​Asphyxiation Point is not immune to the economic climate and it's changes. Despite the recent boom in local tourism and the success of many businesses in town, budget cuts are hitting The Point where we can least afford it, our judicial system. Recent fiscal reports from the Capitol in Augusta have caused a Statewide restructuring of the legal system.

In an effort to conserve tax dollars, the new system will no longer be run by a local District Attorney, but rather by a Court Administrator. Not only will this mean a pay cut for the new Administrator, but a reduction in man power as well. The new system will do away with the Assistant District Attorney position all together, leaving only attorneys, court reporter, clerks and bailiffs employed. The only staff not reduced is the security staff.

Other changes, according to the report released earlier today, were that attorneys working directly for the state would perform double duty, serving as either defense or prosecution depending on staffing needs. There will also no longer be a local sitting judge, instead a circuit court judge would make rounds holding court once a week.

It is expected that this new tightening of the financial belt should save the state some $42 million a quarter. Experts say it doesn't appear to be a short term fix, but rather a viable solution to the greater economic woes plaguing the state.

Currently the Asphyxiation Point Courthouse employs a staff of seven, plus three local private attorneys who work closely with the courthouse. Those affected by the change would be Bethann Caustin, a third year law clerk, Selenity Rose, an attorney for the State, Malcolm Turner, local Judge, Written Lyrical Unique Poem and Minnie Farspire, both secretaries and Eva Perry, former DA, now Court Administrator.

 "I'm not at all surprised that the cuts were made in our township, it was just a matter of time. They waited for old Judge Carlisle to retire, he was the hold out and the last of the significant powers that kept the island as an independent district where we dealt with our own. Now we're just like any other small town gobbled up by the overly ambitious politicians looking to make a name for themselves." said Court Administrator Eva Perry of the recent changes.

reported by Pen Dragon

Upscale salon is seeking outgoing, highly motivated individuals to work in a busy salon.

We are currently hiring for:

Receptionist
Senior Stylist
Junior Stylist
Shampooist

So if you have the gift of gab and you know your way around a flat iron, head to the corner of Highland and 7th Street in Uptown Asphyxiation Point.

We cater to the chicest in Asphyxiation Point. Salon Chic...When you have to look your absolute best.

To apply please contact Yaniah Jameson or stop by and pick up an application.

Phone: 207.555.CHIC (2442)
Email: hairbyyaya@AP.COM
Website: salonchicap.com (under construction)

​Last Thursday evening, AP Times Editor Pen Dragon and his wife Jadey were enjoying a normal evening in their home when a masked gunman, armed with an automatic rifle, kicked in their glass front door, stormed into the house and yelled at the couple to lie on the floor.  In a rapidly-developing attack, Pen was disarmed, with the assailant forcing Jadey to tie Pen's arms behind his back with zip ties before tying her up himself.  The attacker then hit Pen's head with the stock of his rifle and injected both victims with a sedative.

Mrs Dragon recalls waking up wearing a straight jacket..  She was imprisoned in a cement-floored, stained brick-walled cell, which reeked of bleach and/or ammonia.  To disguise his identity, Jadey's attacker wore a mask containing a voice-changing device to produce a Darth Vader - like sound.  Throughout her ordeal, she was subjected to constant and humiliating torture, but appears to have held her own throughout, making life less than easy for the man who chose to imprison her.  Buckets of water were dumped on her and, as a result of her constant talking, her attacker aimed a laser-equipped gun between her eyes, pulling the trigger in a mental torture of death.  This served only to increase her anger and verbal battling with her jailer; she even tried to kick him through the metal bars of her cell.  This last action produced the most severe torture of all, telemundo TV at full volume.  Mrs Dragon's response to this extreme torture was to urinate on the man's black leather boots, an act which prompted him to step on her ankle and threaten to return her to her husband in small pieces.  After a final dousing in cold water, the vicious attack continued with a Barney CD played at full volume as her attacker left her for the night.  In Jadey's words "Cold, wet and in Barney Hell".

When Mr Dragon woke up, he immediately called APPD, with Sergeant Biafra responding to take his statement. Biafra found a trail that led around to the sea wall behind the couple's house and to where a boat had recently departed; a ransom note was also discovered. Biafra initiated searches in the sewers and across the City, but it was a long first night's wait for Mr Dragon.  The next day, Police Chief DeSanta read the note and arranged for a trace to be placed on Mr Dragon's phone.  Mr Dragon accompanied DeSanta to the sewers in search of evidence, before returning home, leaving DeSanta in the sewers alone. This was the evening DeSanta went missing.

On Saturday, the kidnappers telephoned Mr Dragon.  The call was traced to AP's Theater where Mr Dragon discovered his wife on the marquee above the entrance, still wearing the straight jacket and confined in a duffel bag.  Medical assistance was rendered in-situ by APFD Chief Medavac Renfold and his wife Dr Arizona Renfold, who is also an EMT for the Fire Department.  

The motives for this particularly inventive and nasty attack appear mixed.  Although a ransom note with a financial demand was placed, The AP Times has reason to believe that the kidnapper was working for a female principal who has taken exception to recent investigative journalism carried out by Mr Dragon and the AP Times and that the kidnapping was a warning against further intrusion into her affairs. 

The Dragons describe the kidnapper as male, dressed in dark clothing, including jeans with a red-stained bottom and a hoodie, worn hood down with a hockey mask, with the eyes painted red.  If anyone in AP recognizes the kidnapper or can shed light on his mysterious female superior, please contact APPD or the AP Times.

Reported by Annabel Westminster

Over the last 6 months Asphyxiation Point has been terrorized by a serial killer dubbed 'The Drainpipe Killer.'  The individual was given the moniker 'Drainpipe killer' because their victims were found in or near the sewers of AP. With five confirmed murders and one missing person attributed to the killer it is safe to say they have kept the residents of The Point feeling uneasy and afraid to venture out of their homes at night. Tonight, however, the people of AP can feel relief knowing that the ordeal is over. In a recent interview Chief DeSanta recounted the events and they are presented here.

In a series of events that started while APPD Chief DeSanta was doing a sweep of the sewers, Zoe Azaria, the woman identified by police as the prime suspect in the slayings, was brought into custody. According to Chief DeSanta he had been checking a remote section of the sewer when he heard movement. When he approached the individual they identified themselves to DeSanta as a police officer, not knowing that they were speaking to the police chief. In order to get closer and possibly identify the individual, DeSanta claimed to be a lost tourist, but the assailant didn't buy the ruse and fired several shots.

The violent scene escalated when the gunman, or woman in this case, began to exchange fire with DeSanta using an automatic weapon and attempted to escape through a sewer access cover. Taking advantage of a different, but nearby, access cover DeSanta gave pursuit and more gun fire was exchanged near the intersection of Eagle Ridge and Indian Trail in Upper Town. It was at this point that APPD Sergent Biafra arrived on scene after receiving a 911 call reporting shots fired. Together Sergent Biafra and Chief DeSanta chased the subject to the cliffs near the AP Lighthouse.

Chief DeSanta attempted to arrest the suspect as she was now unarmed after throwing away her weapon. Instead she was able to grapple with him and they tumbled over the cliffs and into the water of the lake below. Chief DeSanta spent several days missing as a result and prefers to not go on record as to what happened during this time, but was apparently held against his will.

DeSanta managed to escape and struggled bitterly with Ms Azaria, who had procured another gun and was threatening him with the weapon. In the fight that ensued she would fire off at least one, possibly two shots according to DeSanta. The sound alerted Sergent Biafra who was nearby aiding in the search for Chief DeSanta. Faced with the two officers Zoe surrendered and was taken into custody.

The APPD would not make an official statement in regards to the case because it is an ongoing and open investigation.Despite taking the notorious killer off the streets, DeSanta is still saddened by the case.
​ 
"Five people are dead, one still missing'" DeSanta told the Times, "I don' really count this one as a victory." 

Maggie Firebrand, a hostess at The Aristocrat, is still missing and police ask that if you have any information about here whereabouts, please contact them.


​Reported by Pen Dragon

iReports from APPD officials are coming in that tell of a gun battle late last night between what appeared to be two police officers, one unidentified female and another identified as the Chief of Police, DeSanta. Early reports from the police are saying that  after a short exchange of gunfire, the female Police officer discarded her weapon but was chased by two other officers to the edge of the cliffs where, following a scuffle, the female officer and the police chief went over the edge.

Beyond those details police are staying tight-lipped. A State Police dive team is also looking through the lake and emergency services are standing by, according to APPD officials. It is understood that neither of the officer's bodies have been found. A search and rescue helicopter has also been sent out to sea.

Besides what was released in an earlier interview with the Times not much is known about Chief of Police, DeSanta. Initial statements that he was 'a complicated man, and no one understands him but his woman' were later found to have been attributed to fictional Blaxploitation detective, John Shaft, and not, in fact to Chief DeSanta, which most reports are actually calling 'an asshole'. Not only was the Times not able to verify the statement, we were unable to verify if he has a woman in his life at this time.

As time goes on, hope fades of recovering the bodies or finding either of the officer's alive. The AP Times will keep you informed as details become available.

Reported by Holly Sheet

If you have ever walked through the archway into the lobby of the Asphyxiation Point Police Department you have probably encountered the bubbly and welcoming smile of Zoey Clements. The young, attractive blond is the Office Administrator for the department. More often than not it's her calming voice that responds when a 911 call is made.

As Office Administrator not only is she stationed at the reception desk to greet people who walk into the station, she reviews and enters all new case files for their entry into the database. She makes non emergency reports and issues any press releases along with a multitude of various tasks she may be assigned throughout the day. Despite performing so many vital duties for the department, she is ever so modest about her job.

 "I handle a lot of the walk in people, trying to get them to the right officer, or the right department. Nothing too glamorous, get the occasion 911 call, some dispatch." she told the Times in a recent interview.

Ms Clements also contends with being 5 months pregnant. The job of being a mother rising quickly on the horizon, she takes it all in stride and attributes the support of the men and women of the APPD for her ability to be able to manage it all.
Zoey moved to Asphyxiation Point shortly after a very personal tragedy and began working for Chief DeSanta soon after as the department's receptionist. Since then she has grown close to the people she works with.

"Coming to work everyday is like coming home.  This is my family, we eat and drink together, we see each other almost everyday, hell they had to approve of the boyfriend." she said in her interview. " If I'm the heart, that's the head, he (DeSanta)is the Father to us all here." she continued.

At only 21 years old, Zoey Clements has over come personal tragedy and started over in a new town. She has made a successful life for herself in AP. She has a child on the way, that she jokingly swears isn't DeSanta's, and has become an integral part of the police force. 

 "When I left South Carolina , there was no place for me to call home. Not only an I proud to call AP home, I am proud to call the PD my family and thank my blessings for the Chief. He is the dad I never had" She said.

-Reported by Pen Dragon

On September 17 the Asphyxiation Point Times printed an article called 'Horror Market in AP? Fact or...?' The author of that piece, former Times reporter Melanie Jones, brought to light what turned out to be a bloody reign of terror for the residents of The Point. The story was originally intended as an urban legend, but as we found out it was much too real.

In the story a group, called The Blood Market, was detailed. Their purpose was to be contract killers that would remove the organs of their victims once they were dead. As it turns out that was very much true. Shortly after the first article was published, the first body appeared. A mysterious 911 call alerted the police to the blood drained body at the now defunct 'Work it out Gym.' The call also warned of additional deaths. It is even believed that reporter Melanie Jones was being groomed to be a new member of the group.

The second murder was reported in much the same way, by a mysterious 911 call. This body was discovered in the lighthouse. As with the first body, all the bodily organs had been removed. This second body was in response to a rumor that the AP Times was about to publish another article on the group. In fact, there was a second article written, but never published per the request of the APPD. The AP Times withheld the information for public safety because both 911 calls warned of retribution if the existence of this group were ever made public or if any other media attention was given to them.

Chief DeSanta and the APPD immediately jumped into a full investigation. Authorities discovered that this group exists in several states including  Lousiana, Michigan and now here in AP.  They exist as a presence on the dark web and were a business organization who dealt with high end contract kills, but made money on the side by harvesting the organs of victims to sell them on the black market. Despite being a nationwide organization, not much was ever known of their structure until now.

Tonight, however; the AP Times is happy to report that the APPD under the command of chief DeSanta has three members of The Blood Market in custody, including a man named Sully Zahm, the leader of the group. Zahm was captured thanks to an anonymous tip to the police force. One additional member was killed in an attack on a bystander this morning. While not all of the names are being released, DeSanta feels strongly that this is the last gasps of breath for the organization.

"The organization is collapsing in on itself. I think it came to Asphyxiation Point to die. I'm happy to have the pleasure of overseeing  that." DeSanta told the Times."The Blood Market are a national organized crime group who were responsible for two murders in Asphyxiation Point. Working at speed and relying a lot on specialized intelligence we managed to track down and capture the majority of the group identified to be working here in Asphyxiation Point. The diligence of the Police Department's Officers, coupled with collaborative assistance with the DA's office has once again made sure the citizens ah AP can sleep safe in their beds at night." DeSanta continued.

With the upper echelon of The Blood Market either in custody or dead, the national threat that this group posed seems to have come to an end.

Reported by Pen Dragon

.

Salon Chic, the upscale hair and beauty salon in Upper Town, was violently robbed at gunpoint yesterday. The incident resulted in the cash box, with an undermined amount of cash, being stolen and the Salon owner Yaniah Jameson being shot and rushed to Asphyxiation Point Hospital. 

The assault began Monday afternoon when an unidentified man entered the salon on 6, 7th Street and requested a haircut. Ms Jameson obliged the man and escorted him into a salon chair. Once she had finished and asked for payment the man pulled a gun on Ms Jameson demanding he give her the store's money according to police reports. The suspect's gun discharged as he attempted to shoot open the lock box with the cash inside. The bullet ricocheted and struck Ms Jameson in the chest as she was pressing the silent alarm.

As her attacker fled a concerned citizen, identified as Kro Alptraum by police, showed up on scene and provided emergency first aid until paramedics arrived. The paramedic team rushed Yaniah Jameson to the hospital where she is currently in very serious condition, and will be under observation. 

Police records say the suspect is tall with bright orange red hair in a bob cut and was last seen wearing black faded jeans and a graphic tee.  Police ask that if you see the man, do not approach him as he is considered armed and dangerous. If you have any information about the armed robbery, please contact APPD.

Yaniah, known as Yaya to friends, was surrounded by those who were able to visit her today as they held a vigil and offered best wishes for her very speedy recovery. Others who could not be in attendance sent their thoughts and prayers to their dear friend.

Reported by - Pen Dragon

Asphyxiation Point joined the likes of Milan, Paris, and New York last night with hosting its first fashion show named, "Vroom!"  The event was hosted by local fashionista and Phyxiation Boutique owner, Candice Cain.  Featuring biker fashions worn by local residents, Vroom! brought a mix of leather, lace, and couture to the culture of the Point.

Ms. Cain was quoted as saying, "Without my amazing models and talented DJ I could never have had such a successful event.  I want to take this opportunity to thank every single one of them."  

Models in the show included Phyxiation staff models as well as locals.  Those walking the catwalk included:
Medavac Renfold
Zoey Clements
Dorian Kroll )
Zoe Azaria 
Zach Ferris 
Kro Alptraum 
Emelyn Aheka Ra'Tori 

The final call on the catwalk, Renfold rode out on own personal motorcycle, a Bullet Lowrider.

Photo essay the event below: