MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee man pleaded guilty to multiple charges in connection with the homicide of his 12-year-old son, Jacarie Robinson, last October.
Romuan J. Moye pleaded guilty to the following charges on Thursday:
First-degree reckless homicide Chronic neglect of a child (consequence is bodily harm) Failure to report the death of a child Moye was sentenced to 40 years in prison, with 20 years of extended supervision for the homicide charge.
He was also sentenced to 7.5 years for chronic neglect of a child, with 5 years of extended supervision, to be served consecutively to the homicide charge, and 1.5 years with 4 years of extended supervision, to be served concurrently, for failing to report the death of a child.
“He was confined to a living room by his own father. A person who is supposed to love him, care for him, raise for him, keep him safe, provide for him, slowly tortured him and killed him,” Deputy District Attorney, Matthew Torbenson explained in court.
Authorities say Jacarie’s body was found malnourished and decomposing at a home on Elmhurst Road near Capitol Drive, on Oct. 10, 2023.
“I don’t understand this at all. It’s unconscionable,” Judge Laura Crivello said in court.
According to a criminal complaint, his body was wrapped in a blanket on the couch and “was extremely malnourished and emaciated, with moderate decomposition of the body.”
“When I read Jacarie’s autopsy, I could not believe it,” Jacarie’s mom, Yalwan Robinson said in court.
Inside the home, there was also an overwhelming smell of mold, feces, and decay, and the kitchen contained a large pile of garbage, according to the complaint.
“In my thirty years, the most vicious and aggravated thing I have ever seen,” Judge Crivello explained.
Police said Moye was Jacarie’s father and was caring for him while his other two children were with their mother.
BELLAIRE, Texas (KTRK) — HISD police confiscated a weapon from a Bellaire High School student Friday, just three days after a similar incident on campus.
The video above is from ABC13’s 24/7 livestream.
Principal Michael Niggli addressed the situation in a statement sent to parents, confirming that no one was injured in either incident.
In response to these incidents, Bellaire High School announced they plan to take immediate action to increase police monitoring on campus. The school also plans to enhance its preventative safety measures.
While officials did not say what happened to the student who brought the weapon on Friday, the student who brought the weapon on Tuesday was reportedly detained and removed from campus.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who has recently become an outspoken ally of former President Trump, stated in an interview on Friday that he believes the former president has “changed as a person.”
“If President Trump wins… people are going to see a very different President Trump than they did in the first term,” Kennedy told “All In” podcast host Jason Calacanis. “I think he’s changed as a person. And I’ve known him for, you know, 30 years.”
“But I think he is, he’s focused on his legacy,” Kennedy added later. “He’s said many interesting things to me about what he did wrong the last time.”
The independent candidate also defended Trump against reports linking him to the conservative Project 2025 agenda, unveiled this year by the Heritage Foundation. The former president and his campaign have aggressively distanced themselves from the 900-page agenda.
Contributors to the plan include members of Trump’s previous administration and other allies, which Democrats and Vice President Harris have highlighted in their messaging against the former president.
“He brought this issue up to me,” Kennedy said Friday. “He said, you know, ‘They always tell me I’m on for Project 2025. I never read Project 2025 until they started accusing me of it. That was written by a ‘right-wing a–hole. That’s what he is.’”
“I think he’s interested in his legacy now. He wants to leave behind some accomplishments and he wants to make our country better,” Kennedy continued. “And I think he’s listening to a wider range of voices. He’s preparing to govern right now.”
Kennedy’s comments come just a week after he suspended his campaign in battleground states, throwing his support behind Trump and appearing at a rally alongside the former president. Despite this, he said his name would still appear on the ballot in most red and blue states.
Trump also tapped Kennedy and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (I-Hawaii)—who recently moderated a town hall with the GOP presidential nominee—earlier this month to join his transition team.
“I’ll be on the transition committee picking the people who are going to govern,” Kennedy said in the interview Friday. “There’s going to be a wide diversity of stakeholders, but he’s listening to more than just that narrow right wing.”
Astros hold the record of lowest opponent average of .185 in a single month of all time in MLB history in the month of August.
Credit: Chris Garcia/Que Onda Magazine
After acquiring Yusei Kikuchi a day before the trade deadline, the Astros made the right decision acquiring the Japan native who improved his ERA to 2.57. Yusei Kikuchi shuts down the Kansas City Royals in superb style, delivering 12 strike outs in the 7 innings he pitched.
Kikuchi only allowed 5 hits and only 1 lucky earned run, throwing 101 pitches and 0 walks. He was relieved in the 8th inning by RHP Hector Neris who the Astros recently just signed the previous week on the 24th. Neris allowed 1 run to be scored on him by Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who hit his 29th homerun of the season off Neris.
The 6th inning was where the Astros took over, scoring 5 runs in the inning. The first 2 runs came from Yainer Diaz after hitting a two run single off Royals LHP Cole Ragans.
Credit: Chris Garcia/Que Onda Magazine
Afterwards, Jeremy Pena delivered 2 more runs for the Astros after hitting a two run triple, thus later scoring again off of a wild pitch missed by Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez, allowing Pena to steal home. This inning ended up being the last one for Ragans to pitch for tonight, striking out 10 Astros hitters.
Johnny Cash’s voice rang throughout Minute Maid Park, which let everyone know that it was time to put Kansas City out of its misery. Ryan Pressly walked out ready with a mission and of course closed the game off in perfect fashion, allowing not a single hit for his third save of the season.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Family and friends of the 28-year-old man killed in a crash last Saturday held a vigil to call for justice.
Ricardo “Ricky” Resendez Jr. was on his way home from work at the airport at about 1:30 p.m. when Houston police said Rigo Vivar drove his Chevy Tahoe the wrong way on Canal Street. Resendez, who was just a block away from home, was turning onto North Live Oak Street and was hit. The 28-year-old was pronounced dead on the scene.
Vivar was later identified as a Precinct 6 deputy but has since been terminated. At the time of the crash, he was on his way to work in his personal car.
At this time, charges have not been filed against Vivar. Resendez’s family is hopeful that will change.
“Every day that we don’t have an answer, we don’t get to rest any easier,” Brenda Resendez, the victim’s sister, said. “We are trying to be as compliant as possible and put our faith in HPD and all those conducting the investigation that they are taking their time because they are doing the best job that they possibly can.”
About 50 people gathered in the Second Ward, the area where Resendez lived, Saturday night to celebrate his memory.
“He should still be here,” his aunt said.
Through tears, family and friends shared stories about the 28-year-old and chanted “Justice for Ricky.”
His mother, Blanca Estela Marquez, said she is grateful for the support of the community as they continue to fight for criminal charges for Vivar and hopes that the support continues.
“It could be another family in the future, and we want to prevent this for everyone,” Marquez said. “All of us who are out — at any time – we leave our homes healthy, safe, and we want to return because there’s a family waiting for us.”
ABC13 spoke with Vivar outside his home days after the crash. While choking back tears, he said he wanted the Resendez family to know he was sorry.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A former nurse at Houston Methodist Hospital has lost her license and been sentenced for stealing drugs at work, charging documents revealed.
ABC13 first reported on 25-year-old Alexis McNeilly last December after police accused her of stealing drugs like fentanyl and hydromorphone at work.
According to District Attorney Kim Ogg, McNeilly would swap the empty drug vials with salt water and return them to be dispensed.
Prosecutors say surveillance video showed her stealing the drugs at least 11 times.
On Tuesday, McNeilly pleaded guilty to two counts of diversion of a controlled substance and was taken into custody. She has been sentenced to 120 days in the Harris County jail, and four years of probation.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The University of Houston’s football team suffered a 27-7 loss against the UNLV Rebels in a home season opener on Saturday evening.
At halftime, UH went scoreless at the half being down 14-0 vs. UNLV.
In the final minute of the fourth quarter, the Cougars scored with a 2-yard touchdown by wide receiver Joseph Manjack IV, narrowing the margin 27-7 after a scoreless 1st three quarters.
Saturday marked Houston’s second season in the Big 12 Conference, and the debut of UH football head coach, Willie Fritz, who is the reigning two-time American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. Fritz replaced Dana Holgerson, who was fired after five seasons at the coaching helm in November 2023.
UH senior Donovan Smith, who is a Las Vegas, Nevada native, was named the starting quarterback for the Cougar’s football squad, and played against the college football team in his hometown. The 22-year-old also started all 12 games in the 2023 regular season.
In terms of the Coogs’ history vs. UNLV, the team is 3-1.
The Cougars will take on the Oklahoma Sooners on the road in Week 2 at 6:45 p.m. on Sept. 7.
Harris County, Texas (KTRK) — ABC13 has learned that officials have fired the top leader of Harris County Public Health.
Barbie Robinson was relieved of duty on Friday after questions were raised in a Houston Chronicle report about her department hiring a California for-profit company that she reportedly had ties to.
In 2021, DEMA Consulting & Management was hired by Harris County to run two COVID-related projects shortly after Robinson was hired.
By the end of that year, the company would beat out The Harris Center, a state agency dedicated to mental health services, by a fraction of a point to run a new program involving 911.
ABC13’s partners at the Houston Chronicle are raising questions about how a California company landed a $6 million contract with Harris County. Emails obtained by the Chronicle suggested conflicts of interest, including communications before the contract was ever formally awarded.
The report said DEMA seemingly believed they’d been picked for the 911 diversion project before the deal was complete. The timing of the contracts and Robinson’s California connections raised concerns.
A spokesperson for the county said DEMA was not a factor in her dismissal.
Following her termination, DEMA released a statement saying in part, “Despite factually untrue rumors to the contrary, DEMA does not and never had any knowledge of the inner workings of Harris County Public Health.”
Former Harris Center director Shaukat Zakaria spoke to ABC13 on Wednesday and said he was surprised they lost the contract because they put in a lower bid.
“It was odd that a for-profit agency was awarded the contract over a county agency they controlled,” Zakaria explained. “We were all stunned when the email came out that the contract had been awarded, even though it hadn’t. It was our first clue that something was going on. That was one of the reasons I decided to resign after working on the board for eight years.”
Harris County Administrator Diana Ramirez sent ABC13 the following statement on Friday regarding Robinson’s firing:
“Today, I made the difficult decision to dismiss Barbie Robinson from her role as Executive Director of Harris County Public Health. We remain committed to the health and well-being of our community. To ensure continuity of leadership, Deputy County Administrator Leah Barton will step in as Interim Executive Director of Harris County Public Health. We are launching a national search immediately to find a new Executive Director who will continue to drive our mission forward. Our focus remains on serving the people of Harris County in alignment with our countywide goals and guiding principles. I appreciate the hard work of our Harris County Public Health team and their continued commitment during this transition.”
Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were killed Thursday night while riding bikes, struck by a driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, according to police in New Jersey.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the NHL team said in a statement. “Johnny was not only a great hockey player but, more significantly, a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were cycling in Salem County, “close to the fog line of the roadway,” when they were hit from behind by a driver trying to pass another car, according to New Jersey State Police.
The driver, 43-year-old Sean Higgins, had been attempting to pass a slower-moving sedan and SUV in front of him in the northbound lanes. Higgins moved to the southbound lanes and passed the sedan, police said. He was trying to re-enter the northbound lane “when the SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the roadway, splitting the north and south lanes to safely pass” the cyclists, police reported.
Higgins then allegedly tried to pass the SUV on the right, and that’s when he struck the brothers, according to police.
Higgins, who told police he had about five or six beers before the crash, failed a field sobriety test, according to the probable cause affidavit. He admitted that his drinking “contributed to his impatience and reckless driving,” the affidavit stated. Higgins is charged with two counts of death by auto, according to police.
Johnny Gaudreau leaves behind his wife and two children. Matthew Gaudreau is survived by his wife, who is pregnant. The brothers also leave behind their parents and two sisters. The Gaudreau brothers’ deaths occurred the night before their sister, Katie, was set to get married, according to their former coaches.
Johnny Gaudreau, a winger, won the Hobey Baker Award in 2014 as the best player in college hockey. He was also a finalist for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the league’s best rookie, in 2014-15, and was named to the All-Star Game in 2015. He played nine seasons for the Calgary Flames before joining the Blue Jackets for the 2022-23 season. He had 12 goals and 48 assists last season.
“Johnny played the game with great joy, which was felt by everyone who saw him on the ice,” the Blue Jackets said. “He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played—from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him.”
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement, “While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother, and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.”
Both brothers played hockey at Boston College.
“It’s shocking,” BC hockey coach Greg Brown said at a news conference Friday. “It’s almost unimaginable to lose them both.”
“The things they could do on the ice were magical. But beyond their talent, they were tremendous teammates,” the coach recalled. “They lit up the room when they walked in.”
“People talk about Johnny as an Olympic player, a world-class talent—but beyond that, he was someone who elevated the level of practice just by being there,” retired BC hockey coach Jerry York added. “Johnny was well-respected by all—the students, the teachers, and certainly by Greg and me. If you asked us to name our favorite players, both of those boys would be among them.”
Before attending BC, the brothers played hockey at Gloucester Catholic High School in their native New Jersey. Matthew Gaudreau later returned to the high school as a hockey coach, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said.
“To every member of the Gaudreau family, please know that the people of New Jersey grieve with you,” Murphy said in a statement.
“Johnny and Matt were incredible hockey players and students, but even more amazing human beings,” Gloucester Catholic High School Principal Thomas Iacovone Jr. said in a statement. “Their loss will be felt forever by the entire Gloucester Catholic community and by me personally. I will continue to pray for them and their families during this unimaginable tragedy.”
The brothers’ uncle wrote in a statement, “Last night, we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers-in-law, two uncles, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends—but truly, two amazing humans.”
The driver made an initial court appearance via Zoom on Friday. He spoke briefly to say he understood the charges and would be hiring his own attorney. His detention hearing is scheduled for Sept. 5.
