Family Attorney Describes the Impact of His Mother’s Murder on His Life

Jordan Neely faced profound challenges after the tragic murder of his mother in 2007, according to statements from his family attorney. Neely, aged 30, died on Monday after being placed in a chokehold by former Marine Daniel Penny on a New York City subway train.

At just 14 years old, Neely experienced the devastating loss of his mother, Christine Neely, who was brutally murdered by her former partner. Her body was discovered stuffed in a suitcase on the Henry Hudson Parkway. Family members report that the trauma from this event plunged Neely into a deep depression, and he was homeless at the time of his death.

Attorney Donte Mills shared insights with Al Sharpton on MSNBC’s PoliticsNation, revealing that Neely had been living with his mother and her boyfriend, Shawn Southerland, when the murder occurred. He recounted the painful moment when Neely learned of his mother’s death and attempted to say goodbye, only to be prevented from entering her bedroom by Southerland. “He had to live with the fact that he left his mother dead in their home,” Mills noted, emphasising the weight of that experience on Neely’s mental health.

At 18, Neely testified in the murder trial, which led to a conviction and a 30-year prison sentence for Southerland. Mills described how Neely found solace as a street performer and Michael Jackson impersonator, using entertainment as a way to cope with his past trauma. “He was determined to make other people happy,” Mills explained. “He really enjoyed Michael Jackson; he emulated him and his style.”

Family members were reportedly seeking help for Neely prior to his death. Mills expressed concern for those on the brink of crisis, stating, “We all know people who are on the brink of going through something major… But he had a life that he was living and was reaching for.”

Manhattan prosecutors are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Neely’s death, which the city’s medical examiner has ruled a homicide due to compression against his neck. No arrests have been made thus far, and the medical examiner’s finding does not determine criminal liability; any potential charges will be pursued by the Manhattan district attorney’s office.

Neely’s death has sparked widespread protests across New York City, with demonstrators demanding that authorities bring charges against Penny.

Investigation Ties to Corruption Allegations Against Central Bank Governor

A European judicial team has interrogated Lebanon’s caretaker finance minister as part of an investigation linked to corruption allegations against the country’s Central Bank governor. The questioning took place on Friday and is part of an ongoing probe involving a delegation from France, Germany, and Luxembourg, marking their third visit to Lebanon to gather information from suspects and witnesses.

Caretaker Finance Minister Youssef El Khalil was interrogated regarding his close association with Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh during his tenure at the institution before assuming his ministerial role. El Khalil worked at the Central Bank from 1982 until he became finance minister nearly two years ago, most recently serving as the executive director of its financial operations department.

On Thursday, the European delegation also questioned Raja Salameh, the governor’s brother. Following the interrogation of El Khalil, the delegation is expected to depart Lebanon, although it remains uncertain whether they will return for further questioning.

In March 2022, the three European governments involved froze over $130 million in assets linked to the investigation. Earlier this year, the delegation visited Beirut to question Salameh regarding the Central Bank’s assets, its investments abroad, and a Paris apartment owned by Raja Salameh, as well as Forry Associates Ltd, a brokerage firm owned by him.

Additionally, French authorities have previously interrogated Marwan Kheireddine, chairman of Lebanon’s AM Bank, on multiple charges, including money laundering. Reports suggest that Salameh and his associates are accused of using commercial banks to misappropriate public funds.

The 72-year-old governor has consistently denied all allegations, asserting that his wealth is derived from his prior career as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch, inherited properties, and various investments. He is also facing separate investigations by Lebanese authorities.

Legal Battle Over Alleged Secret Changes to Testing Regulations

An animal welfare organisation, Cruelty Free International (CFI), has lost its High Court challenge regarding the UK Government’s alleged abandonment of a ban on animal testing for cosmetic ingredients. The court’s decision has raised concerns about transparency and regulatory practices in the realm of animal welfare.

CFI accused the Home Office of secretly altering its long-standing policy, which historically prohibited testing cosmetic ingredients on animals. The organisation claimed that the public had been left “in blissful ignorance” regarding these changes, which reportedly occurred after February 2019. CFI argued that ministers were now willing to approve licenses for animal testing, asserting that this shift undermined a ban first established in 1998 and was unlawful.

In a ruling delivered on Friday, Mr Justice Linden dismissed CFI’s claims, stating that the Home Office had not acted unlawfully. He expressed regret that the Government had not announced this policy change publicly, acknowledging that it was concerning that “inaccurate” guidance was available online. However, he concluded that there had been no breach of legal duties, and neither CFI nor the public had a “legitimate expectation” to be informed of any changes.

The court’s deliberations focused significantly on CFI’s assertion that the Home Office had misinterpreted EU legislation concerning cosmetics safety. Mr Justice Linden clarified that while regulations aimed at consumer safety prohibit animal testing for cosmetics, separate rules regarding chemical evaluation are more permissive. These rules allow for animal testing only as a “last resort” to meet safety regulations.

The judge noted that the Home Office’s policy was lawful and compatible with existing regulations, which stipulate that animal testing may occur only when no alternative methods are available. He stated that the Government had modified its policy for pragmatic reasons rather than due to any legal obligation, and it was reasonable to interpret the two sets of legislation as compatible.

CFI’s chief executive, Michelle Thew, expressed disappointment with the ruling, claiming that the Home Office appeared to prioritise the interests of contract-testing companies over those of animals and public sentiment against cosmetics testing. She described the Government’s actions as “outrageous,” asserting that the ban had been abandoned without proper disclosure.

Following the ruling, CFI announced its intention to appeal the judgment. In response, a Home Office spokesperson reaffirmed that it remains illegal to test cosmetic products or their ingredients on animals for market approval, stressing that the marketing of such products is also prohibited.

Court Grants Extended Detention Following Tragic Losses

A Kenyan court has authorised police to detain a pastor for an additional five days as they investigate his involvement in the deaths of over 100 congregants, many of whom are believed to have succumbed to starvation. This decision comes as authorities delve deeper into potential terror-related charges linked to the alarming case.

Last month, law enforcement rescued 15 severely malnourished parishioners from the extensive 800-acre property of Paul Mackenzie in Kilifi County. Tragically, four of these individuals died shortly after being hospitalised. Survivors reported that Mackenzie had urged them to fast until death in anticipation of meeting Jesus before the world’s end.

Investigators discovered over 100 bodies and numerous mass graves on Mackenzie’s secluded property. While autopsies are still in progress, preliminary findings indicate that some victims died from starvation, strangulation, or suffocation.

Mackenzie, who was arrested two weeks ago on suspicion of cult-related activities, had previously been released by a lower court. However, he was rearrested and presented to a higher court as police investigations revealed signs of radicalisation. The court is now reviewing an application for an extended 90-day detention.

This is not Mackenzie’s first brush with the law; he was arrested twice earlier — in 2019 and in March of this year — in connection with child deaths. He was released on bond both times, and those cases remain ongoing.

In response to this crisis, Kenyan President William Ruto has established a committee of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The committee’s mandate includes identifying other individuals and organisations that may share responsibility and providing recommendations for future actions.

Concerns regarding Mackenzie’s activities date back to 2017, when the Kenya Film and Classification Board raised alarms about his televised content, which was deemed potentially radicalising. The board’s previous chairperson, Ezekiel Mutua, confirmed that the content was subsequently removed from the air, and law enforcement was alerted.

In a related case, another pastor, Ezekiel Odero, was arrested last week regarding deaths at his coastal megachurch. A court has indicated that Odero could be released on bail if he posts a bond of 3 million Kenyan shillings (approximately $22,000) or cash bail of 1.5 million shillings ($11,000). His lawyers acknowledged that 15 individuals died at his church, but they asserted that these deaths were reported to police as mandated.

Investigations into Odero’s connections to Mackenzie are ongoing, particularly since he purchased a television channel from Mackenzie in 2019. Recently, Kenya’s national communications authority suspended Odero’s TV channel for broadcasting inappropriate content related to exorcisms during hours designated for adult programming.

Diverse Class Celebrates Influential Artists and Their Contributions

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced its 2023 inductees, featuring a diverse lineup that includes Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Chaka Khan, “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius, and the late George Michael. Kate Bush also makes her long-awaited entry into the hall.

The Cleveland-based institution revealed the inductees on Wednesday, which also includes The Spinners, Rage Against the Machine, DJ Kool Herc, Link Wray, Al Kooper, and Bernie Taupin, longtime collaborator with Elton John. Joel Peresman, president and CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, highlighted the broad spectrum of talent represented, stating, “Rock ‘n’ roll is a big tent, and a lot of people belong.”

Missy Elliott, recognized as a groundbreaking figure in hip-hop, becomes the first female hip-hop artist inducted into the Hall, following her previous accolades as the first female rapper in the Songwriters Hall of Fame and a four-time Grammy Award winner.

To be eligible for induction, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior. This year’s ballot saw eight first-time nominees, including Crow, Elliott, Michael, and Nelson. Elliott is particularly notable this year as it marks her first year of eligibility.

Kate Bush’s induction follows a resurgence in popularity after her song “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)” featured prominently in the series “Stranger Things.” The Hall praised her innovative use of soundscapes and literary themes that have inspired countless musicians.

George Michael, recognized for his work both with Wham! and as a solo artist, was noted for his influence on LGBTQIA+ artists. Nelson, at 90 years old, was celebrated as “an American institution.” DJ Kool Herc was acknowledged as a foundational figure in hip-hop, while Chaka Khan was lauded as a powerful and influential voice in music.

The Spinners were recognized for their impressive string of hits in the R&B genre, while Link Wray was praised for his ahead-of-his-time guitar work that influenced many rock legends. Bernie Taupin, who has previously been honored in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, is now recognized alongside his longtime partner, Elton John.

Don Cornelius was honored for creating a significant platform for African American music and culture, making a lasting impact on the industry.

Peresman emphasized the hall’s goal to bridge musical genres, encouraging fans to explore artists outside their usual preferences. While notable nominees such as Iron Maiden, Cyndi Lauper, and Warren Zevon did not make the cut this year, the voting process involved over 1,000 artists, historians, and music professionals, with fans also having a say through online and in-person voting.

This year’s inductees reflect the rich tapestry of musical influence and creativity that continues to shape the industry.