Derion Vence pleads guilty, sentenced to 40 years in Maleah Davis case
Derion Vence pleaded guilty Thursday to tampering with a corpse and injury to a child — 4-year-old Maleah Davis — and was sentenced to 40 years in prison, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced.
Vence, 28, dated Maleah’s mother. Vence, Maleah and her little brother were all reported missing the morning of May 4, 2019. When Vence and Maleah’s brother showed up at a hospital late that night, Maleah was not with them. Her remains were found by the side of a road in Arkansas a month after she disappeared.
“Children are the most vulnerable members of our community and young Maleah’s death is tragic,” Ogg said. “We may never have all the answers in this case and our thoughts are with her family.”
Maleah was being watched by Vence because her mother was out of state on a trip. Vence eventually told police he had been attacked by unknown men a day earlier while on his way to the airport to pick up the mother along with Maleah and his son. He said that when he woke up after the attack, Maleah was missing.
His story did not match up with surveillance video which showed his departure from the apartment with only his son. Additional video review showed him leaving his apartment with a full garbage bag in a laundry basket.
Intentional injury to a child which causes serious injury by act or omission is a first degree felony. He was sentenced to 40 years for intentional injury to a child and 20 years for tampering with a corpse. Vence will serve the sentences concurrently.
The Houston Police Department Homicide Division investigated the case. It was prosecuted by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office Major Offenders Division.
May 27 – Jun 02, 2021 | Weather
¡Que Onda Magazine!
El Líder del Clima.
Mantente informado.
Click on the map to view details or click here: QOHW0527
Fight between fans breaks out during Astros vs. Dodgers game at Minute Maid Park
A fight between fans broke out Wednesday during an Astros game at Minute Maid Park, according to videos posted on social media.
The incident occurred around 9 p.m. while the Astros took on the Los Angeles Dodgers.
At least four people were involved in the fight, per the videos. A man and woman wearing Dodgers jerseys were swinging at two men, one of whom appeared to be wearing an Astros shirt.
One video from the aftermath showed at least one person was injured and bleeding.
Several people attempted to deescalate the incident before security arrived and escorted them out of the area.
The tensions between Astros and Dodgers fans remain high since the Astros sign-stealing scheme during the 2017 World Series.
Source: www.click2houston.com
Moderna says its COVID-19 shot works in kids as young as 12
Moderna said Tuesday its COVID-19 vaccine strongly protects kids as young as 12, a step that could put the shot on track to become the second option for that age group in the U.S.
With global vaccine supplies still tight, much of the world is struggling to vaccinate adults in the quest to end the pandemic. But earlier this month, the U.S. and Canada authorized another vaccine — the shot made by Pfizer and BioNTech — to be used starting at age 12.
Moderna aims to be next in line, saying it will submit its teen data to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other global regulators early next month.
The company studied more than 3,700 12- to 17-year-olds. Preliminary findings showed the vaccine triggered the same signs of immune protection in kids as it does in adults, and the same kind of temporary side effects such as sore arms, headache and fatigue.
There were no COVID-19 diagnoses in those given two doses of the Moderna vaccine compared with four cases among kids given dummy shots. In a press release, the company also said the vaccine appeared 93% effective two weeks after the first dose.
While children are far less likely than adults to get seriously ill from COVID-19, they represent about 14% of the nation’s coronavirus cases. At least 316 have died in the U.S. alone, according to a tally by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
With plenty of vaccine supply in the U.S., younger teens flocked to get Pfizer’s shot in the days after FDA opened it to them, part of a push to get as many kids vaccinated as possible before the next school year.
Both Pfizer and Moderna have begun testing in even younger children, from age 11 down to 6-month-old babies. This testing is more complex: Teens receive the same dose as adults, but researchers are testing smaller doses in younger children. Experts hope to see some results in the fall.
source: www.click2houston.com
COVID-19 subcommittee of the WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) reviews cases of mild myocarditis reported with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines
The COVID-19 subcommittee of the WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) is reviewing reports of a small number of cases of myocarditis reported in individuals vaccinated with the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. The subcommittee noted that in most of the reported cases, the individuals have recovered. The subcommittee is soliciting and monitoring for additional information to assess for any relationship to COVID-19 vaccination.
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle and pericarditis is an inflammation of the lining that surrounds the heart. While it can cause serious illness, it is frequently mild and responds well to conservative treatment.
On May 17, the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Technical (VaST) Work Group concluded that there are few reports of myocarditis to date and that these cases seem to occur predominantly in adolescents and young adults, more often in males than females, more often after the second dose of the vaccine, and typically within 4 days after vaccination [1]. Most cases appeared to be mild and follow up is ongoing.
The GACVS subcommittee noted that most of the information received so far is based on spontaneous, passive reporting. More rigorous studies using alternative data sources and more robust study designs including comparison of vaccinated and unvaccinated populations are needed to assess a potential causal association between the event and the vaccine. Some countries, such as Israel, the United Kingdom and the United States have embarked upon such studies. The GACVS subcommittee will review further as more data become available. The subcommittee also underscored the importance of having a harmonized case definition. A draft case definition for myocarditis has been developed recently by the Brighton Collaboration .
While acknowledging the clear benefits of the mRNA vaccines in reducing deaths and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 infections, the subcommittee encourages all health professionals to report all events of myocarditis and other adverse events observed with these and other vaccines. The WHO COVID-19 vaccine safety surveillance manual provides guidance to countries on the safety monitoring and adverse events data sharing for the new COVID-19 vaccines .
The GACVS COVID-19 subcommittee will continue to review the safety data from all COVID-19 vaccines and update any advice as necessary. Open, transparent, and evidence-based communication about the potential benefits and risks to recipients and the community is essential to maintain trust. WHO is carefully monitoring the rollout of all COVID-19 vaccines and will continue to work closely with countries to manage potential risks, and to use science and data to drive response and recommendations.
Source:www.who.int
ACTIVITY ACROSS PORT HOUSTON DOCKS REMAINS SOLID
– The Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority met virtually in regular session on Tuesday for its May meeting. Chairman Ric Campo began by recognizing the anniversary of the tragic death of George Floyd, and reflected on how its impact further solidified Port Houston’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion for its employees and for the community.
The Port Commission approved and adopted a position statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) during the meeting. Port Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther announced a new Business Equity Division to report to him. Guenther said the new division “will provide vision, leadership, and guidance” towards DEI efforts, “with a focus on promoting equity and enhancing opportunity for all, both internally and externally.”
“Taking this step,” Guenther said, “will elevate the profile of DEI at Port Houston, ensuring we have the organizational weight and leadership needed to produce meaningful and sustainable change.” Building on recent work on contracting disparities, external DEI efforts will include new opportunities for small and minority, and women-owned businesses to access Port Houston business.
In other news, Chairman Campo gave an update on Project 11. The Houston Ship Channel expansion program “remains on track,” and Port Houston anticipates entering into a Project Partnership Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers next month.
In his operational update, Guenther announced the maiden voyage of the ONE Modern, with its arrival expected June 13 – marking the fifth direct all-water Asian service calling Port Houston. “These vessels are in the 7,000 twenty-foot equivalent (TEU) range,” he said.
Guenther also said, “Cargo through Port Houston facilities is solid and on track.” He reported that total container volume is up 3% compared to last year, and general cargo is up 7%.”
Highlights of business matters addressed on the Port Commission agenda included renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Panama Canal Authority and Port Houston, and awards to AECOM Technical Services, for planning and design of the reconstruction of 87 acres of container yards at Barbours Cut Terminal, and to Hatch Associates Consultants, Inc., for design of the rehabilitation of Wharves 4, 5, and 6 at the terminal and Memorandum of Agreements with the Corps were passed for the maintenance dredging of berths at multiple public facilities.
As part of National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15, Chairman Campo acknowledged Port Houston Police for their “service and the dedication of their lives to protecting and serving the port,” adding that “we remember fallen officers with you this week.”
Chairman Campo also announced plans for a workshop to take place during the first week in June to engage stakeholders across a broad spectrum of interests, from community to industry to assess potential opportunities that can support Port Houston’s Sustainability goal through Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.
The next Port Commission meeting is scheduled for June 22.
Source: porthouston.com
DART Board Approves Public Hearing for January 2022 Service Changes on June 8
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board of Directors has approved a public hearing on the proposed DART January 2022 service changes. The public hearing is planned for Tuesday, June 8, during the DART Board Meeting.
Proposed service changes include:
- replacing all local bus routes with a newly designed bus network featuring more frequent service and consistent hours of operation,
- adding new GoLink Zones and expanding existing GoLink Zones,
- restoring light rail service to pre-pandemic levels with 15-minute peak service,
- more frequent evening light rail service on weekdays.
Final board approval is planned for August with implementation of the new service changes scheduled for January 24, 2022.
Source: dart.org
Governor Abbott, TDEM, TMD Expand Mobile Vaccine Program To Include Groups Of Five Or More Texans
Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), and the Texas Military Department (TMD) today announced the expansion of the State Mobile Vaccine Program to include groups of five or more Texans who voluntarily choose to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Texans can call 844-90-TEXAS and select Option 3 to schedule a mobile vaccine clinic to vaccinate groups of friends, families, employees, volunteers, and more.
“The eligibility expansion for the State Mobile Vaccine Program will allow more Texans to get vaccinated against COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “Vaccines are the most effective defense against this virus, and I urge groups of Texans who wish to get vaccinated as a business, family unit, friend group, or more to call 844-90-TEXAS to schedule a mobile vaccine clinic. By working together to get more shots in arms, we will continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in communities across the state.”
Previously, businesses or civic organizations were required to have 10 or more employees, visitors, or members who voluntarily choose to be vaccinated. Homebound Texans are still encouraged to call the hotline and select Option 1 to request a state mobile vaccination team to visit their home. The call center is open Monday-Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Governor Abbott and TDEM originally launched the State Mobile Vaccine Pilot Program in January 2021 to ramp up COVID-19 vaccination efforts in underserved areas of Texas. Since the program’s initial launch, the responsibilities of State Mobile Vaccine Teams have been expanded to meet various COVID-19 vaccination needs of communities across the state. These teams are made up of members of the Texas National Guard and coordinated by TDEM.
Source: gov.texas.gov
Two “Saint of Death”-worshipping MS-13 gang members each sentenced to 40 years
The two MS-13 gang members who killed a 15-year-old girl as a sacrifice to the Saint of Death in 2017, have been convicted of murder and each sentenced to 40 years in prison, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced Wednesday.
“This is a tragic case of a runaway girl falling into the clutches of a dangerous and violent gang,” Ogg said. “We will not stop in our pursuit of violent criminals who band together to terrorize communities and murder innocents.”
On Monday, just before jury selection was set to begin in his trial, Diego Hernandez-Rivera, 22, pleaded guilty to murder in the death of Genesis Cornejo-Alvarado in exchange for 40 years in prison. Hernandez-Rivera, who went by “Scary,” also pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in exchange for 12 years in prison. Those sentences will run concurrently.
His partner in crime, Miguel Alvarez-Flores, 26, who went by “Diabolico,” pleaded guilty to murder in February and was sentenced to 40 years in prison.
Prosecutors expected to show in court that Cornejo-Alvarado, whose Houston-area family had reported her missing, was dating a gang member and was chosen as a sacrifice and shot to death, likely because she disrespected their shrine to the Santa Muerte, the Saint of Death.
MS-13 or Mara Salvatrucha, is a transnational gang that began in Los Angeles in the 1980s with members being deported to Central America.
Today, law enforcement arrests the gang’s members across the United States.
The case was prosecuted by the Gangs Division of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
The case was investigated by the Houston Police Dept., the FBI, Texas Dept. of Public Safety, Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice Office of Inspector General and the Digital Forensics Unit of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
