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Kathy Reakes
Reporter
kreakes@dailyvoice.com
Kathy Reaks has worked as a reporter in the local news business since 1984, starting as a news clerk and working her way up. She spent 17 years at Florida Today in Melbourne, Florida as a general assignment reporter, crime reporter, entertainment reporter and restaurant critic. She worked four years at Hometown News as a general assignment reporter, then another two years at Spacecoast Daily in Cocoa Beach, Florida. She attended Eastern Florida State College in Melbourne, Florida.
Child Killed By Man Who Shot Into Wrong Home In Region, Police Say
An area man who shot and killed a 12-year-old girl has pleaded guilty to the crime as part of a plea agreement that gives him 20 years to life in prison.
Ulster County resident, Gilbert Thomas, 24, of the City of Kingston, pleaded guilty on Friday, Oct. 22, to murder and depraved indifference, for the murder of D’Janeira Mason.
“The victim, in this case, was an innocent 12-year-old girl. She had her whole life in front of her,” said District Attorney David Clegg. “D’Janeira Mason mattered. She mattered to her siblings and parents, her friends, and extended family. She mattered to her teac…
Man Accused Of Using Pepper Spray Inside Fairfield County Business
A man was charged with assault for allegedly using pepper spray on employees inside a Fairfield County business, sending one to the hospital.
Freddie Trowell, age 29, of Bridgeport, was arrested on Saturday, Oct. 23, after police responded to a business on Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, according to authorities.
Trowell allegedly entered the unidentified business and sprayed a substance, and ran out, said Scott Appleby, Bridgeport's director of Emergency Management.
When officers arrived they found several employees outside with blood-stained eyes and mucus discharged from their nos…
Man, 23, Jumps To His Death From Bear Mountain Bridge, State Police Say
A Hudson Valley man who jumped to his death from the Bear Moutain Bridge has been identified by New York State Police.
Orange County resident, Justin J. Griffith, age 23, of Highland Falls, died around 10:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 22 after jumping from the bridge near Cortlandt, said Trooper AJ Hicks.
His vehicle was found near the bridge, Hicks said.
A search on Friday failed to find his body. His body was recovered by the New York State Police Underwater Recovery Team on Saturday, Oct. 23.
No signs of foul play have been discovered.
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