Investigations
Murder Suspect On The Run For 20 Years Arrested While Serving As Police Officer In Mexico
In a dramatic turn of events, a 72-year-old Ohio man who evaded capture for nearly two decades after being charged with a 2004 murder has finally been arrested—while working as a police officer in Mexico. Antonio Riano, once a fixture on Ohio’s “Most Wanted” list, was apprehended on August 1, 2024, in his hometown of Zapotitlán Palmas, located in the State of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Riano had been on the run since the December 2004 shooting death of 25-year-old Benjamin Becarra outside the Roadhouse Bar in Hamilton, Ohio.
Read also : South African Policewoman Charged With Six Murders for Insurance Payouts
Riano’s story reads like a plot straight out of a crime drama. After the fatal shooting, he allegedly fled the United States, successfully evading law enforcement even after his case was featured on the popular TV show America’s Most Wanted in 2005. Despite the nationwide exposure, Riano managed to stay under the radar, vanishing into the dense landscape of rural Mexico. Authorities pursued multiple leads over the years, but Riano remained elusive.
The arrest, which marks the end of a two-decade manhunt, was the result of a collaborative effort between U.S. Marshals, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and Mexican law enforcement. The U.S. Marshals Service announced that Riano was found living under an assumed identity and had been working as a police officer in Zapotitlán Palmas—a shocking twist in a case that had long gone cold.
“After years of fruitless searches, we didn’t see any trace of him until 2023,” said Newton, a spokesperson for the U.S. Marshals. “I think he thought he was home free.” But the long arm of the law finally caught up with Riano, who was extradited to the United States, where he is now being held without bond at Butler County Jail pending further court proceedings.
Riano is facing two counts of murder and felony assault for the December 19, 2004, killing of Becarra. The incident occurred after Riano allegedly tried to intervene in a dispute between Becarra and a bartender at the Roadhouse Bar. Becarra had been asked to leave the premises due to his involvement in a previous altercation. The argument between Riano and Becarra escalated, prompting the bartender to ask them to take their dispute outside. Moments later, gunshots rang out, and Becarra was found lying face down on the sidewalk.
In a chilling discovery, police later found the gun used in the shooting hidden in a compartment under the kitchen floor of Riano’s apartment in Hamilton, along with a stash of bullets. Surveillance footage from the night of the murder showed Riano leaving the scene, but authorities were unable to locate him until now.
Riano’s capture brings long-awaited justice for the family of Benjamin Becarra, closing a chapter on one of Ohio’s most notorious cold cases. As he awaits trial, Riano’s years on the run serve as a stark reminder that the past has a way of catching up with those who try to escape it.
Investigations
Elon Musk’s $1 Million Giveaway Under DOJ Investigation for Potential Legal Violations
Elon Musk’s recent $1 million giveaway has drawn attention from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which is reportedly scrutinizing the legality of the contest. This giveaway, widely promoted on social media, promised substantial cash prizes to select followers but has now raised concerns about compliance with federal sweepstakes laws. The DOJ’s focus is on whether the giveaway followed proper disclosures and legal requirements, including fair entry rules and transparency. This legal scrutiny adds a new layer of complexity to Musk’s ventures, as he continues to attract both media and regulatory attention with high-profile initiatives. The case underscores the importance of adhering to regulations, even in promotional activities led by influential public figures. The outcome could impact future online giveaways hosted by prominent personalities.
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Cybersecurity and data protection are critical priorities as Africa advances in digital connectivity and innovation. With rapid growth in internet use and digital transformation across sectors, African countries are increasingly addressing cybersecurity challenges to protect citizens, businesses, and governments from cyber threats. Key initiatives focus on strengthening data protection laws, building cybersecurity infrastructure, and fostering a skilled workforce capable of responding to emerging threats. From securing personal data to safeguarding national infrastructures, African nations are taking proactive steps to ensure a safer, more resilient digital future. Join the conversation on how Africa is advancing in cybersecurity and protecting valuable data assets.
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ExxonMobil Guyana has announced plans to increase oil production from its Stabroek block by 18,000 barrels per day (bpd). The capacity of the Unity floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel will increase from 252,000 bpd to 270,000 bpd, pending approval from local authorities. ExxonMobil Guyana currently produces 665,000 bpd, and future developments include the Hammerhead project, which aims to produce 120,000-180,000 bpd. The company’s investment is set to further strengthen Guyana’s economy as it grows into a major oil producer.
In political developments, President Irfaan Ali has announced several benefits ahead of Guyana’s upcoming elections. The new incentives include free college tuition and a one-time cash handout of nearly $1,000 per household, benefiting 264,000 families. The minimum wage will also increase from $350 to $500 starting next year, aimed at reducing the cost of living for Guyanese citizens.
Guyana’s economy, bolstered by its growing oil sector, saw a remarkable 60% GDP growth in 2022, the highest in the world, according to the IMF. To further utilize oil revenues, the government is launching various infrastructure projects, including hospitals, schools, and a $1.9 billion gas-to-energy initiative.
At the same time, the 115th COTED meeting on agriculture in CARICOM is tackling challenges like climate change and underdeveloped agricultural value chains, working towards the 25 by 2025 Food Security Initiative.
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Cybersecurity and Data Protection in Africa
Diaspora Watch Vol. 24: A New Era, A Historic Victory, and the Pulse of the Global African Experience
Diaspora Watch 20th Edition (October 14-20, 2024): Your Trusted Source for Global News and Insights
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