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ETOWAH COUNTY, Ala. – The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office has launched a homicide investigation following the tragic discovery of James Timothy Thornton, 71, and Kelley Davis Thornton, 57, who were found deceased on Sunday afternoon in the Coats Bend/Turkey Town community.

According to Sheriff Jonathan Horton, deputies were dispatched around 12 p.m. on Sunday to the 6000 block of Old Highway 411 for a welfare check. When deputies arrived, they located the Thorntons inside the residence, both of whom appeared to have suffered fatal gunshot wounds. The victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The individuals were later identified as James Timothy Thornton and Kelley Davis Thornton, both of whom lived at the Old Highway 411 address where the incident occurred.

Investigation Underway

Following the discovery, the residence was secured, and multiple law enforcement and forensic agencies responded to assist. Investigators from the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville State University Center for Applied Forensics, and the Etowah County District Attorney’s Office worked together at the scene to collect evidence and begin piecing together the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Authorities emphasized that the situation appears to be contained and that there is no immediate threat to the public. While the Sheriff’s Office has not released additional details about the manner of the incident, the case remains an active investigation.

Sheriff’s Statement

Sheriff Horton offered condolences to the victims’ families and reassured the community that every effort is being made to uncover the facts.

“Our hearts go out to the families and friends affected by this tragic incident,” Horton said. “We want the community to know that our investigators are working diligently, alongside our partners, to gather the facts. While the investigation is still ongoing, I want to reassure everyone that there is no danger to the public.”

Ongoing Updates

As of now, no suspects have been named, and officials have not released any information regarding a possible motive. The Sheriff’s Office stated that updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

The deaths of James and Kelley Thornton remain under investigation, and the Sheriff’s Office is asking the community to remain patient as investigators work through the details of this tragic case.

DOLAN SPRINGS, Ariz. – The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has announced a major development in a cold case dating back more than two decades, after human remains discovered beneath a concrete slab in 2021 were positively identified as those of Chester “Chett” G. Williams III.

On August 26, 2021, a Dolan Springs property owner made a disturbing discovery while breaking up a concrete slab in his yard. Hidden beneath the cement were human remains, triggering an extensive homicide investigation. Working alongside anthropologists from the University of Tucson, investigators determined that the remains belonged to a white or Hispanic male, estimated to be over 40 years old, between 5’7” and 5’9” tall. The victim had likely been buried at the site for at least a decade, and his cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound to the head.

Despite early efforts, the remains could not be matched to any missing persons cases, leaving the victim as a John Doe for nearly two years.

Breakthrough Through Forensic Genealogy

In February 2023, Othram Inc., a Texas-based forensic genetics laboratory, offered to assist through Project Grace, a donor-funded program supporting unsolved cases. Othram successfully developed a DNA profile from the victim’s remains and uploaded the genetic data into a genealogy database. A forensic genetic genealogist then worked alongside MCSO’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) to pursue possible family matches.

Initial efforts yielded no significant leads. Investigators then turned to the public for help, posting a request for information on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

A Critical Tip

On July 29, 2023, investigators retrieved a voicemail from a woman who believed she might know the victim’s identity. She told detectives her parents once lived on North Drive—on the same street where the remains were found. She recalled that a man named Chett Williams had lived with her family in the late 1990s but suddenly vanished around 1998–1999.

When she questioned her parents about his disappearance, they simply said he had left, even though all his personal belongings remained behind. Notably, she remembered that shortly after Williams disappeared, her parents had a concrete slab poured at the property.

Connecting the Dots

Investigators reviewed property records and confirmed that the woman’s parents, Bea and Alvin Hamilton, owned the home where the remains were discovered. Records also showed that Williams had listed the address as his residence in the late 1990s. No trace of Williams could be found after 1999. Alvin Hamilton passed away in 2006, while Bea Hamilton died in 2018.

Armed with this new information, investigators provided the lead to Othram’s genealogist. Further research uncovered relatives of Williams living on the East Coast. Contacted by phone, family members confirmed that Williams had traveled to Arizona in the late 1990s to live with a woman named Bea Hamilton.

A family reference DNA sample was voluntarily provided by one of Williams’ relatives. Othram conducted the genetic comparison, and on September 4, 2025, MCSO investigators were notified that the remains were conclusively identified as Chester G. “Chett” Williams III.

Partnership and Gratitude

The identification of Williams marks a long-awaited resolution to one of Mohave County’s lingering cold cases. Officials credited the breakthrough to the collaboration between MCSO, Othram Inc., and Project Grace donors, whose support made the forensic genealogy investigation possible.

“This positive identification would not have been possible without Project Grace and the expertise of Othram,” MCSO said in a statement. “The partnership between these agencies and our office continues to be vital in solving difficult cold cases. We extend our deepest gratitude for their ongoing assistance.”

The homicide investigation into Williams’ death remains active as detectives work to piece together the full circumstances surrounding his disappearance and burial more than two decades ago.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. —The Fayetteville community is grappling with the tragic death of 42-year-old Brandon Poulter, who was killed in a deadly confrontation with police officers on September 7, 2025. The Arkansas State Police have confirmed that Poulter was the individual involved in the shootout that took place at The Cliffs Apartment Complex on North Garnet Court.

The incident began shortly after noon when Fayetteville officers responded to reports of gunfire at the apartment complex. Upon arriving at the scene, authorities stated that shots were fired from inside one of the units as officers attempted to make contact with the individuals inside. Poulter allegedly directed gunfire toward the responding officers, escalating an already tense situation.

During the confrontation, Poulter continued to fire multiple rounds and reportedly targeted an armored vehicle on-site. In response, officers returned fire, striking Poulter inside the apartment. His body was later recovered by law enforcement and will undergo a thorough autopsy at the Arkansas State Crime Lab to determine the official cause and manner of death.

Remarkably, no officers were injured during the exchange. Authorities noted that the use of protective equipment, including armored vehicles, likely prevented further harm to both law enforcement personnel and nearby residents, underscoring the dangers faced during high-risk police operations.

Investigations are ongoing. Both the Fayetteville Police Department and the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division (CID) are actively reviewing all aspects of the incident to ensure transparency and accountability. Officials have emphasized the need for a complete and impartial investigation before any conclusions are drawn regarding the circumstances surrounding the fatal encounter.

The Cliffs Apartment Complex remains a site of heightened concern as community members process the events of the day. Neighbors described a tense atmosphere during the standoff, with several residents seeking safety while law enforcement contained the situation.

Brandon Poulter’s death is a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in confrontations involving firearms and law enforcement. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.

As Fayetteville residents and law enforcement reflect on the tragic outcome, the community mourns the loss of life while awaiting a full accounting of the events that led to the fatal shootout.

BATON ROUGE, La. — In a tragic and disturbing case that has shaken the Baton Rouge community, Ellsworth Hull, 83, was sentenced on Monday to 10 years in prison for the death of his disabled adult son, 40-year-old Derrick Christophe.

According to court records and law enforcement reports, Hull fatally assaulted Christophe in 2020 using a wooden mop handle and a metal broomstick. Investigators described the abuse as severe and prolonged, with Christophe suffering both old and recent injuries, indicative of ongoing mistreatment.

Authorities were alerted after Hull reportedly contacted his attorney prior to police arriving at the residence. When law enforcement officers entered the home, they found Christophe lifeless in the bathtub, his body showing signs of extensive trauma. The combination of fresh and older wounds led investigators to conclude that Christophe had endured repeated abuse over time, making his death a heartbreaking culmination of prolonged mistreatment.

During the court proceedings, prosecutors emphasized the vulnerable status of Christophe as a disabled adult and highlighted the egregious nature of the abuse. Hull’s actions were described as deliberate and cruel, leaving a profound impact on the community and raising awareness about the need to protect those with special needs from domestic violence.

The sentencing brings some measure of accountability, though the tragedy has left family, friends, and advocates for individuals with disabilities grappling with grief and outrage. Derrick Christophe is remembered by those who knew him as a cherished member of his family, whose life was tragically cut short in a preventable act of violence.

Law enforcement officials and local advocacy groups stressed the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable adults and encouraged the community to report suspected abuse. While Hull will serve a decade behind bars, the case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing need for awareness, intervention, and support for individuals with disabilities.

The Baton Rouge community continues to mourn Derrick Christophe, honoring his memory while reflecting on the broader implications of domestic abuse and the protection of vulnerable populations.

ROCKFORD, Ill. — A tragic incident on Friday, September 5, 2025, has left the Rockford community grieving the loss of Mark Gesswein, 45, following a motorcycle crash that authorities say was caused by the deliberate actions of another driver.

According to the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 9:38 a.m. to the intersection of West State Street and Monroe Street after reports that a motorcycle had been forced off the road by a red minivan, leaving the rider seriously injured. Upon arrival, first responders found Gesswein suffering from critical injuries. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene, as confirmed by the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office.

Investigators quickly began piecing together the circumstances surrounding the crash. Winnebago County Sheriff’s Detectives, alongside the Major Crash Assistance Team, conducted a thorough investigation. Authorities discovered that the driver of the red minivan, Jose E. Olivencia III, 40, of Rockford, had earlier in the day learned that two of his motorcycles had been stolen. In an attempt to recover one of the stolen motorcycles, Olivencia reportedly located Gesswein riding one of them and initiated a pursuit.

During the chase, Olivencia allegedly made contact with Gesswein’s motorcycle in an effort to force it off the roadway, causing the rider to crash. The impact proved fatal.

Following a review of the investigation, the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office authorized charges against Olivencia. He faces first-degree murder in connection with Gesswein’s death. Olivencia was taken into custody at the Winnebago County Jail and appeared in court on Saturday, September 6, for his detention hearing. He was released without bail pending further legal proceedings.

Authorities emphasized that the charges are allegations and that Olivencia is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement continues to gather information and review evidence.

Gesswein’s sudden and tragic death has left family, friends, and the Rockford community in mourning. Those who knew him describe him as a valued member of the community, remembered for his character, contributions, and the positive impact he had on those around him.

Officials are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward to assist the ongoing investigation.

This heartbreaking incident underscores the dangers of reckless behavior on public roadways and serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from confrontations escalating into deadly actions.

HOPKINS COUNTY, Ky. (WFIE) — The Hopkins County community is mourning the loss of Keith Daniels, 40, who tragically died in a single-vehicle accident Monday morning in Nebo.

According to the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews were dispatched around 11:30 a.m. to the intersection of Nebo Road and J E Ellis Road following reports of a serious crash. Investigators determined that Daniels was traveling northbound on Nebo Road when his vehicle left the roadway, striking an embankment. The impact caused the vehicle to roll multiple times before coming to rest atop an electrical box maintained by the city for its water pump system.

Despite the quick response from first responders, Daniels was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities noted that the circumstances leading to the vehicle leaving the road remain undetermined. Investigators are continuing to examine all possible factors, including road conditions and potential mechanical issues.

The Nebo and Manitou Fire Departments assisted on-site, alongside Hopkins County emergency personnel. The sheriff’s office commended the swift coordination of first responders who worked to secure the area and render aid as quickly as possible.

Daniels’ sudden death has left family, friends, and the local community in shock. Those who knew him describe him as a valued member of the community whose loss will be deeply felt.

Officials are urging anyone with information about the crash to come forward to aid the ongoing investigation. The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office has not indicated whether alcohol, speed, or other factors contributed to the incident.

As the investigation continues, local authorities are reminding drivers to exercise caution, particularly on rural roads where roadway conditions can change quickly.

Funeral arrangements for Daniels have not yet been announced. Friends and community members have expressed condolences on social media, honoring his memory and sharing their grief over the tragic loss.

SHREVEPORT, La. — Shreveport Police have arrested Alexis Mullone after a video surfaced online showing her tossing a handgun off the Cross Lake Bridge, sparking a multi-agency recovery and investigation.

According to the Shreveport Police Department (SPD), patrol officers were alerted to the video by Bryce from Outdoors Weekly, a social media content creator and treasure hunter who drove 13 hours to Louisiana with his team to assist in locating the weapon. Utilizing tactical magnet fishing, the team successfully retrieved the handgun from the lake.

Further investigation revealed that the firearm had been reported stolen out of Fort Worth, Texas, and Mullone was identified as the individual in the video disposing of it. Authorities said the incident raised immediate concerns due to the public nature of the bridge and the potential dangers posed to anyone nearby.

The situation escalated when Mullone later arrived at SPD headquarters for questioning. Officers report that she left her one-year-old child alone in a vehicle outside the police department. Fortunately, the child was unharmed and was safely released to family members once authorities ensured their well-being.

Mullone was arrested and booked on multiple charges, including:

• Illegal possession of a stolen firearm
• Child desertion

Shreveport Police emphasized that this incident demonstrates the dangers of recklessly disposing of firearms and leaving children unattended. The department thanked the community and social media participants, such as Outdoors Weekly, for their assistance in locating the stolen weapon and ensuring public safety.

The case is now pending further investigation, with Mullone facing criminal prosecution for her actions. SPD officials encourage anyone with additional information regarding the stolen firearm or Mullone’s activities to contact the department immediately.

This unusual case has drawn attention across social media and local news platforms, highlighting both the dangers of public firearm disposal and the importance of responsible child supervision.

CHICAGO — A devastating shooting in Chicago’s South Loop on Sunday morning has left the community in mourning and a young family shattered. Authorities confirmed that 31-year-old Romeca Meeks was fatally shot just after 9:00 a.m. near 22nd Street and South State Street, while she was dropping off her young son.

According to police, the incident began as a physical altercation involving Meeks and a known female suspect. During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly drew a firearm and shot Meeks in the face. First responders arrived promptly at the scene, transporting Meeks to Stroger Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the South Loop neighborhood, as residents describe a scene of chaos and fear. “It’s terrifying to think that something like this can happen during a simple morning routine,” one witness said. “People were screaming and running to safety. It’s just heartbreaking.”

Authorities have not released the identity of the suspect, who fled the scene, and the motive behind the attack remains under investigation. Police are reviewing surveillance footage, canvassing the area for witnesses, and urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation.

Meeks was known by friends and family as a devoted mother, whose daily routine revolved around her son. Her untimely death has left relatives grappling with grief and a sense of incomprehensible loss. Community leaders and neighbors have expressed sorrow, emphasizing the need for safety and vigilance in public spaces.

This shooting underscores ongoing concerns about violence in urban areas and the impact it has on families, especially children who may witness traumatic events. Meeks’ son was present during the incident but was not physically harmed, according to police. The child is now in the care of family members.

Chicago Police Department officials have pledged to pursue all leads and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. “Our hearts go out to the family of Romeca Meeks during this unimaginable time,” a spokesperson said. “We are committed to bringing justice and supporting the community affected by this tragedy.”

The South Loop community has begun organizing vigils and memorials to honor Meeks’ memory, while friends and neighbors continue to share condolences and support online. Her death serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the profound consequences of gun violence in the city.

As the investigation continues, authorities ask anyone with information regarding the suspect or circumstances surrounding the shooting to contact the Chicago Police Department. Updates are expected as officials gather more evidence and work to bring justice to Meeks’ family.

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — A night of entertainment turned tragic when gunfire erupted outside Malibu Jacks in North Richland Hills just before midnight on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Police confirmed that the incident left 21-year-old DaShayla Jones dead and another victim hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to investigators, the violence stemmed from a fight that broke out inside the popular entertainment venue shortly before closing. The altercation escalated as it spilled into the parking lot, where authorities say 18-year-old Tychriston Reed pulled out a firearm and opened fire on the victims. Jones was fatally struck, while a male victim sustained injuries but was stabilized after receiving immediate medical care.

Two off-duty North Richland Hills police officers happened to be nearby when the shooting occurred. One officer returned fire at the suspect but did not strike him. In accordance with department policy, that officer has been placed on routine administrative leave pending review. The second officer rushed to the aid of the victims, applying a tourniquet to the wounded male’s leg while awaiting paramedics.

Police launched a swift search for Reed, who fled the scene following the gunfire. He was located and taken into custody in a neighboring city hours later without further incident. Authorities have charged him with murder, two counts of aggravated assault against a public servant, four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and two counts of reckless endangerment of a child. Officials noted that additional charges may follow as the case proceeds through Tarrant County courts.

Detectives have not yet revealed what sparked the initial altercation inside Malibu Jacks. It is also unclear how many people were directly involved or whether Reed and the victims had prior connections. However, investigators confirmed that children were present during the incident, based on the charges filed.

The shooting has rattled the community, as Malibu Jacks is a family-friendly entertainment destination known for hosting games, rides, and late-night gatherings. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and fear as patrons rushed to exit the building and seek safety once shots rang out.

Police stressed that this was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. Still, officials underscored the seriousness of the charges Reed faces, particularly given the presence of children and the danger posed to responding officers.

“This is a heartbreaking situation for the victim’s family, for those who were injured, and for everyone who witnessed such violence in what should have been a safe space,” said a spokesperson for the North Richland Hills Police Department.

As the investigation continues, authorities are asking anyone with video or eyewitness accounts to come forward. The department is working to determine whether surveillance footage from the venue can provide further clarity on the moments leading up to the shooting.

Funeral arrangements for DaShayla Jones have not yet been announced, but friends and family have already begun sharing tributes online, remembering her as a vibrant young woman whose life was cut short far too soon.

DANIA BEACH, Fla. — What began as a routine Saturday evening trip to a neighborhood 7-Eleven spiraled into a deadly chain of violence that left one man dead and another hospitalized, after an attempted armed robbery ended with gunfire in the parking lot.

According to investigators, the incident unfolded shortly after nightfall at the convenience store, when 19-year-old Justin Kessel entered the 7-Eleven and robbed a store clerk at gunpoint. Witnesses said Kessel fled the building carrying the store’s money tray, but as he sprinted across the parking lot, the cash scattered onto the pavement, coins and bills strewn near the gas pumps.

What Kessel did not anticipate was that the clerk he had just robbed had armed himself. The man, who has not been publicly identified, confronted Kessel outside the store. Witnesses recounted the tense moments as the teenager ran directly toward the armed clerk. Within seconds, the clerk fired several shots, striking Kessel, who collapsed to the ground near the scattered cash register drawer.

As stunned bystanders processed the chaos, the situation escalated further. 40-year-old Melvin Presley, who was reportedly attempting to intervene, drove his Honda CR-V toward the clerk in what authorities described as a desperate attempt to shield Kessel. Investigators said Presley accelerated in the direction of the armed man, forcing him to dodge the oncoming vehicle. The clerk, fearing for his life, fired again, striking Presley through the driver’s window.

Presley sped away from the scene, but his escape was short-lived. Officers responding to multiple 911 calls located him a short distance away, where he had succumbed to his injuries. Meanwhile, Kessel remained on the pavement outside the store, bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency crews transported him to a nearby hospital, where he continues to receive treatment. His current condition has not been disclosed.

Authorities with the Broward Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the store clerk is cooperating fully with detectives. At this time, investigators are working to determine whether the shootings will be classified as self-defense under Florida law. No charges have been filed against the clerk.

The bizarre sequence of events left witnesses shaken. “It all happened so fast — first the robbery, then the gunshots, then a car speeding straight toward the man with the gun,” said one customer who had been fueling his car at the station. “It felt like something out of a movie, but it was real. People were screaming and running.”

Community members in Dania Beach expressed grief over the loss of Presley, describing him as a neighbor and father who, despite the tragic circumstances, was known for his loyalty to friends and family. At the same time, the incident has reignited conversations around the dangers of escalating violence during robberies and the role of armed civilians in responding to crime.

Kessel, meanwhile, faces serious charges related to the armed robbery