Saturday, February 28, 2009
No remains found in search for N.J. toddler
PLEASANTVILLE, N.J. — Authorities in southern New Jersey are ending their search of a wooded area near Atlantic City after failing to turn up any remains of a toddler missing for 22 years. The search began last week after prosecutors got a tip that Bonita Sanders was killed and her body might have been buried in the lot in Pleasantville. Without a body or other evidence, Atlantic County Prosecutor Ted Housel says he doesn’t have enough information to declare the case a homicide. Bonita was last seen strapped into a stroller on the porch of her home on Sept. 14, 1986 — three days before her second birthday. Housel says he wants to talk with the girl’s mother, also named Bonita Sanders, but his office hasn’t been able to locate her.
Ticket issued to good Samaritan withdrawn
DENVER — The Colorado State Patrol has withdrawn the $22 jaywalking ticket issued to a good Samaritan who was seriously injured by a pickup after he pushed three people out of its path. Bus driver Jim Moffett of Denver and another man were helping two elderly women cross a busy Denver street in a snowstorm when he was hit Feb. 20. Moffett, 58, suffered bleeding in the brain, broken bones, a dislocated shoulder and a possible ruptured spleen. He remained hospitalized in serious condition Friday. The State Patrol said in a statement that it withdrew the citation “after examining the ... circumstances” and consulting with prosecutors. A patrol spokesman didn’t immediately return a call seeking comment. The patrol initially said that despite Moffett’s intentions, jaywalking contributed to the accident.A citation against the pickup driver for careless driving resulting in injury still stands.
Jury recommends death for killer of boat owners
SANTA ANA, Calif. — A Southern California jury has recommended the death penalty for a third defendant convicted of killing two yacht owners by tying them to an anchor and throwing them to sea. Prosecutors say jurors on Friday recommended death for 43-year-old John Fitzgerald Kennedy. He was convicted last week of two counts of murder with special circumstances in the 2004 deaths of Tom and Jackie Hawks. Sentencing is set for March 27. A jury previously recommended the death penalty for Skylar Deleon, who was convicted last year of plotting the murders to steal the Hawkses’ yacht. His sentencing is set for March 20. Deleon’s ex-wife, Jennifer Henderson, was convicted in 2006 of two counts of murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Two other co-defendants have yet to be tried.
Associated Press