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Time of India
04-07-2025
- Time of India
Who is Indian-origin Sonny Bharadia who spent 20 years in US jail in a false case despite DNA evidence?
Gujarati-origin Sonny Bharadia was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole in 2003 in a case of burglary and sexual assault which took place in a town which he had never visited. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 22 years later, Bharadia was exonerated fully on May 16 in a case of justice delayed. in 2001, the incident took place in Thunderbolt and Sonny Bhaeadia was 250 miles away in Lithonia. Sonny's car was at the crime spot and that took away decades from Sonny's life as he could not convince the justice system that he had already reported to the police that his car was stolen. Strling Flint, an acquaintance of Sonny, had stolen the car and threatened to kill Sonny, which Sonny reported to the police. The victim also identified Sterling Flint as he possible attacker. But when the victim was not shown Flint's photo and was shown Sonny's photo, the victim identified Sonny as the attacker. Both Sonny and Sterling were charged; Sterling pleaded guilty to stealing, but on the condition that he wouldn't be prosecuted for a sex crime. Sterling testified against Bharadia and Bharadia was convicted. DNA matching technology did not exist at that time Georgia Innocence Project, which took up Sonny's case, claimed that when the trial began, there was no technology to match DNA evidence. The woman who was assaulted reported that the assailant wore gloves -- the same ones that were found from Sterling. "However, several years later, when Georgia Innocence Project took on Sonny's case, DNA testing technology had advanced to the point that 'touch' DNA testing could be performed on the gloves. Using DNA from skin cells left on the gloves, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was able to extract a DNA profile and compare it with a sample obtained from Sonny. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The DNA didn't match. It did, however, match someone else: Sterling Flint," it said. But it was already 2022 and a new hearing was scheduled in 2023. In 2024, a habeas relief was granted to Sonny and in 2025, he was fully exonerated. Bharadia said he's grateful for walking free; he waited years for this day. He was in his twenties when he went to jail, and spent his 30s and 40s in jail, as he's going to be 51 soon. Though his family has Indian origin, he has never visited India and his parents were also not born in India. After his arrest, his family members drifted away and now he is starting afresh with his mother.
NBC News
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
With Emmy voting underway, Ramón Rodríguez wants to break barriers for Latinos on TV
A Latino actor has never won an Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a drama series, and 'Will Trent' star Ramón Rodríguez hopes he'll be the one to break that barrier. 'It's a sad and unfortunate reality,' the Puerto Rican actor said. 'It's not why I do what I do, obviously. But does it matter? Of course it does. Because what it does is it gives it a stamp of value.' 'It sort of says, 'Oh wow, this show is critically acclaimed,'' Rodríguez said. It would indicate that Latino actors can lead a television series with 'a compelling story and character.' In the history of the Emmys, only three Latinos have been nominated in that category: Pedro Pascal, who was nominated in 2023 for his starring role in 'The Last of Us;' Jimmy Smits, who was nominated five consecutive times from 1995 to 1999 for his performance in 'NYPD Blue'; and Jose Ferrer in 1953, when the category was just known as 'best actor.' From becoming a leading figure in reinventing police procedurals to starting his own production company 'to tell our stories,' Rodríguez is looking to make a difference at a time when few Latinos are leading TV shows. 'It is scary. ... I place a lot of pressure on myself in terms of wanting to continue to elevate,' Rodríguez said about the 'kind of unspoken' responsibility that comes with being part of the 4% of on-screen TV talent who are Latinos. 'Being Latino and Puerto Rican, there's no doubt that's something I'm very conscious and aware of,' Rodríguez said. 'I'm standing on shoulders of people who've paved that and made it a little easier for me. I'm hoping to make it a little bit easier for those who follow.' 'Will Trent' is based on Karin Slaughter's bestselling books of the same name. It follows a dyslexic orphan who endured physical trauma and abuse as he aged out of the foster care system in Atlanta. The character becomes an intuitive detective at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation who solves cases others can't. 'Will is an underdog,' Rodríguez said. 'All of those things are very loaded, heavy, monumental kind of moments in people's lives.' 'I quickly fell in love with his resilience and his heart, which are kind of deeply buried. I love that about him,' Rodríguez said of his character. Will Trent's beloved sidekick Betty, a pocket-sized Chihuahua he reluctantly adopted in Season 1, is perhaps the one character who can always tap into the harsh detective's soft side. 'There's such a beautiful story there that sort of says so much about who Will is,' Rodríguez said. Despite mixed reviews from critics, audiences have shown up for 'Will Trent,' which will start filming its fourth season later this summer, according to Rodríguez. The series, which airs on ABC and streams on Hulu and Disney+, amassed an average of 11.6 million viewers across multiple platforms during the 2024-25 season, according to Nielsen, which puts 'Will Trent' among the 10 most watched TV shows on prime time. 'The writers do a fantastic job of balancing comedy and drama,' Rodríguez said. 'That's a hard thing to do.' As the actor who plays Will Trent and the show's executive producer, Rodríguez said he is heavily involved in every aspect of bringing this character to life. He recalled shedding his ' Nuyorican' accent to create a dialect reflective of his character's unique experiences and developing Will Trent's signature look: a retro three-piece suit that serves almost like a protective armor for a character who struggles to show his vulnerable side. 'He's very different than any other character I've portrayed, which is exciting,' said Rodríguez, who is also known for playing memorable characters in TV shows including 'The Wire,' 'Day Break' and 'The Affair.' Season 4 of 'Will Trent' is expected to air on ABC early next year, Rodríguez said.
Toronto Sun
19-06-2025
- Toronto Sun
Georgia influencer found dead after pleading for help, husband fatally shoots himself
Georgia influencer found dead after pleading for help, husband fatally shoots himself A Georgia social media influencer was found dead in her home after she begged for help from her thousands of Facebook followers. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Her husband fatally shot himself after police located him and pulled over his vehicle hours later, authorities said. Try refreshing your browser, or Georgia influencer found dead after pleading for help, husband fatally shoots himself Try refreshing your browser, or Article content The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said in a statement that the death of 27-year-old Zaria Khadejah Carr is being probed following a request from the Twin City Police Department and the Emanuel County Sheriff's Office. RECOMMENDED VIDEO tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Play Video Police said officers were dispatched to a Twin City residence last Saturday at about 9:30 p.m. for a domestic disturbance. When officers arrived at the home, they found the woman, identified as Zaria Carr, unconscious. She was later pronounced dead. It remains unclear how she died. Cops said they couldn't immediately locate her husband, 36-year-old Shamarcus Jameal Carr. Her 2021 Dodge Challenger was also missing.
New York Post
19-06-2025
- New York Post
Influencer found dead after post pleading for ‘help' — with husband shooting himself as cops closed in
A social media influencer was found dead in her home after posting an ominous message begging for help — with her husband killing himself as police closed in on him hours later. Zaria Khadejah Carr, 27, was found dead in her home in Twin City, Georgia — about 80 miles northwest of Savannah — around 9:30 p.m. Saturday after police responded to a domestic disturbance, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Just over three hours prior, Zaria had posted a desperate plea for help to her 35,000 followers of her influencer Facebook page, where she went by Duchess Dior, People magazine reported. Advertisement 'I really don't know what to do,' reads the Duchess Dior's final post, shared around 6 p.m. Saturday. '.. but i need help before i lose my life or freedom ! My kids need me !' 4 Zaria Khadejah Carr was behind the Duchess Dior Facebook account with 35,000 followers. Facebook / Dutchess Díor 4 Shamarcus Jameal Carr shot himself as police closed in on him, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Facebook / Thè Frenchman Advertisement Her husband, Shamarcus Jameal Carr — a dog breeder known as the Frenchman online — was nowhere to be found when cops arrived and Zaria's 2021 Dodge Challenger was missing. The vehicle was located some 80 miles to the south in Wayne County just before 11 p.m. 4 Zaria shared an ominous Facebook post hours before she was found dead. But when Wayne County sheriff's deputies tried to stop it, Carr shot himself before they could take him into custody. Advertisement He was rushed to a local hospital where he later died. 4 Authorities are still investigating the couples' deaths. Facebook / Thè Frenchman Sources told People magazine that Shamarcus is the man behind The Frenchmen' Facebook account, which boasted 44,000 followers sharing his life as a French bulldog breeder. Shamarcus' page features photos of maternity shoots with a woman the source identifies as Dutchess Dior, whose first name is Zaria, sources confirmed to People. Advertisement It remains unclear how Zaria died. Police said the investigations into both their deaths remain 'active and ongoing.' If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to
Express Tribune
17-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Influencer Duchess Dior killed by husband after chilling Facebook Live argument
Social media influencer Zaria Khadejah Carr, widely known as Duchess Dior, was tragically killed by her husband Shamarcus Carr on June 14, 2025, following a heated Facebook Live argument. The 27-year-old mother of two was found dead in her Twin City, Georgia home from gunshot wounds. Authorities believe the fatal shooting occurred shortly after the couple streamed a tense live video, in which they publicly accused each other of infidelity. In one disturbing moment, Shamarcus threatened, 'You're going to make me kill you.' The Frenchmen & Dutches Dior final moments on live — EKid Knuck (@2SD_Knuck) June 16, 2025 Police were called around 9:30 p.m. after neighbors reported a domestic disturbance. When officers arrived, Zaria was unresponsive and later declared dead. Her husband and her 2021 black Dodge Challenger were missing, prompting a statewide alert. Just over an hour later, the vehicle was located in Wayne County. During a short police pursuit, Shamarcus reportedly shot himself. He died at a local hospital from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is now handling the case. Autopsies are underway to determine the full details of the incident. Zaria, known for her candid social media content on motherhood and relationships, had often gone live with her husband, sometimes revealing volatile moments. Her death has sparked outrage and sorrow online, reigniting conversations about domestic abuse, mental health, and the importance of recognizing red flags in relationships. Zaria leaves behind two children. The tragedy is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers many face behind closed doors.
