Two county jail guards have been indicted on murder charges for the asphyxiation death of an inmate in Texas.

The indictments, dated Tuesday, charge Joel Garcia, 48, and Rafael Moreno Jr., 37, in the April death of 31-year-old former Marine Anthony Johnson Jr. at the Tarrant County jail in Fort Worth.

Attorneys for Garcia or Moreno did not immediately return phone calls and text messages for comment Friday.

Randy Moore, an attorney for Garcia, has previously said that Garcia’s role in the fight was limited and that the use of force was necessary.

“The wheels of justice continue to turn in this case,” Sheriff Bill Waybourn said in a statement. “I said from the beginning that we hold accountable anyone responsible for Mr. Johnson’s death and we are doing that.”

Waybourn, who has said Moreno wrongly placed his knee on Johnson’s back after Johnson was handcuffed and that Garcia was the supervisor, initially fired the two, but both were reinstated and placed on paid leave because the sheriff’s office said the dismissals did not follow official protocol.

The force used in Johnson’s death is intended to stop and subdue people without killing them, yet increasingly it has come under scrutiny following the 2020 death of George Floyd.

Floyd died after a Minneapolis police officer restrained him face down on the ground for nine minutes and pinned a knee to the back of Floyd’s neck, an incident that sparked outrage nationwide.

The family of Johnson, who had been arrested two days before his death for allegedly using a knife to threaten the driver of a vehicle, has called for a federal investigation of the jail. The family has told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that Johnson was suffering from a mental health crisis.

On Friday, four Missouri prison guards were charged with murder, and a fifth with accessory to involuntary manslaughter, in the December death of a Black man who was pepper-sprayed, had his face covered with a mask and was left in a position that caused him to suffocate.

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Get ready to embark on a poignant journey of love and destiny with the upcoming Netflix series “Soul Mate.” This live-action drama isn’t your typical boy-meets-girl story. Instead, it ventures beyond borders and cultural divides to explore the profound connection between two souls. Led by the captivating performances of Hayato Isomura and Ok Taec-yeon,”Soul Mate” promises a heartwarming exploration of love’s complexities, from the initial spark of connection to the enduring strength that sees us through life’s inevitable challenges.

A Tapestry Woven Across Vibrant Cities

Under the helm of up-and-coming creator Shunki Hashizume, who also takes the director’s chair, “Soul Mate” promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience. The series unfolds against the backdrop of three distinct and vibrant cities: Berlin, Seoul, and Tokyo. Each location offers a unique cultural flavor, enriching the narrative and providing a dynamic setting for the central love story to unfold.

A Chance Meeting Sets the Stage for an Unforgettable Bond

The story centers on Ryu Narutaki (Isomura), a young Japanese man who makes a life-altering decision. Leaving everything he knows behind in Japan, Ryu embarks on a journey of self-discovery in a foreign land. There, fate intervenes when he crosses paths with Johan Hwang (Taec-yeon), a skilled boxer who steps in to help Ryu during a difficult situation. This chance encounter ignites a spark that transcends a simple act of kindness, setting the stage for a profound connection that will resonate throughout the following decade.

From Casual Conversation to Captivating Concept

The seed for “Soul Mate” was sown during a seemingly ordinary conversation between Hashizume and executive producer Dai Ota. However, as they delved deeper into the concept, the idea of a story centered on the undeniable bond between soulmates – those with whom we share an inexplicable and enduring connection – began to take shape. The title itself reflects this central theme, hinting at the extraordinary journey that awaits viewers.

“This is a story about destiny fulfilled,” explains Ota. “We see two individuals from entirely different backgrounds brought together by serendipity in a foreign land. Their lives become intertwined, and the narrative explores the joys and sorrows they experience on this shared path. The exceptional performances by Isomura and Taec-yeon, along with the emotional depth of the script, will undoubtedly resonate with viewers on a global scale.”

Embracing the Challenge: A Cast Dedicated to the Craft

Isomura, a rising star with notable roles in “Extremely Inappropriate!” and “(Ab)normal Desire,” is thrilled to bring the character of Ryu to life. “The script resonated deeply with me,” he shares. “It’s a beautiful portrayal of love that blossoms even amidst hardship. Director Hashizume’s vision for the 10-year story arc is truly captivating, and working alongside the talented Ok Taec-yeon has been an incredibly inspiring experience.”

Taec-yeon, a member of the popular Korean boy band 2PM and a seasoned actor with credits like “Vincenzo” and “La Grande Maison Paris,” saw “Soul Mate” as an exciting opportunity to showcase his versatility as an actor. “The character of Johan Hwang is complex and intriguing,” he says. “He’s haunted by inner struggles and pain. To fully embody Johan, I underwent a rigorous boxing training regimen and even lost weight to achieve the desired physicality. I’m committed to delivering a portrayal that captures the depth of this character.”

A Celebration of Shared Connections

Hashizume reflects on the collaborative spirit that has permeated the production process. “Creating this story has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding,” he says. “Working with such a talented cast and crew has been a true privilege. In a way, everyone involved in this project feels like a soulmate – we’re all connected by a shared passion for bringing this story to life.”

With its international setting, relatable themes of love and destiny, and a promising cast dedicated to their craft, “Soul Mate” is poised to become a must-watch for fans of heartwarming dramas and international content. Keep an eye out for its release on Netflix!

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DETROIT (AP) — A Michigan appeals court revived a lawsuit against Detroit-area paramedics after a woman who had been declared dead gasped for air with her eyes open when a body bag was unzipped at a funeral home.

A judge was wrong to dismiss the lawsuit in favor of Southfield paramedics before the parties could conduct interviews and gather other evidence, a process known as discovery, the court said in a 3-0 opinion Thursday.

Timesha Beauchamp, who had cerebral palsy, was struggling to breathe when her family called 911 in August 2020.

The medical crew tried to resuscitate her but ultimately called a doctor, who declared the 20-year-old dead without going to the home. Beauchamp was never taken to a hospital.

Later that day, a funeral home unzipped the body bag and found Beauchamp had her eyes open. She was rushed to a hospital but died two months later.

Beauchamp’s family accused the medical crew of gross negligence. Oakland County Judge Nanci Grant dismissed the lawsuit, saying the Southfield employees had governmental immunity.

An attorney for the medical crew, Kali Henderson, acknowledged that it “sounds really bad” to say there’s no liability for the paramedics and emergency medical technicians.

“Where do we have the facts that anything they could have done would have changed her condition?” Henderson told the appeals court on June 12.

But Judge Brock Swartzle said lawyers for Beauchamp’s estate haven’t yet taken depositions and gathered more information.

“Discovery might show that they are not responsible for her passing two months later,” he said of Beauchamp’s death. “Just focusing on her being in a body bag for a certain amount of time — that would frighten, shock, humiliate anyone, wouldn’t it?”

“Certainly, your honor,” Henderson replied, “and I don’t disagree with that.”

The lawsuit now will return to Oakland County court.

Immediately after Beauchamp was found alive, the Southfield fire chief said it might be a case of “Lazarus syndrome,” a reference to people who come back to life without assistance after attempts to resuscitate have failed.

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LISA’s latest single “ROCKSTAR” has earned the biggest streaming debut for a female K-Pop soloist in Spotify history. The song, released under her new partnership with LLOUD CO. and RCA Records, debuted at #8 on the global Spotify chart, amassing an impressive 5.890 million streams on its first day.

“ROCKSTAR” also made waves in Thailand, breaking the record for the most single-day streams for any song in Spotify Thailand history. The single topped the charts with an astonishing 2.573 million streams, highlighting LISA’s immense popularity and influence in her home country.

LISA’s “ROCKSTAR” has achieved a monumental feat in the K-pop scene, posting the biggest 24-hour debut by any K-pop act on YouTube in 2024 with a staggering 32.4 million views. 

This release marks LISA’s first single under the new partnership with her management company, LLOUD CO., and RCA Records. LLOUD CO., launched earlier this year and founded by LISA, aims to create a platform that showcases her overall vision in music and entertainment, pushing boundaries and exploring new artistic horizons.

LISA’s promotional strategy for “ROCKSTAR” included a social media campaign that featured the launch of her TikTok account. This move proved a massive success, setting a Guinness World Record by gaining 1 million followers in just 2 hours and 18 minutes. The teaser for “ROCKSTAR” on TikTok generated immense anticipation and excitement among her global fanbase, contributing to the single’s record-breaking debut.

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BURBANK, Calif. (AP) — If Dionne Harmon never found an old script on New Edition’s biopic, the R&B group’s story might still be sitting on a shelf instead of becoming a highly-rated miniseries for BET.

Same can be said for other projects like “The Bobby Brown Story” and the Soul Train-inspired series “American Soul.” She might not have a household name, but she’s known in Hollywood for working on big projects and major events including the Oscars, Emmys and Golden Globes. Harmon has worked on multiple Super Bowl halftime shows, becoming the first Black woman to produce the show.

Next up, she’ll be a producer at the BET Awards on Sunday at 8 p.m. Eastern. The show will air live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

The Emmy winner is one of the few Black women to hold a top position in the entertainment industry. She is president of Jesse Collins Entertainment, one of television’s most requested production companies. Harmon reports directly to CEO Jesse Collins, who is her fiancé.

“I’ve been grinding to build my toolbox just to be ready for these moments,” said Harmon, a Harvard University graduate who has worked at JCE since 2012.

She started at JCE as an assistant, a position she was reluctant to take until Collins introduced her to other employees who had gradually rose into high-ranking positions at the company.

Harmon accepted the job. Collins guaranteed he’d teach her everything he knew about the business, allowing her to shadow him in meetings and on phone calls.

“This is a place where you put your roots in and they grow,” she said. “On the surface, it looked like a step backwards. I had to talk down my ego, which didn’t want me to take that step. … But this was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Harmon’s big break came through the 2017 project “The New Edition Story.”

After seeing the tremendous success of TLC’s biopic “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story” in 2013, she realized there were more opportunities to explore.

Harmon found an old script about New Edition’s story written by Abdul Williams that had been sitting around for years, took it to Collins and convinced him to pitch the idea to Stephen Hill, BET’s president of programming at the time. The series became a massive hit on the network, but she didn’t receive producer credits.

However, Harmon did well enough to earn a promotion to director of development — without a staff — that resulted into more projects. She led the reworked format for “Hip Hop Squares” that evolved into the creation of three spin-off shows such as CMT’s “Nashville Squares,” BET’s “Celebrity Squares” and “Hollywood Squares” for CBS with Drew Barrymore. She also played a key role in the development and production of the critically acclaimed competition show “Rhythm + Flow” on Netflix, which has now expanded to France, Italy and Brazil.

Erykah Badu said Harmon was instrumental in her return for three consecutive years as host and producer of the Soul Train Awards starting in 2015. The singer called Harmon a “no-nonsense, deliberate producer.”

“With such an enigmatic work ethic, she reminds us that our best work is still inside us,” Badu said.

Under her leadership, Harmon helped JCE’s staff grow from 11 full-time employees to 25. She also spearheaded the company’s efforts to work directly with brands on content production on large-scale events with Nike, Ford, Pepsi and TikTok.

“She’s very passionate, creative and knows how to navigate a very complicated world known as Hollywood,” Collins said. “She really leads with integrity first. That has really helped her grow. Once you build a reputation of trust and you’re creative, all the doors open up for you.”

Harmon became one of the few Black women to co-produce the Oscars. And after co-executive producing the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige and others, she was elevated to president at JCE, overseeing creative strategy and financial growth.

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Life is grand for Harmon both professionally and personally. Collins proposed to her last year. She said their relationship is a “perfect partnership” and that they both manage work-life balance well.

Harmon often thinks back to her decision to remove her ego and join JCE more than a decade ago. She would joke with her mom that if she married or met anybody, that it would be at the airport or work.

“It’s crazy how one decision can have an effect on every aspect of your life,” she said about when she interviewed at JCE. “I never in my wildest dreams. … It never crossed my mind that I would end up engaged. If someone told me that, I’d be like ‘Oh my God, what is wrong with you?’”

Harmon says Collins is “a great guy” — but at the start, he was just her boss.

“But over the course of working together and really becoming equals and moving together and building this company, it just opened the doors for something completely different.”

Harmon wants to keep building on her and JCE’s success. She wants to create more scripted shows and featured films and someday, produce the Olympics.

Collins sees directing in Harmon’s cards.

“Everything is possible for her,” he said. “But ultimately, she’ll probably end up directing at some point. She has a real eye for that type of detail.”

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“Maybe Diana should skip family dinners and just go out to eat by herself” is the first thing I mention in my interview with breakout star LaToya Tonodeo.

LaToya Tonodeo stars as Diana Tejada, the daughter of drug queenpin Monet Tejada (played by Mary J. Blige). The role requires a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength. Tonodeo brings depth and nuance to the role, capturing the complexity of a young woman navigating the treacherous waters of her family’s criminal empire while grappling with her desires and ambitions.

Premiering in September 2020 on Starz, Power Book II: Ghost continues the legacy of its predecessor by diving deep into the lives of characters entangled in the dangerous world of drugs, crime, and power struggles. Michael Rainey Jr. reprises his role as Tariq James St. Patrick, ready to take over the legacy his father left behind.

Earlier this year, it was announced that despite the superstar success of the show, Power Book II: Ghost Season 4 would be its last and final season. Fans were shocked and confused considering the Power franchise is the biggest hit for Starz.

As the Power franchise thrives, Tonodeo’s star power is set to shine even brighter, making her a force to be reckoned with in television and beyond.

LaToya and I discuss the show’s ending, her feelings about Diana’s ending, and more in our interview.

Watch the full interview below:

Power Book II: Ghost airs Fridays on STARZ at 8:00 PM EST.

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A woman already charged with the endangerment of one person and the murder of another may be connected to the deaths of up to 20 other individuals, police say. And it’s all in pursuit of the almighty dollar.

The unlicensed Love & Caring for People LLC was founded by Regla “Su” Becquer and advertised as a company that provided in-house care for people with bed-bound health conditions across five homes in Tarrant County, according to Arlington police.

However, the police put her company on the radar after a victim located at an Arlington property made a call for help in December 2023. Police said the victim, who had cerebral palsy and diabetes, smelled of urine and feces when they arrived.

Ultimately, the client explained she was neglected, forced to sleep on a mattress on the floor, rarely had her diaper changed and endured physical abuse such as having hot water dumped on her and being kicked, per FOX 4. Police said she attempted suicide as a Hail Mary for help but not one (meaning Becquer and her staffers) called 911. Her story was enough to justify an arrest warrant for Becquer.

She currently sits in Tarrant County Jail on a $1.5 million bond facing charges of abandonment/endangering a disabled person with imminent bodily injury. However, the investigation into her “loving and caring” company led the cops to a slew of other deaths that may be related to the group homes.

Read more from FOX 4 News:

Since September 2022, police have found at least 20 clients of hers who have died and say there could be more. Most of the victims were cremated or buried, and only two had autopsies. One of those autopsies is being reviewed, while the other revealed that 60-year-old Steven “Kelly” Pankratz died from mixed drug toxicity while under Becquer’s care.

Investigators discovered that the drugs in Pankratz’s system had never been prescribed by doctors. Last week, the Tarrant County Medical Examiner ruled Pankratz’s death a homicide and charged Becquer with murder. She is being held at the Tarrant County Jail on a $1.5 million bond.

Police also observed that most of the individuals under the care of Becquer appeared to relinquish all of their property to her company and family members. In one example, the previous homeowner of one of her unlicensed facilities used to be her client. The woman left her entire estate to Becquer in a one-sentence will dated Oct. 7, 2022, per FOX 4. About 20 days later, the homeowner was pronounced dead.

Lt. Kimberly Harris told reporters the company was also in possession of the clients’ wallets, credit cards and manipulated the wills to increase their credit for purchasing vehicles. The investigation is ongoing, but it certainly doesn’t look good.

“I’ve been doing this as an officer for 23 years now and I have never seen anything like this,” said Arlington police official Chris Powell to CBS. “We had to keep digging and going and going, and it’s been disturbing to find out the details about these folks, to go to homes that people thought were a good place, and to find out it was not vetted. It’s very disturbing,”

NEW YORK (AP) — The 2024 BET Awards are fast approaching. Last year’s show celebrated 50 years of hip-hop with tributes to the genre’s earliest voices, late legends and new talent during a show packed with spectacular performances that consistently felt like a party. This year is stacking up to be just as exciting with award-winning performers — Lauryn Hill, Childish Gambino, Megan Thee Stallion and Will Smith, anyone? — and presenters.

Oscar-nominated actor Taraji P. Henson will host the BET Awards for a third time.

“If we didn’t have a BET, how would the little ones know all this greatness exists? How will we be able to inspire each other if we didn’t see each other,” Henson told The Associated Press. “And so this is a safe space for us where we get to lift each other up — where sometimes in this industry, we don’t get to see ourselves lifted and celebrated in this way.”

Here’s everything you need to know before the June 30 show.

When are the BET Awards and how can I watch them?

The BET Awards will air live on June 30 at 8 p.m. Eastern on BET from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. It will be simulcast on MTV, Comedy Central, MTV2, TVLand, Nickelodeon, Pop and Logo.

Who’s nominated for the BET Awards?

Drake leads the nominations with seven, including an album of the year nod for his eighth studio album, “For All the Dogs.” One of the awards he’s up for is the music video for “First Person Shooter,” his collaboration with J. Cole that may have been the catalyst for his recent beef with rapper Kendrick Lamar.

Nicki Minaj follows with six, including for album of the year for her highly anticipated “Pink Friday 2” release. Two of her nominations were for her song with Ice Spice, “Barbie World,” part of the blockbuster “Barbie” soundtrack.

J. Cole, Sexyy Red, SZA and best new artist Grammy winner Victoria Monét tie with five nods; 21 Savage, Beyoncé, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, Tyla and Usher boast four each.

A few months after wowing audiences while headlining the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show, Usher will also receive the lifetime achievement BET award.

The film nominees this year are: “American Fiction”; “Bob Marley: One Love”; “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé”; “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”; “The Book of Clarence”; “The Color Purple”; “The Equalizer 3” and “The Little Mermaid.”

Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, Steph Curry, LeBron James and Patrick Mahomes are among the sports stars competing for awards.

Who is performing at the BET Awards?

Performers will include Hill and her son YG Marley, Ice Spice, Tyla, Childish Gambino, Chlöe, Coco Jones, Keke Palmer, Marsha Ambrosius and Summer Walker.

Megan Thee Stallion will serve as the show’s opening act.

Smith is slated to perform a new song. The Grammy and Oscar winner is still emerging from the infamous Oscars slap two years ago, with the successful launch of “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” helping boost his comeback.

“Anything Will sings, I’m just going to be there to enjoy it because we know he got some hits,” Henson said. “But you know, it is summertime. I just thought I’d throw it out there,” she added, referencing the 1991 Grammy-award winning “Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince.

“I’m excited to hear his new music.”

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Country musician Tanner Adell will also perform on the BET Amplified stage.

Previously announced acts also include GloRilla, Latto, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, and Monét.

Who is presenting at the BET Awards?

Presenters will include Andra Day, Colman Domingo, DC Young Fly, Devale Ellis, Jay Ellis, Jessica Betts, Ms. Pat, Niecy Nash-Betts, Saucy Santana and more, it was announced Friday.