🚨 Couple Charged with First-Degree Murder in Child's Death

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☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🚨 Couple Charged with First-Degree Murder in Child's Death

🚨🚒 Homeowner Charged with Arson in Devastating Fire

🚗🚙 Turnpike to Eliminate Toll Plazas, Introduce Open Road Tolling

🔍💀 Chester County to Exhume 'John Doe' for DNA Identification

🚨 Willistown Township on Alert as Police Search for Suspicious Individual

🥫🍽️ County Commissioners Roe and Moskowitz Volunteer at Food Bank

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Chester County Couple Charged with First-Degree Murder in Child's Death

WEST CALN TWP — In a case that has horrified Chester County, a couple faces first-degree murder charges in the death of 12-year-old Malinda Hoagland, who endured years of alleged physical and psychological torture. The District Attorney announced the charges against Rendell A. Hoagland and Cindy Marie Warren, revealing a detailed account of severe abuse dating back to 2021. The couple's actions were meticulously documented in hundreds of videos and images, showing Malinda being punished, deprived of sleep, and subjected to other forms of mistreatment.

The 61-page criminal complaint outlines a pattern of systematic abuse, leading to charges including first, second, and third-degree murder, kidnapping, and multiple counts of child endangerment. Despite previous charges of attempted homicide and aggravated assault, the new allegations underscore the prolonged and calculated nature of the abuse.

The case has raised significant concerns about the effectiveness of child welfare services and school officials, as the couple managed to conceal evidence of the abuse. As the legal proceedings continue, the possibility of the death penalty looms, reflecting the gravity of the crimes.

Homeowner Charged with Arson in Devastating Easttown Fire

EASTTOWN TWP — In Easttown, Kathryn Calmus Frankel faces arson charges after a fire ravaged an historic home she co-owned. The Breeze Hill residence was engulfed in flames on Tuesday, with firefighters from multiple companies responding to the scene. Evidence such as a cigarette lighter found near the pool and Frankel's singed hair led authorities to suspect foul play. Frankel was at the property alone when the fire began, shortly after an insurance adjuster had inspected the house, which had suffered a previous fire in May. Neighbors reported seeing her acting distressed and noticing smoke before the fire was reported. The fire marshal and federal agents are still investigating, while Frankel faces charges of arson, dangerous burning, risking catastrophe, and criminal mischief. She was released on bail after a preliminary hearing.

Turnpike to Eliminate Toll Plazas, Introduce Open Road Tolling

The Pennsylvania Turnpike will soon eliminate toll plazas in favor of an electronic tolling system. Starting January 5, motorists will be charged as they pass under gantries at highway speeds, enhancing convenience and safety. The new system, which includes adjusted toll rates, will cover the eastern section initially and expand statewide by 2027. This change is expected to reduce costs, congestion, and environmental impact.

Chester County to Exhume 'John Doe' for DNA Identification

CALN TWP — In a bid to resolve a long-standing mystery, the Chester County Coroner’s Office and Caln Police are preparing to exhume the remains of an unidentified person found in 1987. The body, discovered in a wooded area off Creek Road in Caln Township, has defied identification efforts for decades. The remains, initially thought to belong to a middle-aged male, were too decomposed for definitive identification using the technology available at the time.

Common Pleas Judge Sarah Black approved the coroner's request to exhume the body for DNA testing and facial reconstruction. Modern DNA testing techniques and a potential new facial reconstruction may finally identify the "John Doe" and provide closure to any surviving family members. The exhumation and subsequent testing, funded by a grant from a Florida agency, will take place at Philadelphia Memorial Park, with the remains sent to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office for DNA extraction.

Willistown Township on Alert as Police Search for Suspicious Individual

WILLISTOWN TWP — In Chester County, police are requesting public assistance in identifying a man involved in suspicious activities in Willistown Township. The suspect was seen on doorbell camera footage knocking on doors, tapping on windows, and performing lewd acts overnight between July 17 and July 18. The incidents, which occurred in the Fairview Drive area and surrounding neighborhoods, have alarmed residents.

Further investigation revealed that the man was also seen in Malvern Borough. The suspect is described as wearing a "Stan Ray" t-shirt and shorts with store security tags attached. He has facial hair and tattoos on his arms.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspect to contact Willistown Township detectives.

Chester County Commissioners Volunteer at Food Bank for Pennsylvania Day

EXTON, PA - In a demonstration of community spirit and service, Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz and Eric Roe joined volunteers at the Chester County Food Bank to pack boxes of food as part of Pennsylvania Day celebrations. This event is a part of the #PennsylvaniaDay initiative, led by America250PA, which aims to engage communities across the state in preparation for America's 250th birthday.

The commissioners' participation highlights Chester County's ongoing efforts to support local initiatives and ensure the success of the upcoming milestone celebration.

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