The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints plans to sue the town of Fairview for denying a permit request for the McKinney Texas Temple.
In a Jan. 27 letter from attorney Eric Pinker, the church gave the town notice of its intent to file a lawsuit, citing the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The church said the town violated the church’s rights to free exercise of religion and nondiscrimination in land use regulation.
Denying a permit for the McKinney Texas Temple imposed a “substantial burden” on the church’s religious exercise by not allowing it to construct a house of worship that meets the needs of its faith, the letter from church legal representation states.
“While it continues to be the Church’s hope that this matter can be worked out amicably, in the face of continued and unreasonable opposition, it appears the Church has no choice but to defend its rights in court,” the letter states.
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The church has cited the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act in past statements advocating for a religious right to construct the temple.
William Christian, an attorney representing the town of nearly 11,000 people about 30 miles north of Dallas, did not have a statement on the potential lawsuit Monday afternoon. Fairview Mayor Henry Lessner is out of town and could not provide comments on the church’s letter. Mayor Pro Tem John Hubbard did not respond to requests for comment Monday.
The church made a roughly 54-foot concession in the temple’s height and reduced the size by about 13,000 square feet. The church intended to file a new application Jan. 13 for a single-story building nearly 30,000 square feet with a 120-foot steeple height.
“The Church understood these modifications fully satisfied any concerns previously raised by the Town Council,” a Jan. 27 statement from church spokesperson Melissa McKneely reads.
In November, the council unanimously approved moving the proposed settlement to public discussion.
“At every step we will keep our citizens informed of the content of any new proposal that may be considered,” Mayor Lessner wrote in a November statement. “There is absolutely no reason why the Church cannot respect our community’s resolve to maintain the character of our Town. The willingness to participate in good faith mediation does not change our position or commitment.”
In October, the Town Council announced a Zoning Defense Fund to collect donations to protect the town from potential litigation from the church. In December, residents spoke out against the amended plan, saying it wasn’t a compromise at all.
Many want the church to stick to a 68-foot tall building, the size of its meetinghouse in a neighboring lot.
The lot falls under residential zoning restrictions that say buildings can have a maximum height of 35 feet. Fairview zoning law says churches and schools can be located in any zone that isn’t a flood hazard upon an application for a conditional use permit.
After hours of public debate and months of discussion among church members, town residents and local officials, the town denied the church this permit last summer.
McKneely said the larger building is needed to accommodate a growing population in North Texas. She said some drive more than three hours to get to the Dallas temple, the only one operating in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. A temple near Fort Worth is under construction.
“We don’t need another chapel,” she said. “We need a temple. A temple allows us to do ceremonies and worship in a different way.”
Fairview resident Pamela Sailor, left, who helps to organize the Legal Defense Fund Choir event, talks with attendees before singing Christmas songs in front of Fairview Town Hall, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Fairview. Fairview residents and supporters hosted a community event, Friday and formed a choir to raise money for their zoning defense fund..(Chitose Suzuki / Staff Photographer)
Temples are more sacred and holy buildings than meetinghouses or chapels, McKneely said, open for individual worship Tuesday through Saturday. Weddings and sacred ceremonies are held there. It’s a place for prayer, meditation, learning and receiving inspiration from God, she said.
McKneely said temple attendance is encouraged in their religious practice, but members do not congregate all at once in a single sanctuary at the temple on Sundays like at many churches. The temple is organized in smaller rooms.
“We have been incredibly gracious and thoughtful [in] conceding and attempting to listen to the concerns of the residents to build a significantly scaled-down temple, which, frankly, is not what our community needs,” McKneely said. “We need the temple that was originally turned down in August, but we are striving to be good neighbors.”
She said the temple could serve about 20,000-25,000 church members.
McKneely originally said the church did not submit their application for the amended temple Jan. 13, as planned in the terms of settlement, because it was taking more time “to make sure everything is in place” with what was agreed on.
The church told an attorney representing the town in a letter Jan. 13 the new application was not filed because of concerns the town would not honor the nonbinding agreement that came from November’s mediation.
In the letter, the church listed examples of conduct that raised concerns about whether the town would keep its end of the deal. Public comments by town officials painted the results of mediation as an ongoing negotiation, not a settled compromise, the letter states. The church cited statements Mayor Lessner gaveThe Dallas Morning News in previous reporting.
Mayor Lessner also wrote in a January newsletter that town attorneys had said the design agreed on in mediation would likely not be accepted.
“If this happens, it moves us closer to being sued by the LDS church and the potential dire financial consequences of that action for the Town, should the Town lose in court,” Lessner wrote. “In my meetings with over 100 residents this week, the sense I get is that the overwhelming number of residents want this to get to court.”
In public meetings, town residents have expressed a willingness to face a lawsuit from the church, which is widely considered one of the wealthiest religious institutions in the world.
“I thought y’all were going to be a hero, not only for the residents of Fairview, but for others who have been trampled on by the LDS,” said Fairview resident Alycia Kuehne to the Town Council at a December meeting. “Y’all were so fearful about a lawsuit. I say, bring it.”
Fairview Legal Defense Fund Choir sings to raise money for their zoning defense fund.
Fairview residents, who are opposing the height of the proposed temple, try to raise money for their zoning defense fund.
In a letter to the town, a church attorney stated it would likely take the town to court unless Fairview’s leaders reassured them they’ll follow through with the settlement reached in November.
Town officials declined to meet individually to discuss the settlement’s status in January. An attorney representing the town wrote in a letter Jan. 17 this was not an indication of a rejection of the settlement but rather out of a concern for transparency and for deviating from the normal permit application process.
Fairview’s attorney wrote “strong negative feedback” from the public on the terms of the settlement prompted the town to ask the church to further reduce the temple height. The church declined, the town’s attorney wrote, but said the council was committed to following the process set out in the settlement.
“In light of the foregoing circumstances, the Church has no confidence that the Town will make good on its commitments,” the church’s Jan. 13 letter states. “The Church is further concerned that proceeding as though the Town will make good on its commitments will simply prejudice the Church’s legal rights.”
The church notified the town of its intent to sue Jan. 27.
“We just want to be able to worship peacefully, quietly,” McKneely said, saying the temple will be a beautiful addition to the community.
Its proposed site is situated near other places of worship in the town and its size was significantly reduced from the original proposal, she said.
“The church has attempted to negotiate an agreement in good faith,” McKneely said. “We came to mediation … We didn’t need to. We have a right to build this temple so that we can practice our faith, but we were trying to be peacemakers and to come to a compromise that we felt was generous.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced that it will be suing the town of Fairview over a dispute regarding the construction of a temple in the area. The Church had been planning to build a temple in Fairview, but the town recently passed a zoning ordinance that would prevent the construction of the temple.
In a statement released by the Church, they expressed their disappointment in the town’s decision and stated that they believe the ordinance is discriminatory and unconstitutional. The Church also stated that they have attempted to work with the town to find a mutually agreeable solution, but have been met with resistance at every turn.
The Church has now decided to take legal action against the town in order to protect their right to build a temple in Fairview. They are confident that they will prevail in court and are committed to fighting for their religious freedoms.
This lawsuit is sure to be a contentious and closely watched legal battle, as it pits the religious rights of the Church against the zoning laws of the town. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Cops are looking for a man who chopped off most of the fingers on a man’s hand with a machete after a sidewalk dispute in the Bronx erupted over their dogs barking at each other, police said.
According to cops, a 34-year-old man was struck in the left hand with a machete by an unidentified man around 11:24 a.m. Friday near Southern Blvd. and E. 178th St. in West Farms.
The attacker and the victim argued over their dogs barking at each other. As things escalated, the attacker yanked out a machete intending to attack his rival’s dog — but the victim stepped in to protect his pooch, cops said.
The victim was slashed and lost four digits. He was transported to a nearby hospital in stable condition.
The assailant took off soon after the incident. He was described as being in his 40s to 50s and last seen wearing a tan bucket hat, gray hooded sweatshirt, green vest, tan pants and tan boots.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). All calls are confidential.
Originally Published:
In a shocking incident, a man armed with a machete allegedly chopped off his rival’s fingers following a heated dispute over barking dogs. The incident took place in a quiet neighborhood, leaving residents in disbelief and fear.
According to witnesses, the two men had been arguing for weeks over the constant barking of their respective dogs. The argument escalated quickly, with one of the men pulling out a machete and attacking the other, severing several fingers in the process.
The victim was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, while the suspect fled the scene before authorities arrived. Police have launched a manhunt to track down the suspect and bring him to justice.
Neighbors are shaken by the violent incident, with many expressing concern over the escalating tensions in the area. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of letting disputes spiral out of control.
Authorities are urging anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts to come forward and assist in the investigation. In the meantime, residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.
This disturbing incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully and seeking help before things escalate to such extreme levels. Let us hope for the victim’s speedy recovery and for justice to be served in this troubling case.
Tessa Blanchard’s return to TNA Wrestling at Final Resolution 2024 has been the subject of much discussion in recent weeks for a variety of reasons. Blanchard’s controversial track record has led to backlash from some within the TNA locker room, but the latest development in the story is that she claimed she was not under contract with the company, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
According to Fightful Select, TNA officials have disputed Blanchard’s claims that she isn’t signed to a deal, and confirmed that she is a full-time member of the company. TNA sources did not confirm any specifics of Blanchard’s deal, or why she said she wasn’t signed to begin with, but they revealed that she wouldn’t have been factored into any creative plans otherwise. Those plans, at the time of writing, are for her to feud with Jordynne Grace, with the two woman expected to face off at the Genesis pay-per-view on January 19, despite initial pushback from Grace given Blanchard’s past.
Before her return to TNA, Blanchard wrestled primarily in Mexico with the odd independent appearance for places like XPW. CMLL was her home promotion for over a year where, she became a staple of the company’s women’s division, winning the CMLL World Women’s Tag Team Championship with Lluvia in August 2024 before vacating them to head back to TNA.
There has been some confusion surrounding Tessa Blanchard’s status with TNA Wrestling, as backstage sources are now disputing her claim that she is not signed to the promotion.
Blanchard recently took to social media to announce that she is a free agent and not currently signed to any wrestling promotions. However, sources within TNA Wrestling have revealed that Blanchard is, in fact, under contract with the company.
This conflicting information has sparked speculation among fans and wrestling insiders about Blanchard’s future in the wrestling industry. Some believe that she may be looking to negotiate a new contract or explore opportunities with other promotions.
It remains to be seen how this situation will play out, but one thing is certain: Tessa Blanchard’s status with TNA Wrestling is far from clear. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett continues to be one of the most decisive figures in the UFC.
Now a few years into his UFC tenure, fans are beginning to realize the type of character Paddy Pimblett is, both inside and outside of the UFC Octagon.
The Scouser came into the promotion as a favorite amongst the fans for his fight style and witty personality but after a controversial decision win over Jared Gordon in 2022, he divided the fans with his reaction.
Although he doesn’t have a fight booked at the moment, Pimblett has been staying active in the gym and he has taken this off time as a chance to settle a feud with a rival.
Fellow fighter, Dennis Frimpong has been a longtime rival of Pimblett’s and the two have been beefing online for several months. Frimpong fights with Oktagon MMA and has a professional record of 3-2.
Responding to a fan comment hoping to see Pimblett on the upcoming UFC London card, Frimpong said: “He won’t be fit for the Vegas event let alone the London one.”
After exchanging personal messages, the two then organized to settle their feud this Saturday morning at Frimpong’s gym, Manchester Top Team.
Throughout the clash, it was visible that the two fighters weren’t taking it easy and sparring and that it was a real fight between two people that don’t like each other, with a full crowd including Molly McCann gathered around the mats.
The majority of the organized gym fight took part on the feet up until Pimblett scored a takedown around three minutes in.
From there, ‘The Baddy’ showed off his grappling credentials and showed the difference in levels between a UFC fighter and a fighter who only has five professional bouts.
Not long after, Pimblett sunk in a rear-naked choke which resulted in a tap from Dennis ‘The Menace’. Chaos then unfolded as Pimblett refused to let go of the choke which seemingly sparked a ruckus between members of their teams.
Paddy Pimblett and Dennis Frimpong settled there differences today 👏
What’s next for Paddy Pimblett inside the UFC Octagon?
After the melee was sorted following the fight, Pimblett and Frimpong respectfully embraced, seemingly ending their longtime feud.
The UFC recently announced their return to London will take place on March 22 and the event will be headlined by Leon Edwards vs Jack Della Maddalena.
Pimblett has historically been a permanent fixture for the UK events and is a big star over the pond. With that, there is a chance the 30-year-old is booked to fight at the o2 Arena again.
In a shocking turn of events, rising MMA star Paddy Pimblett was reportedly dragged off his rival after choking him in a gym fight to settle a heated dispute.
The altercation allegedly took place during a sparring session at a local gym, where tensions between Pimblett and his opponent reached a boiling point. Eyewitnesses claim that Pimblett lost his temper and launched a vicious attack on his rival, choking him in a fit of rage.
Security personnel were forced to intervene and pull Pimblett off his rival before things escalated further. The incident has left the MMA community stunned, as Pimblett is known for his charismatic personality and skill inside the cage.
It remains to be seen how this incident will affect Pimblett’s career moving forward, but one thing is for certain – tensions are running high in the world of MMA. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
MSG Networks went dark on Altice’s Optimum TV service as the new year began at midnight, the result of a carriage dispute between the two companies.
Barring an agreement during the day on Wednesday, homes that subscribe to Optimum will not be able to watch the Knicks try to stretch their winning streak to nine when they host the Jazz on Wednesday night.
The MSG signal went black at about 12:01 a.m., as an episode of the sitcom “Brockmire” was beginning to air.
MSG also carries the games of all three metropolitan-area NHL teams. The Rangers and Islanders play on Thursday night, both at home.
Comcast dropped MSG more than three years ago, affecting homes in New Jersey and Connecticut. But losing Altice, the dominant cable company on Long Island, represents a far greater blow to MSG’s overall distribution.
A carriage dispute is a disagreement over compensation between the distributor, which is Altice, to carry a channel from the provider, which is MSG Networks.
Both sides have issued statements accusing the other of being unreasonable, with the issues centered on pricing and tiers, as is usually the case.
Fans who subscribe to Optimum can order MSG from the Gotham Sports app for $29.95 a month. Single games can be ordered for $9.95.
Verizon Fios, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream and fuboTV carry MSG within Altice’s geographical footprint.
MSG issued a statement that read:
“As a last-ditch effort to save their struggling business at the expense of subscribers, Altice is trying to charge their customers more and give them less. They just raised prices – nearly 50% for current Optimum subscribers and 70% for new Optimum subscribers (after expiration of a promotional offer) for the package that had included MSG Networks – and cut access to the Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, Devils and more on MSG Networks.
“We offered Altice a number of fair and reasonable proposals that called for Altice to pay us less than last year. Altice rejected all of them, including our offer to keep MSG Networks on the air while we continued to try to reach a deal. We remain ready to negotiate in good faith.”
MSG offered to make itself available on a higher, more expensive tier in seeking a solution. MSG said its offer to Altice included “the same fair and reasonable terms that other major providers accepted.”
On Monday night, Altice issued a statement that read in part, “
“MSG Networks is demanding exorbitant programming fees – which could raise our customers’ cable bills – and, to add insult to injury, MSG Networks is requiring us to make their channels available to the vast majority of Optimum video subscribers, which would force customers to pay for content they may not want to watch.
“We refuse to allow any entity to force our customers to pay more than they can afford. And with direct-to-consumer options like MSG+ available on the Gotham Sports app, customers who want to watch it have alternatives so that non-viewers don’t have to pay for content they don’t want.”
Sports programming is the most expensive in television, making it a focal point in the battle to keep costs under control.
With both regional sports networks such as MSG and cable companies such as Altice struggling in an era of increasing options outside the traditional cable bundle, the pressure on all sides of the business has grown.
Neil Best first worked at Newsday in 1982, returned in 1985 after a detour to Alaska and has been here since, specializing in high schools, college basketball, the NFL and most recently sports media and business.
In a shocking turn of events, Altice has decided to pull the plug on MSG Networks as their carriage dispute remains unresolved. This means that subscribers will no longer have access to popular sports channels like MSG, MSG+, and MSG2.
The dispute between Altice and MSG Networks has been ongoing for some time now, with both sides failing to reach an agreement on carriage fees. Altice claims that MSG Networks is asking for unreasonable rate increases, while MSG Networks argues that they are simply seeking fair compensation for their programming.
As a result of this disagreement, Altice customers will no longer be able to watch live games and coverage of their favorite teams, including the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, and New York Islanders. This decision has left many sports fans frustrated and disappointed, especially during a time when live sports are more important than ever.
Both Altice and MSG Networks have expressed their willingness to continue negotiations in order to resolve the dispute and bring back the channels to subscribers. In the meantime, customers are left in the dark, unsure of when or if they will be able to access MSG Networks again.
It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold, but one thing is for certain: both Altice and MSG Networks will need to come to a resolution soon in order to appease their loyal viewers and avoid further backlash. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Pfizer’s COVID-19 treatment, Paxlovid, has emerged victorious in a significant legal battle, as a Massachusetts federal court ruled in favor of the pharmaceutical giant, confirming its patent rights to the groundbreaking antiviral medication.
This decision marks a crucial moment in the ongoing legal disputes over intellectual property in the pharmaceutical sector.
The court’s ruling on December 24, 2024, dismissed claims made by Enanta Pharmaceuticals, which had filed a patent challenge, alleging that Paxlovid infringed on its antiviral patent.
Enanta’s claim was centered around the argument that Pfizer’s formulation was too similar to its own, which had been developed for the treatment of viral infections. However, the court found that Enanta’s patent did not supersede Pfizer’s provisional patent for Paxlovid, granting Pfizer continued control over the drug.
Paxlovid, which combines two antiviral drugs—nirmatrelvir and ritonavir—has been a key player in the global effort to combat COVID-19.
Since its emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in late 2021, it has been widely prescribed to patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 to prevent severe outcomes.
With COVID-19 still posing a public health risk, the medication has played a critical role in treating patients and preventing hospitalizations, especially in vulnerable populations.
For Pfizer, the court’s decision is a major win, as it ensures that the company will maintain exclusive production rights over the drug, thus safeguarding its market share. The patent victory also solidifies Pfizer’s position in the competitive antiviral market, which is vital for the company’s ongoing revenue growth.
The patent dispute dates back to 2022 when Enanta Pharmaceuticals, a biotech company based in Watertown, Massachusetts, filed a lawsuit claiming that its own antiviral patent covered the same mechanism of action used in Paxlovid.
The case escalated as both companies fought for dominance in a market that could be worth billions of dollars as governments continue to stockpile treatments for future pandemics.
Despite the legal challenge, Pfizer has continued to expand its reach with Paxlovid, entering into agreements with numerous countries for the distribution of the treatment. The drug’s ability to reduce viral replication and symptoms has made it a go-to therapeutic for COVID-19, leading to substantial demand.
The court’s ruling comes as a significant victory for Pfizer, as it removes any immediate legal threats to its commercial interests regarding Paxlovid. While Enanta Pharmaceuticals has the option to appeal the decision, the legal landscape is likely to remain in Pfizer’s favor for the foreseeable future.
This decision underscores the critical role of patent rights in the development and distribution of pharmaceutical innovations, especially during global health crises.
Pfizer’s ability to hold onto its intellectual property will continue to shape the future of COVID-19 treatment and potentially influence the landscape for future antiviral drugs.
As the world continues to grapple with COVID-19 and other emerging diseases, the legal and financial implications of such patent disputes will likely have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the pharmaceutical industry but also public health policies worldwide.
Pfizer’s groundbreaking COVID-19 antiviral drug, Paxlovid, has prevailed in a patent dispute, ensuring the company’s exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute the life-saving medication.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office recently rejected a challenge to Pfizer’s patent on Paxlovid, which was filed by a competitor seeking to produce a generic version of the drug. This decision solidifies Pfizer’s position as the sole provider of Paxlovid, allowing the company to continue ramping up production and delivering the treatment to patients in need.
Paxlovid has shown promising results in treating COVID-19, reducing hospitalizations and deaths among infected individuals. With Pfizer’s exclusive rights secured, the company can now focus on expanding access to this critical medication and helping to combat the ongoing global pandemic.
This victory in the patent dispute is a significant win for Pfizer and a positive development in the fight against COVID-19. As the company continues to innovate and develop new treatments, the future looks brighter for patients battling the virus.
A Christmas evening shooting at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport left three people with gunshot wounds, including one victim with life-threatening injuries, and one person with a stab wound.
Phoenix police are investigating the shooting, which took place at a “restaurant within terminal 4 outside of the security checkpoints,” the department confirmed to PEOPLE in a statement.
The shooting victims were a woman who suffered life-threatening injuries and two men, who are in stable condition, per the statement.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Robert Alexander/Getty
A man and a juvenile were detained, police said; the man was suffering from a stab wound.
All five victims know each other, investigators learned.
“I do believe that this was a family dispute that escalated,” Phoenix police Sgt. Mayra Reeson said, per the Associated Press and NBC News.
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In a statement, a Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport spokesperson confirmed the incident to PEOPLE, adding that while the incident briefly halted certain operations in Terminal 4, it has since been “resolved” and most operations are back to normal.
The spokesperson declined comment on the airport’s policies regarding guns, instead directing inquiries on the subject to Phoenix police.
Sergeant Mayra Reeson with the Phoenix police tells PEOPLE that the attack took place outside the TSA-area, in an unsecured location which is accessible to the public. Anyone with a legally-owned firearm in the state can have access in the non-secure area, she says.
Per Fox 10 Phoenix, Reeson said, “I do not recommend bringing guns to an airport.”
On Christmas Day, tragedy struck at an airport in Arizona when three people were shot during a family dispute. The incident took place at a busy time for travelers, as families were reuniting and celebrating the holiday season.
Details are still emerging about the circumstances surrounding the shooting, but it is clear that the altercation turned violent and resulted in multiple injuries. The airport was placed on lockdown as authorities worked to secure the area and investigate the situation.
This shocking incident serves as a reminder of the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully and seeking help when tensions escalate. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families as they recover from this senseless act of violence.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — A pizza deliverer in central Florida has been charged with pushing her way into a motel room with an accomplice and stabbing a pregnant woman after a dispute over a tip, authorities said.
Brianna Alvelo was charged with stabbing a woman in her motel room in Kissimmee, Florida, a short time after delivering a pizza to her on Sunday, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
The woman gave Alvelo $50 on a $33.10 bill, expecting change back. When Alvelo started walking away, the woman asked for money back, and the pizza deliverer told her they didn’t make change as a policy, according to an arrest report.
The woman began searching for smaller denominations in two purses in her motel room and in her car, with Alvelo watching. She got a smaller dollar bill from her boyfriend, with whom she was staying at the hotel along with her 5-year-old daughter, and Alvelo’s tip ended up being $2, the report said.
Alvelo “rolled her eyes and walked away without saying anything,” the report said.
A short time later, the woman, her boyfriend and daughter were asleep when they heard a knock on the motel room door. The women opened the door and was confronted by a woman, who authorities said was Alvelo, and an armed man, both wearing face masks, who pushed their way into the room. The armed man ordered the boyfriend into the bathroom. Alvelo rummaged through their belongings in the motel room and then stabbed the women 14 times with a pocket knife as she shielded her daughter, the arrest report said.
The arrest report said that the woman had just found out she was a few weeks pregnant. She was taken to a hospital where she underwent surgery for a ruptured lung.
Alvelo is facing charges of attempted murder, home invasion with a firearm, kidnapping and aggravated assault with a weapon. An online court docket showed no attorney for her. Ahead of a first appearance hearing on Thursday, she said in court papers that she couldn’t afford an attorney and asked one to be appointed for her.
Authorities hadn’t publicly identified the male suspect as of Thursday.
In a shocking turn of events, pizza deliverer Brianna Alvelo has been charged with stabbing a pregnant woman at a Kissimmee, Florida motel after a dispute over a tip, authorities say.
According to reports, Alvelo became enraged when the pregnant woman allegedly refused to tip her for the pizza delivery. The argument quickly escalated, and Alvelo allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed the woman multiple times in the abdomen.
The victim, who was seven months pregnant at the time of the attack, was rushed to the hospital where she underwent emergency surgery. Thankfully, both she and her unborn child are expected to survive.
Alvelo fled the scene but was later apprehended by police. She has been charged with attempted murder and is currently being held without bond.
This shocking and senseless act of violence has left the community in shock. Our thoughts are with the victim and her family as they recover from this traumatic ordeal.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — A pizza deliverer in central Florida has been charged with pushing her way into a motel room with an accomplice and stabbing a pregnant woman after a dispute over a tip, authorities said.
Brianna Alvelo was charged with stabbing a woman in her motel room in Kissimmee, Florida, a short time after delivering a pizza to her on Sunday, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
The woman gave Alvelo $50 on a $33.10 bill, expecting change back. When Alvelo started walking away, the woman asked for money back, and the pizza deliverer told her they didn’t make change as a policy, according to an arrest report.
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The woman began searching for smaller denominations in two purses in her motel room and in her car, with Alvelo watching. She got a smaller dollar bill from her boyfriend, with whom she was staying at the hotel along with her 5-year-old daughter, and Alvelo’s tip ended up being $2, the report said.
Alvelo “rolled her eyes and walked away without saying anything,” the report said.
A short time later, the woman, her boyfriend and daughter were asleep when they heard a knock on the motel room door. The women opened the door and was confronted by a woman, who authorities said was Alvelo, and an armed man, both wearing face masks, who pushed their way into the room. The armed man ordered the boyfriend into the bathroom. Alvelo rummaged through their belongings in the motel room and then stabbed the women 14 times with a pocket knife as she shielded her daughter, the arrest report said.
The arrest report said that the woman had just found out she was a few weeks pregnant. She was taken to a hospital where she underwent surgery for a ruptured lung.
Alvelo is facing charges of attempted murder, home invasion with a firearm, kidnapping and aggravated assault with a weapon. An online court docket showed no attorney for her. Ahead of a first appearance hearing on Thursday, she said in court papers that she couldn’t afford an attorney and asked one to be appointed for her.
Authorities hadn’t publicly identified the male suspect as of Thursday.
In a shocking turn of events, a pizza deliverer in Florida has been arrested and charged with stabbing a pregnant woman at a motel following a dispute over a tip. The incident occurred when the woman, who was staying at the motel, ordered a pizza and allegedly did not tip the delivery driver to his satisfaction.
According to reports, the delivery driver became enraged and confronted the woman at her motel room, resulting in a heated argument. The altercation quickly escalated, with the delivery driver allegedly pulling out a knife and stabbing the pregnant woman multiple times before fleeing the scene.
The woman was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but thankfully both she and her unborn child are expected to survive. The delivery driver was apprehended by police shortly after the incident and is now facing charges of aggravated assault and attempted murder.
This disturbing incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise from minor disputes and the importance of handling conflicts peacefully and responsibly. Our thoughts are with the victim and her family as they recover from this senseless act of violence.
