** Texas EMT, accused of possessing bomb making materials, released on bail
** Trial of former New York EMT, accused of killing wife, continues
UNITED STATES NEWS
** A West, Texas paramedic, accused of possessing bomb making materials following an April fertilizer plant explosion, is now out on bond. That is the word from KEYE TV (August 23) which said Bryce Reed was released following a Thursday hearing. According to the news site, Reed is in the custody of his mother and stepfather. Indicted May 14th by a federal grand jury, he is expected back in court next month. Police, however, have not connected him to the April 17th explosion that killed 15, injured hundreds, and flattened dozens of homes and businesses.
** The trial continues this week for a former New York paramedic accused of murdering his wife and then staging a fire to cover up the crime. The Times Herald-Record (Victor Whitman/August 23) said the case against Paul Novak involving the December 13, 2008 strangulation death of spouse Catherine, is occurring in Sullivan County Court. According to the newspaper, Novak’s ex-girlfriend took the stand Thursday, claiming Novak had told her how he allegedly failed to successfully use chloroform to subdue the woman; he then said he improvised by strangling her with her hoodie. Police say Novak’s motive was his wife’s life insurance policy to which he was beneficiary. Novak’s lawyer, meanwhile, said the gaps in Michelle LaFrance’s memory regarding being told of the crime were suspicious.
