Convicted Sex Offender Accused of Rape: Authorities in Texas have arrested a convicted sex offender who is accused of raping two young girls and infecting them with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.  Mike Glenn of the Houston Chronicle reports that 33-year-old David Wilson is believed to have sexually assaulted his niece, who was just under 2-years-old at the time, and his ex-girlfriend's 14-year-old daughter.  Wilson was sentenced to four years in prison in 2004 after being found guilty of sexually assaulting another 14-year-old girl, he is currently being held in county jail without bond.

Parolee Charged in Cold Case Killing: An Illinois parolee with a lengthy criminal past has been charged with first-degree murder for a 2002 cold case killing.  Fox Chicago reports that 40-year-old Steven Podkulski was paroled on Wednesday after serving just five years of a 10-year sentence for a burglary conviction, police arrested him for the murder immediately after he was released from custody.  Podkulski is currently in county jail facing one count of first-degree murder and is being held on a $3 million bond.

Convicted Felon Shoots at CA Police Officer: A California man is behind bars and facing a possible life sentence after shooting at a police officer earlier this week.  Andrea Castillo of the Fresno Bee reports that 34-year-old Patrick Hall, who already has two prior felony 'strikes' against him, fired his gun while the officer held onto the barrel during an arrest attempt, the officer was taken to the hospital and is recovering after sustaining a severe burn to the palm of his hand.  If convicted, this will be Hall's third felony strike and he will face a possible life sentence.