MAN RECEIVES LIFE SENTENCE FOR KILLING GRANDMOTHER
A central Florida man has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal killing of his grandmother. A Polk County judge sentenced 22-year-old Jasper Smiddie on Thursday. Authorities say Smiddie shot Gloria Marie Helfrich in the back of the head with a crossbow and stabbed her more than 90 times in her home. After his arrest in 2012, Smiddie told investigators he killed his grandmother as a way to seek revenge upon his uncle.
MAN GETS LIFE SENTENCE FOR KILLING FORMER BOSS
A Florida Panhandle man has been sentenced to life in prison for fatally shooting his former boss. An Escambia County judge sentenced Justin Taylor on Wednesday after a jury convicted him of first-degree murder. Authorities say 7 Stars Auto owner Adnan Glelati was fatally shot in his office at the Pensacola car dealership in August 2013. Detectives traced the bullet back to a gun that had been purchased by Taylor.
WOMAN DRIVING WRONG WAY HITS ST. PETE OFFICER
Police say a wrong-way driver hit an officer in a marked patrol car in St. Petersburg. The crash happened early Friday morning as the officer was on routine patrol. Police say the officer tried to avoid the other car but was unable to do so. The woman was driving a green Lexus. The officer and the woman who hit him were taken to a hospital with injuries that were not thought to be life-threatening.
6 INJURED WHEN CAR COLLIDES WITH RESCUE TRUCK
Six people were sent to a hospital after a crash involving a fire rescue truck that was on its way to a call in Hollywood. Three firefighters were among those injured in the Thursday afternoon crash. It also sheared off the top of a fire hydrant. Officials say the rescue truck collided with a car that ran through a stop sign. The truck spun around and flipped on its side. Three people in the car were injured, including a 4-year-old child.
DOLPHINS SIGN FREE AGENT CAMERON
Former Pro Bowl tight end Jordan Cameron signed a $15 million, two-year contract with the Miami Dolphins, giving them a possible replacement for Charles Clay. The Cleveland Browns wanted to keep Cameron, made him an offer and had discussions with him Thursday. But he chose the Dolphins after visiting them.