Ohio teen faces life after Craigslist conviction

An Ohio teen faces life in prison with no chance of parole for his role in killing and robbing three men and trying to kill a fourth in a deadly Craigslist robbery scheme.

Prosecutors in the weeks-long trial painted 17-year-old Brogan Rafferty as a quick student of violence and a willing participant in three killings, while the defense argued he was acting under the duress of his alleged accomplice, a self-styled chaplain depicted as a mentor.

Rafferty was found guilty Tuesday on the fourth day of jury deliberations in an Akron court.

Authorities say Rafferty, of Stow, helped Richard Beasley, of Akron, lure four victims at separate times with bogus Craigslist job offers to a nonexistent cattle farm in rural Noble County in southeast Ohio; they say the motive was robbery. Authorities say Beasley shot and killed three of the men; the fourth victim was shot in the arm and survived.

Rafferty stood with his hands clasped behind his back and showed no emotion as the verdicts were read. His mother leaned over and cried softly.

Led from the courtroom, Rafferty shook his head and said, "Nothing to say." He didn't respond to reporters' questions about the verdict.

Prosecutors and the defense, who are under a gag order, didn't comment afterward. The father of victim Timothy Kern flashed a "thumbs up" after the verdicts were read but declined to comment when he left the courtroom.

Jury forewoman Dana Nash and other jurors said it was a difficult decision because of the boy's age, calling him "a child" on a couple of occasions.

Jurors said they worked on the 25 charges against Rafferty one by one, with the most difficult one involving evidence surrounding the death of the first victim, Ralph Geiger. Rafferty was acquitted of a single identity theft charge involving Geiger.

Jurors debated each charge and often reviewed their own notes and evidence presented at trial, including audio interviews Rafferty gave investigators.

Nash said they were skeptical of some of Rafferty's testimony, saying they felt as if he contradicted himself at points, as well as in his interviews with investigators.

"We were trying to be fair, and we were fair," Nash said afterward. "We listened to everything, we observed everything, and we feel we made the right decision."

Rafferty had testified that he didn't want to be a part of such violence and said he went along with the plan only because he feared for his life.

Rafferty was tried as an adult but faces a maximum potential sentence of life in prison because he is a juvenile. His sentencing is set for Nov. 5.

Beasley, 53, has pleaded not guilty and could face the death penalty if convicted at his separate trial.
The man who survived, 49-year-old Scott Davis of South Carolina, had testified as the prosecution's star witness, identifying Rafferty as Beasley's accomplice and telling a harrowing story of survival.

During Rafferty's trial, defense attorney John Alexander painted Beasley as the mastermind and said that the first killing came without warning for Rafferty, who "had no idea any of this was going on."

After the first killing, Alexander said that Beasley warned Rafferty to keep quiet and cooperate by reminding him that he knew where his mother and sister lived.

Prosecutor Emily Pelphrey told jurors that Rafferty chose to participate in the killings, saying he was a "student of violent crime."

"He made the choices he wanted to make," she said.
Prosecutors also showed jurors photographs of a suitcase filled with weapons found in Rafferty's bedroom, including a sawed-off shotgun, a .22-caliber pistol, two knives and ammunition. None of the weapons was conclusively linked to any of the three killings.

Jurors also were shown photos of the graves of the three men killed in the plot and said they were just trying to improve their lives and find work.

The three men were Geiger, 56, of Akron; David Pauley, 51, of Norfolk, Va.; and Kern, 47, of Massillon. Authorities say they were targeted because they were older, single, out-of-work men with backgrounds that made it unlikely their disappearances would be noticed right away.

Life Insurance Muzzles Estate Tax Bite

If you are wealthy enough to belong to America's exclusive 1%, chances are you've worked long and hard to provide your family with financial security.

So you'll probably want to minimize the pain and suffering of estate taxes on your loved ones. Life insurance is one way to help beneficiaries pay off those taxes.

"For estates valued greater than $1 million, I would recommend at minimum a term life insurance policy as one of the easiest ways to provide liquidity to pay the estate tax," says Julie Kronhaus, an attorney specializing in estate planning and elder law with Kronhaus Law Firm in Winter Park, Fla.

The remaining 99% of us also can use life insurance to protect our heirs from unnecessary expenses. "Life insurance should play a part in most estate plans," Kronhaus says.

An 'Unhappy Surprise'
Federal taxes may be due on an estate left to heirs when a person passes away. If someone dies in 2012, $5.12 million can be distributed to heirs without any estate tax. Amounts bequeathed more than that limit are taxed at a top rate of 35%.

Kronhaus says that many heirs are unaware of the tax, which comes as an unhappy surprise. Taxes are due to the Internal Revenue Service just nine months after an individual's death. "They do not care that your estate is tied up in real estate -- they just want their money," Kronhaus says.

In addition, many states have their own estate and inheritance taxes that can compound disappointment among heirs. But your life insurance can provide liquidity for your heirs to pay the estate taxes. The two major types of life insurance are:

Term life insurance. Also known as temporary life insurance, it provides coverage for a set period of time. If you live beyond that time, the benefit expires unless you renew the policy -- likely at a higher rate.

Permanent life insurance. Provides coverage until death, provided the premium is paid.
Term life policies cost less than permanent life insurance, at least in the early years, making the former especially attractive. "Term life insurance is paid quickly and solves (the estate tax) problem nicely," Kronhaus says.

However, Kevin Bress, an attorney who specializes in estate planning and elder law at PK Law in Baltimore, says term life policies also come with one major drawback. "The obvious pitfall with term insurance is the person runs a risk of outliving the policy," Bress says. "Then they're back to square one in terms of achieving their goal."

Purchasing a permanent life policy to pay state and federal estate taxes is "an age-old estate planning technique," Bress adds.

But the strategy does not work for everyone. Bress warns that people generally wait until they are 50 or older before thinking about buying life insurance to protect an estate. By that time, age and health conditions can make premiums much more expensive.

"Anyone who will be rated for a fairly sizable premium is less likely to embark on a strategy of using permanent life insurance to pay estate taxes," Bress says. "Permanent insurance at that age looks disproportionately expensive to them when compared to what their fixed income is going to be; that can be a deal killer."

How Much to Buy
This year's political turmoil has added an extra layer of uncertainty to estate planning aimed at 2013 and beyond. Unless Congress acts, the amount of money you can pass on tax-free through an estate will drop from $5.12 million in 2012 to $1 million in 2013.

In addition, the top tax rate on estates exceeding those limits will rise from 35% in 2012 to 55% in 2013. Nobody knows what Congress and the White House will agree upon, and a final decision is unlikely to occur until after this November's election. "The law will definitely change on Jan. 1. We just don't know what it will be," Bress says.

Kronhaus notes that many experts believe the new tax-free limit will be in the $3 million range, but that is pure conjecture.

How much life insurance should you buy to make sure all estate taxes are covered? Bress says, "The safest thing to do is to run a projection for what the estate tax would be without the insurance. Then look at the ability to pay the tax from liquidity."

Because next year's limits are unclear, consult with an estate attorney or other tax professional to plan for the various scenarios that might unfold.

Life Insurance Tax Tips for the 99%
Although estate planning tax issues are most likely to ensnare those in the 1%, life insurance still can be used by members of the other 99% to help secure the finances of loved ones, Kronhaus advises. For example, life insurance "is really useful in solving the estate planning issues that develop with second marriages, blended families and business succession plans," she says.

Bress agrees. He conjures a scenario of a couple with two sons, a 100-acre farm and few other assets. One of the sons loves farming, stays at home and works the land as an adult. The other son doesn't care about farming and moves out of state to Minnesota.

"You buy life insurance to cash out the Minnesota child, and the farm goes to the other child," Bress says.

Another example of using life insurance to secure finances would be the couple who purchases a policy to make sure the surviving spouse can pay off the mortgage.

Some situations apply only in certain states. For example, Bress says that some states have an inheritance tax that kicks in when you give money to "remote heirs," such as nieces, nephews and cousins. However, life insurance is exempt from those taxes.

"A person can take $1 million and buy a $1 million life insurance policy," Bress says. "They've instantly wiped out the inheritance tax."

Even if you do not plan to pass on an estate to heirs, life insurance can make a big difference in how heirs prosper after you are gone, Kronhaus notes. " You need to make sure that you have enough coverage for burial, payment of debts and to maintain your family member's lifestyle after you pass away."

7th Annual Aspen Summit for Life Benefiting the Chris Klug Foundation

Join us for a celebration of life centered around an uphill race to the top of Aspen Mountain under the night's sky.

Mark your calendar for the 7th Annual Aspen Summit for Life, a weekend of events on December 7 and 8, 2012, in Aspen, Colorado. The weekend is centered around a nighttime race up Aspen Mountain Saturday, December 8, 2012, which sold out for the second year in a row last year. Summit for Life’s weekend of activities promotes the importance of organ and tissue donation. Every day nineteen people die a preventable death due to the shortage of available organs and every ten minutes another name is added to the National Transplant Waiting List. Through organ donation, one person can save as many as eight lives and improve as many as 100 lives.* Last year over 400 Summit for Life participants helped save lives by raising funds for the Chris Klug Foundation, a non-profit organization formed in 2003 dedicated to promoting lifesaving donation and improving the quality of life for those touched by transplantation.
Last year’s Aspen Summit for Life was another record breaking year in terms of participation, fundraising and awareness. “We anticipate the race will sell out for a third year in a row,” states Chris Klug, Olympic Medalist Snowboarder and Founder / Chairman of the Chris Klug Foundation.

“The success of Summit for Life enables CKF to host educational outreach events nationwide and deliver our new Donor Dudes videos free of charge to schools across the country. We are making a difference and saving lives, but we still have a big job ahead of us. Aspen Summit for Life weekend is vital to the continuation of Chris Klug

Pacifica Restaurant and Oyster Bar, locals’ favorite in downtown Aspen, opens their doors to host the 6th Annual Wine & Dine for Life, an elegant wine pairings dinner with Chris Klug and friends. Culinary creations and wine are donated by Pacifica.
Party for Life hosted by 39 Degrees Lounge

December 7th starting at 10:30 pm

Kick start the action-packed Summit for Life weekend at 39 Degrees Lounge at Party for Life. The popular party spot will feature drink specials, a guest DJ and the famous ice luge for all to enjoy. Party for Life is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to come to this not to be missed celebration.
7th Annual Aspen Summit for Life Uphill - SOLD OUT LAST TWO YEARS


The registration fee per person is $40 on or before December 7th and $60 the day of the race with a commitment to raise additional pledges. Don’t miss this one-of-a kind race to the top of Aspen Mountain at night! Participants hike 2.5 miles with a 3,267 vertical feet gain all to promote the lifesaving message or organ and tissue donation. Racers can use their preferred choice of lighting and non-motorized equipment. Friends and families are welcome to join the celebration at the top of the mountain and cheer the racers across the finish line. Tickets to the dinner party cost $60 for adults, $35 for children and children three years old and under ride for free. A portion of each ticket is tax-deductible. When racers and supporters reach the summit there will be dinner prepared by The Little Nell, refreshments, live music, an awards ceremony and prize giveaways. The top fundraisers and top racers will receive great prizes.

Aspen Summit for Life and all its supporters enable the Chris Klug Foundation to focus on the mission of promoting life-saving organ and tissue donation and improving the quality of life for donors, donor families, organ transplant candidates and recipients. Current Summit for Life Partners include: The Aspen Square Hotel, American Airlines, The Little Nell, Pacifica Restaurant and Oyster Bar, Elite Island Resorts, Kahtoola, Anschutz Foundation, Astellas Pharma US, Inc., Aspen Skiing Company, Paradise Bakery, KUUR Radio, Genentech, Aspen Public Radio, ink! Coffee, Karrie Sims Design, Aspen Valley Hospital, Mountain Aviation, Princeton Tec, The Aspen Club & Spa, and Grassroots T.V.
About CKF:

The Chris Klug Foundation (CKF) is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Aspen, Colorado. Founded in 2003 by liver transplant recipient and Olympic snowboarder Chris Klug, CKF is dedicated to promoting lifesaving donation and improving the quality of life for donors, donor families, organ transplant candidates and recipients.

Through its grassroots initiative, Donor Dudes, CKF is also working with young people around the world--providing donor awareness materials and information for Donor Dudes chapters in high schools and on college campuses nationwide. People everywhere are touched by organ donation and transplantation, and it is our mission to help spread the word in a fun way.

Gerald B. Smith Joins New York Life Board of Directors

New York Life Insurance Company announced today that its Board of Directors has elected veteran money management executive Gerald B. Smith to the company’s Board, effective November 1, 2012. Mr. Smith is chairman and CEO of Smith, Graham & Company Investment Advisors, a global investment management firm which he co-founded in 1990. Mr. Smith’s firm manages more than $5 billion in fixed income and equity portfolio strategies and is one of the oldest and largest minority-owned money management firms in the United States.
Ted Mathas, chairman and CEO of New York Life said, “The entire Board is looking forward to having the benefit of Gerald’s extensive investment management expertise, as well as his leadership and business-building skills, in our deliberations as Directors.”

Prior to forming his own firm, Mr. Smith served as senior vice president and director of fixed income securities for Underwood Neuhaus & Co., a regional brokerage firm in Houston. Previously at Westcap Corporation he was responsible for national sales and trading with institutional investors. Initially, Mr. Smith worked with Dillon Read and Co., in the fixed income sector, trading and advising in portfolio management.

In 2011, Mr. Smith was appointed to the Board of The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas – Houston Branch to provide input on regional economic conditions as part of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy functions. He is a Trustee of the Charles Schwab Family of Funds and also serves on the boards of ONEOK, Inc., ONEOK Partners GP, LLC and Cooper Industries PLC. Additionally he serves as chair of the Texas Southern University Foundation, board and executive committee member of the National Association of Securities Professionals (NASP) board of directors, as well as board member of the Greater Houston Partnership where he serves as chairman of the Transportation Policy Committee.

Mr. Smith has collected numerous accolades over the course of his impressive career. The National Association of Securities Professionals bestowed on Mr. Smith the Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. Award for the financial service professional who best exemplifies entrepreneurial achievement, community service and high moral standards. He has been inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame for achievements in the field of business.

Mr. Smith holds a BBA degree from Texas Southern University. He and his wife, Anita, reside in Houston, Texas.

New York Life Insurance Company, a Fortune 100 company founded in 1845, is the largest mutual life insurance company in the United States* and one of the largest life insurers in the world. New York Life has the highest possible financial strength ratings currently awarded to any life insurer from all four of the major credit rating agencies: A.M. Best (A++), Fitch (AAA), Moody’s Investors Service (Aaa), Standard & Poor’s (AA+).** Headquartered in New York City, New York Life's family of companies offers life insurance, retirement income, investments and long-term care insurance. New York Life Investments provides institutional asset management and retirement plan services. Other New York Life affiliates provide an array of securities products and services, as well as retail mutual funds. Please visit New York Life’s Web site at www.newyorklife.com for more information.

The Life of the Mother

Illinois Republican Rep. Joe Walsh falsely claimed that there wasn’t “one instance” where an abortion would be necessary to save the mother’s life. But the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said that more than 600 women die each year due to complications from pregnancy and childbirth, and more would die if they didn’t have access to abortion. After that, Walsh quickly backed down.

Walsh made his controversial comments after an Oct. 18 debate with Democratic challenger Tammy Duckworth. Walsh said that with “modern technology and science,” there wasn’t “one instance” where an abortion would be necessary to save the mother’s life. When a reporter asked him to clarify that he was saying it was never medically necessary to perform an abortion to save the life of the mother, Walsh replied, “Absolutely.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System reported a higher number for pregnancy-related deaths for 2006-2007, the most recent statistics. It found that 1,294 deaths that occurred within a year of pregnancy termination were pregnancy-related. Why did these women die? There were several causes, including cardiovascular disease, hemorrhage, hypertension, infections and embolisms. A small percentage — 0.6 percent — died from complications related to anesthesia. And 5.6 percent died from unknown causes. That doesn’t mean that an abortion would have saved the life of the mother in those cases, but it does indicate that “modern technology and science” have not made it so women no longer risk death from pregnancy.

The day after Walsh’s post-debate comments, he told reporters: “I do of course support medical procedures for women during their pregnancies that might result in the loss of an unborn child.”

Chicago’s CBS 2 TV reported that ectopic pregnancies, where the fetus develops outside the uterus, affect 64,000 women a year, a figure that comes from the American Pregnancy Association. The National Institutes of Health says that ectopic pregnancies are “life-threatening” and that the pregnancy “cannot continue to birth.” The fetus also cannot survive.

The Guttmacher Institute, a reproduction research center, did not have statistics on abortions performed to save the life of the mother. A dated 1998 study — published by the International Family Planning Perspectives journal — reported that a 1987-1988 survey found that 2.8 percent of 1,773 women who had had an abortion that year said the reason for the abortion was risk to maternal health.

Search for alien life about to step up a gear

It remains in the realm of science fiction for now but the discovery of a new planet just four light years away will reignite a race to find a twin of planet Earth that may host extraterrestrial life.

The step change comes as the most powerful telescopes ever built are about to enter into service and as ideas about where life could exist are being turned on their head. At the same time, scientific discussion about the possible existence of alien life is becoming more mainstream.

"I think scientists are very happy having a rational conversation about the likelihood of life out there," said Bob Nichol, an astronomer at Portsmouth University in Britain.

Nichol said this was partly driven by the discovery of new planets such as one identified this week in the Alpha Centauri star system, the closest yet outside our solar system.

Over 800 of these so-called exoplanets have been discovered since the early 1990s.

"An explosion in the number of planets makes it so much more likely," said Nichol, adding that the many formats in which life appears on Earth is indirect evidence, though not proof, that life is out there.
Researchers from the Geneva Observatory said the newest planet to be found was too close to its own sun to support life. But previous studies have suggested that when one planet is discovered orbiting a sun there are usually others in the same system.

Rival astronomers are now likely to start scouring Alpha Centauri for more planets, possibly in the habitable zone around its stars.

Canada's Sun Life not selling UK unit

Canadian insurer Sun Life Financial is committed to Britain, it said on Friday after the Financial Times reported it had shelved plans to sell its British division.

"Sun Life Financial is committed to the UK market," a spokesman said, declining to comment directly on the FT report.

Sun Life, Canada's third-biggest life insurer, was reported in May to have hired bankers to sell its British business because it wanted to avoid Europe's planned new Solvency II capital rules for insurers.
Sun Life is prioritizing expansion in the booming economies of south-east Asia, and said last month it aimed to grow through small-scale acquisitions.

The company was in the running to buy British rival Aviva's Sri Lankan operation, eventually sold to Hong Kong-based AIA <1299.HK>, sources told Reuters last month.

Sun Life's British unit has 750,000 policyholders and held nearly 12 billion pounds ($19.36 billion) of assets as of June 30 this year. The annuity-focused business stopped accepting new customers in 2010.