Alex Brizee
@alexbrizee.bsky.social
strong headed since '97 • covering the criminal justice system for the idaho statesman• go vandals • stop using mugshots • 208 703 8818
Pinned
Alex Brizee
@alexbrizee.bsky.social
· Jun 14
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
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.
Three months later, a guard found Warnock severely beaten in his cell. An hour later, he was dead.
A 5th person has been charged after nearly a dozen law enforcement agencies descended on a local horse track Sunday.
Officers arrested 4 people as part of an investigation into illegal betting, but hundreds of others — including children — were detained & questioned about their immigration status.
Officers arrested 4 people as part of an investigation into illegal betting, but hundreds of others — including children — were detained & questioned about their immigration status.
Felony charges filed after FBI horse betting investigation in Wilder, Idaho
Four of the five people facing charges are scheduled to appear Tuesday at the federal courthouse in Boise.
www.idahostatesman.com
October 20, 2025 at 11:41 PM
A 5th person has been charged after nearly a dozen law enforcement agencies descended on a local horse track Sunday.
Officers arrested 4 people as part of an investigation into illegal betting, but hundreds of others — including children — were detained & questioned about their immigration status.
Officers arrested 4 people as part of an investigation into illegal betting, but hundreds of others — including children — were detained & questioned about their immigration status.
Reposted by Alex Brizee
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.
Today, the first two stories in our 6(!)-part series were published.
October 12, 2025 at 9:37 PM
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.
Today, the first two stories in our 6(!)-part series were published.
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
October 2, 2025 at 11:20 PM
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.
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.
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
September 24, 2025 at 9:33 PM
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.
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.
Reposted by Alex Brizee
“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.
bit.ly
September 23, 2025 at 9:30 PM
“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.
Bendawald was found NOT GUILTY on all five of the felony counts against him. Story here:
September 18, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Bendawald was found NOT GUILTY on all five of the felony counts against him. Story here:
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.
We'll be able to get into the courtroom shortly.
September 18, 2025 at 9:02 PM
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.
We'll be able to get into the courtroom shortly.
Reposted by Alex Brizee
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.”
bit.ly
September 17, 2025 at 4:30 PM
His defense attorney argued that the charge against his client was “unlawful.”
Reposted by Alex Brizee
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. 👇
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. 👇
September 2, 2025 at 8:01 PM
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. 👇
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. 👇
Reposted by Alex Brizee
If this is what it looks like it is, then… woof. Good reporting from @isabellabreda.bsky.social and @conradswanson.bsky.social
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
August 28, 2025 at 2:48 AM
If this is what it looks like it is, then… woof. Good reporting from @isabellabreda.bsky.social and @conradswanson.bsky.social
Reposted by Alex Brizee
One army veteran said he was praying for someone to help his neighborhood. Here's why:
www.idahostatesman.com/news/busines...
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
August 22, 2025 at 3:01 PM
One army veteran said he was praying for someone to help his neighborhood. Here's why:
www.idahostatesman.com/news/busines...
www.idahostatesman.com/news/busines...
Reposted by Alex Brizee
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
August 22, 2025 at 11:41 PM
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
August 23, 2025 at 1:46 AM
Authorities identified the 38-year-old Idaho prisoner who was killed Wednesday in a private prison in Arizona.
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.
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
August 21, 2025 at 11:34 PM
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.
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.
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.
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
August 21, 2025 at 12:25 AM
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.
He was being housed at the Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona, which has been plagued by complaints for years.
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.
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
August 19, 2025 at 11:40 PM
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.
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.
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.
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
August 14, 2025 at 4:10 PM
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.
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.
Reposted by Alex Brizee
Smashed windows. Missing court dates. How ICE is changing its tactics
w/help from @alexbrizee.bsky.social
www.idahostatesman.com/news/politic...
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
August 11, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Smashed windows. Missing court dates. How ICE is changing its tactics
w/help from @alexbrizee.bsky.social
www.idahostatesman.com/news/politic...
w/help from @alexbrizee.bsky.social
www.idahostatesman.com/news/politic...
just because we can request things as reporters, doesn't mean we should. good ethics is knowing the difference.
August 8, 2025 at 5:55 AM
just because we can request things as reporters, doesn't mean we should. good ethics is knowing the difference.
Reposted by Alex Brizee
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
August 8, 2025 at 5:53 AM
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
Reposted by Alex Brizee
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.
bit.ly
August 6, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Eliseo Torres’ six-day trial is scheduled for January 2026.
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:
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
August 5, 2025 at 11:26 PM
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:
His attorney argued he was “unlawfully charged.” Myself & Rachel Roberts report:
NEW: An ex-@boisestate.bsky.social 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
July 29, 2025 at 9:49 PM
NEW: An ex-@boisestate.bsky.social football wide receiver was kicked off the team after he was arrested earlier this year. Now, he’s facing another criminal charge.
Reposted by Alex Brizee
“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.”
bit.ly
July 23, 2025 at 5:50 PM
“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.”
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:
“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.
www.idahostatesman.com
July 22, 2025 at 6:18 PM
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:
“This one had its own issues that would have been much harder for everyone involved." Here's what to expect Wednesday: