Crime

The judge who presided over Casey Anthony’s criminal trial isn't buying her latest explanation for the death of her daughter.

Judge Belvin Perry Jr. tells TMZ … he doesn't think Casey's version of the events — namely, that her father George was responsible for 2-year-old Caylee's death — adds up based on what he remembers from the case.

Perry Jr. thinks Casey's story hasn't been consistent and believes she was caught in a few lies that undermine her credibility. He says she blamed a babysitter for kidnapping Caylee earlier. The judge also said there's some damning evidence ... namely, the smell of death inside Casey Anthony's car trunk at the time Caylee disappeared.

Judge Perry Jr., now retired from the bench, also notes there was no hard evidence Caylee drowned in the pool or that Casey's dad sexually abused her.

Long story short ... the judge also doesn't think her new story lines up with the facts of the case.

Denise Richards is proving to be a pro's pro on the set of her new movie -- filming a scene with a bunch of guns and knives immediately after she'd been shot at in real life.

Production sources tell TMZ ... Denise was ready for action Tuesday around 4 PM when she filmed her first scene of the day. We got this behind-the-scenes footage and what immediately jumps out at you is she's surrounded by weaponry -- albeit props -- and even handles a dagger.

We're told she plays a weapons expert, so there was no avoiding the setting for this scene -- despite the fact she'd literally just gone through a life-or-death situation on her way to set. Regardless, she did her job for the flick ... director Ali Zamani's "Angels Fallen: Warriors of Peace."

She's putting on a brave face here, no sign of the real-life violence she'd just survived -- but, our sources say Denise was, in fact, badly shaken up. We're told this scene was shot after a weapons safety meeting with cast and crew, including Denise.

As we reported ... Denise and her husband Aaron were shot at in a road rage incident, as they were driving to Denise's gig. The bullet hit the back end of their truck, and no one was injured.

Jeffrey Dahmer's father says there were at least a couple opportunities to stop his son's murder spree in its tracks -- which he described in gruesome detail to Dr. Phil.

Lionel Dahmer's interview with the TV host is included in a 3-day Dahmer special Phil and co. are airing this week ... and TMZ got a hold of a couple clips from the sit-down addressing two different times when Lionel felt he should've realized something was amiss with his kid.

First, Lionel tells about the time when Jeffrey was still living with his grandmother in Milwaukee -- a period during which he'd already started to kill people -- and how there was a mysterious wooden box Jeff kept that Lionel suspected had pornography inside.

When he tried opening it up, he says Jeffrey was able to buy himself a day ... and then sneak out a severed human head, which he replaced with porno magazines and the like. Lionel says he wishes he would've pressed the issue the day he wanted it open -- because if he did, he says Jeff told him post-arrest that the jig would've been up, potentially saving lives.

Lionel was also asked about what he thinks set Jeffrey down this dark path, and he discusses how when he was young and going through puberty -- he'd mutilate animals and apparently get a sexual thrill by playing with their innards. In hindsight, the signs were there.

California Governor Gavin Newsom's wife testified at Harvey Weinstein's L.A. sexual assault trial Tuesday ... and was STUNNINGLY asked to recreate how she faked an orgasm with the disgraced film producer.

Former actress, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, looked horrified on the stand after Weinstein's defense attorney questioned how she “indicated her pleasure” during what she claims was a 2005 rape by Weinstein at the Peninsula hotel in Beverly Hills.

Siebel Newsom fired back, "This is not 'When Harry Met Sally.' I'm not doing that," referencing a famous scene in the 1989 film where Meg Ryan's character faked a loud orgasm in a crowded NYC restaurant. She then broke down in tears, saying, "I was making noises to get him to finish. He had already raped me. … This is so gross. I'm sorry."

Moments earlier, Siebel Newsom testified she had scheduled a business meeting with Weinstein at his hotel room. But, once she arrived there, things quickly turned ugly. She said Weinstein changed out of his suit and into a robe before masturbating in front of her and threatening her.

She claimed Weinstein penetrated her with his finger and then raped her with his "deformed penis." She described his genitalia as "kind of fish-like, the penis — something was distorted in the testicles … Lots of skin, lots of skin down there."

Siebel Newsom is the fourth woman to testify at the trial that Weinstein sexually assaulted her. She said she first met the producer at the Toronto International Film Festival when she was a bit part actress and he was at the height of his career.

Marilyn Manson says Evan Rachel Wood and other women accusing him of sexual abuse have sent his career down the drain ... and he claims he's getting death threats too.

In new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the shock rocker lays out all the ways he thinks his Hollywood career's being affected by what he says is a false portrayal as a rapist, abuser and child pornographer.

As we reported ... ERW, who Manson dated way back in 2007, has made very public allegations of abuse against the rocker, which he denies.

Marilyn says his music is suffering as a result of the accusations, claiming he's unable to tour and was dropped by his record label and talent agency.

Manson also says his film and TV career is in the gutter, because he was pulled from two TV shows, including one where he had a recurring role.

MM claims his art work is being negatively affected too ... he says his book release and art shows are indefinitely postponed, and claims his paintings have been devalued.

What's more, Marilyn says he's getting countless death threats online ... and he's feeling anxious, distraught, depressed, worried, frantic, sleepless and fearful for not only his own physical safety, but also his wife's.

Marilyn says the allegations, which he's always denied, have made him persona non grata in Hollywood circles ... claiming he's being excluded from countless social and business gatherings.

TMZ broke the story ... Marilyn's sexual assault case is winding down, and criminal charges appear unlikely.

The former University of Virginia running back accused of killing three current Cavaliers football players had "no overlap" with the victims during his time on the team ... the school's athletic director revealed on Tuesday.

According to Carla Williams, Christopher Jones Jr. -- the man who allegedly murdered D'Sean Perry, Lavel Davis and Devin Chandler on Sunday night -- only spent one semester on the Cavs' football roster as a walk-on in 2018, before he left the team.

Williams said during that time, neither Perry, Davis nor Chandler, who were all juniors this year, crossed paths with him on the field or in the locker room.

"There was no overlap," Williams said as part of an emotional press conference with football head coach Tony Elliott. "I don't know if there was any interaction outside of the class."

Jones Jr. allegedly opened fire on the three football players -- and others -- on a bus on campus after they had all returned from a class field trip. Police have yet to reveal a potential motive.

Jones Jr.'s father, Christopher Jones Sr., told NBC12 on Monday his son had complained about people "picking on him" at school about a month ago ... but said, otherwise, Jones Jr. "was doing real well."

At Tuesday's news conference, both Elliott and Williams spoke fondly of the victims -- remembering them as great men and teammates.

Elliott confirmed a fourth member of the Virginia football team -- running back Mike Hollins -- was also shot in the incident ... and is currently in the hospital receiving treatment for his injuries. Elliott declined to give further details on the football player's condition.

Brian Laundrie's family wants an apology from "Celebrity Jeopardy!" after the game show used Gabby Petito's murder and Brian's suicide as a clue.

Laundrie family attorney, Steven Bertolino, tells TMZ ... "The entire Laundrie family is appalled and concurs with all of the comments on social media on how distasteful this was. I believe an apology is due."

As we reported ... social media users are up in arms over a "Celebrity Jeopardy!" clue on Monday's episode which brought up Gabby and Brian's deaths.

The clue reads ... "In 2021 Fugitive Brian Laundrie Ended His Days In Fla.'s Myakkahatchee Creek Area, Home to These Long & Toothy Critters." The answer was, "What are alligators?"

Tons of folks on social media have a problem with the clue ... the general feeling being it's making light of Gabby's homicide and Brian subsequently dodging a nationwide manhunt.

Casey Anthony blames her father for the death of her daughter, Caylee -- going further than what she'd alleged about him in court ... now reportedly linking him directly to the act.

According to People mag, which has seen an early release of the new Peacock doc, "Casey Anthony: Where the Truth Lies" ... Casey spills her guts on camera, accusing George Anthony of staging Caylee's death to make it seem like it was Casey's fault, all in an alleged effort to cover up what Casey claims might've been sexual abuse at his hands.

In the documentary, Casey reportedly claims she fell asleep with 2-year-old Caylee on top of her on June 16, 2008 ... only to be awoken by her dad in the middle of the night with Caylee missing and George asking where she was. Casey says it didn't make sense for Caylee to be gone, because she says the kid would never leave a room without telling her.

She claims George eventually presented her with Caylee's dead body, which was soaking wet and cold and allegedly told Casey she had caused this. Casey then claims he took Caylee's body and disappeared ... again, according to People's review.

Casey's theory, all these years later, is George allegedly smothered Caylee with a pillow to knock her out, and drowned her in their above-ground pool. Casey says she doesn't believe Caylee would be able to get in there on her own ... as she says there was no ladder.

Casey had already accused George of sexually abusing her when she was a child, and of disposing of Caylee's body -- claims he vehemently denied in court -- but now she's taking it a step further by suggesting he planned the whole thing ... Caylee's death included.

People reports Casey says she believes her father had moved on to her kid, and wanted to hide it by getting rid of Caylee and framing Casey. As for why it took Casey so long to report her missing ... she says she was under the delusion Caylee was still alive, apparently in denial she'd died, and allegedly following her dad's instructions in the aftermath.

Of course, you know the jury acquitted Casey of murder, manslaughter and child abuse. She was found guilty of lying to cops, but that's it.

Billy McFarland, the man behind the infamous Fyre Festival, is apologizing to the Bahamas for the project gone wrong ... and he says he wants to right his wrongs.

Billy fired off an apology letter to the Bahamian government Monday, hours after Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said his nation wanted nothing to do with Billy's next venture, which appears to be a treasure hunt in the Bahamas.

In the letter, obtained by TMZ, Billy doesn't mention Fyre Fest by name ... but he opens by saying, "I am writing to you to profusely apologize for my actions 5 years ago. I was completely wrong and I wholly regret my actions."

Billy mentions his prison release and time served -- he ended up pleading guilty to 2 counts of wire fraud over the disastrous failed event and served 4 of his 6-year sentence behind bars -- and says, "my main focus is how I can right my wrongs and how I can make the Bahamas and Family Islands, a region I care so deeply about, whole again."

BF says he's kept in contact with folks in the Bahamas over the years and writes ... "Their generosity and kind hearts have been a constant guide and motivation for me. I have been re-engaging with the families of the islands to see what I can do to begin making amends."

As we reported ... Billy recently teased his latest venture, which our sources said involved another festival, among other things in the near future. His TikTok video teasing the project showed a treasure map and made it look like he's planning something else in the Bahamas, something the government there is not taking kindly.

Billy's not offering any more specifics on what he's got cooking, though, writing ... "I don't have much right now, but I am committed to make these families whole as soon I am allowed. I ask for guidance on whom to speak with to begin my journey to do right by the incredible people of the Bahamas and Family Islands."

Billy ends his plea with another apology ... "I truly acknowledge the hurt I caused to the people, and region, and I will spend the rest of my life working to right my wrongs."

Anne Heche's fiery car crash into a Los Angeles home almost killed the woman who lived there with her pets, and now they don't have a home ... according to a new lawsuit.

The late actress' estate is being sued over her August car wreck by the woman who lived in the home where Anne crashed her Mini Cooper and ignited a huge blaze.

According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Lynne Mishele says she was minding her business at home with her pets when suddenly Anne's car came barreling inside, allegedly stopping just a few feet away from the woman, her dogs and her tortoise.

Lynne claims she is still traumatized by the incident -- she says she's startled by loud noises, plagued by nightmares and flashbacks of the crash, terrified of walking outside ... and has no place to live.

In the suit, she claims the house and all of her possessions were completely burned and destroyed as a result of Anne's crash.

She notes Anne was driving erratically before crashing into her home ... remember, Anne also crashed into another home nearby, and also notes a blood analysis showed Anne had cocaine and fentanyl in her system at the time of the crash.

As we reported ... Anne was stuck in her burning car for at least 45 minutes after the crash, and she was transported to a hospital where she later died from smoke inhalation and burn injuries.

Lynne is going after Anne's estate for at least $2 million in damages.

Jen Shah's sentencing in her fraud case isn't the only thing she's on edge about these days -- the 'Real Housewife' absolutely lost it during an explosive argument, screaming and cussing on the streets of Salt Lake City.

TMZ obtained this intense footage of Jen and 4 other people having a blowout in downtown SLC ... and you hear Jen scream several times, "F*** YOU!!!"

We're told this heated showdown happened around 9:50 PM on November 5 ... as they say Saturday night's alright for fighting! It's unclear what sparked the dispute, or who the other combatants are, but there's some clear chatter about someone's husband.

There's also one person, not Jen, who hurls a homophobic slur a few times.

You could understand why Jen might be wound pretty tight -- she's about to find out her punishment after copping a plea deal in her fraud case.

As we reported ... Jen went before a federal judge in July and pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with telemarketing. As part of her plea deal, the feds dropped one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, but she could still get up to 14 years behind bars.

At the end of the Saturday night argument, Jen stormed off and our law enforcement sources say cops were not called to the scene.

Mike Pence says Donald Trump's characterization of him as a coward on January 6th was reckless and made him angry ... and he got emotional talking about it.

The former Veep talked about that dark time with ABC's David Muir, and when Muir read back the ex-Prez's tweet as the insurrection was unfolding ... you can see MP get visibly upset, seemingly searching for the right words.

Eventually, he found them ... saying Trump's suggestion that he lacked the courage to do what was necessary to avoid a "steal" couldn't be more off the mark. Pence told his daughter, who was also at the Capitol, it takes more courage to uphold the law than to break it, which is what DT wanted him to do.

As Pence speaks, you see him incessantly tapping his foot ... itself a show of emotion.

Remember, Pence was overseeing the certification of the 2020 election on Jan. 6 ... when at some point in the day, in the middle of their session, hundreds of rioters came barreling through Capitol doors and windows, causing lawmakers to hide in fear.

For some reason, Muir pressed Pence about what he thought Trump could've possibly been doing at the White House that whole time -- Pence had no idea because he wasn't there. Pence told Muir he'd have to take that one up with Trump himself.

There's not much ambiguity here ... Pence has not only broken ties with Trump, he has contempt for him. It's especially stunning because during Trump's presidency Pence was his #1 cheerleader.

Nas's home was burglarized this weekend -- and it sounds like a lot of crap was jacked.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... two men broke into the rapper's Calabasas property Saturday around 8:30 PM PT, apparently having smashed through a rear door to gain entry. We're told Nas's team became aware of their presence due to a Ring camera.

When the two guys were leaving, we're told the crew saw them ... and they called the cops. By the time officers arrived, the two dudes were long gone. Nas wasn't home, BTW -- he was in NYC for an album release party. Nobody else was at the house either, it seems.

As for the damage done ... our sources say the guys tore the place apart and left with at least two bags worth of stuff. Unclear what exactly was taken, or how much it's worth.

We're told Nas is still out of town and will have to come back and do a proper inventory of the items stolen, which will then give authorities an idea of what they're looking for. No arrests have been made and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is investigating.

Actor Enzo Zelocchi stole a laptop with $8 million in cryptocurrency he can't access without a password, and he's trying to extort the man with the code ... according to a new lawsuit.

Zelocchi is being sued by Iris Au for attempted extortion ... she claims he swiped a laptop from her boyfriend, Adam Iza, which contains millions of dollars in Bitcoin.

According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Zelocchi and Iza met back in 2018 when Zelocchi was looking for investors to produce a documentary on cryptocurrency. Au says that's when a nightmare scenario began.

Au claims once Zelocchi was hip to Iza's wealth, the actor began targeting him ... ultimately stealing a laptop with Iza's Bitcoin wallet.

Problem is ... Au claims Zelocchi didn't know the crypto passkey to the Bitcoin wallet on the laptop, so he couldn't access the cryptocurrency. Au says Zelocchi's been trying to cut deals with Iza to return the stolen laptop, in exchange for money and a hefty cut of the Bitcoin wallet.

In the suit, Au claims her boyfriend has paid Zelocchi more than $360k in an effort to get the laptop back, but Zelocchi never followed through with his promise to turn over the laptop.

What's more, Au claims Zelocchi's not only threatened her boyfriend's life, but also her children's. She says he's also tried to sully their reputations ... all in an attempt to gain access to the laptop's Bitcoin wallet.

A disturbing discovery at the site of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago has put construction on pause ... because someone left a noose in the area.

The group overseeing construction, Lakeside Alliance, says operations were halted after "an act of hate was discovered at the project site."

Chicago police are on the case ... a CPD officer was photographed leaving the construction site Thursday afternoon with what appears to be plastic bag containing the rope.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot says "Racism and racist symbols have no place in Chicago."

Meanwhile, recently reelected Governor J.B. Pritzker condemned the incident, saying he'll make sure Illinois "will make all needed resources available to help catch the perpetrators."

The Obama Foundation called the incident "shameless" and an "act of cowardice and hate ... designed to get attention and divide us."

The Obama President Center is supposed to open in 3 years ... and plans include a library, activity center, plaza, forum and a museum.

Columbus Short's neighbor says the actor's got it out for him so bad, he's had to go to court to get protection ... and a judge is giving it to him.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the neighbor says Columbus got in his face last weekend ... allegedly referring to himself as a "killer" while threatening to beat up the man, whose child was with him at the time. It's not clear what sparked the alleged altercation.

The man claims Columbus grabbed his wrist and tried to follow him into his home -- and a similar altercation went down 2 days after that.

That was enough for a judge to grant a temporary restraining order barring Columbus from coming within 15 yards of the neighbor, his spouse and his daughter.

We've reached out to Columbus for comment ... so far, no word back.

As we reported, Columbus was arrested back in February after cops were called to his home over an argument he had with his wife that allegedly got physical. He was charged with 2 misdemeanors, but those charges were later dismissed.

Columbus told us, "They dismissed the case from what I was told because the prosecutor felt there was no wrongdoing."

With this new case on his hands, we'll see how the neighbor drama plays out for Columbus.