Cops: La. woman set herself on fire, wrote slurs

Investigators say the woman who claimed she was the victim of a violent racially-motivated attack fabricated the claims and actually set herself on fire. Paige Brown reports.

By Andrew Mach, NBC News

The Louisiana woman who told police that she was set on fire by three men and that her car had racial slurs smeared on it did the heinous actions she described herself, authorities now believe.

Sharmeka Moffitt, 20, told police she parked her car by a walking trail in Civitan Park in Winnsboro, La., on Sunday evening to go exercise when she was set on fire by three men who she described as wearing white hoodies. She was able to extinguish the flames herself and when police found her car, the letters "KKK" and the N-word had been scrawled across the hood.

But what had the rumblings of a hate crime was all?apparently a "self-inflicted situation," police said.

?In less than 24 hours, the state crime lab was able to analyze the evidence found at the scene, including a cigarette lighter, lighter fluid and also the hood of the car that had a paste-like substance spread across it, and it identified [Moffitt?s] fingerprints as well as some female DNA,? Louisiana State Police Capt. Doug Cain told NBC News. ?With this evidence, investigators were able to determine that she was alone in the park that night and made up the story.?

---

Stay informed with the latest headlines; sign up for our newsletter

Authorities released their findings at a press conference Tuesday evening.?The Louisiana State Police, the Winnsboro Police Department, the Franklin Parish Sheriff?s Department and the FBI were all assisting in the investigation. ?

?This has been a very disturbing case for all involved,? Franklin Parish Sheriff Kevin Cobb?said. ?All of the evidence indicates this was a self-inflicted situation.?

Cain said police have not yet spoken with Moffitt, who underwent surgery Tuesday to treat burns covering more than 60 percent of her body on her chest, back, arms and legs. ?We certainly hope to speak with her about it, but her health comes first,? Cain said. Moffitt remains in critical condition in the burn unit at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, the Shreveport Times reported.

A few hours after police said Moffitt had lied, nearly 130 residents of the?tight-knit?Winnsboro community attended a candlelight vigil at Civitan Park Tuesday night to offer prayers and support to Moffitt and her family.

In a statement, Moffitt?s family said, ?Our family is devastated to learn the circumstances surrounding our daughter?s injuries. While this was not the resolution we had expected, it is a resolution, and we appreciate the thorough investigation by the local and state police, as well as federal agencies.?

Val Horvath Davidson / The Shreveport Times

Edna Moffitt, the mother of burn victim Sharmeka Moffitt, wipes away tears during a press conference at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, La., on Tuesday.

?We are sincerely sorry for any problems this may have caused and wish to express our appreciation for the outpouring of love, prayers and support we have received from friends, acquaintances, church organizations and government officials.??

While Cain said he hasn?t seen anything of this nature in the area before, this isn?t the first time alleged hate crimes have been exposed as hoaxes.

A Nebraska woman who claimed she was the victim of a homophobic hate crime in July was subsequently charged with making false claims to police after they spent three weeks investigating the case and discovered no clues or leads in the case. ?

The woman, Charlie Rogers, 33, told police three men wearing black ski masks broke into her home during the early morning hours, bound her wrists and ankles with zip ties, beat her and carved anti-gay slurs into her arms and abdomen. Because of inconsistencies in Roger?s various accounts of the attack and conflicting forensic evidence, police arrested Rogers.

Watch the most-viewed videos on NBCNews.com?

A Washington state woman who falsely claimed a stranger had thrown a cup of acid in her face in August 2010 later admitted her injuries were self-inflicted and part of an attempt to kill herself.

28-year-old Bethany Storro was charged with three counts of felony theft for allegedly taking more than $28,000 in donations from people believing she had been assaulted by a stranger. When the acid proved not to be fatal, Storro told a detective that she could at least get plastic surgery on her face.?

Police have not yet said whether Moffitt will face criminal charges due to the attack.

Frankin Parish District Attorney Mack Lancaster told NBC News that ?there is a distinct possibility that [Moffitt] might at this point be charged, but I have not yet received any investigative reports on the incident,? he said. ?We will review those reports just as in all cases and determine what, if any, charges will follow.?

More content from NBCNews.com:

Follow US news from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook?

?

Source: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/24/14667134-police-louisiana-woman-set-herself-on-fire-wrote-racial-slurs?lite

jobs report tiger woods masters 2012 nikki haley stan van gundy navy jet crash virginia beach crash stephen hawking

Electronics In Kids' Bedroom Linked To Poor Sleep And Obesity ...

From Zee News?..

Children with one or more electronic devices in the bedroom?TVs, computers, video games and cellphones? are far more likely to be overweight or obese, a new research has warned.

The researchers conducted a survey of almost 3,400 5th grade students in the province of Alberta, Canada. They wanted to see if there was a relationship between a child?s sleeping habits, the number of electronic devices in their bedroom, and their weight.

The results showed that as little as one hour of additional sleep decreased the odds of being overweight or obese by 28 per cent and 30 per cent, respectively.

?If you want your kids to sleep better and live a healthier lifestyle, get the technology out of the bedroom,? said co-author Paul Veugelers, a professor in the School of Public Health, Canada Research Chair in Population Health and Alberta Innovates ? Health Solutions Health Scholar.

Nearly 3,400 Grade 5 students were asked about their night time sleep habits and access to electronics through the REAL Kids Alberta survey. Half of the students had a TV, DVD player or video game console in their bedroom, 21 per cent had a computer and 17 per cent had a cellphone. Five per cent of students had all three types of devices.

Some 57 per cent of students reported using electronics after they were supposed to be asleep, with watching TV and movies being the most popular activity. Twenty-seven per cent of students engaged in three or more activities after bedtime.

Researchers found that students with access to one electronic device were 1.47 times as likely to be overweight as kids with no devices in the bedroom. That increased to 2.57 times for kids with three devices, with similar results reported among obese children.

More sleep also led to significantly more physical activity and better diet choices, researchers found.

Co-author Christina Fung noted that children today are not sleeping as much as previous generations, with two-thirds not getting the recommended hours of sleep per night. In addition to healthy lifestyle habits, a good night?s sleep has been linked to better academic outcomes, fewer mood disorders and other positive health outcomes, she said.

To read the full story?..Click here

Source: http://www.lensaunders.com/wp/?p=5853

sugar bowl mild kidney failure presidential candidates celebrity wife swap gla republican candidates mike martz

Free Legal Help in Las Vegas ? CBS Las Vegas

(Las Vegas CBS KXNT)? Nevada?s legal community is marking National Pro Bono week with a series of events to help the public get answers to legal questions.

Free fifteen-minute consultations with lawyers are available today at the East Las Vegas Community Center?from noon until 2:30 p.m.? No appointments are necessary.

?This is special in that it?s a large-scale walk-in (event), and that it?s in all areas,? Kristina Marzec?told KXNT on Monday.? ?just show up, last-minute, and tell us what your issue is,???she said.

Other events are listed on a calendar of all Pro Bono Week events across the state.? The Las Vegas Events are:

Tuesday 10/23

Legal Aid Fair Community Event

Time: 11:30 a.m. to Noon

Location: East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas NV

Hosted by: Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada and Southern Nevada Senior Law Program

Wednesday 10/24

Landlord Tenant Ask-A-Lawyer Program

Time: 10 a.m. ? Noon and 1 p.m. ? 3 p.m.

Location: Civil Law Self-Help Center, Regional Justice Center (200 Lewis Ave.)

Federal Court? Ask-A-Lawyer Program

Time: 2:00 ? 5:00 p.m.

Location: Lloyd George United States Courthouse, Jury Assembly Room (333 Las Vegas Blvd. South)

Thursday 10/25
Ask-A-Lawyer at Family Court

Time: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: Family Court Self-Help Center

Sponsored by: The Family Court Self-Help Center, Eighth Judicial District

Contact: Self Help Center, (702) 455-0021; or Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, (702) 386-1070 ext. 137, probono@lacsn.org

Source: http://lasvegas.cbslocal.com/2012/10/23/free-legal-help-in-las-vegas/

morgellons nhl all star draft touch nitrous oxide rihanna thug life tattoo chuck pagano arizona governor

Lance Armstrong Livestrong Benefit Lacks Celebrities On Red Carpet

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Naomie Harris and Daniel Craig attended the Royal World Premiere of "Skyfall" at Royal Albert Hall on October 23 in London, England. Bond, James Bond.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Taylor Swift performed live on ABC's "Good Morning America" in Times Square on October 23 in NYC. The star released her latest album "Red" on Oct. 22.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Katie Holmes rocked a black dress at the Narciso Rodriguez For Kohl's DesigNation Collection Launch at the IAC Building in NYC October 22.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Mariah Carey toted her tiny tot Monroe while out and about in the Tribeca area of NYC on October 22. Don't they look spec-tacular?

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Victoria Beckham left Industria Studios in New York City on October 22. Posh looks as stylish as ever ...

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

"90210" star Shenae Grimes was spotted leaving the gym in Los Angeles, Calif., on October 22. The actress used Simple Skincare Cleansing Facial Wipes after her workout.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Katie Holmes shared a laugh with her daughter Suri Cruise while walking her to school in New York City on October 22. Holmes carried a large Starbucks coffee as she joked with the 6-year-old.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Rob Kardashian kept his breath fresh with Dentyne Split2Fit while carving some pumpkins in Los Angeles, Calif., on October 22.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield <a href="http://www.x17online.com/celebrities/emma_stone/emma_stone_andrew_garfield_hike_coldwater_canyon_spiderman_couple_photos_102212.php">went to the ArcLight theater in Los Angeles, Calif.</a>, to catch a movie on Oct. 21, looking as lovey dovey as ever.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Ashton Kutcher <a href="http://www.x17online.com/celebrities/ashton_kutcher/exclusive_photos_ashton_kutcher_supports_chicago_bears_football_hester_jersey_dog_102212.php#8ovLjKUoQlVbOq8R.99">walked his dog</a> in his Los Angeles, Calif., neighborhood on Oct. 21. The actor was all decked out in Chicago Bears attire.

Celebrity News: October 2012

Adele <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/21/adele-baby-boy-simon-konecki_n_1855810.html?utm_hp_ref=celebrity">welcomed a baby boy</a> with her beau Simon Konecki. The singer is said to be "over the moon."

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Beyonce and Jay-Z enjoyed a romantic dinner date in NYC's Battery park neighborhood on October 20. Don't you love these two?

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Ashley Greene debuted her red hair, reportedly for her role in the new movie about the punk-rock scene, "CBGB," while having lunch with friends at an outdoor cafe in the West Village, NYC on October 20.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Jessica Simpson <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/20/jessica-simpsons-legs-are-on-full-display-short-shorts-photo_n_1992985.html">flaunted her toned legs</a> as she headed out on a shopping trip in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Oct. 20. Look at those super short-shorts!

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Reese Witherspoon went on a shopping date with her son Deacon in Santa Monica, Calif., on October 19. The new mom flaunted her post-baby body after giving birth to son Tennessee James three weeks ago.

Celebrity News: October 2012

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel tied the knot in Italy, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/19/justin-timberlake-jessica-biel-married_n_1803447.html?utm_hp_ref=celebrity">People announced on Oct. 19</a>. The couple, who have been dating for five years, say, "It's great to married." Congrats!

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Kate Hudson walked through Roissy Airport with her kids Bingham and Ryder on October 18 in Paris, France. The "Glee" star is in town to watch her fiance Matt Bellamy perform with his band Muse.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Michael Strahan stopped by 7-Eleven to pick up 7-Election Presidential Coffee Cup Poll cups for to the staff at ?LIVE with Kelly and Michael? on October 18 in NYC

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Sophia Bush and Brittany Snow looked gorgeous as they attended the Third Annual Autumn Party held at The London Hotel in West Hollywood, Calif., on October 17.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Bryan Cranston, Ben Affleck and John Goodman walked the red carpet at the "Argo" premiere as part of the 56th BFI London Film Festival in London on October 17.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Kim Kardashian arrived at the Miami airport in Miami, Fla., to catch a flight on October 17. The reality star flaunted her famous curves in tight leather pants and a sheer top.

Celebrity News: October 2012

Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green revealed that they welcomed a son, Noah Shannon, on Sept. 27. The new mom announced the news on her Facebook, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/17/noah-shannon-green-megan-fox-brian-austin-green-baby-boy_n_1974196.html?utm_hp_ref=celebrity">writing</a>, "I am forever grateful to God for allowing me to know this kind of boundless, immaculate love."

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

"Glee" star Matthew Morrison and girlfriend Renee Puente strolled hand in hand after stopping off at their local Starbucks in NYC on October 17.

Celebrity News: October 2012

"Bachelorette" star Emily Maynard and her fiance Jef Holm <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/17/emily-maynard-jef-holm-break-up-bachelorette-couple-confirms_n_1973123.html?utm_hp_ref=celebrity">revealed that they have in fact called it quits</a>. The couple says the relationship just wasn't working, with Emily admitting, "It was a very difficult and heartbreaking decision."

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Halle Berry stopped by Bristol Farms for groceries in Beverly Hills, on October 16. The engaged star looked ageless in short shorts and a T-shirt that read, "Got to have faith."

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Cate Blanchett walked with her youngest son, Ignatius, who was busy munching on some ice cream, as the two were out and about in Los Angeles on October 16.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

John Mayer and Katy Perry cast doubt on the end of their romance as the pair went for a birthday lunch in NYC's West Village neighborhood to celebrate John's 35th birthday on Oct. 16.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Taylor Momsen films a scene for the TV show "Gossip Girl" in New York City on October 16

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

"A Good Day To Die Hard" actor Bruce Willis took a stroll through the streets of Paris, France, with his wife Emma Heming on October 16.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson reunited over lunch with friends in Silverlake, Calif., on Oct. 15. The pair will begin press for the last "Twilight" film, "Breaking Dawn - Part 2," in the coming weeks.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Gwyneth Paltrow looked gorgeous at the God's Love We Deliver 2012 Golden Heart Awards Celebration at the Cunard Building in New York City on Oct. 15. We're loving her cutout dress!

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Zooey Deschanel was spotted looking "adorkable" as always in a pink summer floral dress while walking to the set of "The New Girl" at the LA Zoo, Los Angeles, Calif., on Oct. 15

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Sarah Michelle Gellar picked up her daughter Charlotte from school in Santa Monica, Calif., on October 15. She looks slim and trim just weeks after giving birth to her second child with Freddie Prinze Jr.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Christina Aguilera and her beau Matthew Rutler took her son Max to Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch on October 14. Pumpkins? We couldn't take our eyes off of Xtina's hot pink hair!

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Kim Kardashian apparently left her underwear at home as she headed out for an early dinner with boyfriend Kanye West in a see-through skirt and bra-top in Miami on October 14.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Owen Wilson went to the farmer's market with his son, Robert Ford, and mother, Laura, in Malibu, Calif., on October 14. The actor tried to stay incognito in a baseball cap.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Holly Madison flaunted her baby bump at an event benefitting shelter dogs in Las Vegas, Nev., on October 13. The former "Girls Next Door" star is expecting her first child.

Celebrity News: October 2012

Russell Crowe and his wife Danielle Spencer <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/14/russell-crowe-danielle-spencer-separate-after-nine-years_n_1965002.html?utm_hp_ref=celebrity">have reportedly split after nine years of marriage</a>. The couple have two sons together, Charles, 8, and Tennyson, 6.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner took their daughters out to dinner at Toscana restaurant in Brentwood, Calif., on October 13. Affleck is celebrating the box office success of his new film, "Argo."

Celebrity Photos: October 12

Matthew McConaughey looked frail as he left a gym in Austin, Tex., on October 12. The actor is losing 30 pounds for his role in "The Dallas Buyer's Club."

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Marion and Tabitha, the adorable twins of Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker, were all smiles as they enjoyed a playdate in New York City on October 12. How cute are these two gals?

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Olivia Wilde took her favorite pal, Paco the dog, out on a walk in New York City on October 12. The actress and her beau Jason Sudeikis have been spotted all over Manhattan over the last few months.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Kate Hudson wore a plunging red dress to the amfAR Inspiration Gala honoring Kevin Huvane at Milk Studios in Los Angeles, Calif., on October 11. Hudson's "Glee" co-star Sarah Jessica Parker and her "Sex and the City" buddy Kristin Davis also attended the event.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Lindsay Lohan attended The Mr. Pink Ginseng Drink Launch Party held at The Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., on October 11. The troubled star has been making headlines again for her recent battle with mom, Dina.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

'Argo' director and star Ben Affleck spent a little cash at Barneys New York in Beverly Hills, Calif., on October 11.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani and her husband Gavin Rossdale stepped out for a coffee run to Starbucks on October 11 in Studio City, Calif.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Jennifer Lopez, her twins Max and Emme and boyfriend Casper Smart arrived in Bologna for a concert on October 11.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Khloe Kardashian showed off her curves as she went for coffee during a break from a photo shoot for U.K. women's store Dorothy Perkins with her sisters in Miami on October 10.

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Isla Fisher picked up her little ballerina Elula from dance class in Los Angeles on October 10. The actress's youngest daughter with Sacha Baron Cohen has gotten so big!

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Emma Stone looked geek-chic while hanging out with a guy friend in Hollywood on Oct. 9. Stone can definitely pull off the nerdy look!

Celebrity Photos: October 2012

Christina Aguilera and her boyfriend Matthew Rutler hopped into a limo after leaving Barneys New York in Beverly Hills on Oct. 9.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/22/lance-armstrong-livestrong-celebrities_n_2003295.html

alex smith alex smith robert deniro mexico news the talented mr ripley weather new orleans orcl

L&T Finance Holdings buys FamilyCredit for Rs 120 cr | Deccan ...

L&T Finance Holdings Ltd today said it has acquired FamilyCredit Ltd, an auto finance company, from its French parent for Rs 120 crore.

In a filing to the BSE, L&T Finance Holdings said, ?It entered into definitive agreements with France?s Societe Generale Consumer Finance on October 19, for the acquisition of 100 per cent of FamilyCredit Ltd (FCL), a well established NBFC with presence across two-wheeler and auto financing.?

The consideration to be paid to complete the acquisition is Rs 120 crore, it said

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, the statement added. Y.M. Deosthalee, chairman & managing director of LTFH, said, ?The business synergises well with our existing retail financing business and provides opportunity for us to further expand our product offering in the consumer finance domain.?

The acquisition will consolidate LTFH?s presence in auto financing business in India, it said.

As of June 30, FCL had loan book size of Rs 1,287 crore of which two-wheeler financing constituted 53 per cent and car financing 35 per cent. It has 53 branches across 16 states in India and presence in more than 1,400 dealer outlets with a customer base in excess of 400,000.

Shares of L&T Finance were trading higher by 0.46 per cent at Rs 54.30 on the BSE at 1145 hrs.

Source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/nation/south/lt-finance-holdings-buys-familycredit-rs-120-cr-327

hillary rosen j.k. rowling j.k. rowling axl rose google earnings pat burrell hilary rosen

Successful Debt Management Starts with You | Web Money

Posted by mamette on October 23rd, 2012 | Rating 9.0 ?Outstanding

Successful Debt Management Starts with You is a post originally published on: Everything Finance ? Everything Finance ? Its all about Money!

Image Source: http://www.prlog.org

In a perfect world we would all be debt free and have money set aside for retirement. Unfortunately we don?t live in a perfect world and good hardworking people are saddled with debt and struggle to save for their future. Many people go about their daily lives waiting for a solution to their debt problems to fall from the sky until one day they hit rock bottom and decide they need to get some help.

Help comes in many forms and no individual debt relief option is right for everybody. The value in knowing your options and choosing one that works for you is like taking your first step. Scary as it may be, making the decision to do something about your debt puts you in control of your debt instead of the other way around.

There?s an option called a Debt Management Plan (DMP), it?s not bankruptcy, its not settlement it?s a way to pay back what you owe your creditors quickly, on terms you can afford.

Here?s how a Debt Management Company can help you.

• The debt management company signs you up for a DMP, bringing all your financial obligations (e.g. unsecured debt and credit card accounts) under one umbrella for easier management.
• Shortly before your first payments are due to your creditors, your debt management company sends proposals to your creditors, requesting special benefits to help you repay your debt as long as you make regular and timely payments. Benefits may include lower interest rates, waived late and over-the-limit fees, and reduced monthly payments.
• You make a single monthly payment to the debt management company, which uses those funds to pay your creditors on your behalf.
• Generally, after you have made three consecutive payments, your creditors will extend benefits through the DMP.
• You continue making payments on your DMP ? often at a reduced amount secured by your debt management company.
• Finally, you make your last payment at the end of your DMP and smile because you have paid off your debt in full.

A Debt Management Plan is not a fall from the sky solution but it is an option to help solve financial problems over a short period of time, typically between three and five years. ?It takes a strong commitment and tenacity to start and stick to a Debt Management Plan.

Then, when you?ve completed your DMP, you can move forward and manage your finances on your own, armed with the knowledge gained through this process. Hard work now, yields a happier wallet later.

everythingfinanceblog

Tagged With : Debt, Management, Starts, Successful,

Source: http://webmoney.blogmamet.com/2012/10/successful-debt-management-starts-with-you/

casey anthony video diary lamarcus aldridge jeremy renner justin timberlake engaged bluefin tuna jonestown john dillinger

Are you ordering a new iPad mini, iPad 4, iMac, 13-inch Macbook Pro, or Mac mini?

So Apple has announced the iPad mini, along with a next-generation iPad 4, a new Mac mini, and a new iMac. Are you getting any of them? All of them?

Tell us which ones you're going get in the poll up top, and tell us why (or why not) in the comments below. (I have to review them, so my excuses are ready...!)

Ipad Mini

Mac Mini

Imac

Ipad 4

Featured Video

Regular Features

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/0VKyGqUg7tw/story01.htm

Rio de Janeiro Shark Week London 2012 closing ceremony Shark Week 2012 evelyn lozada UFC 150 Caster Semenya