Malibu, CA- Richard Northrop (57), is sitting in Los Angeles County Jail today after being picked up on suspicions of being involved in his ex-wife, Penny’s tragic death. Police began to suspect Richard after initial crash reports and statistical data downloaded from Penny’s Tesla, indicated some unusual activity.
Data suggested Penny’s Tesla was taken over remotely. According to the onboard computer, 30 seconds before the crash, her car locked its doors and engaged in self-driving mode without her consent. She was heading Southbound on PCH Highway 1 through Malibu when her car suddenly veered to the right, plunging her off a cliff, and 50 feet below to a rocky shoreline killing her instantly.
Interviews with her friends and associates, pointed authorities in the direction of Penny’s ex-husband, Richard Northrop. Richard and Penny had a less than amicable divorce stemming from his adultery and controlling nature.
Northrop, a Computer Scientist with a Doctorate out of MIT, was brought in for questioning. While he was being questioned, police executed a search warrant on his property and found a computer screen still on with information connecting him directly to Penny’s tragic crash.
Police are calling Northrop a “New type” of cyber criminal. “Hacking into cars and taking them over remotely are just one of the new ways criminals are trying to stay ahead of us. We must be diligent in combatting this new form of cyber terror”, Chief Walter Forsythe.
Northrop is currently facing charges of first degree murder and domestic cyber terrorism. If convicted, Richard Northrop will never see the light of day again.
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