Anthony Terrill Williams dies in fatal Fairfield house fire
Fatal Fairfield fire death of Anthony Terrill Williams – Obituary
The identity of the man found dead in the aftermath of a house fire in Fairfield has been confirmed as 34-year-old Anthony Terrill Williams. The fire, which occurred early on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at a home on Court F, was reported at 1:24 a.m. After the fire was brought under control, Williams’ remains were discovered in the debris. He was declared dead on the scene at 4:18 a.m. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is looking into the circumstances of his death, while the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire’s cause and origin.
Rubi Vergara dies in fatal Madison, Wis., school shooting
Fatal Madison school shooting death of Rubi Vergara – Obituary
Fourteen-year-old Rubi Vergara, a freshman at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, was tragically killed in a school shooting on Monday, December 16.
Rubi, remembered as an avid reader with a passion for art and music, was a talented singer and keyboard player in her family’s worship band. Her funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at City Church.
The incident also claimed the life of a full-time teacher. Police have identified the shooter as a 15-year-old student who died by suicide. According to law enforcement, the attack began at 10:57 a.m., prompting a second-grade teacher to call 911. Officers arrived within minutes, entering the building and locating the suspect by 11:05 a.m.
Authorities acted swiftly to secure the area, recover a weapon, and assist the victims. A reunification center was established, and bomb dogs were brought in as a precaution. Vigils and community events have been organized by local churches and groups to support those affected.
The tragic loss of Rubi Vergara has deeply shaken the Madison community, which continues to grieve while rallying around the families of the victims.
Nevaeh Debose dies in fatal New Madrid County, Mo., car crash
Fatal New Madrid County car crash death of Nevaeh Debose – Obituary
Seventeen-year-old Nevaeh Ladiamond Debose, a high school junior in the New Madrid County R-1 School District, tragically lost her life in a two-vehicle crash on Highway U in New Madrid County, Missouri, on Tuesday, December 17.
The collision also claimed the lives of off-duty New Madrid County Deputy Dustin Colbert and his two young daughters. The crash occurred at approximately 4:35 p.m. as Colbert’s vehicle reportedly crossed the centerline and collided with the car driven by Debose.
Debose, a resident of Lilbourn, was remembered fondly by her school community. The New Madrid County R-1 School District issued a statement offering support to all those affected, noting that Debose was a beloved student and that another young victim attended preschool in the district.
This tragic event has deeply shaken the New Madrid County community, prompting an outpouring of condolences and support for the families and loved ones of those involved.
Dustin Colbert dies in fatal New Madrid County, Mo., car crash
Fatal New Madrid County car crash death of Dustin Colbert – Obituary
Deputy Dustin Colbert, an off-duty officer with the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department, lost his life in a tragic two-vehicle accident on Highway U in southeast Missouri on Tuesday, December 17.
The crash, which occurred at approximately 4:35 p.m. between Lilbourn and New Madrid, also claimed the lives of Colbert’s two young daughters and the other driver, 17-year-old Nevaeh Debose. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Colbert lost control of his personal vehicle, crossed the centerline, and collided with the oncoming car.
In a heartfelt statement, the City of New Madrid extended condolences to the families affected, including the Lilbourn community, the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department, and first responders. Officials encouraged those impacted by the tragedy to seek available support resources.
Colbert’s passing has left a profound void in the community, where his dedication to law enforcement and his role as a father will be deeply remembered.
Terance Pope dies in fatal Sanford shooting
Fatal Sanford shooting death of Terance Pope – Obituary
Terance Pope, 21, was fatally shot in a parking lot at a shopping plaza in Sanford on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
Police responded to the scene at 8:00 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire at the Best Buy on Rinehart Road. Upon arrival, they found Pope with gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead from his injuries.
Authorities have not released any details regarding a suspect, and the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Investigations are ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sanford Police Department or Crimeline.
Ernesto Javier Martinez Jr. dies in fatal Laredo crash
Fatal Laredo crash death of Ernesto Javier Martinez Jr. – Obituary
Ernesto Javier Martinez Jr., 20, died early Wednesday morning in a crash while attempting to evade a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper.
The incident occurred at around 1:40 a.m. on December 18, 2024, on U.S. Highway 83 near the Guatemozin Street overpass. According to DPS, Martinez was driving a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro and was being pursued by a trooper when he lost control of the vehicle at the U.S. Highway 83 exit ramp. Traveling at an unsafe speed, his car crashed into a cement barricade.
Martinez was taken to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead from injuries sustained in the crash. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
Jeffrey Stoppenhagen dies in fatal Allen County police shooting
Fatal Allen County police shooting death of Jeffrey Stoppenhagen – Obituary
Jeffrey Stoppenhagen, 51, was shot and killed by an Allen County Sheriff’s Deputy on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, after a mental health crisis led to an armed confrontation.
According to authorities, officers responded to the Lakes of Carroll Creek neighborhood around 3:30 p.m. following reports of a man experiencing a mental health crisis and armed with a gun. Despite efforts to de-escalate the situation, Stoppenhagen exited the home holding a firearm, prompting a deputy to fire, striking him. He was transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
The Allen County Coroner’s Office determined the cause of death as a gunshot wound to the torso, and ruled the manner of death as a homicide during a police action shooting. This marks the 40th homicide in Allen County in 2024.
Rogelio Llanas dies in fatal San Antonio road-rage crash
Fatal San Antonio road-rage crash death of Rogelio Llanas – Obituary
Rogelio Llanas, 48, died from cranial and cerebral injuries sustained in a rollover crash following a road-rage incident on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
According to San Antonio police, Llanas had been involved in a confrontation with another group at the Poteet Flea Market before the incident. The altercation escalated on the road when Llanas began bumping his vehicle into the other group’s car. Despite their attempts to switch lanes, Llanas attempted a PIT maneuver, causing the vehicles to become stuck and roll over on the Southeast Loop 410 access road near Roosevelt Avenue.
When police arrived, Llanas, along with a 38-year-old man and his two children, ages 9 and 14, were found with injuries. All parties were treated and transported by EMS. Llanas was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died. The conditions of the other individuals involved are unknown.
Jeffrey Stoppenhagen dies in fatal Huntertown police shooting
Fatal Huntertown police shooting death of Jeffrey Stoppenhagen – Obituary
Jeffrey Stoppenhagen, 51, of Fort Wayne, was shot and killed by an Allen County Sheriff’s officer on December 17, 2024, following a mental health crisis incident.
Law enforcement responded to a call at approximately 2:27 p.m. to the 2700 block of Ascension Court, where Stoppenhagen was reported to be experiencing a mental health crisis and armed with a gun. Authorities say Stoppenhagen exited a home with the weapon, leading an officer to fatally shoot him. No other individuals were injured in the incident.
The cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound to the torso, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide-police action shooting. The incident is under investigation by Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Allen County Coroner’s Office.
BeJay Orth dies in fatal Stockton shooting
Fatal Stockton shooting death of BeJay Orth – Obituary
BeJay Orth, 53, was identified as the victim of a fatal shooting near the University of the Pacific in Stockton on Monday, December 16, 2024.
Officers from the Stockton Police Department responded to a shooting report around 2:10 p.m. on Princeton Avenue between Pershing and Grange avenues. Upon arrival, they found Orth suffering from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The police have not released any details about potential suspects, and the investigation is ongoing.
