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Snow Hill, MD – September 4, 2025 -The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a devastating single-vehicle crash that claimed the lives of 18-year-old Luke Jason Hawthorne of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, and 18-year-old Munir Loyan Morris of Capital Heights, Maryland—both students at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

The crash was reported around 8:18 p.m. on September 3 along Nassawango Road near Camp Road in the Snow Hill area. According to investigators, a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck was traveling southbound when the driver failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle left the roadway, striking several trees before coming to a stop.

Authorities identified the driver as Hawthorne, who was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, Morris, was critically injured and flown by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to TidalHealth Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. Tragically, he later died from his injuries.

The Sheriff’s Office confirmed there were no additional passengers in the truck.

Investigators are continuing to piece together the events that led to the crash. At this time, it remains unclear what factors contributed to Hawthorne losing control of the vehicle.

During the investigation, deputies learned that both Hawthorne and Morris were first-year students at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. School officials were notified promptly and assisted authorities in locating and contacting their families.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy for the families and for the UMES community,” a university spokesperson said in a statement. “Luke and Munir were just beginning their journeys here, and their loss will be deeply felt by classmates, faculty, and staff. We are offering counseling and support services for all students as we grieve together.”

Local residents expressed sorrow upon learning of the accident, noting that Nassawango Road can be particularly dangerous due to its sharp curves and limited visibility in wooded areas.

Funeral arrangements for both young men are pending, and UMES officials are planning a campus vigil to honor their memories.

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Maryland State Police Crash Team, continues to investigate.

Medina County, OH –Authorities in Medina County say 18-year-old Gavynn Patterson was tragically killed early Thursday morning after his motorcycle struck a cow standing in the roadway in Guilford Township. The fatal crash happened in the rural area just after midnight and is now under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

According to troopers, Patterson had been traveling along State Route when the collision occurred. The impact threw him from the motorcycle, and despite immediate emergency response, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials confirmed that Patterson was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The cow was also killed in the accident. Investigators are working to determine how the animal came to be on the roadway and are contacting the livestock’s owner.

“This is a heartbreaking incident,” said Sgt. [insert name] of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Medina Post. “Crashes like this serve as a reminder of the unpredictable hazards that can occur, particularly in rural communities.”

Patterson, a recent high school graduate, was remembered by friends and family as a kindhearted young man with a passion for motorcycles and the outdoors. His sudden loss has left Guilford Township and the surrounding community grieving deeply.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol confirmed the investigation is ongoing. Funeral arrangements for Gavynn Patterson will be announced by his family.

On August 4, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m., officers from our agency responded to a report of a shooting at a residence on Brewer Street. Upon arrival, officers located a child who had sustained injuries as a result of the incident. The child, who investigators later determined was struck during a shooting in which Quntavious Dewonta Watkins is now charged as a suspect, was transported for medical care and later transferred to LeBonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. At the time of the initial release, the child was reported to be in stable condition.

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division immediately assumed control of the case, and investigators worked diligently to follow leads, collect evidence, and identify potential suspects. Community assistance was requested, and individuals were encouraged to provide information through direct contact with investigators or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi and the P3 Tip App.

Updated Release:
Since the initial incident, significant progress has been made in the investigation. The child victim has since been treated and released from LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, which was a positive development for the family and community.

As part of the ongoing investigative efforts, the suspect vehicle believed to be involved in the shooting was located at a business in Lee County, between Baldwyn and Guntown. This discovery proved instrumental in moving the investigation forward. Multiple arrests connected to the case were made and publicly released on August 27, 2025.

On September 3, 2025, the U.S. Marshals Service, working in collaboration with local authorities, apprehended an additional suspect near Third Street. The suspect was identified as Quntavious Dewonta Watkins, 22 years old, of Baldwyn, Mississippi.

Following his arrest, Watkins was transferred to the Prentiss County Criminal Investigation Division, where he was formally charged with the following offenses:

• One felony count of Shooting into a Dwelling
• Eight felony counts of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm

Watkins’ bond was set at $500,000.00 by Prentiss County Justice Court Judge Ray Hall.

It is important to emphasize that all individuals arrested in connection with this case are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The charges outlined are allegations at this stage and will be presented to the Prentiss County Grand Jury for consideration.

This case highlights the importance of interagency cooperation and community involvement in the pursuit of justice. The combined efforts of patrol officers, detectives, the U.S. Marshals, and tips from the public have been vital in advancing the investigation and bringing suspects into custody.

Authorities continue to encourage anyone with additional information related to this case to come forward. Members of the community can contact our agency directly at (662) 728-5611, the Criminal Investigation Division at (662) 728-6104, or submit tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi at (800) 773-TIPS (8477). The P3 Tip App also remains available for secure and anonymous submissions.

The investigation remains active, and updates will be provided as new developments occur.

Prescott, Ariz. (September 4, 2025) — Authorities are investigating a deadly officer-involved shooting that occurred Wednesday evening in Prescott after police responded to a welfare check involving a man who had made suicidal statements.

According to the Prescott Police Department, the incident began around 7:30 p.m. on September 3, when two Prescott Police Officers were dispatched to a residence in the 1400 block of Eagle Ridge Road. Family members had contacted police earlier in the evening, reporting that the man inside the home had expressed suicidal thoughts.

Upon arrival, one of the officers made contact with the individual by telephone and urged him to come outside so they could speak with him directly. The man did exit the home; however, once outside, he reportedly brandished a firearm.

At that point, both responding officers discharged their weapons. Immediate medical aid was provided by officers on scene, along with Prescott Fire personnel and EMS responders. Despite life-saving measures, the suspect was pronounced deceased at the residence.

In keeping with standard protocol, an outside agency has been called in to conduct a thorough and independent review of the shooting. The Arizona Department of Public Safety Major Incident Division is now leading the investigation.

The identity of the deceased has not been released, pending notification of next of kin. No officers were reported injured during the incident.

Authorities emphasize that further information, including details about the ongoing investigation, will be released by the Arizona Department of Public Safety as it becomes available.

The Prescott Police Department extended its acknowledgment of the sensitive nature of this case, noting the tragic circumstances surrounding both the welfare check and its deadly outcome. Officials also reminded the community that officer-involved shootings undergo extensive, independent review to ensure transparency and accountability.

Anyone with additional questions or seeking further updates is encouraged to direct inquiries to the Arizona Department of Public Safety Major Incident Division.

NEWBURGH / EVANSVILLE, Ind. — September 2, 2025 | Ricky Kiesel of Newburgh and Jason Born of Evansville were tragically killed Tuesday in a devastating crash on State Road 66, leaving two communities heartbroken and in mourning.

The Crash

Authorities say the collision happened Tuesday afternoon on State Road 66, a heavily traveled roadway that stretches between Warrick and Vanderburgh counties. While details about what led to the crash are still under investigation, law enforcement confirmed that both Kiesel and Born sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.

Emergency responders rushed to the site, working to clear the wreckage and assist with traffic as investigators began piecing together the events leading up to the collision.

Remembering the Victims

News of the loss spread quickly through Newburgh and Evansville, two closely tied communities where Kiesel and Born were well known and deeply loved.

• Ricky Kiesel of Newburgh is being remembered by those who knew him as a kind-hearted man whose presence could light up a room. Friends describe him as dependable, hardworking, and devoted to the people he loved.
• Jason Born of Evansville is remembered as a man of integrity and strength, someone who could be counted on through difficult times. His sudden loss has left a void for family and friends who cherished his loyalty and friendship.

Both men leave behind grieving families, friends, and communities that will forever feel their absence.

Investigation Ongoing

The Indiana State Police and local authorities continue to investigate the crash. Officials have not yet released further details on contributing factors but confirmed that findings will be shared once the investigation is complete.

Communities in Mourning

As Newburgh and Evansville come to terms with this heartbreaking tragedy, residents from both communities are rallying around the families of the victims. Messages of support, tributes, and prayers have poured in, reflecting just how deeply Kiesel and Born touched the lives of those around them.

For now, two communities are left grieving two lives gone too soon — lives remembered for their kindness, strength, and the bonds they created.

Rest in peace, Ricky Kiesel and Jason Born.

SHATTUCK, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has launched an inquiry into an officer-involved shooting that left 54-year-old Anthony David Edgmon dead late Wednesday night in Ellis County. The investigation was requested by the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office.

Domestic Disturbance Call Turns Violent

According to officials, the incident began around 11:00 p.m. on September 3, 2025, when deputies were dispatched to a residence near South Olive Street and East Fifth Street in Shattuck following reports of a domestic disturbance. Authorities had been notified that an individual inside the home had allegedly made threats.

When deputies arrived, they made contact with Edgmon. During the encounter, investigators say he produced a weapon, pointed it toward deputies, and fired. Deputies returned fire, striking him.

Fatal Outcome

Edgmon was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in the exchange of gunfire. No deputies or other individuals were injured during the altercation.

Ongoing Investigation

The OSBI has taken over the investigation to ensure a thorough and independent review of the incident. Agents are conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and reviewing all available information to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Authorities emphasized that this remains an active and ongoing investigation. The results will be compiled into a report, which will then be submitted to the appropriate district attorney for review.

Partnership and Transparency

In a statement, OSBI thanked the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office for their cooperation:

“The OSBI appreciates the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office for their continued assistance with this investigation. We remain committed to transparency and accountability as we work to provide answers.”

The agency also reiterated its mission statement:

“Protecting Oklahoma one partnership at a time.”

TULSA, Okla. — September 3, 2025 | A devastating two-vehicle collision at one of Tulsa’s busiest intersections left an elderly driver dead Wednesday afternoon, according to the Tulsa Police Department.

Officers were dispatched around 1:00 p.m. to the intersection of 71st Street and Yale Avenue after reports of a serious crash involving a pickup truck and a passenger car.

How the Crash Happened

Investigators determined that a Chevy pickup truck was traveling northbound on Yale when the driver attempted to make a left turn. Police say the driver failed to yield while turning and was struck on the passenger side by a white Chevy Malibu heading southbound through the intersection.

The Malibu, which had the right of way with a green light, was heavily damaged in the collision.

Victim Identified

The driver of the Malibu was identified as 81-year-old Andre Champagne. Emergency crews had to extricate him from the wreckage before rushing him to a nearby hospital. Despite life-saving efforts, Champagne died from his injuries roughly an hour later.

The driver of the pickup truck was also transported to the hospital, where they were treated and later released.

Ongoing Investigation

Tulsa Police’s Advanced Traffic Investigators are continuing to analyze evidence from the crash, including vehicle damage, witness statements, and intersection camera footage. Once complete, the final report will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for review.

Community Safety Reminder

Authorities are using this incident as a somber reminder of the importance of yielding during left-hand turns, particularly at high-traffic intersections like 71st and Yale. Left-turn collisions are among the most common causes of serious and fatal crashes in Tulsa.

“This is a tragic reminder that a single decision on the roadway can have life-altering consequences,” a Tulsa Police spokesperson said. “Our hearts go out to Mr. Champagne’s family during this difficult time.”

GREENBRIER COUNTY, W.Va. — September 4, 2025 | Authorities have confirmed that 36-year-old Quailynn Bass of Florida was killed and 52-year-old Brian Loudermilk of Greenbrier County was seriously injured during a violent incident near Ronceverte. A suspect, identified as Micheal Eugene Loudermilk Jr., is now in custody.

According to the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the scene after receiving reports of an assault. Preliminary findings indicate that Bass died from fatal blunt force trauma, though the official cause of death will be determined by the state medical examiner’s office following a full autopsy.

Loudermilk was transported to a local hospital for treatment. His current condition has not yet been released by authorities.

Suspect in Custody

Investigators confirmed that Micheal Eugene Loudermilk Jr. was taken into custody without further incident. At this time, officials have not released a motive for the attack or clarified the relationship between the suspect and the victims.

Ongoing Investigation

The case remains active as investigators gather evidence and interview witnesses. Additional details, including formal charges, are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.

Officials extended condolences to the family of Quailynn Bass and confirmed that support services are being made available to those impacted by the tragedy.

HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — September 4, 2025 | A violent and chaotic scene unfolded early Thursday morning in Locust Grove, leaving a man and woman dead after police responded to a house fire and armed confrontation.

According to the Locust Grove Police Department, officers and firefighters were dispatched around 3:40 a.m. to a home on Cadence Street after reports of a disturbance.

Armed Confrontation Inside the Home

When officers entered the residence, they encountered a man armed with a large knife. Authorities say officers attempted several times to de-escalate the situation, deploying a Taser and a less-lethal shotgun in an effort to get the man to surrender. Despite their repeated commands and non-lethal attempts, the man allegedly refused to drop the weapon.

Moments later, officers fired their service weapons, fatally shooting the suspect.

Grisly Discovery in the House

As officers continued to clear the home, they discovered a bedroom engulfed in flames. Inside the burning room, responders found the body of a woman who had been severely burned. Her cause of death has not yet been determined, and police have not said whether she died in the fire or before it started.

In addition to the tragic discovery, police also found other family members locked inside a separate bedroom. Officers quickly escorted them out of the house to safety. None of the family members were injured.

Investigation Underway

At this stage, the identities of both the man and woman have not been released, pending next-of-kin notification. Officials have not yet disclosed the nature of their relationship or what circumstances led to the violence inside the home.

No officers were injured during the confrontation.

Community Questions Remain

The incident has left many unanswered questions, including how the fire began and whether the deaths are connected. Investigators with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) are expected to assist in reviewing the officer-involved shooting, while fire marshals work to determine the cause of the blaze.

Locust Grove police stressed that the situation remains fluid and details will be shared as the investigation develops.

“This was an extremely dangerous and tragic incident,” officials said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the surviving family members as we work to understand exactly what happened.”

PHOENIX — September 4, 2025 | A man was killed early Thursday morning after being struck in a crash near 27th Avenue and Thomas Road, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

Authorities say officers were dispatched to the area at approximately 3:45 a.m. following reports of a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. When first responders arrived, they discovered an adult male lying in the roadway with serious, life-threatening injuries. Despite immediate efforts to render aid, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Multiple Vehicles May Have Been Involved

Phoenix police indicated that preliminary evidence suggests the pedestrian may have been hit by several vehicles before the scene was secured. Investigators are working to determine how many vehicles were involved and what led up to the fatal incident.

At this time, the identity of the victim has not been released, pending notification of next of kin.

Investigation Underway

Traffic detectives remained on-site through the morning hours, collecting evidence, reviewing traffic camera footage, and interviewing witnesses. Authorities have not said whether speed, impairment, or other factors contributed to the collision.

The area near 27th Avenue and Thomas Road was closed for several hours as investigators worked, causing delays for early morning commuters.

Safety Concerns in the Area

The crash has renewed concerns over pedestrian safety in Phoenix, where busy intersections and high traffic volumes have contributed to a steady rise in pedestrian-involved collisions in recent years. City officials and safety advocates continue to encourage both drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant, especially during low-visibility hours like early mornings and late nights.

Community Reminder

Phoenix police urged anyone with information about the crash or potential vehicles involved to contact the department’s Accident Investigation Unit or remain anonymous through Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.

“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” officials said in a statement. “Our priority is identifying the victim and determining exactly what happened.”