Tuesday, June 21, 2011

** Georgia EMT set to go to trial in driving death of doctor

** Massachusetts female firefighter named as suspect in lesbian EMT partner’s death

UNITED STATES NEWS

** A former Aiken County, Georgia EMT, who allegedly struck and killed a bicyclist last October, will stand trial after all. That is the word from the Augusta Chronicle (Carole Hawkins/June 10) which said Daniel Johnson, 41, will face the court on a charge of reckless homicide in the death of Dr. Matthew Burke. According to the newspaper, Johnson was driving his Dodge Durango when he struck Burke and four other cyclists. Orthopedic surgeon Burke sustained critical head injuries;he died five months later in hospital. Johnson, meanwhile, who is free on a $50,000 bond, was not offered a plea deal.

** The lesbian partner of a Massachusetts paramedic  murdered last March 29 is apparently a suspect in her death. The Daily Hampshire Gazette (James F. Lowe/June 16) said Cara L. Rintala was named as such by the Prudential Insurance Company of America after she attempted to make a claim for Annamarie Rintala’s $512,000 life insurance policy. According to the newspaper, the organization was informed of Cara’s status by the Massachusetts Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. Annamarie Rintala, 37, was found dead in her basement;an autopsy determined she had been strangled and had suffered trauma to the head. Court documents indicate the two women, who were raising an adopted daughter, had a contentious relationship. Cara Rintala was arrested in September 2008 for allegedly attacking Annamarie;charges were later dismissed at the latter’s request.