Local News

Inspiration for California "3 Strikes Law" Sentenced to Life for Domestic Violence

FRESNO - Douglas David Walker (53) (53, of Fresno, one of the inspirations for California’s Three Strikes Law after his participation in the murder of Kimber Reynolds, was sentenced to a term of nineteen (19) years plus twentyfive (25) years to life in prison, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office has announced. Mr. Walker also has three (3) prior “strike” convictions (Robbery, Attempted Robbery, and Attempted Robbery), as well as four (4) prior commitments to State Prison.

In December 2017, Fresno County Superior Court Judge Kent Hamlin found Douglas Walker guilty of a charge of Felony Corporal Injury to a Spouse or Cohabitant and three Felony counts of Dissuading a Witness from Prosecuting a Crime. Plus three Misdemeanor Contempt of Court.

One Fresno Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of Firearms; Another Pleads Guilty to Being an Armed Career Criminal

FRESNO - Troy Franklin, 34, of Fresno, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O'Neill to seven years and eight months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered firearm, and Stephen Walker, 42, of Fresno, pleaded guilty to being an armed career criminal, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to court documents in the first case, Franklin, who is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction, illegally purchased an AR-15 rifle with a barrel length of less than 16 inches. Police tried to conduct a traffic stop on the black Range Rover Franklin was driving after the purchase, and Franklin fled. He stopped the car and ran, and police found him hiding in a nearby apartment.

FDA Warns of Fraudulent and Unapproved Flu Products

SILVER SPRING, Md. - As part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's ongoing efforts to protect consumers from health fraud, the agency is reminding consumers to be wary of unapproved products claiming to prevent, treat or cure influenza, or flu. This year's severe flu season raises new concerns about the potential for consumers to be lured into buying unproven flu treatments, and even worse, buying counterfeit antivirals online from websites that appear to be legitimate online pharmacies.

"This year the flu has been widespread, impacting millions of patients across the country, and leading to a new record number of flu-related hospitalizations," said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. "We understand the toll this year's flu season has taken on peoples' lives. As the flu continues to make people sick — and even cause deaths — unscrupulous actors may also be taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers by promoting their fraudulent products that have not been reviewed by the FDA to be safe and effective.

Proactive Patrol Check Resulting in Felony Arrest

MADERA - Madera County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan King conducted a self-initiated patrol check on February 27th around noon in the 19000 block of Road 24 due to a recent burglary and thefts in the area. The deputy observed a pick up truck inside the gate of a vacant property for sale. He noticed several items in the bed of the truck, including sheets of metal and a large roll of chain link fencing.

A female subject emerged from underneath the pick up where she had been hiding. She identified herself to Deputy King as Maria Hernandez, a 39 year old female from Madera. She indicated to Deputy King that she was informed no one owned the property and therefore she could collect things on the property for recycling.

Tom Steyer's Need to Impeach Campaign Surpasses Five Million Supporters

SAN FRANCISCO - Tom Steyer's Need to Impeach campaign—launched four months ago—has reached more than five million supporters, kicking off phase two of the campaign that will focus on reaching new audiences across the political spectrum about the need to remove Donald Trump from office, while deepening its reach and engaging constituents in districts held by Congress members who have not voted for impeachment.

Now one of the biggest and most influential in the Democratic Party, strategists say the Need to Impeach list can be a powerful political tool and will be influential in the November election.