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Community Corner

🌱 Ned Byrd Autopsy Released + Death Penalty Protests In Downtown

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Raleigh.

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Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy Holiday Food Drive for the Needy Animals Day Raleigh!

Holy Christmas, there's so much to know today! Rest assured, I have a quick summary of all the need-to-know information for Raleigh residents. This edition is particularly special to me, with some holiday joy spreading opportunities for the past, present, and future, including:

  • Organizations provided toys to those in need this holiday
  • A family event to support care for those with sever perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
  • A one-week pet adoption special

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy. High: 53 Low: 39.

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Here are the top five stories in Raleigh today:

  1. The autopsy for fallen Wake County Deputy Ned Byrd was released on Friday. It shows that Byrd was shot multiple times. Surveillance video captured on Byrd's dashcam recorded the sound of six gunshots and the truck leaving the scene. The autopsy revealed that Byrd was hit three times in the head, and also suffered a gunshot wound to the chest that pierced through his protective vest. A grand jury has indicted brothers, Arturo Marin-Sotelo and Alder Alfonso Marin-Sotelo on murder charges. Both brothers pled not guilty, and could face life in prison or the death penalty if convicted. (abc11, CBS17, WITN, WRAL)
  2. On Friday, United Church in Apex invited families to their annual Christmas Store. The event is in it's 21st year, and gives parents the opportunity to choose their own toys for their children. More than 200 volunteers and multiple partnerships helped the church serve more than 800 children across 354 families in Wake County. Many volunteers look forward to the event each year as it can be emotional for both families and volunteers. (CBS17) The Wake County Fire Department also teamed up with Team Chris to help underprivileged kids in central North Carolina. During this year's collaboration they raised more than $30,000, a large portion of which went to supporting the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. (CBS17)
  3. A rally was planned in downtown Raleigh on Saturday to protest the death penalty in North Carolina. The gathering was expected to be the largest gathering against executions in over a decade. The group marched from Central Prison to the N.C. Governor's Executive Mansion. Some of those in attendance were families who lost loved ones to homicide, but believe that the death penalty is not the answer. (WRAL)
  4. Five people and two dogs were displaced after a Friday night house fire in Raleigh. Raleigh Fire crews responded around 9:20 p.m. to the scene at 102 South Fisher Street. One of the dogs was still inside when they arrived, but the crews were able to rescue it. No serious injuries came of the fire, and the Red Cross is assisting those who were displaced. (CBS17)
  5. Foreclosures in North Carolina's housing market are up by nearly 60% compared to a year ago. Data shows that both of the Triangle's metropolitan areas show fewer foreclosures per capita than the national and statewide average. According to Rick Sharga, executive vice president of market intelligence at ATTOM, many lenders put a moratorium on foreclosing during the winter holiday season, and foreclosures may have peaked for 2022. (WRAL TechWire)

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Today in Raleigh:

  • Pancakes with the Santa Brothers (9:00am-11:30am)
  • The 59th Raleigh Raga Revival at Artspace (11:15am-2:30pm)
  • Makers Market at Hooked on You co. Cary (12:00pm-4:00pm)
  • Monthly Pinball Showdown at The Neighborhood Cary (1:00pm-4:00pm)
  • Theatre in the Park: A Christmas Carol at Duke Energy Center (2:00pm)
  • Cookies, Cocoa, & Crafts for a Cause at Anchor Perinatal Wellness (3:00pm-5:00pm)
  • Winter Pop-Up Market at Heyday Brewing (5:00pm-10:00pm)
  • Sunday Swing Dance Holiday Party at Raleigh Elks Lodge Ballroom (6:00pm-10:30pm)

Monday in Raleigh:

From my notebook:

  • It's Holiday Food Drive for the Needy Animals Day, and if you have pet food that you don't need, or want to go out and get some food to help pets this season, Wake County has several drop off locations as well as several other ways to help take care of pets in need.
  • Belinda Hiltbruner, a Raleigh USPS employee and Shaw University Director of Bands, Andrae King are being featured in a docuseries about Operation Santa. (abc11)
  • The Wake County Animal Center is hosting a one-week adoption special to help find homes for animals ahead of the holidays. (WRAL)
  • The Raleigh Fire Department is reminding families to be fire smart, as small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly. (City of Raleigh Facebook)

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Events:

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Sunday off right. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Daily? Contact me at raleigh@patch.com

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