Year Review: 2012 in western New York

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - 2012 has been quite a year. A lot has unfolded this year internationally, nationally and locally.

On January 28th, the year began with tragedy in the southtowns. Fourteen-year-old Angela Keim   was killed and another passenger was seriously injured when Bradley Maloney crashed his car while driving drunk. He served four months in jail.

On April 18th, Abdifatah Mohamud was just 12 years old when his stepfather tied him up and beat him to death in the family’s Buffalo home back in April. Ali Mohamad Mohamud confessed to the killing and was convicted for murder.

The most closely watched trial in 2012 ended with a verdict few people expected. On May 30th, a jury found Dr. James Corasanti not guilty of manslaughter in the death of Alexandria Rice . He was found guilty of Common Law DWI.

Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita said, “I'm sorry on behalf of Alix that she did not get justice.”

The teenager was struck and killed by Corasanti while she was skateboarding along Heim Road in July 2011. A plaque memorializes where Alix died.

In June, a memorial was dedicated to the 51 victims of Flight 3407 . It features stepping stones and a bench for meditation and prayer.

Later that month, tragedy struck at ECMC. SWAT teams surrounded the hospital after 33-year-old Jacqueline Wisniewski was shot to death. Police say her killer was trauma surgeon Dr. Timothy Jorden, who was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot following an intensive search.

Attica residents Called 4 Action on July 16th, telling Al Vaughters about their breathing problems and he tracked those to nearby Hillcrest Industries. A resident explained, “You've got your windows open, you have to get up and close it because inside of your house stinks.”

Following Al’s reports, Hillcrest was forced to take remediation actions, eliminating the pile of dirty recycled glass and replacing furnace filters. Neighbors say the smell is going away.

On July 24th, a house was gone in a flash. Fourteen-year-old Sarah Johnson died when her family’s home exploded in Wilson. Her 19-year-old sister Katie is still recovering from her extensive injuries. The exact cause of the propane blast remains under investigation.

On August 27th, the body of five-year-old Isabella Tennant was found in a trash container in Niagara Falls. Her 16-year-old neighbor John Freeman is charged with her murder.

Days later, there was another gruesome discovery. Body parts were found in waterways around Niagara Falls. Police determined they belong to Loretta Gates, whose murder remains unsolved.

In September, the Clymer School Superintendent was found murdered outside his own home. Police say Anthony Taglianetti, of Virginia, killed Keith Reed because he was angry about a relationship Reed had with his ex wife.

On October 29th, there was a crime that touched the hearts of many News 4 viewers. A puppy, who has been named Phoenix, was found burned . Police say two teenagers set fire to the dog. Phoenix is still receiving treatment at an animal hospital.