WJPA News

(WPXI) – A medical examiner has ruled the death of a Haitian asylum seeker after being released from federal custody a homicide. An attorney representing her family said he expects her relatives to sue Immigration and Customs Enforcement in connection with her death.  Daphy Michel, 31, died March 2. She was found at a bus shelter in Pittsburgh. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office found her cause of death to be hypothermia and ruled the manner a homicide, “indicating the death was caused by the actions of another individual” and should not be interpreted as a declaration of criminal guilt, the office said in a statement. The office released its findings Friday.  Michel was a native of Haiti who was seeking asylum in the U.S. after arriving at the southern border in 2022, said Joseph Patrick Murphy, her family’s attorney. She was granted humanitarian parole based on urgent humanitarian need, but she did not live to see a hearing scheduled for two weeks after she died, he said.  The medical examiner’s finding of homicide is different from a criminal charge, meaning “somebody did or failed to do something that brought about her demise,” Murphy said. He said he expects Michel’s family to file a lawsuit against ICE in connection with her death.  In an email, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Lauren Bis said, “ICE had NOTHING to do with this woman’s death. She passed away THREE days after ICE encountered her.”

The Juneteeth celebration was held Saturday in the city of Washington at the Main Street Pavilion. John Campbell Sr was named the Grand Marshal for the parade. “It shows us that we have our rights like everyone else, but please, everyone, get out and vote,” he said of Juneteenth. This is the first year that the city of Washington was able to bring the Juneteeth parade to Main Street. Juneteeth commemorates the enslaved African Americans in Texas who learned of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. Mayor Jojo Burgess, who was in attendance, spoke about his mindset at the celebration. “I want people to be free spirits here in Washington and have the ability to be able to move and do things correctly and without any kind of interference.”  (Pictured:  Grand Marshal John Campbell)

(WPXI) – A Peters Township High School student accused of running a sextortion network involving his classmates was in court on Friday. A Washington County judge denied a request to release 18-year-old Zachariah Meyers from jail pending trial, ruling that the court could not adequately address concerns about victim safety and flight risk if he were placed on house arrest. Meyers served as class president at the high school. Prosecutors allege Meyers used social media platforms, including TikTok, to manipulate victims into sending sexually explicit images and videos.

Just days after Paul Miller’s Law took full effect; the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) conducted a statewide enforcement initiative aimed at deterring the use of handheld mobile devices while driving. From June 8 – 10, Troopers conducted Operation Hands Off, where Troopers cracked down on distracted drivers across the Commonwealth as part of their ongoing effort to reduce crashes, prevent fatalities, and ensure everyone can travel roadways safely. Officials say the three-day initiative resulted in 694 traffic citations and 308 warnings related to Paul Miller’s Law. The The operation builds on Paul Miller’s Law, which Governor Josh Shapiro signed into law back in 2024. Those cited will receive a $50 citation that with court costs, will reach nearly $200 in fines.

JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military has launched strikes on Beirut targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. Smoke has been seen rising over the capital. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the strikes are in response to Hezbollah attacks in northern Israel. Meanwhile, Iran and the U.S. are inching closer to a deal to end the Iran war. Qatari mediators traveled to Tehran on Sunday to finalize the agreement. The deal does not solve issues like Iran’s nuclear program but offers a 60-day framework for discussions.

(AP) – A Ukrainian drone strike killed one person and wounded nine others in Russia’s Oryol region overnight, officials said Sunday. A separate drone attack hit fuel storage facilities in the Yaroslavl region, roughly 440 miles from the border, sparking fires. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the strike targeted an oil facility important to Russia’s reserves. Separately, British forces boarded and detained a tanker, the Smyrtos, in the English Channel on Sunday, suspected of belonging to Russia’s sanctions-evading “shadow fleet.” It was the UK’s first such operation.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The letters spelling out President Donald Trump’s name on the facade of Kennedy Center are now gone. That word comes Saturday from the executive director of the performing arts venue. Matt Floca made that declaration in a court filing to the federal judge who had ordered the removal. A tarp continued to hang over the scaffolding constructed for workers to remove Trump’s name from the building, making it impossible to immediately detect whether the only words remaining on its white marble portico are “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.”

Ford is recalling more than 250,000 vehicles that were incorrectly repaired under a previous recall meant to fix a problem that caused the engine to stall while driving. The recall includes 255,404 Ford Focus automobiles, model years 2012-2018. Ford said the canister purge valve may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving, increasing the risk of crash and injury. To fix the problem, dealers will provide a powertrain software update free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

(AP) – Honda is recalling more than 800,000 vehicles because rear suspension components may fail and cause drivers to lose control, increasing the chances of a crash or injury. American Honda Motor Co. said the recall covers certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The recall includes 880,514 vehicles. Honda has had no warranty claims and no reports of an injury or death related to the problem. Honda and Acura dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a reinforcement kit if necessary, or repair or replace the rear subframe components at no cost to vehicle owners.