Janitor Charged in NJ Priest's Stabbing Death

'Father Ed' was known for lending a hand to the needy

(NEWSER) - New Jersey police are investigating the brutal murder of a parish priest. The Rev. Edward J. Hines—better known as Father Ed—was found yesterday in his kitchen after he didn't show up for morning mass. Police didn't divulge details but say the 61-year-old priest suffered massive trauma. No motive is known, but authorities suggested Father Ed's penchant for helping the less fortunate may have contributed, notes the Daily Record. More»

Two more wanted in connection with three execution-style murders

(NEWSER) - A teen wanted in connection with the slayings of three college students and the attempted murder of a fourth in Newark was taken into custody today, and authorities are seeking two more suspects implicated in the execution-style homicides. Another suspect, Jose Carranza, pleaded not guilty this morning; the third, a 15-year-old boy, is being held pending a detention hearing. More»

Newark crime rate sparks calls for idealist Booker's resignation

(NEWSER) - Jersey residents shocked by the shooting deaths of three students at a Newark schoolyard this weekend are lashing out at a young mayor who rode a wave of hope and idealism into office, the Times reports. Cory Booker, 38, is facing a wall of public hostility—and calls for his resignation—after the gruesome shootings and a homicide rate that refuses to fall. 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."

Teen saw, heard friend's father kill mother: cops

(NEWSER) - The brutal murder of a Massachusetts woman was witnessed by a pal of her teenage daughter seconds after the friends were chatting on her iPad. Police say the 15-year-old girl was in the middle of a video chat when she went into the kitchen because she heard her parents arguing there. As the friend looked on via the iPad, police say Christopher Piantedosi chased the girl's mother into the bedroom and stabbed her repeatedly with a butcher knife, the Union-Leader reports. More»