Fatal Ohio Shooting Tech Expert & Scam Busters Weigh In ... How to Avoid Disaster!!!

A poor woman lost her life because both she and her alleged murderer were being scammed by a nefarious third party -- and we talked to some experts who say ... this ain't gonna stop.

Tech expert Lance Ulanoff -- who's been covering this field as a journalist for years -- came on "TMZ Live" Wednesday to discuss the fatal shooting of Loletha Hall ... who was gunned down late last month in Ohio after 81-year-old William Brock mistook her for somebody trying to secure a ransom out of him.

STAY CALM, DON'T REACT
TMZ.com

Lance tells us this is an extreme case of these types of stories -- which he says happen all the time ... and which usually don't rise to this level of violence and tragedy. Unfortunately, here, it did ... and he says it's a cautionary tale on the dangers of these bad actors.

Albany's AJ Simon Dead At 25 ... Was NFL Draft Hopeful

Former Albany defensive lineman AJ Simon, who was hoping to get picked in the upcoming NFL Draft, has died at only 25 years old.

The university announced the tragic news on social media on Wednesday, writing ... "The UAlbany football program was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former student-athlete Amitral "AJ" Simon this morning."

"AJ was a tremendous young man and even better teammate throughout his time at UAlbany. he was a role model both on and off the field, serving as a pillar to this program over the last two years."

PRINCE HARRY CHANGES COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE ... All In On American Dream!!!

Prince Harry has officially cut the cord with his British roots after years of royal tension ... making it loud and clear he's sticking with the U.S. for the long haul, and calling it home.

The Duke of Sussex updated his country of residence in new paperwork filed with Companies House, which was required for his eco-tourism nonprofit, Travalyst. Whereas he used to claim the United Kingdom as his home base ... that's now changed to America.

While Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have lived here in California for several years now -- these docs show the change in his residency didn't switch up on paper until last June.

Caitlin Clark Reporter Dragged For Interaction With Fever Star ... Cringeworthy Comment

AWKWARD EXCHANGE
Indiana Fever

An Indiana Fever reporter is being dragged for how he interacted with Caitlin Clark on Wednesday ... with many fans blasting the journalist for the way he shot a cringeworthy comment at the WNBA's newest star.

The encounter happened just minutes after Clark was introduced to Indiana media members for the first time since she was drafted by the Fever ... when Indianapolis Star columnist Gregg Doyel stepped up to the microphone to ask her a question about her new hometown.

At first, things seemed innocuous -- he politely introduced himself -- but then he paused, and sent a hearthand gesture to the 22-year-old.

Jeezy Clarifies Custody Request ... Wants Joint w/ Parenting Schedule

Jeezy is clearing the air on his bid for primary custody of his kid -- now asking the judge to make sure he and Jeannie Mai each get their fair share of parental time.

In a new motion, obtained by TMZ ... Jeezy claims his estranged wife is restricting his access to their daughter, 2-year-old Monaco.

The rapper says he and Jeannie worked out an informal custody agreement last year, but that fell apart at the beginning of 2024 ... and he claims he's barely seen Monaco this whole year.

Ashanti I'm Preggo with Nelly's Baby ... And We're Engaged Too!!!

update

2:33 PM PT -- According to Essence, Nelly and Ashanti are also engaged -- so big day for them.

Ashanti says, "This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation. Motherhood is something that I have looked forward to, and sharing this with my family, fiancé, and loyal fans, who have been so supportive of my career, is an amazing experience."

Ashanti is finally confirming what we've suspected for months now ... she and Nelly are indeed expecting a child together!

Coachella Weekend 1 Less Rowdy Than Last Year ... Fewer Arrests, Citations

It looks like people were better behaved at Coachella Weekend 1 this year ... because arrests were down significantly compared to last year, TMZ has learned.

Indio PD released their data from the festival's first installment ... and they say they only clocked 81 arrests in their system between Friday and Sunday -- which is pretty damn low compared to years past, especially 2023.

That's down 20% from the 102 arrests made last year. There was also a small smattering of citations issued -- just 47 -- and they're all handicap parking related ... down 43% from last year.

O.J. Simpson Officially Cremated Atty., Others Were Present

O.J. Simpson has officially been cremated -- and it sounds like there were only a select few people around to bear witness ... including his attorney-turned-executor of his estate.

Malcolm LaVergne confirms to TMZ that his longtime client's body was burned to ashes Wednesday at a facility called Palm Mortuary in Las Vegas ... and he says he was present, as were some others, although he wouldn't say exactly who.

04/16/24
NEW HAT, NEW OBLIGATIONS
TMZ.com

We're told the cremation went down this morning around 10 AM. LaVergne told AP there were no immediate plans for a public memorial.

Halle Bailey Still Together with DDG ... Despite Breakup Rumors

Halle Bailey and DDG, the father of her child, have not gone their separate ways and are not broken up -- even though the internet certainly seems to think they did ... TMZ has learned.

The singer's rep tells us Halle and DDG are still together and that all the reports they've split are straight-up false -- point blank. The reason this even had to be addressed is because folks were running rampant with rumors that they'd thrown in the towel recently.

There were definitely indications there, perhaps, was trouble in paradise ... including the fact that they'd recently unfollowed each other on Instagram, which is kind of a big deal in 2024.

Jessica Chastain Lots of Babies Named After My 'Murph' Role ... Babynames.Com Says Not Exactly

Jessica Chastain's claim about a popular baby name isn't holdin' water -- while she says lots of fans are naming kids after her "Interstellar" character ... Babynames.com says that's not the case.

The online database for baby names tells TMZ ... the name "Murph" -- Chastain's character's name from the hit 2014 movie -- isn't the big hit she thinks it is.

Babynames.com used the Social Security Office data, and it says "Murph" didn't make the top 1,000 names ... for men or women in any year.

'RHONJ' Star Siggy Flicker Stepson Arrested Over Jan. 6 ... She Posted Capitol Pics

Siggy Flicker's stepson has been arrested -- now facing charges for his alleged role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot after authorities say his stepmom posted pics of him in the building.

Tyler Campanella -- the former 'Real Housewives' star's stepson -- was taken into custody in New York City Wednesday and booked on five misdemeanor charges, according to NBC News.

The feds claim Campanella's stepmom posted pictures of him from inside the Capitol Building alongside the caption, "I love patriots so much. Stay safe Tyler. We love you.”

Tekashi 6ix9ine Florida Home Hit By IRS Agents ... Couple of His Cars Seized

Tekashi 6ix9ine appears to have run into more legal trouble here in the States -- because we've learned federal agents rolled up to his house ... and rolled away with his cars.

The Palm Beach Sheriff's Office tells TMZ they were dispatched to Tekashi's home in Lake Worth, FL Wednesday to assist IRS agents conducting an operation there. PBSO wouldn't give us more info on the exact nature of the operation, but there are some pretty clear clues.

SNAGGED BY THE FEDS
TMZ.com

According to photos/videos obtained by TMZ of the visit -- one for which Tekashi himself was not home, we've confirmed -- it looks like the agents were there to seize his stuff.

Brazilian Woman Brings Dead Uncle to the Bank ... Yo, Can We Get a Loan???

Grave Robbery
Jam Press

A Brazilian woman tried to pull a "Weekend at Bernie's" with her dead uncle ... wheeling his body into her local bank and trying to take out a loan in his name, which got her busted.

Erika de Souza Vieira Nunes got caught on camera earlier this week in Rio de Janeiro -- where she appeared to have a corpse with her as she attempted to secure some financing ... about a $3,400 loan, per reports.

The video is super eerie ... as she tries to force him to sign paperwork with his limp hand.

BRIAN COX COMES FOR JOAQUIN 'Truly Terrible' As Napoleon

Brian Cox has never been one to mince his words, and Joaquin Phoenix is on the chopping block this time over his performance in the "Napoleon" movie.

The "Succession" star unleashed a rapid-fire tirade at London's HistFest this week ... slamming JP's 2023 portrayal of the historical figure as downright awful -- even suggesting he would've done the role more justice.

Brian says, "Terrible. It's terrible. A truly terrible performance by Joaquin Phoenix. It really is appalling. I don’t know what he was thinking. I think it’s totally his fault and I don’t think Ridley Scott helps him."

SYDNEY SWEENEY CLAPS BACK at 'NOT PRETTY' COMMENT ... Producer Regretful

Sydney Sweeney's camp hasn't wasted time clapping back at the attack on her looks and acting chops by a Hollywood producer ... even though the woman herself is walking it back.

A rep for the "Euphoria" actress called out Carol Baum for her recent remarks that classified SS as "not pretty" and not a good actress, saying, "How sad that a woman in the position to share her expertise and experience chooses instead to attack another woman."

The rep adds, "If that’s what she’s learned in her decades in the industry and feels is appropriate to teach to her students, that’s shameful. To unjustly disparage a fellow female producer speaks volumes about Ms Baum’s character.”

THE BECKHAMS REP UNDER THREAT by TELL-ALL BOOK!!! Dishing On Sex & Scandals

An explosive new book about Victoria and David Beckham promises to throw loads of shade on the polished Brand Beckham with alleged details of their marriage.

"The House of Beckham: Money, Sex, and Power," penned by British investigative biographer Tom Bower, is dropping this June -- and if you've been curious about David's bedroom antics, especially those rumored affairs ... the author says you're in for a treat.

Even though V & B sat down amicably for 2 lengthy chats with a senior member of his team, Bower didn't meet them personally ... claiming he knew they'd end up turning him down.

Old news is old news!
Be First!

Get TMZ breaking news sent right to your browser!