American Sniper Killer Found Guilty

The jury involved in the court case regarding the murder of Chris Kyle, war veteran and author of the bestselling war-story, American Sniper, reached a verdict within three hours, ruling Eddie Ray Routh guilty for the murder of Kyle and his fellow veteran Chad Littlefield at a gun range in February, 2013. Routh is sentenced to life in prison without parole.

The jury had three choices in Routh’s verdict: guilty, not guilty, and not guilty by reason of insanity. Routh’s attorney claimed that he was delusional, but attorney Jane Starnes disagreed, insisting that Routh knew perfectly well between right and wrong.

“Ladies and gentleman, that is not insanity. That is just cold, calculated capital murder. He is guilty of capital murder. He is not in any way insane,” said Starnes, as reported by CNN.

While Routh’s motive remains unclear, the families of Kyle and Littlefield are relieved now that their love ones’ murderer will be behind bars.

“We’ve waited two years for God to get justice for us on behalf of our son and, as always, God has proved to be faithful. We’re so thrilled that we have the verdict that we have tonight,” said victim Littlefield’s mother.

For more detail on the famous American Sniper murder case, visit http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/24/us/american-sniper-chris-kyle-trial/index.html.

Possibility of Alliance between ISIS and Boko Haram

The most feared terror group in West Africa–especially prominent in northern Nigeria–has recently been hinting at a pledge of allegiance to the internationally feared group, ISIS.

“Boko Haram is leaning toward ISIS in terms of doctrine, ideology and an emphasis on holding territory after operations,” said Jacob Zenn, a man who studies Boko Haram and its operations.

Boko Haram’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, speaks very highly of ISIS. The terror group has used ISIS’s symbolism and tactics in media and operations, and some have even witnessed Boko Haram soldiers raising the ISIS flag.

Boko Haram has not formally pledged allegiance to ISIS, but the fact that such an alliance is possible shows the wide influence of ISIS on other jihadist groups and the potential danger that could arise.

For more on the proposed alliance, read http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/25/world/boko-haram-lister-analysis/index.html.

The Revelation of Jihadi John

The man whose familiar British voice appeared on several ISIS beheading videos was, for a while, simply known as “Jihadi John,” since his identification was unknown. However, last Thursday, US officials confirmed the identification of the man, claiming he is a Londoner named Mohammed Emwazi.

A man who seemed to struggle with British authority in the past, Emwazi is a reasonable person to suspect, according to those who knew him. Emwazi often felt alienated in British society as did many other Muslims. This reported background may explain reasons why he may have been recruited by ISIS.

Emwazi’s motives are unclear. Pressures from authority may have driven him to extremism, according to some, but others believe that such pressures could not lead a man to terrorism. Therefore, there is a chance that Emwazi was predisposed to terror even before his supposed maltreatment by British authority.

For more on Emwazi’s possible motives based on an email he wrote in 2010, read http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/01/europe/emwazi-emails-cage/index.html.

The Dress that went Viral

In just a day, a picture of a dress went viral and sparked debate between friends, families–even celebrities like Taylor Swift. How could a simple picture create so much conversation?

Because of the cones in the human eye that perceive color, the dress may appear either blue and black, or white and gold, and for most people, it is impossible to see the other pair of colors.

Ophthalmologists are intrigued by both the photo and the responses to the photo. Though such fascination over a dress may seem ridiculous to some, the photo may lead to advances in medical science that could potentially help those with vision problems.

Before you argue with your friends and family about this mysterious dress, remember that there is a scientific explanation! (But the dress is actually blue and black.) For more on the scientific explanation behind the dress, read http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/27/health/science-of-gold-blue-dress/index.html.

Teen to Face Manslaughter Charges for Encouraging Suicide

18 year old Conrad Roy was found dead in his car in July, 2014, due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The death was ruled as suicide, and many people mourned for the young boy. Among those people is 18 year old Michelle Carter, who was friends with Roy before his death. Since his death, she has raised over two thousands dollars in his name and posted several statuses and pictures that express her sadness for her friend.

However, Carter will now face a hearing in April for involuntary manslaughter charges. She allegedly sent texts to Roy, urging his suicide, when he was having second thoughts on taking his own life. Police discovered hundreds of texts between the two in the days prior to his suicide in which Carter encouraged him instead of trying to help him or telling an adult.

Carter will be tried as a youth because she was not yet 18 when Roy’s suicide occurred. For more on the case, read http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/01/us/suicide-text-case/index.html.