Tara Polhamus

“MOSCOW MULE” MOM POISONS HUBBY, TRIAL DELAYED

A judge granted the delay so defense attorneys can argue for seating a Salt Lake County jury in Summit County.

Kouri Richins’ murder trial has been delayed indefinitely over concerns on whether to summon Salt Lake County jurors to Summit County. Defense attorneys raised concerns over the impartiality of a jury pool pulled from within the originating county.  In April, 3rd District Judge Richard Mrazik ruled to keep the trial in Summit County. Richins’ attorneys want to appeal the decision, so they asked for a delay. There was not opposition from Summit County prosecutors.

 Richins, the mother of three wrote a children’s book about grieving her dead husband, but was later arrested in connection with his death.

 Kouri Richins' book on how to deal with grief isn't the only thing she's written.

There's a six-page handwritten letter that's sparking debate, "the walk the dog letter."  Prosecutors say that in the letter, Richins is teaching people how to lie about what happened the night her husband died.  Her defense team says the letter was privileged information and wants the prosecutors to be sanctioned.

It's called the "walk the dog letter," since that phrase is written in big letters on the top. In it,  Richins makes the claim that her husband Eric was addicted to drugs, that he would make frequent trips to Mexico to get pills, and that his death was an accidental overdose. The letter was written to Richins' mother, and it reportedly tells her to instruct Richins' brother to make the connection to Mexico and drugs when he talks about the case.

The question the court has to answer is, does a defendant attempting to help coach someone on what they should say on the witness stand, rise to the level of witness tampering?

Prosecutors say it does rise to the level of witness tampering because there is no connection between Kouri Richins' brother and drugs from Mexico. The prosecution believes, again, that  Richins is instructing people to lie.

DIDDY SEX VICTIMS PADDLE BOARD INTO OCEAN STORM TO ESCAPE COMBS

Another victim in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial referred to by a pseudonym, “Mia,” former personal assistant to Sean “Diddy” Combs’ and an executive at his film studio, Revolt TV, testifies Combs allegedly sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions.

Mia states he could become violent, once slamming her into a wall and, on another occasion, throwing her into a pool. She once worked five days straight without sleep and used the drug Adderall to stay awake. "Mia" was not allowed to lock her bedroom door when staying at Combs' and could not leave his sight.

She recalls a confrontation in 2012 when she and Cassie Ventura were barricaded in a beachside room, hiding from an enraged Combs during a vacation in Turks and Caicos, they push furniture against the door to block Combs from entering. 

 "I was looking at Cass and she was screaming for help and, 'You have to help me, Puff is going to kill me,'" "Mia" recalls. "She is usually chill and calm, and she was terrified."

"Mia and Cassie dash out a back door to the beach and out to a paddle board, fleeing into the water, however weather shifted drastically, sky turned black. We were both debating. I was trying to weigh if it was scarier to face Mother Nature or go back to Puff. We eventually went back to Puff."

In cross-examination, defense Brian Steel questions Mia on her social media posts with Combs and on her communications with him in which she said, “love you” and praised him as a “mentor and inspiration She said there were exciting times in the job and the “highs were really high, and the lows were really low.”

Follow Crime Stories with Nancy Grace for the latest in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial. 

WHAT DIDDY DO? MYSTERY WITNESS GHOSTS PROSECUTION, WILL THEY FIND HER?

Celebrity stylist Deonte Nash testifies, as the defense continues their cross-examination in the sex trafficking trial against Sean "Diddy" Combs. Nash states Diddy physically abused Cassie Ventura, threatening her career and reputation with recordings of their "freakoffs."  Nash describes incidents of Diddy hitting Cassie, grabbing her by the hair and bashing her head into a bed frame, and that he intervened multiple times. 

Combs’ ex Gina Huynh claimed the rapper stomped on her stomach and punched her in the head during their five-year relationship. Huynh, who goes by the nickname Virginia V, leveled the allegations in a 2019 interview. Theories continue to swarm Victim-3 is not testify, apparently changing her mind and doesn't want to take the stand. Many refer to mystery Victim-3 as “Gina" and Combs’ former assistant George Kaplan recently testified he witnessed Combs throwing apples at Gina at his home in Miami. 

Meanwhile, the defense raises concerns about limited access to Diddy at the Metropolitan Detention Center.  And another key witness, "Mia," (pseudonym name) Diddy’s former assistant and an alleged victim, expected to testify through Friday. 

DIDDY CAR BOMB HORROR: DESIGNER SCARF WICK, FINGERPRINTS "DESTROYED"

Day 11 of Sean “Diddy” Combs’s sex trafficking and racketeering trial brings more testimony about the Molotov cocktail that burned rapper Kid Cudi's car back in January 2012, with a Los Angeles police officer and an arson investigator on the stand.

Judge Subramanian denies Combs' bid for a mistrial. Combs' defense argues prosecutors improperly implied the hip-hop mogul destroyed evidence tied to an alleged arson. Defense lawyer Alexandra Shapiro contends the line of questioning by prosecutors is designed to suggest "Mr. Combs could buy his way out of this." 

DIDDYFIED: SEAN COMBS ASSISTANT SO STRESSED SHE GOES BALD

ean "Diddy" Combs received a brief respite from testimony in his ongoing sex crimes trial over the holiday weekend. Diddy offered a number of activities for Memorial Day, card games, basketball, and soccer tournaments while being housed at Metropolitan Detention Center.

Testimony resumed today as Combs' former assistant, Capricorn Clark, testifies through tears the former hip-hop mogul kidnapped and threatened to kill her multiple times. Clark says she once was held captive five days after jewelry went missing, forced to take polygraphs over and over. Clark's most emotional testimony, Combs took a gun forcing her to go to Kid Cudi's home and would not let Clark leave the scene after Combs learned Cudi, fellow rapper, was dating Combs' ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. 

Male exotic dancer Sharay Hayes, also known as The Punisher, testified to having sex with Cassie at the request of Diddy during "freakoffs" joins Nancy Grace.

Follow Crime Stories with Nancy Grace for the latest on Sean "Diddy" Combs sex trafficking trial. 

GUILTY! RACHEL MORIN'S KILLER AWAITS SENTENCING

Emotions ran high for Rachel Morin’s loved ones after police arrested Victor Antonio Martinez Hernandez in connection with her murder.

Authorities found the suspect casually sitting in a Tulsa, Oklahoma bar. During the arrest, Hernandez initially lied about his identity and denied involvement in the attack on a 9-year-old girl in Los Angeles and the murder of Morin.

Police discovered Rachel Morin’s body nearly five months after she went missing. Another 10 months passed before Hernandez’s arrest. More than a year of his time in the United States remains unaccounted for.

While the arrest brought some closure, Morin’s sister, Rebekah, said it also felt like “day one all over again.”

Matt McMahon, the father of Morin’s eldest daughter, said the Ma and Pa Trail now feels like it “belongs to Rachel again.”

Victor Antonio Martinez Hernandez is scheduled for sentencing in August.

DIDDY'S FREAK-OFF "CLEANUP CREW" DISGUSTS JURY, KID CUDI CAR BOMB

Testimony today included rapper Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi, a former Diddy employee, and a hotel manager who said Diddy’s stays often ended in property damage.

Mescudi testified that he believes Sean “Diddy” Combs broke into his home and firebombed his Porsche because he was dating singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura.

The general manager of L’Ermitage in Beverly Hills described Combs, a regular guest, as problematic.

Former employee George Kaplan testified that he quit his dream job after witnessing Combs attack a girlfriend in 2015.

The jury has been excused for the holiday weekend

DIDDY RAGE OVER "TOOTSIE ROLL" CLAIM & PR "FREE PUFFY" TEES REVEAL

Several women testified to seeing abuse between Sean Combs and Cassie Ventura. 

During her testimony, Dawn Richards recounted an instance in which Combs allegedly threatened his ex-girlfriend and hit her with a skillet of eggs because she was not cooking fast enough.

Ventura's former best friend, Kerry Morgan, testified that police came to Ventura's apartment after the incident at the InterContinental Hotel because Combs was banging on her door with a hammer. She said she was only testifying because she had been subpoenaed.

Morgan had been Ventura’s best friend for years until 2018, when Combs allegedly assaulted her in Ventura’s apartment

DIDDY SUCKS PRINCE HARRY INTO SEX-TRAFFIC CESSPOOL

Cross-examination in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal sex trafficking trial resumed in Manhattan court today, Friday May 16. Combs' legal team continue to grill Cassie Ventura, Combs' ex-girlfriend, on what the defense call, her own history of domestic violence, as well as claims she was motivated by money to get back at him.

And British royal family news reveals Prince Harry is named in the salacious sex trafficking case against disgraced rap mogul Combs. The headlines are an unwelcome reminder of Prince Andrews troublesome involvement with dead alleged pedophile, Jeffrey Epstein. More celebrities like Chris Brown and Michael B.Jordan were mentioned as Cassie's Cross-Examination Continues.

Follow Crime Stories with Nancy Grace for the latest on the Sean "diddy" Combs federal trial.

DIDDY'S 'TOOTSIE ROLL' REVEALED, CASSIE CROSS-EXAM

Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, the government’s star witness, took the stand today for the first day of cross-examination and faced questioning by Sean "Diddy" Combs’ $10 million defense team.

 She previously spent two days detailing the alleged physical, emotional, and sexual abuse she says she endured during her decade-long relationship with the disgraced rap mogul.

At the center of Combs’ defense today was the claim that Ventura was never coerced into participating in "freak offs," as she testified earlier. The defense pointed to text messages, including one Ventura sent to Combs in 2009 that read, “I’m always ready to freak off lolol.” Ventura remained composed and held her ground when confronted with the explicit messages. She testified that she eventually began to feel Combs was exploiting her.

Combs’ defense team is expected to continue cross-examining Ventura through Friday morning.

Follow Crime Stories with Nancy Grace for the latest testimony in rap mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex-trafficking trial

DIDDY’S FOUL FETISH: 'YOU NEED TO GLISTEN'; CASSIE RELIVES HUMILIATING SEX ACTS WITH STRANGERS

Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie, gives her second day of testimony as the prosecution’s key witness in the sex-trafficking trial of disgraced rap mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs. Cassie, the ex-girlfriend of the rapper, tells the court that Combs asked her to get into an inflatable pool filled with baby oil.

She continues to describe the abuse she endured during events she called “freak-offs,” saying Combs later used video recordings of the encounters to blackmail her.

Cassie alleges she repeatedly suffered from urinary tract infections as a result of the "freak-offs," to the point that she became immune to antibiotics. She testifies that Combs forced her to perform during her menstrual cycle and took away her possessions if she upset him in any way.

Combs faces charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The 55-year-old denies all charges. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.

Follow Crime Stories with Nancy Grace for the latest on the government’s case against Sean "Diddy" Combs

DIDDY SHOCK DEMAND: HIDE CASSIE V'S PREGNANT TUMMY FROM JURY

Cassie Ventura, ex-girlfriend of Sean "Diddy" Combs, took the stand as the prosecution's star witness against the rap mogul.

Heavily pregnant, Ventura testified that her relationship with Combs ranged from good times to arguments and physical abuse. Before testimony began, the defense requested that she be seated before the jury entered, citing her condition. The judge denied the request, ruling there would be no special treatment.

Ventura described how Combs' control over her increased during their relationship and detailed instances of physical abuse.

In court, Combs appeared and acted like a different man. With no cameras allowed, reporters outside described his appearance—gray hair, pullover sweaters, and reading glasses. Whether it was a sign of stress or a legal strategy remains unclear. Combs was reportedly reading the Bible before testimony began, while his family prayed on the courthouse steps before Ventura took the stand.

DIDDY'S $10 MILLION DOLLAR DEFENSE STARTS TODAY, JURORS IN FEAR

A jury has been seated in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex-trafficking trial.

Prosecutors delivered their opening statements, followed by witness testimony. Still unclear is whether “Victim 3” will testify. A prosecutor said last week that both the witness and her attorney were missing.

“Victim 1,” Cassie Ventura, will be the prosecution's third witness. Combs’ team may try to counter her testimony by portraying her as confrontational and violent—someone with a personality too strong to be coerced.

DIDDY NEED A DIAPER? COMBS BEGS FOR EMERGENCY BATHROOM BREAK

Sean “Diddy” Combs' sex-trafficking trial kicks off with jury selection.

This week, Combs listened intently as potential jurors answered questions after completing their written questionnaires. During the proceedings, Combs asked the judge for a bathroom break. When he returned, he apologized to Judge Subramanian, saying, “I’m sorry, Your Honor, I’m a little nervous today.”

Final jury selection continues Friday. Several potential jurors have been dismissed. One called the Cassie Ventura beating video “damning evidence.” Another said he believes the rap mogul can “buy his way out of jail.” Yet another attended Sean Combs’ high school. One person, a producer for HBO who did not work on the Diddy documentary, admitted to hearing “water cooler” talk about it.

DOOMSDAY FOR DIDDY: TRIAL STARTS TODAY

Sean “Diddy” Combs lost his bid to delay trial, and jury selection begins today as celebrities he once partied with gather for the Met Gala. Combs appeared in court wearing glasses and a pullover after Judge Arun Subramanian allowed him to avoid prison attire during the proceedings. The judge also approved a written jury questionnaire but limited it to 30 questions.

The defense seeks insight into potential jurors’ views on topics including multiple sex partners, cheating, intimate partner violence, drug use, rap, and illegal firearm ownership. Prosecutors may call Jennifer Lopez to testify as they attempt to introduce evidence related to the 1999 Club NY shooting. Lopez and Combs fled the club after gunfire wounded three people.

Combs’ defense team denies all rape allegations and argues that he lives a consensual swinger lifestyle. Attorney Marc Agnifilo told the court that Combs’ behavior is legal and misunderstood. Prosecutors intend to show that Combs used his businesses to host “Freak Offs” involving male prostitutes and women allegedly coerced into sex acts.

At Combs’ last pretrial hearing, prosecutors said he rejected a plea deal. Federal prosecutor Madison Smyser confirmed the offer but declined to disclose the terms. Opening statements are scheduled for May 12.

KOHBERGER BOMBSHELL: ROOMMATE SEES XANA DEAD ON FLOOR, SPOTS MASKED INTRUDER, MOTIVE REVEALED

New Kohberger Evidence Reveals What Idaho Roommates Saw the Night of the Murders

According to court documents, one of the surviving roommates, identified as "D.M."—referring to Dylan Mortensen—saw one of the victims lying on the floor hours before calling 911.

On the night of the killings, around 4 a.m., D.M. saw a man dressed in all black wearing a ski mask. She called and texted her roommates but only received a response from "B.F."—identified in the documents as Bethany Funke—who told her to run into her bedroom. As Mortensen ran toward Funke’s room, she allegedly saw Xana Kernodle lying on the floor of her bedroom, with her head near the wall and her feet pointing toward the door. The two survivors exchanged more texts throughout the night.

Bryan Kohberger is accused of killing University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin at an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13, 2022.

EPSTEIN VICTIM VIRGINIA GIUFFRE DEAD: 4TH 'SUICIDE' IN SEX RING OF RICH & POWERFUL

One of the first and most vocal women to speak out about Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse of young girls has died.

Virginia Roberts Giuffre's family first announced she took her own life, but her father is asking for her death be investigated. He tells TMZ, Virginia said if she ever died by suicide, not to believe it.

Giuffre's attorney told The Sun there were no signs she was contemplating suicide, saying, "There's suicide and then there’s misadventure."

Four individuals connected to the Epstein abuse scandal are now dead, including Jeffery Epstein. He committed suicide in prison, but many still question if that's true. Epstein is alleged to have abused dozens of victims by causing them to engage in sex acts with him at his mansion in New York, and at his estate in Palm Beach, Florida.

The victims - all underage girls at the time of the alleged conduct - were given hundreds of dollars in cash after each encounter either by Epstein, or by one of Epstein's employees.  The underage girls were initially recruited to provide Epstein with massages, and often did so nude or partially nude. These massages became increasingly sexual in nature, and would typically include one or more sex acts, as specified in the indictment.

As alleged, Epstein also paid certain victims to recruit additional girls to be similarly abused. This allowed Epstein to create an ever-expanding web of new victims.Giuffre was just 17 years old when she was recruited by Ghislaine Maxwell. 

WENDY WILLIAMS JUDGE: 'YOUR CAREER IS OVER!' FANS OUTRAGED

Wendy Williams’ guardianship battle intensified after sources alleged a judge told her she has no hope of restarting her career.

Williams appeared before Judge Lisa Sokoloff, who criticized her niece, Alex Finnie, accusing her of leaking information to the media and threatening sanctions for any future conduct.

Williams said she feels like she is in prison as she fights to end her court-appointed guardianship.

Almost on cue, the situation escalated when Coterie, the assisted living facility where Williams lives on the fifth floor, called police and claimed Finnie had kidnapped her.

According to a report Coterie filed with the NYPD, Finnie evaded staff and took Williams out to an Italian restaurant.

After police were called, Williams and Finnie cited the incident as evidence of how restrictive the guardianship has allegedly become. Speaking to paparazzi outside the facility, Finnie noted that Williams’ guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, claims Williams can come and go freely and that no family visits are blocked. Finnie challenged that, pointing out that staff escorted Williams to the elevator, yet Coterie still called police.

“Clearly, they are lying to me when they say I can go out and do what I want to do,” Williams told the interviewer.

Williams said she can only leave the facility’s fifth-floor memory unit with permission and an attendant to unlock the elevator.

This week, a judge approved an emergency petition filed by Williams’ attorney to move her from what she called a “luxury prison” to a less restrictive environment. Judge Sokoloff granted the request, and Williams will relocate to a private condo where she will have more freedom to come and go and receive visitors

MISSING LORI PAIGE, 12, BODY FOUND, ARREST MADE

Lori Paige, a 12-year-old student at Griffin Middle School in Tallahassee, Florida, stood out as one of paraprofessional Margaret Summers' favorite students. Summers described her as attentive and smart. But Lori vanished.

Nearly two years later, authorities found Lori’s body and charged her father.

Lori and her father followed a routine. He worked nights while trusted adults stayed nearby to help if needed. The day Lori disappeared, her father left for work as usual. When he returned home, he reported Lori missing.

BOMBSHELL CLAIM: BRYAN KOHBERGER'S MOM SECRETLY TORPEDOES DEFENSE

As Bryan Kohberger’s trial approaches, his defense team continues to file a series of motions aimed at removing the death penalty as a possible outcome.

Sources now allege that the decision to plead not guilty came at the urging of his mother, Maryann Kohberger, who reportedly believes he should fight the charges. A conviction could put him on a path toward capital punishment.

In court, an Idaho judge denied Kohberger’s request to allow defense experts to testify against the prosecution’s claims about his movements and Amazon purchase history. Prosecutors say evidence shows Kohberger bought a knife and sheath online in the months leading up to the killings. Court filings also state he searched for a replacement knife after the murders.