Here are some of the best stories from last week from NBC 6 News:
Miami man says wrongful conviction for 1990 murder ‘could have easily been avoided’
A Miami man who spent more than 30 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted in a 1990 murder case speaks out after his emotional release from prison.
Thomas Raynard James was just 23 when he was arrested for the January 17, 1990 murder of Francis McKinnon in Coral Gables. The 55-year-old was released on Wednesday after more than three decades in prison, after a Miami-Dade judge overturned his conviction and life sentence in the McKinnon murder.
NBC 6 caught up with James at his mother’s house on Thursday, where he was asked what it was like to wake up a free man. “It was beautiful, it was wonderful. I have to say, it’s one of the greatest feelings in the world right now,” he said.
Family and friends gather for a final farewell to the teenager who died trying to save a drowning driver. NBC 6’s Julie Leonardi has the story
‘Aden was my hero’: Final farewell for teenager who died trying to save drowning driver
A funeral was held on Monday for Aden Perry, the 17-year-old boy who died trying to save a drowning driver in Sunrise.
The service was held at a Plantation church where his mother, father and stepmother all spoke about Perry’s life and shared more about the night he died. “He was so full of life, passion and good intentions at that time,” said Perry’s mother who was with him in his final moments.
The two were out walking when a car plunged into a nearby lake and Perry jumped into the water to help 18-year-old driver Venkata Krishnamurthy, but both teenagers died.
“Aden was my everyday hero, and not just because of his last act,” his mother said. “He did so many good things in his life and I was so proud of him.” His instinct to act bravely and be selfless is something his parents say is part of his personality.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law a bill on Friday revoking the Walt Disney Company’s special district status in the state, just days after the legislation was first introduced on Tuesday. Reporting by NBC6’s Tony Pipitone.
Disney government in the dark over effect of law dissolving it
In Walt Disney World’s first private government meeting since Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law a measure to disband it next year, vvvv officials said Wednesday, even as some ripple effects were beginning to make themselves felt.
The government administrator, called Reedy Creek Improvement District, said the expansion of a solar power project could be delayed due to funding issues related to legislation, and the district’s firefighters’ union has expressed concerns. concerns about what disbanding might mean for members. lifetime benefits.
After the meeting, Donald Greer, a member of Reedy Creek’s board of supervisors since 1975, said the board could not provide clear answers on these questions because “we don’t know where we are going.”
The Broward County emergency call center is understaffed, and the sheriff told county commissioners his agency doesn’t have the money to fill vacancies. NBC 6’s Marissa Bagg reports
‘Everyone expects 911 to answer’: Broward struggles with understaffed 911 call center
The Broward County emergency call center is understaffed, and the sheriff told county commissioners his agency doesn’t have the money to fill vacancies.
Additionally, Sheriff Gregory Tony said Tuesday he’s also had trouble retaining other dispatchers who can make more money elsewhere. “We will continue to lose these people,” he warned. “It will always be a problem here, whether we want to admit it or not.”
Some Broward County commissioners told the sheriff to fix the issues immediately. “Give everybody a raise…and you won’t lose anybody,” Commissioner Mark Bogen told the sheriff. “You have the money to do it now without us giving you a dime.”
Tony told the commissioners on Tuesday that he would not make “random or quick decisions” that could create further problems. He agreed to make a presentation outlining financial needs at the May 10 commission meeting.
In recent years, we have lost more than two dozen teenagers and children to suicide in South Florida. NBC 6’s Willard Shepard shares the story of Colin Happ’s life and death. His family wants you to hear what happened in hopes they can help save someone else.
Their 13-year-old son died by suicide. They want to help save others.
Family videos and photos have captured countless moments in Colin Happ’s life: birthdays, vacations, family trips and many outdoor adventures.
“He was funny, had such a sense of humor, was kind, loving, always had a smile on his face,” his mother Colleen Happ said during an interview with NBC 6. His parents said Colin took advantage of his first year at Calvary Christian. Academy – a private school in Fort Lauderdale owned by the Calvary Chapel megachurch.
They said Colin got in trouble in March 2020 after he admitted selling a vape pen to another student and was expelled as a result. On March 4, 2020, a day after his eviction, Colin was left home alone. Colin committed suicide that day. He was only 13 years old.
Bryan and Colleen said it took time and a lot of prayer to be able to talk about what happened to Colin. But they decided to share their story because they hope they can help others who are struggling.
NBC 6 anchor Constance Jones chats with a South Florida designer who is looking to expand options for women to express their style.
Miami fashion designer responds to demand for modest clothing during Ramadan and Eid
At the end of the holy month of Ramadan, attention turns to the holiday of Eid al-Fitr. The three-day event is celebrated with tasty food and shopping, especially new clothes for the Eid al-Fitr celebration.
During this time of year, several fashion companies try to appeal to those who dress more modestly for their faith. These new trends are catching people’s attention, especially Ferhan Brhan, Miami boutique owner of Brhan’s Closet.
She said the charity of gifts has always been part of the Ramadan season, with gifts traditionally given during Eid al-Fitr. “It’s something you celebrate with your family, your friends, your loved ones,” she said. “And you want to give anything, but the best gift is something they can benefit from.”
That’s where her clothing lines come in. She was born and raised in Miami and struggled to find clothes that matched her faith. Thus, she was inspired to start her own collection.
