendations.
The committee wants the city to develop incentives to develop – and redevelop – south Irving and require the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce to attract development to the south side.
The committee also wants city officials to hire more code enforcement officers and bilingual employees. In addition, committee members encourage the city to develop closer ties with school districts that serve Irving students.
Committee members hope the report clarifies perceptions some residents have about south Irving. The committee was charged by Mayor Joe Putnam to examine allegations that the south side is in decline.
While parts of south Irving may be deteriorating, the south side isn't as bad as some may make it seem, committee members say. The report suggests that the perception of decline is related to the area's changing demographics.
Council member James Dickens says parts of south Irving are deteriorating, but that's to be expected in the oldest part of the city.
Progress is being made, Mr. Dickens says. He thinks the chamber is making a more focused effort to sell south Irving to businesses and to spur development. Businesses are moving to the south side, especially those that cater to the city's growing Hispanic community.
"That's not a bad thing," said Mr. Dickens, who is Hispanic. "The companies are moving in to ... fill in what would otherwise be vacancies."
The residents' report follows several discussions about improving south Irving. Some residents, many from south Irving, said their neighbors weren't taking care of their property. Council members have been studying code enforcement reforms and expect to issue recommendations soon.
In addition, Planning and Zoning commissioners have discussed how to improve Irving Boulevard, home to many businesses, which runs through downtown and south Irving.
And city officials are reviewing a report about downtown improvements. Urban Land Institute members suggest that downtown could become a bustling urban village with apartments and businesses if city officials take advantage of the nearby Trinity Railway Express line.
Karen Harmon, a south Irving resident, says she's encouraged by efforts to improve the city's south side. But she'd like to see more city and neighborhood investment in maintaining aging houses.
She applauds some of the committee's recommendations, including hiring more bilingual employees. Ms. Harmon says she appreciates the diversity of south Irving and likes that her 5-year-old son plays with children from other races, cultures and backgrounds.
"People may not want to admit it, but we're a very diverse city," says Ms. Harmon, who lives in the Barton Estates neighborhood. "That's the way it is, and that's not going to change simply because someone doesn't like it."
Jan Killen says she's concerned about south Irving but thinks improvements can be made.
She knows of residents who have moved out of south Irving because of their concerns. But Ms. Killen, who lives in the Towne Lake neighborhood, says she's not giving up. She likes walking across the street and watching ducks in the park.
"I'm still hopeful because ... people that I know still have roots here," said Ms. Killen, who has lived in Irving for 40 years. They are "caring and trying to make a difference."
Residents' group encourages officials to plan development
By ERIC AASEN / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas – The quality of life in south Irving isn't in decline, but city officials should play a more active role in developing and improving the city's south side, according to a report from a residents' group.
The report comes as city officials and residents debate and study ways to improve life south of Airport Freeway. The area is home to downtown, the city's oldest neighborhoods and an increasingly diverse population.
"South Irving has the potential to be a gateway to the suburbs if the right mix of revitalization and redevelopment takes place," the report states. "But the city needs to capitalize on its strengths through aggressive revitalization of both business and residential areas."
The report "begs for action" from city leaders and residents, said Colvin Gibson, a member of the group, the Irving South Environment Resources, Values, and Entrepreneurship committee.
"We are undercapitalizing on a significant segment of the city," he said. "We should be part of a proactive movement to make south Irving the best that it can be."
Among the highlights from the report, "A Blueprint for the Future of Irving," which focused primarily on the area south of Airport Freeway:
•South Irving residential property values are on the rise, but use of federal grant money is critical to improve housing there.
•While south Irving may not be in a general state of decline, the report states that "certain areas show their age and certain properties show a lack of care from their owners."
•There are significant opportunities for redevelopment in south Irving, including downtown.
The report also studied other topics, including crime, the Irving school district, code enforcement and racism.
John Danish, committee chairman, calls the report "an honest portrayal of Irving." He says the entire city would benefit if city leaders implemented the recommendations.
The committee wants the city to develop incentives to develop – and redevelop – south Irving and require the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce to attract development to the south side.
The committee also wants city officials to hire more code enforcement officers and bilingual employees. In addition, committee members encourage the city to develop closer ties with school districts that serve Irving students.
Committee members hope the report clarifies perceptions some residents have about south Irving. The committee was charged by Mayor Joe Putnam to examine allegations that the south side is in decline.
While parts of south Irving may be deteriorating, the south side isn't as bad as some may make it seem, committee members say. The report suggests that the perception of decline is related to the area's changing demographics.
Council member James Dickens says parts of south Irving are deteriorating, but that's to be expected in the oldest part of the city.
Progress is being made, Mr. Dickens says. He thinks the chamber is making a more focused effort to sell south Irving to businesses and to spur development. Businesses are moving to the south side, especially those that cater to the city's growing Hispanic community.
"That's not a bad thing," said Mr. Dickens, who is Hispanic. "The companies are moving in to ... fill in what would otherwise be vacancies."
The residents' report follows several discussions about improving south Irving. Some residents, many from south Irving, said their neighbors weren't taking care of their property. Council members have been studying code enforcement reforms and expect to issue recommendations soon.
In addition, Planning and Zoning commissioners have discussed how to improve Irving Boulevard, home to many businesses, which runs through downtown and south Irving.
And city officials are reviewing a report about downtown improvements. Urban Land Institute members suggest that downtown could become a bustling urban village with apartments and businesses if city officials take advantage of the nearby Trinity Railway Express line.
Karen Harmon, a south Irving resident, says she's encouraged by efforts to improve the city's south side. But she'd like to see more city and neighborhood investment in maintaining aging houses.
She applauds some of the committee's recommendations, including hiring more bilingual employees. Ms. Harmon says she appreciates the diversity of south Irving and likes that her 5-year-old son plays with children from other races, cultures and backgrounds.
"People may not want to admit it, but we're a very diverse city," says Ms. Harmon, who lives in the Barton Estates neighborhood. "That's the way it is, and that's not going to change simply because someone doesn't like it."
Jan Killen says she's concerned about south Irving but thinks improvements can be made.
She knows of residents who have moved out of south Irving because of their concerns. But Ms. Killen, who lives in the Towne Lake neighborhood, says she's not giving up. She likes walking across the street and watching ducks in the park.
"I'm still hopeful because ... people that I know still have roots here," said Ms. Killen, who has lived in Irving for 40 years. They are "caring and trying to make a difference."
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TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
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With pain and joy, quads' family adjusts
After babies' birth, mother had emergency abdominal surgery
By DEBORAH FLECK / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas - Forty fingers and forty toes, reads the birth announcement.
Instead of just one bundle of joy, Liz and Donny Dixon of Irving welcomed four of them into their lives on April 13.
The pregnancy wasn't planned – Ms. Dixon was taking birth control pills when she discovered she was carrying five babies. She miscarried one in December and was placed on bed rest shortly after that.
Hudson, Madison, Candice and Samantha arrived 14 weeks early at Presbyterian Hospital of Plano.
The Dixons say they feel blessed, but their joy is tempered with worry. The babies, who weighed about 2 pounds, are still fighting to be healthy, undergoing surgeries and respiratory therapy.
In a far greater fight for life is their 25-year-old mother. Only 48 hours after delivery, she felt horrible pain.
"Doctors discovered that the extreme pressure of four babies had caused three tears in her intestine, resulting in a horrific abdominal infection," said her sister, Meredith Mathews.
Ms. Dixon had to have emergency abdominal surgery. Several more surgeries and blood transfusions followed.
Family members are optimistic she'll recover. Ms. Dixon finally was able to hold one baby on May 1, and on Mother's Day she took her mother to meet the new grandchildren and held another baby.
As of Monday, the babies all weighed more than 3 pounds.
"We are taking it one day at a time," Mr. Dixon said. "We have lots of prayers and a wonderful hospital staff helping us."
Pitching in the most to help the family are Ms. Dixon's parents, Raymond and Karol Welsh of Irving. The Dixons moved in with them after their first son, Logan, was born last year with extensive medical problems that drained their savings.
Mr. Welsh said he realizes how difficult it will be to raise a family of seven. Many smaller needs are being met, he said, but the family's larger needs are still a concern.
"They now need a car that can accommodate five car seats," he said. "But even more important, they will need a home."
The family hopes the babies will be strong enough to leave the hospital by July.
Despite her health setbacks, Ms. Dixon said she is overjoyed to be a mother. "It's the greatest job in the world, and I get to do it times five," she said.Ms. Mathews, who lives in North Dallas with her husband, developed a Web site, http://www.dixonquads.com, to help tell her sister's story."I just love her to pieces," Ms. Mathews said.
The site offers a personal and heartfelt look at a family coping with "struggles, tears, surgeries, and in the midst of it all, little victories. Hudson, Madison, Candice and Samantha remain nestled in their pods, to rest and grow and find strength to fight for another day.
After babies' birth, mother had emergency abdominal surgery
By DEBORAH FLECK / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas - Forty fingers and forty toes, reads the birth announcement.
Instead of just one bundle of joy, Liz and Donny Dixon of Irving welcomed four of them into their lives on April 13.
The pregnancy wasn't planned – Ms. Dixon was taking birth control pills when she discovered she was carrying five babies. She miscarried one in December and was placed on bed rest shortly after that.
Hudson, Madison, Candice and Samantha arrived 14 weeks early at Presbyterian Hospital of Plano.
The Dixons say they feel blessed, but their joy is tempered with worry. The babies, who weighed about 2 pounds, are still fighting to be healthy, undergoing surgeries and respiratory therapy.
In a far greater fight for life is their 25-year-old mother. Only 48 hours after delivery, she felt horrible pain.
"Doctors discovered that the extreme pressure of four babies had caused three tears in her intestine, resulting in a horrific abdominal infection," said her sister, Meredith Mathews.
Ms. Dixon had to have emergency abdominal surgery. Several more surgeries and blood transfusions followed.
Family members are optimistic she'll recover. Ms. Dixon finally was able to hold one baby on May 1, and on Mother's Day she took her mother to meet the new grandchildren and held another baby.
As of Monday, the babies all weighed more than 3 pounds.
"We are taking it one day at a time," Mr. Dixon said. "We have lots of prayers and a wonderful hospital staff helping us."
Pitching in the most to help the family are Ms. Dixon's parents, Raymond and Karol Welsh of Irving. The Dixons moved in with them after their first son, Logan, was born last year with extensive medical problems that drained their savings.
Mr. Welsh said he realizes how difficult it will be to raise a family of seven. Many smaller needs are being met, he said, but the family's larger needs are still a concern.
"They now need a car that can accommodate five car seats," he said. "But even more important, they will need a home."
The family hopes the babies will be strong enough to leave the hospital by July.
Despite her health setbacks, Ms. Dixon said she is overjoyed to be a mother. "It's the greatest job in the world, and I get to do it times five," she said.Ms. Mathews, who lives in North Dallas with her husband, developed a Web site, http://www.dixonquads.com, to help tell her sister's story."I just love her to pieces," Ms. Mathews said.
The site offers a personal and heartfelt look at a family coping with "struggles, tears, surgeries, and in the midst of it all, little victories. Hudson, Madison, Candice and Samantha remain nestled in their pods, to rest and grow and find strength to fight for another day.
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rainstorm
TexasStooge wrote:Tot dies in wreck; teen faces charges
GARLAND, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - An unlicensed 16-year old driver faces a charge of criminally negligent homicide after an overnight accident in Garland that killed a child.
Witnesses said they saw the teen's pickup truck run a flashing red light and hit a sport utility vehicle at West Avenue B and Glenbrook Drive around 11:30 p.m. Monday.
The SUV rolled over and two children were ejected from the vehicle. A three-year-old survived, but a four-year-old girl died later at Children's Medical Center Dallas.
Police said the children's 22-year-old mother and a three-month-old baby remained inside the vehicle and survived the crash.
The names of the victims were not released.
The 16-year-old boy who was driving the pickup truck was taken into custody and tested for intoxicants, police said. Criminally negligent homicide is a felony offense.
WFAA-TV photojournalist Robert Flagg contributed to this report.
that sounds horrible
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TexasStooge
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Daycare victim: 'I tried to run'
By BERT LOZANO / WFAA ABC 8
PLEASANT GROVE, Texas - One week ago Tuesday, a teenage driver plowed into a Southeast Dallas daycare center.
That facility will reopen later this week, but the 14-year-old driver is facing eight counts of injury to a child. One of those children is still hospitalized after being pinned underneath the vehicle, and on Tuesday she spoke exclusively with News 8's Bert Lozano.
The burn unit at Parkland Hospital is not where Rosemary Solis thought she would spend her summer vacation.
She had plans to go to Disney World, until a car shattered that dream.
"I tried to run, but it hit me and I woke up," said Rosemary, 10. "Then I just started to scream because it was burning me."
Rosemary is recovering from third-degree burns to both legs. She was pinned underneath the car, with one leg trapped under a wheel and her hair tangled in a tire - and her hand held tightly by a daycare worker.
"I told the bus driver I loved her and I hoped that I don't die," Rosemary said.
Someone finally cut her hair to free her head while others lifted the car from her leg.
"Everybody picked up the car, and me and my friend were trying to slide out and other people were trying to pull us out," she recalled.
Rosemary's five-year-old brother Gerardo was also injured, but was treated and released from the hospital.
The accident here has left the family with physical and emotional scars. Now, they have medical bills to add to their problems; it turns out the driver's car carried no insurance.
Rosemary still has more surgeries scheduled to treat the burns to her legs. Her mother says she remains brave despite painful treatment.
"She suffers a lot every day," her mother said.
She is grateful all four of her children inside the daycare center made it out alive. Rosemary, meanwhile, just wants to get well enough to go to Disney World.
"Thank you to everybody that helped me," she said.
By BERT LOZANO / WFAA ABC 8
PLEASANT GROVE, Texas - One week ago Tuesday, a teenage driver plowed into a Southeast Dallas daycare center.
That facility will reopen later this week, but the 14-year-old driver is facing eight counts of injury to a child. One of those children is still hospitalized after being pinned underneath the vehicle, and on Tuesday she spoke exclusively with News 8's Bert Lozano.
The burn unit at Parkland Hospital is not where Rosemary Solis thought she would spend her summer vacation.
She had plans to go to Disney World, until a car shattered that dream.
"I tried to run, but it hit me and I woke up," said Rosemary, 10. "Then I just started to scream because it was burning me."
Rosemary is recovering from third-degree burns to both legs. She was pinned underneath the car, with one leg trapped under a wheel and her hair tangled in a tire - and her hand held tightly by a daycare worker.
"I told the bus driver I loved her and I hoped that I don't die," Rosemary said.
Someone finally cut her hair to free her head while others lifted the car from her leg.
"Everybody picked up the car, and me and my friend were trying to slide out and other people were trying to pull us out," she recalled.
Rosemary's five-year-old brother Gerardo was also injured, but was treated and released from the hospital.
The accident here has left the family with physical and emotional scars. Now, they have medical bills to add to their problems; it turns out the driver's car carried no insurance.
Rosemary still has more surgeries scheduled to treat the burns to her legs. Her mother says she remains brave despite painful treatment.
"She suffers a lot every day," her mother said.
She is grateful all four of her children inside the daycare center made it out alive. Rosemary, meanwhile, just wants to get well enough to go to Disney World.
"Thank you to everybody that helped me," she said.
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TexasStooge
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Carjacking suspects found dead
By CYNTHIA VEGA / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Two carjacking suspects died early Wednesday when they wrecked a stolen car in South Oak Cliff. Police were seeking a third suspect.
Investigators said it all started miles away at the Pleasant Creek Apartments in Lancaster, where the owner of a white BMW sedan said three men approached him at gunpoint and fled with his car.
The victim said the suspects fired at him five or six times as they sped away, but he was unhurt.
A short time later, Dallas police were summoned to the scene of a bad wreck at South Hampton Road and Camp Wisdom Road involving the same car.
"We received a call from DPD that they believed they had our suspect vehicle that had crashed here," said Lancaster police spokesman Lt. Jim Devlin.
Dallas police said the driver apparently lost control, struck a utility pole, hit a tree and then flipped over.
"As far as we know right now, this is just an accident that occurred; there was no vehicle pursuit involved," Devlin said.
Two men were found dead inside the vehicle. Officers searched on foot and by helicopter for the third suspect.
The car was a total loss.
By CYNTHIA VEGA / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Two carjacking suspects died early Wednesday when they wrecked a stolen car in South Oak Cliff. Police were seeking a third suspect.
Investigators said it all started miles away at the Pleasant Creek Apartments in Lancaster, where the owner of a white BMW sedan said three men approached him at gunpoint and fled with his car.
The victim said the suspects fired at him five or six times as they sped away, but he was unhurt.
A short time later, Dallas police were summoned to the scene of a bad wreck at South Hampton Road and Camp Wisdom Road involving the same car.
"We received a call from DPD that they believed they had our suspect vehicle that had crashed here," said Lancaster police spokesman Lt. Jim Devlin.
Dallas police said the driver apparently lost control, struck a utility pole, hit a tree and then flipped over.
"As far as we know right now, this is just an accident that occurred; there was no vehicle pursuit involved," Devlin said.
Two men were found dead inside the vehicle. Officers searched on foot and by helicopter for the third suspect.
The car was a total loss.
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TexasStooge
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Officers' actions in fatal chase reviewed
By REBECCA LOPEZ / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas Police officials are investigating the actions of officers involved in Monday's deadly high speed chase that left one person dead and several others injured.
The officers were chasing two drug suspects who turned the wrong way up Peak Street in Old East Dallas. The truck they were driving was hit broadside by a van; the vehicles hit and killed Braulio Morales, 60, who was walking along the street when the wreck occurred.
"We saw the truck coming the wrong way up the one-way street," witness Jason Ramsey said. "He was doing about 80 miles an hour and the cop was right behind."
Supervisors are working to determine if the officers followed proper procedure during the short chase. They are looking into why the chase began in the first place, and whether officers should have continued the pursuit.
According to the department's general orders, it is a violation for officers to pursue a violator the wrong way on any one-way street. Officers are also told to call off a chase if it puts the public in danger.
General orders said officers will immediately stop the pursuit when it becomes apparent that the violator will do whatever is necessary to evade the officer.
Said DPD Sgt. Gil Cerda, "The risks ... do they out weigh the risk of harming the public or placing the public at harm's risk?"
Dallas police are allowed to pursue suspects for traffic violations and Class C misdemeanors, but other large departments - including Los Angeles - have banned chases unless officers are pursuing a felon.
Police said it is never easy trying to determine when to chase the bad guys - or when to let them go.
By REBECCA LOPEZ / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas Police officials are investigating the actions of officers involved in Monday's deadly high speed chase that left one person dead and several others injured.
The officers were chasing two drug suspects who turned the wrong way up Peak Street in Old East Dallas. The truck they were driving was hit broadside by a van; the vehicles hit and killed Braulio Morales, 60, who was walking along the street when the wreck occurred.
"We saw the truck coming the wrong way up the one-way street," witness Jason Ramsey said. "He was doing about 80 miles an hour and the cop was right behind."
Supervisors are working to determine if the officers followed proper procedure during the short chase. They are looking into why the chase began in the first place, and whether officers should have continued the pursuit.
According to the department's general orders, it is a violation for officers to pursue a violator the wrong way on any one-way street. Officers are also told to call off a chase if it puts the public in danger.
General orders said officers will immediately stop the pursuit when it becomes apparent that the violator will do whatever is necessary to evade the officer.
Said DPD Sgt. Gil Cerda, "The risks ... do they out weigh the risk of harming the public or placing the public at harm's risk?"
Dallas police are allowed to pursue suspects for traffic violations and Class C misdemeanors, but other large departments - including Los Angeles - have banned chases unless officers are pursuing a felon.
Police said it is never easy trying to determine when to chase the bad guys - or when to let them go.
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TexasStooge
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Fire guts landmark Austin restaurant
AUSTIN, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/KVUE ABC 24/AP) — An early morning fire destroyed a landmark Lake Travis restaurant famed for the sunset views from its wooden outdoor decks.
Officials said a fire of unknown origin swept through the Oasis before dawn Wednesday.
Fire crews from surrounding areas were still battling flames as dawn broke over the lakeside bluff topped by the burning restaurant.
No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire had not been determined. Investigators speculated that a lightning strike may have been responsible.
KVUE-TV and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Photo by KVUE ABC 24
The landmark restaurant sits on a bluff overlooking Lake Travis.
AUSTIN, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/KVUE ABC 24/AP) — An early morning fire destroyed a landmark Lake Travis restaurant famed for the sunset views from its wooden outdoor decks.
Officials said a fire of unknown origin swept through the Oasis before dawn Wednesday.
Fire crews from surrounding areas were still battling flames as dawn broke over the lakeside bluff topped by the burning restaurant.
No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire had not been determined. Investigators speculated that a lightning strike may have been responsible.
KVUE-TV and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Photo by KVUE ABC 24
The landmark restaurant sits on a bluff overlooking Lake Travis.
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TexasStooge
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City delegation trying to save Mercantile deal
By CHRIS HEINBAUGH / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Wednesday, Dallas mayor Laura Miller will lead a delegation to Washington in a last-ditch effort to save the redevelopment deal for the Mercantile Complex downtown.
The group of empty buildings cover a whole city block, and this could be the last chance to save a possible a catalyst for changing the central business district.
The deal by developer Forest City would have transformed the block of four vacant buildings, and four others nearby, into a retail and residential centerpiece critical to the city's historic core.
"If those eight buildings don't come on line, we have a major problem doing what we're trying to do downtown," Miller said.
The deal collapsed last week; Forest City said Dallas officials were not dealing in good faith. To revive the deal, the mayor is leading a high-level delegation to Washington to meet with the developer.
Behind closed doors at City Hall, key City Council members got details, and said they'll back the delegation's offer.
"We want to bring this in as a successful project," said council member Don Hill. "We just know there's a certain amount we're willing to pay, and a certain amount we're not going to pay."
But the pressure is on. A better deal to redevelop or tear down the Mercantile buildings, currently filled with asbestos, won't likely get cheaper.
"The cost of remediation (and) the costs of demolition are fixed, and they only grow every day," said council member .
Officials said this is the last shot with Forest City, a major developer with the means to turn such a white elephant into something to help speed the growth of downtown revival.
A Forest City executive said he's encouraged by the city's high-level effort to save the deal, but said it's highly complicated with lots of sticking points. Still, he said if it's successful, it could create a jewel downtown.
By CHRIS HEINBAUGH / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Wednesday, Dallas mayor Laura Miller will lead a delegation to Washington in a last-ditch effort to save the redevelopment deal for the Mercantile Complex downtown.
The group of empty buildings cover a whole city block, and this could be the last chance to save a possible a catalyst for changing the central business district.
The deal by developer Forest City would have transformed the block of four vacant buildings, and four others nearby, into a retail and residential centerpiece critical to the city's historic core.
"If those eight buildings don't come on line, we have a major problem doing what we're trying to do downtown," Miller said.
The deal collapsed last week; Forest City said Dallas officials were not dealing in good faith. To revive the deal, the mayor is leading a high-level delegation to Washington to meet with the developer.
Behind closed doors at City Hall, key City Council members got details, and said they'll back the delegation's offer.
"We want to bring this in as a successful project," said council member Don Hill. "We just know there's a certain amount we're willing to pay, and a certain amount we're not going to pay."
But the pressure is on. A better deal to redevelop or tear down the Mercantile buildings, currently filled with asbestos, won't likely get cheaper.
"The cost of remediation (and) the costs of demolition are fixed, and they only grow every day," said council member .
Officials said this is the last shot with Forest City, a major developer with the means to turn such a white elephant into something to help speed the growth of downtown revival.
A Forest City executive said he's encouraged by the city's high-level effort to save the deal, but said it's highly complicated with lots of sticking points. Still, he said if it's successful, it could create a jewel downtown.
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TexasStooge
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- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
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Baylor may have to repay transplant overcharges
By JANET ST. JAMES / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - The record of Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas ranks it as one of the largest, most successful transplant programs in the nation, but News 8 has learned a federal audit shows problems with the hospital transplant program's finances.
Before an organ is transplanted, a medical team typically travels to evaluate the donor. That's followed by the organ harvest and a safe delivery into the hands of the transplant surgeons.
It's a complicated process involving dozens of checks and balances and expenses, but the federal audit shows Baylor overcharged Medicare for years for those organ acquisitions. So now, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is requesting the hospital to repay up to $9.1 million.
It's not the first time Baylor's transplant program has been the center of controversy. About a year ago, Baylor doctors found themselves answering serious concerns when three transplant recipients died after receiving organs unknowingly diseased by rabies.
Baylor executives declined to speak with News 8 on camera about the alleged organ acquisition overcharges, but in a statement they said they relied on "the advice of consultants with expertise in the area" in creating its fees. They said the overcharges were unintentional, and that they will "reimburse the (Medicare) agency accordingly."
Officials said patient care at the hospital will not be impacted by this judgment, but since Baylor is a not-for-profit medical center they spend millions in charity care.
$9 million is about three percent of the hospital's budget, so it represents a big hit to the budget if Baylor is ordered to pay in full.
By JANET ST. JAMES / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - The record of Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas ranks it as one of the largest, most successful transplant programs in the nation, but News 8 has learned a federal audit shows problems with the hospital transplant program's finances.
Before an organ is transplanted, a medical team typically travels to evaluate the donor. That's followed by the organ harvest and a safe delivery into the hands of the transplant surgeons.
It's a complicated process involving dozens of checks and balances and expenses, but the federal audit shows Baylor overcharged Medicare for years for those organ acquisitions. So now, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is requesting the hospital to repay up to $9.1 million.
It's not the first time Baylor's transplant program has been the center of controversy. About a year ago, Baylor doctors found themselves answering serious concerns when three transplant recipients died after receiving organs unknowingly diseased by rabies.
Baylor executives declined to speak with News 8 on camera about the alleged organ acquisition overcharges, but in a statement they said they relied on "the advice of consultants with expertise in the area" in creating its fees. They said the overcharges were unintentional, and that they will "reimburse the (Medicare) agency accordingly."
Officials said patient care at the hospital will not be impacted by this judgment, but since Baylor is a not-for-profit medical center they spend millions in charity care.
$9 million is about three percent of the hospital's budget, so it represents a big hit to the budget if Baylor is ordered to pay in full.
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TexasStooge
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Part of I-20 to be named for Reagan
By GARY REAVES / WFAA ABC 8
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - The Texas Legislature may not have fixed the school finance problem, but it did rename part of Interstate 20 for a former president who died almost exactly a year ago.
The new designation of the "Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway" covers I-20 all across Tarrant County.
Naming the roadway seemed a natural to State Sen. Chris Harris of Arlington, who proposed the change.
At a Harley dealership along the highway in Grand Prairie, most loved the concept.
"It's a great idea," Steve Quiett said. "I was in the Army when Ronald Reagan was president, and I thought he did a great job."
When Grand Prairie mayor Charles England asked his City Council, the vote was unanimous.
Said England, "Dallas and Fort Worth are famous for naming freeways after famous people - George Bush, LBJ, Tom Landry - so why not Ronald Reagan? I thought it was a good idea."
The original bill would have covered I-20 across both Tarrant and Dallas counties, but the name change will stop at the Dallas city limit because State Sen. Royce West said his constituents oppose the change.
"I don't have anything against the man," said Duncanville resident Sandy Wooten. "I just think it should stay as it is."
But even there, the sentiment is mixed at best.
"I think it's a great idea," said resident Henry Martinez. "A lot of people here in Duncanville are proud of Ronald Reagan. He was a good president."
Harris and West were unavailable for comment on the matter; with the session ending yesterday in Austin, they were both in transit.
The bill just needs a signature from Gov. Rick Perry, and the Reagan Memorial Highway will become a reality.
By GARY REAVES / WFAA ABC 8
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - The Texas Legislature may not have fixed the school finance problem, but it did rename part of Interstate 20 for a former president who died almost exactly a year ago.
The new designation of the "Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway" covers I-20 all across Tarrant County.
Naming the roadway seemed a natural to State Sen. Chris Harris of Arlington, who proposed the change.
At a Harley dealership along the highway in Grand Prairie, most loved the concept.
"It's a great idea," Steve Quiett said. "I was in the Army when Ronald Reagan was president, and I thought he did a great job."
When Grand Prairie mayor Charles England asked his City Council, the vote was unanimous.
Said England, "Dallas and Fort Worth are famous for naming freeways after famous people - George Bush, LBJ, Tom Landry - so why not Ronald Reagan? I thought it was a good idea."
The original bill would have covered I-20 across both Tarrant and Dallas counties, but the name change will stop at the Dallas city limit because State Sen. Royce West said his constituents oppose the change.
"I don't have anything against the man," said Duncanville resident Sandy Wooten. "I just think it should stay as it is."
But even there, the sentiment is mixed at best.
"I think it's a great idea," said resident Henry Martinez. "A lot of people here in Duncanville are proud of Ronald Reagan. He was a good president."
Harris and West were unavailable for comment on the matter; with the session ending yesterday in Austin, they were both in transit.
The bill just needs a signature from Gov. Rick Perry, and the Reagan Memorial Highway will become a reality.
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TexasStooge
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Police use Taser on man making threats
By ROBERT THARP / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas police used a Taser gun to subdue a man who was making suicidal threats near the Kennedy Memorial downtown Sunday.
According to police reports, the man drove up to the memorial in a Rolls Royce and caught officers' attention by threatening to harm himself with a Civil War-era sword.
Officers disabled him with an electric jolt from the Taser gun and took him to Parkland Memorial Hospital for observation.
By ROBERT THARP / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas police used a Taser gun to subdue a man who was making suicidal threats near the Kennedy Memorial downtown Sunday.
According to police reports, the man drove up to the memorial in a Rolls Royce and caught officers' attention by threatening to harm himself with a Civil War-era sword.
Officers disabled him with an electric jolt from the Taser gun and took him to Parkland Memorial Hospital for observation.
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