Latest news with #WOWT
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Nebraska woman finds 4 hidden tracking devices in her car, uncovering a dangerous gap in state's stalking laws
Getting stalked is terrifying, but realizing how it's happening can be just as disturbing. That's what one Nebraska woman discovered while searching for her lost AirPods between the seat and armrest of her car. Instead of earbuds, she pulled out a tracking device she didn't recognize, definitely didn't install. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it 'I was afraid to leave my house and take my dog for a walk because I didn't know if he was going to be there or what he was going to do,' the victim, whose identity is being withheld, told the First Alert 6 Investigates team at WOWT. And that was just the beginning. Using a plumber's camera and a device designed to detect trackers, she inspected the underside of her vehicle. What she found was chilling: four separate electronic tracking devices, each hidden in magnetic key holders and carefully placed beneath her car. Why current laws can't protect you The discovery of the four trackers wasn't enough to directly tie the evidence to the victim's ex. Nebraska's electronic stalking laws are considered weak because they don't explicitly prohibit the use of tracking devices without consent, especially when those devices are hidden on someone's vehicle or personal belongings. 'The problem in the law is that there's nothing prohibiting people from using AirTags or other devices to track individuals without their consent,' Deputy Sarpy County Attorney Leighandra Hazlett told First Alert 6 Investigates. Under Nebraska law 28-311.03, stalking is defined as '[a]ny person who willfully harasses another person or a family or household member of such person with the intent to injure, terrify, threaten or intimidate commits the offense of stalking.' In cases like this, the legal definition of stalking may not be sufficient. The victim — who suspects an abusive ex was tracking her — is urging lawmakers to close the gap in protections against digital surveillance. According to investigators, prosecuting these cases remains difficult under current statutes, which require proof of both intent and a repeated pattern of behavior. But as tracking technologies become more discreet and widely available, advocates argue the law needs to evolve. 'It's not a law right now, it's not illegal to track somebody,' the victim said. 'And that's scary.' Read more: Americans are 'revenge saving' to survive — but millions only get a measly 1% on their savings. How to protect yourself from digital tracking While an app that detects hidden tracking devices can help, it's often not enough to prove who placed them or why. That's why the victim went a step further, installing a dash cam and a rear-facing camera in her car to capture suspicious activity. If you're concerned you're being tracked, start by doing regular visual checks around your vehicle, especially under wheel wells, bumpers and behind license plates, where devices are often magnetically attached. Consider downloading a Bluetooth scanner app, which can alert you to unknown devices nearby. Keep a detailed log of any incidents, screenshots or messages that suggest stalking behavior. And if you find a device, don't remove it right away. Contact local law enforcement so it can be documented as evidence. These proactive steps helped detectives gather enough information to arrest 48-year-old Michael Hoerman, who later pleaded no contest to felony and misdemeanor stalking charges, as well as violating a protection order. He's currently being held on a $50,000 bond, with sentencing set for early September. As the victim continues taking steps to protect herself, prosecutors are urging Nebraska lawmakers to finally make electronic stalking a crime. What to read next This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid? Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Money doesn't have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
3 bodies found in Missouri River believed to be girls who went missing while fishing in Omaha
Authorities believe they have recovered the bodies of three girls who went missing after going on a fishing trip last month on the Missouri River in Omaha, Nebraska. Lah Tray Moo, 18, Laiana Green, 18, and Eh Cress Moo, 11, were out on the water and reported missing on April 15, according to NBC News affiliate WOWT. The station reported that they were with a 13-year-old relative who was unharmed. Authorities said one of the girls slipped into the river and the others went into the water in an attempt to rescue her. Lah Tray Moo's body was found on Saturday by a bystander at NP Dodge Park. A representative for the Omaha Police Department confirmed to NBC News that her body has been positively identified. Coby Werner, battalion chief, told WOWT at the time that the discovery could help recovery teams find the other two girls. "The indication is that maybe the girls are still up in this area," Werner said. "But with the way the river flows, you just never know, so we're going to continue, we're going to focus up here tomorrow, but we'll also continue to search down river as well just in case." In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the Omaha Fire Department confirmed that two more bodies were recovered in the river on Tuesday night. Eh Cress Moo would have turned 12 years old on April 22. Autopsies were still underway to confirm their identities, the police department said, but they are presumed to be the other two missing girls. "We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of these girls," the fire department wrote on Facebook. "The loss of these young lives has touched our entire community, and our hearts continue to be with you now and in the days ahead." A GoFundMe raising fund for the Moo family to cover funeral expenses asked for prayers and support as they handle the "devastating loss." "This is a nightmare for our family as we have to go through this tragedy," the campaign wrote. "We're grateful for everyone who has been there for us in this difficult time." This article was originally published on
NBC News
01-05-2025
- NBC News
3 bodies found in Missouri River believed to be girls who went missing while fishing in Omaha
Authorities believe they have recovered the bodies of three girls who went missing after going on a fishing trip last month on the Missouri River in Omaha, Nebraska. Lah Tray Moo, 18, Laiana Green, 18, and Eh Cress Moo, 11, were out on the water and reported missing on April 15, according to NBC News affiliate WOWT. The station reported that they were with a 13-year-old relative who was unharmed. Authorities said one of the girls slipped into the river and the others went into the water in an attempt to rescue her. Lah Tray Moo's body was found on Saturday by a bystander at NP Dodge Park. A representative for the Omaha Police Department confirmed to NBC News that her body has been positively identified. Coby Werner, battalion chief, told WOWT at the time that the discovery could help recovery teams find the other two girls. "The indication is that maybe the girls are still up in this area," Werner said. "But with the way the river flows, you just never know, so we're going to continue, we're going to focus up here tomorrow, but we'll also continue to search down river as well just in case." In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the Omaha Fire Department confirmed that two more bodies were recovered in the river on Tuesday night. Eh Cress Moo would have turned 12 years old on April 22. Autopsies were still underway to confirm their identities, the police department said, but they are presumed to be the other two missing girls. "We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of these girls," the fire department wrote on Facebook. "The loss of these young lives has touched our entire community, and our hearts continue to be with you now and in the days ahead." A GoFundMe raising fund for the Moo family to cover funeral expenses asked for prayers and support as they handle the "devastating loss." "This is a nightmare for our family as we have to go through this tragedy," the campaign wrote. "We're grateful for everyone who has been there for us in this difficult time."
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Bodies of 2 teens, 12-year-old girl found in Nebraska's Missouri River after weeks missing
The bodies of two teenagers and a 12-year-old girl have been found in the Missouri River in Omaha, Nebraska, following a two-week search. The bodies of 18-year-olds Laiana Green and Lah Tray Moo, and 12-year-old Eh Cress Moo were all recovered from the Missouri River as of April 29, the Omaha Fire Department confirmed on Facebook on Wednesday. Laiana, Lah and Eh went missing on April 15 while fishing at N.P. Dodge Park recreational area in Omaha, according to local stations KETV and WOWT. A witness said they saw four girls fishing when one of the girls slipped into the river and the others went in to rescue her, WOWT reported. Only one of them, a 13-year-old girl, managed to avoid being swept away and safely returned to shore, according to the station and her family. Officials found Lah's body on the night of April 26 and later found Laiana and Eh the morning of April 29, the fire department said. "We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of these girls," the department wrote on Facebook. "The loss of these young lives has touched our entire community, and our hearts continue to be with you now and in the days ahead." USA TODAY has reached out to the Omaha Fire Department for additional information. Laiana's aunt, Nichelle Griffy, said her family feels relief the search has ended despite the tragedy and the families are leaning one another, KMTV reported. "We're feeling relief that we have all three girls physically now. We're sad but we're thankful," Griffy told KMTV, adding that they're finding comfort in each other. "We are a community that is strengthening. The gain is ... the support that we have for each other because we're all sharing the same loss right now." A GoFundMe page for Laiana Green's family said that the 18-year-old, who went by the nicknames LaiLai or Pooh, "acted selflessly and bravely in a moment of chaos." The page said it is seeking donations for funeral services and has raised over $3,000 as of April 30. A separate GoFundMe page for Lah and Eh said that Lah was Eh's aunt, and that the tragedy has been a nightmare for the family. The page, which is seeking financial support for funeral expenses, raised nearly $7,000 as of April 30. The families of the victims are urging officials to improve safety measures such as adding more warning signs and enforcing lifejacket usage along the river, WOWT reported. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bodies of 2 teens, 12-year-old girl found in Nebraska's Missouri River
USA Today
01-05-2025
- USA Today
Bodies of 2 teens, 12-year-old girl found in Nebraska's Missouri River after weeks missing
Bodies of 2 teens, 12-year-old girl found in Nebraska's Missouri River after weeks missing The bodies of two teenagers and a 12-year-old girl have been found in the Missouri River in Omaha, Nebraska, following a two-week search. The bodies of 18-year-olds Laiana Green and Lah Tray Moo, and 12-year-old Eh Cress Moo were all recovered from the Missouri River as of April 29, the Omaha Fire Department confirmed on Facebook on Wednesday. Laiana, Lah and Eh went missing on April 15 while fishing at N.P. Dodge Park recreational area in Omaha, according to local stations KETV and WOWT. A witness said they saw four girls fishing when one of the girls slipped into the river and the others went in to rescue her, WOWT reported. Only one of them, a 13-year-old girl, managed to avoid being swept away and safely returned to shore, according to the station and her family. Officials found Lah's body on the night of April 26 and later found Laiana and Eh the morning of April 29, the fire department said. "We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of these girls," the department wrote on Facebook. "The loss of these young lives has touched our entire community, and our hearts continue to be with you now and in the days ahead." USA TODAY has reached out to the Omaha Fire Department for additional information. Families of victims lean on each other Laiana's aunt, Nichelle Griffy, said her family feels relief the search has ended despite the tragedy and the families are leaning one another, KMTV reported. "We're feeling relief that we have all three girls physically now. We're sad but we're thankful," Griffy told KMTV, adding that they're finding comfort in each other. "We are a community that is strengthening. The gain is ... the support that we have for each other because we're all sharing the same loss right now." A GoFundMe page for Laiana Green's family said that the 18-year-old, who went by the nicknames LaiLai or Pooh, "acted selflessly and bravely in a moment of chaos." The page said it is seeking donations for funeral services and has raised over $3,000 as of April 30. A separate GoFundMe page for Lah and Eh said that Lah was Eh's aunt, and that the tragedy has been a nightmare for the family. The page, which is seeking financial support for funeral expenses, raised nearly $7,000 as of April 30. The families of the victims are urging officials to improve safety measures such as adding more warning signs and enforcing lifejacket usage along the river, WOWT reported.
