Share

cover art for Dawn Pasela's Mysterious Death: A Criminal Justice Whistleblower

Columbus News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Dawn Pasela's Mysterious Death: A Criminal Justice Whistleblower

Dawn Pasela, a passionate young woman with dreams of joining the FBI, died in 2012 at the age of 26. Working for the Cuyahoga County Mortgage Fraud Task Force, she grew concerned about misconduct and secretly recorded a man, Anthony Viola, indicted in a major mortgage fraud case. After Violas conviction, Dawn provided him with evidence for his second trial. However, her growing disillusionment with the task force led to her termination and excessive drinking. Found dead from an alcohol overdose, her parents and others question the circumstances. A forensic pathologist suggests another person may have been present, and a recent review criticized the initial police investigation. Dawns family and Viola now call for her cause of death to be changed and the case to be reopened.

DNN | The Daily News Now!

The world’s first global local news network.

Every city. Every story. AI powered. 

More episodes

View all episodes

  • Watson Mentors Rookies, Stays with Browns

    01:23|
    The Cleveland Browns have confirmed Deshaun Watsons presence on their roster for the 2026 season, despite his injury-induced absence in 2025. Watson, who recently participated in a practice window, was spotted passing during a game, sparking discussions about his potential return. Meanwhile, the team is assessing rookie quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, with two first-round picks in the 2026 draft. Watsons mentorship in the quarterback room is also noted, as the Browns navigate a tough season, balancing player development and future draft prospects.
  • Ohio State's Noel Shines in Big Ten Opener

    01:24|
    Ohio State kicked off their Big Ten season with a thrilling eighty-six to eighty-two victory over Northwestern, thanks to Brandon Noels impressive twenty-nine points. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Ohio State leading by eight with two minutes left, but Northwestern narrowed the gap to one before Ohio State secured the win from the free-throw line. Bruce Thornton also had a strong game with seventeen points and ten assists. Ohio State will host Illinois State on Tuesday.
  • Central Ohio: Cloudy, Cold Weekend with Wintry Mix

    01:16|
    Central Ohio braces for a wintry mix and cold temperatures this weekend. A low-pressure system brings clouds, flurries, and a chance of snow showers, with temperatures hovering around freezing. Bundle up for Mondays brisk morning and prepare for persistent clouds and cold weather through Tuesday.
  • Man Arrested for Fatal Restaurant Parking Lot Assault

    01:43|
    Tragic Assault: Man Dies After Attack in Restaurant Parking Lot; Suspect Arrested A sixty-six-year-old man, Jesse Whistler, tragically lost his life after an assault in a restaurant parking lot. The incident, which occurred on December first, led to severe head injuries for Mr. Whistler, who was later taken off life support on December fifth. Authorities arrested twenty-seven-year-old JaQuawn Bridgmon in connection with the attack. The assault took place in the parking lot of an Applebees restaurant, where Mr. Bridgmon allegedly used a cane to attack both Jesse and his wife, Cheryl Whistler. Mrs. Whistler provided a statement to the court, describing how Mr. Bridgmon threatened to teach an old man a lesson before slapping her and hitting her husband with a cane. Jesse Whistler, a father of five, grandfather of thirteen, and great-grandfather of seven, underwent emergency surgery but unfortunately passed away. Mr. Bridgmon was later pulled over and questioned, reportedly admitting his involvement in the assault. Judge Eileen Paley set Mr. Bridgmons bond at one million dollars, expressing her disturbance by the facts of the case. Additional charges are expected to be filed against Mr. Bridgmon following Jesse Whistlers death.
  • Remembering Frank Gehry - A Message from Corey, Creator of The Daily News Now!

    00:57|
    Iconic architect Frank Gehrys passing has left the world in mourning. Despite not studying architecture, Corey admires Gehrys greatness, comparing him to Michael Jackson and Michael Jordan. Gehry didnt just design buildings; he reimagined them, embodying vision, courage, reinvention, and a refusal to think small. His work moved, flowed, challenged, and inspired. As we remember his impact, Corey shares a quote: Greatness isn’t a talent — it’s the courage to imagine what has never been seen. Thank you, Frank, for showing the world what imagination can build when it refuses to be ordinary.
  • Neil deGrasse Tyson's Cosmic Perspective

    01:50|
    Renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, host of StarTalk and former director of the Hayden Planetarium, will discuss his 100th essay, The Cosmic Perspective, at Mershon Auditorium on March 25th. This essay explores human life from a celestial viewpoint, offering a unique look at our place in the vast cosmos. Tysons extensive written works, media appearances, and contributions to the scientific community have earned him numerous honors, including an asteroid named in his honor.
  • Fatal Crash Involves Police Cruiser, Driver Dies

    01:31|
    Tragic Collision: Police Officer Survives, Driver Fatality on Columbuss West Side - A police cruiser responding to a burglary collides with a Chevrolet Silverado at West Broad Street and North Central Avenue, resulting in one fatality and a stable police officer. Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates, highlighting the risks faced by first responders and the importance of road safety.
  • Police Cruiser Crash in Franklinton: One Dead, One Injured

    01:34|
    Tragic Collision in Franklinton: A Police Cruiser and Chevrolet Silverado Collide, Resulting in One Death and Injuries
  • Fatal Crash: Columbus Police Cruiser Involved in Early Morning Collision

    01:26|
    A fatal crash involving a Columbus Police cruiser and a Chevrolet Silverado occurred early Sunday morning at West Broad Street and Central Avenue. The police vehicle had emergency lights and siren activated. Both drivers were hospitalized, with the Silverado driver tragically passing away. The Ohio Highway Patrol is investigating the incident to determine the cause.