Free Republic

The skull of an Indiana teen was found in the wall of a home near Chicago. Officials in Kane County have solved a decades-old cold case involving a human skull discovered in 1978. A couple in Batavia found the skull inside a wall while remodeling their home. Initial testing at the time indicated the skull had been there for a significant period. In 2021, the Batavia Police Department and Kane County Coroner reopened the cold case, determined to identify the remains. A Texas company specializing in forensic genetic genealogy employed modern DNA technology to identify the remains as those of...

Police: Alleged serial killer tied to 7 slayings ‘basking in the glory’ Posted: Oct 21, 2014 6:05 AM CST Updated: Oct 21, 2014 9:41 AM CST GARY, Ind. (Sun-Times Media Wire) - Darren D. Vann led Gary police on a bloody scavenger hunt this weekend. He pointed them to seven bodies of his alleged victims scattered in basements and empty, run-down buildings all over northwest Indiana's Steel City, authorities said. To the body of Anith Jones, 35, of Merrillville. And Teaira Batey, 28, of Gary. And others whose identities are still unknown. The Mayor of Gary Indiana said Tuesday morning...

AL KHAFFAJIYAH, Iraq (Nov. 8, 2005) -- While many Marines use the cover of darkness to secretly infiltrate and secure cities and towns across Iraq, Lance Cpl. Pedro L. Rangel is doing his best to be seen and heard. The 21-year-old, Merrillville, Ind., native, with Regimental Combat Team 2, uses a mobile loud speaker to blare messages to local Iraqis once coalition forces have entered a city. “A lot of times we’ll sneak into a town late at night when everyone is sleeping so no one knows we’re there.” Rangel said. “But early the next morning, I’m usually out and...

<p>MERRILLVILLE, Ind. -- Officials have banned pink clothing for the remainder of the school year out of concerns that the color has become associated with gang activity.</p> <p>Administrators last week told students at the city's high school and two middle schools to avoid wearing pink clothing or accessories, said Michael Berta, associate superintendent in the Northwestern Indiana district.</p>

<p>MERRILLVILLE, Ind. -- About 100 middle school students wore pink to protest restrictions imposed by school officials concerned that the color was associated with gang activity.</p> <p>The protest Wednesday at Clifford Pierce Middle School resulted in mass wardrobe changes, said Principal James Joiner. Administrators made some students who wore pink shirts replace them with school T-shirts. Several students, anticipating the order to change, brought a second set of clothes to school.</p>