Luke Hanif Sekkouah appeared in Northbridge Magistrates Court on Sunday, April 28, 2024, charged with the brutal murder of his partner, Erica Hay. Erica's body was found in their home in Warnbro following a fire. The court appearance shed light on another shocking instance of domestic violence in the country. Luke Hanif Sekkouah is accused of murdering Erica Hay and setting fire to their house. Erica Hay was a mother-of-four. The case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and its devastating consequences.
In a separate incident in rural Queensland, two people have been charged with murder after a man critically injured in an alleged assault died in the hospital. The incident occurred on May 4, 2024, when emergency services were called to a property in Mount Mee, northwest of Brisbane, following reports of an assault. A 23-year-old man was found with critical head injuries and was transported to the hospital, where he later passed away. A 21-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man, both from Mount Mee, were taken into custody and initially charged with attempted murder. However, following the man's death, their charges were upgraded to murder. The woman remains remanded in custody and is due to reappear in court on Tuesday, while the man is due to reappear in court on July 4. The incident is currently under investigation by the police.
Meanwhile, in South Carolina, the family of a pastor's wife is urging the police to further investigate her death. Mica Miller, 30, was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head at Lumber River State Park in Lumberton, North Carolina on April 27. Her husband, John-Paul Miller, who is the pastor of Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach, claimed that she died by suicide. However, Mica's family and friends are suspicious of the circumstances surrounding her death and have called for a thorough investigation. The Robeson County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating the case. Mica had filed for divorce from John-Paul six months prior to her death and had previously filed for support from him. The case was dismissed in February 2024. Mica's family revealed that there was a 'no contact order and divorce was filed' just days before her alleged suicide. Her sister, Sierra, has asked anyone with information to come forward and has urged the public not to believe false stories being shared [b528ca93] [86a2373a].
The death of Mica Miller, the wife of a South Carolina pastor, has been ruled a suicide by the Robeson County medical examiner, Dr. Richard Johnson. Miller's body was found in Lumber River State Park in North Carolina on April 27, and Dr. Johnson stated that she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. However, friends and family members are expressing doubts about the suicide determination, citing Miller's energetic nature and unwavering faith in God. Prior to her death, Miller reported incidents of harassment, including a razor blade being placed in her tire and feeling like she was being followed or watched. The Horry County Clerk's Office confirmed that Miller had filed three support and maintenance requests since last year. Miller's family and friends have been using the hashtag 'JusticeforMica' on social media to express their doubts about the official findings. In response to the ongoing investigation, Solid Rock Church, where Miller's husband served as a pastor, announced that he had been released from his ministerial functions for a time of healing and guidance. [548973f4]
In Statesville, North Carolina, a candlelight vigil was held to pray for strength for the family of murder victim Shelbie Smith and justice for her killer. Shelbie Smith's body was found in her home on June 1, and the Statesville Police Department's Violent Crime Unit is investigating her death as a homicide. The State Bureau of Investigation is assisting in the case. The SPD is actively conducting interviews and utilizing investigative methods and legal techniques to ensure a comprehensive approach. The analysis of forensic evidence submitted to the N.C. State Crime Lab is pending, and it could be months before the results are known. Shelbie's mother is confident in the SPD's efforts to find the person responsible. Shelbie's young son is living with a relative and receiving therapy. Anyone with information related to Shelbie Smith's death is asked to contact the Statesville Police Department [8c17812f].
In Tura, Assam, a 36-year-old resident named Niksamseng Marak was found dead in a rehabilitation centre in Goalpara. The family and members of the Achik State People’s Front (ASPF) filed a police complaint, leading to the arrest of seven individuals from the centre. Marak was traveling to Guwahati when he encountered two acquaintances who requested a ride. Their car was stopped by police, and they were detained for eight hours. Marak was then sent to the rehabilitation centre without court approval. He was admitted to the New Life Foundation Rehabilitation Centre on July 3 and found dead by hanging in the bathroom the next day. The family alleges that Marak was beaten to death by members of the centre and that the centre attempted to cover it up as a suicide. The family has filed an FIR and is seeking a thorough investigation. ASPF leader Bernita Marak has demanded the closure of the centre and severe punishment for those responsible. The FIR was lodged on July 5 with the Goalpara Police Station in Assam [d0a68e82].
The Goalpara police have arrested six suspects linked to the lynching of Niksamseng Marak, a youth from Meghalaya, at a rehab centre in Goalpara, Assam. The incident occurred on June 4, when Marak was found dead in the New Life Foundation rehab centre. CCTV footage revealed that he had been lynched by workers and other inmates of the centre. Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, with six of them transferred to jail. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for stringent punishment for the perpetrators. The Goalpara police continue their investigation into the incident [e8b75642].