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Category: Crime and Justice in the Black Community

  • Actress Calls D4vd a ‘Monster’ Amid Murder Accusations

    The serious allegations surrounding artist D4vd, who is accused of murdering teenager Celeste Rivas Hernandez, continue to unfold. Now, an actress who previously worked with D4vd is speaking out, adding a chilling perspective to the ongoing narrative. Cassidy Clarke, who played the singer’s girlfriend in his 2022 music video ‘Here With Me,’ has publicly called him a ‘monster.’

    A Troubling On-Set Experience

    Clarke took to TikTok on Thursday (April 23) to share her alleged experience during the music video shoot. She stated clearly that she does not associate with D4vd and is demanding justice for Celeste Rivas Hernandez. During the 12-hour shoot, Clarke mentioned meeting D4vd’s family, noting that he was a minor at the time, just 17 years old, while she was 18.

    She specifically recalled meeting his younger sister, who she believes is now around the same age Celeste Rivas Hernandez would have been. Clarke also mentioned that while she and D4vd followed each other on Instagram, they didn’t get along well during the filming. She felt compelled to speak out because many people online were asking if she knew anything about the case or had any connection to it.

    Distancing and Demanding Justice

    In her TikTok video, Clarke was emphatic: ‘I do not associate with D4vd by any means.’ She explained that she took the job purely for professional reasons, stating, ‘I did it for a job, I did it for a check, I didn’t know who D4vd was.’ She has since unfollowed him on Instagram and believes he deserves more than what he’s currently facing.

    He’s a monster. And I do not associate with him by any means. I’m not making this video to make this about me. I’m making this video to put an end to my association with D4vd. — Cassidy Clarke

    Legal Proceedings and Industry Reactions

    Currently, D4vd is under arrest at the Los Angeles County Men’s Central Jail and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The arrest has led to significant reactions within the music industry, with several artists reportedly removing their collaborations with D4vd from streaming platforms. As the legal process moves forward, the discourse surrounding the case continues to be shaped by former colleagues and fans alike.

    What are your thoughts on Cassidy Clarke’s statement and the ongoing D4vd investigation? Share your views in the comments below.

  • Exonerated Man Denied Office by Louisiana GOP

    Imagine this: you’ve spent decades fighting for your freedom, wrongly convicted of a crime you didn’t commit. You finally get exonerated, dedicate yourself to justice, and then the people elect you to a public office. It sounds like a powerful story of redemption, right? Well, in Louisiana, that story took a frustrating turn when the state’s Republican party moved to block an exonerated man from serving in the office he was elected to.

    A Hard-Fought Victory Denied

    Calvin Duncan, a New Orleans native, decided to run for Clerk of Criminal Court. His motivation? This very office had previously denied him access to trial records that could have proven his innocence years ago. After a runoff election last November, Duncan secured a decisive victory, winning 68 percent of the vote against the incumbent, Darren Lombard. It was a moment of profound vindication.

    However, his triumph was short-lived. Just days before he was set to officially take office on May 4th, the Louisiana state legislature, with apparent backing from Governor Jeff Landry, rushed through Senate Bill 256. This bill effectively eliminates the Clerk of Criminal Court position as a standalone office, merging its functions under the Clerk of Civil Court, starting in August. Duncan had already been ceremonially sworn in on April 21st.

    Political Maneuvering and Disenfranchisement

    Governor Landry has been a vocal opponent of Duncan’s election and is reportedly seeking to deny him compensation for the time he spent wrongfully imprisoned. The bill’s swift passage, primarily by Republicans, with a Senate vote of 25-11 and a House vote of 63-28, has drawn sharp criticism. An amendment proposed by a Democrat to postpone the office’s consolidation until 2030 was voted down.

    Duncan himself spoke passionately during a committee hearing in March, stating, “The citizens of New Orleans overwhelmingly said: ‘I want to give this person a chance, he can make a difference.’ What this bill does is say: ‘Thank you, but you wasted your time.’ It disenfranchises everybody.”

    A Precedent for the Future?

    The story of Calvin Duncan is not just about one man’s denied opportunity; it raises serious questions about political interference and the integrity of elections. As Rep. Candace Newell, a Democrat from New Orleans, warned, “You do not change the rules of the game once the game has been played. Today they’re coming for this right, tomorrow they’re coming for yours.”

    Duncan’s Journey to Exoneration

    Duncan’s path to this point is remarkable. Sentenced to life in 1981 for a murder he didn’t commit, he spent 30 years in Louisiana State Penitentiary. While incarcerated, he earned the nickname “Prison Lawyer” for his efforts to clear his own name and help others. He was released in 2011 after agreeing to a lesser charge of manslaughter, and his conviction was officially vacated a decade later. His journey didn’t stop there; he went on to graduate from Tulane University and later earned a law degree from Lewis & Clark University in 2023. He was also instrumental in a 2020 U.S. Supreme Court decision that ended non-unanimous jury verdicts.

    What do you think about the Louisiana legislature’s actions regarding Calvin Duncan’s elected office? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • DC Teen Shot at Food Truck Was Sheltered

    It’s heartbreaking to hear about the violence affecting our communities, especially when it impacts young lives. In Washington, D.C., a devastating shooting at a food truck has left families reeling and authorities searching for answers. A 14-year-old boy, who his family says was closely supervised and rarely allowed out alone, was tragically killed in what police are calling a targeted burst of gunfire.

    A Life Cut Short During Lunch

    The incident occurred on April 14th around 3:25 p.m. on Kenilworth Avenue in northeast D.C. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, multiple individuals opened fire in a parking lot, unleashing about 60 rounds. The victims, 14-year-old Tyale Coates and 12-year-old Mhilo Young, had just arrived at a nearby food truck to grab lunch.

    Tragically, police stated that the boys were not the intended targets but were caught in the crossfire. Tyale’s family shared that he was a child who lived a sheltered life, with a strict 7:30 p.m. curfew and always needing a chaperone. His mother typically accompanied him on outings, and he had only recently started gaining small freedoms, like taking the bus home from school alone.

    Devastation and a Call for Justice

    On the day of the shooting, Tyale had asked his mother for permission to visit a new food truck, and she agreed. He had just received his food when the gunfire erupted. Officers found both boys with gunshot wounds. Tyale was pronounced dead at the scene, while Mhilo was rushed to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

    Loved ones remember Tyale for his enjoyment of fishing with relatives and his budding interest in learning to drive, underscoring the youth of both victims. His family, along with Mhilo’s, are now calling for justice, urging authorities to find those responsible and to prevent such horrific events from happening again. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.

    Community Concerns Over Gun Violence

    This incident has understandably heightened concerns within the D.C. community about the pervasive issue of gun violence and its devastating impact on children and families. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could help solve this case and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    What are your thoughts on the ongoing gun violence in urban areas and its impact on young people? Share your perspective in the comments below.