AV's National Headlines

Tupac Shakur Murder Trial Underway

(Las Vegas, NV)  —  The Tupac Shakur murder trial is underway in Las Vegas.  Defendant Duane Davis is accused of orchestrating the legendary rapper’s 1996 murder.  In opening statements, Chief Deputy District Attorney Binu Palal said even though Davis didn’t pull the trigger, he made sure the shooters were armed and ready for Shakur.  Davis’ lawyers say the prosecution’s case is “fiction,” arguing the allegations against Davis came from a ghostwriter who made up details about the shooting in Davis’ book.  He faces life in prison without parole if convicted.

Accused VSU Shooting Suspect Makes First Court Appearance

(Chesterfield, VA)  —  A teen charged with shooting multiple people on the Virginia State University campus has made his first court appearance.  Nineteen-year-old Camron Harris was arrested Saturday after a shooting that injured five people.  Court documents revealed messages connected to Harris’ Instagram account that indicated some involvement in the shooting, including references to the gun that was used.  Harris’ attorney asked the judge to delay his client’s bond hearing to gather more information about the case.  A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for December 1st.

Wells Family Ready to Turn Over Phone in Death Investigation

(Ocean Springs, MS)  —  In Mississippi, the family of 18-year-old Nolan Wells is ready to turn over his phone for a joint forensic examination as investigators continue looking into his death.  Wells’ body was found in the water near Horn Island two days after he was reported missing following a Fourth of July boating trip with friends.  His family’s legal team, led by attorney Ben Crump, has asked the district attorney’s office to schedule the examination this week, saying their experts are on standby.  The two sides agreed last month to examine the phone together, potentially with FBI involvement.

MS Legislative Black Caucus Calls for Updates On Walmart Shooting

(Senatobia, MS)  —  The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus is demanding answers about the police shooting death of a one-year-old boy in Senatobia.  Two months after Kohen Wiley was killed in a Walmart parking lot, his family says the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has provided no updates on the case.  The caucus is calling for a family liaison and regular communication about the investigation, which could determine whether any officers face criminal charges.  The MBI has declined to comment on the status of the investigation or release body-camera footage.

Harris County Commissioners Grapple With $178M Budget Gap

(Houston, TX)  —  Harris County Commissioners are considering a property tax increase to deal with a 178-million-dollar budget deficit.  The proposed hike in the tax rate would raise the tax bill on a median-valued homestead by about 90 dollars next year, or about 97 dollars once the proposed flood control rate is included.  Commissioners discussed budget options for the upcoming fiscal year on Monday.  A vote on the budget, including any possible tax rate hike, is scheduled for September 8th.

Police Chase In Montgomery County Ends In Fiery Crash, Suspect Rescued

(Conroe, TX)  —  A theft suspect is in custody in Montgomery County after a chase involving deputies ended in a fiery crash.  Deputies responded on Monday to a theft call at a Walmart and the suspect was soon leading them on a chase.  The suspect lost control on a turn, hit another car and plowed into a Chase Bank sign.  His car caught fire and deputies pulled him from the burning wreck.  Deputies arrested Michael BeBawi for theft and evading in a vehicle.  BeBawi has prior arrests for theft and resisting arrest.