Fort Worth's Coyote Drive-In Closer to Opening

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Fort Worth's much-anticipated drive-in theater is much closer to opening.

The Coyote Drive-In, which is located just north of downtown and south of LaGrave Field, is expected to open in early May.

There was plenty of driving there Friday afternoon -- by construction workers in dump trucks and backhoes. Crews were busy moving dirt, piling up debris and staking out where everything will go in the next few weeks.

"We're super excited," said Brandt Wood, the drive-in's design chief.

NBC 5 was there on Oct. 12, 2012, when two of the three movie screens went up at the site. The screens have been teasing people driving down North Main Street ever since.

"People have been stopping by left and right," Wood said. "[We] just make sure they've got a hard hat with all this going on."

What's going on is a flurry of activity as the main pavilion goes up and the layout of the site is established.

"We're taking the food and beverage component of the drive-in, which traditionally would be the snack bar, and dressing it up a bit," Wood said. "[We're] sort of widening out the menu, have games and a playground for the kids."

The drive-in, which is really the first big piece of the Trinity Uptown puzzle, is nearly ready to open about a year after it was approved.

"We're about a month away from opening, and everybody is working hard," Wood said.

Wood said progress would really pickup at the site in the coming weeks, and it could include some nighttime projection work on the screens. In the meantime, the drive-in is busy hiring a staff.

"[We're] looking for some good guys and gals to serve all the people who will be at the drive-in," Wood said.

Friday was the second of three days of a job fair at LaGrave Field for potential candidates. Saturday's hours run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Wood and his brother Brady, who owns the operation, say it will be an experience for workers and customers alike.

"You can ride a horse here, you can bring your dog, you can bring a baby -- those are things you can't do at a traditional movie venue," Wood said.

While there's obviously much to do in the next month, Wood said they feel good about where they are.

"We just couldn't be happier," he said. "It's been exciting. This will be 18 acres of a bit of old with the new, if you will."

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10,000 Expected for Rally Against Domestic Violence

Ken Kalthoff, NBC 5 News

10,000 people are expected at Dallas City Hall Plaza Saturday morning for the Dallas Men Against Abuse rally organized by Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings.

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Organizers expect 10,000 people to attend the mayor's Dallas Men Against Abuse rally on Saturday.

Former Dallas Cowboys and other well-known men will speak at the 10 a.m. rally to fight domestic violence being held at City Hall.

Mayor Mike Rawlings called the rally to launch a campaign against domestic abuse after a series of alarming murders and attacks the past year.

Churches and shelters are partners in Rawlings' campaign.

"It cannot end with the rally. The rally is only the beginning," said Bishop Kevin Farrell, head of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas. "All churches must be involved to eradicate this tremendous sickness from our society."

Farrell said people who know about problems too often choose not to get involved.

"We cannot afford to do that any longer," he said. "When we know that there is a situation, we need to have to courage and the fortitude to go and to get a person, usually the woman and the children, some kind of assistance."

Genesis Women's Outreach in Dallas has doubled its space for family counseling but still has 500 more on a waiting list.

"There aren't enough resources," Executive Director Jan Langbein said.

Langbein said the problem is growing, but the Dallas campaign against abuse might reduce the need for counseling and shelters.

"It's not enough just to say, 'I don't do it.' We need to have a community -- particularly men -- stand up and say, 'We don't do this.' And that's what the mayor is leading this city to do," she said.

Organizers suggest using Dallas Area Rapid Transit rail to avoid parking problems at the rally.

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15 Years to Life for Chef Who Killed Wife, Cooked Remains

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Chef's Murder Trial to Go Into 3rd Day of Deliberation

A jury in the murder trial of a Lomita chef accused of killing his wife then slow cooking her body its second day of deliberations without a verdict. The defense is making the case that his wife's death was unintentional - a tragedy, but not murder. Whit Johnson reports from Downtown LA for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Sept. 26, 2012.

Guilty Verdict For Chef Who Cooked Wife

Jurors deliberated for nearly three hours over three days before coming to a verdict Thursday in the case of an LA chef accused of murdering his wife. David Viens was found guilty of second degree murder. Conan Nolan reports from Downtown LA for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2012.

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A former chef who killed his wife and cooked her body for four days to dispose of her remains was sentenced on Friday to 15 years to life in prison.

David Robert Viens, 49, was convicted of second-degree murder for the slaying of his wife, Dawn, in 2009.

Before Viens was sent back into custody, the victim's sister, Dayna Papin, urged the court to continue to keep Viens locked up.

"He's going to continue to fight for his freedom, which I hope you don't give to him for a very long time," Papin said.

Viens attended his court proceedings in a wheelchair as a result of injuries suffered when he jumped 80 feet down Inspiration Point in Rancho Palos Verdes on Feb. 23, 2011, after a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy tried to stop his vehicle and Viens' girlfriend tried to stop him from plunging from the oceanfront cliff by grabbing his clothes.

Viens said he argued with his wife and bound her mouth, hands and feet with duct tape because he didn't want her going out driving while intoxicated, prosecutors said.

After he found her dead the next morning, he concocted a plan to cook her remains, prosecutors said.

"I took some, some things like weights that we use and I put them on the top of her body, and I just slowly cooked it and I ended up cooking her for four days," Viens said, according to audio released in court from an interview with deputies.

He jumped off a cliff in a botched suicide after being confronted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies.

Defense attorneys argued that Viens did not intend to kill his wife.

Dawn Viens was reported missing by friends and family members three weeks after she was last seen at the couple's Lomita restaurant, the Thyme Contemporary Café, in October 2009.

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DNA Links 3 Lake Highlands Rapes to One Attacker

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Dallas police now say they are looking for only one person in connection with three sexual assaults in Lake Highlands that occurred over the last month.

The series of attacks took place Feb. 22, March 15 and March 19 at homes along Ferndale Road and Aldwick Drive.

Maj. Jeff Cotner said Friday that DNA evidence obtained from the cases all point to one attacker.

"Today, Southwest Institute Forensics Sciences (SWIFS) released their findings into forensic evidence collected from the March 15 and 19 sexual assaults in the Lake Highlands community of Dallas. The DNA profile from these offenses matched the DNA profile obtained from the Feb. 22 offense. We have one suspect," Cotner said. "The DNA profile has been entered into statewide and national databases. No match was identified. He is unknown."

DPD: Looking for One Attacker in Lake Highlands

Dallas police say they are looking for only one person in connection with three sexual assaults in Lake Highlands that occurred over the last month. The sketches, police say, are from the first two offenses on Feb. 22 and March 15.

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Cotner said they believe the man sustained injuries in the most recent attack and may have scratches on his face, cheeks and neck as well as bite marks on his hands and fingers. Police said the man may also have a deep laceration on one finger.

During a news conference Friday, police revealed two sketches of the attacker from the first two assaults. Victim descriptions of the attacker have varied and included references to the man being black or Latino, between 5 feet 6 inches tall and 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing between 140 and 200 pounds.

"Our victims provided this information to us," Cotner said. "They encountered a very violent attack. This information is through their trauma. Based upon the individual dynamics of their attack, this is what they can give us. Our suspect can be black; he can be dark-complected. He can be Hispanic. We don't know."

Despite the different descriptions, Cotner said DNA evidence indicates all three attacks were committed by the same person.

"The DNA profile tells us it is one guy for all three," Cotner said.

Dallas police said an anonymous donor has increased the reward from $5,000 to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in the case. To be eligible for the reward, the tip must be received through Crime Stoppers by calling 877-373-8477.

Officials said more than 100 tips have been received in the case, and they urge the public to continue reporting anything suspicious. They urge citizens to call 911 if the situation requires an immediate response. An additional tip line is available at 214-670-4415, though tipsters using that number will not be eligible for the reward.

Timeline of Attacks

Feb. 22 attack on Ferndale Road: A woman was assaulted in her home after a man broke in at about 12:45 a.m. and assaulted her in her bed at knife-point. Police said the attacker entered the home through a window and was described as 35-years-old, black with bald or short hair and that he spoke with an African accent. He is estimated to be about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs about 180 lbs.

March 15 attack on Ferndale Road: A woman was assaulted at about 10 p.m. inside her home on Ferndale Road after a man entered the home through a window. The man was described as Latino and in his 20s with a round, chubby face and a buzz cut. He was clean-shaven and spoke English with a Spanish accent. He is estimated to be about 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs about 200 lbs.

March 19 attack on Aldwick Drive: A woman was assaulted at about 6:45 a.m. inside her home on Aldwick Drive after a man kicked in the front door. The man is described as Latino, in his early 20s with light skin, a thin build and a thin mustache. He is estimated to be 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds. The man spoke English with a Spanish accent and wore a gray hoodie and black leather gloves. Police said the man may have a scratch on his body.

Residents on Edge

Despite the heavy police presence in the area, Lake Highlands residents say they are not letting their guard down.

Kristi Manning said she has armed herself in case the worst happens.

"Every time I get out of my car, I look both ways," she said. I have my keys out -- they say that's one of the best ways to defend yourself."

She said she also has started carrying mace for the first time.

One of the assaults happened a few blocks from Seth Harrington's home. He updated his alarm once the rapes started in the neighborhood.

"My alarm was working before; that didn't mean I set it every day," he said. "But now, I make sure every time I leave, I set my alarm. And I actually made sure the window-break system was working, as well."

NBC 5's Omar Villafranca contributed to this report.

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Iraq War Veteran Finds Solace Through Horses

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A local Iraq War veteran is using her experience with post-traumatic stress disorder to help other veterans.

Crystal Wayne, of Denton, started a new program for veterans at SpiritHorse Therapeutic Center in Corinth where military veterans can work with the horses and other animals to ease the stress of war.

"It's kind of like my church, my cathedral, the smells, the sounds it's just comfort," said Wayne.

Wayne first came to SpiritHorse for her own personal therapy after returning from the Iraq War.

"Ten years," said Wayne reflecting on her time in the war, "it only feels like five."

Wayne joined the Army in 2003, shortly after the start of the war. At the time she was 31 years old and just made the age cut for active duty. She would end up being the second oldest person to graduate boot camp at the time.

She had just graduated from the University of North Texas in Denton and had hoped to use her degree to work with FEMA or American Airlines, but the changes set on by the September 11, 2001 terror attacks forced her to make the tough decision.

"I needed a crash course in leadership, organization and what-not, and I thought what better way than the military," said Wayne.

So she graduated boot camp and went to South Korea for a short time before shipping out to Iraq as a nuclear weapons specialist.

She was assigned to operate a specialized vehicle to search for weapons of mass destruction, but when none were found, her commanding officer retrained her and reassigned her to a new role: security.

"I didn't tell my family what I did," said Wayne admitting she still hasn't told them. She was worried they'd just fear for her safety.

Wayne was posted behind a gun on an armored vehicle driving through populated portions of Iraq. She said it was an adrenaline rush, but also came with the unnerving task of guarding some of the most notorious detainees of the war.

"He was the head assassin for the Mahdi Militia," she said cringing at the memory. "After what he told me he did, I never asked that question again. That was evil reincarnated."

When Wayne returned from active duty to the US she actually went back to the Army to continue her work, but in 2007 was discharged for good when she was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder.

"They told me I could never wear the uniform again," she said.

She said that's when things got very tough for her. She found comfort in teaching at a local middle school, but still shut herself in at night and closed herself off from others.

She tried mental health counseling at the Veterans Administration, but said her case was simply too unique being an older female who had seen combat.

"Everyone was prepared for men to come back, nobody was prepared for women," she said. "I was told, 'we don't know what to do with you.'"

Then a student mentioned SpiritHorse: a Corinth based group that offers therapy to folks with special needs, mostly autism, through riding and care for the animals.

"I went right away after school," she said with a laugh.

Having grown up on a farm, Wayne said she finally felt comfortable again simply cleaning up or talking to the horse she quickly bonded with: Rossini.

"They just listen," she said brushing Rossini.

Since starting her work at SpiritHorse, Wayne has branched out and joined the American Legion where she's encouraged other veterans to face their scars as well.

"You learn to deal with it and handle it, but it's going to be a part of me forever," she said.

She encourages any veterans who need help and don't know where to turn to contact her at the therapy center.

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2 Arrested in Slaying of 79-Year-Old Woman

Eric King, NBC 5 News

Dallas police have arrested two men in the slaying of a 79-year-old woman who was killed in her East Dallas home. David Herron, 29, and Daniel Brooks, 28, will be charged with capital murder.

2 Arrested in East Dallas Slaying

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Dallas police say they have made two arrests in the slaying of a 79-year-old woman who was killed in her East Dallas home two weeks ago.

Police found the body of Avanell Cowgill in home home in the 11300 block of Earlywood Drive on March 9 after her daughter asked officers to check on her.

Dallas police said late Friday night that David Herron, 29, and Daniel Brooks, 28, will be charged with capital murder in Cowgill's death.

"It was a brutal murder," Maj. Jeff Cottner said. "It was a clearly irresponsible and just dasterdly deed. We don't know why. They took a life of a grandmother, needlessly."

Police said Brooks was in custody at DPD headquarters, while Herron was at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Officials did not elaborate on his injuries or what caused them.

Investigators said Herron and Brooks took Cowgill's purse and used her credit cards to buy an electronic device at Wal-Mart, a purchase that was captured on surveillance video.

Dallas police last week released surveillance photos and video of two men at a Wal-Mart who used Cowgill's credit cards.

Surveillance video also recorded Herron and Brooks attempting to withdraw money from Cowgill's account at an ATM, police said.

Police learned where Herron and Brooks sold the electronic device they had purchased with Cowgill's credit card and then learned the identity of Brooks. Investigators then determined that the two had been arrested Wednesday and were being held in the Richardson jail on an unrelated theft charge.

Investigators have said that Cowgill left church at approximately 3:30 p.m. on March 7 before going to a store and then home. Police have said she may have been killed that night.

NBC 5's Eric King contributed to this report.

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CDC: No Flu Shot in Most Pediatric Flu Deaths

Kevin Cokely, NBC 5 News

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 90 percent of the 105 children who have died from the flu this season nationally were not vaccinated for the flu.

Vaccines Urged After Report on Pediatric Fl...

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Dallas health officials are urging everyone to get the annual flu vaccine after a federal report shows that most of the children who died of the flu this season did not get a flu shot.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 90 percent of the 105 children who have died from the flu this season nationally were not vaccinated for the flu.

"Prevention works wonders, so we can minimize complications of the flu," said Dr. Christopher Perkins, Dallas County medical director. "The flu vaccine, it's not 100 percent effective. It varies on a person's background as far as age, underlying or chronic health issues, but if you get the flu shot and get infected with the flu, then you'll have minimal symptoms as a result if you had not gotten a flu vaccine."

Three children in Dallas County died of flu complications this season. None of them had a flu shot.

"We encourage everyone to get the flu shot," Perkins said. "Unfortunately some people do not and as a result, you put yourself at increased risk of having complications from the flu", says Dr. Perkins.

The CDC recommends the flu vaccine for all children 6 months to 18 years of age, but says that nationally, only 52% of them got the vaccine during the 2011-2012 flu season.

The 2012-2013 flu season runs through May.

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Teen With Down Syndrome Treks to Everest Base Camp

The Elisha Foundation

Elisha "Eli" Reimer, 15, trekked to base camp at Mount Everest to raise money for orphans with Down's syndrome and families who have been marginalized because of their loved ones' disability.

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A 15-year-old boy with a passion for sports and an infectious smile became the first person with Down syndrome to stand at the base camp of Mount Everest, and he's returning to Southern California Friday night to what promises to be a jubilant welcome.

Elisha "Eli" Reimer is scheduled to land at Los Angeles International Airport Friday night after making the 70-mile trek, which was more than a goal – it's what Eli's father calls the family's mission.

Bundled up against the frigid temperatures, Eli, his father and six others made the journey to benefit the Elisha Foundation, based in Oregon.

Named for the high school freshman who made the 17,600-foot climb, the Elisha Foundation was started in 2005 as a way to give families of children with disabilities "practical and emotional support" through free retreat programs, fully funded by donations.

The organization also raises awareness and money for orphans with disabilities.

And instead of seeing his son's Down syndrome as a disability, Justin Reimer calls it his "uniqueness." The Elisha Foundation seeks to impart that compassion in communities where Down syndrone causes families to be marginalized.

Dozens of well-wishers are expected to greet Eli and his hiking crew at LAX Friday night with balloons, signs and cheers.

"We will be screaming our heads off to welcome home Team Eli," wrote Kristen Isaacs, with the Eli Foundation.

The trek has generated $85,000 in donations so far. Their goal is $100,000.

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