Triad Crime Boss Gets Life Without Parole

75-year old alleged Triad boss Hsin Jaoming was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in federal court today. Jaoming was arrested in December of last year as a result of an undercover operation by the LCPD. Police were forced to move in and apprehend Jaoming when a shootout erupted at his residence between members of Jaoming's organization. Investigators believe the infighting may have been sparked by opposing Triad sects vying for position in anticipation of Jaoming's retirement. 51-year old Wu "Kenny" Lee, believed to be the leader of one of the most powerful sects, was found dead at the scene.

Several other key members of the Liberty City Triads were found murdered in the months leading up to Jaoming's arrest including Jaoming's son, Chan. Police say the conflict began when Huang Lee, son of another high-ranking Triad and nephew of Wu Lee, arrived in Liberty City carrying a sword believed to a symbol of Triad leadership. The whereabouts of both Huang Lee and the sword are currently unknown.

Police spokesman Anthony Pizzerelli told reporters outside the courthouse that the case was now considered closed as the recovery of a criminal heirloom was not viewed as a priority, and Huang Lee was not a suspect in any open cases.

Deadly Deja Vu: "Dine and Dash" Killer Still At Large

Still of prison bus camera footage showing Curtis Stocker, a.k.a. the "Dine and Dash Killer", subduing a guard

The remains of 32-year old LaWanda Sykes were discovered by a pair of joggers in Middle Park yesterday. The gruesome remains consisted of several severed body parts including a head, hands, and feet. Autopsy results indicated that the remains all belonged to Ms. Sykes who was reported missing on Monday.

Ms. Sykes was last seen on Sunday night leaving work at the Burger Shot located in the Meat Quarter district of Algonquin. On Monday morning, Ms. Sykes' grandmother, who lives with Ms. Sykes, discovered that she had not returned home from work the night before and had not called or left a message. Ms. Sykes' grandmother filed a missing persons report with police, saying, "LaWanda would never stay out all night and not call."

Last month's story regarding the escape of known serial killer and cannibal Curtis Stocker, otherwise known as the "Dine and Dash Killer", has caused many to speculate whether Ms. Sykes could be the first in a new series of victims.

On Aug 11th, Stocker and five other inmates were being transported from a police station in Leftwood, Alderney to the Alderney State Correctional Facility in Acter Industrial Park. The police convoy was attacked by what was believed to be a member of the violent Lost Brotherhood motorcycle club while en route to the prison. The attacker was able to hijack the bus carrying the inmates and evade the police, freeing the prisoners. Two officers were killed during the hijacking. Police believe that the hijacker may have been hired by one or more of the criminals on board, as several of them were wealthy businessmen convicted of white collar crimes.

Stocker was arrested in Alderney late last year, bringing an end to a brutal series of murders spanning at least 40 victims over four years and across nine states.

Stocker would generally abduct his victims and keep them alive for days or weeks while he systematically removed and ate parts of their bodies. Random body parts disposed in variable fashion were routinely found by police throughout Stocker's spree.

Police Spokesman Anthony Pizzerelli held a press conference earlier this morning to address fears that the Dine and Dash Killer could be at large in Liberty City. He said that police were "feverishly investigating all angles of the case, but that so far there was no evidence to suggest that this could be the work of the Dine and Dash Killer".

Deputy Mayor Returns Home Amidst Potential Scandal

Deputy Mayor Bryce Dawkins

Deputy Mayor Bryce Dawkins returned home earlier today after a stay at a local mental health facility. The Deputy Mayor checked himself into the facility, citing "personal failures" and "overwhelming professional stress". After two weeks of treatment, he was deemed "well" by his doctors and returned home to his wife and children.

The Deputy Mayor's enrollment into the facility came on the heels of an alleged gay sex scandal involving a Middle Park West man. The man, identified as Bernie Crane, was once convicted of soliciting a male prostitute in 2003. Further allegations as to whether Dawkins provided Crane with housing and expensive gifts using municipal funds are still under investigation.

Dawkins has denied these allegations, calling them "baseless slander motivated by political opportunism." The Deputy Mayor was recently involved in a publicized feud with Liberty Congressman Thomas Stubbs III over budgeting for disaster prevention improvements. Congressman Stubbs is himself currently under investigation for alleged pork barrel spending.

The potential scandal surrounding the Deputy Mayor could send significant shockwaves through the political landscape, as Dawkins has always been an outspoken proponent of conservative family values and an opponent of gay rights. During his campaign in the recent mayoral election, Dawkins made comments that went as far as to compare homosexuality to terrorism. Dawkins also publicly endorsed the controversial "Gender Roll Doll", hailing its importance in "suppressing homosexual feelings" in children.

When questioned, Dawkins would not comment on the likelihood or a timetable for his return to office. He said that for now he was just happy to be home with his family.

A spokesman for the Mayor also declined to comment on Dawkins' return to public service, as well as the ongoing investigations. His message from the Mayor's office was simply, "We are glad to see that the Deputy Mayor has returned home to his family safe and sound, and we wish him a speedy recovery from any duress."