Out with the Old

A Upper Southampton resident throws out some political signs from the years election that occured on November 2. (Tom Sofield)

Man Charged With Killing Nail Salon Owner

Upper Southampton police have arrested the boyfriend of An-Hnan “Annie” Thi Huynh in connection with her murder Monday morning in the popular nail salon she owned.


Police say Thuy Van Vo, 31, of Philadelphia tried to kill himself Tuesday shortly before police tried to interview him about the murder of the mother known as Kim by her adoring customers.

After his Tuesday suicide attempt  Vo was taken to Albert Einstein Medical Center for psychiatric evaluation, when he was released Friday police took him into custody.

Sources say last evening during a police interview Vo pretended to fall unconscious and members of the Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad were called to police headquarters where it was discovered he was fine.

DA David Heckler told Philly.com that Vo had been arguing with Huynh in the days leading up to the Monday murder.


A break in the case came when police tracked a cell phone call from Vo to the Southampton area shortly before Huynh was murdered.

Court Records indicate that Huynh had lent Vo $4,000 and Vo had only paid back a portion of that money. Vo told investigators that he paid back varying amounts of money and eventually investigators found close to $4,000 cash in his pocket.

Vo who strangled Huynh and left her on the bathroom floor also took $100 in cash and two cell phones from the salon Monday morning. 

Vo was arraigned last night and is being held in county jail without bail.

BuxMontNews.com broke the story Monday morning. (Click Here)

Read our second story on the murder investigation with exclusive details.

Police Still Investigating Murder of Popular Nail Salon Owner (Video) - Updated

Update 9:59 p.m.:  We talked with a woman tonight who said she was shocked that a murder happened in Southampton.

As of tonight no new information from authorities about the investigation.


Update 2:02 p.m.: Multiple Sources close to the investigation confirm that detectives were working with Philadelphia police linguists yesterday to interview family and friends of murdered business owner Annie "Kim" Huynh.

Sources also claim that police are investigating a "few suspects", but one source say not much new information was given today.

Investigators were also on the scene again this afternoon focusing on the area behind the shopping center where friends of the deceased told us she parked and entered her business every morning.

Shortly after noon Southampton police Chief Ron MacPherson said, "We are still conducting our investigation and exploring any possible leads."

9:43 a.m.: Upper Southampton police and County Detectives are remaining quiet on the murder investigation of Annie “Kim” Huynh, 30, of Philadelphia who was murdered Monday morning in her popular Second Street Pike nail salon but sources close to the investigation exclusively tell BuxMontNews.com that the suspect wanted in the murder was someone who close to her.

Huynh’s friends and family set up a small memorial with burning incense, gifts, oranges and fake money in front of the crime scene tape outside of Kim’s Nails Tuesday afternoon.

While the memorial was set up investigators were taking measurements of the crime scene which we are told will be used to build a 3-D model to aid district attorneys.

When customers spoke of Annie Huynh they all spoke highly of the young mother of a 6-year-old son.

 “Great person, sweet, this was a senseless crime,” said long time customer and friend Ilana Feldman of Huntingdon Valley, who said she was holding back tears when she saw the storefront with crime scene tape around it.

“The salon was always so clean and welcoming to the public. She was always willing to help the next customer and always greeted them with a smile. Every customer, even the most picky, treated her with respect., “ said an anonymous person who commented on our website.

Employees of the nail salon arrived at work around 9 a.m. Monday morning to find the door to the bathroom locked and Huynh was no where in sight which was strange of the caring salon owner who would come in early to do customers nails if they could not come during the salons regular hours posted on the door.

When police arrived they entered the salon and made entry into the locked bathroom where they found Huynh dead on the bathroom floor no obvious signs of trauma were discovered, the death was ruled a homicide after an afternoon autopsy.

In a statement police believe that Huynh was murdered between 8 a.m. and 9:20 a.m, no motive for the murder was given but a source close to the family told us Monday night that authorities were looking into Huynh’s ex-husband “John”.

Upper Southampton police and detectives with blue gloves on searched dumpsters and the surrounding area behind the Pikes Place Shopping Center.

By mid-day Monday Bucks County detectives were on-scene assisting police investigate the murder.

Bucks County District Attorney David Heckler told BuxMontNews.com yesterday afternoon, "We are optimistic this case will be resolved."

The D.A. also says that the state police crime lab is aiding the investigation by expediting the testing of evidence found at the scene.

If you have anymore information contact Upper Southampton Police Detectives at 215-364-5000 ext 117 or Bucks County Detectives at 215-348-6354.

Tom Sofield (tsofield@buxmontnews.com)
Online Editor

Police in Upper Southampton Investigating Murder of Salon Owner (Updated)

Upper Southampton police examine
the front door Tuesday night. (Tom Sofield)

Click here for our latest post on the murder investigation.November 8, 2010 12: 30 p.m.: Upper Southampton police are on-scene at Kim's Nails in the Pike Place shopping center on Second Street Pike investigating the death of nail salon's owner.

An employee of Kim's Nail's who did not want to be named exclusively told BuxMontNews.com that the female owner was found dead in the bathroom of the salon this morning and police are looking into the death.

Shortly after 9 a.m. Southampton police and two ambulances were on scene at the salon.

Police and detectives with blue gloves on were scene searching behind the Pike Place Shopping Center and the surrounding neighborhood.

A police officer on scene shortly before noon said at this point he could not release any information on whether the death was suspicious or not.

Update 2:20 p.m.: Bucks County Detectives are on scene and police have put up crime scene tape around the front and back of Kim's Nails.

A county detective on scene told BuxMontNews.com that, "We can't rule out anything at this point."

A Bucks County Detective on scene shortly before 2 p.m.
surveying the crime scene. (Tom Sofield)

We have calls into the Upper Southampton Police Department and the Bucks County District Attorney's Office and are awaiting a response.

Update 9:01 p.m.: Upper Southampton police are finally confirming that the salon owner Annie Huynh, 30, of Philadelphia was found dead, a victim of homicide.

The police said in a statement released close to 9:00 p.m. that employees arrived at work to find Huynh dead on the floor.

An autopsy was performed and the death was ruled as a homicide.

Police believe that the salon owner ,who nearby shop owners said was "nice", was killed between 8:00 a.m. and 9:20 a.m.

(Tom Sofield)

County detectives at the scene told NBC 10 that they plan on investigating for many more hours.

BuxMontNews.com observed investigators in the store front salon this evening putting contents from the salon into boxes.

November 9, 2010 8:53 a.m.: Southampton police are now confirming what we first told you yesterday after that Annie Huynh was found murdered, laying on the floor of the bathroom at Kim's Nails.

The coroner is not releasing the cause of death at this time.

As for a motive police are still investigating but a person we exclusively talked to on scene who is not connected to the investigation said the murder may have been over a domestic issue.

11:05 a.m.: Just talked with Southampton police they are not releasing any new information at this time. We have calls out to the county detectives, coroner and D.A.

12:57 p.m.: Kim's Nails patron Keri Ligambi tells BuxMontNews.com, "They are all so nice over there and they were clean. I love it there."

A commenter who did not leave their name left a comment on our post saying, "she's absolutely gorgeous, such a well liked person. Loved that nail salon."

5:04 p.m.: A woman who did not want to be named has told BuxMontNews.com exclusively that murder victim Annie Huynh's estranged husband, John, was "pushy" and the woman went on to say police want to talk to him but can not locate John as of this afternoon. When police and detectives were asked about this report both declined comment.

The estranged couple reportedly have a six-year-old son together.

Friends on scene said before the separation Huynh and her husband reportedly both ran the Upper Southampton nail salon.

Bucks County DA David Heckler said this afternoon, "We are optimistic this case will be resolved."

A small makeshift memorial set up by family and friends.
(Tom Sofield)

 Authorities said this afternoon that Philadelphia police and state police are assisting Upper Southampton police and county detectives on the case.

Bucks County Detectives who are assisting Southampton police are mapping the crime scene in 3-D.

Ilana Feldman of Huntingdon Valley a customer of Kim's Nails for five years said, "She came in early if you need to get your nails done before the hours posted on the door."

Family and friends set up a small memorial with burning incense, fresh flowers, oranges and a gift, all of which sat outside the Southampton nail salon this afternoon.

An excluesive look inside the salon as police
continue to investigate Wednesday night (Tom Sofield)

8: 42 p.m.: Rumors were floating around this evening that a black man was suspected of murdering Annie “Kim” Huynh, we spoke to a source close to the investigation who says that is simply not true.

One source close to the investigation exclusively told BuxMontNews.com this evening that the suspected murderer was close to the victim.

We just spoke with the Bucks County Coroner who told us they are not releasing any information at this time.

Bucks County District Attorney David Heckler said that the state police crime lab helping local law enforcement in the investigation.

If you have anymore information contact Upper Southampton Police Detectives at 215-364-5000 ext 117 or Bucks County Detectives at 215-348-6354.




November 10, 2010 3:13 a.m.:


Click here for our latest post on the murder investigation.


BuxMontNews.com was on scene minutes after police discovered the body. Photo taken shortly after 9 a.m. (Tom Sofield)


Tom Sofield (tsofield@buxmontnews.com)
Online Editor

Early Morning Crash Closes Bristol Road

Around 5:45 a.m. Wednesday morning a two vehicle accident closed Bristol Road between Knowles Avenue and Churchville Lane. The accident was caused by a car running the stop sign at Bristol Road and Bustleton Pike along the Upper Southampton, Northampton boarder. The accident left no one injured said Upper Southampton police.

Frost Possible Tonight with Warming Tomorrow

A thick fog covered soccer field in Upper Southampton Wednesday night.  Today's high is expected to be around 60 degrees with lows tonight possibly getting to around the freezing mark. Saturday has a projected high of about 67 degrees with plenty of sun. For more weather info go to Phillyweather.net. (Tom Sofield)

“Good Cause, Good Time”

The crowd watches a playoff round of wing eating
(Tom Sofield)

Wing sauce covered the hands, Monday, of Upper Southampton first responders at the Applebee’s on Street Road during a bone in wing eating contest which was aiding the Nordberg family whose lives were changed forever by a devastating fire in late May.

On May 25 of this year fire quickly ripped through the Nordberg home on Carolyn Drive in Upper Southampton, 17 month old Katie was killed and four year old Julia was injured in the fire along with her mother Susan Thomas, 33. Julia is making a better than expected recovery and her mother Susan Thomas is still in a coma. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

Eric Nordberg the father to the children and husband to Susan owns a Center City bicycle messenger company also takes care of four year old Julia who is still recovering from the blaze and daughter Bethany, 14, who was on her way home from school at the time of the blaze.

(Tom Sofield)

Southampton Applebee’s manager Tara Gates estimated that throughout the course of the night over 650 people came and went.

Firefighter Scott McKenney who ate 12 wings in four minutes said the whole department meets every Monday canceled their weekly meeting to attend the fund raising even for the family.

“It’s a cause that is near and dear to everyone, that’s the reason everyone came out,” said McKenney.

Gates was happy with the turn out and said it was great because the restaurant will be donating 10% of all meals bought Monday night to the Nordberg family.

Firefighter James Furey who was stuffed after coming in third place in the wing competition after eating 28 wings said, “I think everyone came out for the benefit of the family.”

Officer Rick Gruver of the Upper Southampton police department thought the event went “very well” and said about 15 of the departments 22 officers came out to the event.

Sold at the fundraiser were 50/50 raffle tickets which raised $610. The winner decided to donate his prize money back to the charity, his decision was greeted by cheers from the patrons of the restaurant.

Before the wing completion between EMTs, Police and Firefighters an applesauce eating competition was held for kids. Julia Nordberg was in attendance for the applesauce completion and Gates said, “It was great seeing little Julia here.”

(Tom Sofield)

Gates said that there are plans to make this wing eating completion an annual charity event.

Outside the restaurant was a display including a fire truck, ambulance and two police cars.

“Good cause, good time,” said David Ridge a Southampton firefighter who ate 26 wings in six minutes.

First Place - Brian Lauff – 33 wings – Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad
Second Place – Mark Zielinski – 32 wings – Upper Southampton Police
Third Place – James Furey – 28 Wings – Upper Southampton Fire Department

Click here to donate.

Tom Sofield (tsofield@buxmontnews.com)
Online Editor

Wings for a Cause

Upper Southampton firefighter James Furey competes in a wing competition for charity Monday night at the Applebee's in Southampton. Look for a story on the event this evening... (Tom Sofield)

Upper Southampton Man One of 16 Busted in Drug Ring

The Attorney General's Office announced an Upper Southampton man was one of 16 people charged with being involved in a six figure cocaine and prescription drug trafficking ring.


Gerald Mangold



Gerald Mangold, 41, of McNelis Drive was charged with six counts of criminal use of a communication facility, three counts of possession with the intent to deliver cocaine, three counts of criminal conspiracy, three counts of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and two counts of corrupt organizations.

Mangold and his mother, 61-year-old, Diane Derosa, of Montgomery County would receive prescription drugs from members of the ring and then would go sell the prescription drugs to their “customer base”.

"Operation Wayward Sons" was the name of the operation which caught on to the 16 member drug trafficking ring that had connections to New Jersey and Nevada. William Gilkin, 39, of Philadelphia was identified as the head of the drug ring.

State investigators uncovered more about the ring after months of investigative work and wire taps.

The ring sold illegally obtained prescription drugs and cocaine which was “re-rocked”. State Attorney General Tom Corbet explained, “drug dealers re-rock powder cocaine by adding cutting agents, such as B-12 or inositol, and then press it back into "rock" or solid cocaine to increase the quantity of the drug.”

The ring had sold and distributed eight pounds of cocaine which had a street value of close to $800,000.

Tom Sofield (tsofield@buxmontnews.com)
Online Editor

4,000 Solar Panels Being Installed in Upper Southampton

Going Green  is a new series that will highlight local efforts to help the environment and conserve resources. To submit highlight a local person, business or organization who is going green e-mail us at goinggreen@buxmontnews.com.

Upper Southampton plastic tubing manufacture NewAge Industries has announced the beginning of a project that will install a 4,000 panel solar power grid on the roof of its building.


The project has been underway for months, completion of the instillation and power generation from the buildings 4,000 solar panels is expected by early 2011.


Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development awarded NewAge Industries a $1 million solar energy grant to help pay for the project which will cover three thirds of the building’s 244,000 square foot roof. The project will also get federal grant money in addition.


NewAge Industries has made many steps to go green in recent years by replacing all the warehouses lighting fixtures to more energy efficient fixtures and re-working the way it recycles and compacts trash.


The company in a press release said that they hope these steps make the company evolve to be more environmentally responsible and reduce operating expenses. 


NewAge Industries Website 


NewAge Industires on Facebook

Tom Sofield (tsofield@buxmontnews.com)

Online Editor

Busy Two Days for Police in Southampton

Thursday

Upper Southampton police arrested two men who were allegedly caught stealing the contents of a car on Rick Road in the early morning hours this past Thursday.

FILE PHOTO

Phillyburbs.com reports the two men from Philadelphia, Yehor Mochalov, 21, and Carlos Carrasquillo, 20, were charged with facing conspiracy, prowling, theft, attempted theft and drug possession charges.

The men were arraigned in Bucks County Court and face a $100,000 bail.

The owner of the car looked out the window of his residence and saw the two young men rummaging through his car and called police.

Carrasquillo was apprehended by Southampton police after a foot chase through the neighborhood.

Mochlaov was arrested on Belmont Avenue where he was hiding in his vehicle.

Friday

Phillyburbs.com also reports that two men were arrested near Gravel Hill and Street Roads in the township during the rain storm Friday morning after a dispute with their cab driver about the fare.

The website also reports that the two men face simple assault, harassment and public drunkenness charges.

Tom Sofield (tsofield@buxmontnews.com)

Online Editor

Pictures from the Storm

DRENCHED

Police closed Byberry Road near Pioneer Road in Upper Moreland early Friday morning due to road flooding. (Tom Sofield)

We are live blogging the storm...click here to read...

A tree limb that fell along Second Street Pike in Upper Southampton Thursday afternoon as the storm began to intensify. (Tom Sofield)

More photos added at 10:45 a.m.

Local Con Woman Arrested

Passport photo of the "con queen"

It would seem that Nydia Neubauer has more aliases than Imelda Marcos has shoes.

She has held residency in Manhattan, Puerto Rico, and more recently in New Hope.

Since August 19th however, sixty three year old Neubauer has been housed in a Monmouth Co. Correctional Institution in Freehold, New Jersey. It is a far cry from the luxurious life she has led as a socialite up until now.

Some reports have her active as a con woman going back as far as forty years. So active in fact that The New York Times featured 'An Oral History' of her fallout amongst Manhattans elites including Denise Rich and Dennis Basso.

Her upbringing is unclear although some reports list her as a native of Puerto Rico. Her sister, Norma Vega, was quoted in The New York Times as saying "we grew up downtown, not uptown Manhattan."

Neubauer made her entrance into the Manhattan circle in 2001 and quickly established herself making promises of generous charitable contributions, commissioning jewelry, and boasting about the extensive properties she owned.

Eventually, the checks bounced and her act became as transparent as Baccarat stemware.

"The thing Nydia doesn't realize is that New York is a really small town. You only have to get taken once, and you are going to tell somebody," Catherine Saxton, C.E.O., The Saxton Group Limited told the The New York Times.

Evidently Neubauer has since reinvented herself as Lucy George and took up residency in a million dollar home on Mechanics Street in New Hope. The settlement check was returned from the bank to real estate developer George E. Michael, unpaid.

Michael reported the fraud to authorities which sparked an investigation unraveling numerous fraudulent real estate transactions.

It was also discovered that Neubauer made jewelry purchases from local businesses, Zikos Jewelers, and Dimitri Politicos that she financed with bad checks.

Neubauer currently faces fraud charges in Upper Southampton Township, New Hope Police and is said to be being investigated by New York Police although there is little detail as the investigations are ongoing.

Maura McCormick (mmcormick@buxmontnews.com)
Staff Writer

Car Accident Slows Street Road in Southampton

A two car accident at Street Road and the entrance to Southampton Estates Retirement Community slowed rush hour traffic shortly after 7 p.m. Injuries were reported and a woman was taken to the hospital to be looked at. (Cell Phone Photo)

Water Main Break in Feasterville

The Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority is reporting a water main break at Stump Road and Bustleton Pike in Feasterville.

We are told 10-15 customers are without water service in Feasterville and Upper Southampton townships.

BCWSA reports via internet that service should be restored by 7pm tonight.

Elderly Woman Slams into Southampton Home

Diagram of accident put together from neighbors accounts.

Around 9 a.m. this morning an elderly woman driving a teal Chevy Corsica drove across the lawn of a home, striking that home and finally stopping after hitting a block wall of another home in the 200 block of Maple Road in Upper Southampton.

No one was injured in any of the homes; the elderly driver was unharmed and was not taken to the hospital.



Neighbors say that the Corsica driven by the woman drove across the lawn of a white rancher striking the corner wall of the home but leaving not notable damage to anything but the hedge out front. Next the car finally came to rest after slamming into a cinder block wall of a two story home.

One neighbor said that she saw smoke coming from the home after the accident but when Warminster and Upper Southampton fire crews arrived no fire was discovered.

We are awaiting comment from the Upper Southampton Police Department to try to shed more light of this morning’s accident.

After the jump we have more photos from the scene.

Chilling Forcast

Halloween decorations outside the ACE Hardware in
Upper Southampton sway in the Wednesday morning breeze. Thursday
and Friday's high tempatures are not forcasted to reach above 80 degrees
with lows projected to be around 60 degrees.  (Tom Sofield)



Is Falling Coming Early?

Trees all across the Bucks - Mont. area like this one in Upper Southampton are changing colors and loosing leaves. Is fall coming early? LiveScience.com explains why this is happening. (Tom Sofield)