In NYC, Murders Mirror Mercury

Patient claims he only planned to rob his psychiatrist

(NEWSER) - Police arrested an "emotionally disturbed" patient today for brutally slaying a New York psychologist earlier this week, the New York Post reports. Suspect David Tarloff "made statements implicating himself in the homicide," police said, and was identified by four witnesses as the killer of psychologist Kathryn Faughey. Tarloff's palm prints were also found on a suitcase left at the scene. More»

Device can detect concealed weapons from 13 feet away

(NEWSER) - Is that a gun in your pocket or are you just radiating suspicious energy? The New York City Police Department is working with the Defense Department to develop an infrared scanner that can detect concealed weapons, Commissioner Ray Kelly announced yesterday. The device reads the energy people emit and detects where it is blocked by objects. The model being tested works from some 13 feet away, but police are hoping to increase the distance to 80 feet, and install the device in vehicles in the near future. More»

Former narcotics officer was to testify against other 'dirty' cops

(NEWSER) - A corrupt ex-cop's arrest yesterday in the murder of his girlfriend has dealt a fresh blow to the NYPD's battered image, the New York Daily News reports. Former narcotics officer James Bowens resigned from the force last year after being charged with stealing cash and crack to give to informants. He agreed to testify against former colleagues in a plea deal, now jeopardized by the death of his lover. More»

New York City murder rate drops to lowest in more than four decades

(NEWSER) - The murder rate in New York City hit a new low this year—the lowest it's been in the 44 years reliable statistics have been kept, reports the New York Times. And if early analysis holds up, of the fewer than 500 murders this year, fewer than 100 will have been committed by strangers. Most assailants in the city of 8.5 million were friends, spouses, parents, boyfriends, rival drug crew members, and other acquaintances. More»

Tape of U.Va lacrosse player's interview made public

(NEWSER) - As the black of May 2, 2010, faded into the gray of dawn, George Huguely—unaware that ex-girlfriend Yeardley Love lay lifeless in a morgue—sat down with Virginia cops to tell the story of the flowing booze, the heated emotions , and the violence of the night before. The tape was played publicly for the first time yesterday, and the Washington Post took notes:

• On how he got in: "Knock, knock, open the door, Yeardley. Actually, it might have been locked . ... I think I put a hole in the door. I think I broke the door . ...  pretty sure, actually. ... I wanted to talk to her."