Murder suspect Joran van der Sloot asked for more time Friday to decide how to plead as his trial opened in the death of a 21-year-old Peruvian woman. The Dutch citizen indicated that he was inclined to confess to the crime but doesn’t accept the aggravated murder charges sought by the prosecution. A three-judge panel ordered the trial to resume on January 11. When he was asked moments earlier by presiding judge Victoria Montoya to enter a plea to the murder charges, Joran van der Sloot answered: “I want to give a sincere confession, but I don’t agree with all the charges that have been placed on me by the prosecutor.” “Can I have more time to think about this?” The 24-year-old, lso the prime suspect in the unsolved 2005 disappearance of Natalee Holloway, repeatedly shook his head when the prosecutor described how Van der Sloot allegedly beat and strangled the victim, intending to rob her. Van der Sloot long ago admitted to police that he killed Stephany Flores in his Lima hotel room on May 30, 2010. So what’s the holdup here? He claimed in that confession that he did it in a fit of rage after she discovered Van der Sloot’s connection to Holloway’s disappearance on Aruba. Police forensic experts have disputed that version of events. Defense attorney Jose Luis Jimenez said before the hearing that there was a 70% chance Van der Sloot would plead guilty, leading to a reduced sentence. Prosecutors are seeking 30 years for murder and theft. Jimenez contends his client was in a state of emotional distress and would “seek to reduce the charge from first-degree murder to simple homicide.” The latter carries a prison sentence of 8-20 years. Van der Sloot entered the courtroom in Lurigancho prison in Lima Friday morning in a blue blazer and faded blue jeans with a bulletproof vest. He sported a crew cut and an untucked long-sleeved shirt. He took off the vest in court, which lacked air conditioning, and fidgeted, yawning several times and slouching. That drew Judge Montoya’s reproach. “Sit up straight and show some respect for the court,” she told him.
Tectonic pacing builds to a series of imperceptible and yet earth-moving moments in Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s Once Upon a Time in Anatolia , a habeas corpus procedural stretched across two and a half discursive hours. The setup — a policeman, a lawyer, and a doctor head into the Turkish countryside — has the ring of an old joke, something Ceylan never forgets as their long night and next day together wears on. A mix of mordant wit and metaphysical waxing carry the men toward their respective fates, each having more to do with the buried body they are seeking than it first appears. Technically, the search for the body of a local garage-owner named Yasar is led by a decent but fraying police commissioner named Naci (Yilmaz Erdogan). Sawing Naci’s last nerve is the tormented murder suspect, Kenan (Firat Tanis), whose claim of forgetting exactly where his victim is buried keeps the caravan moving from spot to remote spot all through the night. Prosecutor Nusret (Taner Birsel) is tagging along in case the body actually turns up, as is Doctor Cemal (Muhammet Uzuner). Despite Turkish genes and enigmatically scarred cheeks, everyone eventually agrees that the former bears a resemblance to Clark Gable; the latter enjoys the consensus that he is still a young man with his whole life ahead of him, though he wears the weight of a recent divorce in his handsome face. The only shared opinion about driver Arab Ali (Ahmet Mumtaz Taylan) is that he should probably talk less and drive more. When he does speak, however, it becomes clear that the comically rotund Arab is the only one of the men with an untroubled perspective on life, a viable blend of rural pragmatism and a lyrical sense of life’s story. The first half of the film comprises scenes of casual en route quibbling — the dialogue is permeated by the narcissism of small differences in tribal communities — about who makes better yogurt, who is peeing too often, and who knows the fastest way where. At each hopeful juncture the men pile out of their cars and fall into new configurations. In one of the first stops the doctor and the driver compare moods — where one sees the seemingly pointless night as a Beckett play, the other finds a fairy tale. Later, when the men stop for the night at the compound of a local Mukhtar (Ercan Kesal), the prosecutor tells the doctor the story of a young woman who predicted her own death -— a cherished allegory with logical gaps the doctor immediately points out. But if he’s right, the question lingers: What meaning is left in the rational world? The answer, or one possible answer, or maybe just a refusal of the question, arrives in the form of a woman. The appearance of the Mukhtar’s beauteous teenage daughter (Cansu Demirci) breaks the film’s all-male filibuster, and to welcome her Ceylan rolls out a brocaded cinematic carpet. In contrast to the previous hour’s lighting scheme of cold-beamed, dueling headlights, the girl’s singular, incandescent approach is framed as a celestial moment. Balancing an oil lamp on a platter of brimming teacups, she lowers the glasses before the innocent and condemned alike. Despite not getting a line (or even a credit in the press notes), she’s meant to embody everything that’s worth living for in a low-down, dirty world. Such a pity, the men remark, that it will all be wasted on a backwater town like her father’s. It’s a literal spotlight of a sequence, and I suspect if Ceylan weren’t so expert at stretching his weakness for the obvious across such a vast and blissfully well-composed canvas, it would make a splotchier impact. For this skill he is often compared to Bresson and Antonioni, and if Ceylan shares his characters’ hopes for Turkey’s acceptance into the European Union, I imagine his inclusion in the tradition Pauline Kael called “Come-as-the-sick-soul-of-Europe parties” would be flattering on geographical terms alone. He’s too funny and multi-faceted to be trapped by Euro-arthouse cliché, though, too interested in the absurdist flipside of existential dread. When the sun comes up and the body is finally, dreadfully unearthed, Anatolia (from the Greek for “sunrise”) is only half over. The more details the men collect and record, the less they seem to know — or want to know — and the further their minds drift to women, who are mentioned often and without warning, as if to confirm the heart of every moody silence. Silence and sound are deployed as artfully as Ceylan’s sweeping master shots are. In lieu of a soundtrack he contrasts near and far noises, interior voices and exterior perspectives, a layering effect that either culminates or terminates in the final scene, where the music of children playing outside a hospital mingles with the visceral notes of a body being broken down like a roast chicken. It becomes impossible to hear one without the other, hard as you might try. Follow Michelle Orange on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .
Now THAT’s gangsta! Oklahoma media have the compelling story of a shotgun-toting 18-year-old mother who killed an intruder on New Year’s Eve after a 911 operator told her, “Do what you have to do to protect your baby.” NBC affiliate KFOR-TV has video of its interview with Sarah McKinley, who was alone with her 3-month-old son in their Blanchard home, MSNBC says. McKinley says two men — one of whom she had met previously — appeared at her door Saturday night and then tried to break in. Two days earlier, she had buried her husband, who died of cancer on Christmas Day. One man — identified as 24-year-old Justin Martin — had come by Thursday to express condolences. But Saturday, armed with a foot-long hunting knife, he and his partner attempted to break down McKinley’s door. She blocked it with her couch, grabbed her baby and fetched a 12-gauge shotgun and a handgun before calling 911. Martin, who charged McKinley with his knife, was hit in the “upper torso,” police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His cohort, Dustin Louis Stewart, 29, fled but later surrendered to authorities. Blanchard police say McKinley acted in self-defense. “Oklahoma laws are clear on home defense. I think they’re clear to most individuals that you can defend yourself in your home,” said Detective Supervisor Dan Huff. Source Peep the interview and re-enactment on the next page!
SIGH. Will the tomfoolery never cease??? Via HipHopWired.com : A bizarre New Year’s Eve argument in a Cleveland suburb over the union of R&B diva Beyoncé and rapper-business mogul Jay-Z resulted in the stabbing of a 48-year old Garland Heights man just before the clock struck midnight. Police officials for the city of Parma, just southwest of Cleveland, told a local Fox News affiliate that on December 31, an argument ensued between 31-year old Ronald Deaver and the stabbing victim. While watching a music video, Deaver became enraged that the victim was unaware that Beyoncé was the wife of Jay-Z, leading to the verbal clash and subsequent stabbing. The Fox News station obtained the police report which states the attack allegedly took place at around 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, just outside of Deaver’s apartment. Authorities were alerted and headed to the scene, rushing the victim to nearby Metrohealth Medical Center where he was said to be in good condition. Really ninjas??? Like, for real? SMDH! More On Bossip! 106 And Counting: A History Of Men That “ALLEGEDLY” Chopped Down Rocsi’s Thicky Thick Thighs Don’t Fall Far From The Tree: Famous Kids That Look JUST LIKE Their Famous Parents Caught Creepin’??? Evelyn Lozada Puts Her Wedding Plans With Ochostinko “On Hold”!!! Turn That Frown Upside Down: Celebrities That Have Had To Battle Some Sort Of Depression
A Louisiana appeals court has upheld the murder conviction and life sentence for New Orleans rapper C-Murder. C-Murder (real name Corey Miller) was convicted in 2009 of shooting a teenager to death in a Louisiana nightclub in 2002. C-Murder is Master P’s brother and an uncle to actor/rapper Romeo. Last week a three-judge panel from Louisiana’s 5th Circuit Court of Appeal rejected Miller’s argument that he didn’t get a fair trial and that prosecutors systematically eliminated black people from the jury. Less than two weeks after Miller was sentenced for Steve Thomas’ death, he received a separate 10-year prison sentence for pleading no contest to charges he tried to shoot a Baton Rouge nightclub owner and bouncer in 2001. Read more here. RELATED: Slim Dunkin’s Alleged Murderer Young Vito Arrested [VIDEO] Lil Boosie On 8-Year Prison Sentence: “I Am Accepting Full Responsibility” Raven & Romeo Show Out At The NAACP Theatre Awards [PHOTOS] VIDEO: Master P Tells Hip Hoppers Stop Trying To Be Cool (Says Lil Wayne A Victim Of His Own Coolness)
This is so sad. Another man has died suspiciously in police custody. A Canadian resident has died in the tiny Caribbean island of Grenada, as a result of what the victim’s family alleges was police brutality. The prime minister of Grenada has ordered an investigation into the death of Oscar Bartholomew, a 39-year-old permanent resident of Canada. He died on Tuesday. Richard Simon, press secretary for Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, said Thomas is seeking more information about the circumstances surrounding Bartholomew’s death. Dunbar Belfon, superintendent of the Royal Grenada Police Force, says Bartholomew’s death is an “unfortunate incident.” He said police will be thoroughly investigating. “The force has a very good track record of being very impartial in terms of conducting similar investigations,” Belfon said. “We have been very forthright in determining whatever investigation that needs to be conducted, even though it is done against members of the same institution.” Media reports out of Grenada say that local police took Bartholomew into custody after he approached and hugged a female officer who he mistook for a friend. Belfon says the officer was in uniform and Bartholomew was taken into custody after assaulting her. Bartholomew’s aunt Josephine de Souza said that Bartholomew, along with his wife and his cousin, had stopped at the St. David’s police station on Monday afternoon for his wife to use the bathroom. The reports say Bartholomew was beaten while at the police station and died shortly thereafter. Bartholomew’s mother Phyllis Tate said that his wife saw the police take Bartholomew into the station. “When he was calling for her they shut the door in her face and she heard when all the lashes were falling on him. She did not see him again until the ambulance came and took him to the hospital, lifeless,” Tate told CTV News Channel on Wednesday. “It’s very hurtful to know that he didn’t do anything and they just take away his life from him.” His cousin Shem Pierre accused police of leaving Bartholomew bleeding in his cell for at least three hours before calling an ambulance at the insistence of his wife. According to doctors, Bartholomew died of a burst blood vessel in his brain. Family members gave their statements to police on Wednesday and say that they are looking into hiring an outside pathologist to conduct an independent autopsy. Damn shame. They know they didn’t have to beat that man like that. We pray this family gets justice for their loved one. Source More On Bossip! Silver Spoon Swag: Stars That Were Born Rich Already! Sneaky Geniuses: Stars That Are Wayyyyy Smarter Than They Look Gone Home To Glory: The Notable Names That Passed Away In 2011 Part 1 X-Rated Bangers: The Hottest Black Adult Movie Stars In The Biz…Would You Wife Any Of Them?
We cannot believe this story: A Muncie woman was arrested Wednesday after police said she sexually assaulted a 6-month-old girl, which left the baby with a sexually transmitted disease. Police said Ashley Stapert, 21, admitted she and her former boyfriend assaulted her friend’s daughter. According to the probable cause affidavit, Stapert told police she fondled and performed a sexual act on the baby. “Any time children in our community are hurt or injured, especially a small baby, we feel like we have to be the voice for that victim, have to speak up because they can’t speak,” said Judi Calhoun, Delaware County Chief Deputy Prosecutor. The probable cause stated the baby’s mother allowed Stapert and Stapert’s boyfriend at the time to stay with her because she believed they were homeless. The mother said she knew the couple and allowed them to babysit her baby. The baby’s mother told police she learned of the alleged molestation after Stapert and her boyfriend told others about the incident. “When you do things that inflict pain on others, that child may be scarred for life, and there’s no call for that under any circumstances,” said Michael Boyd, the victim’s neighbor. Boyd said he is sickened by the crime. The baby was brought to Riley Hospital for Children to be evaluated. A medical exam revealed the baby had contracted genital warts. Stapert is preliminarily charged with child molest, a Class A felony and criminal deviate conduct, a Class C felony. She is being held in the Delaware County jail without bond. The other suspect in the case is being sought by authorities. Turn the page to see the video report on this chick!
NFL star Rolando McClain was charged with four crimes Thursday following a dustup in his hometown, but it’s a photo of him being taken into custody that is truly noteworthy. Visiting his hometown of Decatur, Ala., the Oakland Raiders linebacker got popped after police say he held a gun to another man’s head then fired it beside his ear. Looks like somebody had a good laugh about it at least … Police said the victim suffered injuries to his head and face during a fight with another man (who was also arrested) and that he begged McClain not to shoot him. The former Alabama star obliged and fired it inches from his head instead. McClain was charged with third-degree assault, menacing, reckless endangerment, and discharging a firearm within city limits … while in town for his grandpa’s funeral. All things that make a man smile ear-to-ear apparently.
Life is a cycle. We go through pain to become more appreciative of the joy in our lives. Nobody understands that concept more than Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins . She has experienced her fair share of pain in the last few years. She’s had to contend with the swine flu, a brain tumor, and an ongoing bout with Sickle Cell Anemia. It was reported the Grammy winner was pushed into filing for bankruptcy again. While some believe the cause is frivolous spending, TMZ says it has something to do with T-Boz’ ex-husband, Mack 10 . He owes her $250,000 in back child support. In light of recent events, The Urban Daily serves up a list of nine celebrities who have filed for bankruptcy. Let these stars’ mistakes be a lesson to you all. Pay the government, before you wind up homeless. George Clinton The man who has given the world beloved hits like “Atomic Dog,” “Flashlight,” and “One Nation Under A Groove” has been the victim of record industry rule #4080. George Clinton learned just how shady record companies were in 1985 when he filed for bankruptcy. He was forced to do so because he signed contracts which gave most of the royalties from his music to the record companies. Clinton’s only way of making money from his music was to tour. As soon as people thought George was back on his feet, it was announced George Clinton still didn’t have any money when his mother passed in 2010. Failing health and all, Clinton is still touring to make ends meet. Natalie Cole 1997 was a roller coaster of a year for Natalie Cole . After winning her eighth Grammy, she filed for bankruptcy. Cole sought financial protection because her spending habits were out of control. Also, her success in the 90s was, in part, due to her recordings featuring her late father, Nat King Cole . Much of the money made from those works had to be paid to his estate. They say never do business with family and Natalie Cole is a prime example. If you do business with your family, you might just end up broke. Marvin Gaye The first thing you think of when Marvin Gaye’s name is mentioned is his voice. Say what you will about his addictions and tragic demise, but the man knew how to sing a woman right out of her clothes. His womanizing was the cause for his divorce to Anna Gordy in 1973. By 1976, Gaye had fallen behind on alimony payments to Gordy. To keep himself out of jail, signed over the royalties to his album, Here, My Dear , to his ex-wife. The double album detailed his feelings about their divorce. With song titles like “Anger” and “When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You,” we know it was a hard break up as well as a long journey back to financial freedom. Toni Braxton The financial woes of Toni Braxton are crazy enough to be their own character on her reality show. In the late 90s, Braxton filed for bankruptcy because of what she claims to have been her chronic health problems, bad business dealings, and medical expenses. She landed back in the black with the release of her album, The Heat . However, the good times didn’t last and she filed for bankruptcy for a second time in 2010. Braxton Family Values is a hit and the money generated from the show can help keep her afloat. Maybe a better accountant would help too. Suge Knight The reputation precedes the man when referring to Suge Knight . How a man goes from running one of the hottest labels in the history of hip-hop to being in prison owing a person $107 million dollars is beyond me. I take that back. In Suge’s case, that is quite possible. Lydia Harris won $107 million from Knight on the grounds he cheated her husband out of a 50% stake in Death Row Records . At the time of his filing, court documents revealed Knight’s bank account held only $12. I wonder which he is more embarrassed of: having $12 to his name after such an extravagant few years or getting knocked out by some random dude in a club and having the picture of him laid out being posted on the internet? TLC The ladies of TLC experienced the seedier side of the music business before they filed for bankruptcy. First they signed a management deal with former singer, Pebbles , which gave her a monetary cut of every business deal the group made. Then, when the trio fired her, she sued them for $40 million. They settled out of court with the stipulation, Pebbles got a piece of their future earnings. After that was taken care of, the group released their landmark album, CrazySexyCool . While it sold upwards of 10 million records, the girls were left with $50,000 a piece. Left Eye famously explained how they wound up broke in their episode of Behind The Music . TLC bounced back in 1999 with another chart topping disc, but stopped recording music when the Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes was killed in a car accident in Honduras in 2002. Isaac Hayes Isaac Hayes is the man behind some of the greatest soul records ever created. Being that songwriters get a bigger cut in the royalties than the performers, Isaac Hayes should’ve been well off, right? Wrong. Hayes filed for bankruptcy in 1974. Black Moses’ credit was already in the red with Union Planters Bank . He looked to his label, Stax Records , for help but they were in the same boat. Hayes negotiated a deal between himself, Stax Records, and Union Planters Bank. The terms were Stax would let the singer out of his contract to record elsewhere and the money made from the album would go to paying his debt incurred with the bank. By the end of the proceedings, Hayes was left without a home, no personal property, none of his future royalties from anything he wrote or performed. Good thing his speaking voice was so distinctive. Hayes’ bank account was increased when he voiced the character of Chef on South Park years later. MC Hammer When people hear about MC Hammer’s meteoric rise and drastic fall, all they can do is shake their heads. He is the poster child for what happens when you overextend yourself while trying to live as lavishly as possible. Hammer went $13 million into debt because he employed half of Oakland as part of his entourage. His monthly expenses were over $500,000 and that’s before taking care of his family. Hammer got his life right with God and is now working with start up internet companies trying to further the positive uses of the internet. Oh yeah, did we mention his appearances in those Cash 4 Gold commercials? He’s doing those too. Ron Isley The lead singer of The Isley Brothers was placed on the list of California’s most delinquent taxpayers in the early 2000s. He filed for bankruptcy after some of his property, including a yacht, was repossessed. Once Uncle Sam got his hands on Ron Isley’s yacht, he figured that wasn’t good enough. Isley was thrown in prison for 37 months for tax evasion. He has since been released from prison, dropped an album, and is working on another with R. Kelly . RELATED POSTS: THEN & NOW: 1970s Music Icons Ron Isley: “R. Kelly And I Are Working On An Album!” R. Kelly Will Have Women Dropping Their “Black Panties” Soon [AUDIO]
