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The tragic death of a Las Vegas Instagram influencer who was injected with pool cleaner and dumped in the desert

If you only looked at her online life, Esmeralda Gonzalez had it all together. Her Instagram page had more than 300k followers. She was a professional model with a BA in Communication and a penchant for posing in revealing outfits (and sometimes no outfits at all). She liked expensive handbags, jewelry, and watches and she loved her dog Bonita.

Unfortunately, her life ended in a truly tragic way: she was murdered, covered in concrete and left in the Las Vegas desert to rot. So, how could such a terrible thing happen?

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A post shared by Esmeralda Merlot (@esmeralda_merlot)

On May 12, 2019, Esmeralda posted to her Instagram page for the last time. She was sitting outside on a carpet cleaning a dog’s face.”Because dogs make the world a better place,” she said in the post. What you can’t tell from the photo is that she was struggling with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, for which she required medication to maintain “her perception of reality”. In just a few days she would be dead.

Esmeralda was a Las Vegas native; she grew up in the well-known Westside neighborhood. Growing up she played chess and did beauty pageants. Her ex-boyfriend Matthew Mosey said she was “a very driven young woman with her whole life ahead of her.”

By the 31st her brother Juan Gonzalez Madera, who hadn’t heard from her in a few days, went to check on her. When he arrived he found her car in the driveway and the door unlocked. To add to the confusion, her wallet and purse were inside the house. Suspecting Esmeralda was off her meds, her brother promptly called the cops.

Las Vegas Police, while investigating, learned that Esmeralda’s boyfriend had called her brother and family because he thought she was acting weird. He was so worried that he took her cell phone and her keys. Inside the house everything was in disarray, indicating to them that she was undergoing a mental health crisis.

At this point, police thought she was simply missing, and asked for footage from the security cameras in the house.

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A post shared by Esmeralda Merlot (@esmeralda_merlot)

While canvassing, police collected security footage from neighbors. Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney, Pam Weckerly, said the footage police found was “concerning,” and that Esmeralda was walking around the neighborhood in “lingerie and high heels… and wasn’t walking steadily.”

Police also learned that she had fought with her boyfriend (hence him stealing her keys), but when they watched footage from the home they saw that she was alone. They then started investigating her Instagram page for anything suspicious.

After more investigating, police learned that Esmeralda showed up at a BMW dealership in lingerie to try and get a key for her car. In the video, she seemed confused and lost. Because it was Vegas, employees at the car dealership assumed she was a stripper and didn’t think twice about it. At this point, she was still just a missing person, but police were beginning to piece together a timeline.

After the person who drove her to the dealership was cleared and questioned, they learned she knocked on a neighbor’s door. Then she was just gone. It wasn’t until police got an anonymous tip on July 18 that they got a break in the case. The tip said a man named Christopher Prestipino killed Esmeralda, along with his roommate Cassandra Garrett. The tip went on to say that “they had injected her with a pool cleaner before taking her out to the desert in a U-Haul truck and dumping her.”

Police looked into Prestipino and found out he had drug charges, and that he lived “essentially on the same street” as Esmeralda. Someone else called the police and told them to speak with a woman named Tricia Ott. When they visited her she told them Prestipino came to her for help. Ott told police she went to his house and saw a U-Haul and a huge wooden box. She said Cassandra was there and she was “whacked out of her mind.”

Ott said that Prestipino was acting incredibly paranoid, and that he told her that there was a woman at the house who “freaked out” and that he tied her up and thought maybe he killed her. Police then went to the local Home Depot and saw footage of Prestipino buying a lot of wood, along with lime, building materials, concrete, and screws. They then checked his cell phone records and found out he had been in the desert for a long time on the 8th of June.

Police then questioned Prestipino’s girlfriend Lisa Mort, who was in jail on something unrelated. She denied any knowledge of anything. She was lying, and would eventually be charged as an accessory. Then they questioned Cassandra and all she said was “I wasn’t in the garage.” Finally, they confronted Prestipino with a search warrant. He told police he had no idea what they were talking about and that he’d “never seen her before.” Below is a picture of Prespitino and Lisa Mort.

Christopher Prestipino and Lisa Mort Photo via Facebook

Investigators eventually convinced Cassandra to take them to the body if they let her get her things in order before she went to jail. Eventually, they found a corpse in a large wooden crate that was covered in concrete. Though the body was unrecognizable they identified Esmeralda through her watch and DNA.

Cassandra Garrett photo via Facebook

Cassandra then gave a full statement about what happened. She said she found Gonzalez walking around the neighborhood and brought her to Prespitino’s house. Some news reports say that Prestipino propositioned Esmeralda for sex without knowing she was in a fragile mental state. He gave her meth, police said, and Esmeralda started speaking in the “devil’s tongue.”

Panicking, Prestipino tied her to a chair. She started yelling about cops and tried to punch him, so he strangled her and then Cassandra injected her with pool cleaner. Then they started the long process of disposing of the body.

Mort would eventually plead guilty as an accessory. She got two to five years in prison. Cassandra pleaded to voluntary manslaughter and got 20 years with eligibility for parole after eight. Prespitino was given a 10 to 25-year sentence for second-degree murder and 15 years for kidnapping, to be served concurrently.

By: Jon Silman
Title: The tragic death of a Las Vegas Instagram influencer who was injected with pool cleaner and dumped in the desert
Sourced From: wegotthiscovered.com/true-crime/the-tragic-death-of-a-las-vegas-instagram-influencer-who-was-injected-with-pool-cleaner-and-dumped-in-the-desert/
Published Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2024 10:51:07 +0000

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I’m a former vet assistant who has trimmed hundreds of dogs’ nails — this nail grinder is the most beginner-friendly tool

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

A side-by-side image of a person grinding a dog's nail using the Dremel grinder and the grinder laid on a wood surface.The Dremel PawControl Deluxe Pet Nail Trimming Kit includes everything you need to grind a dog's nails.

Jackie Brown; Lisa Sabatini/Business Insider

Trimming your dog's nails is an essential part of routine pet care, but it can be intimidating for many dog owners. If you're worried you'll accidentally hurt your dog while cutting their nails, you can always take them to the vet or groomer to get the job done. Using a dog nail grinder at home is also an excellent alternative that can save you plenty of time and money.

As a former veterinary assistant who has trimmed thousands of dogs' nails, I know that not all nail grinders are the same. Some are designed for use by professional groomers who are comfortable and familiar with using them safely. However, most people benefit from extra safety features, and that's why I love the Dremel PawControl Deluxe Pet Nail Trimming Kit. The Dremel nail grinder is not only effective and user-friendly, but it also has a guard that protects you and your dog from the spinning parts.

How it works

Nail grinders are a great option for most dogs, including those with very thick nails. They're particularly useful for dogs with black nails that don't have a visible quick, which is the vein inside of each nail. Plus, dogs that are anxious about having their nails trimmed with regular clippers may be more willing to accept a nail grinder.

The Dremel PawControl Kit includes everything you need to gently and easily grind down your dog's nails, including an optional guard attachment along with a variety of sanding bands and discs. The guard provides a barrier between the spinning parts of the tool so nothing can get caught up in them.

I personally preferred using the sanding disc, which the manufacturer recommends for beginner users. You insert your dog's nail through the opening in the clear guard attachment, which is designed to ensure you are grinding the nail at the ideal 45-degree angle.

Our review of the Dremel dog nail grinder

I first used the Dremel PawControl when I was testing grinders for our guide to the best dog nail clippers. I tried four different nail-grinding tools on two dogs with different-sized nails.

The Dremel PawControl stands out for several reasons. It's lightweight, gentle, and quiet, and offers four speed settings so you can select the one that's most comfortable for you and your dog. Designed for pet owners, it's easy to use and comes with various grinding attachments for flexibility. Plus, the guard attachment offers added peace of mind so you can focus on the task at hand.

A close-up image of the safety guard on the Dremel dog nail grinder.The removable nail guard attachment is recommended for new users.

Jackie Brown/Business Insider

Dremel is renowned for its high-quality rotary tools for tasks like cutting, sanding, and engraving. The PawControl should last many years and can even be used for tasks beyond nail grinding. While the grinding heads will need occasional replacement, the included ones should last for several years of use with your dog. It's also powered by a USB rechargeable lithium-ion battery, allowing you to use it anywhere without the hassle of a cord getting in your way while you work.

Nail grinders have a definite learning curve, but this one comes with an easy-to-follow Quick Start Guide that walks you through the entire process. It explains which attachments and grinding speeds are best for beginners and offers tips for getting your dog comfortable with the tool.

The Dremel PawControl Quick Start Guide has text and diagrams showing how to introduce a dog to the nail grinder.If you're new to nail grinding, the Quick Start Guide provides clear directions and helpful illustrations.

Lisa Sabatini/Business Insider

Cons to consider

The guard attachment enhances safety, but its single opening for inserting your dog's nail can limit maneuverability. However, you can always remove the guard attachment if you feel confident in your skills. Since this grinder is cordless, you'll need to remember to charge it before use.

The bottom line

If you're looking for a pet nail grinder, the Dremel PawControl Deluxe Pet Nail Trimming Kit is an excellent choice, especially if you're new to using these tools. It's effective, gentle, quiet, lightweight, and cordless, and thanks to the guard attachments, its safety is unparalleled.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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By: [email protected] (Jackie Brown)
Title: I’m a former vet assistant who has trimmed hundreds of dogs’ nails — this nail grinder is the most beginner-friendly tool
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/guides/pets/dremel-dog-nail-grinder-review
Published Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:22:20 +0000

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An ex-Microsoft VP of HR explains 3 things you can do to stay on your boss’s radar and off the layoff list

There is a yellow background and three small white figurines in business suits, with a large handheld magnifying glass centered on the middle figure.Chris Williams, ex-Microsoft VP of HR, wrote that being visible helps avoid uncomfortable inquiries like DOGE's "five bullet points" requested email.

sakchai vongsasiripat/Getty Images

  • Chris Williams is an ex-VP of HR at Microsoft and has over 40 years of executive experience.
  • Williams said being visible can help workers avoid DOGE-like emails requesting accomplishments.
  • He shared how to track accomplishments, get recognized, and know when to help out at work.

The "five things you did last week" email that DOGE sent to all federal workers has raised an important question for employees everywhere. How do you stay on your boss's radar in a positive way?

Simply put, if your boss already knew what you were up to, they wouldn't need to send an email like that. As the former VP of HR for Microsoft with 40 years of business leadership experience, I've seen a lot of people who know how to stay visible.

Being visible helps avoid uncomfortable inquiries like the "five bullet points" request and makes performance reviews easier for both you and your boss. It helps you avoid being labeled an underperformer when cuts are considered and it can help you be more top of mind when opportunities arise — it's a great way to "manage up."

Here are three ways to help you stay visible to your boss and reduce your chances of being laid off.

You should always track your accomplishments at work

It doesn't matter if your boss sends an intrusive status report request like "send five bullet points from last week" or a simple "Hey, what's up?" inquiry; you should always be ready to talk about what you've been up to.

That's why you should track your accomplishments. There are many ways to do this. Some people keep a "brag book," a simple document where they list the significant things they've done. Others use a notes application or even a complex database.

For years I kept a simple four-column spreadsheet

My spreadsheet had columns labeled: Date, Item, Significance, and Notes. Every day, or at worst, every week, I'd add a couple of rows to the sheet. I'd insert the date and a phrase for the item — just enough to remind me what it was.

In the significance column, I'd put a number to represent how important the item felt at the time, with "5" being the highest. In notes, I'd add a comment or even a link to the project or document.

Then whenever I wanted, I could sort by significance and date and get the most important things from the last month, week, or year. When bosses requested a progress report, I was always ready to respond: "I'm glad you asked."

The best way to ensure this happens is to make it a habit. Spend two minutes updating your list at the end of every day. This also helps at performance review time, where you'll inevitably need to report on your accomplishments for the year.

Don't be shy to take credit where due

Another important way to stay visible is to ensure you take credit when you deserve it. Too many people get shy or humble at work and let others grab the limelight.

Work is not a place for excessive humility. The forever humble, the "I'm just doing my job" kind of people are often overlooked. They're just doing their jobs, after all. If you want to be seen, you have to be visible. Don't be afraid to take credit for your accomplishments.

Ways to make sure you get credit for your work

Insist your name appears on that proposal or presentation. Don't be afraid to put your name under the title of that document. Don't be shy about answering "That was me" when someone asks about a great idea.

Also, don't let others steal your work without objection — even if you lose a battle for representation. For example, when your boss takes the credit, putting them on notice helps for the next time. If you simply let people take credit for your work, they'll never stop.

Raise your hand and help out

A final way to stay visible is to not shrink into a corner when the boss needs help. When the call comes for volunteers, raise your hand.

One of the best ways to stay on your boss's good side is to help them get their job done. The best way to do that is to do things they don't want or have time to do. Just being able to say, "Don't worry, I'll handle that," means a lot.

But it's often hard to know what they need help with. You don't do their job, so it's a challenge to understand where you can jump in. When they explicitly ask, that's where you can most certainly be useful.

Know when to volunteer and when to sit back

You don't have to raise your hand all the time. You don't have to answer your boss's every whim. You shouldn't stretch yourself beyond your limits just to be in their good graces.

But you should also not be the one who never volunteers. Your boss will notice that you never pitch in or lend a hand to your peers. That's how you stay on your boss's radar in the worst possible way.

Essentially, if you track your performance, take credit where due, and learn when to help out, you'll never be blindsided by the "five things you did last week" request because both you and your boss will already know. These are three great ways to increase visibility at work.

Chris Williams is a former VP of HR at Microsoft. He's an executive-level advisor and consultant with over 40 years of experience leading and building teams.

Read the original article on Business Insider

——————————————-
By: [email protected] (Chris Williams )
Title: An ex-Microsoft VP of HR explains 3 things you can do to stay on your boss’s radar and off the layoff list
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/how-to-stay-on-boss-radar-off-layoff-list-2025-3
Published Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:07:01 +0000

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AI Regulation Isn’t Over; It’s Evolving: What Marketers Need to Know

AI Regulation Isn’t Over; It’s Evolving: What Marketers Need to Know

The notion of “AI Regulation is Dead” is misleading; instead, AI governance is gaining momentum with more structured and stringent guidelines emerging worldwide. For marketers to thrive in this evolving landscape, it’s crucial to prioritize transparency, compliance, and ethical practices. This article explores how marketers can navigate new regulations and employ AI responsibly to maintain trust and competitiveness.

Key Takeaways

– AI regulation is rapidly evolving with comprehensive frameworks like the EU’s AI Act.
– Marketers must focus on transparent and ethical use of AI in campaigns.
– Adapting to regulatory changes is critical for maintaining customer trust and compliance.

The Rise of AI Governance

AI governance is swiftly advancing, with frameworks such as the EU’s AI Act setting the stage for stringent regulations. These regulations are designed to ensure AI technologies are used responsibly, safeguarding user privacy and data security. Marketers must remain vigilant and proactive in understanding these regulations, aligning their AI-driven strategies accordingly. As regulators worldwide continue to focus on AI implications, following these laws will be pivotal to navigating the global digital economy.

The Importance of Transparency in AI Campaigns

Transparency is becoming a cornerstone of AI regulation. Marketers are expected to clearly disclose data sources and algorithmic decision-making processes in their AI-driven campaigns. By being transparent, marketers can not only comply with regulations but also build trust with consumers. This includes providing customers with clarity on how their data is used and offering them control over their personal information. Such practices are not just regulatory requirements but also key to fostering long-term customer relationships.

Ethical AI: Investing in Responsible Practices

Investing in ethical AI practices is more crucial than ever. Marketers should engage in industry-wide discussions to set standards for responsible AI use. This involves creating AI systems that are fair, unbiased, and respectful of user privacy. Ethical AI practices can enhance brand reputation while preventing potential legal issues. By prioritizing ethics, marketers can contribute to sustainable and responsible AI advancements, benefiting both their businesses and the broader society.

Leveraging AI Responsibly for Enhanced Customer Experiences

AI, when used responsibly, can significantly enhance customer experiences. It offers personalized, efficient, and innovative solutions that meet consumer needs while respecting their privacy. Marketers should leverage AI tools that align with ethical standards, safeguarding personal data and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. By doing so, AI can help marketers deliver superior customer service without compromising trust and legal integrity.

Recap

As AI regulation continues to evolve, marketers must adapt by embracing transparency, compliance, and ethical practices. These steps are essential for maintaining trust and competitiveness in a digital marketplace increasingly governed by AI laws. What specific strategies will you implement to ensure transparency in your AI campaigns and align with emerging regulations?

——————————————-
By: Phil Alvarez
Title: AI Regulation Isn’t Over; It’s Evolving: What Marketers Need to Know
Sourced From: www.advertisemint.com/ai-regulation-isnt-over-its-evolving/
Published Date: Sun, 23 Feb 2025 16:37:39 +0000

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