Black Archives - The American Retiree

Man Confesses to Fatal Shooting of Black Teen at Incorrect Address, Passes Away Ahead of Sentencing

Indianapolis, IN — A man who had confessed to fatally shooting a Black teenager after the boy mistakenly approached his home has died before he could be sentenced, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The man, identified as 55-year-old Sherman Wenzel, was scheduled for sentencing next week when he passed away due to apparent natural causes, according to a statement released by the Marion County Coroner’s Office. Wenzel had admitted guilt in the shooting of 17-year-old DeAndre …

Tragic Skies Over Potomac: US Army Black Hawk and American Airlines Jet Collide Near National Airport

Washington, D.C. — A catastrophic midair collision involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter occurred over the Potomac River, near Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday evening. The incident resulted in both aircraft plunging into the icy waters below, sparking an intensive emergency response. The helicopter, a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, is extensively utilized by the U.S. military for a variety of missions, including air assault and medical evacuations. …

Decades Later, the Black Dahlia Mystery Endures: Unraveling Hollywood’s Most Notorious Unsolved Murder

Los Angeles — More than seven decades have passed since the grisly and enigmatic murder of 22-year-old Elizabeth Short, famously dubbed the “Black Dahlia,” yet the case remains one of Hollywood’s most notorious unsolved mysteries. On January 15, 1947, Short’s mutilated body was found in a vacant lot in Los Angeles, sparking a media frenzy and a protracted police investigation filled with more questions than answers. Born in Boston in 1924, Elizabeth Short endured a …

Justice Department Issues Landmark Report on 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, Revealing the Extent of Coordinated Racial Violence Against Black Wall Street

Tulsa, Oklahoma – A comprehensive federal report released by the Justice Department on Friday has officially acknowledged the systematic destruction of Tulsa’s Greenwood District, a flourishing Black community, by an organized white mob in 1921. The event, historically termed as the Tulsa Race Massacre, left an estimated 300 Black residents dead and thousands homeless, effectively erasing a vibrant economic hub. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke characterized the massacre as a unique civil rights crime in …

Outrage in Bengaluru: Horrific Attack on Sacred Cows Prompts Political Uproar and Call for ‘Black Sankranti’ Protest

Bengaluru, India – A disturbing case of animal cruelty has surfaced in Bengaluru’s Chamarajapet neighborhood, where three cows were found mutilated, causing uproar and calls for immediate action among the residents and local politicians. The incident, which involved the severe injury to the animals, occurred in Vinayakanagar and has sparked widespread condemnation and a significant response from both the community and political leaders. The injured cows, belonging to a local resident named Karna, were discovered …

Infamous ‘Black Widow’ Killer Chisako Kakehi Passes Away on Death Row After Series of Elderly Men Murders

Tokyo, Japan — Chisako Kakehi, a 78-year-old woman on death row for the murder of three elderly men, has died, according to reports by local media on Thursday. Known infamously as the “Black Widow,” Kakehi was convicted for using cyanide to kill her victims, actions purportedly motivated by the desire to claim their wealth. Kakehi’s criminal activities spanned across the regions of Kyoto, Osaka, and Hyogo, where she formed relationships with various older men after …

Ukrainian Ports Under Siege: Multiple Deaths and Strategic Ship Damaged as Russia Ramps Up Attacks on Black Sea Export Hubs

ODESA, Ukraine — Ukrainian officials have reported significant casualties and damage following intensified Russian military actions targeting Black Sea ports, crucial for the country’s agricultural exports. Recent missile strikes, including a ballistic missile attack on the Chornomorsk region, have resulted in multiple deaths and disruptions to shipping activities, heightening concerns about a potential food crisis. The attack on Chornomorsk port, conveyed through Ukrainian media by residents hearing drone activities over several nights, saw debris from …

Former Ballerina Sentenced in ‘Black Swan Murder’ Case for Shooting Estranged Husband

Bradenton, Fla. — A former ballerina received a 20-year prison sentence on Tuesday for the 2020 fatal shooting of her estranged husband, an incident that drew widespread media attention and comparisons to the psychological thriller, “Black Swan.” Ashley Benefield, 32, was convicted of manslaughter with a firearm in July, following an ordeal that ended the life of 58-year-old Doug Benefield during a heated argument. During her trial, Ashley claimed she acted in self-defense at her …

Homicide Ruling in Tragic Death of Black Man Restrained by Hotel Security Guards

Portland, Oregon – A ruling of homicide has been declared in the death of a Black man who died after a violent altercation with security personnel at a prominent Portland hotel earlier this year. The Multnomah County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death as suffocation, with heart disease and methamphetamine use noted as contributing factors. The incident, which unfolded at the Silver Lining Hotel, has sparked scrutiny of security practices involving restraint and escalated …

Illinois Deputy Dismissed and Faces Murder Charges After Fatal Incident Involving Black Woman at Her Residence

Joliet, IL — An Illinois sheriff’s deputy has been dismissed from his position and faces murder charges following the fatal shooting of a Black woman in her own home, authorities confirmed. The incident, which occurred last week in Joliet, has drawn immense community outcry and sparked calls for a thorough investigation. The Will County Sheriff’s Office released a statement detailing that the deputy, whose name has not been disclosed, was terminated after preliminary findings suggested …