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  • St. John Parish Deputy Shaquille Guerin Fatally Shot in Waggaman; Brother Arrested in Connection

    St. John Parish Deputy Shaquille Guerin Fatally Shot in Waggaman; Brother Arrested in Connection

    WAGGAMAN, La. — A tragic incident unfolded Thursday evening in Waggaman, Louisiana, when 35-year-old St. John the Baptist Parish deputy Shaquille Guerin was fatally shot outside his home. Authorities say the deputy’s brother, 32-year-old Darius Guerin, has been arrested in connection with the deadly shooting.

    Shooting Incident on Marigold Lane

    According to the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded shortly after 5:30 p.m. on November 27, 2025, to a report of gunfire in the 30 block of Marigold Lane. Upon arrival, officers discovered Shaquille Guerin lying in the street outside a residence with at least one gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel and deputies attempted life-saving measures at the scene, but Guerin was pronounced dead.

    Deputy Shaquille Guerin’s Service

    Shaquille Guerin had served with the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office for eight years. He was assigned to the uniform patrol division and also worked in the detective bureau. Sheriff Mike Tregre and colleagues described him as a dedicated officer with a commitment to public service. Guerin is survived by his wife, Roxanne, and their three children.

    Arrest of Darius Guerin

    Authorities reported that Darius Guerin was taken into custody in connection with the shooting. Around 7 p.m., a deputy spotted a vehicle believed to be involved near Ames and Lapalco Boulevards. When deputies attempted a traffic stop, Darius Guerin reportedly refused to pull over, prompting a brief pursuit.

    The pursuit ended in the 100 block of Jean Lafitte Boulevard in Lafitte, where the vehicle stopped. Darius Guerin fled on foot, but deputies apprehended him nearby. A firearm was recovered along the path where he ran.

    He has been charged with second-degree murder and obstruction of justice. Additional details, including the suspect’s motive and what evidence led investigators to focus on him, have not been released. The investigation remains active.

    Community Response

    The shooting of a law enforcement officer has sent shockwaves through St. John Parish. Residents and fellow officers are mourning the loss of a colleague described as committed, professional, and compassionate. Sheriff Tregre urged the community to keep the Guerin family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

    Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including how the incident unfolded, the relationship between the individuals involved, and any additional evidence that may be pertinent to the case.

    The St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding the shooting to contact authorities.

     

  • Clarendon County Man Dies in Thanksgiving Morning Interstate Crash; Victim Identified as Jorge Alberto Maldonado

    Clarendon County Man Dies in Thanksgiving Morning Interstate Crash; Victim Identified as Jorge Alberto Maldonado

    CLARENDON COUNTY, S.C. — Authorities have confirmed the identity of a man who tragically died in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 in Clarendon County early Thursday morning, Thanksgiving Day. The victim, 34-year-old Jorge Alberto Maldonado of Richmond, Virginia, was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

    Crash Details

    According to Master Trooper William Bennett of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the incident occurred just after 12:15 a.m. near the 119-mile marker on I-95 southbound. Bennett said the vehicle involved, a 2006 Toyota 4Runner, veered off the left side of the roadway and overturned.

    Emergency responders arrived at the scene and found Maldonado unresponsive. Despite immediate efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

    Victim Identification

    Clarendon County Coroner Jacqueline Blackwell confirmed that the victim was Jorge Alberto Maldonado. Authorities have not released additional personal details at this time, pending notification of family members.

    Investigation Ongoing

    Troopers with the South Carolina Highway Patrol are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Officials have not released information regarding the cause of the accident, including whether weather, speed, or impairment were factors.

    The SC Highway Patrol urges anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact their local law enforcement.

    Community Reacts

    The tragic loss of Maldonado on a day typically reserved for family and celebration has shocked the local community. Friends, family, and neighbors have expressed their grief and are remembering him as a cherished individual whose life was cut short in a sudden and tragic accident.

    Authorities remind drivers to exercise caution, particularly during holiday travel, and to always remain vigilant on the state’s interstates.

     

  • St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office Mourns Death of Deputy Shaquille Guerin

    St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office Mourns Death of Deputy Shaquille Guerin

    ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH, La. — The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office announced with profound sadness the death of Deputy Shaquille Guerin, who was tragically killed in Jefferson Parish on Thursday, November 27, 2025. Deputy Guerin, a dedicated officer and valued member of the department, is being mourned by colleagues, friends, and the community. The incident remains under investigation by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.

    A Dedicated Public Servant

    Deputy Guerin had served the St. John Parish community for over eight years, dedicating 8 years and 65 days to the sheriff’s office. During his tenure, he was assigned to the uniform patrol division and also contributed to the detective bureau, demonstrating a commitment to public safety and justice in multiple capacities.

    “Shaquille did his job well! He had the heart of a public servant,” Sheriff Mike Tregre said. “He carried and showed positivity as an employee for the St. John Sheriff’s Office and was a teammate to his coworkers.”

    Colleagues remember Deputy Guerin as a dedicated and compassionate officer who consistently went above and beyond for the residents of St. John Parish and for the safety of his fellow officers.

    Survived by Family

    Deputy Guerin is survived by his loving wife, Roxanne, and their three children. The sheriff’s office has asked the community to keep his family in thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

    “Shaquille was not just a colleague but a friend to so many of us,” said Sheriff Tregre. “His loss is deeply felt across the entire department and community.”

    Community Mourns Loss

    The tragic loss of Deputy Guerin has sent shockwaves through St. John Parish and beyond. Residents, colleagues, and law enforcement agencies across the region have expressed condolences, honoring his service, sacrifice, and the positive impact he made on the lives of those around him.

    Law enforcement officials continue to work closely with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office as the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Deputy Guerin’s death proceeds. No further details have been released at this time.

    Remembering Deputy Shaquille Guerin

    Deputy Guerin’s legacy as a devoted law enforcement officer, a loving husband, and a father will not be forgotten. His dedication to public service, courage, and heart for his community leave an indelible mark on St. John Parish and the lives of everyone who knew him.

    The St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office has requested that the public respect the privacy of Deputy Guerin’s family while they grieve, and keep them in their thoughts and prayers during this tragic time.

     

  • Three Siblings Killed in Thanksgiving Night Apartment Fire in Kenosha

    Three Siblings Killed in Thanksgiving Night Apartment Fire in Kenosha

    KENOSHA, Wis. — A tragic fire on Thanksgiving night claimed the lives of three young siblings in Kenosha, leaving a family and community heartbroken. Firefighters were called to an apartment building on 43rd Avenue, just south of 52nd Street, around 10:30 p.m. Thursday. Upon arrival, crews found the unit fully engulfed in flames and thick smoke, according to Battalion Chief Todd Leipzig.

    Victims Identified

    The three children who perished in the fire have been identified as:

    • 10-year-old Rylee Kannin
    • 9-year-old Connor Kannin
    • 7-year-old Alena Kannin

    Their father, who was also inside the apartment during the blaze, was treated for smoke inhalation at a local hospital and is expected to recover. The community is grappling with the loss of three bright, beloved children, whose lives were tragically cut short on a night meant for family and celebration.

    Why This GoFundMe Was Created

    During a time that should have been filled with gratitude and togetherness, the Kannin family is facing the unthinkable — the death of three children and the daunting task of planning their funerals while navigating a world forever altered by loss.

    This GoFundMe has been established to help the family with:

    ✨ Funeral and memorial expenses

    ✨ Immediate financial needs during this period of grief

    ✨ Ongoing support as they try to rebuild their lives step by step

    No parent should ever have to bury a child, let alone three at once. The emotional, spiritual, and financial toll of this tragedy is unimaginable.

    How You Can Help

    Your support — whether through a donation, a share, or even a prayer — will mean the world to the Kannin family. Every gesture is a reminder that they are not alone and that the community is standing beside them in their darkest hour.

    Compassion becomes a lifeline. Hope becomes a blessing. Love becomes the only force strong enough to help a family endure such profound loss.

    A Message of Gratitude

    Thank you for taking the time to honor the lives of Connor, Rylee, and Alena.

    Thank you for showing the Kannin family that they are surrounded by support, love, and light — even in their deepest sorrow.

    May these three little angels rest in eternal peace, and may their family feel the strength of every prayer, donation, and act of kindness given in their memory.

     

  • In Loving Memory of Connor, Rylee, and Alena — Three Little Angels Gone Too Soon

    In Loving Memory of Connor, Rylee, and Alena — Three Little Angels Gone Too Soon

    This Thanksgiving, a day that families everywhere gather to give thanks, a devastating tragedy struck and forever changed the lives of one local family. A heartbreaking fire claimed the lives of three precious children — Connor, Rylee, and Alena — three beautiful little angels whose futures were full of promise, joy, and love.

    What should have been a warm holiday filled with laughter, food, and family became a nightmare no parent, sibling, or loved one should ever have to endure. The sudden loss of all three children has left a hole so deep, so painful, that words fall short of capturing the magnitude of this grief.

    Remembering Three Beautiful Souls

    Connor, with his curious nature and gentle heart, always found ways to make others smile.

    Rylee, vibrant and full of life, brought joy to every room she entered.

    Alena, sweet and radiant, carried a light within her that could brighten even the hardest days.

    Each one of them was a blessing — a gift to their family, their friends, and everyone who had the honor of knowing them. Together, they created memories that will forever be held close, cherished, and remembered with love.

    To lose even one child is an unimaginable heartbreak. To lose all three at once is a pain beyond comprehension — a weight no family should ever have to carry.

    Why This GoFundMe Was Created

    During a time when this family should have been surrounded by gratitude and celebration, they are instead facing the darkest days of their lives — planning funerals for their children and learning how to navigate a world forever changed.

    This GoFundMe has been created to support them through:

    ✨ Funeral and memorial expenses

    ✨ Immediate financial needs during this period of unimaginable grief

    ✨ Ongoing support as the family tries to rebuild their lives step by step

    No parent should ever have to bury their child. No parent should ever have to plan three funerals at once. The weight of this tragedy — emotionally, spiritually, and financially — is overwhelming.

    How You Can Help

    If you are able to donate, share, or even offer a prayer, your kindness will mean more to this family than you may ever know.

    Every donation, every share, and every heartfelt message is a reminder that this family is not alone — that the community is standing beside them, holding them up when they cannot hold themselves.

    In moments like these, compassion becomes a lifeline. Hope becomes a blessing. And love becomes the only thing strong enough to help a family survive the unimaginable.

    Thank You

    Thank you for taking the time to read their story.

    Thank you for honoring the lives of Connor, Rylee, and Alena.

    Thank you for showing this grieving family that they are surrounded by support, love, and light — even in their darkest moment.

    May these three little angels rest in eternal peace, and may their family feel the strength of every prayer, every donation, and every act of kindness given in their memory.

     

  • In Loving Memory of Jayla Waylah

    In Loving Memory of Jayla Waylah

    The Newton County community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Jayla Waylah, a beloved daughter, friend, and expectant mother whose life was tragically cut short in a devastating crash on Fairview Road. At just  — and carrying the precious life of her unborn baby — Jayla’s journey was one filled with promise, joy, and a future that her loved ones now hold tightly in their hearts.

    On a quiet Friday morning that should have been like any other, Jayla’s life was taken suddenly and unfairly. She was a passenger in a vehicle struck by an impaired driver, an impact so severe that neither she nor her unborn child could be saved. Her passing has sent waves of grief through everyone who knew her, and even those who didn’t have the privilege of meeting her have felt the weight of this tragedy.

    A Light to Everyone Who Knew Her

    Jayla was known for her warm spirit, her uplifting smile, and the gentle kindness she offered to everyone around her. Family members describe her as someone who loved deeply, cared openly, and carried herself with a grace beyond her years. She was excited for motherhood — a new chapter filled with dreams, plans, laughter, and love. Her unborn child already had a place in her heart and the hearts of those who eagerly awaited their arrival.

    Her friends remember her as a compassionate listener, a playful soul, and someone who could brighten any room just by walking into it. She had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and appreciated — qualities that made her truly special.

    A Mother’s Love That Will Never Be Forgotten

    The loss of Jayla and her unborn baby is a wound that words cannot fully heal. Her family is holding onto the memories of her joy, her love, and her excitement for the future. Though this chapter ended far too soon, the love she carried lives on — in the stories shared, the laughter remembered, and the hearts forever touched by her presence.

    Gone But Never Forgotten

    As Newton County grieves, they also remember. They honor her. They speak her name proudly:

    Jayla Waylah.

    A young woman taken too soon.

    A mother whose love will echo for generations.

    A life that mattered.

    A life that will never, ever be forgotten.

    May her spirit rest in eternal peace, and may her loved ones find strength, comfort, and healing in the days ahead. Jayla’s memory will live on — not only in the hearts of those who loved her but also in the collective promise to cherish life, protect one another, and stand against the tragedies caused by impaired driving.

    This is not goodbye.

    This is until we meet again.

  • Thanksgiving Tragedy: Mercedes Wilkerson Identified in Deadly Indianapolis House Fire and Shooting

    Thanksgiving Tragedy: Mercedes Wilkerson Identified in Deadly Indianapolis House Fire and Shooting

    INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — A tragic and deeply disturbing situation unfolded on Thanksgiving morning on Indianapolis’ east side after firefighters responding to what appeared to be a routine house fire discovered a far more horrifying scene inside the residence. Authorities later confirmed that one of the victims found inside the burning home has been identified as Mercedes Wilkerson.

    Firefighters Make Grisly Discovery While Battling Flames

    The Indianapolis Fire Department was dispatched around 10:17 a.m. to a home on North Audubon Road after multiple callers reported a house fire. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames and began efforts to extinguish the blaze.

    As crews pushed deeper into the residence, they made an alarming discovery that instantly shifted the nature of the response. Inside the burning home lay an injured woman who had been shot. Firefighters immediately pulled her from the structure and transported her for emergency medical treatment.

    The woman, identified as Mercedes Wilkerson, was rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite lifesaving measures, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

    Moments later, responders found a second victim — a man who had also been shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and authorities have not yet released his identity pending notification of next of kin.

    Two Young Children Found Unharmed Inside the Home

    Amid the tragic discovery, firefighters located two young children inside the house. In a moment of rare relief amid the devastation, officials confirmed that both children were physically unharmed.

    The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) was notified and dispatched to the scene. Several family members were also present, and authorities ensured that arrangements were made for the children’s care and safety.

    Investigators have not yet disclosed the relationship between the children and the two deceased adults.

    Possible Connection to Pursuit in Tippecanoe County

    In a twist that has added complexity to the unfolding investigation, police say a pursuit that ended in Tippecanoe County on the same day may be connected to the deadly shooting and fire on North Audubon Road.

    Law enforcement agencies have not yet released details about the suspect or circumstances of that pursuit, but multiple jurisdictions are now working together to determine whether the chase and the double homicide are linked.

    Neighborhood Shaken on a Holiday Morning

    Residents described the neighborhood as typically quiet and family-oriented — a place where violence is rare and a house fire alone would have caused alarm, let alone the discovery of two shooting victims on a major holiday.

    Neighbors watched in disbelief as fire trucks, police vehicles, crime scene units, and child services personnel converged on the small residential street. Many expressed sorrow, shock, and fear that such violence had erupted so close to home.

    Homicide, Arson Investigations Underway

    Crime scene technicians and arson investigators spent hours combing through the damaged residence, collecting evidence and documenting the scene. Detectives are examining the timeline of events leading to the fire and the shootings, as well as the possibility that the blaze was intentionally set to conceal or destroy evidence.

    The exact motive behind the killings remains unknown.

    Remembering Mercedes Wilkerson

    Authorities confirmed Mercedes Wilkerson as one of the deceased victims. Although officials have released limited information about her personal life or connection to the other victim, news of her death has already begun circulating through the community and social media, where friends and loved ones are expressing overwhelming grief and disbelief.

    Investigation Continues; Police Seek Information

    The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting, the fire, or the potentially connected police pursuit to come forward.

    Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana.

    As investigators work to uncover answers, residents and loved ones are left grappling with a disturbing and heartbreaking Thanksgiving tragedy that has left two adults dead, two children without certainty, and a community desperate for justice.

     

  • Philadelphia Driver Charged With Murder in Thanksgiving Hit-and-Run That Killed Rosa Mar Espinosa Rodas

    Philadelphia Driver Charged With Murder in Thanksgiving Hit-and-Run That Killed Rosa Mar Espinosa Rodas

    PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Philadelphia police have identified both the victim and the driver in a devastating Thanksgiving Day hit-and-run that claimed the life of 41-year-old Rosa Mar Espinosa Rodas. Authorities announced that the driver, 30-year-old Shamir Miller of West Philadelphia, has been taken into custody and charged with murder in connection with the fatal crash.

    Victim Killed While Crossing Market Street

    The fatal incident occurred just before 4 p.m. Thursday near the intersection of Market and 36th Streets. According to investigators, Espinosa Rodas was crossing Market Street—likely on her lunch break from a nearby workplace—when she was struck by a vehicle traveling at high speed.

    Police say the impact was severe, and Espinosa Rodas died from her injuries at the scene. Family members and coworkers have been left devastated, mourning a woman described as hardworking, kind, and deeply rooted in her community.

    Driver Identified as Shamir Miller

    Authorities identified the driver responsible as 30-year-old Shamir Miller, who was behind the wheel of a black 2012 Honda Accord at the time of the crash. Investigators say Miller struck Espinosa Rodas and then continued driving eastbound on Market Street without stopping.

    His attempt to flee did not end there.

    Crash Into Second Vehicle and Foot Chase

    After hitting Espinosa Rodas, Miller’s vehicle collided with a 2013 Buick Lacrosse near 33rd Street, injuring another woman—also 41 years old. The second victim was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center with neck and back injuries and was listed in stable condition.

    Following the second collision, Miller attempted to flee the scene on foot. However, Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small reported that officers apprehended him approximately one block away.

    Witnesses told police that Miller had been speeding and driving recklessly, behavior consistent with the violent and chaotic path that led to multiple collisions.

    Both Miller and the second injured driver were transported to Penn Presbyterian, where Miller was treated for head injuries.

    “A Tragedy Made Even Worse by the Holiday”

    Chief Inspector Small emphasized the heartbreak surrounding the crash, noting the added emotional heaviness of the incident occurring on Thanksgiving Day.

    “It’s very, very tragic, the fact that this is a fatal hit-and-run,” Small said. “The fact that it happened on Thanksgiving Day just makes it that much more of a tragedy.”

    Driver Charged With Murder and Multiple Offenses

    Miller has been formally charged with:

    • Murder
    • Homicide by vehicle
    • Aggravated assault
    • Reckless driving
    • Hit-and-run
    • Related criminal offenses

    Police say the investigation remains active as they review video surveillance, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the crash events.

    Location Near Another Recent Fatal Hit-and-Run

    The Thanksgiving crash occurred just blocks from another deadly hit-and-run that claimed the life of 48-year-old Meaza Brown of South Philadelphia on November 20. Brown was walking to work with coworkers when a silver Chrysler 300 ran a red light at 33rd and Market, striking her and causing fatal injuries.

    Police have not indicated whether the two incidents are connected but noted the troubling spike in reckless driving and fatal pedestrian crashes in the area.

    Community Mourning and Calls for Safety Reform

    The back-to-back fatalities have sparked concerns from residents, local leaders, and pedestrian-safety advocates. Many are calling for increased traffic enforcement, improved crosswalk protections, and structural changes to reduce speeding along Market Street.

    Meanwhile, loved ones of Rosa Mar Espinosa Rodas continue to grieve an unimaginable loss—one that occurred on a holiday meant to bring families together.

     

  • In Loving Memory of Casey Bassignani

    In Loving Memory of Casey Bassignani

    It is with profound sadness that we remember Casey Bassignani, a vibrant 23-year-old from Johnston, Rhode Island, whose life was tragically cut short this week in a rollover crash on I-295 South in Cranston. Casey’s passing has left family, friends, and her community in deep mourning as they grapple with the sudden loss of a young life full of promise, love, and light.

    A Life Remembered

    Casey was more than a driver, more than a statistic in a tragic accident — she was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend. Her warmth, energy, and kindness touched all who knew her. Friends describe her as a vibrant young woman with a smile that could light up a room and a heart full of generosity. Her presence in the lives of those around her will be sorely missed.

    The crash that claimed her life occurred when the Honda Accord she was driving was forced off the highway by another vehicle and collided with a tree, causing it to roll over. Emergency crews rushed to the scene and transported her to Rhode Island Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. While authorities continue their investigation, her family and community are left to remember the joy and love she brought into the world.

    Community in Mourning

    The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Cranston, Johnston, and surrounding communities, where Casey was known and loved. Tributes, prayers, and messages of condolences have poured in from friends, neighbors, and community members who mourn not only her passing but also the potential of a life gone too soon.

    In times like these, communities come together, sharing memories and offering support to the family in their grief. Casey’s memory will live on in the stories told, the laughter shared, and the countless ways she touched the lives of those around her.

    A Call for Reflection and Safety

    While authorities, including the Rhode Island State Police, continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and the arrest of the other driver involved, those who loved Casey are left to honor her life and remember the importance of road safety and vigilance. Her passing is a reminder of how precious life is and how suddenly it can be taken away.

    Forever in Our Hearts

    Though Casey’s life was tragically brief, her memory will endure. She will be remembered for her kindness, her spirit, and the love she shared freely with those around her. Family, friends, and the broader community will continue to hold her in their hearts, carrying forward the light she brought into the world.

    Casey Bassignani — gone too soon, but never forgotten.

     

  • Man Found Deceased from Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound on Iowa Veterans Home Property

    Man Found Deceased from Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound on Iowa Veterans Home Property

    A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday after a 23-year-old Marshalltown man, identified as Jorell Handorf, was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound while inside his vehicle on the grounds of the Iowa Veterans Home.

    The situation began earlier in the day when Marshall County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 3300 block of 130th Street for reports of a family disturbance involving an armed individual. Family members had informed authorities that one of their relatives, later confirmed to be Handorf, had been displaying a handgun during the altercation. By the time deputies arrived on scene, Handorf had already left the residence, and it was believed that he may have traveled toward the city of Marshalltown.

    A short time later, security personnel at the Iowa Veterans Home notified police after spotting a vehicle entering the property that matched the description provided by law enforcement. Multiple agencies responded immediately in an effort to locate the individual and ensure the safety of residents and staff.

    Upon locating the vehicle, officers made several attempts to communicate with Handorf, but received no response. After securing the area, authorities approached the vehicle and determined that Handorf had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officials also confirmed that he was not a resident or employee of the Iowa Veterans Home.

    The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the incident remains under active investigation. They expressed appreciation for the coordinated response and assistance provided by several agencies, including the Marshalltown Police Department, Marshalltown SWAT, State Center Police, the Marshalltown Fire Department, UnityPoint Ambulance, and the Marshall County Medical Examiner’s Office.

    No additional injuries were reported, and authorities emphasized that at no time was there an ongoing threat to the public or to those living and working at the Iowa Veterans Home.

    Further details will be released as the investigation continues.