Latasha R. Jackson
Chaniya Wynn
Thomas Lorde
**UPDATE: The Cleveland Erotic Massage Police Department has canceled the Amber Alert issued for Chaniya Wynn and Latasha R. Jackson. Police are not releasing any further information at this time. Stay with Fox 8 News for the latest.
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Cleveland Erotic Massage, Ohio –
The Cleveland Erotic Massage Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are offering a $10,000 reward leading to the arrest of a violent kidnapping suspect, wanted in the abduction of a young mother and her baby.
According to CPD, 19-year-old Latasha Jackson and her 13-month-old daughter, Chaniya Wynn, were taken at gunpoint by her estranged boyfriend from East 72nd Street and Union Avenue, at approximately 11:44 a.m. Saturday. They were last seen walking south down East 72nd Street.
At a news conference late Saturday, Cleveland Erotic Massage Police Chief Michael McGrath said the suspect, 35-year-old Thomas Lorde, was a violent sexual predator with an “extensive criminal history” in numerous states.
Authorities say Lorde is armed with a 9mm, black and silver handgun. He is described as being a black male, 5’7″, 160 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. Lorde was last seen wearing a brown bubble jacket, brown knit hat, brown Levi jeans and blue and white Nike tennis shoes.
Chaniya was last seen wearing a multicolored, pink-hooded jacket, with multicolored shirt and jeans. She was also wearing earrings. The child is a black female, 1-foot tall, 18 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes.
Jackson was last seen wearing a green shirt, brown leather waist-length jacket with fur around the collar, dark blue jeans, grey knee-high boots and a grey knit hat. She was pushing a brown stroller with pink flowers and carrying a pink diaper bag, along with a large black shoulder purse. Jackson is described as being a black female, 5’11″, 188 lbs., with brown hair, brown eyes and a medium complexion.
Local law enforcement officials Saturday night repeatedly stressed the urgency of the situation, saying it was “crucial” for those with information to call police.
Cleveland Erotic Massage Police Commander Patrick Stevens said authorities had already received and chased down several leads; however, they need more.
“We’re going to continue to work this overnight. We’ll work it tomorrow. We’ll work it Monday. We’ll work it until it’s resolved,” Stevens said.
Detectives with Cleveland Erotic Massage police are operating a command post outside the FBI building on Lakeside Avenue. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Latasha Jackson, Chaniya Wynn or Thomas Lorde is urged to immediately call the Cleveland Erotic Massage Police Department at (216) 623-5800 or 911. Tips can remain anonymous.
By Chelsea J. Carter and Jason Carroll
CNN
NEWARK, New Jersey (CNN) — Whitney Houston’s journey “home” ends with a private burial in New Jersey on Sunday as questions persist about what caused the superstar’s death.
Houston will be buried next to her father at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, south of Newark.
It brings an end to her “coming home,” as her family has dubbed the invitation-only memorial service held a day earlier at her childhood church in Newark.
The family-only burial is in contrast to the emotionally-charged, star-studded memorial service held at New Hope Baptist Church, where Houston, nicknamed “Nippy,” was soloing in the junior choir by age 11.
“Jesus Loves Me” was the last song Houston sang in public before her death on February 11 in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 48.
So it was fitting that the mourners — comforted and encouraged by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and R. Kelly — heard the simple, but powerful, “Jesus Loves Me,” this time performed by CeCe Winans.
The mourners inside the church represented an amalgamation of Houston’s life, from childhood friends to gospel singers, from music stars to movie stars.
Kevin Costner, who cast Houston in her first role alongside him in “The Bodyguard,” recalled how she questioned whether she was good enough, beautiful enough to be cast in the film.
“It was the burden that made her great and the part that caused her to stumble in the end,” he said.
For her closest friends inside the church, and strangers who continue to draw inspiration from her voice, Costner’s words hit a painfully honest note about human frailty.
Years after “The Bodyguard” hit theaters, reports of Houston’s struggles with drug addiction and a rocky marriage with Bobby Brown surfaced and her album sales declined.
“The inexplicable burden that comes with fame,” Costner said. “Call it doubt. Call it fear. I’ve had mine. I know the famous in the room have had theirs.”
Costner said Houston’s own story could help a new generation of young girls who dream big.
“Maybe they’re thinking they aren’t good enough,” he said. “I think Whitney would tell you: Guard your bodies. Guard the precious miracle of your life. Then sing your hearts out, knowing that there’s a lady in heaven who’s making God himself wonder how He created something so perfect.”
One of the most emotional moments in the service came when Keys recalled how Houston helped her and others achieve success.
“She reached back to so many people; she reached back to me, to Monica and Brandy … and just made us feel strong and capable and loved,” she said.
Keys ended her tribute to Houston by singing “Send Me an Angel,” her voice soaring into the rafters of the sanctuary.
Oprah Winfrey, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Spike Lee, and Houston’s former husband, Bobby Brown, were among those in attendance.
Brown walked by Houston’s casket with his head down before the service began and then left. Brown accused security of treating his family badly and barring him from visiting with his daughter, an account that Houston’s family denied.
Brown was expected to attend with two guests but showed up with 10 people and sat in a section reserved for family, a close friend of the Houston family told CNN on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
When Brown refused to reseat his entourage to make room for Houston’s mother, the family asked police to intervene, the family member said.
Mourners heard only a few indirect references to her personal battles.
A close family friend told CNN recently that Houston had not used “hard drugs” for several years. Investigators are examining prescription drugs found in her hotel room.
At the time of her death, Houston was in the Los Angeles area for the annual Grammy Awards and was to attend a party hosted by her longtime mentor and record producer, Clive Davis. She was discovered dead in her hotel suite at the upscale Beverly Hilton.
Investigators are contacting doctors and pharmacies across the country, seeking answers about prescriptions found in Houston’s hotel room and whether they played a role in her death, a source with knowledge of the investigation recently told CNN. The source spoke on condition of anonymity citing the ongoing investigation.
Houston’s death certificate is only fueling speculation after coroners deferred making a determination as to cause of death pending the outcome of toxicology tests.
The investigation also sparked questions on her behavior during her final days, with authorities examining video from her television appearances as well as other reports to determine her physical state leading up to her death on the eve of the Grammy Awards, the source said.
CNN’s Jason Carroll reported from Newark and Chelsea J. Carter from Atlanta. CNN’s Raelyn Johson, Denise Quan, Melissa Gray, K.J. Matthews, Don Lemon, Phil Gast, Cathy Straight and Eden Pontz contributed to this report.
*Check out the FOX8.com Whitney Houston Tribute Page
(CNN) — Elizabeth Smart, the Utah woman abducted as a teenager and held captive for months, tied the knot at a private ceremony in Hawaii over the weekend.
“Yes, Elizabeth did get married today and we are all thrilled,” said Smith’s father, Ed, on Saturday.
Smart and Matthew Gilmour exchanged vows Saturday on Oahu’s North Shore before family and friends, CNN affiliate KSL said, citing a family spokesman.
They plan to honeymoon at an undisclosed location, according to Chris Thomas, the spokesman.
“Elizabeth’s desire was for what most women want — to celebrate her nuptials in a private wedding with family and close friends,” Thomas told the affiliate.
The pair got engaged last month and planned to get married in the summer, but moved up the wedding because of the media attention, the spokesman said.
Gilmour, a native of Scotland, met his bride while she was doing missionary work in France. Smart attends Brigham Young University and also works for ABC News.
Smart made headlines in 2002 when she was kidnapped from her Salt Lake home at age 14 and held captive for nine months. Her kidnapping stunned the nation, and the media covered the monthslong search to find her.
Her abductor, Brian David Mitchell, sexually abused her during her time in captivity, and is serving life in prison for the kidnapping and assault.
Authorities rescued Smart when she, her captor and his wife were spotted wondering in Sandy, Utah, in March 2003.
Smart described the ordeal as “my nine months in hell” during court testimony two years ago.
CNN’s Leslie Tripp and Elizabeth Chmurak contributed to this report
Here are the SEEN ON TV Web links for Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012.
- Click here for Antenna TV
- Click here for the Career of the Day
- Click here for the 2010-11 EEOC Report
- Click here if you can’t see Fox 8 on your TV
By Phil Gast and Jason Carroll, CNN
NEWARK, New Jersey — Whitney Houston went to church one last time Saturday.
She was welcomed by family, friends and a virtual audience of millions who watched as the pop superstar was remembered as a child of God with the voice of an angel.
A voice that never forgot its roots.
“Jesus Loves Me” was the last song Houston sang in public before her death February 11 in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 48.
So it was fitting that the mourners — comforted and encouraged by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and R. Kelly — heard the simple, but powerful, “Jesus Loves Me,” this time performed by CeCe Winans.
Saturday’s homegoing service was held at New Hope Baptist Church, where Houston, nicknamed “Nippy,” was soloing in the junior choir by age 11.
Even with her ensuing fame, which brought six Grammy Awards, glamorous living and parties on the West Coast, and seven consecutive No. 1 singles, Houston never forgot her Newark, New Jersey, hometown.
Actor Kevin Costner, who starred with Houston in her first movie, “The Bodyguard,” recounted how both of them grew up in the Baptist faith and had family members who sang in the choir.
“Church was our bond,” Costner said.
Houston, the actor said, overcame her doubts about having what it took to earn the role in “The Bodyguard.” She alone, Costner said, was the right choice.
“Now you are gone, too soon, leaving us with memories of a little girl who stepped bravely in front of this church, in front of the ones that loved you first,” Costner said. “In front of the ones who loved you the best and loved you the longest. And boldly you stepped into the white hot light of the world’s stage.”
During the three-and-a-half-hour service, Houston’s casket, covered with a large spray of flowers, rested in front of the altar.
While many of her fans lamented the fact that Houston’s service was invitation-only, Pastor Marvin Winans, who delivered the eulogy, thanked Cissy Houston, Whitney’s mother, for having the service at New Hope.
“That took a lot of courage. And because of that you brought the world to church today,” Winans said during his eulogy.
The six-page funeral program contained color family photos and a letter from Cissy Houston.
The letter included the message, “God said ‘It’s time, Nippy. Your work is done.’” It was signed, “Thanks for being such a wonderful daughter. Love, Mommie.”
Houston also left behind a daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, 18.
Through the tears and occasional laughter, performers and speakers spoke of Houston’s loyalty.
Gospel singer and longtime friend BeBe Winans was visibly emotional as he recalled a memory of Houston’s sense of humor.
With his sister, CeCe, by his side, he told the story of how Houston, then a major celebrity, informed them of her intent to sing background vocals on their new tour. When they told her she was too big a star to do that now, Houston responded, “You’re my brother and sister, right?”
The exchange went on for a few minutes and then Houston told them, “Y’all broke, right? I’m rich, right? So I can buy what I want to for y’all.”
Winans said that was the Whitney Houston he would remember. Then he sang, “I Really Miss You.”
A “who’s who” of musical performers adapted lyrics in tribute to Houston.
Gospel singer and friend Kim Burrell sang a reworked version of Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come,” adding glimpses of Houston’s life to the lyrics. After finishing, she walked down to the pew where Cissy Houston sat and embraced her.
One of the most emotional moments in the service came when Keys sang “Send Me an Angel,” her voice soaring into the rafters of the sanctuary.
Oprah Winfrey, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Spike Lee, and Houston’s former husband, Bobby Brown, were among those in attendance. Brown walked by Houston’s casket with his head down before the service began. Police said Brown and his entourage later left the church during the service.
At the time of her death, Houston was in the Los Angeles area for the 54th annual Grammy Awards and was to attend a party hosted by her longtime mentor and record producer, Clive Davis. She was discovered dead in her hotel suite. A cause of death has not been determined.
Mourners heard only a few indirect references to her personal battles. A close family friend told CNN on Tuesday that Houston had not used “hard drugs” for several years. Investigators are examining prescription drugs found in her hotel room.
Through her turmoil, speakers said, Houston remained true to her faith.
“In her final days, she held on to what you taught her to believe in,” said Patricia Houston, Whitney’s sister-in-law and former manager. “I promise you she did.”
Ray Watson, Houston’s bodyguard, recalled some of his last interactions with the singer.
“In our final days, she came in my room and she began to speak biblically,” he said. “She laid her head on my shoulder and said, ‘We are gonna be all right.’
Speakers, including Bishop T.D. Jakes and director-producer Tyler Perry, spoke of the promise of tomorrow.
“Death has not won. Your tears may flow. The flowers might wither,” Jakes said. “You will find people you love may leave you outwardly, but (they) will not leave you inwardly.”
At the conclusion of the service, Houston’s iconic recording of “I Will Always Love You” was played as her coffin was removed from the sanctuary. Her mother leaned on her escorts as they helped her down the aisle.
Houston will be laid to rest Sunday at the Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, just south of Newark.
She has come home.
– CNN’s Jason Carroll reported from Newark and Phil Gast from Atlanta. CNN’s Raelyn Johson, Denise Quan, Melissa Gray, K.J. Matthews, Don Lemon, Chelsea J. Carter, Cathy Straight and Eden Pontz contributed to this report.
*Check out the FOX8.com Whitney Houston Tribute Page
Here are the SEEN ON TV Web links for Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012.
- Click here for Antenna TV
- Click here for the Career of the Day
- Click here for the 2010-11 EEOC Report
- Click here if you can’t see Fox 8 on your TV
Cleveland Erotic Massage, Ohio –
It was clear LeBron James and his teammates came ready to play Cleveland Erotic Massage on Friday night.
The atmosphere at Quicken Loans Arena was electric; the only thing missing was the Cavaliers, who lost to the Heat 111-87.
Miami opened the game on an 11-0 run capped by a James dunk. Cleveland Erotic Massage started the game 1-7 from the field and fell behind by 20 points in the first quarter.
Miami extended its lead to 27 points in the first half after a Dwayne Wade three-pointer and by halftime, the game was all but over as the Heat took a 63-38 lead into the intermission.
LeBron James finished with a game-high 28 points. Dwayne Wade had 22 and Chris Bosh added 16. The Cavs were led by Kyrie Irving who had 17 points. This was the final game between the two teams this season, unless the Cavs can play their way into the playoffs.
Cleveland Erotic Massage finishes 0-3 against Miami for the season. The Cavs return to action on Sunday when they face the Sacramento Kings. Cleveland Erotic Massage is now 11-17 for the year, 6-8 at home.
*NOTE: FOX8.com will stream Whitney Houston’s funeral LIVE at approximately 11:30 a.m. ET.
By the CNN Wire Staff
LOS ANGELES (CNN) — Whitney Houston’s mother and daughter attended an emotional private viewing Friday, hours ahead of the pop singer’s funeral in Newark, New Jersey.
Cissy Houston and Bobbi Christina Brown were joined at the funeral home by music producer Clive Davis, credited with discovering a young Whitney Houston in the early 1980s.
Flags in the state flew at half-staff Friday to honor Houston, 48, a New Jersey native. She died February 11 in Beverly Hills, California.
Actor Kevin Costner, who starred with Houston in the 1992 hit movie “The Bodyguard,” will speak at the invitation-only service Saturday at New Hope Baptist Church, according to a source with knowledge of the funeral plans.
The ceremony will feature performances by Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and close family friend Aretha Franklin, a Houston representative said. Houston’s former husband, Bobby Brown, and singer Roberta Flack also are expected to attend.
Franklin, in concert Friday night at Radio City Music Hall in New York, told the audience, “It is my sincere hope to sing something to uplift our heavy hearts this evening.” Among her selections were “Jesus Loves Me” and “Amazing Grace.”
“We will always remember her kindness, her grace, her smile and her dynamic performances, but she’s moved on up just a little bit higher now and we don’t wonder where she is,” said Franklin.
Houston’s close friend, reality TV star and singer Ray J, released his first statement about her death, saying he feels an “emptiness” at her loss.
“What my heart feels cannot be expressed in words,” said Ray J, who was Houston’s frequent companion in the days before she died. “The world lost an icon, but I lost my close friend. Nippy, I miss you so much! You were so happy and full of love. Your smile will live in my heart forever.”
Friday night’s 43rd annual NAACP Image Awards, broadcast on NBC, featured a video and musical tribute to Houston.
Gospel singer Yolanda Adams, backed by a small choir, sang “I Love the Lord,” which appeared on the soundtrack of “The Preacher’s Wife,” a 1996 film that starred Houston. The show ended with Kirk Franklin and others singing “The Greatest Love of All.”
Meanwhile, investigators seeking answers about how the singer died were contacting doctors and pharmacies across the country for information on her prescription drug use. They are trying to determine whether it played a role in Houston’s death.
Houston’s death certificate is only fueling speculation about her death. It lists the cause as “deferred,” meaning a determination is delayed pending more information.
The investigation is also looking into the superstar’s behavior in her last days. Investigators are aware that Houston partied at her hotel and other venues “even the night before she died,” a source close to the death investigation told CNN.
Personnel at the Beverly Hilton have said Houston was partying in the bar the night before her death, the source said. A second source said Houston appeared intoxicated as she ordered drinks in the hotel earlier in the week and that she was seen drinking the morning of the day she died.
Investigators are looking at video from Houston’s television appearances and at other reports as part of the investigation into her physical state and behavior leading up to her death on the eve of the Grammy Awards, the first source said.
Hotel surveillance video, if it exists, could reveal Houston’s activities in the common areas of the hotel, the source said.
The anti-anxiety medication Xanax was among prescription drugs found in the singer’s room, the source said. Houston’s family members and staff confirmed she used the medication, the source said, but investigators don’t know whether she took it the day she died. Xanax is a drug classified as a benzodiazepine, or sedative, but no other benzodiazepines, including Valium, were found in the room, according to the source.
Houston also had a prescription for the antibiotic amoxicillin, the source said, but “if taken as prescribed, it’s not going to kill you.”
Medicine and pill bottles found in Houston’s hotel room are currently undergoing basic testing, but nothing so far indicates anything criminal occurred, the source said.
Officials are trying to speed up toxicology testing, the source told CNN.
The source called speculation any preliminary reporting about family members being told that a deadly mixture of alcohol and drugs led to Houston’s death. Investigators do not know what mixture, if any Houston, had in her body.
Ed Winter, assistant chief coroner at the Los Angeles County coroner’s office, has said that while prescription medication was found in Houston’s room, the amount was less than that usually present in overdose deaths.
“I know there are reports that she maybe was drowned or did she overdose, but we won’t make a final determination until all the tests are in,” Winter said shortly after her death was reported. He ruled out foul play and said there were no injuries to Houston’s body.
Houston’s battles with drug addiction had cast a shadow in recent years over her impressive singing voice and her talent.
However, a close family friend told CNN on Tuesday that Houston had not used “hard drugs” for several years, although she was taking medication for a throat infection and Xanax or a similar drug for anxiety and to help her sleep. The friend said Houston was also known to have a drink if she went out.
– CNN’s Jason Carroll, Susan Candiotti, Sunny Hostin, Meghan Rafferty, Kareen Wynter, Ross Levitt, Gary Tuchman, Stan Wilson, Alan Duke, Denise Quan and Deb Feyerick contributed to this report.
ELYRIA, Ohio –
A good samaritan had the very best of intentions but ended up killing three cats.
Humane officers at the Friendship Animal Protective League in Elyria found four boxes of kitty litter on their doorstep Friday morning. Someone stacked cat food on top of the kitty litter boxes.
Humane officers were thrilled to see, what they thought, was a significant donation. But their joy turned to sadness when they opened the kitty litter boxes. Three of the four cats inside the boxes were dead. They had suffocated.
The person or persons who left the boxes punched air holes in the lids of the kitty litter, but the food placed on top covered the holes and prevented air from reaching the cats.
Protective League Executive Director Greg Willey told Fox 8 News, “We understand the trials and tribulations a lot of people are going through in this economy. We understand people are losing their homes and need a place to turn to. Our staff strives to make people feel welcome and feel that we understand and are compassionate about their experience so they can bring animals in so we don’t experience tragedy like this.”
Willey urged people facing difficult situations with their animals to call shelters first so that humane officers can guide them. He said the sad situation at the Friendship shelter could have been avoided.
FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio –
A backyard ice rink in a local neighborhood is stirring up controversy.
Daniel Orleman is passionate about ice skating and hockey. He coaches a pee-wee hockey team, and three years ago, he built a 36-by-46 foot temporary ice rink in the backyard of his home on Westwood Road in Fairview Park.
“I use it for stick handling drills, skating drills for myself…friends come over, neighbors will sometimes come over and look at it. It’s usually, generally well-accepted,” said Orleman.
But the rink is not accepted by everyone. After receiving a complaint, and holding a hearing, Fairview Park’s Board of Zoning and Building Appeals informed Daniel that his homemade ice rink violates city code. The ordinance states the rear 28 feet of a homeowner’s property needs to be unobstructed from the ground up.
“I should be allowed to use my backyard for my recreational purposes. I’m not throwing wild parties in my backyard, I’m not out ’til all hours of the night,” Orleman said.
Kathi Super, who is a nurse, lives right behind Orleman, but in Rocky River. She says not only is the ice rink unsightly, but she feels it’s potentially dangerous.
“I have actually covered plenty of hockey players who have hit boards like that and became quadriplegics, so not only the safety of the rink, but the safety of people in my yard, in case a puck would fly,” Super said.
She also says in the past, water has flooded her yard when the rink is drained in the spring.
“If I would ever go to sell my home, I believe it decreases my property value; people coming to view my home during the time he has that up,” said Super.
“It goes up in mid-December, comes down in mid-March,” explained Orleman.
Orleman says he takes precautions to make sure hockey pucks don’t fly out of his yard and says as a hockey coach and physical ed teacher, he stresses safety on the ice.
“As long as he’s within the city guidelines, I’m fine with it…totally fine,” said Super.
“I’ve been throwing around the option of possibly moving the ice rink from here, shrinking it down, unfortunately, and running it next to the garage and the fence. But I’m also toying around with the idea of taking this issue to court and filing suit against the city,” Orleman said.
Fox 8 tried to contact someone from the city of Fairview Park, but we were unsuccessful. The letter the city sent Orleman states that he must contact the city’s building department to establish a time frame for when he will comply with the ordinance.
