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The city of Hickory is grieving the tragic loss of 22-year-old Keimarian Donyah Peterson, who was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting on the evening of July 14, 2025, at the Keating Pointe Apartments on 2nd Street SE.

Just before 5:40 p.m., Hickory Police officers responded to reports of gunfire at 1123 2nd Street SE. Upon arrival, they found Peterson deceased at the scene. Authorities say multiple apartment units were struck by bullets during the shooting, underscoring the recklessness and danger of the violence that unfolded.

Family members have identified the victim as Mariey Peterson, and have shared heartfelt photos and memories as they begin to mourn this unimaginable loss. Loved ones described Mariey as a kind and spirited soul with a bright future, whose life was taken far too soon.

Police have confirmed that the shooting was a drive-by, and investigators continue to piece together what led to the senseless act. As of now, no suspects have been arrested, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.

The Hickory Police Department is urgently asking for the community’s help in finding those responsible. If you have any information that could aid investigators, please contact:

• Investigator Tammie Johnson at tjohnson@hickorync.gov
• Or call the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551

Local news coverage on Channel 9 Eyewitness News will include more details and statements from loved ones at noon and 5:30 p.m.

As the community reels from this tragedy, we join the Peterson family in mourning Mariey’s life. May justice be swift, and may peace come to those grieving his loss.

Rest in peace, Keimarian “Mariey” Peterson. You will not be forgotten.

After months of anguish, uncertainty, and tireless searching, the family of Ladatra Williams, a Kansas City, Missouri resident who went missing in Mississippi, has finally received devastating news. Earlier today, law enforcement officials recovered her body in a wooded area following a major breakthrough in the investigation.

The discovery came after extensive interviews with Charles Matthew Sims, a person of interest who had long been on investigators’ radar. After hours of questioning, Sims ultimately led authorities to the remote site and confessed to burying Ladatra’s remains there. The exact location, heavily wooded and difficult to access, had previously evaded search teams despite months of effort.

Ladatra’s disappearance sparked widespread concern across both Missouri and Mississippi, as family, friends, and volunteers worked alongside law enforcement to locate her. Flyers were distributed, search parties were organized, and her story gained growing attention online in the hopes of a safe return.

While today’s discovery brings a form of closure, it also opens a new chapter of heartbreak as the full scope of the tragedy begins to emerge. Authorities have yet to release specific details regarding charges or possible motives, as the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Ladatra Williams is remembered by those who knew her as a loving mother, a devoted friend, and a vibrant woman whose light shone wherever she went. Her sudden and violent disappearance has left a permanent mark on the community and a void in the lives of her loved ones.

In this painful time, KCKnowledges joins the Kansas City and Mississippi communities in mourning her loss. We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and everyone affected by this tragedy.

As more information becomes available in the days ahead, we remain hopeful that justice will be served, and that those responsible will be held fully accountable for their actions.

Rest in peace, Ladatra. You were loved, and you will never be forgotten.

LaGrange, GA – The community is reeling after a deadly dog attack on July 15, which claimed the life of Theresa Patterson in the area of Swanson Street and Juniper Street. In the wake of the tragedy, police have issued an arrest warrant for Derrick Parker, the owner of the dog responsible for the fatal mauling.

Parker is now facing multiple charges, including:

• Involuntary manslaughter
• Reckless conduct
• Dog running at large

Authorities say Parker has evaded capture and remains on the run. Law enforcement agencies have been actively searching for him across LaGrange and northern Georgia, but as of now, his whereabouts are unknown.

The attack has left neighbors shaken and devastated. Theresa Patterson is being remembered as a kind and gentle soul whose life was tragically cut short due to negligence that could have been prevented.

Police are asking for the public’s help in locating Derrick Parker.

📞 Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact LaGrange Police at 706-883-2623.

As the investigation continues, the city of LaGrange mourns the loss of a community member and grapples with the harsh reality of the consequences of irresponsible pet ownership. The authorities stress that this is not just a tragic accident—it is a criminal matter, and they are determined to bring justice for Theresa Patterson.

LEWISVILLE, TX – A 60-year-old man, Earl Lynn Wilder, has been formally charged with Enticing a Child with Intent to Commit a Felony after a disturbing incident that led to the activation of an AMBER Alert on July 12, 2025.

The case unfolded when the Lewisville Police Department received a report of a missing juvenile late Saturday evening. Officers immediately launched a coordinated search effort, which included activating the state’s AMBER Alert system due to the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.

Thanks to rapid response and public awareness, the missing child was safely recovered early Sunday morning, and Earl Lynn Wilder was taken into custody without incident.

Wilder is currently being held at the Denton County Jail, and while only one charge has been filed so far, detectives are continuing their investigation. Authorities have indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming as the case develops.

Police have not released details regarding how Wilder allegedly made contact with the child, but officials are urging anyone who may have information related to the case to come forward and contact the Lewisville Police Department immediately.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of swift action, community awareness, and the critical role AMBER Alerts play in ensuring the safety of vulnerable children.

If you have any information that may assist in this investigation, please call the Lewisville Police Department tip line or your local law enforcement agency.

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC — A devastating crash on Sunday afternoon has claimed the life of a motorcyclist in Brunswick County. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the incident occurred around 4:41 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. 17 and Green Hill Road NE.

Troopers report that 45-year-old Jonathan Birchall, a resident of Supply, NC, was traveling southbound on his motorcycle along U.S. 17 when a pickup truck, attempting to cross the highway from Governor’s Road NE to Green Hill Road NE, pulled directly into his path. The collision was unavoidable, and Birchall tragically died at the scene from his injuries.

The driver of the pickup truck, 77-year-old Clark Casanova of Winnabow, has been charged with the following offenses:

• Felony death by motor vehicle
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Driving while impaired (DWI)
• Two counts of child abuse

Authorities revealed that two juveniles were inside the pickup truck at the time of the crash, heightening the severity of the charges and underscoring the recklessness of the incident.

This tragedy has deeply shaken the local community, with many mourning the loss of Jonathan Birchall—a man remembered by those who knew him as passionate, kind-hearted, and full of life.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol urges drivers to remain alert and sober on the roads, especially at busy intersections where one moment of negligence can have fatal consequences.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Jonathan Birchall’s family and loved ones during this heartbreaking time.

Rest in peace, Jonathan.

KERRVILLE, TX — In a deeply sorrowful update, the body of 2-year-old Carlos Romero has been found, bringing a tragic end to the search for the missing child. Carlos’ discovery comes just days after the bodies of his parents, Leonardo Romero Sr. and Natalia Venzor, were located following the devastating floods that struck their Kerrville home.

On the night of the disaster, relentless floodwaters ripped the family’s home from its foundation, sweeping it away and shattering lives in an instant. Of the four family members inside, only one—19-year-old Leonardo Jr.—was pulled from the wreckage alive. He now faces the unimaginable task of grieving the loss of his parents and baby brother.

This tragedy has shaken the Kerrville community to its core. The Romeros were known for their warmth, strength, and love for one another. While there is a small measure of peace in knowing that the family is now reunited, the pain of their loss is immeasurable.

As we honor the lives of:

🕊️ Leonardo Romero Sr.

🕊️ Natalia Venzor

🕊️ Baby Carlos Romero

we ask the community to hold Leonardo Jr. in your hearts. He carries not only the grief of this profound loss, but also the weight of moving forward in their memory.

This is a time for compassion, unity, and remembrance. May the Romero-Venzor family rest together in eternal peace—and may their story inspire us to embrace and protect our loved ones every chance we get.

Rest in Peace, Leonardo, Natalia, and Carlos.

Your love endures, even in the flood’s wake.

With the heaviest of hearts, we share the tragic and untimely loss of one of our own. Officer Larry Blacksmith, a cherished member of Lakeviewpdtx department and a devoted servant to the community, has passed away following a devastating vehicle accident. His death has left an indescribable void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Officer Blacksmith was far more than his badge. He was a dedicated public servant, a steadfast guardian of peace, and a man of remarkable character, unwavering loyalty, and deep compassion. Whether he was responding to a call, patrolling a quiet neighborhood, or simply offering a warm smile at a community event, Larry carried himself with humility and kindness. He treated everyone he met with dignity and respect, no matter the circumstance.

To his colleagues, Officer Blacksmith was family. A mentor to younger officers, a loyal teammate, and a friend who could always be counted on, he brought strength and heart to our department. His quiet courage and deep sense of duty reminded us daily why we wear the uniform.

To the communities of El Lago and Taylor Lake Village, Officer Blacksmith was a symbol of safety and trust. His presence brought comfort to those he served, and his absence now brings deep sorrow.

As we process this heartbreaking loss, we ask the community to keep Larry’s family—his loved ones who are suffering an unimaginable pain—in your thoughts and prayers. Please allow them the time and privacy they need to grieve and begin the long journey of healing.

We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of support, kindness, and solidarity from neighbors, local leaders, and residents. Your compassion reminds us that while we may be hurting, we are not alone.

Officer Larry Blacksmith’s legacy will forever be etched into the heart of our department. His service, his sacrifice, and the warmth he brought to our lives will never be forgotten.

Rest easy, Officer Blacksmith. We’ve got the watch from here.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – A tragic accident early Tuesday morning has claimed the life of a 50-year-old man, after he became trapped in his vehicle following a fiery crash on the northbound lanes of Loop 1604 near Marbach Road.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:35 a.m., when, according to the San Antonio Police Department, a Toyota 4Runner was traveling northbound on 1604. Witnesses say the 4Runner was passed by another vehicle, prompting the driver to attempt to re-pass. During this maneuver, the 4Runner collided with the other vehicle, sending both into the median.

Tragically, the 4Runner then struck a concrete pillar and immediately caught fire. Emergency crews responded quickly and attempted to extract the driver, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the crash to determine exact circumstances and whether speed or other factors played a role in the collision.

This devastating incident serves as a somber reminder of how quickly lives can be lost on the road. The San Antonio community now mourns the sudden loss of a life and sends condolences to the loved ones impacted by this tragedy.

Anyone with further information regarding the crash is urged to contact San Antonio police as the investigation remains ongoing.

The community of Rifle, Colorado is grieving the unimaginable loss of Melinda Sue Schoon, whose life was tragically and senselessly taken on June 12, 2025 in an act of domestic violence that has left family, friends, and neighbors in deep sorrow. Melinda, a beloved mother, friend, and neighbor, was killed by her husband—who then took his own life—leaving behind a trail of pain, unanswered questions, and broken hearts.

Melinda was known for her gentle heart, unwavering love, and selfless nature. She brought warmth into every room, offered kindness to all, and never hesitated to help those in need. Her tragic and violent death is not only a personal loss to her family but a deep wound for the entire Rifle community, which is struggling to make sense of such an unthinkable act.

As her family tries to cope with this immense grief, they are also faced with the harsh financial burden of laying her to rest. Melinda’s final wish was to be cremated, and her loved ones want to honor that wish with dignity and love.

A GoFundMe page has been established to help cover the funeral expenses, cremation, transportation, and all the necessary arrangements to give Melinda the respectful farewell she deserves. Her daughter shared this heartfelt plea:

“My mother was a kind, loving, and selfless person who touched the lives of everyone she met. We want to honor her memory with a service that truly reflects the incredible person she was. No amount is too small. If you can’t donate, simply sharing this page would mean the world to us.”

This devastating loss is a tragic reminder of the silent crisis of domestic violence that continues to claim lives. In remembering Melinda, we also raise our voices in her honor—calling for support, awareness, and change.

To those who can help:

👉 Donate to Melinda’s Funeral Expenses

Please consider contributing or sharing this fundraiser. Every donation, every share, every kind word helps bring comfort to a grieving family and honors the memory of a beautiful soul whose light was extinguished far too soon.

Rest in peace, Melinda Sue Schoon.

Your love, your spirit, and your kindness will never be forgotten.

BAYVILLE, NEW JERSEY — The community of Bayville is grappling with shock and heartbreak following the devastating loss of 22-year-old Amanda Decker, whose life was tragically taken in a senseless act of violence. Known for her warmth, vibrant spirit, and kind heart, Amanda’s passing has left family, friends, and neighbors reeling with grief.

The shooting occurred in what was supposed to be the safety of her own home, turning a place of comfort into a crime scene. Authorities have confirmed that Amanda’s boyfriend, Aiden Fowles, has been arrested and charged in connection with her death. His arrest has intensified the sorrow and outrage, as many who knew the couple are now struggling to make sense of the unimaginable.

Amanda was more than a victim—she was a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a bright young woman whose life held so much promise. Those who knew her speak of her compassion, her laughter, and her dreams for the future. Her tragic death is not just a personal loss—it is a communal one.

As Bayville mourns, tributes to Amanda are pouring in. Vigils are being planned, and community members are coming together in grief, in memory, and in support of her loved ones. Many are also speaking out about the importance of addressing relationship violence and mental health with compassion and urgency.

“She didn’t deserve this. Amanda was full of life and light. This has shaken all of us,” one friend shared.

Local law enforcement is continuing their investigation, and further details are expected in the coming days. For now, the town is united in sorrow and remembrance.

Rest in peace, Amanda Decker.

You are loved. You are missed. Your story will not be forgotten.