Crime
Schenectady High School 9th grader 15-year-old Dubar Knowles killed in shooting
UPDATE: Schenectady Police have identified the 15-year-old homicide victim from last night’s shooting on Congress Street as Dubar T. Knowles, of Schenectady.
The 13-year-old female victim is also from Schenectady and is currently recovering from surgery at a local hospital for a gunshot wound.
She is in stable condition.
Medina Knowles, the sister of the victim in this case, was tragically murdered by her then-20-year-old boyfriend, Raekwon Stover, in September 2016. Stover, who was dating the 17-year-old Medina, coerced her into prostitution, forcing her to engage in sexual acts for money.
When Medina refused to continue this harmful and exploitative behavior, prosecutors allege that Stover became enraged. In a violent act committed in front of Medina’s young son and siblings, Stover fatally shot her in the head.
This horrific incident highlights the devastating consequences of human trafficking and the importance of raising awareness about this serious issue.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
On the evening of October 12, 2024, at approximately 11:20pm, Schenectady police officers responded to the 1100 block of Congress Street for multiple reports of shots fired.
Upon arrival, officers observed a large crowd running from the area and located a 15-year-old male in the backyard of 1122 Congress Street, suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso.
While investigating, officers were made aware of an additional victim from the incident several blocks away, on Chrisler Avenue.
There they located a 13-year-old female suffering from a gunshot wound to her head/neck area.
Both victims were assisted by the Schenectady Fire Department and brought to area hospitals.
The 15-year-old male victim has died at the hospital from his injuries and the 13-year-old female victim is currently in stable condition and receiving treatment.
Through the preliminary investigation, it appears the victims and multiple other juveniles were attending a party at 1122 Congress Street when the suspect, or suspects, began shooting.
At this time, Schenectady police detectives and investigators from the New York State Police are actively investigating the incident.
There is currently no one in custody. Detectives are asking for
the public’s assistance in this investigation and those with information are asked to call our Tips Line at: 518-788-6566.
Crime
Stephen McKenzie Identified as Suspect in Pembroke Park Shooting That Left Mother and Three Children Dead
PEMBROKE PARK, FL – Authorities have identified the suspect in a horrific mass shooting at a Pembroke Park apartment complex as 34-year-old Stephen McKenzie, the father of two of the youngest victims.
The shooting, which occurred on Wednesday evening, claimed the lives of a mother and three of her children.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., Pembroke Park Police and Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) deputies responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex located in the 3100 block of Hallandale Beach Boulevard.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a woman and three children fatally shot inside the residence.
The victims were identified as:
- Julie Cruz, 32 (mother)
- Xion Solomon, 11
- Nova McKenzie, 2
- Emery McKenzie, 2
Both Nova and Emery were McKenzie’s biological children, authorities confirmed.
Additionally, first responders found 8-year-old Phiinyx Solomon suffering from gunshot wounds.
She was immediately transported to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, where she remains in serious condition.
McKenzie was also located at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound following an unsuccessful suicide attempt, according to investigators.
He was transported to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital in critical condition and is currently in police custody.
During a press briefing, BSO spokesperson Claudinne Caro confirmed that McKenzie has been identified as the primary suspect in the shooting.
“Upon arrival, officers found a woman and three children inside the apartment, all of whom were pronounced deceased from gunshot wounds. Another child and an adult male were also found injured. That male has now been identified as the suspect,” Caro stated.
The children’s grandmother arrived at the scene shortly after authorities notified her of the tragedy, collapsing into tears as she grieved the loss of her daughter and grandchildren.
“That’s my daughter! That’s my daughter!” she wailed in agony, as bystanders and neighbors attempted to console her.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the motive behind the attack, but neighbors and community members are left shocked and devastated by the brutal act of domestic violence.
“I just don’t understand what could lead someone to do something so terrible,” said one neighbor.
McKenzie remains hospitalized under police watch as the BSO Homicide Unit continues its investigation.
Officials urge anyone with additional information to contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.