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Traveling Carnival Brings Death Along East Coast

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A traveling carnival is known for bringing laughter, fun, and an air of mystery with them from town to town, but this particular east coast carnival brought something else; murder.

In a span of just 18 days James Michael Wright of Mendota, Va., allegedly killed three women.  The 23 year old met all three victims at his job.  The traveling carnival hired Wright as a subcontractor for James H. Drew Exposition, and this gave him the opportunity to meet his victims.  The Georgia based amusement company had yet to immediately comment on the murders, and when they did they claimed they had no record of Wright’s employment with them.

Victims include two Tennessee women; 22 year old Elizabeth Vanmeter, 25 year old Athina Hopson, and 17 year old Jocelyn Alsup of Georgia.

From left; James Michael Wright, Athina Hopson, Jocelyn Alsup, Elizabeth Vanmeter

While Wright met all three victims through his work, the murders did not occur at the carnival, rather near his home.

Vanmeter met her early demise on February 28, 2017 when she and Wright were allegedly engaged in a fight and he shot her.  Wright then buried her body in a shallow grave to conceal his crime.

Alsup met her fate at the hands of Wright on March 09 after engaging in sex in the woods near his home.  He claimed to have accidentally shot her while trying to shoot an animal and missed.  He then proceeded to bury her body beneath some logs in the forest.  Wright met 17 year old Alsup through her mother who was a co-worker of his at the traveling carnival.

Lastly Hopson met her death at the end of Wright’s firearm on March 17 when they were on a walk together.  He reported to have tripped and fell when his gun suddenly discharged and went off, killing Hopson.  He then loaded her lifeless body into the back of his truck but it fell out when he was driving over a bridge and rolled down the bank into a river where he decided not to retrieve it.

He insists all three shootings were accidental, yet given the evidence collected by law enforcement Washington County Sheriff Fred Newman told reporters “We find that hard to believe based on the information we have.”

Police are deeming Wright a serial killer, and an investigation is underway in search for any additional victims.  Given the nature of his work, law enforcement agencies are examining if towns the carnival made their stops at have reported any missing persons during Wright’s employment and time with the company.

While Wright has had no history of criminal activity he is currently being held without bond on three counts of capital murder.  If convicted Wright can face the death penalty.

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News

Woman Brings Corpse Into Bank To Sign Loan Papers

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Warning: This is a disturbing story.

You have to be pretty desperate for money to do what this Brazilian woman did at the bank to get a loan. She wheeled in a fresh corpse to endorse the contract and she seemingly thought the bank employees wouldn’t notice. They did.

This weird and disturbing story comes via ScreenGeek an entertainment digital publication. They write that a woman identified as Erika de Souza Vieira Nunes pushed a man she identified as her uncle into the bank pleading with him to sign loan papers for $3,400. 

If you’re squeamish or easily triggered, be aware that the video captured of the situation is disturbing. 

Latin America’s largest commercial network, TV Globo, reported on the crime, and according to ScreenGeek this is what Nunes says in Portuguese during the attempted transaction. 

“Uncle, are you paying attention? You must sign [the loan contract]. If you don’t sign, there’s no way, as I cannot sign on your behalf!”

She then adds: “Sign so you can spare me further headaches; I can’t bear it any longer.” 

At first we thought this might be a hoax, but according to Brazilian police, the uncle, 68-year-old Paulo Roberto Braga had passed away earlier that day.

 “She attempted to feign his signature for the loan. He entered the bank already deceased,” Police Chief Fábio Luiz said in an interview with TV Globo. “Our priority is to continue investigating to identify other family members and gather more information regarding this loan.”

If convicted Nunes could be facing jail time on charges of fraud, embezzlement, and desecration of a corpse.

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Trailers

HBO’s “The Jinx – Part Two” Unveils Unseen Footage and Insights Into Robert Durst Case [Trailer]

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the jinx

HBO, in collaboration with Max, has just released the trailer for “The Jinx – Part Two,” marking the return of the network’s exploration into the enigmatic and controversial figure, Robert Durst. This six-episode docuseries is set to premiere on Sunday, April 21, at 10 p.m. ET/PT, promising to unveil new information and hidden materials that have emerged in the eight years following Durst’s high-profile arrest.

The Jinx Part Two – Official Trailer

“The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst,” the original series directed by Andrew Jarecki, captivated audiences in 2015 with its deep dive into the life of the real estate heir and the dark cloud of suspicion surrounding him in connection with several murders. The series concluded with a dramatic turn of events as Durst was apprehended for the murder of Susan Berman in Los Angeles, just hours before the final episode was broadcast.

The forthcoming series, “The Jinx – Part Two,” aims to delve deeper into the investigation and trial that unfolded in the years after Durst’s arrest. It will feature never-before-seen interviews with Durst’s associates, recorded phone calls, and interrogation footage, offering an unprecedented look into the case.

Charles Bagli, a journalist for the New York Times, shared in the trailer, “As ‘The Jinx’ aired, Bob and I spoke after every episode. He was very nervous, and I thought to myself, ‘He’s gonna run.’” This sentiment was mirrored by District Attorney John Lewin, who added, “Bob was gonna flee the country, never to return.” However, Durst did not flee, and his arrest marked a significant turning point in the case.

The series promises to showcase the depth of Durst’s expectation for loyalty from his friends while he was behind bars, despite facing serious charges. A snippet from a phone call where Durst advises, “But you don’t tell them s–t,” hints at the complex relationships and dynamics at play.

Andrew Jarecki, reflecting on the nature of Durst’s alleged crimes, stated, “You don’t kill three people over 30 years and get away with it in a vacuum.” This commentary suggests the series will explore not only the crimes themselves but the broader network of influence and complicity that may have enabled Durst’s actions.

Contributors to the series include a wide range of figures involved in the case, such as Deputy District Attorneys of Los Angeles Habib Balian, defense attorneys Dick DeGuerin and David Chesnoff, and journalists who have covered the story extensively. The inclusion of judges Susan Criss and Mark Windham, as well as jury members and friends and associates of both Durst and his victims, promises a comprehensive perspective on the proceedings.

Robert Durst himself has commented on the attention the case and the documentary have garnered, stating he is “getting his own 15 minutes [of fame], and it is gargantuan.”

“The Jinx – Part Two” is anticipated to offer an insightful continuation of Robert Durst’s story, revealing new facets of the investigation and trial that have not been seen before. It stands as a testament to the ongoing intrigue and complexity surrounding Durst’s life and the legal battles that followed his arrest.

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Trailers

Hulu Unveils Riveting Trailer for True Crime Series “Under the Bridge”

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Under the Bridge

Hulu has just released a gripping trailer for its latest true crime series, “Under the Bridge,” drawing viewers into a haunting narrative that promises to explore the dark corners of a real-life tragedy. The series, which premieres on April 17th with the first two of its eight episodes, is based on the best-selling book by the late Rebecca Godfrey, providing a detailed account of the 1997 murder of fourteen-year-old Reena Virk near Victoria, British Columbia.

Riley Keough (left) and Lily Gladstone in “Under the Bridge”. 

Starring Riley Keough, Lily Gladstone, and Vritika Gupta, “Under the Bridge” brings to life the chilling story of Virk, who disappeared after attending a party with friends, never to return home. Through the investigative lens of author Rebecca Godfrey, played by Keough, and a dedicated local police officer portrayed by Gladstone, the series delves into the hidden lives of the young girls accused of Virk’s murder, uncovering shocking revelations about the true perpetrator behind this heinous act. The trailer offers a first look at the series’ atmospheric tension, showcasing the exceptional performances of its cast. Watch the trailer below:

Under the Bridge Official Trailer

Rebecca Godfrey, who passed away in October 2022, is credited as an executive producer, having worked closely with Shephard for over two years to bring this complex story to television. Their partnership aimed to honor Virk’s memory by casting a light on the circumstances that led to her untimely death, offering insight into the societal and personal dynamics at play.

“Under the Bridge” looks to stand out as a compelling addition to the true crime genre with this gripping story. As Hulu prepares to release the series, audiences are invited to brace themselves for a deeply moving and thought-provoking journey into one of Canada’s most notorious crimes.

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