Crime
Plane crashes near Concord-Padgett Regional Airport
CONCORD, NC (Cabarrus County) — Aircraft Crash ReportEmergency crews responded to Concord-Padgett Regional Airport, located in the 9000 block of Aviation Boulevard Northwest, following reports of an aircraft crash off the runway.
According to initial information, the aircraft went down just off the airstrip, and flames were observed on the ground shortly after impact.
Fire and rescue units arrived promptly and initiated fire suppression efforts to contain the blaze.
Authorities have confirmed that the pilot was able to exit the aircraft following the crash.
The extent of any injuries has not yet been released.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are expected to conduct a full investigation into the cause of the incident.
Motorists and residents are advised to avoid the area while emergency operations continue.
Crime
Cause of Death for 6-Month-Old Nnakai Pratt as Blunt Force Trauma After Discovered Inside Trash Bag
CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — The Clayton County Police Department has confirmed that 6-month-old Nnakai Pratt died from blunt force trauma, and the infant’s body was found discarded inside a trash bag during a three-day search that ended in tragedy.
According to authorities, the child’s remains were discovered on Tuesday, October 14, in the backyard of a home off Green Valley Road.
The discovery came after an intense search that began when police were initially called to investigate a reported robbery and kidnapping on Sunday, October 12, at 100 Valley Hill Road in Riverdale.
When officers arrived, they met Antonio Pearce, the child’s father, who claimed that he had been robbed at gunpoint and that his infant son had been taken by the alleged assailants.
Pearce told investigators the incident occurred at what he described as a “stash house,” where he said he had three pounds of marijuana and over $6,000 in cash.
He also stated that Nnakai, his twin sister, and their mother, Necollete Pratt, were present at the time of the alleged abduction.
As the investigation progressed, detectives noted inconsistencies in Pearce’s account.
Police later confirmed that Pearce had fabricated key parts of his story. Following extensive interviews and searches, investigators discovered the infant’s body, confirming their worst fears.
During a press conference on Friday, October 17, police revealed that the infant had sustained fatal blunt force injuries before being placed in a trash bag and abandoned. Both parents were subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the child’s death.
Necollete Pratt was charged with obstructing an officer, making false statements, cruelty to children in the first degree, concealing a death, and party to the commission of a crime.
In court on Friday, the judge denied bond on the felony charges but granted $5,000 bond for the misdemeanor obstruction charge. Pratt is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on November 12 at 8:30 a.m.
Antonio Pearce, the father, faces an extensive list of charges, including malice murder, cruelty to children, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, tampering with evidence, concealing the death of another person, unlawful disposal of a human body, false statements, and false report of a crime.
Police said Pearce’s repeated lies and inconsistent statements during questioning led investigators to uncover the truth and ultimately locate the child’s body. In court, he was denied bond on the most serious felony charges, including murder and aggravated assault, but was granted a $10,000 bond for the misdemeanor count of filing a false report. Pearce is expected to appear in court for his preliminary hearing on November 10 at 8:30 a.m.
Authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the death of baby Nnakai, calling it one of the most heartbreaking and disturbing cases the department has handled in recent years.