Nation, world briefs 1/12/16

CNN: North Korea detains American

WASHINGTON -- The government of North Korea has detained a U.S. citizen on suspicion of spying, CNN reported Monday. It said a man identified as Kim Dong Chul was being held by the Pyongyang government and said authorities had accused him of engaging in spying and stealing state secrets. In an interview with a CNN correspondent, Kim said he had traveled extensively in recent years between China and North Korea and had made some trips to South Korea. In Washington, State Department spokesman John Kirby said he could not confirm the report.

Trial of Freddie Gray van driver delayed

BALTIMORE -- A Maryland appeals court postponed the trial of a police van driver charged with second-degree murder in the death of Freddie Gray, saying it needs to address whether another Baltimore officer should be compelled to testify against Caesar Goodson. Jury selection for Goodson's trial was supposed to start Monday. Prosecutors have indicated testimony from officer William Porter, whose trial ended in a hung jury last month, is crucial to their case against Goodson. Baltimore Circuit Judge Barry Williams, who is overseeing the trial, ruled Porter must testify against Goodson, despite Porter's assertion he has a right not to incriminate himself. Porter's trial is postponed indefinitely, pending further proceedings.

Remains of missing toddler likely found

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Remains believed to be those of a toddler who was reported missing last summer were found in a wooded area, Florida authorities said Monday. The remains are believed to be those of Lonzie Barton, Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams and State Attorney Angela Corey said. A medical examiner still has to confirm the identity. "We feel strongly that it's him," Williams said. Lonzie was 21 months old in July when his mother's boyfriend reported him missing. The mother, 26-year-old Lonna Lauramore Barton, and her boyfriend, 32-year-old William Ruben Ebron Jr., have been accused of child neglect. According to court records, Ebron called police July 24, saying the boy had been strapped inside a car seat when he stepped back into his apartment to get something. While he was inside, someone stole the car. Police found the car a short distance away, but there was no sign of the child.

Judge reduces bond for 'affluenza' mom

FORT WORTH, Texas -- The mother of a Texas teenager who used an "affluenza" defense for a deadly wreck soon could leave jail after a judge Monday reduced her bond. Tonya Couch's bond is $75,000 instead of $1 million. She is charged with hindering the apprehension of a felon after she and her son, Ethan Couch, were caught in a Mexican resort city. Ethan, 18, killed four people in a 2013 crash and was facing allegations he violated his probation. Authorities say Tonya Couch took $30,000 and fled with Ethan to Mexico out of fear her son would face prison. Tonya Couch was brought back to Texas last week, and Ethan Couch remains in a Mexico City detention facility, where he is contesting his extradition.

-- From wire reports