HOUSTON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT TO MANAGE PRAIRIE HABITAT AT SYLVAN RODRIGUEZ PARK WITH PRESCRIBED BURN
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Driver Who Killed Two Uber Passengers in Crash Sentenced to 50 years
A California man convicted of two counts of murder and crashing into an Uber vehicle while leading police on a chase and killing two passengers in 2020 has been sentenced to 50 years in prison, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced.
“This is a man with a long criminal history, and he finally did the horrible thing that we worry about when someone continually commits crimes,” Ogg said. “These two young women, who were being responsible by using a rideshare service instead of driving, should have been safe riding home — they should still be alive.”
Brian Tatum, 47, was found guilty on Thursday of the murders of Priscilla DeLeon and Diana Salazar in the 351stDistrict Court. On Monday, Tatum agreed to a punishment of 50 years in prison.
Tatum was driving a white Acura RDX when police tried to pull him over for a traffic stop in northeast Houston around 11:30 p.m. on Sept. 19, 2020. Tatum fled from police and drove about two miles. He was driving about 100 mph in a 35 mph zone when he T-boned a silver Honda Accord being driven by an Uber driver at the intersection of Jensen and Parker.
The force of the crash split the Honda in half, killing the passengers, Priscilla DeLeon, a 25-year-old graduate of Texas A&M University, and her cousin, Diana Salazar, a 24-year-old graduate of the University of Houston.
A Harris County jury convicted Tatum after a weeklong trial. Jurors deliberated just 39 minutes. Tatum was facing a sentence ranging from 25 years to life in prison based on his criminal history. Instead of letting jurors or a judge decide his punishment, he agreed to 50 years in prison, which he cannot appeal. He has to serve at least 25 years before he is eligible for parole.
Assistant District Attorney Kelly Marshall, who prosecuted the case with ADA Cameron Gonzales, said Tatum was born in Houston and moved to California where he had been convicted of several felonies, including evading arrest.
“He repeatedly fled from police, and it was only a matter of time before he killed someone,” Marshall said. “Unfortunately, he killed two wonderful and smart young women who were cousins and had an amazing family.”
After the verdict and plea agreement, more than two dozen family members who sat through the entire trial wearing buttons with a photo of both victims gathered just outside the courtroom to show solidarity. The mothers of the two victims stood together and sobbed as family and friends tried to comfort them.
Sean Teare, chief of the District Attorney’s Office’s Vehicular Crimes Division, noted that Tatum was being pulled over by deputy with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, but the crash was handled by the Houston Police Department.
“The vehicular crimes divisions of both of those agencies had to work this case together, and this outcome is a perfect example of interagency cooperation, along with the District Attorney’s Office,” Teare said. “We were all out there that night, and now this family can start to heal, knowing that this man will probably never get out of prison.”
Teare said a case like this offers a simple lesson: If you see police lights behind you, just stop. It’s most likely a traffic violation.
“But if you run and do something like this,” Teare said, “you may never get out of prison.”
FUGITIVE MICAH DELOACH WANTED FOR INJURY TO A CHILD
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Former Harris County Jailer Charged With Manslaughter in Inmate Death
A former detention officer at the Harris County Jail was indicted Thursday and charged with felony manslaughter in the February 2021 death of a jail inmate, the first time criminal charges have been filed against a detention officer in an in-custody end at the jail.
Eric Niles Morales, 28, of Houston, is charged in the death of Jaquaree Simmons, a 23-year-old Houston man found unconscious in his cell during Winter Storm Uri on Feb. 17, 2021. A Harris County medical examiner ruled that Simmons died of blunt-force trauma to his head. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez fired 11 detention officers and suspended six others in the wake of the investigation. Morales is the only one charged with the death.
Investigators said Simmons was arrested and booked into the jail on Feb. 10, 2021, on a charge of a felon possessing a weapon. Six days later, investigators said, Simmons used his clothes to clog his cell toilet, which caused it to overflow and flood his cell. Detention officers responded to Simmons’ cell to clean up the mess, which led to a physical confrontation between Simmons and detention officers.
Simmons was then left in the cell without clothing, which sheriff’s officials said was a violation of jail policy. When detention officers returned to the cell later that night, Simmons reportedly threw his meal tray at an officer and “charged at him,” according to the sheriff’s office. The officer then punched Simmons in the face and called for assistance to remove Simmons for a medical evaluation. Detention officers again used force in handcuffing and removing Simmons from the cell. It was in that confrontation that Simmons received “multiple blows to his head,” according to the sheriff’s office. Simmons received a medical evaluation and was later returned to his cell, where he was left unmonitored because of a power outage related to the winter storm and the failure of detention officers to conduct visual checks as required.
Simmons was found unresponsive and lying on his cell floor the next day and later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The indictment charges that the 6’5”, 260-pound detention officer assaulted the 5’4”, 120-pound Simmons by kneeing him in the head, striking his head against a door, and dropping him on his head, resulting in his death.
Assistant District Attorney Kimberly Clark, of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Division, said county residents expect detention officers to treat inmates fairly and humanely.
“Regardless of why they are in the jail, inmates should be safe from unlawful attacks by the very people who are sworn to protect them and keep them secure,” Clark said. “Harris County will prosecute those who break the law inside the jail, regardless of which side of the bars they are on.”
CITY OF HOUSTON AWARDED FEDERAL SAFE STREETS AND ROADS FOR ALL (SS4A) GRANT FOR BISSONNET CORRIDOR PROJECT
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Tom Brady says he’s retiring ‘for good’ after 23 seasons in NFL with Buccaneers, Patriots
Tom Brady announced Wednesday morning in a social media post that he is walking away from the NFL after 23 seasons with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The declaration came exactly a year after Brady announced his retirement in 2022, only to change his mind 40 days later. Choking up as he announced his plan, TB12 insisted this time, it was for good.
“Good morning, guys. I’ll get to the point right away. I’m retiring. For good,” he said. “I know the process was a pretty big deal last time, so when I woke up this morning, I figured I’d just press record, and I’d let you guys know first. It won’t be long-winded. You only get one super emotional retirement essay, and I used mine up last year. So I really thank you guys so much. To every single one of you for supporting me: My family, my friends, my teammates, and my competitors I could go on forever. There are too many. Thank you guys for allowing me to live my absolute dream. I wouldn’t change a thing. I love you all.”
Brady will be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2028.
Famously a sixth-round pick of the 2000 NFL Draft, 199th overall by the Patriots, Brady flashed an unparalleled competitive drive that fueled his Hall of Fame career. Brady took over as the Patriots’ full-time starter during his second NFL season and never looked back, filling his trophy case along the way.
Brady retires a seven-time Super Bowl champion, three-time NFL MVP, five-time Super Bowl MVP, two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, three-time first-team All-Pro honoree, three-time second-team All-Pro, 15-time Pro Bowler and 2009 Comeback Player of the Year winner. He was named to the NFL’s 2000s and 2010s All-Decade Teams and the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
The greatest of all time ranks No. 1 in NFL history in completions (7,753), pass attempts (12,050), yards (89,214), passing TDs (649), starts (333), QB wins (251), Pro Bowl nods (15) and Super Bowl MVPs (five). Brady led the NFL in passing TDs five times (2002, 2007, 2010, 2015, 2021), the most such seasons by any player in NFL history.
In a team sport, no single player defined winning like Brady. In his 23-season career, Brady made 20 postseason appearances, started 48 games, earned 35 wins, 10 Super Bowl appearances, seven Super Bowl victories, 1,200 postseason completions, 13,400 playoff passing yards, 88 postseason passing TDs, 14 game-winning drives, and nine fourth-quarter comebacks, all most in NFL history.
Brady suffered the first losing season of his career after returning in 2022 but still made the postseason after helping the Bucs win the NFC South. He set NFL records with 490 completions and 733 pass attempts, both most in a single season in league history. The campaign might not have been Brady’s best, and certainly wasn’t his prettiest, but he wasn’t the reason the Buccaneers struggled. Even at 45 years old, Brady showed he could still sling it when protected. Without TB12, the Bucs would be picking in the top 10. Instead, they made the postseason, where they fell in a wild-card game to the Cowboys.
“Tom’s impact on our franchise these past three years has been immense and we are appreciative of the time we had with him here in Tampa Bay,” the Glazer family, who own the Buccaneers, said in a statement. “He set an exceptional standard that elevated our entire organization to new heights and created some of the most iconic moments in our history.”
The famously slow quarterback out of the University of Michigan built a career out of proving people wrong. He might not have been the most gifted player the NFL has ever seen, but no one won on the edges better than Brady. A relentless, maniacal drive led TB12 to conduct his entire life with that goal: becoming the greatest on the biggest stage. He didn’t have otherworldly athleticism, but no one maneuvered the pocket better than Brady. His pinpoint accuracy and gorgeous deep ball were the stuff of legend.
Brady might not have provided the dashing runs of Lamar Jackson or the ridiculous off-platform plays of Patrick Mahomes, but his greatness under pressure, in the crucible of the biggest moments, was unparalleled. Every time Brady had the ball late trailing, we expected a comeback. Even in his final seasons, Brady was masterful at dragging his club back from the abyss time and time again. That talent might never be matched again.
“Tom Brady was the ultimate winner,” Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said in a Wednesday statement. “He entered the NFL with little to no fanfare and leaves as the most successful player in league history. His relentless pursuit of excellence drove him on a daily basis. His work ethic and desire to win were both motivational and inspirational to teammates and coaches alike. Tom was a true professional who carried himself with class and integrity throughout his career. I thank Tom for the positive impact he had on me and on the Patriots and congratulate him on his amazing career.”
After making what he called a hasty decision to retire so soon after last season, before ultimately changing his mind, Brady stuck with the same timeline, announcing his retirement on Feb. 1.
Playing until he was 45 years old was always Brady’s target year. He made it. Given his ability and drive, it was presumed he’d continue to play through that self-imposed barrier for at least one or two more seasons. The man who stiff-armed Father Time his entire career would have had plenty of suitors lined up in the free agency.
Instead, he’ll close the lengthy book on his storied career and begin writing his next epic.
Source: nfl
Houston Texans hire DeMeco Ryans as Head Coach
The Houston Texans have hired DeMeco Ryans as the team’s sixth head coach in franchise history.
STATEMENT FROM CAL MCNAIR:
“We are thrilled to welcome DeMeco Ryans as the new head coach of the Houston Texans. For so many reasons, DeMeco is everything we are looking for in a leader and coach for our organization. He has a proven track record for developing high-quality players and constantly innovated his defensive scheme over the last six seasons in San Francisco. We started this process with the goal of finding someone our fans and city can be proud of and we’ve done just that. While we received a lot of incredible feedback and support for DeMeco from different people, it was our discussions with him and his vision for our football team that made him the right coach to lead us as we continue to evolve as an organization. Congratulations to DeMeco and his family and welcome back to H-Town.”
STATEMENT FROM NICK CASERIO:
“On behalf of the entire Texans organization, I would like to welcome DeMeco Ryans and his family back to Houston. DeMeco is a proven coach with a track record of success who has an innate ability to lead people. He is progressive in his vision, a great communicator, a connector and somebody that values collaboration. We are working to build a sustainable program that has long-term success and DeMeco is the Coach we feel is the best fit to help us achieve our goals. We know how important it is to get results now and we have a lot of work to do, but I’m excited to partner with DeMeco to build our football team together.”
STATEMENT FROM DEMECO RYANS:
“I’d like to first thank the San Francisco 49ers, Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch for six incredible seasons where I grew as a coach and a man. I couldn’t be prouder of what we accomplished together, and I will always cherish the relationships I built there. Being the head coach of the Houston Texans is my dream job and my family is thrilled to be back in H-Town. I have been around the game of football my entire life and I’ve always had a natural ability to lead others. I know what it takes to win and be successful in this league as both a player and coach. We’re going to build a program filled with players who have a special work ethic and relentless mindset. I understand the responsibility I have to this organization and to the fans of Houston to build a winner and I can’t wait to get to work.”
Ryans was named the 2022 Pro Football Writers of America Assistant Coach of the Year. He recently completed his sixth season with the San Francisco 49ers and second as the team’s defensive coordinator, helping lead the team to the NFC Championship. He spent the previous three seasons (2018-20) as the 49ers inside linebackers coach, while serving as the team’s defensive quality control coach in 2017.
Originally drafted in the second round (33rd overall) by the Houston Texans in the 2006 NFL Draft, Ryans played for Houston (2006-11) and the Philadelphia Eagles (2012-15). He was a team captain for the Texans’ 2011 season, a squad that claimed the franchise’s inaugural AFC South title and playoff berth. Ryans holds the Texans record for the most tackles by a rookie (156) and currently sits as the second-leading tackler in franchise history (636).
In his second season as defensive coordinator, the 49ers defense ranked first in total defense (300.6 yards/game), total points allowed (277) and points allowed per game (16.3) in the 2022 regular season. San Francisco’s defense allowed just 37 red zone trips, the fewest in the league. The 49ers limited explosive plays, allowing the fewest plays of 10-or-more yards (168), while holding opponents to the fourth-fewest yards per play overall (4.98 yards). Additionally, San Francisco allowed the second-fewest first downs (291) and first down yards (4.69 yards) on the season. The defense recorded 20 interceptions on the season, tied for the most in the NFL, while their seven returns of 20-or-more yards tied for second-most. Ryans guided a San Francisco defense that forced three-and-outs on 27.3 percent of their opportunities, fourth-highest in the NFL, while registering 44.0 sacks, tied for 10th in the league.
In his first season as defensive coordinator in 2021, the 49ers defense allowed 310.0 total yards per game, ranking third in the NFL. San Francisco also surrendered the sixth-fewest passing yards per game (206.5). The 49ers saw eight different players record an interception on the season, while forcing 22 fumbles on defense, the most in the NFL and the most in a single season by the 49ers since 1994.
In 2020, Ryans helped the 49ers defense rank fifth in the NFL total yards allowed per game (359.0) and seventh in rush defense (118.9). The previous year, Ryans helped guide San Francisco’s second-ranked defense in total yards allowed per game (281.8), the fewest total yards allowed per game by the team since 1997 (250.8). The 49ers defense also ranked first in the NFL in forced fumbles (21) and sixth in takeaways (27).
Over the course of his career in San Francisco, Ryans coached players such as DL Nick Bosa, LB Fred Warner and DB Talanoa Hufanga to career seasons. Under Ryans’ leadership, Bosa was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2019), first-team All-Pro honors (2022) and three Pro Bowl selections (2019, 2021, 2022), Warner earned two first-team All-Pro honors (2020, 2022) and two Pro Bowl nods (2020, 2022), while second-year player Hufanga also earned first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl nods this season.
During his 10-year playing career, Ryans was named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and PFWA Rookie of the Year in 2006, first-team All-Pro in 2007 and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2007 and 2009. He appeared in 140 career games (139 starts) throughout his career and registered 970 tackles, 46 passes defensed, 13.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries and seven interceptions.
A native of Bessemer, Ala., Ryans played linebacker at the University of Alabama (2002-05). As a senior, he was a unanimous All-American selection, SEC Defensive Player of the Year and earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2005. Ryans also earned defensive MVP honors in the 2006 Cotton Bowl and was selected as the 2005 Lott Trophy recipient for his combination of athletic excellence and off-field achievements.
Source: houstontexans
The Annual BBP Regatta Returns for its 51st Year
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