Young Dolph COPS SAY SUSPECTED KILLER CARJACKED GETAWAY CAR ... Week Before Murder

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At least one of Young Dolph's murder suspects also used his gun to carjack the Mercedes-Benz used as a getaway car in the fatal shooting ... according to cops.

The suspected killer's alleged crime spree is all laid out in new legal docs obtained by TMZ ... and police say the carjacking went down in Memphis, a week before Dolph's murder.

In the docs, cops say a woman in a white Mercedes-Benz told them she was approached by 2 men armed with AR-style guns and they demanded her car. She also told cops one of the men hit her with the muzzle of a gun before she got out of the car and fled on foot.

And, get this ... cops say the woman told them one of the men ended up chasing her down because he couldn't start the car, forcing her back inside the ride at gunpoint and hitting her on the back of the head with his gun and demanding she starts the car.

Police say one of the men drove off in the white Benz, while the other followed in a dark-colored sedan ... and the Mercedes was used in a series of crimes, including Dolph's murder.

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WANTED WHIP

Remember ... detectives tracked down the getaway car to a Memphis-area home shortly after Dolph was killed.

In the docs, police say they dusted the car for fingerprints and got a match for Cornelius Smith.

As we previously reported, the other suspect, Justin Johnson, also has a connection to the Benz ... because he shot a music video at the home where the car was found.

Smith and Johnson were taken into custody by law enforcement Tuesday, following a manhunt ... and both Johnson and Smith have been indicted for murder.

Bob Saget Apparently Died in His Sleep Without Suffering

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Bob Saget's death has devastated his family, friends and fans, but there's one tiny bit of solace ... we're told based on what has surfaced from the investigation, there's evidence he died in his sleep without suffering.

Sources familiar with the investigation tell TMZ ... Bob was "tucked in bed" when his body was discovered Sunday at around 4 PM ET. As we reported, the lights were off in his room at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Orlando.

We're told Bob had called his wife before going to bed and also tweeted how happy he was to be back on stage.

We're told as the day wore on, from morning to afternoon, his wife became concerned because Bob was supposed to be on a flight returning to L.A., and when she couldn't reach him she called the hotel. That's when security entered his room and discovered his body.

As we reported, although the official cause of death won't be known for 10 to 12 weeks, the operating theory is that he suffered either a stroke or a heart attack.

He had just gotten over COVID, we're told, but people close to him say he seemed fine in the days before he died.

Betty White Gift That Keeps Giving ... New Mural Supports Dog Rescues

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There's a new tribute to Betty White in town, but this one isn't just about honoring Betty ... it's about promoting the cause closest to her heart.

Corie Mattie is responsible for the new mural that's been installed on L.A.'s famed Melrose Ave. She says the piece took her roughly 15 hours to complete and includes the mission statement ... "Be More Like Betty."

Even cooler is the fact it's got a way for you to do just that.

Corie added a QR code on the mural which fans can scan to donate directly to wagmorpets ... an org supporting dog rescues. She tells us, Betty "loved animals so I thought it would be a good idea if people wanted to pose in front of it, this will go directly to [the] nonprofit."

The artist just figured the tribute was the perfect gift back to Betty ... who famously donated to and supported animal rescues for years. Corie's mural is right in line with a movement Betty's fans have started online with the #BettyWhiteChallenge.

The hashtag encourages people to donate to their local rescues and animal shelters.

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BE MORE LIKE BETTY

As far as the mural itself... Mattie told us she felt Betty was the epitome of a "perfect human" who was way ahead of her time in promoting a more inclusive world. She says that's why she included the line, "Be More Like Betty."

Good advice for us all.

Jean Ramirez Rays Bullpen Catcher Dead At 28 ... Blake Snell Mourns

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Tragic news ... the Tampa Bay Rays announced Tuesday bullpen catcher Jean Ramirez died unexpectedly this week. He was just 28 years old.

No further details surrounding his passing were provided.

"He brought so much passion and energy each day to our clubhouse and bullpen, and his love for the Rays and baseball was evident to all who interacted with him," Rays manager Kevin Cash said.

"Jean will be deeply missed."

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Added former Rays superstar pitcher Blake Snell, who won a Cy Young in Tampa, "Man this one hurts."

Ramirez was picked by the Rays out of Illinois State Univ. in the 28th round of the 2016 MLB draft ... and he went on to play catcher in the team's minor league system for 3 seasons.

Ramirez then joined the big league club as its bullpen catcher in 2019 -- and had said his ultimate goal was to move up in the ranks and one day manage a roster in The Show.

"He exuded so much joy in all he did, and his kind heart was truly a gift to all," Rays' president of baseball operations Erik Neander said.

"As we process this unexpected and difficult loss, we are grateful for the times we shared with Jean."

RIP.

Young Dolph Suspected Killers Captured

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The men who cops say gunned down Young Dolph are in custody ... after a manhunt which resulted in their arrests.

23-year-old Justin Johnson was taken in by U.S. Marshals Officers Tuesday in Indiana, he's wanted on a slew of charges out of Memphis ... including first-degree murder. 32-year-old Cornelius Smith was also booked on a first-degree murder charge Tuesday, but unclear if the Marshals or Memphis PD got him.

As we reported ... cops announced Wednesday Johnson was wanted for murdering Young Dolph ... and Johnson went on social media Saturday to announce plans to turn himself in come Monday ... which he didn't do.

FOX 13 in Memphis was first to break the news of the suspects' capture.

Johnson, who claims he is innocent, was on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's Most Wanted list ... and law enforcement says he has ties to organized crime. Smith has not yet made a public statement about his involvement in the murder.

Johnson's a Memphis-area rapper who goes by the name Straight Drop ... and he appears to have shot a music video back in the day at the same home where cops retrieved what they believe is the getaway car used the day Dolph was shot and killed.

Bob Saget Audience From Florida Show ... He Was Charged, Funny and Touching

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Bob Saget's final comedy show was a mixed bag of highs and lows that was chock-full of gratitude for what he loved most ... entertaining people

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EXCITED & READY FOR LAUGHS

Murray Beard -- who was at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall in Jacksonville, where Saget performed Saturday night -- tells us he remembers Bob being absolutely thrilled to be on stage in front of audiences again ... something Beard says he mentioned time and again throughout his 2-hour set.

One thing Beard remembers well ... Bob's energy, which was very, very high. From his eye, nothing seemed off about Bob's demeanor.

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Michelle Johnson, who was also at the show, backs up Beard's observations ... she adds Bob was a bit all over the place with his feelings, going from jubilant to pensive in a flash.

She says, yes, he did express how happy he was to be performing again ... while also repeatedly going back to the topic of comedians who'd passed away. While she didn't mention a name, you gotta imagine Bob talked about Norm Macdonald, who died last year. The two of them were super close.

Bob asked the audience not to film or take pics, because he said he was filming a special and was trying out material.

Deon Lendore 3-Time Olympic Sprinter Dead At 29 ... After Car Crash in Texas

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3x Olympic track star, Deon Lendore has tragically died after a three-car crash in Texas, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

He was only 29.

The Texas Department of Public Safety tells us Lendore was driving westbound on FM 485 in Milam County in his 2015 Volkswagen Jetta on Monday, when it crossed over the center line and "sideswiped a vehicle" coming the opposite way.

Lendore continued and drifted over the center line again crashing into a 2018 Infiniti SUV head-on.

Texas DPS says Lendore was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver of the Infiniti, a 65-year-old woman, was transported to the nearby hospital with "incapacitating injuries".

The driver that was sideswiped suffered no injuries.

The Trinidadian sprinter competed in 3 Olympics -- including the 2020 Tokyo games -- and won the bronze medal in the 4x400 meter at the 2012 games in London.

Lendore also won silver in the World 4x400m in 2015 and is a three-time world indoor bronze medalist.

He's also a multi-time champ at Texas A&M and was currently a volunteer coach for the 400 and 800-meter student-athletes.

Several track stars reacted to the tragic news on social media, 2x Olympian Gwen Berry wrote, "Wow... Rest in Power."

"One thing I learned last year was the importance of LIVING," Berry said, "do what you want… deal with what you want… love who you want. Don’t DIE just to LIVE.  You LIVE then DIE.. I’ve been happier ever since."

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PUMA also released a statement, saying "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Deon Lendore, who has been a part of the PUMA Family since 2017."

"We are honored that he had chosen us to be by his side for a large part of his successful track & field career. Our thoughts are with his family. Rest in peace."

#RIP

Bob Saget Signs of Heart Attack or Stroke ... Investigation Sources

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Bob Saget's cause of death might not be determined for weeks, but law enforcement working the case see signs pointing to a sudden medical emergency -- specifically a heart attack or stroke ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... authorities involved in the investigation say the position in which Bob's body was found, and a lack of evidence supporting drug use or foul play are the main reasons they suspect a heart attack.

TMZ broke the story ... Bob was found in his Ritz-Carlton Orlando hotel room by security. Cops say the comedian was lying face-up on the bed, with his left arm across his chest, and his right arm lying beside him. We're told the hand on the chest could point to a heart attack.

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Our sources say authorities are exploring Bob's revelation last week that he'd recently battled COVID-19. Developing blood clots has been reported as a possible complication from the virus.

Of course, we're told a final cause can't be determined until the medical examiner gets Bob's toxicology results. The Orange Co. M.E.'s Office says it could take 10-12 weeks to complete.

Saget performed a standup show in Jacksonville Saturday night before making the 2-hour trek to Orlando.

Investigators say he got into his hotel room at 2:17 AM -- and when his body was discovered in the room at 4 PM, all lights were off without any indication of a disturbance or issue in the night.

Jimmy Kimmel Tearful, Emotional Tribute to Bob Saget

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REMEMBERING BOB

Jimmy Kimmel remembered Bob Saget Monday night ... in an emotional monologue that left him in tears.

Jimmy broke down as he reminisced about Bob ... describing his friend as "the sweetest man" as he gave us a glimpse into his character ... “He always had a compliment. He’d write sometimes just to tell me he loved me and I know he did that for many people … He had something funny to say about everything and nothing bad to say about anyone."

He read one of Bob's emails, reflecting on their families and kids ... "One night soon let’s go out and have some meat and some good damn drinks and talk about how lucky we are that we have them."

Saget was 65 when he died in his hotel room Sunday in Orlando. As we reported, although the cause of death will not be known for several months, investigators say there is evidence Bob might have died from a heart attack or stroke.

Saget's death has rocked Hollywood and beyond, but Kimmel summed it up well ... “He was very kind to everyone and he had no problem telling you that he loved you and what you meant to him."

Jeremy Piven Bob Saget's Death is Surreal For Me ... I'd Just Reached Out to Him

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Jeremy Piven is having a hard time grasping the fact he'll never see Bob Saget again ... telling us he'd just reached out to his friend and former costar days before his sudden death.

We got the 'Entourage' star leaving The Henry Monday in L.A., and asked how he will remember Saget, who once worked with him on the hit HBO series.

Jeremy says Bob was a rare breed in comedy ... a sweet, kind man who also had a serious edge to his humor, and never felt too big to mentor others.

TMZ broke the story ... Bob was found dead Sunday in the Orlando Ritz-Carlton hotel, the day after performing about 2 hours away in Jacksonville.

Jeremy says it's all very surreal because he had just tried to get in contact with Bob a few days ago, but had not heard back from him. You can see it in the video, he's still struggling to wrap his head around the loss.

Bob was 65, but Jeremy says he had a "vibrant spirit" ... telling us it's making his death even more shocking and confusing. As for the torrent of love and support from people in show biz -- Jeremy says it's proof of Bob's real impact on fellow celebs.

It's a heartfelt conversation ... and Jeremy explains how Bob not only made an impact on his standup career, but on countless others' as he led by example.

Bob Saget Found Lying with Hand on Chest ... According to Cops

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Bob Saget's family was desperately trying to get a hold of him, not knowing he'd died in his hotel room -- and cops are now painting a more complete picture of what they found there.

An Orange County Sheriff's Deputy noted in his official report that Bob was discovered by a Ritz-Carlton Hotel security staffer who'd been sent to the room on the Saget family's request ... after they'd made several unsuccessful attempts to reach him Sunday.

In the docs, obtained by TMZ, the deputy notes this staffer knocked on Bob's door multiple times before going in around 4 PM ET ... only to find all the lights off. Upon entering the bedroom, they found Bob lying face-up on the bed, with his left arm across his chest and right on the bed.

The staffer says he was cold to the touch ... and when they checked for signs of breathing or a pulse, none was detected.

Upon arriving, EMS personnel pronounced Bob dead on the scene.

Another interesting tidbit, the Ritz was able to pinpoint that Bob had last entered the room at 2:17 AM. He was scheduled to check out later that same day. He tweeted this message and photo shortly before that, at 12:42 AM, showing himself onstage in Jacksonville ... about a 2-hour drive from Orlando.

The deputy points out there were no signs of foul play or trauma. Bob's next of kin was listed as his wife, Kelly Rizzo, who was notified about his death.

TMZ broke the story ... Bob's death shocked the entertainment world this weekend, spurring an outpouring of loving messages and tributes from his fans, friends and fellow comics/actors.

Connecticut H.S. Hockey Player Died After Skate Cut Neck ... Death Ruled 'Accident'

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Connecticut high school hockey player Teddy Balkind tragically died after a skate cut his neck during a game last week ... the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner announced Monday.

Officials formally ruled Balkind's death as an "accident" ... revealing the cause as an "incised wound of neck."

Balkind was just a 16-year-old sophomore.

As we previously reported, the horrifying incident happened during St. Luke's game vs. Brunswick School in Greenwich last Thursday ... when authorities say Balkind fell to the ice and was accidentally crashed into by an opponent.

According to the Greenwich Police Department, Balkind was taken to the hospital ... but died there from his injuries.

The two schools expressed deep remorse following the tragedy ... with Balkind's St. Luke's school closing on Friday and reopening on Monday with a "special schedule."

NHL teams and players, meanwhile, honored Balkind at their games over the last few days ... with the L.A. Kings holding a moment of silence for Teddy on Saturday.

#RIP

Don Maynard Dead At 86 ... NFL Legend

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Don Maynard -- one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history -- died on Monday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced. He was 86 years old.

No cause of death was revealed.

"Our Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Don Maynard," Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said. "He was a resilient man on and off the field -- and someone that his teammates could always count on."

Maynard -- who was drafted by the New York Giants in 1957 and played for several pro teams in his football career -- is most known for his incredible run with the Jets' franchise.

In his 13 seasons with the team -- spanning from 1960-1972 -- Maynard logged over 11,000 receiving yards and 88 receiving touchdowns. He also helped the Jets win Super Bowl III -- the famous Big Game that Joe Namath guaranteed a win in.

Maynard meant so much to the Jets, the team eventually retired his number.

He was ultimately inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.

RIP.

Betty White Cause of Death Revealed ... Suffered Stroke 6 Days Before Passing

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Betty White died from a stroke ... a stroke she suffered nearly a week before she passed ... TMZ has learned.

Betty's cause of death is listed as a cerebrovascular accident, according to her death certificate, which is a loss of blood flow to part of the brain, resulting in brain tissue damage.

It's interesting ... the certificate, obtained by TMZ, says Betty suffered the stroke 6 days before her death.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Betty was alert and coherent after the stroke, and she died peacefully in her sleep at home.

A cerebrovascular accident can be caused by blood clots or broken blood vessels in the brain.

TMZ broke the story ... Betty passed away at her home on the final morning of 2021 ... less than 3 weeks before she would have celebrated her 100th birthday.

Betty's birthday -- January 17 -- will still see the debut of a movie honoring the milestone, "Betty White: 100 Years Young -- A Birthday Celebration" ... and it features tons of stars, including Ryan Reynolds, Tina Fey, Robert Redford, Lin Manuel-Miranda, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Jay Leno, Carol Burnett, Craig Ferguson, Jimmy Kimmel, Valerie Bertinelli, James Corden, Wendy Malick and Jennifer Love Hewitt.

Meanwhile, in her Illinois hometown, Jan. 17 will be a celebration dubbed "Betty White Day."

As we first told you ... Betty rarely left her home during the pandemic, passing the time by doing crossword puzzles, watching TV and reading.

Adam Carolla Bob Saget 'One of the Good Ones' ... Showed Up for Fellow Comedians

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HIS WORK LIVES ON

Bob Saget wasn't just "America's Dad," he filled that role in the stand-up comedy community too, always going above and beyond for fellow comics ... according to Adam Carolla.

The comedian and radio personality joined us Monday on "TMZ Live" and talked about Bob's legacy ... the one that was going on behind the scenes at comedy clubs across the country. As Adam put it, "Comedy attracts a lot of broken toys, sometimes ... but it also attracts some really interesting, deep, loving people. And, Bob was just one of them.”

Bob and Adam have a history of performing at the same stand-up events ... Bob also appeared on Adam's podcast "The Adam Corolla Show". And, though Bob's death is a huge, huge loss in comedy and television, Adam says, in a way, he will live on forever.

"I was listening to his last podcast today, hearing his voice as if he was still here ... and I thought in a weird way ... do you really die anymore?” He said in this day and age with podcasts, hours of shows tweets etc., "In a way, you can go back and get to know Bob Saget all over again".

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Tributes are still pouring in for Bob from folks like D.L. Hughley, who we ran into at LAX. He reminisced about the last time he saw Bob -- coincidentally they were on their way to Orlando and both staying at the Ritz hotel ... where Bob would eventually die.

Check out the clip, D.L. told us about some "amazing" things Bob did on stage ... and off. He said, "He was a great stand-up comedic and an even better guy".

Bob Saget Talked Recent COVID Struggles ... On Podcast a Week Ago

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Bob Saget's recent bout with COVID-19 was fresh on his mind not too long before he died ... this according to the late comedian himself.

BS appeared on a podcast called "A Corporate Time with Tom & Dan" just last week and revealed he had already caught the 'rona. He wasn't specific about exactly when, but it sounded kinda recent, considering he was humorously debating whether he had omicron or delta.

Check it out ... Bob describes the virus as "not good," and cracks some jokes about which strain he might've had. He also explained what it was like performing comedy during the pandemic, saying audiences would often be dwindled down by at least half.

Eerily, he also jokingly said he might die from COVID.

Another topic brought up here is Bob's friend, Norm Macdonald, who died last year from cancer. He said there's dignity in the way NM handled his diagnosis, keeping it secret from almost everyone he knew.

Bob actually sounded ill on the phone, which the hosts noted once he left the chat. It's not clear if he was still under the weather while on the road there in Florida -- this podcast was recorded just after the New Year.

We've reached out to Saget's reps for clarification on when he had COVID, but no word back yet.

So far, there's no known cause of death -- cops say there was no evidence of foul play or drug use in the hotel room where Bob was found.