** Third trial set for female Massachusetts firefighter accused of murdering lesbian paramedic partner;pretrial hearing next month
** Illinois paramedic/firefighter killed in car crash
UNITED STATES NEWS
** A Granby, Massachusetts firefighter, accused of killing her lesbian paramedic partner, will go before a jury again despite two mistrials. That is the word from South Coast Today (AP/September 9) which said a judge ruled against the April application for dismissal Monday. According to the news service, attorneys for Cara Rintala argued there was not enough evidence against their client to obtain a conviction. In addition, the defence said police had failed to investigate other suspects in the 2010 strangulation murder of Annamarie Cochrane Rintala. As a result of the ruling, October 22nd has been set as the date for a a pretrial hearing. Rintala, meanwhile, remains free on a $150,000 bond.
** Illinois EMS and fire responders are mourning the loss of one of their own after a September 7th car accident claimed the life of an Orland Park practitioner. Illinois News Online (September 10) said funeral services for Wesley B. Peak will take place today in Orland Park. Peak, who grew up in the area, had previously worked at Kurtz Ambulance Service. He had also toiled with Westmont, Flossmoor, and Monee Fire Departments. He leaves behind a wife, Melissa, a son Jaxson, and his parents, William and Linda.
