The man, a former gang leader named Duane Keith Davis, has said the four shots that killed the rapper in 1996 came from the vehicle he was riding in.
More than 25 years after the killing of Tupac Shakur became a defining tragedy in hip-hop, a self-described gang member who has repeatedly proclaimed that he participated in the drive-by shooting of the rapper was indicted on a murder charge, Las Vegas prosecutors announced on Friday, reviving a blockbuster investigation that had long stalled.
The man, Duane Keith Davis, has said in interviews and a memoir that he was in the passenger seat of the white Cadillac that pulled up near the vehicle holding Shakur on a night in 1996, after a Mike Tyson-Bruce Seldon prizefight in Las Vegas.
Welcome, World Travelers! Fine, I’ll Review the Live-Action Little Mermaid!
by James Coulter
I didn’t want to watch or review this movie. I didn’t see it when it was in theaters. And even when it was released on Disney Plus, even though I watched it on its release day, I’m only now writing about it.
And why should I? It’s yet another Disney live-action remake–a transparently cynical attempt by the Walt Disney Company to repackage its classic animated flicks and resell them in live-action.
The last time I watched a live-action remake in theaters was 2010’s Alice in Wonderland. Considering how the financial success of that film prompted Disney to remake even more of its animated films into live-action, I’ve regretted buying that movie ticket ever since.
Since then, I’ve made it a personal priority to never watch any of these Disney live-action remakes in theaters. I only feel I’d be enabling Disney’s bad habit by doing so. Even when they’re finally released onto streaming, I still don’t watch them. Why waste my time watching a mediocre live-action remake when I can watch the far superior animated movie it’s based on?
If it sounds like I’m talking around this movie rather than talking about it, that’s because I am. Because, well…what’s there to talk about? It’s a live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. Did you watch the original animated movie? Well, this movie is the exact same thing, only in live-action.
And let me make this clear: I do not hate this movie because they made Ariel black. Personally, I thought Halle Bailey’s performance was this movie’s only saving grace, and her singing voice was certainly the reason why she was chosen for this movie.
Am I annoyed Disney has decided (yet again) to gain diversity brownie points by race-swapping a character in a movie rather than making an original movie starring a person of color? Yes. (And considering how Disney allowed an original animated movie with a POC main character like Strange World wither and die on the vine, I’m especially peeved!)
But am I also annoyed by the racist backlash this movie has received from angry dorks online. Yes. Unequivocally, yes. Like, it’s ridiculous that some folks are so mad about a black actress playing a white mermaid that they have to argue that it’s scientifically inaccurate for a mermaid to be black. (Hey, you know what else is scientifically inaccurate? Actual mermaids!)
Again, if it sounds like I’m talking around this movie rather than about it, that’s because I am. What else is there to say? It’s the animated Little Mermaid in live-action with a black actress. And like every other live-action remake, this movie takes what was magical and fantastical and strips it away for the sake of “realism.”
Take the “Under The Sea” scene. The song was evidently written for an animated film. It has lines about different sea creatures playing musical instruments. (“The newt play the flute. The carp play the harp.” etc.) You can portray that in animation.
In live-action, however? Especially if you’re trying to look “photo-realistic”? Not so much.
So what do we get instead? Ariel floating in a swarm of jellyfish, riding a flotilla of marching sea turtles, and passing by uncanny valley-style sea creatures unnaturally gyrating to the music. Again, it takes away everything magical about the animated movie in a futile attempt to appear more “realistic.”
To its credit, the movie adds three new songs. One is sung by Prince Eric, and it’s so forgettable that I forgot all about it rightafter it was sung. The other is sung by Ariel when she arrives on land for the first time, and like the other new song, it’s so forgettable that I forgot all about it right after it was sung. The only new song I didn’t forget about was the one sung by the seagull Scuttle—and that’s because it’s less a song and more a screeching hate crime against eardrums.
Oh, but the movie is notably different in one way. You know how in the original movie, Ariel was curious about the surface world, but her father forbids her from going up there to explore it because he had an irrational hatred of humans? Well, in this movie, along with all that, Prince Eric is curious about the world outside his island home, but his mother forbids him from exploring it because she has an irrational hatred of mermaids and other sea creatures. (Get it! Sigh.)
In conclusion, if you want to watch a movie about a little mermaid, don’t watch this movie. Watch the animated classic it’s based on. It’s better and shorter. Watch that. Don’t watch the live-action remake. It sucks seaweed.
And with that, I am never reviewing another live-action Disney remake. Especially the upcoming remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs—excuse me, Seven “Magical Creatures.” Ugh!)
** Update: On September 29, 2023, at 2:45am all lanes of travel were re-opened. This an active and ongoing investigation.
——- Original Post ———-
Multiple Vehicle Traffic Crash Shuts Down
HWY 27 at Chalet Suzanne Rd in Lake Wales
Lake Wales Traffic News
On September 28, 2023, at 6:34pm Lake Wales Police Officers were dispatched to a multiple vehicle traffic crash at HWY 27 and Chalet Suzanne Rd. There are 16 passenger vehicles and 1 tractor trailer involved in the crash. As a result of the crash, several people were injured and have been transported to area hospitals. Three of the injured were transported by helicopter. Numerous other agencies are providing assistance.
Lake Wales Police At 17 Vehicle Pile Up
A northbound Chrysler 200 violated the right of way of a northbound tractor trailer by making a left turn in front of it causing a collision between the two vehicles. The collision caused the tractor trailer driver to lose control, cross the median, and collide into southbound traffic that was stopped at a red traffic signal. There were a variety of injuries among those who were involved, one of which may be life threatening.
This intersection is closed and will remain closed until a safe and thorough investigation can be completed. If possible motorists should avoid this area. Any motorists who travel in this area should expect to be detoured or rerouted.
Further details about this investigation will be released as they become available.
Medical Helicopter Lands To Take Victims Of Hwy 27 Crash
Update: A total of 3 Helicopters have been requested for the scene. One has landed and left transporting patient. A second just landed around 7:15pm. A 3rd helicopter has a 20 minute estimated time of arrival.
—— original post ——
The Polk County Fire Rescue, Lake Wales Fire Department & Lake Wales Police are working a crash on Hwy 27 & Chalet Suzanne Rd. The crash occurred at 6:35pm .
A total of 13 fire and ambulance crews are headed to the scene. No details on injuries yet.
This is a fluid situation. We will update when we have more information.
A drive-by shooting in west Lakeland early Wednesday morning, September 27, 2023, culminated with the arrests of three teens by Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives.
No one was injured in the shooting which occurred at about 1:26 AM Wednesday at a residence in the area of Chestnut Road and West Parker Street in an unincorporated area of Lakeland.
“While investigating this shooting, our detectives found that it was linked to two other drive-by shootings. The same three suspects were out there putting innocent lives at risk, motivated by revenge—in essence because their feelings were hurt that the victims didn’t want to be around them anymore. And of course there was some social media drama thrown in there as well. They wanted to act like some big bad-boys, and now they’re charged with big bad-boy crimes.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
A total of nine bullet casings were recovered from the scene Thursday, with damages to a vehicle parked at the home and to the mailbox.
The suspects were identified immediately as having ongoing issues with the victim and his friend.
The victim told detectives that he and his friend stopped associating with the suspects, and that didn’t sit well with them. The victim’s friend has been a victim of two drive-by shootings, one on August 9th and the other on September 20th. The PCSO has been investigating those two cases already.
The victim also informed investigators of recent threats he has received from the suspects via text messages and social media.
During the investigation, a firearm believed to have been involved in the shootings was seized from the home of one of the suspects. Another firearm being sought has not yet been located.
In each one of the shootings, there were four people inside the residences, all of whom were uninjured.
PCSO detectives interviewed the three suspects and ultimately arrested them for all three drive-by shootings. They are:
– Bryann Charles, 17, from Lakeland.
– Aryann Charles, 16, from Lakeland (Bryann and Aryann are
brothers).
– Delfino Perez-Garcia, 14, from Lakeland.
Each suspect was charged with: Attempted 2nd Degree Murder (F1, 12-counts), Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling (F2, 3-counts), Shooting from a Vehicle (F2, 3-counts), Shooting in a Residential Area (M1, 3-counts), Improper Exhibition of a Firearm (M1, 3-counts), Possession of a Firearm by a Person Under 18 (M1, 3-counts), and Culpable Negligence (M2, 3-counts).
During a seven-day undercover human trafficking operation, which began on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Vice Unit arrested Maria Guzman and Freddy Escalona for human trafficking.
Maria Guzman, DOB 5/29/1987, of Orlando, was charged with Human Trafficking (F1), and Deriving Proceeds. Guzman trafficked two victims from a hotel in Orlando. She set up their “dates” and profited from the money they made.
According to Sheriff Judd Guzman is here illegally in the United States.
Freddy Escalona, DOB 9/6/1993, of Chicago, Illinois, was charged with Human Trafficking (F1), and Deriving Proceeds from Prostitution (F2). Escalona loaned a victim money to fix her car and made her prostitute herself to pay back the money. He drove the victim to the undercover location, and was taken into custody. He told detectives that he had “several females that he worked” who paid him to transport them and “keep them safe.” The investigation is ongoing, and further charges are pending.
LAKELAND, FL (September 28, 2023) – On Thursday, September 28, 2023, at approximately 12:26 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 2500 block of Kathleen Road for a traffic crash involving a pedestrian. At the scene, officers located an unresponsive male who had been struck by a black Lexus. The Lakeland Police Department, Polk County Fire Rescue, and the Lakeland Fire Department all arrived to begin life-saving measures. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, the pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Based on information gathered at the scene, officers believe the Lexus was traveling southbound on Kathleen Road in the inside lane approaching Mall Hill Road. At the same time, the pedestrian was attempting to cross the roadway eastbound and entered the path of the Lexus and was struck. The driver of the Lexus remained at the scene and was not injured.
The roadway was shut down for approximately 6 hours to process the scene for the ongoing investigation. At this time, the deceased’s name is not being released pending the open investigation in accordance with Marsy’s Law.
Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Traffic Crash Inspector Officer Tyler Anderson at [email protected].
On September 27, 2023 Lake Wales Police responded to a disturbance in the area of Highway 60 and 4th Street in Lake Wales. When Officers arrived they met with an adult victim who reported he was approached by a male subject who was armed with a handgun. The male reportedly opened the victim’s car door, pointing the handgun at him. The victim attempted to flee at which time he crashed his vehicle into a small concrete pole. The suspect fled the area in a silver Kia Soul as the victim called 911.
Within minutes of the call, Officers located the Kia in the alley between Polk and Townsend Avenues near Polk Avenue Elementary school. Initially, Officers believed one subject may have fled on foot at which time the school was placed in a state of heightened security. A short time later it was determined Officers had located and detained all the subjects involved and the school was notified to release students as normal.
During the investigation two 18 year old males were arrested and charged with the following: Joemil Olivers, of Lake Wales, was charged with armed burglary with an assault. Also charged was Alberto Cervantes, also of Lake Wales, who was charged with possession of a firearm by a delinquent person.
This does not appear to be a random act, as the victim was an acquaintance of the suspects.
If you have information regarding this case please contact the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223. Or, if you would like to stay anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD through Heartland Crime Stoppers:
Sheriff Grady Judd will brief the media at 10:00 a.m. this morning (Thursday, September 28, 2023) at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd in Winter Haven, about a seven-day-long multi-agency undercover operation focused on human trafficking, during which 219 arrests were made of suspects who solicited prostitutes and those who offered to commit prostitution, and other suspects who profited from or aided & abetted prostitution.
During this investigation, 21 victims of human trafficking were identified.
Two suspects so far have been charged with human trafficking, a life felony.
Among those arrested for soliciting a prostitute was a Polk County School athletic director and coach.
Sheriff Judd will be joined by detectives and representatives from local law enforcement agencies, as well as social services organizations who offered help for human trafficking victims
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has been notified that 35-year old Jose Chaidez of Haines City has been arrested in Lake County.
Chaidez was wanted by the PCSO for: attempted 2nd degree murder, armed burglary with battery, burglary with battery, criminal mischief, and stalking (DV). The charges are the result of Chaidez’s violent attacks on two people in a Haines City store on Saturday.
At this time, we do not have any specific details regarding his arrest. He is being booked into the Lake County Jail and will be brought back to Polk County in the near future.
——— Previous Article ———
35-year-old Jose Chaidez of Haines City is wanted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for battering his 64-year-old former girlfriend and then severely beating another man who tried to intervene in his attack on the woman.
Chaidez is wanted for: attempted 2nd degree murder, armed burglary with battery, burglary with battery, criminal mischief, and stalking (DV). The attacks occurred at J and S Food Mart located at 3084 East Hinson Avenue, Haines City, Florida on Saturday, September 23, at around 4:23 p.m
Chaidez threatened the woman at the store with a butcher knife, slapped her with the knife, struck her and pulled her by the hair. A 43-year-old Haines City man saw the violence occurring and stepped forward in an attempt to stop the man from beating the woman and taking the woman from the store. Chaidez overpowered the man and repeatedly struck him in the head while he laid unconscious on the floor.
Chaidez then engaged with another man, hitting him, then left the store before deputies and EMS arrived. The second man was not seriously injured and left before deputies could identify or interview him. Deputies are asking for this man to come forward so we can hold Chaidez accountable for the battery.
The Good Samaritan was transported to an area hospital where he remains hospitalized. The victim remains in critical condition at this time but is improving and is expected to recover.
“We need to locate this very violent man and put him in jail where he belongs. Anyone who would beat up a 64 year old woman and then ruthlessly beat up a man who tried to help a woman in distress, is a menace and needs to be locked up. If you know where Jose Chaidez is, call us or call Crime Stoppers. This guy needs to be held accountable.” Grady Judd, Sheriff
An extensive search was completed in an effort to locate the suspect; however, deputies were unable to locate Chaidez. Deputies are asking the public to help us locate and arrest Chaidez. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.
Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous, and be eligible for a cash reward, can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
or DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
Jose Manuel Chaidez’s criminal history includes aggravated assault with a weapon, battery domestic violence, kidnapping/false imprisonment, resisting an officer without violence, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, hit and run, battery, and battery DV
