The FBI has revealed agents investigated some of the late Whitney Houston's crazed fans on behalf of the superstar and her family.
Houston was born in Newark, New Jersey, grew up in East Orange, and got her start singing in a church in Newark, where her funeral was held.
The FBI says that the pop diva at the height of her fame had several obsessed fans writing her scary letters that prompted agents to investigate.
FBI records show someone was trying to extort a quarter of a million dollars from Houston threatening to reveal "romantic" secrets about the singing superstar. The family settled with the person for an undisclosed amount. No charges were filed.
In another case an unemployed Vermont man the FBI describes as "a loner" wrote more than 70 letters professing his love.
In some letters he grows agitated and "sick" when he reads she is married.
Houston drowned in a Beverly Hills hotel room on the night of the pre-Grammys party in 2012.
Fans say they are still mourning the untimely death of a legend.
Saturday, May 25 2013 7:52 PM EDT2013-05-25 23:52:37 GMT
AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in New Jersey on Friday was $3.42, up 3 cents from last week. But that's still lower than the price from a year ago, when motorists were paying $3.58.
AAA Mid-Atlantic says the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in New Jersey on Friday was $3.42, up 3 cents from last week. But that's still lower than the price from a year ago, when motorists were paying $3.58.
Saturday, May 25 2013 6:36 PM EDT2013-05-25 22:36:58 GMT
Members of the American Legion Post 1 honored their own this Memorial Day. The veterans association decorated the graves of veterans at the Cemetery of the Madonna in Leonia Saturday morning.
Members of the American Legion Post 1 honored their own this Memorial Day. The veterans association decorated the graves of veterans at the Cemetery of the Madonna in Leonia Saturday morning.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:44 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:44:03 GMT
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy.
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy. The Fox 5 weather team is calling for sunny skies on Sunday and Monday.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:10 PM EDT2013-05-25 00:10:09 GMT
AP photo
Resorts held a grand opening Thursday for Margaritaville, the $35 million restaurant, bar, and gambling complex that's part of a $70 million expansion and renovation.
Resorts held a grand opening Thursday for Margaritaville, the $35 million restaurant, bar, and gambling complex that's part of a $70 million expansion and renovation.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:33 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:33:47 GMT
New Jersey Transit bus riders will soon have a new way to get across the Hudson River: by boat. The agency is partnering with New York Waterways, which will provide ferry service to customers. The
New Jersey Transit bus riders will soon have a new way to get across the Hudson River: by boat. The agency is partnering with New York Waterways, which will provide ferry service to customers. The
Friday, May 24 2013 11:12 AM EDT2013-05-24 15:12:21 GMT
AP photo
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:23 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:23:33 GMT
New Jersey's education commissioner has overturned the firing of a high school athletic director who was caught on camera putting dog waste on his ex-wife's car.
New Jersey's education commissioner has overturned the firing of a high school athletic director who was caught on camera putting dog waste on his ex-wife's car.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:34 PM EDT2013-05-25 01:34:31 GMT
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested by New York City police after investigating a report of her allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building.
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested by New York City police after investigating a report of her allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building.
Netflix is hoping this weekend's release of the resurrected TV series "Arrested Development" will lock up more subscribers to its Internet video service.
Netflix is hoping this weekend's release of the resurrected TV series "Arrested Development" will draw more subscribers to its Internet video service.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:24 AM EDT2013-05-24 15:24:03 GMT
The music was pumping at Jenkinson's Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach on Friday morning.
The music was pumping at Jenkinson's Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach on Friday morning. Singer and heartthrob Ed Sheeran performed to a packed bar. Singer and pianist Sara Bareilles later took the mic all before 10 a.m.
Working moms with young children may be always strapped for time, energy and money. But Gwyneth Paltrow has a solution that worked for her — and might work for you: modeling.
Working moms with young children may be always strapped for time, energy and money. But Gwyneth Paltrow has a solution that worked for her — and might work for you: modeling.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:05 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:05:21 GMT
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z."
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z." Pitt stunned the crowd at the Clearview Cinemas when he walked in just before the start of the special screening.
President Barack Obama is showing singer-songwriter Carole King that she has friends at the White House.
President Barack Obama, saluting Carole King's five decades as an award-winning singer-songwriter, said Wednesday that music often is a place where people seek comfort and inspiration during trying times.
