Stumble Upon

del.icio.us

Digg

Facebook

Print

Email

Speak Up

Woman found fit to stand trial in baby case

PITTSBURGH - The suspect accused of cutting a baby from his mother's womb was found mentally competent by a judge Thursday to assist in her defence, despite a psychiatrist's testimony that she is a paranoid schizophrenic.

Allegheny County Judge Jeffrey Manning disagreed with the psychiatrist who evaluated Andrea Curry-Demus, 38, of Wilkinsburg.

"At this point, I'm satisfied that she appears competent," Manning said after listening to Dr. Christine Martone and defence lawyer Angela Carsia.

Manning asked several basic questions of Curry-Demus, including whether she understood the charges against her.

"Homicide," replied Curry-Demus, who appeared for the hearing via videolink between the courthouse and county jail.

Curry-Demus is charged with homicide, kidnapping and related offences in the death of Kia Johnson, 18, who authorities said was 36 weeks pregnant.

Customs officer arrested by RCMP

MONTREAL - A Canadian customs officer was among eight people arrested in connection with an RCMP investigation into an alleged cross-border drug smuggling ring.

Police claim James Munro, 26, took a $20,000 payment to ease the passage of several hundred pounds of cocaine into Canada.

Munro, who worked the St-Bernard-de-Lacolle border point, was charged with corruption. Along with his seven co-accused, he also faces charges of conspiracy, drug trafficking and gangsterism.

The investigation, which began in 2007, stemmed from information provided by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the FBI.

The FBI established links between drug suppliers in Quebec and New Brunswick following the arrest of a cannabis supplier in Florida.

According to the RCMP, the drug ring was using marijuana and methamphetamine to pay for the Colombian cocaine.

Police in New Brunswick and Quebec picked up four suspects Wednesday. Two other suspects were arrested and charged in the U.S.

U.S. Secret Service wants millions more

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Secret Service is asking for an extra $9.5 million to cover the unexpected costs of protecting the presidential candidates this year.

Among other things, the extra money would be used for the added costs for the candidates' international travel.

Another added cost comes from a recent decision by Barack Obama to accept the Democratic nomination at an open-air, 76,000-seat sports stadium in Denver.

Posing naked on flag turns lots of heads

LIMA, Peru - A Peruvian model and showgirl is facing a criminal investigation for posing naked sitting atop the country's red-and-white flag.

Lacey Zamudio appears in a magazine photo completely nude - save for a cowboy hat - atop a horse draped with the Peruvian flag.

"I love Peru," Zamudio said in a recent interview, "and I show it with my body and soul."

Peru celebrates its independence on Monday. Defence minister has filed a complaint against Zamudio.

Sources: The Canadian Press, The Associated Press