Legal

Nikolas Cruz, the monster who murdered 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole.

The 24-year-old's sentencing was made final Wednesday ... following an emotional couple days of victims' parents and loved ones addressing Cruz directly.

Before the sentencing was handed down, the judge spoke directly to the victims and families -- reminding them that they're a part of a strong community -- adding those they've lost will never be forgotten.

As we reported, the jury recommended life in prison for Cruz in October -- they were unable to unanimously decide on the death penalty. At the time, Family members of Cruz's 17 victims were very obviously angry sitting inside the courtroom -- many shaking their heads and crying in disbelief. Cruz sat expressionless.

You'll recall, Cruz pled guilty last year to 34 counts -- 17 charges of murder and 17 charges of attempted murder.

Aaron Paul, his wife, and their kid are all goin' Paul ... because the actor and his wife just filed a petition to change all their names -- and Aaron's included in the makeover.

Legal docs, obtained by TMZ, show that Aaron, whose last name is actually Sturtevant, is looking to legally change his last name to Paul ... a name he's obviously gone by in the industry for years.

His wife Lauren also wants to change her last name to Paul... and they want to change their kid's name -- currently Casper Emerson Paul -- to Ryden Caspian Paul. Yes, the kid's last name was already Paul, even though his parents didn't officially share that name ... but they're changing the youngster's first and middle name. They've been using the new name on social.

The reason Aaron and Lauren give for their name changes ... they say they want to conform to AP's professional name and keep the family name consistent.

In the docs, Aaron and Lauren explain they were required to give a name at the hospital and went with Casper Emerson ... but later came up with a name they liked better. It's only now that they're legally making the switch.

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested for his alleged role in the shooting of Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson back in August ... cops confirmed to TMZ Sports on Wednesday.

The Metropolitan Police Department said the teen -- who was 16 at the time of the Aug. 28 incident -- was hit with a criminal charge of assault with intent to rob while armed (gun).

The boy's identity was not disclosed.

Cops added they are still on the hunt for an additional suspect ... who they say was captured on surveillance video brandishing a gun at the scene of the crime.

As we reported, Robinson was shot two times -- once in the glute and once in the knee -- after cops say two males attempted to rob him outside of a row of businesses in D.C.

Cops say after the suspects fired on the NFL player ... they fled the scene in a vehicle.

Robinson required surgery to fix the damage caused by the bullets -- but ultimately made a full recovery. He played in his first-ever game on Oct. 9 ... and has logged snaps in every Washington contest since.

Courtney's lawyer, Frank Prieto, tells TMZ ... "The evidence makes it very clear the two were in a toxic and dysfunctional relationship, from which Courtney had asked for help from both police and her family to leave."

"She's not going to trial for her lifestyle, her previous arguments, or recorded rants. She is going to trial for defending herself against a violent struggle with her ex-boyfriend for which she feared for her life; Courtney is a victim of domestic abuse."

Snapshots of "evidence" without any context will prevent our client from receiving a fair trial, where the evidence will show that Courtney acted in self-defense."

OnlyFans model Courtney Clenney was recorded by her boyfriend during an argument, one in which she repeatedly called him the n-word months before she killed him ... according to cops who pulled the audio from his phone.

Courtney's slain BF Christian Obumseli was recording her outbursts with his cell phone in the months prior to his stabbing death, and the recordings are now evidence in the murder case against Courtney.

In one extremely heated argument, Courtney was hurling racial slurs as she screams and curses out Christian because he didn't tell her about saying hello to a woman they knew while riding a bicycle. You can hear what sounds like Christian apologizing and Courtney repeatedly calling him the n-word.

Cops say they recovered the audio recordings, first obtained by the Miami Herald, from Christian's phone as part of the murder investigation.

The audio clips also include Courtney screaming at Christian to "man up, bitch" and threatening to slap him as she demands he find her phone and charge it.

As we reported ... police body cam footage from 2 days before Courtney killed Christian shows her telling officers Christian attempted to attack her, and she's very emotional as she asks for a restraining order against him.

Courtney and Christian got into a blowout fight 2 days later, where she stabbed him to death and now faces a charge of second-degree murder.

After Christian's slaying, Courtney fled to Hawaii and she was arrested there in August and extradited back to Miami to stand trial.

Courtney's claiming self-defense, pointing to Christian's alleged history of abusing her, but his family insists she's the aggressor.

Aaron Carter has certainly had his fair share of run-ins with cops ... but his latest one might be one of the more bizarre, and ended in the pop star clearing his name.

Law enforcement sources with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department tell TMZ ... deputies pulled the singer over Tuesday around 10:45 AM while he was driving an RV, after they got a call about a driver weaving in traffic and possibly driving under the influence.

Officers say they didn't even know the guy was Aaron Carter until they pulled him over. Once they did, we're told they conducted field sobriety tests and determined Aaron wasn't under the influence.

We're told it was a very windy day in the Antelope Valley ... which, possibly made it easier for the RV to get blown around and cross over the traffic lines.

You can see in the pics, Carter locked his keys in the RV and had to access the vehicle through a roof hatch.

Our sources say, it's not clear who made the 911 call but did note Aaron's off-again GF Melanie Martin, was driving behind him at the time in a white Range Rover.

Aaron posted on Instagram about the incident, saying "When you do the right thing, you don't get in trouble. Do the right thing, that's what you do."

As we've told you ... cops recently showed up at his house for a welfare check after fans got worried he might have been doing drugs on IG live. He later said it was all a joke and police found no drugs or criminal activity when they arrived.

Disney and 2-time EGOT winner Robert Lopez are being taken to court by a songwriter that claims his 2001 track was stolen and used in "Frozen 2" ... and he allegedly came to the conclusion while in the theater with his kid.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, musician Daniel Grigson first heard the song "Some Things Never Change" while watching "Frozen 2" in theaters at the end of November 2019 ... and as the song was being performed, he says he got up out of his seat in shock.

The docs say the track's beat, rhythm, feel, theme, and words caught him off guard -- because Grigson claims it's basically IDENTICAL to his song, "That Girl," from decades ago.

Grigson says his eyes were wide open while standing in the theater -- once he sat back down with his head in his hands, he claims his 11-year-old daughter leaned over to him and said, "Dad, Disney took your song."

Grigson says he hired an analyst to compare the 2 tracks -- coming to the conclusion that not only do the songs sound alike, but both are also similar on a technical level.

Britt Reid -- Andy Reid's son and a former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach -- has just been sentenced to three years in prison ... over his role in a 2021 car crash.

Britt learned his fate at a hearing inside of a Missouri courtroom on Tuesday afternoon ... a little over one month after he pleaded guilty to felony DWI in the case.

Britt showed up to the proceedings in a grey suit. He addressed the courtroom, according to The Kansas City Star, by apologizing and saying, "Every time I see my daughter, I think about Ariel and how my decision affected her so deeply and her family.”

The mother of Ariel Young, the 5-year-old who suffered serious injuries in the wreck, submitted a victim's impact statement ... which was read in court. It, in part, included the words, "There are 5 of us that Britt Reid's choice to drink and drive hurt."

Britt had been facing a maximum of seven years behind bars. He had petitioned the court in September for nothing more than probation.

As we reported, Britt was accused of drinking back on Feb. 4, 2021, getting behind the wheel of his pickup truck ... and then causing a serious car accident that left Young with life-changing brain injuries.

Authorities say Britt was going 83.9 MPH in a 65 MPH zone just before the wreck, and had a BAC of .113 two hours following the accident.

The 37-year-old was working for the Chiefs at the time, and was slated to coach during the Super Bowl against the Buccaneers just days later on Feb. 7.

But, he did not end up coaching in the contest, and departed from the org. a short time later. He has not been hired by an NFL team since.

Trey Songz is no longer facing a civil suit for an alleged rape in 2016, because the case has been dismissed after legal documents show the statute of limitations ran out on the allegations.

The docs, obtained by TMZ, show Songz's suit was thrown out Monday after Trey's legal team successfully argued the statute of limitations expired long before the woman -- who filed anonymously as a Jane Doe -- filed her complaint.

As we reported, the woman filed the lawsuit earlier this year -- claiming she had a consensual sexual relationship with Songz, but alleges the singer suddenly turned into a "savage rapist" on March 24, 2016.

The statute of limitations in CA is currently 10 years -- but that wasn't made official until 2019 -- prior to that it was 3 years ... but the woman filed 6 years after the alleged rape.

Eric Bledsoe is off the hook in his domestic violence case ... TMZ Sports has learned the former NBA player won't face criminal charges despite his arrest last week.

The L.A. County District Attorney tells us ... the case has been declined "due to insufficient evidence."

Bledsoe had been accused of slapping his girlfriend during an incident in Lost Hills, Calif. on  Oct. 26. He was arrested, but bonded out a short time later.

Following the alleged altercation, the 32-year-old's GF posted a pic and video on her social media page ... calling the basketball player "a monster."

She later deleted the post ... and was seen commenting on Bledsoe's most recent Instagram photo Sunday night with the words, "My baby."

Bledsoe responded to the comment, writing "mine," with a heart emoji.

The man that broke into Nancy Pelosi's home and attacked her husband Paul is now facing criminal charges ... after telling police he was there to break her kneecaps ... this according to the newly filed criminal complaint.

Charges were filed Monday against 42-year-old David DePape ... and according to court docs, he was attempting to kidnap the House Speaker -- bringing zip ties, tape and rope with him to their San Francisco home.

When DePape arrived, the docs say he asked Paul to see his wife, but was informed she wasn't there ... DePape then said he'd sit and wait for her.

He allegedly said he was going to hold her hostage and talk to her -- claiming in a police interview if she was honest with him, he'd let her go ... but if she lied, he'd break her kneecaps.

He told authorities, by breaking the Speaker's kneecaps, she'd have to be wheeled into Congress, which would show other members there were "consequences to actions."

DePape now faces 2 charges ... assaulting an immediate family member of a U.S. official, and attempted kidnapping of a U.S. Official. San Francisco prosecutors will reportedly also charge DePape in the next few days, and authorities have talked about attempted murder, as well as other charges.

As we reported, Paul was violently attacked inside his SF home last week ... after DePape forced his way inside through a back door.

Lil Zay Osama is outta jail for the not-so-low low price of $350,000 ... marking his first taste of freedom since NYPD arrested him on October 1 for allegedly leaving much more than a tip for an Uber drive.

NYPD sources tell TMZ Hip Hop that Lil Zay got sprung Saturday after posting his 6-figure bail, but with several conditions ... including remaining on home confinement and avoiding contact with any witnesses.

We're told Lil Zay also must undergo screening for illicit substances.

Federal prosecutors claim Lil Zay hopped in an Uber with a Glock, and after riding from Manhattan to Queens ... forgot the weapon in the vehicle.

According to the authorities, the weapon was enhanced with a “switch” device ... which turns semi-automatic firearms into automatic weapons. The Department of Justice has been cracking down on such enhancements.

The Uber driver contacted the police and Lil Zay was arrested for weapon possession and being a felon in possession of a firearm ... charges that could land him in prison for 20 years if convicted.

Four Michigan State football players have been suspended for their roles in a disturbing postgame brawl with a Michigan player ... and now, cops say they're investigating it all.

Several Spartans were seen attacking Wolverines defensive back Ja'Den McBurrows inside a tunnel at Michigan Stadium following a 29-7 loss -- pushing, kicking and punching the guy before ultimately letting him head into his team's locker room.

The scene was unnerving, the Michigan player appeared to be defenseless -- as the MSU athletes whaled on him for several seconds.

After reviewing it all, MSU coach Mel Tucker announced Sunday that four of his players who were involved in the ugly moment -- cornerback Khary Crump, linebacker Tank Brown, defensive end Zion Young, and safety Angelo Grose -- have been suspended indefinitely.

He said more punishment could be handed down as well ... particularly after other MSU players were seen in more video appearing to strike a different Michigan player postgame.

The University of Michigan Police Department said in a statement Saturday night it's launched an investigation into it all as well.

"Situations like these," a UMPD spokesperson said, "and the safety of the community, are taken very seriously."

As for the Wolverines, head coach Jim Harbaugh said following the game he believed two of his players had been "assaulted" -- and he urged authorities and officials to investigate it all thoroughly.

Michigan plays next against Rutgers on Saturday. MSU, meanwhile, will take the field against No. 17-ranked Illinois on Saturday as well.

Why Don't We band member Daniel Seavey is pretty much on the same page with his obsessed fan ... whom cops said broke into his home months ago ... because she's agreed to a 2-year extension of his TRO stopping her from coming near the singer.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the trespasser -- Eissa Amira -- gave her signoff Friday for the extension. The order's now set to expire in October 2024.

As we reported, Daniel's order requires her to remain 100 yards from him and his home ... this coming after the 23-year-old snuck into his house through an open window last July and stayed the night ... sleeping in his bed and wearing his clothes.

She repeatedly showed up at his gym before the incident, according to Daniel's legal docs ... and it seems Daniel thought it was a big enough problem to seek help from the courts.

Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady are done ... TMZ Sports has learned the supermodel just filed for divorce from the NFL superstar.

Bündchen just filed the docs in Florida Friday morning, and Tom is not contesting the divorce.

TMZ broke the story ... Tom and Gisele's lawyers were hammering out a settlement during most of the month of October and have reached an agreement on property and child custody. The settlement document was filed with the court as well, but will remain confidential.

Tom says, "In recent days, my wife and I finalized our divorce from one another after 13 years of marriage. We arrived at this decision amicably and with gratitude for the time we spent together. We are blessed with beautiful and wonderful children who will continue to be the center of our world in every way. We will continue to work together as parents to always ensure they receive the love and attention they deserve."

He continues, "We arrived at this decision to end our marriage after much consideration. Doing so is, of course painful, and difficult, like it is for so many people who go through the same thing every day around the world. However, we wish only the best for each other as we pursue whatever new chapters in our lives that are yet to be written."

Similarly, Gisele says ... "The decision to end a marriage is never easy, but we have grown apart and while it is, of course, difficult to go through something like this, I feel blessed for the time we had together and only wish the best for Tom always."

Brady and Gisele began dating back in 2006. They got married in 2009 and went on to have two kids together, Benjamin and Vivian. They've become one of the biggest power couples in Hollywood ... with Tom's net worth estimated at $330 million and Gisele's at around $400 mil.

They've attended countless red carpets together over the years -- especially at the Met Gala, where they've been a constant presence, serving up killer looks and showing off major PDA. In other words, they've always attracted attention on and off the field.

Gisele and Tom have an extensive real estate portfolio ... including at least 3 homes they currently own together, even though they've bought and sold countless properties during their marriage. At the moment, it's known they have mansions in Miami, NYC and Montana.

The properties are just part of a robust list of assets that are certainly going to have to be divvied up as the divorce proceeds. It's been reported they have an ironclad prenup.

Gisele had been a constant in-person supporter of Brady's at his football games throughout his career -- especially at big games, Super Bowls included. However, she's said publicly of late that she was hoping for him to retire. In fact, following his Super Bowl win in Tampa in 2021, Brady said she told him on the field, "What more do you have to prove?"

She's also said repeatedly that she worries about Tom's health as it pertains to pro football.

Brady did retire in 2022 -- but came back months later. Marital issues between the two first started to trickle out thereafter, but it's become clear there have been issues well before this.

The first signs of trouble cropped up earlier this year, ahead of the 2022-2023 season. Remember, Tom took some personal time off this year ahead of the 2022 season, missing upwards of 11 days during training camp in August ... which have mostly gone unexplained. At the time, different sources said he was dealing with his private life -- without elaboration.

In the wake of that, it was reported that Gisele and Brady had lawyered up and were heading down the path of divorce, with no chance of reconciliation. Tom also continued to make comments about his commitment to football -- and his apparent inability to divide his focus during the playing season ... seemingly telegraphing his BTS thought process.

Gisele, for her part, has also taken some not-so-veiled shots at Tom -- taking to social media and saying she can't be in a committed relationship with someone who's inconsistent. She hasn't been showing up to his games this year, although their kids occasionally have.

Tom -- who's yet to publicly address the reported troubles with his wife -- is having a bit of a down season to start the year ... the Bucs are at 3-5 this season, and aren't playing especially well. TB12 has shown signs of frustration with his players during games.

Brady's head coach, Todd Bowles, said Friday he didn't notice the marital issues affecting the quarterback while he was in and around the facility.

"He does his job when he's out here, and he smiles a lot and that's really all you can go by," Bowles said.

Gisele, meanwhile, has been relaxing and spending a lot of time focusing on herself. She's constantly seen out at the gym and looking unbothered, while Tom's season unravels.

Originally Published -- 7:52 AM PT

A woman is suing Xavien Howard ... alleging the Miami Dolphins star gave her an "incurable STD."

The woman, ID'ed as "Jane Doe" in the suit, claims she met the football player back in 2018 ... and shortly afterward, began dating him. She says at the time, Howard told her he had no STDs -- and even provided her with a copy of his negative test results.

In 2019, however, she said in the suit that Howard discovered he had contracted genital herpes ... but never informed her of the diagnosis, and continued to have unprotected sex with her.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ Sports, Doe says she eventually contracted the STD from Howard ... and ultimately confronted the 29-year-old over it.

She claims the cornerback -- a three-time Pro Bowler who signed a five-year, $90 million contract extension with Miami this year -- initially denied knowledge of his condition, but then came clean.

"Maaaaan I been told you I was sorry for giving it to you," she says Howard told her. "But what can I do now? The damage is done. You keep bringing it up as if it gon change sumthin. Like yo a** can't move on."

Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen have reached a settlement ending their marriage, and divorce documents will be formally filed today ... sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ.

Our sources say lawyers for both Gisele and Tom have been working with a mediator to hammer out both property settlement and custody, and we're told they have come to terms.

Our sources say the divorce document will be short ... the terms of the settlement will remain confidential and sealed.

The divorce document, we're told, will be filed in Florida. As we reported, the embattled couple's attorneys have been working on this split since early September.

Since then, Gisele's been spending most of her time in the Miami area, where she's been visiting a spiritual healer. Tom, meanwhile, is struggling through a tough season on the field with his Buccaneers.

In fact, today's divorce filing comes right after Tom's team lost a close game in the 4th quarter on Thursday Night Football. It's the first time he's lost 3 consecutive games since 2002. When it rains ...

Story developing ...