Jonathan Anderson, Journalist

Jonathan Anderson is a Midwest-based journalist. Follow him on Twitter at @crimescoops.

Christian School Teacher Repeatedly Poisons Husband While Having Extramarital Relationship: Police

 Sarah Scheffer
Teacher Scandals

A Missouri woman who taught at a Lutheran school allegedly poisoned her husband’s food multiple times while she was having a relationship with someone halfway around the world, KMIZ-TV reports. Sarah Scheffer, 37, faces charges of first-degree domestic assault, first-degree attempted murder and armed criminal action in connection with the allegations. On Tuesday, Scheffer’s husband …

Other
January 14, 2024

Amanda Knox Has a Message for Gypsy Rose Blanchard

Amanda Knox is offering some words of advice and empathy for Gypsy Rose Blanchard, the Missouri woman who was recently released from prison for her role in the murder of her abusive mother, Claudine “Dee Dee” Blanchard. In a piece published this weekend for The Free Press, Knox advised Blanchard that it may take some …

Phenix Wilkerson
Missing
January 14, 2024

MISSING: 4-year-old Autistic Alabama Boy Not Seen Since Friday

Alabama authorities are searching for a young autistic boy who vanished days ago. Phenix Wilkerson, 4, has not been seen since around midday Friday, when his mother, Shyanne Ray, briefly left the family’s camper in Clayton. Shyanne said she visited her mother’s residence nearby and left her son, who was sleeping at the time, with …

Jennifer Dulos
Trials
January 13, 2024

Jennifer Dulos: Trial Starts for Woman Accused of Helping Boyfriend Kill, Cover Up Estranged Wife’s Murder

Prosecutors are starting to present evidence against the woman accused of helping cover up the murder of Connecticut mom Jennifer Dulos, the Stamford Advocate reports. On Thursday, witnesses began testifying against 49-year-old Michelle Troconis, who authorities say helped Jennifer’s estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, kill Jennifer and get rid of evidence. Jennifer and Fotis, the parents …

Body camera footage shows the rescue of the children/Vermont State Police
Heroes
January 13, 2024

SEE IT: Vermont Police, Elderly Neighbor Save Young Kids in Frigid Pond

Vermont police and an elderly neighbor are being hailed as heroes for their rescue of two young children who were trapped in the frigid waters of any icy pond, WPTZ-TV reports. Footage of the dramatic December 17 incident, recorded on officers’ body cameras, was released Friday. The video shows Vermont State Trooper Michelle Archer running toward …

Famous Murder Cases
January 13, 2024

Delphi Murders: Accused Child Killer Being Treated Like Hannibal Lecter in Prison, Lawyers Allege

Lawyers for accused Indiana child killer Richard Allen say their client is again being mistreated and unnecessarily restrained in prison, which is preventing them from adequately preparing for his trial later this year, the Indianapolis Star reports. In court papers filed on Friday, Allen’s attorneys asserted overzealous security procedures have hindered their ability to communicate …

Jessica Bader
Teacher Scandals
January 7, 2024

Principal Who Resigned Abruptly Had Sexual Relationship With Student Decades Ago

A Long Island principal who resigned abruptly late last year had a sexual relationship with a teenage student decades ago, which is now just coming to light, News 12 Long Island reports. Jessica Bader, 51, left her job as principal of James H. Vernon School in October. She had just started the position in September after …

Murder
January 7, 2024

Medication Prescribed to Moscow Mule Mom Kouri Richins Found in Dead Husband’s System

Medication prescribed to Utah mom Kouri Richins, who is accused of poisoning her husband, was found in his system after he died, KSL-TV reports. The revelation comes from search warrants recently unsealed in the case involving the 33-year-old, who faces a charge of aggravated murder in connection with the death of husband Eric in March …

Tamesha Knighten mugshot
Animal Abuse
January 7, 2024

Florida Nurse Accused of Fatally Poisoning Neighbor’s Cats, Pregnant Dog

A Florida nurse is accused of killing her neighbor’s two cats and a pregnant dog after allegedly threatening the animals, WESH-TV reports. Authorities say the investigation started in August, when a couple’s two cats died within hours of each other. The cats, named Pancake and Luna, had experienced similar symptoms leading up to their deaths, …