Worst Crimes Of 2015: Featuring Stories Of Bill Cosby, Aaron Hernandez, Jared Fogle & More [VIDEO}
2015 was a year that saw the wide scope of crimes. From technological warfare to terrorist attacks to shootings to financial crimes: 2015 had them all (and then some). Here's the rundown on some of the worst crimes of 2015. They may be over, but the ramifications of these events will echo well into the future.
San Bernadino Shooting
On Dec. 2, married couple Syed Farook and Tashfeen Malik attacked a local health department office with guns blazing. By the end, 14 people were dead and another 22 were injured; Farook and Malik were later killed in a shoot-out with police.
Bill Cosby Arrest
It came in just under the wire, but the famous comedian's arrest is another chapter in one of the worst crime stories of 2015. After allegations from more than 50 women emerged stating that Cosby drugged and raped them, the actor was finally charged in the 2004 drugging and aggravated sexual assault of Andrea Constand. Cosby was arrested and later released on $1 million bail.
Robert Durst Recording
The suspected serial killer and millionaire was accused of murdering his wife (and numerous others), but had managed to evade police and claim his innocence for several decades. While filming a documentary called The Jinx, microphones overheard Durst talking to himself: “There it is. You’re caught. What the hell did I do? Killed them all, of course.” Suddenly, the case against Durst completely turned around.
Planned Parenthood Attack
On Nov. 27, Robert Dear walked into a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado and began shooting. By the time police were able to take him into custody, three people were dead, including an officer of the law. During his court hearing, Dear was heard to shout, “I am guilty. There will be no trial.”
The Death Of Freddie Gray
In April, 25-year-old Freddie Gray was arrested by Baltimore police officers for illegally possessing a switchblade. A week later he was dead. While in police custody, Gray suffered a broken neck and went into a coma. Six police officers were charged, but the judge ultimately declared a mistrial in the face of a hung jury.
On-Air Murder
Reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward were hard at work conducting an interview when the attack came. Former newsman Vester Lee Flanagan wanted revenge on the station that fired him; his plan involved shooting Parker and Ward as the cameras rolled, providing live footage of the murders. Flanagan was later killed in a car crash while attempting to evade the police.
Community College Shooting
The students and faculty of Umpqua Community College were subject to a bloody attack on Oct. 1. The student gunman, Chris Harper Mercer, managed to murder nine people and injure nine others before killing himself. Officials credited the intervention of fellow student and Army veteran Chris Mintz with reducing the number of casualties.
Charleston Church Attack
On June 17 the congregation of the Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina experienced a brutal attack. Nine church members were slaughtered; suspect Dylann Roof allegedly chose the church for his attack because most of the congregation was black. His actions in large part led to a public outcry to remove the Confederate flag from government buildings throughout the South.
Paris Attacks
Nov. 13
erupted into chaos throughout Paris, after coordinated attacks across the city left 139 dead. 89 of those killed had been at an Eagles of Death Metal show held at the famous Bataclan Theatre. The attacks included mass shootings and the use of explosive devices. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claimed responsibility for the terrorist attacks.
The Death Of Sandra Bland
Sandra Bland was a young woman driving on her way to a new job when she was pulled over for a minor traffic violation by a Texas State Trooper. An altercation with the officer led to her being arrested. Three days later she was found hanging dead in her cell. The official cause of death was suicide, but the public demanded a full investigation of the events leading up to her death. Ultimately no indictments were handed down in the case.
Jared Fogle's Arrest
He was the iconic spokesperson for the sandwich chain Subway until sinister allegations changed everything. On Aug. 19, Fogle agreed to plead guilty to two counts: possession and distribution of child pornography, as well as crossing state lines to engage in sexual activities with a minor. Fogle was sentenced to 15 years, 8 months in a federal prison.
The Escaped Inmates
In June, convicted inmates David Sweat and Richard Matt broke out of an upstate New York prison. Both were serving life sentences for murder. Aided by prison worker Joyce Mitchell, Sweat and Matt evaded police for three weeks. Eventually Sweat was captured, and Matt was killed trying to escape authorities.
The Trial Of Aaron Hernandez
Aaron Hernandez
was a tight end for the New England Patriots with numerous accolades to his name. But on April 22 everything changed for the former tight-end when he was indicted in the murder of Odin Lloyd. Lloyd had been a friend and semi-professional linebacker. At the time of his death he was dating the sister of Hernandez' fiancee. Hernandez was found guilty of first degree murder and is serving a life sentence with no possibility of parole.
Baby Doe's Identity
Also known as 'Baby Doe' and the 'Deer Island Jane Doe,' Bella Bond was a two-year-old girl whose remains where discovered in a plastic bag off the coast of Boston. For 83 days authorities struggled to identify her remains or discover what had happened to her. Facial reconstruction technology was employed in the efforts to help learn her identity. Eventually she was determined to be Bella Bond, a little girl from Dorchester, Massachusetts. Bella's mother Rachelle Bond and her ex-boyfriend Michael McCarthy have been charged with the little girl's murder.
Oklahoma Cop & Serial Rapist
Daniel Holtzclaw is a former Oklahoma police officer who came into the public spotlight when he was charged with raping and sexually assaulting multiple women throughout Oklahoma City. He targeted African-American women from poor socio-economic classes for months on end. His crimes went on undetected until one woman went to the police and exposed him. Holtzclaw was found guilty on 18 charges. The jury recommended him for 263 years in prison. His sentencing will occur in January 2016.
