Crime & Punishment

Friends Show Support For Accused Security Guard Murderer

2009-09-25T22:06:37Z

Before this week, he could have been best described as your average, typical 23-year-old male. A love of cars, technology and fashion is evident from the photos and descriptions that litter his online MySpace and Facebook profiles. Comments from friends show he was much loved and adored, but now those same friends are showing signs of solidarity and support for a man accused of murder.

"My heart goes out to you," friend Christopher Williams wrote Michael "Mykel" Weisz's MySpace profile. "I know you wouldn't do anything to hurt someone on purpose."

But that's exactly what authorities say Weisz did Wednesday morning when he allegedly ran down 64-year-old security guard Leroy Fisher with his car after being ejected from "Badlands," a popular gay Sacramento nightclub. Fisher died from the hit-and-run incident; Weisz and a friend later surrendered to authorities in San Francisco. Authorities say Fisher's death was not accidental.

"We believe he [Weisz] purposefully hit him," police spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong told reporters Wednesday. "It was not an accident."

A passenger that was reportedly with Weisz at the time of the murder has not been charged, though the investigation is still ongoing.

Weisz was booked into Sacramento County Jail early Thursday morning on one count of felony murder and one count of felony hit-and-run. Almost immediately following the news, an influx of friends flocked to Weisz's online profiles to express their support and love.

"Love ya Mykel, here for you!" friend Cheryl Ehara wrote on Weisz's Facebook profile. Another, Tru Calderon, wrote "May God be with you my friend."

The support for Michael Weisz seems underwhelmed compared to the evening vigil for Leroy Fisher, where friends, family and supporters of Sacramento's gay and lesbian community gathered on K Street near a line of gay clubs and businesses to remember a person who felt more like a friend than a security guard. Sacramento resident George Raya frequently hired Fisher for security at events, but was also familiar with Weisz.

"He has a bad reputation," Raya told Sacramento Press reporter Suzanne Hurt. "He's just this wild 23-year-old who gets drunk and doesn't act considerate."

Now, the same 23-year-old adored by family and friends sits behind bars, accused of murdering a beloved community figure. Weisz did not enter a plea when he appeared in Sacramento County court Friday afternoon. Instead, his attorney requested, and was granted, a delay by the court. Weisz's next scheduled appearance in court is set for early October.

A statement reportedly from Weisz's family was placed on his Facebook profile Thursday afternoon on his behalf, thanking the public for their support.

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Matthew Keys is an online news writer for FOX40.com and community contributor to The Sacramento Press. He can be reached by e-mail at mkeys@tribune.com.

Photos appear courtesy Michael Weisz' Facebook profile.

Jury Awards $16mil In Damages To Radio Station Contestant's Family

2009-10-29T22:10:01Z

A jury has awarded more than $16 million to the family of an individual who died from injuries after participating in a radio station water drinking contest.

The family of radio station contestant Jennifer Strange was awarded $16,577,118 after a jury concluded Entercom Sacramento, who operates KDND 107.9 "The End," was negligent after ignoring several warnings that a morning show contest could have fatal consequences.

In 2007, Jennifer Strange was one of several participants KDND's "Hold Your Wee For A Wii" contest, in which participants held their urine and drank copious amounts of water with the hopes of wining a Nintendo Wii video game console.

Strange, who came in second place and received a consolation prize of local concert tickets, began complaining of an upset stomach and a headache toward the end of the contest. She was later found dead by a relative in her home.

During the contest, the station received at least one phone call from a woman claiming to be a nurse, warning the morning show DJs at KDND that drinking large amounts of water was dangerous. The DJs laughed the concern off, stating that participants had signed waivers releasing the station from any liability.

The death of Strange led to the firings of several involved with the morning show contest by Entercom Communications.

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Matthew Keys is an online news writer for FOX40.com and community contributor to The Sacramento Press.

Photo courtesy Tribune Broadcasting.

Sac King's Andreas Nocioni Arrested For DUI

2009-11-05T20:20:16Z

Sacramento Kings forward Andreas Nocioni has been released from the Sacramento County Jail after being arrested on DUI charges early Thursday morning.

Nocioni's vehicle was pulled over by Sacramento Police around 2:00am Thursday near the section of 9th and L Streets in Sacramento. Officers say they detected a strong odor of alcohol in Nocioni's vehicle and ask him to take a breathalyzer test.

It's unclear what Nocioni's blood alcohol level was.

Nocioni was seen leaving the Sacramento County Jail after posting bail shortly after 9:00am. Despite persistent questions from the media, Nocioni declined to comment.

The Sacramento Kings have not yet commented on the situation. On the other hand, FOX40 Sports Director Jim Crandell knew exactly what to say.

"As far as I'm concerned: Stupid, stupid, stupid," Crandell said appearing on the FOX40 News at 11am. "There is absolutely no reason to go out and drink, and then get in a car. Now, Nocioni has himself in a heap of trouble."

Nocioni is not the first member of the Sacramento Kings to find himself in a heap of trouble. In 2006, Sacramento Kings former coach Eric Muuselman was arrested after driving with a blood alcohol level of over .11%, above the legal limit of 08%. Musselman was asked to pay $1900 in fines and spent three years on probation.

In October 2007, Sacramento Kings Center Justin Williams was accused by a woman of sexual assault. Following a lengthy investigation, the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office announced they would not seek charges.

Sacramento Kings player Ron Artest found himself in the center of an animal abuse scandal when the Placer County District Attorney's Office said dogs belonging to Artest appeared neglected. Artest was suspended for seven games of the 2007 season after pleading no contest to a related misdemeanor domestic violence charge.

The Sacramento Kings lost to the Atlanta Hawks Wednesday night 105 to 113 at Arco Arena.

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Matthew Keys is an online news writer for FOX40.com and community contributor to The Sacramento Press.

Photo courtesy KTXL FOX40 News.