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  • Two Teen Suspects Charged as Adults in Fatal Avalon Pier Shooting

    Two Teen Suspects Charged as Adults in Fatal Avalon Pier Shooting

    KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. — The Kill Devil Hills Police Department announced Tuesday the arrest of 17-year-olds Jaxon Riley and Tyler Matthews, local residents, in connection with the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Zane Thomas Hughes at Avalon Pier this past July. Authorities confirmed that both teens have been charged as adults due to the severity of the incident.

    The shooting occurred at Avalon Pier, a popular destination in Kill Devil Hills, in what police described as a violent altercation. Hughes, a young man from the area, was pronounced dead at the scene. The arrests mark a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the tragic event that shocked the community and drew widespread attention.

    Police officials stated that the investigation involved extensive evidence collection, witness interviews, and collaboration with regional law enforcement agencies. The decision to charge the suspects as adults reflects the seriousness of the offense and the violent nature of the crime.

    “Our community continues to grieve the loss of Zane Hughes,” said a Kill Devil Hills Police Department spokesperson. “These arrests are an important step toward holding those responsible accountable and ensuring justice for the victim and his family.”

    The fatal shooting at Avalon Pier has sparked conversations in the Outer Banks community about youth violence and public safety in popular tourist areas. Community members have expressed sorrow and concern, urging vigilance and support for local initiatives to prevent future tragedies.

    Legal proceedings for Riley and Matthews are expected to move forward in the adult criminal court system, where prosecutors will present evidence gathered during the investigation. The arrests follow months of work by investigators to piece together the events surrounding the shooting.

    Family, friends, and community members continue to mourn Hughes’ death while watching closely as the justice process unfolds. Authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information about the July shooting to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.

    The Outer Banks community remains in shock over the fatal incident, emphasizing the need for continued awareness, prevention, and community support to address youth-related violence in the area.

     

  • Fatal Tractor-Trailer Collision in Eagle Township Claims Life of Tiffany Keidel, Injures Child

    Fatal Tractor-Trailer Collision in Eagle Township Claims Life of Tiffany Keidel, Injures Child

    EAGLE TOWNSHIP, Ohio — A tragic crash involving a car and a tractor-trailer left 30-year-old Tiffany Keidel of Hillsboro dead and a child seriously injured Wednesday morning along State Route 32 in Brown County, authorities reported. The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSP) said the accident occurred around 8:09 a.m., prompting an immediate response from police, emergency medical services, and Air Care.

    Preliminary investigations by OSP indicate that a 2018 Kia Sportage, traveling north on Tri-County Highway, failed to yield at the intersection with State Route 32. At that moment, a westbound tractor-trailer in the right lane of State Route 32 collided with the Kia. The force of the impact caused both vehicles to veer off the right side of the road, cross back into the westbound lanes, travel across the median, and continue over the eastbound lanes before finally coming to a stop on the grassy shoulder.

    The driver of the Kia Sportage, Tiffany Keidel, was pronounced dead at the scene. A child passenger in the vehicle was critically injured and airlifted to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for emergency treatment. The driver of the tractor-trailer sustained minor injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Authorities confirmed that all occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

    Multiple agencies responded to assist at the scene, including EJFED Fire and EMS, Mt. Orab Fire Department, Adams County EMS, the Ohio Department of Transportation, Brown County Sheriff’s Office, and the Brown County Coroner’s Office. The coordinated efforts of these teams ensured that the injured received immediate care and that the area was safely secured.

    The OSP Georgetown Post continues to investigate the crash to determine the exact circumstances leading up to the collision. Officials are reviewing witness statements, roadway conditions, and vehicle data to fully understand how the accident unfolded.

    This tragic incident has left the community of Eagle Township in mourning. Family members, friends, and neighbors have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Tiffany Keidel and concern for the injured child. Local authorities are reminding drivers to remain vigilant at intersections and to adhere to traffic laws to prevent future accidents.

    “Our hearts go out to the family and friends affected by this devastating crash,” said a spokesperson for the Ohio State Highway Patrol. “We continue to investigate the incident thoroughly and ask anyone who may have witnessed the collision to provide information to assist in our review.”

    As the investigation continues, the community is rallying to support the surviving child and the families impacted by this heartbreaking accident.

     

  • Fatal Three-Vehicle Collision Shakes Northport Community

    Fatal Three-Vehicle Collision Shakes Northport Community

    NORTHPORT — A devastating three-vehicle collision on North West Bay Shore Drive claimed the life of one individual and left two others injured, authorities reported. The tragic crash occurred in the 8500 block of North West Bay Shore Drive, transforming a typically quiet stretch of road into a chaotic scene of mangled vehicles and emergency response.

    Emergency crews arrived promptly, but one victim was pronounced dead at the scene before paramedics could intervene, underscoring the severity of the crash. Two other survivors required immediate medical attention: one patient suffered a serious head injury and was rushed to a nearby hospital, while the second sustained injuries considered non-life-threatening but still significant.

    Police officers, alongside accident reconstruction specialists, are meticulously examining the wreckage and roadway to determine how the chain of impacts occurred. Authorities have not yet released the identities of those involved, as families are being notified and investigations continue.

    The collision caused significant traffic disruptions, with North West Bay Shore Drive remaining closed for several hours while crews cleared the scene and conducted their investigation. Neighbors and families waited anxiously for updates, witnessing firsthand the aftermath of the violent crash.

    Authorities are urging drivers in the area to exercise caution and be mindful of potential delays as investigations continue. While the cause of the collision has not been officially confirmed, preliminary reports indicate that speed, distracted driving, or other factors could have contributed to the devastating chain-reaction crash.

    “Our thoughts are with the families affected by this tragic event,” said a Northport Police Department spokesperson. “This is a sobering reminder of how quickly accidents can change lives, and we are committed to understanding the circumstances surrounding this collision to prevent future tragedies.”

    As investigators continue their work, the Northport community is left to grapple with the sudden loss and trauma from the incident. The police department has encouraged anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.

    Our deepest sympathies go out to the family, friends, and neighbors mourning the sudden loss of life in this heartbreaking accident.

     

  • Winston-Salem Woman Arrested in Connection with Domestic-Related Shooting

    Winston-Salem Woman Arrested in Connection with Domestic-Related Shooting

    WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Authorities have arrested 22-year-old Madison Clark in connection with a domestic-related shooting that occurred over the weekend, according to the Winston-Salem Police Department. The incident has left the community concerned about escalating domestic violence in the area.

    Police responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 9:24 a.m. on Saturday in the 4100 block of Villa Club Drive. Officers arrived quickly on the scene to investigate, securing the area and interviewing witnesses. Preliminary reports indicate that the shooting was domestic in nature.

    Shortly after the incident, a woman who had sustained a gunshot wound to her leg arrived at a nearby medical facility. Hospital officials confirmed that her injuries were non-life-threatening, and she is currently receiving treatment. Investigators later determined that the victim had been shot at the Villa Club Drive location, confirming the initial reports from the scene.

    Clark, the 22-year-old suspect, has been taken into custody. Authorities have not released further details about her or the circumstances leading to the shooting, pending ongoing investigation. Police are continuing to piece together events and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

    This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding domestic violence in Winston-Salem. Police officials have reiterated the importance of community members reporting suspicious activity and seeking help when conflicts escalate to violence.

    “Domestic-related shootings are deeply troubling,” said a Winston-Salem Police Department spokesperson. “Our officers responded quickly, and the suspect is now in custody. We remain committed to investigating this case thoroughly and ensuring the safety of our community.”

    Residents in the Villa Club Drive area expressed shock at the incident, noting that the neighborhood is typically quiet. Many have voiced concerns about safety and are urging neighbors to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior.

    As the investigation continues, authorities stress the importance of awareness and prevention in domestic disputes. Clark’s arrest marks a critical step in addressing the immediate threat, but officials emphasize that the community must remain engaged in keeping neighborhoods safe.

     

  • Dallas Police Investigate Gruesome Motel Murder in East Dallas

    Dallas Police Investigate Gruesome Motel Murder in East Dallas

    DALLAS, TX — A quiet Tuesday morning in East Dallas was shattered by a scene of extreme violence at the Downtown Suites motel on Samuell Boulevard. Authorities responded to an emergency call at approximately 9:30 a.m. on September 9, 2025, only to discover a horrific crime: a victim had been brutally attacked, sustaining multiple stab wounds and decapitation. Blood trailed from inside the motel room to the sidewalk, where the victim was found lying lifeless.

    The incident occurred near Interstate 30, close to the familiar grounds of Tenison Golf Course, an area usually associated with recreation and calm. Dallas Police Department officers deployed fifteen units to secure the scene, as Dallas Fire-Rescue paramedics were unable to save the victim, who was pronounced dead on the concrete outside the budget motel.

    Investigators immediately cordoned off the motel and surrounding area, extending crime scene tape to a nearby alcohol store. Authorities have not indicated any connection between that business and the attack. Detectives have begun a thorough investigation, collecting forensic evidence and piecing together witness statements in an effort to understand the motive behind the horrific act.

    The suspect is currently in custody, though police have not released any details regarding their identity or the circumstances leading to the attack. Officials are also withholding the victim’s identity at this time, respecting the family’s privacy as they grieve their profound loss.

    The community is grappling with the shock and horror of such senseless violence in a neighborhood that is typically peaceful. Local residents described the scene as “unimaginable” and expressed concern over safety in the area.

    Dallas Police Chief [Name] emphasized that the investigation remains active and that officers are following every lead. “We are committed to bringing justice for the victim and ensuring the community feels safe,” the chief said in a statement.

    As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Meanwhile, the East Dallas community mourns the tragic loss, hoping that the perpetrator will be held accountable for the brutal crime.

    May the victim rest in peace.

     

  • Community Mourns Loss of Volunteer Firefighter Josh Span Following Tragic Collision

    Community Mourns Loss of Volunteer Firefighter Josh Span Following Tragic Collision

    MITCHELL, Ind. — The Mitchell community is grieving the loss of Josh Span, a dedicated volunteer firefighter and beloved family man, who tragically passed away following a motor vehicle collision on September 9. Span succumbed to his injuries after the crash, leaving behind a legacy of service, compassion, and selflessness.

    A Life of Service

    Span had been a proud member of the Mitchell Volunteer Fire Department for just over six months. In that short time, he made a lasting impression on his fellow firefighters, responding to as many calls as he could and always ready to serve when his community needed him most.

    “Josh had a heart for service,” one firefighter shared. “He was the kind of guy who showed up, no matter the hour, no matter the call. He wanted to make a difference, and he did.”

    Remembered for His Kindness

    Beyond his role as a first responder, Span was remembered as a caring and devoted family man. Friends and relatives described him as someone who carried a deep love for his family, balancing his duties at home with his commitment to the fire department and his community.

    “Josh was always there for others,” a family member said. “Whether it was a neighbor, a friend, or a stranger in need, he had a way of showing up and offering help. That’s who he was.”

    A Community in Mourning

    The news of his passing has left both his family and his firefighting brothers and sisters heartbroken. Fellow first responders expressed their sorrow in a heartfelt message:

    “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our brother, Josh Span. He was a good, caring man who loved his family and his community. He will be deeply missed by both his family and his fire department family. Rest easy, brother — we will take it from here.”

    In the days since the accident, tributes have poured in across social media, with many community members sharing memories of Josh’s warmth, humor, and dedication. Candles, flowers, and firefighter insignia have begun to appear outside the fire station in his honor.

    Honoring His Memory

    As Mitchell mourns, local leaders and residents are emphasizing the importance of remembering Span’s contributions and the example he set. Plans for a memorial service are expected to be announced in the coming days, with firefighters from across the region anticipated to pay their respects.

    Support systems have also been put in place for both the fire department and Span’s family as they navigate this difficult time.

    A Final Farewell

    Josh Span’s untimely passing has left a void in the Mitchell community that will not soon be filled. Yet, those who knew him are holding on to the memories of his laughter, kindness, and unwavering commitment to others.

    Rest easy, Firefighter Span. Your brothers and sisters will carry on the mission from here.

     

  • Springfield Teen Abigail Campbell, 17, Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash in Mad River Township

    Springfield Teen Abigail Campbell, 17, Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash in Mad River Township

    MAD RIVER TWP., Ohio — A tragic crash in Clark County on Wednesday morning has claimed the life of 17-year-old Abigail Campbell, a Springfield teenager remembered for her bright spirit, dedication to school, and love for athletics.

    The Crash

    The fatal incident occurred around 5:40 a.m. on Fairfield Pike near Hunter Road, according to the Springfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Investigators said Campbell was driving westbound in a 2002 Dodge Stratus when her vehicle veered off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree.

    Emergency crews arrived quickly, but despite their efforts, Campbell was pronounced dead at the scene. The Clark County Coroner’s Office later confirmed her identity.

    Authorities continue to investigate the crash, though no other vehicles were involved. The cause of the accident has not yet been released.

    Remembering Abigail

    Abigail Campbell was a student at Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center (CTC), with her home school being Greenon Local Schools. She was active in extracurricular activities and a proud member of the Greenon girls’ tennis team, according to Superintendent Darrin Knapke.

    In a heartfelt statement, Knapke expressed the community’s grief:

    “We are deeply saddened to share that one of our community students, Abigail Campbell, has tragically passed away following a single-car accident. We are keeping Abigail’s family, friends, CTC, and our Greenon community in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time.”

    Friends and classmates described Abigail as a kind-hearted young woman with a positive outlook on life. Her peers on the tennis team said she always encouraged others, whether in competition or in everyday challenges.

    Support for Students

    In the wake of the tragedy, Greenon has activated its Traumatic Event Crisis Intervention Plan (TECIP) to provide counseling and emotional support for students and staff. Counselors and crisis teams will remain available throughout the week for anyone struggling to process the loss.

    “We know this loss will be deeply felt,” Knapke added. “We are committed to helping our students and staff navigate the days ahead with care and compassion.”

    Emergency Response

    Multiple agencies responded to the crash, including the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Enon Police Department, Mad River Township Fire and EMS, and Dan’s Towing. Their coordinated efforts ensured the scene was secured and investigated with care.

    A Community in Mourning

    As word of Abigail’s passing spread, tributes began pouring in across the Greenon and Springfield communities. Flowers and messages of remembrance have begun appearing near the crash site, as classmates, teammates, and neighbors search for ways to honor her memory.

    “She had such a bright future,” one family friend shared. “Abigail was the kind of person who lifted others up. It’s heartbreaking to think she’s gone so soon.”

    Looking Ahead

    Funeral arrangements for Abigail Campbell are expected to be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, her school community continues to lean on one another for comfort, holding tight to the memories of a young life gone far too soon.

    May Abigail Campbell rest in peace, and may her family and community find strength in the love and support surrounding them.

     

  • Asheville Woman Identified as Victim in Fatal West Asheville Crash

    Asheville Woman Identified as Victim in Fatal West Asheville Crash

    ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Authorities have identified 32-year-old Tamara Eldridge as the victim of a tragic crash that claimed her life Monday afternoon in west Asheville. The incident has left family, friends, and the broader community grappling with shock and grief as they remember a young woman whose life was cut short far too soon.

    The Crash

    According to the Asheville Police Department, officers responded to reports of a serious collision shortly after 2:30 p.m. Monday along a busy stretch of road in west Asheville. Investigators said the crash involved Eldridge’s vehicle and at least one other car. Despite immediate life-saving efforts at the scene, Eldridge succumbed to her injuries.

    Authorities have not yet released details about the circumstances leading up to the crash, but investigators confirmed that speed and roadway conditions are factors under review. Police say the full accident report will be released following a comprehensive reconstruction of the scene.

    Remembering Tamara Eldridge

    Loved ones describe Eldridge as a caring daughter, devoted friend, and someone who left a lasting impact on those who knew her. Known for her warm smile and vibrant personality, she worked hard to support her family and was active in her local church and community gatherings.

    “She had a light about her,” one family member said. “Tamara loved people, and she loved life. She was the kind of person who would do anything to help someone else.”

    Friends have taken to social media to share tributes, recalling moments of laughter and kindness. Many expressed disbelief that such a tragedy could happen to someone so full of promise.

    Community Mourning

    The news of Eldridge’s passing has reverberated throughout Asheville, particularly in the west side neighborhood where she lived and grew up. Neighbors have placed flowers and candles near the site of the crash, creating a small but growing memorial in her honor.

    Local community leaders emphasized the importance of rallying around the Eldridge family in their time of loss. “This is a heartbreaking moment for Asheville,” one community advocate said. “We stand together to support her loved ones and to remember Tamara’s life with love and respect.”

    Ongoing Investigation

    The Asheville Police Department has asked anyone who may have witnessed the crash to come forward with information that could aid the investigation. At this time, no charges have been announced, and officials say the case remains active as they piece together what happened.

    A Lasting Legacy

    As her family makes preparations to honor her life, those closest to Tamara Eldridge are determined to focus on her legacy of kindness, laughter, and resilience rather than the tragedy that took her away.

    “Tamara will always be remembered,” her cousin said. “She may be gone, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone she touched.”

    Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced later this week.

    May Tamara Eldridge rest in peace, and may her family find strength in the love and memories she leaves behind.

     

  • Family Ties to Violence: Stacey Dejon Brown, Half-Brother of Iryna Zarutska’s Accused Killer, Convicted in 2012 Murder of 65-Year-Old Robert Heym

    Family Ties to Violence: Stacey Dejon Brown, Half-Brother of Iryna Zarutska’s Accused Killer, Convicted in 2012 Murder of 65-Year-Old Robert Heym

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The killing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, who was fatally stabbed aboard a Charlotte light rail train on August 22, has not only shaken the community but also reopened discussion about a disturbing family history of violence tied to her accused killer.

    Authorities have confirmed that Decarlos Brown Jr., 35, charged in Zarutska’s death, is the half-brother of Stacey Dejon Brown, who was convicted more than a decade ago in another shocking Charlotte homicide.

    A Family Connection to Tragedy

    Court records show that in 2012, Stacey Brown, then 22, pled guilty to the murder of 65-year-old Robert Heym, who was gunned down while walking home from work. The shooting occurred during a botched robbery in October of that year, carried out by Brown and accomplice Rodderick Derrick Crawford.

    Prosecutors revealed that Heym was shot in the face with a sawed-off shotgun after resisting the men’s demands. Investigators later learned that Brown’s girlfriend at the time played a critical role in the investigation, telling detectives that Brown admitted to the killing and stashed the murder weapon in her backpack before attempting to hide it.

    Police responding to reports of gunfire found Heym mortally wounded, and his cell phone was later recovered near the Scaleybark light rail station — a grim parallel to Zarutska’s 2025 stabbing aboard another train on the same system.

    Stacey Brown’s Conviction

    In Mecklenburg County court, Stacey Brown entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder, two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and breaking or entering a motor vehicle. He was sentenced to 27 to 36 years in prison.

    His violent record, however, was not limited to Heym’s death.

    • July 2012: Brown was involved in a string of car break-ins at a Charlotte parking garage.
    • October 2012 (one day before Heym’s murder): Brown, Crawford, and Joshwah Townsend carried out an armed robbery on West Boulevard. During the crime, Brown allegedly fired a shotgun into the back of a fleeing victim, who survived but was left with serious injuries.

    Both accomplices eventually accepted plea deals. Crawford pled guilty to two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon and awaited sentencing, while Townsend pled guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and was sentenced to 17 to 33 months in prison.

    A Cycle of Violence

    The Browns’ involvement in violent crime is not an isolated chapter. According to relatives and court records, multiple family members across generations have faced arrests for weapons possession, break-ins, and other felony charges. Some within the family have pointed to untreated mental illness, including schizophrenia, as a factor in the ongoing pattern of destructive behavior.

    Community advocates say these repeated tragedies underscore a cycle of violence that devastates not only victims but also entire neighborhoods.

    “This isn’t just about one case — it’s about a cycle that keeps stealing lives, peace, and futures,” one Charlotte community member said. “We have to break it. That means caring, prevention, healing, and change before another life is erased.”

    Two Innocent Lives Lost

    The murders of Robert Heym in 2012 and Iryna Zarutska in 2025 are separated by more than a decade but linked by a painful thread — innocent lives stolen in senseless acts of violence, both connected to the Brown family.

    Heym, remembered as a hardworking man dedicated to his family, was killed on his way home from his job. Zarutska, who fled war in Ukraine to seek safety and opportunity in the United States, lost her life in a place where she should have been safe — a public train.

    The echoes of both tragedies continue to resonate in Charlotte, reminding the community not only of the devastating human toll of violence but also of the urgent need to confront its root causes.

    May Iryna Zarutska, Robert Heym, and all victims of senseless violence rest in peace.

     

  • Elkhart Police Department Investigating Early Morning Shooting – Wagner Ave/Delaware St

    Elkhart Police Department Investigating Early Morning Shooting – Wagner Ave/Delaware St

    The Elkhart Police Department is actively investigating an early morning shooting that left one man injured near the intersection of Wagner Avenue and Delaware Street.

    At approximately 1:22 a.m., officers were dispatched to Elkhart General Hospital after hospital staff reported a walk-in victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim, an adult male, told investigators that he was traveling in a vehicle when shots were fired at him near Wagner Ave and Delaware St.

    The victim sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and is currently receiving treatment. His identity is not being released at this time.

    Officers immediately began canvassing the area where the incident was believed to have occurred. Detectives are interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and reviewing available surveillance footage in hopes of identifying those responsible.

    As of now, no arrests have been made, and the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under active investigation.

    The Elkhart Police Department is urging anyone with information related to this case to come forward. Tips can be provided directly to the department by calling 574-295-7070. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Michiana Crime Stoppers at 574-288-STOP or through their online platform.

    “We are working diligently to determine what happened in this incident and to identify those involved,” said an Elkhart Police Department spokesperson. “The safety of our community is our top priority, and we ask that anyone who may have seen or heard something contact investigators immediately.”

    Residents in the Wagner/Delaware neighborhood may notice an increased police presence as the investigation continues.

    Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.