6 days agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Chilling 911 call as teen Diego Leyva ‘drunkenly confesses to killing his whole family’ and tells cops dad is ‘gargling’
A BONE-CHILLING 911 call depicts the moment a teenager drunkenly confessed to killing his whole family, according to police.
An “extremely intoxicated” Diego Leyva was arrested early Saturday after investigators said he gunned down his parents and two brothers at their home in Bellén, New Mexico, about 35 minutes south of Albuquerque.
Suspected killer Diego Leyva, 17, was arrested after police said he killed his brothers and parents, Adriana Bencomo (left) and Leonardo Leyva (right)FacebookIn a harrowing 911 call, Diego Leyva confessed to a police dispatcher to shooting his parents and two brothers, Adrian, 16, and Alexander, 14, in the headKOAT-TVNew Mexico State Police said Leyva was ‘extremely intoxicated’ when he was arrested on SaturdayKOAT-TV
Leyva, 17, walked out of the home with his hands in the air when deputies with the New Mexico State Police arrived on the scene.
Authorities found a pistol on the kitchen table, where they also found the bodies of Leyva’s parents, Leonardo, 42, and Adriana Bencomo, 35, and his brothers Adrian, 16, and Alexander, 14.
The Valencia County Sheriff’s Office called state police to the scene after receiving a 911 call from Leyva around 3:30 a.m.
In the harrowing 911 call obtained by The U.S. Sun, the teen drunkenly admitted to committing the gruesome murders.
‘I KILLED MY PARENTS’
“Hi, Ms., I just wanted to call you to tell you that I killed my parents. My whole family,” Leyva said, mumbling his words.
“What’s going on there tonight? Everything okay?” the dispatcher asks the teenager.
“I don’t know, I think something took control of me,” Leyva responds.
“Who did you kill your parents, and who else?” the dispatcher presses, to which Leyva replies, “My whole family. My brothers.”
That’s my dad… He’s gargling.
Diego Leyva
When asked by the dispatcher what led him to kill his parents, Leyva again said, “I don’t know something bad possessed me… I don’t know, it just happened.”
At one point, Leyva is heard speaking to someone in the background, prompting the dispatcher to ask, “Who are you talking to?”
“I’m not talking to no one. It’s just my parents are dead,” the teen replies.
The dispatcher then asks him to identify the person overheard in the background, “Who is that in the background?”
“That’s my dad,” Leyva responds as the dispatcher follows up,” What is he doing.”
“He’s gargling,” the suspected shooter said.
“You said he’s gargling in the background? Are you willing to help him right now,” the dispatcher asks, to which Leyva cold-heartedly replies, “No.”
Seconds later, Leyva confesses to the dispatcher that he shot all four of his family members in the head.
The suspect was taken to a nearby hospital for detox and then booked into a juvenile justice center in Albuquerque, state police said.
A former teacher of Leyva was in total shock that one of her ex-students was accused of gruesome killings.
“I would never have thought that something like this would happen and that Diego would be capable of doing something like this,” Vanessa LaGrange told The Guardian.
“Everyone’s in shock.”
Adriana Bencomo, Leyva’s mom, was a veteran volunteer firefighter for the Rio Communities Fire Department.
“Our brothers and sisters at RCFD are shocked and saddened by this loss as expected,” the Valencia County Fire Department said on Facebook.
Leyva was charged with four open counts of first-degree murder, state police said.
6 days agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Hannah Kobayashi back in US & case CLOSED after she was found in Mexico as sister reveals she ‘didn’t want to come home’
HANNAH Kobayashi has returned to the US for the first time since she vanished and sparked a huge manhunt.
The 30-year-old was found in Mexico over a month since she disappeared without a trace with her sister now revealing she doesn’t want to return home.
Hannah Kobayashi’s family announced the 30-year-old was found safe after going missing for a monthfacebook/Roamandconquer1Hannah was seen leaving LAX airport when she was due to get a connecting flight to New York over a month ago[/caption]
Hannah was safely located last week after going missing when she vanished from Los Angeles after landing in the city by plane on November 8.
She is said to have contacted her mum over the phone to tell her everything was okay while still being across the border in Mexico.
The photographer, originally from Maui, is believed to have now come back to the US, according to reports.
Hannah is said to be in California and in a good condition.
She returned based on her own free will, US media added.
American officials reportedly spoke with her as she returned to check if she was healthy and in good spirits.
She was then greeted by her lawyer before leaving him after a brief conversation, TMZ claim.
Despite returning to the US, Hannah is still not believed to have seen her family.
It comes just days after relieved sister Sydni said Hannah “does not wish to return to us”.
She told local media: “We have only spoken to her over the phone, and she was allegedly found safe with Larie [her aunt], but at this time, she does not wish to return to us.
“At this time, my mother and I have not physically seen Hannah.”
Hannah’s disappearance sparked a frantic search and police investigation into what may have made the family-orientated woman suddenly take off.
Kobayashi initially had a layover in Los Angeles, where she was expected to catch a connecting flight to New York City on November 8.
However, she missed her 42-minute window to board and ended up stuck in the city.
Crowds of volunteers soon started to canvas the city and hunt for clues in her disappearance.
This included her family who jetted to the US to help in the hunt.
The case took a tragic turn when Kobayashi’s dad, Ryan, died by suicide in a Los Angeles parking garage on November 24.
He had spent weeks of searching for his daughter and died of a broken heart, the family announced.
It’s unclear whether Hannah is aware of her dad’s death yet.
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS
Despite Hannah’s sudden reemergence, many unanswered questions about why the aspiring photographer went missing in the first place remain.
Family members described Kobayashi’s travel to the Big Apple as one of her “bucket list trips.”
Kobayashi, an art fan, had an itinerary planned out for her stay in New York, including stops at the Museum of Moder Art, absorbing Manhattan’s art scene, and visiting her aunt, Geordan Montalvo.
In the days after she stopped contacting her loved ones, Kobayashi was caught on surveillance footage strolling around Los Angeles.
She even made stops at a bookshop at The Grove, a shopping mall about an hour from Los Angeles International Airport.
On November 11, she uploaded a picture from a Nike event to her Instagram account before shutting off her cell phone.
Then, on November 12, unbeknownst to her family, Kobayashi boarded a bus from Union Station to San Ysidro, San Diego.
From here she crossed the border into Tijuana, Mexico, by foot, alone and carrying luggage.
Cops deemed her disappearance as “voluntary” once they saw she had crossed into Mexico.
This then further fuelled theories that the traveller may have been involved in a green card marriage scam.
A green card marriage scam typically involves a non-American person marrying an American citizen to obtain legal residency via a green card.
Speculation started to swirl after a picture of Kobayashi appearing to marry an Argentinian man before her trip to Los Angeles circulated on the internet.
However, Hannah’s family told The U.S. Sun last week that the family is completely in the dark about any alleged marriage.
Hannah Kobayashi family statement
Hannah Kobayashi’s family released a statement through their attorney once finding out the photographer was safe, it said…
“We are incredibly relieved and grateful that Hannah has been found safe.
“This past month has been an unimaginable ordeal for our family, and we kindly ask for privacy as we take the time to heal and process everything we have been through.
“We want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us during this difficult time.
“Your kindness and concern have meant the world to us.”
APKobayashi’s father, Ryan, center, is pictured surrounded by friends and family outside – Ryan would later take his own life during the search[/caption]
6 days agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Final $500 payments go out as life-saving program comes to end after two years – check your account in days
THE last remaining payment in a life-saving initiative is headed out to select Americans this month.
Thousands of participants will be affected as the guaranteed income program comes to an end after two years.
GettyA guaranteed income program will end this month for select families (stock image)[/caption]
Launched in October 2022, the Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot in Illinois sought to provide 3,250 families with financial assistance.
Run by the Cook County American Rescue Plan, distributions of $500 were given to those with low-to-moderate income, among other criteria, over 24 months.
Each was selected through a lottery process after open applications closed.
The money first went out in December 2022, meaning the final distribution should’ve already arrived to selected Illinois families or will arrive soon.
Each participant in Cook County will have received $6,000 in assistance through the designated period.
In total, the program sent out about $19.5 million to the 3,250 families across the county.
SUPPORT CONTINUES
That’s thanks to partners like GiveDirectly, AidKit, Working Credit, the University of Chicago’s Inclusive Economy Lab, and Crown School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice.
The Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot was launched after officials saw the results of over 300 studies about cash transfers significantly benefiting low-income communities.
Data from another guaranteed income pilot in Stockton, California, about 48 miles south of Sacramento, showed that the cash distributions helped “improve mental health and increase full-time employment,” per the Cook County American Rescue Plan website.
Additionally, the National Bureau of Economic Research found a correlation between money from guaranteed income programs provided to families after the birth of a first child and improvements in that child’s education and earning potential.
Moreover, the Alaska Permanent Fund also found in its years of offering a cash transfer initiative that the money would “stimulate the local economy” of a given area.
Toni Preckwinkle, board president for Cook County, also emphasized the findings and noted that their officials do not discriminate by income level.
“Decades of research show that people spend cash benefits wisely, leading to more financial stability as well as improved physical, emotional, and social outcomes,” Preckwinkle said in a statement.
“Yet, historically, both public and private institutions have been unwilling to directly invest in low-and-moderate-income people without significant restrictions in place.”
How does Guaranteed Income work?
Guaranteed Income and Universal Basic Income programs have taken off in popularity recently.
After the Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan of 2021 sent stimulus money to local governments, dozens began testing guaranteed income (GI) systems.
The specifics vary, but GI typically involves payouts to people with low incomes. Unlike traditional welfare, there are no job requirements, drug tests, or other strings attached.
Some have pushed for a Universal Basic Income (UBI), which would go to everyone regardless of how much money they make at work. Alaska has used a similar system since the 1970s.
Proponents say this alleviates poverty while incentivizing work, unlike classic welfare, which cuts benefits from people who begin earning “too much” money to qualify.
Opponents argue such a system is too expensive to function on a large scale and suggest Americans should avoid becoming reliant on government money.
With some cities heralding the success of GI programs, some Republican-led states have moved to ban them. States like Texas and Iowa, for example, have undermined major spending plans by pushing against GI.
“This red tape is in place not because any evidence shows that it is necessary, but rather because our society does not trust that people with lower incomes have the character or ability to make good decisions for themselves,” she added.
“We believe otherwise.”
HELP CONCLUDED
Another guaranteed income program helping families in Mountain View, California, about 14 miles northwest of San Jose, also sent out its last payment earlier this month.
It came as part of Elevate MV, operated through the Community Services Agency, YMCA, Community Financial Resources, and the University of Pennsylvania Center for Guaranteed Income Research.
Elevate MV, similar to Cook County’s program, offered $500 monthly unrestricted cash distributions for “extremely low-income” families.
Only 166 candidates were selected, and the last of the funds were sent out on December 15.
It’s unclear if or when the program will run again.
Some Americans can also get $1,000 monthly through a new “boost” initiative.
There’s also a little-known “artist” program in another state with $500 checks given to select applicants for five years.
6 days agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Prince Andrew’s Chinese ‘spy’ ‘confidant’ is the final nail in his coffin – there’s no future for him here, expert warns
PRINCE Andrew’s Chinese “spy” scandal is the “final nail in the coffin” – there’s no future for him here, a royal expert has warned.
Yang Tengbo – who is understood to have been a “close confidante” of the Duke of York – lost an appeal against a decision to ban him from the UK on national security grounds before being unmasked today.
ReutersPrince Andrew is rumoured to be considering moving abroad[/caption]
Not known, clear with picture deskYang Tengbo lost an appeal against a decision to ban him from the UK[/caption]
The suspected Chinese spy was a ‘close confidant’ of Andrew’sHe is understood to have helped the duke during his scandals
It was concluded the 50-year-old had been dishonest about his links to the Chinese state and could exploit his relationship with the duke, 64, and other public figures.
He had been invited to Andrew’s birthday party in 2020 and reportedly supported him through his recent scandals.
It comes after the Sun reported last week a foreign agent knew how tosneak people in and outof the duke’s Royal Lodge home.
The shock revelation emerged in a letter from one of the duke’s top advisers, Dominic Hampshire, to the spy.
Royal author Phil Dampier told us tonight: “The fact that this guy obviously inveigled himself into Prince Andrew’s circle, and was seemingly in and out of Royal Lodge… is a worry for the security services.
“Who knows what [a spy] might stumble across? It is a very big scandal.”
However, he went on to say, with Yang having also been pictured with former Prime Ministers David Cameron and Theresa May “all the blame” can’t be put at the duke’s doorstep.
“The Chinese have been doing this for years, and they’ve been infiltrating all sorts of echelons of British society,” Mr Dampier explained.
“Certainly the problem for Andrew is that on top of this scandal, he was involved with the late sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein – it’s not a very good look,” he said.
“It’s backfired on him dramatically and on top of the Epstein thing, it’s kind of a final nail in his coffin, really.”
Mr Dampier went on to say he believes King Charles will hold some sympathy for his brother, but will certainly find the Yang situation “embarrassing”.
However, he thinks it is still likely Prince William who is “one of the driving forces” behind pushing his uncle to the background for the sake of the Firm.
“William is a bit more hard-nosed about it,” Mr Dampier said.
“He thinks that the future of monarchy is down to him and Kate, and he’s got to concentrate on that.
“He’s already got all the problems of not being supported now by Harry and Meghan.
“I think he really sees it as holding the line until his children are a bit older, and they can start performing duties, and he just doesn’t see a role for Andrew.”
Asked where this leaves the duke after he decided not to attend his family’s Christmas at Sandringham, Mr Dampier said: “It’s very difficult.”
He said it’s unlikely a charity or the like would take him on to help “restore his reputation”, and apart from “going riding and playing golf all day”, there’s not much else for him to do in the UK.
Reports have suggested Andrew is contemplating a new life in the Middle East, which Mr Dampier said he could potentially see happening.
“He’s always had close ties and close friends who he knew when he was the UK trade ambassador, and to be honest, that wouldn’t surprise me.
“I think it might get to the point where, if he’s forced out of his home and he feels he’s got absolutely no future in the UK, he might well think about starting a new life somewhere else.
“There doesn’t seem to be much prospect of any future for him here… it might be the best bet for him.”
In relation to his association with Yang, a statement from Andrew’s office on Friday said: “The Duke ceased all contact after concerns were raised.
“He met through official channels with nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed.”
Tengbo Yang's full statement
In a statement issued on his behalf, Mr Yang said he had done “nothing wrong or unlawful” and descriptions of him as an alleged spy were “entirely untrue”.
The statement said he had voluntarily waived his right to anonymity.
Mr Yang said: “Due to the high level of speculation and misreporting in the media and elsewhere, I have asked my legal team to disclose my identity.
“I have done nothing wrong or unlawful and the concerns raised by the Home Office against me are ill-founded. The widespread description of me as a ‘spy’ is entirely untrue.
“This is why I applied for a review of the Home Office decision in the first place, and why I am seeking permission to appeal the SIAC decision.
“It is also why an order extending my anonymity up to the point of determination of the appeal process was granted.
“I have been excluded from seeing most of the evidence that was used against me under a process which is widely acknowledged by SIAC practitioners as inherently unfair: decisions are made based on secret evidence and closed proceedings, which has been described as ‘taking blind shots at a hidden target’.
“On their own fact finding, even the three judges in this case concluded that there was ‘not an abundance of evidence’ against me, their decision was ‘finely balanced’, and there could be an ‘innocent explanation’ for my activities. This has not been reported in the media.
“The political climate has changed, and unfortunately, I have fallen victim to this.
“When relations are good, and Chinese investment is sought, I am welcome in the UK. When relations sour, an anti-China stance is taken, and I am excluded.
“I am an independent self-made entrepreneur and I have always aimed to foster partnerships and build bridges between East and West.
“I have dedicated my professional life in the UK to building links between British and Chinese businesses.
“My activities have played a part in bringing hundreds of millions of pounds of investment into the UK.
“I built my private life in the UK over two decades and love the country as my second home. I would never do anything to harm the interests of the UK.”
COUGH UP
Writing for the Sun on Sunday, Mr Dampier said earlier this week Andrew must reveal the source of the money that enables him to stay at Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate.
The disgraced dukelost his annual £3million-a-year hand-out from brother Charles, which funded guards at his home.
We previously revealed the King axed the cash for Andrew, who does not work but has links to oligarchs.
And last month reported he has negotiated a cheaper protection deal at his leased home which he refuses to leave.
His plan is believed to be bankrolled by Middle East money.
Mr Dampier said it is reported the Privy Council approved the benefactor as legitimate but “if it came from Chinese sources, it is anything but”.
“The Duke of York would be wise to be totally transparent about his finances and tell us where he is getting the money from,” he continued.
“Otherwise speculation will continue to hover over him like a bad smell — unless he comes clean.”
PAAndrew will not be attending Christmas at Sandringham[/caption]
Doug SeeburgThe cash funded guards at his Windsor’s Royal Lodge home[/caption]
6 days agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Popular crafts retailer set to close down all 1,300 stores for the entire day – and Target won’t be any help
ARTS and crafts customers may need to stock up as a popular retailer has revealed it is set to close all of its 1,200 stores nationwide.
The retail brand has been going strong for 51 years and is North America’s largest provider of do-it-yourself home decorations.
GettyThe crafting brand has revealed it will shut all of its sites on Christmas day[/caption]
Getty Images - GettyFlorida locals could head to their nearest store during the extended festive opening hours[/caption]
Michaels has unveiled its extended festive opening hours but those thinking of heading down will want to take note as there is one day that all sites will be closed.
Crafters hoping to make do and create on Christmas Day will need to plan ahead, with the 24-hour window seeing shutters rolled down in the meaning of holiday.
The chain describes itself as the destination for “everything to create anything” with plenty of stores to choose from.
Operating over 1,300 locations in 49 states, there is even the opportunity to purchase decor online for those less keen to head in-store.
Those likely to head down to their nearest Michael’s in the run-up to Christmas could check out the most up to date opening hours.
Shoppers might even be struck by joy with the extended time allowed on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
For those yet to make a decision on stocking fillers or in need of last minute gift ideas, the store has three remaining collections until the end of the year.
Described as the “one-stop holiday shop“, customers have the chance to nab elements from Holiday Pines which boasts the “rustic charm” of a “woodland retreat”.
Those not interested in forest-inspired decor could opt for an item from Gala which promises a “luxurious” experience, inspired by “the spirit of The Nutcracker”.
Finally, there is also the chance to get your hands on something from Night Before Christmas which combines “quintessential holiday icons” such as Santa and pairs them with “trend-forward styles”.
The “modern twist” hopes to elevate reindeer, trees, bells and more with bows and light plaid patterns.
Prices have been advertised as starting from $2.99, meaning there is likely something for all.
6 days agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Airbnb with huge shark plunging into roof faces closure after official backlash: ‘Come while you can’
"The Shark House is a major tourist attraction ... It's been a delight to be able to open it up to members of the public to celebrate it with us," the owner said.
6 days agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Drones over New Jersey are all ‘lawful’ aircraft — or stars, White House says
White House spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Monday that the drones zipping over New Jersey residents’ homes are a “combination” of personal, professional and governmental aircraft. “We assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and...
