Crime
First victim of Apalachee High School shooting identified as David Phenix
He was immediately transported to the hospital for emergency surgery.
A special education math teacher, David Phenix, has been identified as the first victim of the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School.
Phenix survived the attack but sustained gunshot wounds to the hip and foot, resulting in a shattered hip bone. He was immediately transported to the hospital for emergency surgery.
The shooting incident left at least four people dead and 9 injured.
Apalachee High School, the site of today’s tragic mass shooting in Georgia, had received a phone threat earlier in the morning.
Multiple law enforcement officials confirmed to CNN that the school received a call warning of shootings at five schools, with Apalachee being the first target.
The identity of the caller remains unknown. Authorities are currently investigating the origin of the threat.
Phenix’s daughter, Katie, shared that her father arrived at the hospital alert and awake and underwent successful surgery. She expressed gratitude for his survival and requested prayers for their family and the Apalachee High School community.
Phenix, a dedicated teacher of 22 years, had planned to retire in 2023. However, he accepted a position as the golf coach at Apalachee High School just three days before the tragic shooting occurred.
This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.