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A Mississippi Jury Finds Cops Justified in 2017 Deadly Shooting After Going to Incorrect Residence.

A jury in Mississippi has decided not to pursue a civil lawsuit against two police officers who fatally shot a man while carrying out an execution of a warrant at the wrong location. The action was brought by the deceased’s family.

Ismael Lopez’s death in 2017 at the hands of Zachary Durden and Samuel Maze, both of whom were employed by the Southaven Police Department, was ruled by a federal jury in Oxford on Thursday to not represent a violation of Lopez’s constitutional rights as a result of the incident. Following a hearing that lasted for four days, the judge found in favor of Claudia Linares, Lopez’s wife, who had claimed that she was entitled to $20 million in damages.

As the defense attorney Murray Wells described to WREG-TV, the jury deliberated and came to the conclusion that the amount of force used by Officers Durden and Maze was not excessive after hearing all of the evidence.

Lopez was a Mexican citizen who was living in the United States illegally. He was also subject to deportation orders and criminal charges for unlawfully holding guns. Previously, the city of Southaven argued that the individual did not have any civil rights that needed to be infringed upon.

This assertion was debunked by a judgement from a court in the year 2020, which said that the Constitution protects “all persons.”

After determining in June that neither the city of Southaven nor the former police chief of Southaven, Steve Pirtle, were liable for the officers’ actions in accordance with federal law, Senior United States District Judge Michael P. Mills dismissed the case that was brought against both of them.

On July 24, 2017, according to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, investigators allegedly went to Lopez and Linares’ trailer and knocked on the door while they were asleep inside. When the police officers attempted to serve a warrant for domestic violence on a neighbor on the other side of the street, they got the addresses confused.

Officers did not produce identification when they were questioned by state investigators, although they did confess that they had knocked on the door. According to the officers, Lopez was standing outside at the time when the door opened and his dog ran out. After that, the suspect reportedly pointed a weapon through the gap. First Maze shot the dog, and then Durden opened fire on Lopez, all of which occurred in short succession.

A third officer who arrived on the scene told investigators that he heard Durden urge Lopez many times to put the pistol down before he fired his firearm on the suspect.

There is no video of the incident that has been verified.

The 41-year-old man was fatally wounded more than two meters away from the front door when he was shot in the back of the head. He passed dead as a result of his injuries. He was reportedly trying to evade the authorities’ attempts to apprehend him.

The lawyers for Lopez disputed that their client had pointed the gun at the police, but sadly, Lopez was unable to make it to the hospital before he died suddenly. The firearm was located around five and a half feet away from the deceased individual’s body, and neither his fingerprints nor his DNA were on the weapon. The fact that they saw Maze shoot the dog led them to believe that Durden was the one who was guilty for Lopez’s death.

When state investigators arrived at the home, they found Lopez’s body in the middle of the living room with his hands tied behind his back. He had been strangled. On the couch was a weapon that had not been loaded.

Following their investigation, the members of the state grand jury decided not to bring any charges against anybody involved in the shooting.

Darren Musselwhite, the mayor of Southaven, has issued a statement in which he expresses his regret at Lopez’s passing and his contentment with the results of the inquiry.

According to Musselwhite, this judgment reinforces our earlier judgement that our officers behaved properly in the face of a serious threat of lethal force. Because of this, we have been there for them for the last six years, and now that their hardship is over, we are rejoicing in their success.

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Ohio murder suspect enters Georgia residence, encounters armed family member.

According to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, a man defending his family during a home invasion on Thursday shot an Ohio man wanted for the death of a 77-year-old woman.

Michael James Brooks II, of Columbus, Ohio, was taken to the hospital on Friday after suffering injuries during the home invasion. When he is released from the hospital, he will face charges in Georgia for burglary, home invasion, and theft by receiving, as well as murder charges in Ohio, according to authorities.

Brooks, according to investigators, has a lengthy criminal background. He is wanted in connection with Emily Foster’s fatal stabbing on September 9, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio, as well as the carjacking of a red Ford F-150 pickup in Kettering, Ohio, which was later discovered outside the burglarized home in Georgia.

Deputies from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) responded to a burglary call at the residence shortly before 2 a.m. on Thursday. A home security alarm also alerted authorities to a possible invader.

Deputies were only three minutes away. According to police, the homeowner was armed with a revolver when he encountered the burglar, who was carrying a knife, in his basement.

Before shooting the suspect, the homeowner allegedly cautioned him. According to police, the homeowner then exited the basement and took a defensive stance on the second-floor stairs to protect his family.

“He took his place there as the subject made his way up to the second floor.” [He] said something along the lines of, ‘You’re going to have to kill me.’ When the resident shot a second time. That was around the time the deputies arrived. According to Fayette County Sheriff Barry Babb, “he was coming down the stairwell with a second gunshot wound.” “At that point, they were still struggling with him [while taking him into custody].”

According to FOX 5, the suspect was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital with two gunshot wounds.

Brooks was identified as the invader by connecting a Ford truck found at the crime site to a vehicle that had been carjacked in Kettering, Ohio, just days before. According to Fayette County deputies, the truck had different plates from the ones displayed.

According to Fayette County investigators, the suspect approached various residences in the Georgia neighborhood and chose the targeted residence at random. Police are investigating whether Brooks has any ties to Georgia or Ohio.

Following another house invasion in Columbus’ University District on September 9, the Columbus Division of Police identified Brooks as the individual responsible for the fatal stabbing of Emily Foster, 77.

Officers arrived at a home in the 2000 block of Luka Avenue, near Ohio State University, and discovered the woman suffering from a stab wound, according to Columbus police. Medics pronounced her dead shortly after 4 p.m.

According to investigators, the attack was random.

Police in Columbus are now investigating how Brooks got to the University District. They posted photographs of Brooks riding his bike through the area without his pants after the fatal stabbing. Cameras in the neighborhood recorded Brooks’ movements, allowing investigators to create a timeline of events.

According to Deputy Chief Smith Weir, police found that the suspect was wearing sweatpants before entering Foster’s residence but removed them afterwards. The sweatpants were discovered near the house.

Brooks was identified using forensic evidence gathered at the residence, and murder warrants were issued on Wednesday.

Brooks was released from the Franklin County Jail the night before the murder, according to Columbus police. In an other instance, he pleaded guilty to two counts of felony flight on aggravated assault allegations. According to police, he was released before to his sentencing in that case.

“At first, he was on parole hold. “And the second part is that, I believe, at some point, the parole hold was lifted, and he began serving time on the pending felony assault charge,” Deputy Chief Weir explained. “And at that point, he was awaiting sentencing, and I believe he bonded out at that point.”

According to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, Brooks was released in 2016 after serving time for aggravated robbery, robbery, and receiving stolen property. According to the source, he was on parole until June of this year.

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United Arab Emirates Real Estate Market: Your Gateway to UAE Residence Visas

Introduction

Today, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is witnessing a remarkable surge in its real estate sector. The array of luxury apartments, villas, offices, hotels, and houses available for sale in the UAE continues to captivate international high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and investors alike. The recent development adds to this appeal: starting from 2023, property buyers can qualify for UAE residence visas lasting 2 to 10 years. The duration of these visas depends on the value and location of the UAE properties they invest in.

A Flourishing Real Estate Market

In 2022, the UAE experienced an astonishing surge in real estate transactions, with property sales in various cities surging by over 60%. Experts in the field anticipate a further uptick in UAE housing prices, with an expected increase of up to 13.5% in 2023.

Dubai, the crown jewel of the UAE real estate market, takes the lead in this growth story. The cityscape is constantly evolving, with new apartments, residential complexes, and houses developed for sale. Several districts in Dubai stand out as the most sought-after destinations for property buyers, whether for investment or permanent residence:

  • Business Bay: Renowned for its dynamic urban lifestyle and modern skyscrapers, the area is an attractive hub for business professionals.
  • Dubai Marina: A vibrant waterfront community offering stunning views and a luxurious lifestyle.
  • Al Safa: A well-established area known for its tranquility, green spaces, and convenient access to various amenities.
  • Palm Jumeirah: An iconic man-made island famous for its luxury villas and beachfront living.
  • Downtown Dubai: Home to the world-famous Burj Khalifa, this district offers a variety of luxury living, high-end shopping, and entertainment options.

UAE Real Estate Opportunities

It’s crucial to note that our property listings in the UAE encompass not only luxury apartments and villas but also houses and hotel rooms in Dubai that are available to purchase directly from developers. Also, it is crucial to remember that foreigners can buy or lease some UAE property for 99 years. You can rent a building in the Emirates, but the land under it belongs to the state.

Real Estate Market on the Rise

Dubai’s luxury real estate market is experiencing one of the most significant price hikes globally. The luxury housing market in Dubai is still expanding in 2023 due to the increasing construction of new apartments, residential complexes, and houses for sale. According to market analysis, prices for luxury properties in Dubai are expected to surge; they may reach an astounding 50% increase by the end of 2023.

Beyond Dubai, in the broader UAE real estate market, including areas outside Dubai, residential and commercial property prices are projected to grow by approximately 2% in 2023, reflecting the market’s resilience and continued appeal to investors. Follow the link for more information about buying property in the UAE.

New Rules for Obtaining UAE Residence Visas through Buying Property in 2023

The UAE government introduced investor visas back in 2019, initially designed for buyers of elite properties in the Emirates. These long-term UAE investor visas, often referred to as ‘Golden Visas,’ were granted to individuals who made property investments ranging from 5 to 10 million dirhams (AED). However, in 2022, the UAE government revamped these regulations and launched a new Residency by Investment (RBI) program.

Key Visa Features for Property Buyers in 2023:

  • Unlimited Travel: Holders of UAE residence visas can travel outside the UAE for an extensive period of time and return at their convenience.
  • Family Sponsorship: The visa allows for the ‘sponsorship’ of family members, facilitating their visa applications if the applicants meet specific property investment criteria.
  • Flexible Financing: Applicants can use a combination of personal funds and loans/mortgages to make the real estate purchase.
  • Investment Thresholds: Investment thresholds for UAE real estate that qualify for specific types of residence visas include:
  • AED 2 million (USD 545,000) for the renewable 10-year ‘Golden Visa.’
  • AED 750,000 (USD 204,000) for the 2-year UAE residence visa.
  • Retiree Benefits: Foreign retirees aged 55 and above can secure a UAE residence permit for up to 5 years by investing in freehold apartments worth AED 2 million.

Property purchases in the UAE can grant investors an investor residence visa in 2023 within nine investment zones in Abu Dhabi and approximately 50 freehold zones in Dubai.

Benefits of UAE Residence Visas:

The advantages of acquiring a UAE residence visa through property investment extend far beyond the mere right to reside in this thriving nation. Here are some key benefits:

  • Family Security and Savings: The UAE’s political stability and hospitable environment for immigrants provide a sense of security for families.
  • Travel Flexibility: Holders of residence visas do not need to live in the UAE permanently. Visa holders are at liberty to travel in and out of the country without restrictions. To retain their residency status and the right to stay in the UAE, a visit to the country every 1 to 2 years is sufficient.
  • Tax Benefits: The UAE offers a highly attractive tax environment. It does not levy taxes on income, capital gains, inheritance, gifts, or property. Moreover, as of 2023, the corporate income tax rate is a mere 9%, provided that the total income exceeds AED 375,000. These favorable tax conditions enhance financial growth and prosperity for UAE residents, enabling them to protect and maximize their wealth.
  • Banking Services: UAE residence visas received through property investment provide the privilege of opening bank accounts.

Conclusion

The United Arab Emirates real estate market presents a thriving opportunity for investors and individuals seeking a new place to call home. With soaring property demand, construction projects, and favorable residence visa options, the UAE’s real estate sector is flourishing. Whether for investment or personal use, exploring this dynamic market can provide various benefits, including long-term visas and access to a range of amenities and services. Please contact our experts to tap into the potential of UAE property investment and residence visas in 2023.