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42-year-old William Mathis killed in Aiken shooting

An autopsy for Mathis is scheduled for next week in Newberry.

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Aiken, South Carolina – A 42-year-old Aiken man, William Mathis, was fatally shot in a late-night incident on Wednesday.

The Aiken County Coroner’s Office reported that Mathis was discovered with a gunshot wound by an officer responding to reports of gunfire on Columbia Avenue Northeast, near Chesterfield Street.

Despite being transported to Aiken Regional Medical Centers by emergency responders, Mathis succumbed to his injuries at 11:13 PM.

The shooting occurred shortly after 11:40 PM, prompting authorities to investigate the scene.

An autopsy for Mathis is scheduled for next week in Newberry.

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The Aiken County Coroner’s Office and the Aiken Department of Public Safety are actively working together to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

No arrests have been made, and further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.


Crime

Yesenia Mendez charged with arson in connection with fire that killed Houston Firefighter Marcelo Garcia

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Yesenia Mendez, 38, has been charged with first-degree arson in connection with a fire that tragically claimed the life of Houston Fire Department Firefighter Marcelo “Ox” Garcia III on November 6, 2024.

Following the issuance of an arrest warrant, Mendez was apprehended by Houston Police Department officers with the support of Precinct 6 officers earlier today.

Authorities report that Mendez is believed to have deliberately ignited the fire at 6536 Supply Row, where Firefighter Garcia was killed in the line of duty after a wall collapsed during the intense 3-alarm blaze.

Over 100 firefighters responded to the incident, which HFD Arson Bureau investigators have since determined was intentionally set.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office are actively contributing to this ongoing investigation.

In a statement, Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz expressed appreciation for the collaboration of local and federal agencies, including HFD Arson, Houston Police Department, and METRO Police, which has been crucial in bringing forth the charges.

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“This charge is a critical first step in a long journey of healing for the firefighters of Houston,” Chief Muñoz remarked, underscoring the profound impact of Garcia’s death on the fire department and the community. Funeral arrangements for Firefighter Marcelo Garcia are forthcoming as the Houston Fire Department and Garcia’s family, friends, and colleagues mourn his loss.

The community remains hopeful that justice will be served for Garcia and his family during this challenging time.


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