Most Cruel Verdict: Turpin’s Guilty on 14 Felony Charges for Torturing, Starving Kids
A judge accepted the guilty plea of David and Louise Turpin, who were accused of starving and shackling their 13 children, according to an article from People.
The pair each pleaded guilty to charges including child cruelty, false imprisonment and torture. In total, they pleaded guilty to 14 felony charges each and face “life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years.” Riverside District Attorney Mike Hestrin, who prosecuted the case, said the plea agreement ensured none of the victims would be required to testify about the “horrific abuse they suffered.”
Most Constitutional Verdict: U.S. District Court Judge Says Women Must Register for Draft
U.S. District Court Judge Gray Miller said the Military Selective Service Act's requirement that only men should be subject to draft registration is unconstitutional, according to an article from ABC News 10. The case was brought by two men subject to the requirement along with the National Coalition for Men.
A 1981 Supreme Court case previously addressed the matter, however, representatives for the men argued the Department of Defense lifted a combat ban for women in 2013 and other changes have occurred since the 1981 decision.
Most Ninja Verdict: Man Guilty for Assault in ‘sword-wielding’ Incident
Jared Razzano, of New Jersey, was found guilty of aggravated assault and weapons charges after he was involved in a “sword-wielding dispute” over a parking space, according to an article from My Central Jersey.
Razzano’s attorney said his client is planning an appeal. He could face as many as 10 years in prison once sentenced on May 3. Razzano, who claims he was acting in self-defense during the incident, was found not guilty of attempted murder.
Most Premeditated Verdict: Quinn James Guilty of 1st Degree Murder, Rape
Quinn James was found guilty of first degree murder for killing 16-year-old Mujey Dumbaya, according to an article from Fox 17 West Michigan.
James was convicted of “first degree premeditated murder, felony murder, and conspiracy to commit first degree murder” after a jury deliberated for an hour and a half. James was convicted of rape prior to the killing. After Dumbaya was scheduled to testify against James, she went missing and her body was ultimately found in the woods of Kalamazoo. James will be sentenced on March 25.
Most International Verdict: 'El Chapo' Convicted for Crimes Spanning Decades
Reputed Mexican cartel head Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzmán was found guilty for crimes spanning more than 25 years after allegedly smuggling 200 tons of cocaine into the U.S., according to an article from NBC News.
Ultimately, Guzmán was tried on 10 charges, including “engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise” and multiple instances of distributing drugs internationally. He faces life in prison. U.S. prosecutors agreed during extradition talks not to seek death as Mexico has abolished capital punishment.