🦅 Birds Head to Championship | 🚨 Burglary Suspect Arrested | ⚖️ Murder Suspect Acquitted

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In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🦅🏈 Birds Beat Rams for Spot in NFC Championship

🚨 Burglary Arrest in West Chester

⚖️ Suspect in 1975 Abduction and Death Found Not Guilty

🍻 Craft Beer Tastings in Late-Winter Festival

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

🏡 Just Listed Real Estate Listings

🔎 Local Business Finder

Eagles Brave Wintry Conditions, Eliminate Rams for Spot in NFC Final

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Yesterday at the Linc, the Philadelphia Eagles advanced to the NFC Championship Game with a tense 28-22 triumph over the Los Angeles Rams. Saquon Barkley was the key to the Eagles’ offense, breaking free for touchdown runs of 62 and 78 yards and amassing 205 rushing yards. Quarterback Jalen Hurts contributed a 44-yard rushing touchdown but was under constant pressure, taking seven sacks.

The Rams, led by Matthew Stafford’s 324 passing yards, mounted a late comeback. However, multiple turnovers and a crucial turnover on downs in the final minutes doomed their hopes. The Eagles overcame two missed extra-point attempts, relying on a mix of big plays, steady defense, and special teams adjustments in adverse weather. With the win, Philadelphia clinched its second conference title game appearance in three seasons and will host the Washington Commanders, who upset Detroit, in the upcoming NFC Championship Game.

Multi-Agency Investigation Leads to Burglary Arrest in West Chester

WEST CHESTER, PA — A 27-year-old Brookhaven man, identified as Lawrence Dass, has been arrested in connection with multiple burglaries following a wide-ranging inquiry that engaged nine different law enforcement agencies. Dass faces charges including burglary, receiving stolen property, and loitering and prowling at night. Investigators say the crimes occurred last August, primarily in West Chester, where video footage, fingerprint evidence, and DNA results were used to identify him. Authorities also link him to the theft of a police officer’s body armor vest and badge.

After being taken into custody, Dass was arraigned on $50,000 bail, which he failed to post. His preliminary hearing is set for January 21. The announcement of the arrest came from both the Chester County District Attorney’s Office and the West Chester Police Department, which is heading the investigation. Officials emphasize that the cooperation of multiple agencies and the use of modern investigative methods were critical in the case. The prosecution is led by Assistant District Attorney Annie Yoskoski, and law enforcement encourages anyone with additional information to contact the West Chester Police Department.

Longtime Suspect in 1975 Abduction and Death of Eight-Year-Old Found Not Guilty

WEST CHESTER, PA — David Zandstra, a former Marple Township pastor now living in Georgia, was acquitted of murder and kidnapping charges stemming from the 1975 disappearance of an eight-year-old girl. Prosecutors claimed the child willingly accepted a ride from him to her vacation Bible school, after which Zandstra allegedly drove her to Ridley Creek State Park and delivered a fatal blow. The defense maintained there was no reliable evidence to place Zandstra with the victim that morning, calling attention to inconsistencies in his taped confession and the absence of blood or DNA tying him to the crime scene.

Witnesses recalled Zandstra participating in normal church activities around the time the child went missing, while prosecutors asserted that previously undisclosed misconduct on his part bolstered their contention that he was capable of harming the child. The jury also heard about a witness who cited another possible suspect in the area, as well as conflicting theories of the crime. After just about an hour of deliberation, jurors found Zandstra not guilty of all charges. Authorities say they pursued every lead they had, although the defense suggested investigators had ignored potential alternate suspects. With the verdict, the case returns to a state of uncertainty, as the victim’s family and the community remain without a clear resolution to a tragedy that has lingered for nearly five decades. See the full story at The Daily Local

Kennett Winterfest Offers Craft Beer Tastings in Late-Winter Celebration

KENNETT SQUARE, PA — The 2025 Kennett Winterfest promises to be a highlight of the late-winter season in southeastern Pennsylvania. Taking place on February 22 in the historic town of Kennett Square, the festival will feature tastings from more than 60 craft breweries, offering a broad selection of styles and flavors. Organizers emphasize that the festival’s schedule pairs well with local attractions, and they encourage visitors to sample not only the beers but also the valley’s cultural and culinary offerings. With Valentine’s Day close by, organizers note that festival tickets, paired with a weekend getaway, could serve as an appealing gift for craft beer enthusiasts.

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