Category: Uncategorized

BATON ROUGE, La. — Alfred Hyman, 27, was tragically killed in a deadly shooting on Alaska Street Thursday morning, leaving family, friends, and the Baton Rouge community grieving a sudden and heartbreaking loss.

According to the East Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office, officials were notified of a shooting at approximately 8:45 a.m. on January 8 in the 2800 block of Alaska Street. When authorities arrived at the scene, they discovered a man suffering from fatal gunshot injuries. He was pronounced deceased, and the coroner later confirmed his identity as Alfred Hyman.

As the investigation continues, few details have been released publicly about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Officials have confirmed that the incident remains under active investigation, and authorities are working to determine what led to the violence that claimed Alfred’s life. Louisiana First News has reached out to the Baton Rouge Police Department for additional information, including whether any suspects have been identified or arrests made.

Alfred’s passing has left a deep void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. At just 27 years old, he had much of his life ahead of him — hopes, ambitions, and connections that mattered deeply to his family and friends. His death is not only a tragic incident but a profound personal loss felt across the community.

Loved ones remember Alfred as more than a name in a report. He was a son, a friend, and a presence whose life carried meaning and value. As his family navigates this painful time, they are surrounded by prayers, support, and memories that will endure even in the face of loss.

This remains a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Alfred Hyman. May his memory be a blessing, and may those who mourn him find comfort and strength during this difficult time.

HOPE, Ark. — A quiet early morning in the city of Hope was shattered by violence on January 8, 2026, when Dashawn L. Compton, 26, of Washington, Arkansas, was tragically killed in a shooting that has left a family grieving and a community searching for answers. Authorities confirmed that Jacolby C. Martin, 28, of Hope, Arkansas, has been arrested and charged with Second-Degree Murder in connection with Dashawn’s death.

According to the Hope Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 4:30 a.m. to the 600 block of North Cedar Street after receiving reports of shots fired at a person. When officers arrived, they entered a residence and found a male victim lying on the ground inside the home with an apparent gunshot wound.

Emergency Medical Services were immediately called to the scene and attempted lifesaving measures. Despite their efforts, Dashawn Compton was pronounced deceased at the scene, marking another devastating loss of a young life to gun violence. His identity was initially withheld to allow authorities time to notify his family, a process that underscored the gravity and heartbreak of the situation.

As the investigation continued, police formally identified the victim as Dashawn L. Compton. Further investigative work led detectives to Jacolby C. Martin, who was taken into custody early in the case and later formally charged with Murder in the Second Degree. Police confirmed that one person of interest was detained during the initial stages of the investigation and subsequently charged as the case developed.

At this time, authorities have not released details regarding what led up to the shooting or a possible motive, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. Detectives continue to conduct interviews, collect evidence, and reconstruct the events that unfolded inside the residence during those early morning hours.

Once the investigation is complete, police said a full case file will be forwarded to the 8th North Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review and any further legal action deemed appropriate. Officials emphasized that the case remains active and that additional information will be shared as it becomes available.

Beyond the investigation, the loss of Dashawn Compton has deeply impacted the Hope community. At just 26 years old, Dashawn’s life was cut short, leaving behind loved ones now burdened with grief, unanswered questions, and memories that will forever hold a place in their hearts. Friends and family remember him not for the violence that ended his life, but for the person he was and the future he should have had.

A photo of the suspect, Jacolby C. Martin, has been released by authorities as part of the ongoing case.

As Hope mourns, residents are once again confronted with the lasting consequences of gun violence. The community continues to extend thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the Compton family during this unimaginably difficult time.

May Dashawn L. Compton rest in peace, and may his memory live on through those who loved him.

HOPE, Ark. — On January 8, 2026, a deadly early-morning shooting in Hope has left Dashawn L. Compton, 26, of Washington, Arkansas, dead and resulted in the arrest of Jacolby C. Martin, 28, of Hope, Arkansas, according to the Hope Police Department. Martin has been taken into custody and charged with Second-Degree Murder in connection with the fatal incident.

Police said that at approximately 4:30 a.m., officers with the Hope Police Department responded to a report of shots fired at a person in the 600 block of North Cedar Street. Upon arrival, officers entered a residence at the location and discovered a male victim lying on the ground inside the home with an apparent gunshot wound.

Emergency Medical Services were immediately dispatched to the scene. Despite life-saving efforts, EMS personnel confirmed that the victim had succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. At the time of the initial response, authorities withheld the victim’s identity to allow proper notification of family members.

As the investigation progressed, police identified the victim as Dashawn L. Compton, a 26-year-old man from Washington, Arkansas. Further investigative work led to the arrest of Jacolby C. Martin, who was identified as a suspect in the case and later charged with Murder in the Second Degree.

Investigators confirmed that one person of interest was taken into custody during the early stages of the investigation, and that individual was later formally charged. Police have not yet released additional details regarding the circumstances that led up to the shooting, including a possible motive, as detectives continue to gather evidence and conduct interviews.

Authorities stated that the case remains active and ongoing. Once the investigation is complete, a full case file will be submitted to the 8th North Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review and any further legal action deemed appropriate.

The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Hope community, as residents grapple with another loss of life to gun violence. Friends and loved ones of Dashawn Compton are now left mourning a life cut short, while law enforcement continues working to ensure accountability and clarity in the case.

Police have not indicated whether additional arrests are expected, but they emphasized that the investigation is continuing and that more information will be released as it becomes available.

A photo of the suspect, Jacolby C. Martin, has been released by authorities in connection with this case.

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. — A deadly road-rage confrontation on Highway 90 near Long Bay Road has resulted in the death of Paul Jones Greenwood, 33, of Nichols, and the arrest of Elijaih Thurman Taylor, 23, of Nakina, North Carolina, who now faces a charge of murder, according to authorities. The fatal shooting followed a multi-vehicle crash Tuesday morning and unfolded in front of multiple witnesses, some of whom captured the incident on video.

Investigators say the chain of events began around 7:45 a.m. when a white pickup truck, driven by Greenwood, swerved to avoid another vehicle while traveling along Highway 90. The maneuver caused the pickup to collide with a Honda Civic and a third vehicle before the truck veered off the roadway and came to rest in a ditch. Witnesses reported that several people exited their vehicles following the crash.

According to arrest warrants and police reports, Greenwood exited his pickup truck and became involved in a heated argument with the driver of the Honda Civic, later identified as Taylor. What began as a roadside confrontation quickly escalated. Authorities say multiple gunshots were fired during the argument, a sequence that was captured on bystander video and is now a key piece of evidence in the investigation.

Horry County Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard confirmed that Greenwood died from gunshot wounds sustained during the altercation. Emergency responders were called to the scene, but Greenwood was pronounced dead as a result of his injuries.

Taylor, who was driving the Honda Civic bearing North Carolina license plates, was taken into custody and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He is currently being held without bond at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, according to Horry County spokesperson Thomas Bell.

Witnesses Khadijah Hemingway and her mother, Evettie, who were also involved in the crash, told investigators they saw Taylor standing nearby as he fired the weapon. Their statements, along with video footage from the scene, are part of the ongoing homicide investigation.

The shooting prompted the closure of Highway 90 for several hours between Star Bluff Road and Long Bay Road as law enforcement processed the scene, collected evidence, and interviewed witnesses. The roadway was reopened by early afternoon once investigators cleared the area.

As the investigation continues, friends and loved ones are mourning the loss of Paul Jones Greenwood. A GoFundMe page established to support his family describes him as “a loving father, brother, son, and friend who meant so much to everyone who knew him.” Greenwood is survived by his girlfriend, Brittany Johnson, and three children, whose lives have been forever altered by the tragic events of Tuesday morning.

Authorities emphasize that the case remains under active investigation and that additional details may be released as detectives continue to review evidence and witness accounts. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly everyday roadway encounters can escalate into irreversible tragedy.

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — A tragic and deeply unsettling incident on Richmond Highway has claimed the life of Demarko Shamsiddin, 34, leaving his family, friends, and the wider community grieving a sudden and heartbreaking loss.

According to Fairfax County Police, the fatal incident occurred in the northbound lanes of Richmond Highway near Mount Eagle Drive, in the Huntington area. Authorities said Shamsiddin was struck by at least four vehicles while in the roadway during the early moments of the incident.

Preliminary information and video evidence reviewed by investigators indicate that Shamsiddin had been acting erratically prior to the collision. Police say he was seen lying in the roadway and, at one point, allegedly doing push-ups in the northbound lanes when a sedan traveling northbound struck him. After the initial impact, he was hit by several additional vehicles.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but despite their efforts, Demarko Shamsiddin was pronounced dead at the scene. The loss has been described by authorities as tragic and traumatic, highlighting the dangers faced not only by those in crisis but also by unsuspecting motorists traveling along one of the county’s busy corridors.

Police reported that the drivers of the vehicles involved did not remain at the scene, and detectives are now working diligently to identify them. Investigators are reviewing traffic camera footage, surveillance video from nearby businesses, and any available dashcam recordings in an effort to piece together the full sequence of events.

Authorities have not released further details about what may have led to Shamsiddin’s behavior prior to the incident. Police emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and they are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has relevant information to come forward.

The death of Demarko Shamsiddin has raised renewed conversations about mental health crises, roadway safety, and the importance of timely intervention. For those who knew him, however, he is remembered not for the circumstances of his passing, but as a human being whose life held value and meaning.

As the Fairfax County community reflects on this tragedy, thoughts and condolences are being extended to Shamsiddin’s loved ones, who now face the painful task of grieving a life lost far too soon. His passing serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact of moments of vulnerability.

May Demarko Shamsiddin rest in peace, and may his family and friends find comfort in cherished memories as authorities continue their efforts to bring clarity and accountability in the days ahead.

DANBURY, Conn. — A tragic and senseless act of gun violence has claimed the life of Victor Quispe, 37, of Danbury, leaving a family, neighborhood, and entire community in mourning. Authorities confirmed that Quispe was the victim in a fatal shooting that occurred on the evening of January 7, an incident that has deeply shaken residents and renewed concerns about the devastating consequences of firearm misuse.

According to the Danbury Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 8:37 p.m. to a residence on Lake Avenue following reports of a shooting. Preliminary findings indicate that a firearm was discharged inside a townhouse. A single round traveled through an interior wall and struck Victor Quispe, who was inside a neighboring home at the time.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene, and Quispe was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he was later pronounced deceased. Authorities described the incident as heartbreaking, noting that the victim was not involved in the initial disturbance and was simply inside his home when his life was suddenly taken.

Investigators believe the individual responsible for discharging the firearm fled the scene before officers arrived. Detectives are actively working to locate and identify the suspect, following up on leads, collecting evidence, and interviewing witnesses. Police emphasized that this was an isolated incident and stated that there is no ongoing threat to the community at this time.

The loss of Victor Quispe has left loved ones struggling to comprehend how a routine evening could end in such irreversible tragedy. At 37 years old, Victor was taken far too soon, remembered as a neighbor, a member of the Danbury community, and a man whose life held meaning well beyond the circumstances of his death. His passing underscores how acts of recklessness and violence can extend beyond their intended targets, forever altering innocent lives.

In a statement, police reassured residents that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and that additional updates will be shared as more information becomes available. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward, emphasizing that community cooperation is vital in the pursuit of justice.

As Danbury mourns, candles, prayers, and messages of sympathy continue to pour in for Victor Quispe and his family. His death serves as a solemn reminder of the fragility of life and the far-reaching impact of gun violence within our communities.

May Victor Quispe be remembered for his life, not the tragedy that ended it. His memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, and in a community united in grief, reflection, and hope for justice.

ST. CROIX — A peaceful afternoon along the shores of St. Croix turned into a scene of heartbreak and heroism Thursday when a woman tragically lost her life following a shark attack at Dorsch Beach in Frederiksted. The victim has been identified as Arlene Lillis, 56, of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, a beloved wife whose life was cut short during what should have been a serene moment by the sea.

According to authorities, the St. Croix 911 Emergency Communications Center received multiple frantic calls at approximately 4:28 p.m., reporting that a female swimmer had been bitten by a shark near the buoyed area at Dorsch Beach. Marine units, along with Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel, were immediately dispatched as beachgoers rushed to help in the critical moments following the attack.

Fire officials later confirmed the severity of the injuries, stating that the woman’s arm had been completely severed during the incident. She was transported for emergency medical treatment but, despite the tireless efforts of first responders and hospital staff, Arlene succumbed to her injuries at the Juan F. Luis Hospital. The confirmation was made by V.I. Director of Communications Glen Dratte, who was present at the scene and later spoke with The Virgin Islands Consortium.

Among those who rushed forward to help was Christopher Carroll, a nurse who was staying nearby at Sand Castles on the Beach. Carroll described hearing screams from his hotel room and immediately sensing that someone was in desperate need of assistance. Without hesitation, he ran toward the shoreline, where he saw people pointing frantically toward the water.

Carroll, who previously worked as a lifeguard, entered the water and swam toward the woman. As he reached her, he was confronted with a devastating sight—blood surrounding her in the water, confirming she had been attacked by a shark. He took hold of Arlene and began the arduous task of towing her back toward shore.

As they moved closer to land, Carroll said the full extent of her injuries became heartbreakingly clear. Her left arm was gone from the elbow down, with only the upper bone and shoulder remaining. She appeared extremely pale, her lips turning blue. Yet even in those moments, Arlene remained conscious. Carroll recalled that she told him her name was Arlene, and he spoke words of reassurance to her, urging her to stay with him as he continued swimming.

Once they reached the beach, bystanders rushed in to help, carefully lifting Arlene from the water. Her legs were elevated, and attempts were made to stabilize her condition while awaiting emergency crews. Paramedics and EMTs arrived swiftly, placed her on a backboard, and transported her by ambulance to the hospital.

Despite the courage, compassion, and rapid response shown by both civilians and emergency personnel, Arlene did not survive. She was formally identified by her husband, Richard Lillis, who now mourns the sudden and unimaginable loss of his wife.

The tragedy has deeply affected the St. Croix community and beyond. Senator Kenneth Gittens released a statement expressing his condolences and reflecting on the broader implications of the incident.

“It is sad and shocking to hear of the apparent shark attack involving a female swimmer near the buoy at Dorsch Beach in Frederiksted. My heart goes out to her and her family, and I thank the courageous citizen(s) who assisted her to shore and the emergency first responders for their swift action. This incident underscores the urgent need to strengthen our hospitals and make rebuilding them a top priority this year.”

Arlene Lillis is remembered not only for the tragic circumstances of her passing but for the humanity shown in her final moments—surrounded by strangers who became heroes, united by their determination to save her life. Her death serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable power of nature and the fragility of life, even in places of beauty and tranquility.

As her family, friends, and loved ones grieve, the community holds them close in thought and prayer. May Arlene Lillis rest in peace, and may her memory live on as a testament to courage, compassion, and the enduring impact one life can have on so many.

MARENGO COUNTY, Ala. — Two people, including Arthur L. Mendenhall, 75, of Pine Hill, are being remembered after a tragic two-vehicle crash Tuesday evening along U.S. Highway 80 that claimed two lives and left several others injured. The fatal collision occurred near the 48-mile marker, about five miles west of Uniontown, according to authorities.

Arthur L. Mendenhall was fatally injured when the pickup truck he was driving collided head-on with a sedan driven by a 16-year-old juvenile from Faunsdale, who also lost their life in the crash. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) does not release the names of crash victims who are minors.

The sudden loss has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving families and loved ones grieving two lives lost in an instant. Arthur Mendenhall is remembered as a man deeply connected to his community, whose life reflected years of dedication, resilience, and love for those around him. The loss of the teenage victim has also profoundly affected family members, classmates, and friends mourning a future that ended far too soon.

Two adult passengers, along with a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old traveling in the pickup truck, were injured and transported to area hospitals for treatment. Authorities have not released updates on their conditions.

A 17-year-old juvenile passenger in the sedan was also injured and was airlifted to an area hospital for emergency medical treatment. The extent of the injuries remains unknown.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division is investigating the cause of the wreck. No additional details have been released as the investigation continues.

As the community mourns, thoughts and prayers remain with the families of Arthur L. Mendenhall and the unnamed juvenile victim, as well as with those injured and recovering. May their memories be honored, and may healing and comfort surround all who have been impacted by this tragic loss.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Springfield police have identified Suzette Flores, 47, as the victim in a deadly domestic incident that has shaken the southeast Springfield community. What began as a reported domestic assault late on the night of January 7 has now been confirmed as a homicide, leaving family, friends, and loved ones mourning a life lost far too soon.

Police say officers responded to a call for a domestic disturbance in southeast Springfield late Tuesday night. When they arrived at the scene, they found Suzette Flores suffering from critical injuries. Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced deceased. Authorities later confirmed that the circumstances surrounding her death warranted a homicide investigation.

Following the investigation, Felipe Ayala III, 34, was taken into custody and has since been booked into the Greene County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder, according to Springfield police. No further details regarding the events leading up to the incident have been released at this time, as the case remains under active investigation.

Suzette Flores is being remembered as a beloved presence in the lives of those who knew her. Loved ones describe her as a caring, warm-hearted woman whose life was centered around family, love, and resilience. Her sudden and violent death has left an irreplaceable void and an overwhelming sense of grief among those closest to her.

“This is not just a case number — this is a woman who mattered,” one family member shared. “Suzette was loved deeply, and she deserved so much more.”

The tragic nature of her death has also reignited conversations around domestic violence and the importance of recognizing warning signs, seeking help, and supporting those who may be in danger. Advocates stress that situations like this underscore the critical need for community awareness, intervention, and accessible resources for those experiencing domestic abuse.

Springfield police have not released additional information about the relationship between the victim and the suspect, nor have they disclosed whether there were prior calls for service at the residence. Officials say more details may be provided as the investigation progresses.

As the community comes to terms with this loss, friends and family continue to honor Suzette Flores’ memory — not for the way her life ended, but for the love, strength, and kindness she shared while she was here.

Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact Springfield police. Those affected by domestic violence are encouraged to seek help through local shelters, hotlines, and support services.

Suzette’s life mattered. She will be remembered, mourned, and missed.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — A mass shooting during a funeral in Salt Lake City killed two people and injured six others, authorities said. The deceased, identified by loved ones as Asi Sekona, had strong ties to Southern California, particularly the Inglewood and Watts areas, and was scheduled to be buried in the Los Angeles area following the viewing, family members said.

Sekona was being honored at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel when an altercation broke out in the parking lot, leading to shots being fired around 7:36 p.m. Wednesday, officials reported. KTLA’s sister station in Utah, ABC4, confirmed there were at least eight victims — two of whom died from their gunshot wounds. Three victims were listed in critical condition, while the remaining three were reported in unknown condition. Police said all of the victims were adults, but their identities had not yet been released.

As of Thursday morning, authorities were continuing their search for at least one suspect who fled the scene. ABC4 reported that multiple individuals were detained overnight for questioning, but they were not considered suspects in the shooting.

Salt Lake City police confirmed that Metro Gang Unit detectives were on scene. While investigators said preliminary evidence suggests the shooting was not random, officials emphasized that it did not appear to target any particular religion. A possible gang connection had not been confirmed.

Attendees who were already grieving described the scene as chaotic and devastating. One cousin who attended the viewing told ABC4 that the service was for a relative who had died just days earlier and was scheduled to be transported to California for burial. “It was the viewing, and now there will probably be a few more funerals,” he said, adding that four of his cousins were shot.

He recalled being inside the church when he heard screams and ran outside to find multiple people down in the parking lot. “I seen my aunties just running in saying, ‘ah, they shot him,’ and then other bodies in the parking lot just laying out,” he said, describing his first instinct to grab his child and call 911.

Another family member described hearing screaming inside the church and seeing mourners running in all directions. “It’s cruel. It’s a cruel world — especially at a funeral,” she said. “It’s not okay. It just hurts.”

Nearby residents reported hearing multiple gunshots and rushing outside to help. Doorbell camera footage obtained by ABC4 captured at least two shots, followed quickly by police flooding the area. Witnesses said people could be heard crying and wailing as officers secured the scene.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and confirmed that it was cooperating with law enforcement. Family members’ social media posts reviewed by ABC4 indicated that the service in Utah was intended for local friends and family, while plans were underway to fly Sekona’s casket to Los Angeles for burial. Posts also referenced Tongan traditions, noting that Tongan-language church services were held at the chapel where the funeral took place.

Family members said Sekona was well-known and deeply loved, making the violence during his memorial service especially tragic. Salt Lake City police said the investigation remained active Thursday and urged anyone with information to come forward to help authorities piece together the events that led to this senseless act of violence.