Accused P.T. Cole Park Murderer’s Trial Set for May

TYLER — One of the men accused of murdering a young Tyler mother at a public park in July 2013 is set to go on trial May 12. KETK reports Dennis Bendy appeared in Smith County’s 241st Judicial Court Tuesday morning. Bendy is accused of shooting and killing Briana Young, 20, at Tyler’s P.T. Cole Park last July 30. Pre-trial is slated to begin on May 8. Judge Jack Skeen ordered a DNA/forensic test to be submitted for the case. Rakheem Goldstein’s attorney asked for a continuance on Monday, and he will appear in court along with Bendy on May 12 at 10:00 a.m. Bendy and Goldstein were indicted for the crime in November 2013, and their bonds were set at $1,000,000 each. Read more …

Accused Wife Killer Gets Court-Appointed Lawyer

TYLER — A Smith County man who police say shot and killed his wife has been granted a court-appointed lawyer. KETK reports Adrian Mata, 29, was in court Tuesday, and was given a lawyer by the state. The suspect is accused of fatally shooting Jennifer Mata, 30, in the head on Tuesday, February 25, at their home on County Road 333. Read more …

Robbery Suspect Killed by Longview Police Identified

LONGVIEW — The Texas Rangers are continuing the investigation of a Longview shooting in which a robbery suspect was shot and killed by police. The suspect has been identified as Justin Aguilar, 15, of Longview, seen here in his Facebook picture. It started around 6:00 Sunday night at the New Way convenience store in the 1300 block of South Green Street. Police say the station was robbed by a suspect who fled the scene. Based upon a description provided by the store employee, officers were able to locate the juvenile a short distance away. When they tried to arrest him, there was an exchange of gunfire. Aguilar, A student at Forest Park Middle School, was killed. Read more …

Human Remains Found in Van Zandt County

WILLS POINT — The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the discovery of partial human remains, found Friday night off County Road 3529 near Wills Point. They are believed to be the remains of John Richard Hannon, 59, who had been reported missing to the Van Zandt County Pct. 3 Constable’s Office in late February. Read more …

Armed Robbery Suspect Caught by Tyler Police

TYLER – Authorities have arrested the man believed responsible for a robbery Tuesday morning at a Tyler business. KETK reports the suspect was caught at the Village at the U Apartments on the 3000 block of Old Omen Road. He has been identified as Jaylon Takory Rutherford, 19, of Texarkana. Officials say Rutherford was found hiding in an apartment by a resident of that unit. According to authorities, Rutherford was unwilling to leave, and the resident contacted police around 9:42 Tuesday morning. Rutherford allegedly held up the Food Fast gas station in the 4000 block of University Boulevard around 2:00 a.m. He was transported to the Smith County Jail and charged with aggravated robbery, possession of a controlled substance in a drug free zone, and possession of marijuana.

Three in Custody after Home Burglary on CR 168

TYLER – Three males, two adults and one juvenile, are in custody in connection with a residential burglary in the 12900 block of Smith County Road 168. Authorities say at 9:30 Tuesday morning, a Smith County deputy responded to an alarm call at the residence and discovered three males exiting the home and getting into a vehicle that was later found to have stolen property from the home. According to a news release, the men tried fleeing in the vehicle through a fence but became stuck in the fence. The deputy took all three men into custody and transported them to the Smith County Jail. They face charges of burglary of a habitation and perhaps additional charges. The homeowner was notified and the property will be returned according to officials, who say additional information will be released as it becomes available.

East Texan Shot by Opelika Police was Airman

OPELIKA, Ala. (AP/Staff) — The father of an airman from East Texas shot by an Opelika, Alabama, police officer says his son suffered serious injuries to his stomach and colon and may never fully recover from his injuries. Billy Davidson said his son, 20-year-old Michael Darrett Davidson of Beckville, was driving on Interstate 85 on his way to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base near Goldsboro, N.C., when the shooting happened shortly after 7 p.m. Thursday. The Alabama Bureau of Investigation is probing the shooting that involved Opelika Officer Phillip Hancock, a seven-year veteran with the department. Hancock, who wasn’t injured, has been placed on administrative leave with pay. Billy Davison tells The Opelika-Auburn News that his son was moved from the ICU at East Alabama Medical Center Monday afternoon.

School District Offers Counseling after East Texas Boy Is Shot and Killed

MILDRED — The Mildred school district reaches out to a community in Navarro County where police say an 8-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his 3-year old cousin, who was visiting from Nacogdoches. The 8-year-old is a student at Mildred Elementary. Bucky Burns, the superintendent of Mildred ISD, says even though it’s spring break, the district offered special services at the school Tuesday for anyone needing to talk about what happened. According to Burns, “We need to offer them a chance to be heard and express any concerns that they have and offer counseling on those issues.” The Navarro County Sheriff’s Office believes it was an accident, but charges could be filed against some adults who were home at the time it happened.

Flynn Questions Bag Bans

VAN — In a letter to the Texas Attorney General’s Office, Republican State Rep. Dan Flynn of Van questions whether city bans on plastic shopping bags are in compliance with the state’s health and safety laws. A section states that a municipal district may not pass legislative restrictions or charge fees relating to the use of a “container or package” for waste management purposes. Proponents of the ban cite environmental benefits. Although the AG’S opinion is not a legally binding decision, opponents could use it in lawsuits if it’s in their favor, because it would be noticed by the court. At least nine Texas cities ban plastic bags or have adopted fees on replacement bags.

Kilgore Police Seek Hit and Run Suspect

KILGORE — Kilgore police are asking for the public’s help in a recent fatal hit and run accident. It happened around 6:00am on Saturday, March 1st, at the intersection of Highway 31 and Highway 135. Investigators say a motorcyclist suffered fatal injures when hit from behind. The motorist fled the scene without trying to render aid. The suspects vehicle is believed to be a white four door pick-up, an oil field type truck, with possible minor damage to the front end. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Detective Trae Portwood at 903-218-6905. You may also contact Gregg County Crimestoppers at 903-236-STOP, or text an anonymous tip to 847411 + KILGORE + your tip. You asked to refer to KPD Incident #1403-0022.

Police: $600K Taken from Safe at Osteen’s Megachurch

HOUSTON (AP) – Police say $600,000 in checks and cash has been stolen from the Houston megachurch led by Pastor Joel Osteen. Police spokesman Kese Smith says $200,000 in cash and $400,000 in checks were stolen from a safe sometime between 2:30 p.m. Sunday and 8:30 a.m. Monday. No arrests have been made. In a statement, Lakewood Church said the money and checks taken, as well as some envelopes with credit card information, were limited only to funds given during this past weekend’s services. Church officials say there’s no data breach and the stolen funds are insured. Credit card information was in donation envelopes. Church officials declined further comment Tuesday.

Woman Sentenced in Husband’s Burning Death

AUSTIN (AP) – A woman convicted of arson in the bathtub burning death of her husband has been sentenced by a Central Texas jury to 20 years in prison. Travis County jurors reached their decision Tuesday in the punishment trial of Shriya Patel. She had faced a sentence of five years to life in prison for the April 2012 incident that killed 29-year-old Bimal Patel. Jurors deliberated two days before acquitting the 27-year-old woman of capital murder Monday but finding her guilty of first-degree arson. A capital murder conviction would have meant life imprisonment without parole. Prosecutors say she lured her husband to the tub, poured gasoline on him and set him on fire. Her attorney says the man wanted to kill himself and made her help.

Nearly 300,000 Texans Get New Health Insurance

HOUSTON (AP) – Fewer than 90,000 Texans bought health insurance in the new federally subsidized marketplace in the past month, leaving thousands uninsured with just weeks left before open enrollment ends March 31. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said Tuesday that 295,025 Texans have bought insurance on the marketplace since Oct. 1, when enrollment began. That means just over 87,400 people have signed up since mid-February when the department reported just over 207,400 had enrolled. Texas has the highest rate of uninsured in the nation, nearly one in four, and a GOP governor, Rick Perry, who is vocally opposed to President Barack Obama’s signature program. But Florida, which also has a high number of uninsured and a GOP governor who opposes the program, has had more people enroll.

Southwest Bans Landings on UPS Crash Runway

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) – Southwest Airlines has barred its pilots from landing on the runway where a UPS cargo jet was trying to land when it crashed at Birmingham’s airport last year. A spokeswoman for the Texas-based airline, Jenna Williamson, said Tuesday the passenger carrier took that action because pilots were getting cockpit alerts warning they were too close to the ground on approach. Williamson says Birmingham’s Runway 18 is no longer authorized for Southwest landings, but pilots can still use it for takeoffs. Southwest’s decision was first reported by Al.com. The rule goes further than a safety alert from another passenger carrier, ExpressJet Airlines, which told its pilots to avoid the runway whenever possible and use a longer runway. A UPS jet crashed while nearing the shorter runway, killing two pilots.

Texas Schools Balk at State Calculator Requirement

AUSTIN (AP) – Local school officials say efforts to equip students with new technology are being impeded by a state directive that they must purchase costly calculators for eighth-graders. School districts are eager to invest in iPads and other mobile devices for students. Administrators could then download a $15 application that works as a calculator. But the Austin American-Statesman reports the state requires a graphing calculator that costs $100 a piece. The state for now won’t allow schools to use the app in lieu of the calculator because of test security concerns. Administrators contend the state directive could slow efforts to personalize instruction if districts must redirect dollars away from “one-to-one” initiatives to supply the graphing calculators, which are required for next year’s State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness.

Doctors Seek Solution to Hockey Player’s Irregular Heartbeat

DALLAS (AP) – The general manager of the Dallas Stars says doctors are trying to find a long-term solution to forward Rich Peverley’s irregular heartbeat. Peverley is still in the hospital, undergoing tests to determine what caused him to collapse on the bench at Monday night’s game. The game was called off in the first period.

Stars’ Peverley collapses off ice

Once Rich Peverley collapsed on the Dallas bench, neither the Stars nor the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets felt up to finishing the game.

With the Blue Jackets leading 1-0 early in the first period on Monday night, play was quickly halted when Peverley had a heart problem while on the bench.

Play was halted 6:23 in as Peverley was quickly carried down the tunnel. A public address announcement was made several minutes later that the 31-year-old Peverley was conscious and taken to a hospital.

“We treated (Peverley) for a cardiac event successfully,” said Dr. Gil Salazar of UT Southwestern Hospitals. “We provide oxygen for him. We started an IV. We did chest compressions on him and defibrillated him, provided some electricity to bring a rhythm back to his heart, and that was successful with one attempt, which is very reassuring.

“As soon as we treated him, he regained consciousness. He was able to tell me where he was.”

A hush fell over the crowd during the lengthy delay between the time play was stopped and when the game was called off.

There was no immediate announcement of when the game would be made up.

“Dallas player Rich Peverley is doing well and is in stable condition,” the NHL said in a statement. “As a result of the emotional state of the players on both teams caused by the medical emergency, the game is being postponed. We apologize for any inconvenience and we thank the fans.” Read more …

Darvish goes 5 IP, Profar homers as Rangers beat Reds

Yu Darvish pitched five positive innings and Jurickson Profar homered as the Texas Rangers beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-2 Monday.

Darvish allowed two runs and five hits, striking out one without a walk. Darvish retired the first nine batters he faced before yielding RBI doubles to Jay Bruce in the fourth and Ramon Santiago in the fifth.

“My game plan was to throw a lot of fastballs, two seamers, and let them hit the first pitch,” Darvish said through an interpreter.

Profar homered off Reds starter Homer Bailey in the third and ranks second in the Cactus League with 11 RBIs.

Bailey, , who signed to a six-year, $105 million contract this winter, gave up two runs on three hits, while striking out five and walking none.

“Probably a B-plus,” Bailey said of his performance. “The one pitch to Profar he hit out, it was a 3-2 slider and I had to come with a lot of the plate. It’s probably not something we would do a lot in the season, but it’s a good time to do those kinds of things.

The Rangers seized the lead in the fifth on Elvis Andrus’ two-out, two-run single.

Adam Rosales contributed a two-run single in the Rangers’ four-run fourth off Curtis Patch. A throwing error by Zack Cozart started the inning. Both runs off Jeff Francis unearned.

Reds: Bailey threw 39 strikes in 58 pitches. Read more …

Gonzalez starts strong, but Astros top Nationals

Gio Gonzalez struck out the first five batters he faced then struggled to get out of the second inning as the Washington Nationals lost to the Houston Astros 7-3 Monday night.

Carlos Corporan followed George Springer’s two-out infield hit, which tipped off of Gonzalez’ glove, with a two-run homer. Gonzalez then gave up a walk, a double and hit a batter to load the bases before escaping on a flyball out.

“That hit over the head stirred the pot,” Gonzalez said.

Up until Springer’s hit, the Nationals’ left-hander looked dominant.

“I feel like I went out there and attacked the strike zone,” he said after his second start. “(I am) right where I want to be. My arm felt great. Take away that one hit, I think the game would have been a little bit different.”

Of perhaps more concern to the Nationals is that closer Rafael Soriano had his second rough outing, giving up five runs on five hits in just 2/3 of an inning.

In his previous outing, Soriano gave up two runs on three hits in an inning. His spring ERA is now 37.80.

“Right now, I’m concerned about how he feels, not necessarily the results,” Nationals manager Matt Williams said. “He’s going to get a few outings this spring and I want him to progress arm strength-wise every time.”

From that standpoint, the outing was positive. Read more …

Sources: Ware decision could come quickly

By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com

IRVING, Texas — The working relationship between the Dallas Cowboys and DeMarcus Ware could be decided by the time free agency begins Tuesday, according to sources.

According to a source, the Cowboys have been negotiating with Ware on a reworked contract after the team let the seven-time Pro Bowler know last week they want him back in 2014, but not at the $12.25 million base salary.

The free-agent market opens at 3 p.m. CT Tuesday. Teams and agents have been able to talk about interest and parameters since Saturday, but players have not been able to talk directly to clubs or set up visits.

Whether the Cowboys release Ware or reach an agreement on a new contract, they will gain salary-cap space. By cutting Ware, the Cowboys would gain $7.4 million in cap space.

But the Cowboys do not need to cut Ware to get under the cap. After restructuring three deals (Tony Romo, Sean Lee, Orlando Scandrick), reducing one (Mackenzy Bernadeau) and releasing Phil Costa last week, the Cowboys are roughly $2 million under the cap.

While that is enough to sign a player to a reasonable deal, it is not enough to help fill multiple holes on a defense that finished last in the NFL in 2013. It would not be enough to keep last year’s sack leader, Jason Hatcher, who is expected to receive heavy interest from teams in free agency. Read more …