Metro Briefs

MARYLAND

BALTIMORE

Third trial in death of girl goes to jury

Jury deliberations started yesterday for a Baltimore man convicted and sentenced twice in the fatal beating of his girlfriend’s 3-year-old daughter.

Past convictions of Erik Stoddard in the death of Calen Faith Dirubbo in June 2002 were vacated.

Prosecutors said the girl died after at least a month of beatings.

In one case, a judge vacated a murder conviction because jurors weren’t asked whether they would be fair to a person of a different race. Also, the state Court of Appeals overturned a conviction, saying the mother of an 18-month-old shouldn’t have been able to quote the child during testimony.

COLUMBIA

Wounded woman moved to hospital

Howard County police said a Columbia woman wounded Wednesday afternoon by a police officer was expected to be transferred from a hospital to a psychiatric facility for evaluation.

Based on interviews and evidence at the scene, police concluded that Pearl Harris, 62, was waving a large knife when she confronted Officer Matthew Mehrer during a disturbance at her apartment on Snowden River Parkway.

Police said Patrolman Mark Baxter ordered Miss Harris to drop the knife, but she instead lunged at him. Patrolman Baxter fired his gun once, striking Miss Harris in the hip.

PRINCESS ANNE

New water sought for prison, UMES

The Maryland Department of the Environment is looking for alternative water sources for two major users on the Lower Shore.

The objective is to reduce demand on the public water system in Princess Anne by removing the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and the Eastern Correctional Institution from the system.

Somerset County Sanitary District Manager Robin Street said a switch by the university to another water source would save enough water for 800 new homes in Princess Anne.

Meanwhile, the commission is seeking permits that would allow the prison to use water from two wells near the prison.

OCEAN CITY

Open-container laws could be changed

The Ocean City Town Council on Monday is scheduled to consider decriminalizing open-container violations.

If the measure becomes law, a violation would no longer be an arrestable offense. Instead, violators would get a citation and $200 fine. If paid within 48 hours, the fine would be reduced to $100.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Joel J. Todd and Ocean City Police Chief Bernadette DiPino have submitted letters opposed to changing the law.

The proposal cleared a preliminary hurdle during a council workshop Tuesday.

VIRGINIA

SUFFOLK

Help center opens for tornado victims

Virginians headed yesterday to a disaster-response center to look for information and help as they clean up, fix up or start over after tornadoes hit their homes and businesses Monday afternoon.

Representatives from state and local agencies, insurance companies and other organizations will be at the center through at least Sunday to answer questions, provide crisis counseling and let people know where they can get further assistance.

Nikita Maher said she and her neighbor, Judith Miller, were seeking “anything and everything that could be useful,” including referrals for contractors and help with applying for building permits. Both women’s homes lost shingles and siding and had shattered windows but were still livable.

City building inspectors so far have estimated more than $28.6 million in property damage in Suffolk, a city of 80,000 west of Norfolk that was hit by the worst of the tornadoes. More than 450 homes were affected.

CHARLOTTESVILLE

UVa. increases tuition, fees

The University of Virginia plans to raise in-state undergraduate tuition and fees 9.4 percent to $9,300 for the 2008-09 school year.

The Board of Visitors also voted Wednesday to increase out-of-state tuition 6.7 percent, to $29,600.

Tuition and fees plus housing and dining will increase 7.3 percent, to $17,120, for Virginia residents. Out-of-state undergraduates’ total bill will increase by 6.3 percent, to $37,420. There is an additional $198 orientation fee for first-year students only.

The increases will go toward compensation for faculty and staff, core investments in academic programs, and deferred building and facility maintenance projects. The university also said it plans to increase its need-based financial-aid program by $2 million.

McLEAN

Congressman charged with DWI

Rep. Vito J. Fossella Jr., New York Republican, was arrested early yesterday and charged with driving while intoxicated, Alexandria police said.

A police spokesman said Mr. Fossella, who represents Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn, was arrested between midnight and 2 a.m. He said Mr. Fossella was charged with driving while intoxicated as a first offense, which under Virginia law requires a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. He said he could not provide further details on the arrest, including Mr. Fossella’s exact blood-alcohol level or where he was arrested. In a statement issued yesterday, Mr. Fossella apologized for his conduct.

DELAWARE

OCEAN VIEW

Fortune teller charged with theft

Delaware State Police say investigators have charged a licensed fortune teller from Hebron, Md., in the theft of more than $65,000 from an Ocean View woman.

The investigation began April 21, when the 57-year-old victim told police she was approached in March by Tiffany Stevens, 21, who told the woman she was a psychic and could help her.

During seven visits at the woman’s home, police said Miss Stevens told the woman her family was cursed. She persuaded the woman to wire more than $59,000 from an inheritance to Miss Stevens’ bank. She also promised to cleanse “the evil” from another $6,000 in cash, but she never returned the money.

Miss Stevens is charged with one count of felony theft.

From wire dispatches and staff reports