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Ex-Girlfriend Charged in SUV Driver's Killing: Sources

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Livid over their break up, the ex-girlfriend of a South Jersey realtor allegedly gunned down her former lover as the two drove through a Northwest Philadelphia neighborhood, police sources tell NBC10.

She's now been charged with his murder, according to sources.

Terrell L. Bruce, 33, was shot in the head Tuesday afternoon as he drove along Park Line drive in the city's West Mt. Airy, police said.

In the passenger seat, police sources say was his ex-girlfriend who allegedly pulled the trigger. Police sources would only identify the suspect as a woman in her 20s.

Bruce lost control of his dark-colored Ford Expedition after being shot. The sports utility vehicle crashed into another car and flipped onto its side. He was found a few feet from the truck.

Witnesses told police they saw a woman running away from crash scene. Officers carried out a search of the adjacent woods and Wissahickon Creek a short time after the shooting. They found a bloody jacket, but came up empty on a suspect.

The woman apparently ran to her mother's house and confessed to the shooting, police sources said. The mother called Philadelphia Police's 14th District and helped the daughter turn herself in. She was then questioned by homicide detectives and charged, sources said.

Bruce was a real estate agent with RE/MAX in Marlton, New Jersey. Family described him as a "selfless, hard worker, widely known for putting the interests of others ahead of his own" in a post to a GoFundMe for his funeral arrangements.

He was a graduate of Roxborough High School and studied at Drexel and LaSalle Universities, according to his Facebook page.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be set.



Photo Credit: NBC10

Missing Montco Teen Dead in Woods, Mom Person of Interest

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A dismembered body found by hunters in the woods of rural Pennsylvania this October has been identified as an Abington Township teenager who went missing in July, authorities said Thursday.

Officials also announced that the adoptive mother of Grace Packer, 14 at the time she vanished, is a person of interest in the case. The woman, Sara Packer, has been charged with child endangerment and obstruction of an investigation, district attorneys from three counties announced at a news conference.

Investigators said it took more than two months for the mother to provide photos of the girl to police. They also said the woman lied about telling other family about the girl's disappearance, according to a criminal affidavit.

"Sadly, what was a missing persons case has now evolved into a homicide," said Bucks County District Attorney Matthew Weintraub. "Grace Packer was murdered and we will use all of our joint investigative resources to bring Grace's killer to justice."

Weintraub was joined by Montgomery County DA Kevin Steele and Luzerne County DA Stefanie Salavantis as the new developments were announced Thursday afternoon.

Hunters initially only found a human head and torso near the Francis Walter Dam in Luzerne County on Halloween, Salavantis said. Search dogs later found the legs and arms. Dental records connected through the national missing persons database helped identify Grace, Salavantis said.

Due to the ongoing investigation, prosecutors didn't reveal how Grace died.

Inconsistencies Over the Girl's Disappearance

Grace was last seen alive on July 4th at a family picnic, the girl's father and older brother told detectives.

The girl's mother, 41-year-old Sara Packer, who described the teen as "overly stubborn," said the two had an argument on Friday, July 8 about going to a friend's house, according to court documents. Sara Parker ended the tiff by sending the teen to her room, she said.

The next day, Saturday, July 9, the mother told investigators Grace was nowhere to be found when she went to check on her. Sara also said $300 in cash was taken from the Tennis Avenue home.

Sara reported the teen missing to Abington Township police the following day. A day later, on July 12, a detective began working the case, police said. She spoke with Sara, who promised to drop off photos of the teen at the police department, but then there was radio silence.

For two months, the detective tried to connect with Sara, but heard nothing back. When the investigator went to the family's home on September 7th, she learned they had moved, court documents show.

Grace's 12-year-old brother had also been withdrawn from school and a forwarding address was not given.

The girl's mother made contact with the detective later that day apologizing for not telling her about her move to Quakertown, Bucks County. A letter containing Grace's photos arrived at the Abington Township Police Department the next day, documents show.

Over the following weeks, police made contact with other family members who said they had only recently been told Grace was missing -- contrary to what the mother had told detectives.

A typed letter from March was discovered in Grace's school file saying she was "'sorry' for being a burden" and that she was planning to leave, according to court documents. Detectives later determined the text was not consistent with a 14-year-old's writing style.

Investigators also spoke to Grace's friend, whose home she supposedly wanted to visit the day she and her mother had their fight. The girl and her mother said there were no plans to have Grace come over.

While the search for Grace carried on, police said Sara continued to collect a  $712 a month Social Security check in the girl's name -- failing to notify the agency that she was missing. Since the girl's disappearance, the mother spent $3,616.03 of the funds, court documents state.

The Investigation Continues

On Thursday, prosecutors named Sara Packer a person of interest in Grace's homicide.

"While no one has been charged at this time with causing Grace's death, charges have been filed against her mother, Sara Packer, in connection with Grace's disappearance," Weintraub said.

Sara Packer was charged last month with endangering the welfare of a child and obstruction of justice but has not been charged in her daughter's death. She remained behind bars in Montgomery County Thursday unable to immediately post bail, according to court records.

She was able to put up the money on Friday and was released. Several attempts to make contact with the woman, her family and attorney were unsuccessful.

Sources tell NBC10 Sara Packer worked for Youth and Child Services in Northampton County for some time. Her role with the organization was not immediately clear as well as her employment status when her daughter went missing.

Bucks County has taken the lead on the investigation. They asked anyone who spotted Grace and her mother together in June and July to contact them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bucks County Detectives at (215) 945-3100.



Photo Credit: Bucks County District Attorney's Office
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Murdered Montco Teen's Birth Mother Calls Adopted Mom 'Evil'

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Rose Hunsicker still has a hard time comprehending that her teenage daughter Grace Packer disappeared five months ago, nevermind that the 14-year-old was found dead in the woods of Northeast Pennsylvania.

Hunsicker, who lost custody of Grace in 2004, cried as she remembered how she only recently found out that the teen girl was missing when police came knocking on her door for DNA evidence.

"She’s never going to get to see her sweet 16," Hunsicker told NBC10. "She’s never going to get to see anything."

Hunsicker called Sara Packer and Packer's ex-husband "evil" people.

Sara Packer has been charged with child endangerment and obstruction of an investigation. She is also a person of interest in the teen's disappearance and death, district attorneys from three counties said at a press conference last week.

The girl's dismembered body was found by hunters Oct. 31.

The adoptive mother was initially held on $200,000 bail, but was released on bail Friday after a Bucks County judge lowered her bail to $10,000.

David Packer, Sara's former husband at the time of their adoption of Hunsicker's children, pleaded guilty in 2011 of sexually assaulting a child in Lehigh County.

It remains unclear when Sara and David Packer's marriage ended. At the time of Grace Packer's disappearance July 11, Sara Packer was living with a boyfriend and another female adult in Horsham.

Hunsicker questioned how the entire system could have let her daughter remain in the custody of the adopted mother. Authorities have not yet addressed questions surrounding the social service systems in place in any of the counties where the Packers spent the last decade since their adoptions of Hunsicker's children.

"How dare they act like better parents than I am," Hunsicker said.

It's caused "the horrible death of a little girl that never should have [happened]," she said.

Investigators said it took more than two months for the mother to provide photos of the girl to police. They also said the woman lied about telling other family about the girl's disappearance, according to the criminal affidavit.

Grace was last seen alive on July 4th at a family picnic, relatives said.

Sara Packer, 41, who described the teen as "overly stubborn," said the two had an argument on Friday, July 8 about going to a friend's house, according to court documents. Sara Parker ended the tiff by sending the teen to her room, she said.

The next day, Saturday, July 9, the mother told investigators Grace was nowhere to be found when she went to check on her. Sara also said $300 in cash was taken from the Tennis Avenue home.

Sara reported the teen missing to Abington Township police the following day. A day later, on July 12, a detective began working the case, police said. She spoke with Sara, who promised to drop off photos of the teen at the police department, but then there was radio silence.

For two months, the detective tried to connect with Sara, but heard nothing back. When the investigator went to the family's home on September 7th, she learned they had moved, court documents show.

Grace's 12-year-old brother had also been withdrawn from school and a forwarding address was not given.

The girl's mother made contact with the detective later that day apologizing for not telling her about her move to Bucks County. A letter containing Grace's photos arrived at the Abington Township Police Department the next day, documents show.

Over the following weeks, police made contact with other family members who said they had only recently been told Grace was missing -- contrary to what the mother had told detectives.

A typed letter from March was discovered in Grace's school file saying she was "'sorry' for being a burden" and that she was planning to leave, according to court documents. Detectives later determined the text was not consistent with a 14-year-old's writing style.

Investigators also spoke to Grace's friend, whose home she supposedly wanted to visit the day she and her mother had their fight. The girl and her mother said there were no plans to have Grace come over.

While the search for Grace carried on, police said Sara continued to collect a $712 a month Social Security check in the girl's name -- failing to notify the agency that she was missing. Since the girl's disappearance, the mother spent $3,616.03 of the funds, court documents state.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bucks County Detectives at (215) 945-3100.


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NBC10 Investigators: Sands Casino Fee Controversy

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The Northampton District Attorney has threatened to stop investigating crimes at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, if the casino does not pay millions of dollars it promised to the local community. NBC10’s George Spencer took a closer look at this Lehigh Valley casino controversy.

NBC10 First Alert Weather: Snow for the Morning Rush

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Which neighborhoods will receive rain and which neighborhoods will receive snow on Thursday? NBC10 First Alert Weather Chief Meteorologist Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz tells you what to expect and when.

Wednesday’s Child: Meet Takhem

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NBC10's Vai Sikahema introduces us to Wednesday's Child Takhem, a wonderful young man who is looking for a forever family. Takhem loves sports and hopes to become a sportscaster one day. You can adopt Takhem or other children by calling 1-866-DO-ADOPT.

New Year, New Weather: Glenn's Forecast for January

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BRIEF WARMING TUESDAY
Warm air surged northward and pushed places like Cincinnati, Ohio to a record 71 degrees Monday -- where the record was smashed by SEVEN full degrees.

Similar records were set all over the Midwest. That warmth will move into our area Tuesday, with some records possible. 

Next month, however, will be a different story, if our most reliable models hold true. Simulations project a January that will afford our region multiple chances for snow as the middle of winter sets in. More on that in a bit, but first a look at this week and the New Year's Day weekend forecast.

Here are some of the existing records with a chance of being tied or broken Tuesday:
    Philadelphia – 65 (set just last year)
    Atlantic City – 67 (set in 2015)
    Wilmington – 65 (2015)
    Allentown – 59 (1949)
    Trenton – 63 (2015)

Below is a computer model showing temperatures compared to normal for 2 p.m. Tuesday:

[[408361845, C]]

A BRIEF COLD BLAST
Later this week, the region will turn from warm to cold --  thought that actually means from near-record warmth to temperatures close to normal for this time of year. The average high temperature in Philadelphia for Dec. 31 is 41 degrees, and the average low is 27. The midnight temperature would normally be in between those numbers -- about 34. And that’s exactly what we’re predicting for New Year’s Eve 2017. We’re not expecting much wind, so the wind chill shouldn’t be much lower than the actual temperature -- perhaps in the 28-30 degree range. Yes, that’s cold, but we’ve seen way worse over the years.

For example, in 1962, the high temperature in Philadelphia on Dec. 31 was only 15 and the low was 3 degrees. Ouch.

THE JANUARY PATTERN CHANGE
After a mild November, December 2016 has featured a couple of arctic blasts. Officially, in Philadelphia, we had two mornings with lows in the teens (wind chills don’t count in official records). Overall, temperatures will be slightly above normal, but about 12 degrees colder than last December. Total snowfall for the month has been a mere third of an inch. But that pattern is about to change as we head into January.

Here is the upper-air pattern for January 5th from “the best of the best," the European model ensembles. The model is run 51 times with slightly different initial conditions and the results are averaged. If we see strong features 10 days ahead with an ensemble run, it’s pretty impressive. And it makes us pretty sure that this basic pattern will indeed develop. Other models show very similar solutions, so there is even more confidence.

[[408361855, C]]

The area in red near Alaska (upper right) represents way above normal pressures (a “strong ridge”). Another strong ridge is in the North Atlantic, near Greenland (but not as strong as the Alaska ridge). In between pressures tend to be below normal (the blue colors). So, a “deep trough” extends from Central Canada into much of the U.S.

Here is the general temperature pattern at 5,000 feet altitude, which gives us a good idea about averages. We are in the colder than normal area, on the edge of the very cold air. In short, cold enough for snow.

[[408361925, C]]

What about snow chances? Here is another model with a similar solution to the European-the American GFS model (yes, this time the models agree). Here is the GFS ensemble 7-day precipitation.

[[408361935, C]]

The wet area extends from near New Orleans up the East Coast. (Much of the rest of the country will be dominated by Arctic high pressure, keeping them dry).

So, our chances for snow start going up around Jan. 5. And as long as this pattern continues, on average, we would get multiple chances for snow. However, this is not necessarily a pattern for big snowstorms. Storms would be racing up the coast, limiting how many hours of snow any one storm would give us.

Let’s see how this new pattern evolves. But don’t expect the “quiet” weather of December to continue much longer.



Photo Credit: Getty Images
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NBC10 Helps Stranded Students Get Flight to Europe

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NBC10 responded when a group of students trying to get to Rome got stuck at Philadelphia International Airport. NBC10's Keith Jones has the details.

Gunman Shoots, Kills Man Outside North Philadelphia Checkers

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A man was shot and killed outside a North Philadelphia Checkers restaurant Wednesday evening.

The unidentified victim, who was in his 20s, was on the 1300 block of W. Butler Street -- near Broad Street -- at 6:30 p.m. when at least one unidentified gunman opened fire. The man was struck once in the head and once in the back. He was taken to Temple University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at a short time later.

Police say 14 shots in all were fired from two different guns. They are unsure if two gunmen shot at the victim or if it was one gunman firing two guns. At least three of the bullets hit the Checkers restaurant while another bullet struck a car that was driving by. No one else was struck in the shooting however.

No arrests have been made. Police continued to investigate Thursday.

10 at 7: What You Need to Know Today

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Here are the 10 things you need to know to start your day from your friends at NBC10.

TODAY'S TOP STORY

Missing Woman, Great Granddaughter Found Alive in VA: An Atlantic County woman who went missing on Christmas Eve is in the hospital while her great granddaughter is with her family members after they were both found alive in Virginia. Officials say Barbara Briley, 71, of Mays Landing and La'Myra Briley, 5, were both found sitting together against a tree about 45 feet from a silver Toyota Rav4 that was parked on private property in Dinwiddie County, Virginia Wednesday around 5 p.m. The property owner had spotted the vehicle and went to check on it. That's when he found the woman and her great granddaughter. The property owner alerted the Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office as well as Virginia State Police who responded to the scene. Barbara Briley was unconscious at the time and flown to VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia for treatment. She is currently in serious condition. Investigators don't believe any foul play was involved in her disappearance. La'Myra Briley was alert and unharmed and is currently with a family member.

YOUR FIRST ALERT FORECAST  

Snow is possible for Thursday in the Lehigh Valley and mostly rain in other parts of the area is expected. The rain is expected to move out by late Thursday afternoon. Friday is expected to be dry with slightly cooler temperatures. Saturday and Sunday are also expected to be dry with temperatures in the 40s. High Temp: 44 Degrees. Get your full NBC10 First Alert forecast here.

[[408585875, C]]

WHAT YOU MISSED YESTERDAY

Birth Mother of Teen Found Dead in Woods Calls Adoptive Mother 'Evil': Rose Hunsicker still has a hard time comprehending that her teenage daughter Grace Packer disappeared five months ago, nevermind that the 14-year-old was found dead in the woods of Northeast Pennsylvania. Hunsicker, who lost custody of Grace in 2004, cried as she remembered how she only recently found out that the teen girl was missing when police came knocking on her door for DNA evidence. Hunsicker called Sara Packer and Packer's ex-husband "evil" people. Sara Packer has been charged with child endangerment and obstruction of an investigation. She is also a person of interest in the teen's disappearance and death, district attorneys from three counties said at a press conference last week. The girl's dismembered body was found by hunters Oct. 31. The adoptive mother was initially held on $200,000 bail, but was released on bail Friday after a Bucks County judge lowered her bail to $10,000.

AROUND THE WORLD

US Preparing to Retaliate Against Russia Over Hacks: The Obama administration is preparing retaliatory actions against Russia for its alleged involvement in cyber-attacks on Democratic Party institutions in order to interfere in the presidential election, two senior U.S. officials confirmed to NBC News. As early as Thursday or Friday, a 2015 Obama executive order will be updated to announce the retaliatory steps, the officials said. The announced steps will likely include economic sanctions coordinated by the Treasury Department. Unannounced steps could be covert and may involve cyber options — although the U.S. has been very careful to try to avoid engaging Russia in an all-out cyber war, the officials said.

TODAY'S TALKER

Ex-Girlfriend Charged in SUV Driver's Killing: Livid over their breakup, the ex-girlfriend of a South Jersey realtor allegedly gunned down her former lover as the two drove through a Northwest Philadelphia neighborhood, police sources tell NBC10. She's now been charged with his murder. Terrell L. Bruce, 33, was shot in the head Tuesday afternoon as he drove along Park Line drive in the city's West Mt. Airy section, police said. In the passenger seat, police sources said, was his former girlfriend, 27-year-old Martina Westcott, who allegedly pulled the trigger. Bruce lost control of his dark-colored Ford Expedition after being shot. The sports utility vehicle crashed into another car and flipped onto its side. He was found a few feet from the truck. Witnesses told police they saw a woman running away from the crash scene. Officers carried out a search of the adjacent woods and Wissahickon Creek a short time after the shooting. They found a white jacket, stained with blood, but came up empty on a suspect. Westcott apparently ran to her mother's house in nearby Roxborough and confessed to the shooting, police sources said.

SPORTS SPOT

Flyers Lose to Blues: The Flyers lost 3 to 6 against the St. Louis Blues.  Get your full sports news at CSNPhilly.

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

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See more Top News Photos here.

THROUGH IGER'S EYES

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@northstarbeast captured this cool photo of a beautiful flower.

Have an awesome Instagram photo you'd like to share? Tag it with #NBC10Buzz.

TODAY'S VIRAL VIDEO

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Where are the aliens? Watch more here.

A LITTLE SWEETENER 

Some SEPTA Riders Will Pay Less in 2017: SEPTA has announced a "fare simplification" that will eliminate zones on the Norristown High-Speed Line and bus routes 123, 124, 125 and 150. For riders on the four bus routes who travel multiple zones, it'll mean a savings of 50 cents a ride, with per ride costs dropping from $2.75 to $2.25, starting Jan. Bus routes 123, 124 and 125 connect Philadelphia to King of Prussia Mall. Bus route 150 connects Parx Casino with the Plymouth Meeting Mall. Multi-zone commuters along the Norristown High-Speed Line will save even more, up to $1.50 each ride for those who travel between Norristown and 69th Street Station. The elimination of zones on the line will reduce the most expensive ride from $3.75 to $2.25. Read more.


That's what you need to know. We've got more stories worthy of your time in the Breakfast Buzz section. Click here to check them out


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Snow Hits Lehigh Valley Thursday Morning

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Snow began to fall before daybreak thursday morning in Reading, Allentown and the Poconos.

SNOW THREAT NORTH
We’ve issued a FIRST ALERT for snow during the a.m. rush Thursday for the Lehigh Valley and Berks Co. It’s a small, weak, fast-moving system, but the timing could cause some problems. With temperatures near the freezing mark, any quick burst of heavier snow would reduce visibility enough to make travel difficult. And a bit of it might stick on untreated surfaces and the grass.

Here is the latest high resolution computer model for both 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. Thursday. The blue is snow and green/yellow is rain. In this case, no icy mix is expected.

The precipitation will be long gone by the time the afternoon rush starts, and any snow would clearly have melted by then.

NEW YEAR’S WEEKEND WEATHER
After a gusty, cold Friday, the New Year’s weekend will feature a slow warming trend, dry weather, and not much wind. That’s good news for the fireworks, Mummer’s, and the Eagles. And it’ll be cold enough for them to make snow in the Poconos and improve ski conditions.

Specifically, here are some weekend forecasts:
New Year’s Eve fireworks:
    6 p.m.        42    dry
    Midnight        34    dry

Mummer’s Parade-Sunday
    7 a.m.         36    dry
    1 p.m.        46    dry

Eagles-Sunday
    1 p.m.        42    dry
    4 p.m.        47    dry

THE JANUARY PATTERN CHANGE
After a mild November, December 2016 has featured a couple of arctic blasts. Officially, in Philadelphia, we had two mornings with lows in the teens (wind chills don’t count in official records). Overall, temperatures will be slightly above normal, but about 12 degrees colder than last December. Total snowfall for the month has been a mere 0.3”. But that pattern is about to change as we head into January.

Here is the upper-air pattern for January 5th from “the best of the best," the European model ensembles. The model is run 51 times with slightly different initial conditions, and the results are averaged. If we see strong features 10 days ahead with an ensemble run, it’s pretty impressive. And it makes us pretty sure that this basic pattern will indeed develop. Other models show very similar solutions, so there is even more confidence.

The area in purple near Alaska (upper left) represents way above normal pressures (called a “strong ridge”). Another strong ridge is in the North Atlantic, near Greenland (but not as strong as the Alaska ridge). In between pressures tend to be below normal (the blue colors). So, a “deep trough” extends from Central Canada into much of the U.S.

Here is the general temperature pattern around 5000 feet, which gives us a good idea about averages. We are in the colder than normal area, on the edge of the very cold air. In short, cold enough for snow.

What about snow chances? Here is another model with a similar solution to the European-the American GFS model (yes, this time the models agree). Here is the GFS ensemble 7-day precipitation.


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Fire Breaks Out at Popular Philly Hookah Bar

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A building containing a popular University City hookah bar caught fire overnight.

No one was hurt after flames broke out on the second floor of the building containing Aloosh Hookah Bar Restaurant at 36th Street and Lancaster Avenue – not far from Drexel University’s campus – early Thursday.

Medium to heavy smoke could be seen pouring from the building when firefighters arrived around 2:30 a.m., said the Philadelphia Fire Department.

The hookah bar carries a 4-star rating on Yelp.

No word yet what caused the blaze in the building that also includes apartments. NBC10 reached out to the hookah bar to find out the extent of damage.



Photo Credit: NBC10

Morning Snow in Some Parts

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Some snow was falling in Allentown, Pennsylvania early Thursday morning as some parts of the Lehigh Valley could see up to an inch of accumulation.

Suspect in Killings Was Angry Son Was Dressed as Girl: NYPD

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The 23-year-old ex-lover of a former New York City schoolteacher killed her and their 4-year-old son because he was angry in part that she was dressing the boy in girl's clothing, police said Wednesday. 

Isaac Duran Infante, who was arrested Tuesday in the deaths of 36-year-old Felicia Barahona and their 4-year-old son Miguel, allegedly confessed to police that he first planned to kill Barahona but then ended up killing the child as well. 

NYPD Chief of Detectives Bob Boyce said at a news conference Wednesday that the mother "did dress the child in girl's clothing, and he felt that antagonized him."

"But there was other issues as well, there was monetary issues," said Boyce. "He did have a new girlfriend in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he lived." 

Police said surveillance video captured Infante outside Barahona's apartment door in Hamilton Heights last Thursday, then leaving that night, after allegedly killing the woman and their son. 

"We have him on video in the hallways pacing back and forth in front of the apartment," said Boyce.

A neighbor of Barahona told NBC 4 New York he noticed a foul smell coming from upstairs last Friday. The building superintendent finally went into the apartment early Monday morning with police, and that's when the bodies were found -- Barahona in the living room with an electrical cord around her neck, Miguel in the bathtub. Infante had strangled both of them by squeezing a cord around their necks, according to a criminal complaint.

Infante was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court Wednesday on two counts of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree murder. His attorney, Allen Farbman of Legal Aid, said his client was "very upset and crying" before the arraignment. 

"It's a very upsetting case, obviously," said Farbman. And despite the prosecutors' assertion that Infante had confessed to killing Barahona and their son, Farbman said "I haven't seen any confession, I don't know anything about it. It's very difficult for me to comment on a confession that the D.A. said was made." 

Barahona was a former science teacher of Infante at the DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, and the two met and started their affair while he was still a student. Barahona lost her job in 2013, shortly after she became pregnant and school administrators learned of her illicit relationship with a student. 

His anguished grandmother, who lives in the Bronx, told NBC 4 New York in Spanish she wanted justice and that she knows her grandson is innocent of the charges.  

Another relative of Infante, Janiel Santana, said, "It's hard to believe they're dead. When we heard the news, we thought this has got to be a mistake." 

The couple shared custody of the child, relatives said. Infante's family was expecting to see the boy for New Year's Eve to give him his Christmas presents. 

Infante has been remanded back to jail without bail and is next scheduled to appear in court Friday. 



Photo Credit: NY Daily News/Pool/NBC 4 NY

Don't Ring in 2017 With Celebratory Gunfire: DA, Police

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People across the region are sure to celebrate in their own special way during New Year's Eve. But Philadelphia officials warn that one form of celebration won't be tolerated as we ring in 2017.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross and District Attorney Seth Williams held an annual news conference Thursday warning residents not to ring in 2017 with gunfire.

"We deal with enough violence on the streets of America... you can make a conscious decision not to celebrate in this fashion," said Ross.

"Celebrate wisely," said Williams.

Joe Jaskolka and other victims of NYE gunfire joined the event to tell their stories. Back on Dec. 31, 1998, when he was only 11 years old, Joe was struck in the head by a so-called "celebratory" bullet while walking along Fernon Street near 2nd Street in South Philadelphia. Joe was left paralyzed on the right side of his body and face and also lost the use of his vocal chords on the left side.

"The bullet is still in my head," said Joe Thursday.

Joe has undergone dozens of brain and eye surgeries. His family estimates insurers have paid more than $15 million to cover the cost of surgeries. The bullet is still lodged in his head and even after the surgeries Joe still suffers from double vision and shaking in his eyes whenever he speaks. His shooter was never caught.

For several years Joe has joined the district attorney and police during their annual warning event to show a real life example of the consequences of firing guns in the air. But even with the yearly message, New Year’s Eve gunfire remains a serious problem.

"Use common sense," said Ross while noting that extra officers will be on patrol Saturday night. [[405044415, C]]



Photo Credit: Getty Images/Stockdisc

Robbers Assault Armored Car Guard at Montco Mall

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Plymouth Township police and federal agents seeking the public's help in finding two men who assaulted and robbed an armored car guard at a mall in suburban Philadelphia earlier this month released surveillance video in hopes of tracking down the robbers.

The FBI and the Plymouth Township Police Department jointly released video Wednesday that shows the suspects just prior to the Dec. 19 robbery at the Plymouth Meeting Mall.

The men attacked a Loomis guard delivering cash to the Montgomery County mall in a service corridor around 8 a.m. before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of the money. The suspects left the mall in a dark-colored Chevy Tahoe -- with a model date between 1992 and 2000 -- driving off along Plymouth Road toward Butler Pike.

The injured guard was taken to an area hospital for treatment but has since been released. [[408597605, C]]

In the grainy surveillance video, it's difficult to see the suspects' faces but you can see that an average-built man wore all dark clothing while a heavier suspect wore a light-gray hoodie and cropped sweatpants.

Authorities announced a reward in the case and asked anyone with information to contact the FBI at 215-418-400 or Plymouth Township police at 610-279-1901.



Photo Credit: Surveillance image released by Plymouth Township Police & FBI
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Police Question Man in Killing of 81-Year-Old Store Owner

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Philadelphia Police questioned a person of interest overnight in the violent slaying of a popular 81-year-old in her South Philadelphia store on Christmas Eve as the woman's family prepared to bury her.

Police took the man into custody Wednesday night for questioning in the killing of Marie Buck after "developments" came about, said Philadelphia Police Thursday.

"It's just mind boggling to me, I can't understand what would make an individual resort to that level of violence, it's just absolutely ridiculous," said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross. "It's downright evil, when you think about it, because at some point and time you knew who you were firing at."

A man dressed in all black walked into Marie’s Grocery Store at S 6th and Titan streets around 8:50 a.m. Saturday and fired around one dozen shots at Buck, said investigators.

Medics rushed Buck -- who lived on the block and had owned the store for more than four decades -- to Jefferson Hospital where she died a short time later, said police.

Buck's family spent Christmas trying to come to terms with a reason that someone would kill their beloved mother -- a woman who dressed as Santa every Christmas Eve as part of family tradition -- in such a violent manner. [[408175686, C]]

Buck's daughter, Maria Buck, called her mother an angel. Many people in the neighborhood called her "Aunt Marie."

Police said that they had turned over the case to the district attorney's office for potential charges. Ross said that police would release more details if charges are filed.

The announce of possible charges came as Buck's family prepared to lay her to rest. Buck's viewing is set for Thursday night at Baldi Funeral Home along S Broad Street with a funeral Mass set for Friday morning at St. Mary Magdalene De Pazzi Church at 8th and Montrose streets.



Photo Credit: Family Photo NBC10
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Wintry Mix Causes Slippery Roads

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NBC10’s Pamela Osborne is surveying the wintry mix that struck parts of northern Montgomery, Bucks and Chester counties and the Lehigh Valley Thursday morning.

KOP Armed ATM Theft Suspect Behind Bars

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Police in Montgomery County announced the arrest Thursday of a man wanted for an armed robbery at a King of Prussia bank ATM earlier this month.

Upper Merion Township Police charged Jamal Goodwin, 25, with robbery, aggravated assault and related charges in the Dec. 5 robbery at the Wells Fargo Bank location at 101 W. DeKalb Pike.

Officers responded to the bank around 8 that night after a man reported being robbed by an armed man while using the ATM. The robber took money from the man’s wallet then drove off, said police.

Goodwin, of Carroll Street in Philadelphia would later confess to the crime as investigators recovered the gun, said police.

Goodwin, remains jailed on $200,000 bail in Chester County on unrelated armed robbery charges. His public defender didn’t immediately return NBC10’s call for comment. [[238427591, C]]



Photo Credit: Upper Merion Township Police

PATCO Offers Free Rides for New Year's Eve

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PATCO is giving riders one last gift to cash in on before, or to start, 2017.

On Thursday, the Delaware River Port Authority announced free train fares for New Year’s Eve and into Early New Year’s Day on PATCO. The free rides will begin at 8 p.m. on Saturday and continue until 4 a.m. on Sunday.

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"Free PATCO access is being offered to riders as an alternative to driving, providing a safe option to anyone planning a trip into or out of Philadelphia during New Year’s Eve," DRPA chairman Ryan Boyer said Thursday.

South Jersey residents who plan on ringing in the new year in Philly are already sharing their appreciation.

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"This is all about health and safety," said DRPA vice chair Jeffrey Nash. "We are pleased that the DRPA is in a favorable stable financial state that allows this free service to be offered to area residents." 

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Photo Credit: www.ridepatco.org
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