A teen is accused of fatally stabbing his childhood friend during an argument over a pack of cigarettes.
According to the arrest warrant, 19-year-old Justin Savage and his two friends picked up Stephen Soboleski, 19, at his home midday Sunday. The group drove around Waterbury before ending up in a parking lot on Taft Point, police said.
When one of the friends went inside an apartment, police said an argument broke out between Savage and Soboleski. Police said Soboleski told police that he grabbed Savage's cigarettes and wouldn't give them back. He then said that Savage threatened him with a fold-out knife, according to the arrest warrant.
"At some point during this fight, I got cut by the knife and that really pissed me off. This was when I grabbed him by the throat and started choking him. I was choking him with my left hand and I was trying to take the knife from him with my right hand. I was so pissed off at the moment that I took the knife and reached over toward Justin and just stabbed him in the chest. When I did it, I knew it went deep because a second later there was blood pouring out from his chest," Soboleski told police, according to the warrant.
Police said Soboleski and one of his friends drove Savage to Waterbury Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Soboleski was arraigned on murder charges in Waterbury Superior Court on Monday.
Minutes after seeing his only child walk into court, Soboleski's father Russell Sullivant fought to keep back the tears.
"My kid's not a murderer," he said. "When I found out it was Justin, it's his friend, I was shocked."
Friends of both Savage and Soboleski said the two have been friends since elementary school.
Soboleski remains held on a $1 million bond.
Latest Marlboro Smoking News
Aug 25, 2009
Aug 19, 2009
Oregon sues electronic cigarette maker
Oregon Attorney General John Kroger on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against Smoking Everywhere, alleging that the Florida-based “electronic cigarette” company made false health claims about its nicotine delivery device and targeted children with sweet flavors such as bubblegum, chocolate and cookies ‘n’ cream.
Electronic cigarettes are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and some contain known carcinogens.
Oregon’s lawsuit alleges that Smoking Everywhere has marketed e-cigarettes as safe in general and safer than conventional cigarettes, alleging the company possesses no scientific evidence to support such claims.
Oregon’s lawsuit also alleges that Smoking Everywhere’s promotional efforts target adolescents and youths who may not already be addicted to nicotine. Although Smoking Everywhere claims e-cigarettes are “intended for use by adult smokers,” the lawsuit alleges that advertisements are designed to attract young people.
Oregon is the only state that has taken legal action against e-cigarette importers and retailers. Oregon recently reached legal settlements with three retailers prohibiting them from selling e-cigarettes in the state until they meet state and federal standards. Oregon also reached an agreement with another e-cigarette company, Sottera Inc., the national distributor of NJOY, which prohibits it from doing business in Oregon until local and national standards are met.
Smoking Everywhere refused a similar settlement offer.
Electronic cigarettes are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and some contain known carcinogens.
Oregon’s lawsuit alleges that Smoking Everywhere has marketed e-cigarettes as safe in general and safer than conventional cigarettes, alleging the company possesses no scientific evidence to support such claims.
Oregon’s lawsuit also alleges that Smoking Everywhere’s promotional efforts target adolescents and youths who may not already be addicted to nicotine. Although Smoking Everywhere claims e-cigarettes are “intended for use by adult smokers,” the lawsuit alleges that advertisements are designed to attract young people.
Oregon is the only state that has taken legal action against e-cigarette importers and retailers. Oregon recently reached legal settlements with three retailers prohibiting them from selling e-cigarettes in the state until they meet state and federal standards. Oregon also reached an agreement with another e-cigarette company, Sottera Inc., the national distributor of NJOY, which prohibits it from doing business in Oregon until local and national standards are met.
Smoking Everywhere refused a similar settlement offer.
Aug 3, 2009
Smokers face $20 cigarette packs
CIGARETTES could cost more than $20 for a packet of 30 and come in plain wrapping if radical proposals now under consideration by the federal government are accepted.
The government is considering a cigarette tax hike and a ban on all remaining tobacco advertising and sponsorship in response to its yet-to-be-released Preventative Health Taskforce report.
The landmark report, now being examined by Health Minister Nicola Roxon, urges the government to slash smoking rates over the next decade to nine per cent, reducing the number of people aged 14 and over who smoke daily from three million to two million.
Under the changes, some of which were canvassed in a discussion paper released late last year, cigarette packets would be generic and plain, with larger graphic health warnings taking up about 90 per cent of the front and 100 per cent of the back.
Tobacco companies also face a blanket ban on all sponsorship, Internet sales, public relations activities and "corporate responsibility'' donations, Fairfax Newspapers say.
The plan has been strongly backed by anti-smoking organisations such as the Public Health Association, the Cancer Council and the National Heart Foundation, but has alarmed cigarette companies, which claim it could be unlawful.
The government is considering a cigarette tax hike and a ban on all remaining tobacco advertising and sponsorship in response to its yet-to-be-released Preventative Health Taskforce report.
The landmark report, now being examined by Health Minister Nicola Roxon, urges the government to slash smoking rates over the next decade to nine per cent, reducing the number of people aged 14 and over who smoke daily from three million to two million.
Under the changes, some of which were canvassed in a discussion paper released late last year, cigarette packets would be generic and plain, with larger graphic health warnings taking up about 90 per cent of the front and 100 per cent of the back.
Tobacco companies also face a blanket ban on all sponsorship, Internet sales, public relations activities and "corporate responsibility'' donations, Fairfax Newspapers say.
The plan has been strongly backed by anti-smoking organisations such as the Public Health Association, the Cancer Council and the National Heart Foundation, but has alarmed cigarette companies, which claim it could be unlawful.
Jul 21, 2009
Store owners fear cigarette tax increase
CONCORD - Owners of grocery, convenience and retail distributor stores lobbied state senators Monday to cut - if not eliminate - a proposed increase in the cigarette tax. The House-approved $10.4 billion, two-year state budget plan relies heavily upon this tax, increasing it from 80 cents to $1.25 per pack. Gov. John Lynch had proposed the tax only be raised to $1.08 to finance his budget plan. John Dumais, president and chief executive officer of the New Hampshire Grocers Association, claimed his lobbying organization lost five small businesses that went under after the Legislature last raised the tax July 1, 2005. Even though the state took in more money from the higher tax, it sold six million fewer packs of cigarettes in 2006 compared to 2005, he explained. "We aren't talking about any small consequences for the state," he said. The grocer lobby claims that for every $1 in cigarette pack sales, the state receives another $3.40 in other purchases. Studies have concluded 40 percent of cigarette sales come from out-of-state residents. Massachusetts' residents make up the largest portion of that group. Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has said he would oppose any increase in that state's tobacco tax, which is $1.51 per pack but doesn't include 20 cents that comes from applying the state's 5 percent sales tax. "Massachusetts sold more packs in 2006 and profited from our last increase so you can bet they are hoping to do even better if we make the same mistake again," Dumais warned. Supporters insist the state's retail sector would still profit from cigarettes sold at the higher price and that it would discourage teens from starting the addictive habit. Ray Tetu said the higher tax would force his business to post a larger bond to cover the payment of tax stamps onto all cigarettes sold from his Manchester Wholesale Distributors Inc. The firm employs 65 and has been in the family since 1939, but Tetu claims this latest proposed increase may put him under. "If MWD and the other independent distributor within the state of New Hampshire were to close its doors tomorrow, there would not even be a hiccup for a split second for cigarette supplies," Tetu said. Manchester Democratic Sen. Lou D'Allesandro, who is chairman of the Senate panel writing the budget, said it's too early to know how much of a tax increase is needed. The finance panel is spending all of this week making final decisions about spending priorities for its version of the 1,100-page budget bill. John Ganos, owner of the State Line Store on Route 13 in Brookline, said he attracts out-of-state purchases by advertising in daily newspapers as far removed as Worcester, Mass. "Is this tax increase a good bet for the state? I know it is not for my business," Ganos added in a written statement. "And when the state is finished taxing this source into oblivion, where will they turn next?"
Jul 14, 2009
Philip Morris to buy South African snuff maker
Philip Morris International Inc., maker of Marlboro and other cigarettes for sale overseas, has agreed to buy a Swedish company's South African snuff and pipe-tobacco operations for roughly $222 million.
Philip Morris International estimated that Swedish Match South Africa Ltd.'s products account for about 31 percent of total tobacco consumption in South Africa. The brands involved in the deal, announced yesterday, include Boxer, Best Blend and Taxi.
In March 2008, Philip Morris International, with offices in New York and Lausanne, Switzerland, was spun off from Henrico County-based Altria Group Inc., which owns Philip Morris USA.
Swedish Match also owns Swedish Match North America, a Chesterfield County-based maker of cigars and smokeless tobacco.
Spokesmen for Altria and Swedish Match North America said their operations are not affected by the deal.
The deal "represents an excellent strategic fit for our business in South Africa," Jean-Claude Kunz, president of Philip Morris International's Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa region, said in a statement.
Swedish Match South Africa reported sales of roughly $88 million last year.
Philip Morris International, the world's largest non-governmental cigarette seller, hopes to boost sales of smokeless-tobacco products to offset decreased demand for cigarettes because of concerns about health, smoking bans and price increases.
In February, Philip Morris International announced a 50-50 joint venture with Swedish Match AB to make and sell smokeless products such as snus -- teabaglike pouches that users stick between cheek and gum.
Philip Morris International said it expects to complete the acquisition of the South African company by the end of the fourth quarter, after approval by South African regulators.
"This agreement with Philip Morris International is in line with Swedish Match's strategy to focus on smoke-free tobacco, cigars and lights products," Swedish Match AB President and CEO Lars Dahlgren said in a statement.
Swedish Match South Africa will continue to distribute lighters, matches and cigars for Swedish Match, the company said.
Philip Morris International estimated that Swedish Match South Africa Ltd.'s products account for about 31 percent of total tobacco consumption in South Africa. The brands involved in the deal, announced yesterday, include Boxer, Best Blend and Taxi.
In March 2008, Philip Morris International, with offices in New York and Lausanne, Switzerland, was spun off from Henrico County-based Altria Group Inc., which owns Philip Morris USA.
Swedish Match also owns Swedish Match North America, a Chesterfield County-based maker of cigars and smokeless tobacco.
Spokesmen for Altria and Swedish Match North America said their operations are not affected by the deal.
The deal "represents an excellent strategic fit for our business in South Africa," Jean-Claude Kunz, president of Philip Morris International's Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa region, said in a statement.
Swedish Match South Africa reported sales of roughly $88 million last year.
Philip Morris International, the world's largest non-governmental cigarette seller, hopes to boost sales of smokeless-tobacco products to offset decreased demand for cigarettes because of concerns about health, smoking bans and price increases.
In February, Philip Morris International announced a 50-50 joint venture with Swedish Match AB to make and sell smokeless products such as snus -- teabaglike pouches that users stick between cheek and gum.
Philip Morris International said it expects to complete the acquisition of the South African company by the end of the fourth quarter, after approval by South African regulators.
"This agreement with Philip Morris International is in line with Swedish Match's strategy to focus on smoke-free tobacco, cigars and lights products," Swedish Match AB President and CEO Lars Dahlgren said in a statement.
Swedish Match South Africa will continue to distribute lighters, matches and cigars for Swedish Match, the company said.
Jul 13, 2009
Putting Loved Ones At Risk Of Secondhand Smoke With Cigarettes
Once upon a time, a cigarette could be smoked just about anywhere. There were no rules or regulations regarding where someone could smoke a cigarette or whom they were around when smoking. Then there came the concerns with tobacco use and how it could affect one's health. Soon, interest groups and concerned citizens were calling for cigarettes to be banned.
Although cigarettes today are not banned or illegal in any form, they are no longer allowed to be used indoors at restaurants, theaters, or other venues. In fact, if a driver is smoking with a child in the car and was pulled over for a non-smoking citation, the officer can issue a ticket for tobacco usage in the car. Millions upon millions of people around the world are now aware of the many side effects associated with smoking tobacco cigarettes.
What could have been done by a teenager for rebellious reasons could now be a full-fledged addiction to the nicotine found in the cigarettes and could even become a lifelong habit that will only result in an illness that kills the person. By now, many are aware of the illnesses associated with smoking cigarettes. Heart and lung disease, cancer, and respiratory problems are just the beginning. Lethargy, a lack of strength, and shortness of breath when engaging in physical activity are all symptoms that a smoker can feel as well.
In addition, when someone is smoking a cigarette around anybody, that person is being exposed to secondhand smoke. In some cases, the secondhand smoke is actually worse than smoking the cigarette itself because the person who is smoking the cigarette is used to the experience, and his body has adapted to the nicotine, tobacco, and chemicals that are being inhaled. On the other hand, the person who normally does not smoke and is exposed to the toxins found in the cigarette smoke occasionally might have a worse reaction because their body is not used to it.
It is not uncommon to hear of a spouse of a smoker who contracted lung cancer as a result of being exposed to the smoke for prolonged periods of time. It is not uncommon to hear of a non-smoking black jack dealer working in a casino who feels the side effects of tobacco usage around him. The results are varied, and the side effects are serious. Protecting family, friends, and colleagues from secondhand smoke is as easy as smoking a cigarette on your own time when they are not around.
Although cigarettes today are not banned or illegal in any form, they are no longer allowed to be used indoors at restaurants, theaters, or other venues. In fact, if a driver is smoking with a child in the car and was pulled over for a non-smoking citation, the officer can issue a ticket for tobacco usage in the car. Millions upon millions of people around the world are now aware of the many side effects associated with smoking tobacco cigarettes.
What could have been done by a teenager for rebellious reasons could now be a full-fledged addiction to the nicotine found in the cigarettes and could even become a lifelong habit that will only result in an illness that kills the person. By now, many are aware of the illnesses associated with smoking cigarettes. Heart and lung disease, cancer, and respiratory problems are just the beginning. Lethargy, a lack of strength, and shortness of breath when engaging in physical activity are all symptoms that a smoker can feel as well.
In addition, when someone is smoking a cigarette around anybody, that person is being exposed to secondhand smoke. In some cases, the secondhand smoke is actually worse than smoking the cigarette itself because the person who is smoking the cigarette is used to the experience, and his body has adapted to the nicotine, tobacco, and chemicals that are being inhaled. On the other hand, the person who normally does not smoke and is exposed to the toxins found in the cigarette smoke occasionally might have a worse reaction because their body is not used to it.
It is not uncommon to hear of a spouse of a smoker who contracted lung cancer as a result of being exposed to the smoke for prolonged periods of time. It is not uncommon to hear of a non-smoking black jack dealer working in a casino who feels the side effects of tobacco usage around him. The results are varied, and the side effects are serious. Protecting family, friends, and colleagues from secondhand smoke is as easy as smoking a cigarette on your own time when they are not around.
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