Crime
23-year-old Cetho Alvarez and his 44-year-old father killed after shooting at gas station in Sioux Falls
A double homicide occurred Thursday night at a gas station in western Sioux Falls, resulting in the deaths of a 23-year-old Cetho Alvarez and a 44-year-old man.
According to Sioux Falls Police Department spokesman Sam Clemens, the incident stemmed from a mistaken identity.
The 23-year-old man had been assaulted earlier in the evening and believed the individuals responsible were a group of motorcyclists.
The 23-year-old man, accompanied by the 44-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy, followed a group of motorcyclists to the gas station located at 41st Street and Sertoma Avenue. Armed with bats, the three men confronted the motorcyclists.
A physical altercation ensued, during which the 23-year-old man swung a bat at a 26-year-old individual. In response, the 26-year-old pulled out a gun and shot both the 23-year-old and the 44-year-old man who was also swinging a bat.
A 42-year-old woman, who was part of the group that confronted the motorcyclists, pointed a gun at the 26-year-old man. He shot her as well, but she survived and was treated at a hospital.
The 26-year-old man who shot the three individuals has not been arrested and is cooperating with police.
He claims to have acted in self-defense while trying to avoid being hit with a bat.
Traffic camera footage confirmed that the motorcyclists the 23-year-old man believed were responsible for the earlier assault were actually at a different location.
At least two guns were involved in the shooting incident. Police believe these were the only firearms used.
The 42-year-old woman who was shot has been identified as Darinda Janette Martinez.
An arrest warrant has been issued for her on charges of aggravated assault.
This incident is considered unusual, and police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the earlier assault on the 23-year-old man.
Crime
Jesse James West, 36, Dies After Being Shot by Kansas City, Kansas, Police Officer During Disturbance Response
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A family’s request for help ended in tragedy Friday evening, November 6, 2026, when 36-year-old Jesse James West died after being shot by a police officer responding to a reported disturbance at a residence in Kansas City, Kansas.
The incident occurred in the 6500 block of Kansas Avenue, where officers were dispatched following a call from a woman who reported that a relative was behaving erratically inside a vehicle parked in the driveway. What began as a request for assistance became a fatal encounter that has left West’s loved ones grieving and raised difficult questions as investigators work to establish exactly what happened.
According to information released by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), officers were dispatched at approximately 7:35 p.m. Two Kansas City, Kansas, police officers arrived at the residence around 7:50 p.m. and approached an SUV parked in the driveway.
Inside the vehicle, officers encountered West. One officer reportedly observed that he had a firearm.
The officers initially moved away from the SUV and instructed West to exit the vehicle with his hands raised. They later approached again and repeated their commands.
At approximately 7:56 p.m., as officers approached the SUV, one officer fired a single round, striking West. According to the KBI’s preliminary account, West was standing just outside the vehicle’s door when he was shot.
Officers immediately began providing life-saving medical assistance while waiting for emergency medical personnel to arrive.
West was transported to The University of Kansas Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
No officers were reported injured during the incident. Investigators also said they located what they believe were components of a rifle at the scene.
The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department requested assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at approximately 8:25 p.m. The KBI is conducting an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
Once the investigation is complete, the findings are expected to be submitted to the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office for review.
Authorities have not released further conclusions about the circumstances leading to the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and the findings will help determine the full sequence of events.
Jesse James West was 36 years old. His death has left family members and loved ones facing a painful loss following an incident that began with a call for assistance.
The circumstances surrounding the encounter remain under investigation, and many questions may not be answered until investigators complete their review.
As his family mourns, thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved West. Losing someone unexpectedly is devastating, and the pain can be especially difficult when the circumstances remain unclear.
Our deepest condolences go out to Jesse James West’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May they find strength, support, and comfort as they grieve.
May Jesse James West rest in peace.