Crime
33-year-old Chianti Means Jumps to Her Death at Niagara Falls Along With Her 9-Year-Old and 5-Month Baby
A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded at Niagara Falls State Park on October 28th, 2024, when a 33-year-old woman, Chianti Means, and her two young children, 9-year-old Roman Rossman and 5-month-old Mecca Means, fell to their deaths.
The family bypassed safety barriers and entered a restricted area on Goat Island.
Despite extensive security measures in place at the park, the family managed to access the dangerous area.
New York State Park Police are investigating the incident and have determined that the deaths were intentional.
However, the specific motivations behind the tragic act remain unclear.
Under the pseudonym Chianti Means, Means expressed feelings of loneliness, frustration, and a desire for love and family. Her posts revealed a troubled mind, with references to past relationships and a longing for connection.
The exact circumstances leading to the tragic incident are still under investigation. However, the social media posts offer a glimpse into the emotional turmoil that may have contributed to her decision.
This is Chianti’s husband, Jeff Wit, and according to sources close to the family, he was reportedly told to do something extreme, like jumping from Niagara Falls.
The incident has raised serious concerns about safety protocols at the park and the need for increased vigilance to prevent future tragedies.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA โ A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple Universityโs campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple Universityโs Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
โThe loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victimโs family and loved ones.โ
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victimโs last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individualโs involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.