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UPDATE: Capital murder suspect carries extensive criminal background

UPDATE: A capital murder warrant has been issued for the double homicide today for 32-year-old Joseph Colone. Police say Colone was out on bond for an aggravated aggravated robbery. They say is charged in the aggravated robbery of the Game Room on 4th Street  about two weeks ago.

TOP STORIES

Tropics may get more active very soon

Two areas that will be watched in the Tropics over the coming days are in the Eastern Caribbean and in the far Eastern Tropical Atlantic. The first wave will likely continuing to move to the west and

One arrested in murder of 24-year-old; police seek two more

Beaumont police are responding to reports of a second deadly shooting Saturday. Dispatchers tell 12 News they were being called to reports of a victim dead on the scene at Elmira Street just off of Fannett

Helicopter crashes near Silsbee; one man seriously hurt

DPS troopers are on the scene investigating a helicopter crash that has left one man seriously injured. The crash happened Saturday around 1 p.m. off Firetower Road northwest of Silsbee. According to

Beaumont native says the city 'stinks'

The creator of the award-winning short film "Beaumont Stinks" says she picked the title because she knew it would be an attention grabber.

Hot, sunny & dry this weekend...

A Heat Advisory has been issued for Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana this weekend. Heat Indices may rise to between 107 - 111 degrees. High pressure aloft dominates our weather. The high, combined

Holden found not guilty in Foskey murder

An Orange County jury has found a 43-year-old Deweyville man not guilty in a 1995 murder case. James Holden was found not guilty of capital murder in the 1995 stabbing death and dismemberment of Theresa

Southeast Texas school districts receive their report cards

The Texas Education Agency Friday released the ratings for each Texas school district. Beaumont educators got a sneak peak Thursday night, however, after Beaumont Independence School District released.

Friday Afternoon Update: Sunny, hot & dry...

Mostly sunny skies are expected this afternoon with no rainfall forecasted. Temperatures will climb into the middle-nineties with heat indices around 105 degrees. West to southwesterly winds are expected

Beaumont Landmark hotel demolished

The Austin Motor Motel on 11th Street in Beaumont has been demolished after being issued 14 code violations. The motel was severely damaged after Hurricane Rita and the city was at odds with the owners

Town hall meeting scheduled to discuss construction, traffic around school

Town hall meeting to answer questions about the upcoming construction near Bingman-Blanchette Elementary School.

Jury deliberates Holden murder trial

An Orange County jury is continuing deliberations this morning after spending 5 hours behind doors trying to reach a verdict in the murder and dismemberment trial of James Holden

Overnight stabbing in Beaumont under investigation

A Beaumont man is hospitalized after police say he was stabbed several times just after 11 p.m. Thursday.

B.I.S.D. falls short of its prediction

For the second year in a row, the Beaumont Independent School Districts says it has earned a recognized rating, which is Texas' second-highest rating.

Originally, the district thought it was receiving an exemplary rating but that was based on preliminary figures.

Jury to continue deliberating Friday in Orange County murder case

Both sides have rested and an orange county jury is deliberating the fate of James Holden.

Phase three on Calder drainage project starts soon

The drainage project on Calder is entering the final stage. Although this last piece of the project could cause even more headaches for drivers. Access to I-10 will be a bit more complicated. Phase

Beaumont police seek missing man

Beaumont police are asking for the public's help in finding a man who has been missing for ten days.

Lake Charles man arrested in shooting death

LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) - A 22-year-old Lake Charles man has been booked with second-degree murder in the death of his stepfather.

Police seek gunman after Carjacking in Beaumont

Beaumont police say a man who stopped at a red light was carjacked at gunpoint early this morning.

B&T grocery store robbery

New surveillance video shows a robbery that happened at the B&T grocery store at the 4300 block of south 4th street in Beaumont. The robber entered the store, went up to the cashier and pointed a gun

Defense rests in Orange County dismemberment, murder trial

Closing arguments are set for Thursday in the murder trial of a Deweyville man accused of killing a Bridge City woman and later dismembering her body.

Video released for latest in string of Dollar General robberies

Beaumont police are releasing new surveillance tape of a robbery at the Dollar General off 11th Street in Beaumont last Tuesday night. It was the second time such a store in Beaumont was targeted in

Rangers wrapping up investigation of officer-involved shooting

The Texas Rangers say they are wrapping up their investigation of an officer involved shooting in Orange earlier this week. Twenty-eight year-old James Whitehead was shot and killed Monday afternoon

Toddler dies after being left in hot car for 7 hours

Charges are still pending against a Houston baby-sitter after a toddler in her care died in a hot car yesterday. The 78-year-old woman, who was apparently a friend of the toddler's mother, was supposed

Father says fighting words led to son's shooting death

Orange police have placed Police Captain Robert Arnold (right) on leave pending an investigation into a fatal of James Whitehead (left)

Gas line explosion in Austin County Video included

A gas pipeline explosion about 80 miles northwest of Houston rattled nerves today.

Orange Police Chief Sam Kittrell to retire

Orange Police Chief Sam kittrell says he intends to retire from his early next year. Kittrell served as Chief of Police for 23 years in Orange. Kittrell says it is time to "pass the torch of leadership"

Day two testimony includes gruesome details in dismemberment trial

Pictures of dismembered Theresa Foskey were the main pieces of evidence in day two of the Foskey trial in Orange.

Hundreds gather to honor fallen Southeast Texas soldier

About 400 people lined the streets in Sour Lake to honor Southeast Texas' latest fallen soldier.

Army Sergeant Leston "Tony"Winters, 30, died July 15 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, after enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

Beaumont bank robbery suspect killed

Beaumont police say they have identified a man wanted in connection with the November 3rd robbery of the Wells Fargo bank in Beaumont as a man killed while robbing another bank.

Sour Lake community prepares to honor fallen soldier

Rain-soaked streets are not enough to stop members of the Patriot Riders and the Sour Lake community from showing support and appreciation for the service and sacrifice of a southeast Texas Soldier.

Jasper mayor pays fine, says PI charge is over

The Mayor of Jasper says he has paid a fine and considers his arrest for public intoxication a thing of the past.

Two Beaumont officers promoted to sergeant

The Beaumont Police Department has 2 newly promoted sergeants following a Tuesday-morning ceremony at the police station.

Man with fake gun unsuccessful at robbing Beaumont Dollar General Store

Beaumont police are looking for a man who tried using a toy gun to rob employees of a Dollar General Store.

Beaumont firefighters to get $108,992 training trailer

Beaumont firefighters will soon get a new 53-foot semi-trailer decked out with all of the equipment needed to provide live fire training for firefighters.  The training is necessary for any firefighter needing certification.

2 arrested after gunfire and police chase in Beaumont

Beaumont police say a 21-year-old and a person under 18 were arrested after they fired a gun and led police on a chase Monday night.

Beaumont to continue weatherization assistance program

The city of Beaumont has helped 41 homeowners weatherize their homes through a program funded by the Department of Energy. Tuesday the city council is taking steps to help as many as 204.

Jasper city councilman asks mayor to turn in resignation

The Mayor of Jasper is free on a personal recognizance bond following his arrest for public intoxication Sunday night near a Jasper restaurant.

TCEQ confirms bad diesel at Pine Forest gas station

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality this morning confirmed to 12 News HD test results show contaminated diesel was sold at a service station in Pine Forest.

Developer has hope for Port Arthur landmark

A Port Arthur landmark may soon have a new lease on life.

Worker pulled from Beaumont manhole after 9 foot fall

A contract worker whose company is part of the Calder Avenue expansion project is recovering from a leg injury after he fell an estimated 9 feet into a manhole.

Lightning sparks Port Arthur garage fire

Port Arthur firefighters say there are no injuries following a garage fire sparked by lightning Monday.

Woodville man arrested burglarizing Beaumont pawn shop

A Woodville man is in the Jefferson County Jail after police say they caught him arresting a pawnshop in Beaumont.

Woman robbed after she tried to help Stranded Port Arthur motorist

A woman says she was robbed at gunpoint Sunday night when she tried to help a woman with car trouble.

Mobile home in Orange catches fire

Meanwhile Port Arthur firefighters battle a ferocious fire overnight at a vacant mobile home. The fire started around 1:30AM this morning at the corner of 9th and Hart Streets. The flames were pretty

Port Arthur man shot in leg, not cooperating w/police

Port Arthur Police are trying to figure out exactly how a man got shot. There are still many unanswered questions in this shooting investigation. Police say a man was shot in the leg at an unknown

Gubernatorial candidate Bill White visits Beaumont

Candidate for Texas Governor and former Mayor of Houston, Bill White is in the golden triangle tonight rallying support from fellow Democrats. White was welcomed to the Orange County Courthouse by very

Bonnie dissipates, tropics are quiet elsewhere

Tropical Depression Bonnie has been downgraded to another area of low pressure. Tropics are quiet in its wake. However heavy rains are on the way for us.

Aggravated robbery leads to arrest in Port Arthur

Port Arthur Police responded to an aggravated robbery at the Time Out Convenience Store on the 1800 lock of Woodworth Blvd. The suspect was armed with a pistol during the robbery and stole the entire cash

Despite opposition, petition drive continues

Members of Beaumonters Embracing Transition Towards Election Reform or B.E.T.T.E.R. say they have gathered more than 8,000 signatures in their effort to change the makeup of the B.I.S.D. Board of Trustees.

But that's not stopping members of Best Education System In Texas or B.E.S.T.,which is planning to hold a town hall meeting to stop the petition drive.

Commissioners wrap up 1st round of budget hearings

Jefferson County Commissioners court wrapped up their first round of budget hearings today after a long week including 13 job cuts. 12 News reporter Liz Mckernan spoke with County Judge Ron Walker about

Fatal car wreck on Highway 87 leaves 2 dead

Two people are dead following an accident on Highway 87 just north of Newton. According to the Department of Public Safety the 2-car accident happened around 11:45 a.m. Friday. A DPS dispatcher says

Two men arrested in drug bust in Beaumont

At midnight Friday morning, 2 men were arrested at the Knight's Inn at Walden Road and I-10. Officers seized 56 grams of methamphatamine. The men have been identified as 20 year old Abraham Bernabe and

Murder suspect may be in Beaumont area

Jefferson County sheriff's deputies spent part of Friday morning going door-to-door looking for a man wanted for murder.

Relief oil well on hold as Bonnie forces Gulf evacuations

With Tropical Storm Bonnie nearing, efforts to dig a relief well remained suspended Friday as the rig involved in the operation and other boats around BP's ruptured Gulf of Mexico well prepared to evacuate.

SETX soldiers reunite with families in Port Arthur

150 Soldiers will be landing soon at the Jack Brooks Regional Airport before heading to the Bob Bowers Civic Center at 3401 Cultural Center Drive to be with their families.

Gas prices remain steady despite gulf storm fears

Gas prices stayed steady in Beaumont last week averaging $2.54 a gallon for regular unleaded. And prices state wide stayed steady at about $2.56 a gallon with the national average at $2.72. The cheapest

Stephen Jackson's wife victim of home invasion

Multiple media organizations reported Friday that three masked gunman entered Jackson's home in a gated community of million-dollar homes early Wednesday.

Southeast Texans brace for Tropical Storm Bonnie

As Tropical Storm Bonnie inches closer to Southeast Texas, Jefferson County emergency officials have an important message for you and your family:

"Please don't wait until the last minute to pick up your supplies," said Greg Fountain, who is the emergency management coordinator for Jefferson County. "In addition to supplies, it is also important that people think about their yards."

Accident on Veterans Memorial Bridge 6:45 am

Dispatchers tell 12NewsNow.Com there is an accident on the Veterans Memorial Bridge.  Drivers should expect delays.

BISD: New stadium will be ready for week 0

The weather isn't helping with construction of BISD's new athletic complex, but the district said it'll be ready for the kick-off of football season next month. The view of the new Doctor Carrol A. "Butch"

Beaumont man uses counterfeit cash to buy money orders

A Beaumont man is accused of buying a money order with 3 counterfeit $100 bills at a Fastlane on the 10,900 block of Eastex Freeway back on June 30. The man is described as a heavy set black male wearing

Man and woman charged with kidnapping and sexual assault of a child

A man and woman arrested in connection with a prostitution ring that used an elaborate coupon scheme to elude arrest are indicted on charges of kidnapping and sexual assault of a child.

Fifteenth Street at Calder in Beaumont set for closure

The City of Beaumont Public Works Director says the Intersection of Fifteenth Street at Calder Avenue will be closed beginning today (July 22) through August 6.

Amber alert issued after car stolen with baby in back seat

Harris County authorities have issued an Amber Alert after a car was stolen with a baby inside in north Harris County.

Emergency Management to coordinate with weather service

Greg Fountain, Jefferson County Emergency Management Coordinator says a conference call will be done with the National Weather Service office on Lake Charles in response to Tropical Depression #3 which

Sales tax holiday information August 20 - 22, 2010

Texas shoppers get a break from state and local sales taxes on August 20, 21 and 22

Beaumont police officers set for promotion

Two Beaumont police officers are moving up in the ranks.

Neighborhood Association complaint results in Beaumont drug arrest

Beaumont police say information from a neighborhood association led to the arrest of a woman on drug charges.

Port Arthur police crackdown on prostitution;3 women arrested in sting operation

While you were at work today, Port Arthur police were sweeping the streets and cracking down on prostitution.

It was all part of a sting operation conducted by the street crimes unit and the special response team.

Commissioners decide to eliminate 9 Deputy Constables

It was standing room only at the Jefferson County Courthouse as Commissioners discuss the budget for Constables and Deputy Constables. The department is facing a cut to their budget and losing jobs.

New Sabine Pass School Complex 80% complete

The Sabine Pass superintendent tells 12NewsNow.com a new "Gym Auditorium Classroom Complex" at Sabine Pass High School is about 80 percent complete.

Beaumont man pleads guilty for federal drug charges

Beaumont pleads guilty to federal drug violations. The violations include possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine. On April 21, 2010 law enforcement officers executed a search warrant

Man steals $1000 of property from Beaumont residence

Approximately $1000 of property was stolen from a residence on the 5000 block of Highland Ave in Beaumont. Police say 7 items were stolen by a man who then loaded them into his red pickup truck. The theft

Rollover accident sends 2 to Beaumont hospitals

Police say an accident at the corner of Willow at Calder in Beaumont sent 2 people to the hospital.

EMS called out to plant for possible electrocution

A morning incident at Gerdau Ameristeel had ambulance crews rushing to the plant around 10 AM this morning. The emergency services district #1 out of Vidor was called on a report of a possible electrocution. When

BP says new oil leaks are "very small drips"

The government's point man on the gulf oil spill is downplaying worries that BP's capped well is buckling under the pressure. Retired Coast Guard Rear Admiral Thad Allen says at least five leaks have

Beaumont Dollar General robbed by 2 gunmen

Beaumont police are looking for 2 men who robbed the Dollar General Store on 11th near Central High School.

4 men with guns rob man in Beaumont

Beaumont police say a man was beaten by 4 gunmen who robbed him Wednesday morning.

Ford Park management asks for nearly $2 million in tax dollars

It's back to the drawing board for Ford Park management who is asking Jefferson County for almost $2 million of your dollars.

Major school lunch changes for SETX students

When your children return to school next month they'll get new classes, new teachers, and new choices in the cafeteria. Region 5 is changing up the menu options at it's schools - in an effort to make

Beaumont rescuers honored for saving a life

Fire Chief Anne Huff recognized a civilian, 3 firefighters, and 2 paramedics in a special ceremony at Fire Headquarters Tuesday.

Beaumont approves 2nd airport gas well

The city of Beaumont has received over $27 million in 6-months worth of royalty checks since a gas well on airport property began operation, and the city has taken steps it hopes will  increase the cash intake.

$4.7 million city hall nearly finished in Vidor

Vidor city business will move from a double-wide trailer parked in front of the police station to a brand new $4.7 million city hall in about a month and a half.

2 in jail while police look for 3rd Beaumont murder suspect

Police have arrested 2 men and are looking for a 3rd in connection with the Monday murder of Jimmy Hancock at 1970 E. Lucas.

Expansion planned for Beaumont elderly housing

The Beaumont Housing Authority tells 12NewsNow.Com it has received a preliminary notice that it is the top contender for federal grants that would allow the city to expand housing for the elderly.

Beaumont Salvation Army opens cooling station and gives away fans

The Salvation Army of Beaumont says it has opened its cooling station where people are welcome to come and escape the heat.

Beaumont police warn of "secret shopper scam"

Beaumont police are issuing a warning about a "secret shopper scam."

Phones working again at Orange County Sheriff's Office

A spokesperson for the Orange County Sheriff's office tells 12NewsNow.Com the incoming phone lines at the Sheriff's Office are down.

Funeral Tuesday for Director of Beaumont's McFaddin-Ward House

Funeral services are set for the director of Beaumont's McFaddin-Ward Historic House Museum.

Port Arthur woman crashes car while running from police

Port Arthur woman crashes car while running from police

Beaumont, Port Arthur prepares for returning soldiers

The Mayor of Beaumont is set to make a proclamation Tuesday in honor of a group of soldiers scheduled to return to Southeast Texas Friday.

I-10 lane closures for Tuesday in Orange County

The Texas Department of Transportation has announced lane closures for Tuesday for a section of Interstate 10 in Orange County.

Port Arthur PD: wreck claims the life of 55-year-old man

1 person is reported dead following an accident involving 2 pickup trucks Monday afternoon.

Port Arthur PD: Stores have 10 days to get rid of synthetic marijuana

Port Arthur police have hit the streets to warn stores that sell synthetic marijuana to take it off their shelves or face a steep fine.

Last week, Port Arthur City Council passed an ordinance that makes it illegal to buy, sell or possess the herbal blend often called K-2.

Two hot spots in the Tropics...

Tropical storm development is not expected during the next couple of days, but there are two areas that will be monitored for the possibility. The first area is just to the north of Puerto Rico. A tropical

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