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Alex Brizee

@alexbrizee.bsky.social

1.2K followers 520 following 150 posts

strong headed since '97 • covering the criminal justice system for the idaho statesman• go vandals • stop using mugshots • 208 703 8818

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Alex Brizee @alexbrizee.bsky.social · Jun 14

Despite a violent & well-documented disciplinary history dating back years, IDOC housed James Johnson with Milo Warnock — a non-violent offender serving time for drunk driving — in September 2023.

Three months later, a guard found Warnock severely beaten in his cell. An hour later, he was dead.

In an Idaho prison for a DUI, he was murdered. Why was he in maximum security?

James Johnson had a lengthy, violent and well-documented disciplinary history within the prison system dating back years, records showed.

www.idahostatesman.com

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Reposted by Alex Brizee

Wilson Criscione @wilsonc.bsky.social · 7d

Just under a year ago, my colleague Whitney Bryen and I began hearing about women in Idaho prisons being sexually abused by staff. We investigated — and what we've found since has shocked us.

Today, the first two stories in our 6(!)-part series were published.

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Alex Brizee @alexbrizee.bsky.social · 17d

A former sheriff’s deputy was convicted of two misdemeanors after he kissed and groped a woman incarcerated at the Payette County Jail earlier this year. Now, he could be sued.

Ex-Idaho sheriff’s jail deputy could be sued after groping incarcerated woman

He “was able to move freely about the facility and go into inmates’ cells,” the claim said, and used his freedom to frighten and harass her.

www.idahostatesman.com

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Alex Brizee @alexbrizee.bsky.social · 25d

Jordan Law, accused of killing his ex-girlfriend who disappeared in 2019, pleaded guilty to manslaughter this month through a plea deal.

Without Rae Berwanger’s body, it would have been difficult for the prosecution to prove murder, and the deal guarantees the 48-year-old will face prison time.

Ex-boyfriend of missing Idaho woman pleads guilty to manslaughter. What to know

He’s expected to face sentencing next month at the Bonner County Courthouse.

www.idahostatesman.com

Reposted by Alex Brizee

Idaho Statesman @idahostatesman.com · 26d

“What makes this even more devastating is that the person responsible for her death is my own father,” the victim’s daughter said in court.

Idaho man convicted of killing wife in ‘cold blood.’ He maintains his innocence

“What makes this even more devastating is that the person responsible for her death is my own father,” the victim’s daughter said in court.

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Alex Brizee @alexbrizee.bsky.social · Sep 18

Bendawald was found NOT GUILTY on all five of the felony counts against him. Story here:

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Alex Brizee @alexbrizee.bsky.social · Sep 18

Breaking: Jurors in ex-Caldwell Police Sgt. Ryan Bendawald's criminal case have reached a verdict roughly two hours after beginning deliberations.

We'll be able to get into the courtroom shortly.

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Reposted by Alex Brizee

Idaho Statesman @idahostatesman.com · Sep 17

His defense attorney argued that the charge against his client was “unlawful.”

Charge dismissed against ex-Idaho coach accused of violating no contact order

His defense attorney argued that the charge against his client was “unlawful.”

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Reposted by Alex Brizee

Idaho News Guild @idahonewsguild.bsky.social · Sep 2

Let’s get clickbait out of local news.

Learn about how our regional reporters are fighting against story quotas at McClatchy Media. 🧵

Check out our video below to see local stories that took time and effort — the way our readers deserve. 👇

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Reposted by Alex Brizee

David Kroman @kromandavid.bsky.social · Aug 28

If this is what it looks like it is, then… woof. Good reporting from @isabellabreda.bsky.social and @conradswanson.bsky.social

The Seattle Times @seattletimes.com · Aug 28

Federal agents showed up northeast of Lake Cushman to check identification of crew members fighting Washington's largest active wildfire.

Federal agents arrest firefighters working on WA wildfire

Federal agents showed up northeast of Lake Cushman to check identification of crew members fighting Washington's largest active wildfire.

www.seattletimes.com

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Carolyn Komatsoulis @komatsoulis.bsky.social · Aug 22

One army veteran said he was praying for someone to help his neighborhood. Here's why:
www.idahostatesman.com/news/busines...

They planned on staying in their homes. A new manager inflated the rent

“I served my country honorably. … I shouldn’t be pushed out of my home like this, especially on a fixed income,” one resident said.

www.idahostatesman.com

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Reposted by Alex Brizee

Idaho Capital Sun @idahocapitalsun.com · Aug 22

Idaho has significantly reformed its public defense system since 2022. Now, the state Supreme Court will weigh whether the changes are enough to show the state is meeting its constitutional obligation to provide adequate representation or if it’s too soon to decide. #idleg #idpol

Idaho Supreme Court weighs arguments in state public defense system case • Idaho Capital Sun

The Idaho Supreme Court heard arguments Friday on whether Idaho's new public defense system meets constitutional requirements.

idahocapitalsun.com

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Alex Brizee @alexbrizee.bsky.social · Aug 23

Authorities identified the 38-year-old Idaho prisoner who was killed Wednesday in a private prison in Arizona.

Idaho man killed in private Arizona prison identified by local authorities

Authorities identified the 38-year-old Idaho prisoner who was killed in a private prison in Arizona.

www.idahostatesman.com

Alex Brizee @alexbrizee.bsky.social · Aug 21

Shortly after Mountain Home police arrested him, the 51-year-old father accused of killing his teenage daughter admitted to the crime.

The 18-year-old's mother said she couldn’t understand why this happened and wondered how long he'd planned it. “She was just a kid,” her mother said.

‘I did it.’ Idaho dad accused of killing daughter admitted it, affidavit says

“I just wonder how long he knew he was going to do that,“ the teen’s mother said. “I don’t know, why? Why? She was just a kid.”

www.idahostatesman.com

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Alex Brizee @alexbrizee.bsky.social · Aug 21

An Idaho prisoner died after an assault at a private prison hundreds of miles away, where several other states' correctional systems house people because of overcrowding.

He was being housed at the Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona, which has been plagued by complaints for years.

Idaho man housed in private Arizona prison dies after assault, IDOC says

The Saguaro Correctional Center, which also houses prisoners from Hawaii and Montana, has been plagued by complaints for years.

www.idahostatesman.com

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Alex Brizee @alexbrizee.bsky.social · Aug 19

An Idaho father has been accused of killing his teenage daughter, who the Coroner's Office identified as Hope Cornish.

But to her family & friends, she was known as Onyx: a strong-headed young woman who loved music — particularly heavy metal — & was outspoken about her distaste for the president.

‘What the hell?’ Caldwell man accused of killing his 18-year-old daughter

Hope Cornish was known to her family and friends as Onyx, her mother told the Idaho Statesman, and she recently had turned her life around.

www.idahostatesman.com

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Alex Brizee @alexbrizee.bsky.social · Aug 14

thank you so so much, as always

Alex Brizee @alexbrizee.bsky.social · Aug 14

On Nov. 13, 2022, four University of Idaho students — Xana, Ethan, Kaylee and Maddie — were murdered in what law enforcement called a “true whodunit.”

But a left-behind leather knife sheath would become the key to solving the case. Kevin Fixler and I break down the weeks-long investigation.

Consumed by four murders, Idaho police never stopped. Inside the search for Kohberger

In interviews and records obtained by the Idaho Statesman, police detailed the investigative work needed to see the case through to its end.

www.idahostatesman.com

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Reposted by Alex Brizee

Carolyn Komatsoulis @komatsoulis.bsky.social · Aug 11

Smashed windows. Missing court dates. How ICE is changing its tactics

w/help from @alexbrizee.bsky.social
www.idahostatesman.com/news/politic...

Smashed windows. Missing court dates. How ICE is changing its tactics

“I was not really prepared to watch that or to hear that,” the husband of a local immigrant said.

www.idahostatesman.com

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Alex Brizee @alexbrizee.bsky.social · Aug 8

just because we can request things as reporters, doesn't mean we should. good ethics is knowing the difference.

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Reposted by Alex Brizee

Alexandra (Alex) Duggan @alexdugganreports.bsky.social · Aug 8

Really disappointed to see an Idaho news outlet post the Moscow homicide crime scene photos. I don’t really have much else to say besides how upsetting it is to witness

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Reposted by Alex Brizee

Idaho Statesman @idahostatesman.com · Aug 6

Eliseo Torres’ six-day trial is scheduled for January 2026.

Four sentenced in fatal Boise robbery outside gas station. One awaits trial

Eliseo Torres’ six-day trial is scheduled for January 2026.

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Alex Brizee @alexbrizee.bsky.social · Aug 5

Kip Crofts, the former head football coach at Caldwell High, was arrested again for a no contact order violation — 2 months after he was charged with sexual abuse of a minor.

His attorney argued he was “unlawfully charged.” Myself & Rachel Roberts report:

Former Idaho football coach, accused of sexual abuse of a minor, arrested again

His attorney argued that his client was “unlawfully charged.”

www.idahostatesman.com

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Alex Brizee @alexbrizee.bsky.social · Jul 29

NEW: An [email protected] football wide receiver was kicked off the team after he was arrested earlier this year. Now, he’s facing another criminal charge.

Former Boise State football player arrested. This isn’t his first charge

A former Boise State football wide receiver was kicked off the team after he was arrested earlier this year. Now, he’s facing another criminal charge.

www.idahostatesman.com

Reposted by Alex Brizee

Idaho Statesman @idahostatesman.com · Jul 23

“I am unable to come up with anything redeeming about Mr. Kohberger,” Judge Steven Hippler said. “His actions have made him the worst of the worse.”

Bryan Kohberger sentenced to life in prison for ‘unfathomable and senseless act’

“I am unable to come up with anything redeeming about Mr. Kohberger,” Judge Steven Hippler said. “His actions have made him the worst of the worse.”

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Alex Brizee @alexbrizee.bsky.social · Jul 22

Despite handling other high-profile murder cases, the monthslong trial of Bryan Kohberger would have been a "substantial lift" for Ada County Courthouse.

“This one had its own issues that would have been much harder for everyone involved." Here's what to expect Wednesday:

Will Bryan Kohberger speak at his sentencing? Here’s what to expect

His sentencing is scheduled for 9 a.m. at Ada County Courthouse.