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Shooting tragedy: Honor student shot dead in mistaken identity case

South Holland, IL Three suspects have been charged in the shooting death of 16-year-old Davell Holden. He was waiting for a DoorDash order outside his girlfriend’s home when the incident occurred.

Cook County prosecutors stated that Javan Moore, 21, and Demon Smith, 20, were involved in the incident alongside a 16-year-old male, whose identity is withheld.

The suspects reportedly pulled up in a stolen vehicle and opened fire, intending to kill an individual who previously lived on the same street as Holden.

Moore allegedly exited the vehicle to shoot Holden, while Smith and the minor are charged with felony murder. Evidence gathered from the minor’s phone suggests he attempted to sell the weapon used in the shooting. The gun was later recovered during a search of his residence.

Local officials described the event as a “case of mistaken identity.” Davell Holden was visiting his girlfriend when he was fatally shot by individuals who believed he resembled their intended target.

At a press conference announcing the arrests, South Holland’s Mayor Don De Graff and Police Chief Shawn Staples expressed their sorrow over Holden’s death.

De Graff noted Holden’s positive reputation as an honor student and basketball player while Staples reflected on the impact this crime had on the community and police department.

Prosecutors indicated that all suspects are affiliated with a gang named 9 Block. Their planned attack was allegedly directed at a rival gang member.

Village Administrator J. Wynsma made clear that such violence is not tolerated in South Holland.

Holden’s mother, Angela Birts, shared her grief, stating that her son did not deserve to die in this manner and recalled the panic she felt driving to the scene.

The suspects, held without bond, are expected to appear in court on Tuesday.

Couple sentenced after 6-year-old boy dies from abusive punishment

Ellenwood, GA

Less Thompson, Jr. has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of 6-year-old Jacob Williams. Deshante LaShawn Beard received a 30-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.

The verdict comes after a jury found Thompson guilty of felony murder, aggravated assault, and first-degree child cruelty. Prosecutors reported that Jacob was subjected to physical punishment by Thompson and Beard for wetting the bed.

On June 13, 2021, after wetting the bed again, Jacob was forced to run laps and do pushups. When he expressed fatigue, he was beaten, leading to his collapse.

After a four-hour delay, Thompson and Beard called 911. Paramedics transported Jacob to a hospital, where he ultimately died from brain swelling.

Jacob had significant bruising, a broken arm, and severe head trauma. A neighbor witnessed Thompson screaming while holding Jacob, who showed no signs of life.

Henry County District Attorney Darius Pattillo described the event as a terrible crime. He stated that a child’s life was taken by those meant to protect him.

Man sentenced to 10 years for violently attacking pregnant wife

Buckeye, AZ A 43-year-old man, Joseph Noecker, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempting to murder his pregnant wife. The Yavapai County Attorney’s Office announced the sentencing earlier this week.

Noecker will face an additional seven years of supervised probation upon his release. The case stemmed from an incident in late October when Noecker and his wife, who were looking forward to their pregnancy, became involved in a violent altercation.

According to prosecutors, Noecker’s anger escalated after the couple learned of the pregnancy. He restrained his wife and inflicted harm on her with the intention of terminating the pregnancy.

After the incident, the woman was taken to a hospital where it was discovered that the unborn child did not survive. Investigators were unable to determine the cause of death, as they could not establish whether it resulted from Noecker’s actions or a previous miscarriage.

Noecker faced charges of attempted murder based on his belief that the baby was alive at the time of the alleged attack. He was also charged with kidnapping for restraining his wife during the incident.

Yavapai County Attorney Dennis McGrane expressed that Noecker’s actions reflected a chilling disregard for life. The court considered Arizona laws that protect unborn children at any developmental stage, treating such cases with the same severity as crimes against children.

Noecker will serve his sentence in the Arizona State Prison.

Man accused of brutal sword murder sentenced to 56 years in prison

San Antonio, TX

Joseph Aleman has been sentenced to 56 years in prison after being convicted of the murder of his friend Victor Ochoa. The 34-year-old man fatally stabbed Ochoa multiple times with a sword on August 26, 2022, before calling 911 to report the incident.

Aleman was found guilty of the crime, which led to the sentencing announced by the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. Following the stabbing, he made strange statements to authorities, including mentioning he had found the “stairway to heaven.”

Upon arrival, officers found Ochoa’s body, who had suffered fatal injuries sustained from a sword. Aleman led officers to the scene and was subsequently arrested.

Police discovered Aleman had an outstanding warrant for a kidnapping charge stemming from an incident with an ex-girlfriend in April. He had allegedly held her captive in his home, driven by paranoia over unfounded suspicions regarding his mother.

Initially ruled incompetent to stand trial, Aleman was later deemed competent after treatment at a state hospital. His murder trial concluded successfully, with an upcoming trial scheduled for January 2026 concerning the kidnapping charge.

Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales expressed pride in the prosecution team’s commitment to bringing the case to justice.

Husband sets wife on fire in attempted murder-suicide after divorce request

Ocala, FL A Florida man allegedly doused his wife in gasoline and ignited a fire at their home following her request for a divorce. Alfonza Green, 51, faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and arson.

Marion County sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene on November 30. Upon arrival, they discovered Green with burns and heard witnesses say he had set himself ablaze.

The victim reported that she was on her bed when Green emerged from the shower. She initially thought he was leaving until she felt something cold poured on her.

She confronted him, asking what he was doing. Green reportedly responded that if he died, they would both die together because they were married.

The victim attempted to flee and urged Green not to follow through with his threats. She realized he had poured gasoline on her just as he attempted to ignite a fire using a lighter.

In post-Miranda statements, Green claimed that he had poured gasoline on the bed due to feeling overwhelmed by life. He also alleged that the victim left the room before he ignited the flames.

There were six individuals inside the home, including the victim’s 11-year-old grandson. None of them sustained injuries.

Green was arrested on Tuesday and is currently held at Marion County Jail without bond.

Texas mother sentenced to life for killing infant daughter

Mathis, TX A Texas woman has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of her infant daughter. Olivia Munoz, 22, pleaded guilty to charges of murder and injury to a child related to the death of her 7-month-old daughter, Hazel Munoz.

According to the San Patricio County District Attorney’s Office, the guilty plea occurred in October. The judge imposed two life terms during this hearing, following the terms of her plea deal.

Munoz was taken into custody by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice this week. The fatal incident occurred on December 19, when law enforcement received a 911 call from Munoz’s residence on South Marigold Street.

Emergency Medical Services responded around 6:30 a.m. and found Hazel unresponsive. Despite attempts to revive her, she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at ER 24/7 Northwest in Corpus Christi, located approximately 22 miles southeast of Mathis.

Mathis Police Chief Guillermo Figueroa stated investigators learned that Munoz had found her daughter not breathing and immediately called for help. Hospital staff later notified police about the injuries on Hazel’s body.

During initial questioning, Munoz confessed to hurting her daughter on three separate occasions and admitted to not seeking medical help afterward. At the time, she was pregnant and a mother to another child aged one year and five months.

Following the autopsy, investigators noted several fractures on Hazel’s arms, ribs, and skull. The results turned over to law enforcement in January indicated the cause of death was homicide, prompting charges to be upgraded to murder.

Munoz allegedly shared her feelings of anger toward her baby, attributing her actions to issues with the child’s father. The Texas Rangers became involved, and Munoz faced an indictment in March on two counts of capital murder and one count of injury to a child.

In October 2024, Munoz accepted a plea deal to reduce one murder charge and plead guilty to the remaining counts.

Navy sailor arrested after shooting roommates in Florida

Clay County, FL A Navy sailor has been arrested after he allegedly shot his roommates during a dispute involving his wife. Taylor Lomax, 22, faces two counts of murder for the deaths of Jordyn Forrestier, 20, and Noely Makenda, 21.

Both victims were also Navy sailors living with Lomax. The incident occurred Wednesday at approximately 11 p.m. on the 4400 block of Hanging Moss Drive in Clay County.

The argument reportedly began between Lomax’s wife and the two roommates and escalated to a physical altercation. Lomax then allegedly retrieved a gun and fired around 30 shots, hitting both women multiple times.

Lomax’s wife called 911 after the shooting. Deputies arrived at about 11:20 p.m. and found the two women dead in the front yard.

Both Lomax and his wife were present at the scene and taken into custody. An individual claiming to be Lomax’s wife stated that Lomax fired the weapon in self-defense.

She claimed the roommates were disrespectful and became aggressive toward her. Lomax made his initial court appearance on Friday and is being held in jail without bond.

He is set to appear in court again on January 20, 2026.

South Carolina man faces life behind bars for ex-girlfriend’s murder

Aiken, SC – Daniel Harmon, 36, pleaded guilty to murder and kidnapping charges connected to the death of his ex-girlfriend Jamilla Smith. The court sentenced him to 45 years for murder and 30 years for kidnapping, with the sentences set to run consecutively.

The incident occurred on December 2. Smith, 30, initially reported a domestic violence situation involving Harmon on a 911 call.

As the day progressed, Smith called 911 again just after 8:30 p.m. and told dispatchers Harmon was pursuing her down a road. The dispatchers heard a car engine rev and Smith screaming during the call.

Smith was instructed by Harmon to enter his vehicle so he could take her to the emergency room. Dispatchers then heard Smith cry out that Harmon had run her over.

Three days after the incident, Harmon was arrested after officials identified a rented Dodge Charger. Investigators discovered Smith’s blood in the trunk of the vehicle, but her body was not found until May.

The Aiken County coroner later determined Smith had died from multiple gunshot wounds to the head. Smith’s family expressed their anguish during the sentencing hearing this week.

Smith’s grandmother stated the family had suffered for over two years and was relieved the case had reached a resolution. Smith’s mother, however, questioned the adequacy of the justice served.

Harmon expressed remorse in court, apologizing to Smith’s family. A family member remarked that Harmon’s apology seemed insincere given his actions.

Utah woman sentenced to 50 years for murdering parents and attempting to kill brother

Washington, UT

Mia Bailey, 30, was sentenced to two consecutive terms of 25 years to life for the murders of her parents. Bailey pleaded guilty but mentally ill to two counts of aggravated murder and to an aggravated assault charge last month.

The shootings took place on the evening of June 18. Bailey entered her parents’ home, shot her mother, Gail Bailey, 69, and then shot her father, Joseph Bailey, 70.

According to a criminal affidavit, Bailey admitted to shooting her parents multiple times to ensure their death. She stated, “I would do it again. I hate them,” during an interview where she bragged about the crime.

At the time of the attack, Bailey’s brother, Cory Bailey, and his wife were also present in the home. Cory attempted to escape and called for help after Mia shot at him.

During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors described how Bailey planned the crime, bought a gun, and practiced at a shooting range. They noted Bailey specifically targeted four individuals.

Cory Bailey expressed his feelings about the tragedy, stating, “We’ve lost our parents, and we’ve lost a sibling, in many ways.” He added that the family is suffering profound loss in multiple ways.

Mia Bailey faced ten felony charges, including aggravated murder and aggravated attempted murder. A plea deal ultimately reduced the charges she faced to three.

In a statement read by her attorney during court, Bailey expressed remorse for her actions, stating she wished for forgiveness for the “atrocity” she committed. Her sentencing reflects the severity of her actions and the impact on her family.

Garbage truck driver sentenced after seriously injuring teenager

Buffalo, NY
A former garbage truck driver was sentenced to three years of probation after injuring a teenage boy. Sasiya Davis-Johnson, 48, pleaded guilty to third-degree assault and reckless driving.

The incident occurred on October 2 when Davis-Johnson was driving a Buffalo Department of Public Works garbage truck. At approximately 8:16 a.m., she backed up the vehicle while on a one-way street and struck a 17-year-old boy.

The crash left the victim paralyzed from the waist down and requiring a leg amputation. He remains hospitalized after undergoing more than 30 surgeries.

Davis-Johnson faced up to 364 days in jail, according to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office. During the sentencing, her attorney sought leniency, citing her lack of previous incidents and her remorse for the actions.

The teenager’s family filed a lawsuit against the City of Buffalo and Davis-Johnson. They alleged inadequate training and equipment issues contributed to the crash.

Davis-Johnson is no longer employed by the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works. The plea deal was made with the consent of the victim.

Man charged in father’s brutal murder and attempted murder of mother

Indianapolis, IN An Indiana man has been arrested for allegedly murdering his father, wrapping the body in a rug, and attempting to harm his mother. Bryan Pedigo, 54, faces multiple charges, including murder and attempted murder.

The incidents took place earlier this month at a residence on South Catherwood Avenue. On December 11, a third party made a 911 call that led police to begin a death investigation based on a conversation allegedly initiated by Pedigo.

Officers initially found the residence locked and no one home, but later received another call from a witness who reported seeing a body through a window. The officers returned and confirmed the gruesome discovery of John Lloyd Pedigo, 81, with injuries consistent with trauma.

In the home, police also found Olanna Pedigo, 79, who appeared dazed and suffered visible injuries. She was taken to Eskenazi Hospital for treatment.

Initially, Olanna did not recall the events but later expressed doubt about her son’s innocence. A subsequent search revealed evidence of a struggle, including signs of blood and candle wax throughout the residence.

An autopsy determined that John Pedigo died from multiple blunt force traumas. Following the investigation, police discovered that the deceased man’s truck was missing and tracked it down 90 miles southwest of Indianapolis, where Bryan Pedigo was arrested.

During questioning, the defendant provided conflicting accounts about the circumstances surrounding the violence. He initially claimed his mother’s permission to use his father’s vehicle and downplayed knowledge of the assault.

Later statements included references to “something demonic” affecting their home and a history of violence within the family. Eventually, Pedigo admitted to his father’s death but declined to give specifics.

The original 911 caller, a friend of Bryan Pedigo, revealed that he expressed remorse for the incident and confessed to beating his father to death. The man also indicated disturbing intentions regarding handling his father’s body.

Bryan Pedigo is currently held in the Marion County Jail without bond. His pretrial hearing is scheduled for March 4, 2026, with a jury trial set to begin on March 9, 2026.

Man arrested after toddler found frostbitten in diaper

Greenfield, IN An Indiana man was arrested after a frozen toddler was found wandering alone in the snow. Logan Nickolas, 20, faces charges of neglect of a dependent resulting in bodily injury and neglect of a dependent that endangers the child.

The incident took place on Monday afternoon around 3 p.m. Officers were called to Prairie Meadows Apartment Homes following reports of an unattended child in the cold.

A witness reported hearing a crying child and found the two-year-old standing in the snow wearing only a diaper. The temperature at the time was 13 degrees.

Responding officers found the child and wrapped them in a coat before placing them in a warm vehicle until EMS arrived. Footprints in the snow indicated the child had been outside for a significant amount of time.

Those footprints led to an open apartment door on Switch Grass Drive. Officers announced their presence but received no response and subsequently entered the apartment.

Inside, they found Nickolas asleep on the couch. He identified the child as his own and stated that the toddler was supposed to be in the apartment.

Further observations revealed a strong smell of burnt marijuana in the apartment. A baby gate was found at the top of the stairs, but it was unlatched.

Officers noted a handgun on a countertop near drug paraphernalia. Nickolas claimed he had not used drugs but fell asleep due to a late-night work shift.

The child’s mother later informed police that Nickolas had recently used various drugs. She was at work during the incident and had allowed Nickolas to stay at her home intermittently for the week.

When EMS personnel arrived, the child was found to be suffering from hypothermia and frostbite. The toddler was transported to a hospital for treatment and is in stable condition.

A resident of the complex expressed shock over the incident, noting the severity of the situation.

Man sentenced to life in prison for brutal murder of girlfriend

Lackawanna County, PA A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his girlfriend. Donnell Brunson, 57, received a mandatory life sentence from Judge Michael Barrasse, along with an additional term of 18 to 24 months for risking catastrophe.

The crimes occurred in November when Brunson killed his girlfriend, Danielle Barbuti, 49, after believing she was cheating on him. The jury found him guilty of first-degree murder.

On Nov. 28, Brunson attacked Barbuti in their shared apartment. He initially punched her before using a ceramic ashtray and a pillow as instruments of death.

After the attack, Brunson attempted to take his own life by ingesting sleeping pills and cutting his wrist. He turned on the gas stove in hopes of causing an explosion, which did not occur.

When Brunson awoke later that day, he became aware of Barbuti’s lifeless body. He covered her with a blanket and left the apartment, where police found a bloody scene upon their arrival.

Barbuti’s sister discovered the crime scene after failing to reach her sister. She found the apartment door open and uncovered the tragedy.

Law enforcement located Brunson that same day. He had returned to a mobile home after leaving Barbuti’s apartment. He was found under a blanket, with blood all over his hands and in the mobile home.

During the sentencing, Barbuti’s sister spoke about her loss and the impact on their family. Brunson expressed remorse but also mentioned perceived threats from Barbuti.

Her sister-in-law questioned Brunson’s claims of fear for his life. Emotions ran high as family members discussed the impact of Barbuti’s murder on their lives and family dynamics.

Florida man arrested after dragging e-bike rider with golf cart

Marco Island, FL

A Florida man was arrested after an incident involving a golf cart and an e-bike rider. The driver allegedly “brake-checked” the rider, causing injuries and leaving the scene.

Witnesses reported seeing the victim fall off the golf cart and the driver continuing to drive away. The man was later located and arrested by authorities.

The victim was riding his e-bike when he encountered Steven Pickett, the golf cart driver. Tensions escalated when Pickett yelled at the victim to get out of the road.

The e-bike rider continued on and attempted to capture a photo of the golf cart’s license plate. As he did so, Pickett allegedly slammed on his brakes, leading to a collision that caused the victim to be dragged for 50 to 100 yards.

The victim yelled for Pickett to stop but was ignored, leading to multiple injuries. Responding deputies found the victim and gathered his account of the event.

Pickett later spoke with deputies, claiming he felt threatened by the speed of the approaching e-bike. He maintained his actions were in self-defense and insisted there was no vehicle ahead of him when he braked.

Though Pickett admitted to the impact, he stated he was too scared to stop. Reports indicate he left the scene to go to work without reporting the incident.

The victim received medical treatment at the scene and later sought additional care for stomach pain.

Pickett was arrested and charged with hit-and-run, leaving the scene of a crash involving injury. He was released on bond and scheduled to appear in court on January 12.

Jury convicts man of murder and robbery during FaceTime call

Leesburg, FL A jury has convicted a 26-year-old man for the armed robbery and murder of a store clerk who was shot while on a FaceTime call with his wife. Alex Lopez was found guilty of first-degree murder and armed robbery in the death of Raied “Ray” Shihadeh, 51, at M & M Food Mart.

Lopez received a life sentence without the possibility of parole. The incident occurred on May 30, when Monique Shihadeh listened in horror as her husband was shot.

She testified that she heard her husband plead and then heard a gunshot. Moments later, Lopez stepped over the victim and shot him again before stealing less than $100 and a vape.

A customer entered the store shortly after, heard Monique screaming, and discovered her husband on the ground, prompting a 911 call. Law enforcement responded and found Shihadeh with multiple gunshot wounds and later pronounced him dead at the hospital.

Lopez, who was captured after several weeks on the run at a Kissimmee hotel, was identified thanks to tips that included information from a relative. Bill Gladson, the State Attorney, commented that Lopez valued a small sum of money over a human life, emphasizing the impact of the crime on Shihadeh’s family, who were left behind.

Man sentenced to life for wife’s murder before her birthday

Douglasville, GA A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife just one day before her birthday. Volanta Lejuan Walker, 51, pleaded guilty to malice murder in connection with the shooting of 56-year-old Sabrina Walker.

The incident occurred on October 4 at their home in Douglasville. Sabrina Walker was fatally shot as she attempted to flee an argument with her husband.

Volanta Walker also pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated assault against a peace officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Judge Deah Warren imposed a sentence of life plus 25 years.

District Attorney Dalia Racine commented on the case, emphasizing the seriousness of domestic violence and its impact on families. Sabrina Walker had been preparing to celebrate her 57th birthday and the opening of her newly renovated barbershop the day after her death.

On the night of the shooting, Douglasville police responded to the scene around 9:30 p.m. Officers found Sabrina Walker on the ground and encountered Volanta Walker, who allegedly pointed a firearm at them. An officer discharged their weapon, and Volanta Walker was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Family members remembered Sabrina Walker as dedicated to her barbershop, Groomsmen Atlanta, which she owned since 2009. Despite the tragedy, her family held the grand opening of the barbershop in her honor after her death.

Father charged with murder after shooting college student during move-out

Frankfort, KY A father is accused of fatally shooting a college student at Kentucky State University. Jacob Bard, 48, faces charges of murder and first-degree assault.

Bard has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The incident occurred on the afternoon of December 9.

Bard was on campus to assist his son in moving out following concerns for his safety. His son had previously been attacked, prompting Bard and his wife to report the incident to the university’s office of student affairs.

Campus police escorted the family to the dormitory to facilitate the move. According to Bard’s lawyer, the family was confronted by a group of students, one of whom was armed with a baseball bat.

Video security footage showed individuals fleeing as Bard began shooting outside the residence hall. Two students were injured, with 19-year-old De’Jon Fox later dying from his injuries.

The second student was hospitalized in critical condition but has since stabilized. Bard was apprehended and placed in the Franklin County Regional Jail.

His initial bond of $1 million was reduced to $100,000 during a court hearing. The motives behind the confrontation remain unclear, though a detective noted existing tensions between Bard’s son and the group of students.

Bard’s lawyer contended that he acted in self-defense during the incident. The accused has two sons attending Kentucky State University, both of whom are on the baseball team.

A GoFundMe for Bard raised nearly $26,000 before being removed due to policy restrictions. In contrast, a separate GoFundMe for Fox, established by those mourning his death, remains active.