Crime
Downtown Orlando shooting suspect identified as 17-year-old Jaylen Dwayne Edgar
At least two people are dead and six others have been injured in a Halloween night.
A tragic shooting incident in Orlando, Florida, early Tuesday morning has left two people dead and six others injured.
The shooting occurred at two separate locations in the downtown area.
The first shooting took place near the intersection of Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue, followed by a second shooting on Orange Avenue, south of Washington Street.
A 17-year-old suspect, identified as Jaylen Dwayne Edgar, has been arrested in connection with the shootings.
Edgar was previously arrested in 2023 on charges of grand theft.
The motives behind the shootings remain unclear, and authorities are investigating whether the attacks were random or targeted.
The victims, ranging in age from 18 to 39, were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
ST. LOUIS, MO — The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office has filed formal charges against 46-year-old Bessie Thomas in connection with the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Rita Williams, which occurred Thursday afternoon at a QuikTrip gas station located in the 900 block of South Vandeventer Avenue.
Thomas faces multiple charges, including First-Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.
Authorities confirmed that Thomas and Williams were known to each other, and the tragic incident stemmed from a personal dispute that escalated into violence.
Officers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department responded to reports of gunfire around 5:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, they discovered Williams suffering from critical gunshot wounds. Despite the life-saving efforts of first responders, Williams was pronounced dead at the scene.
Williams, a mother of four, has been remembered by family and friends as a loving and devoted parent whose untimely death has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew her.
Thomas was apprehended shortly after the incident and is currently in custody as the investigation continues.
Detectives are working diligently to gather additional evidence and interview witnesses to fully understand the circumstances that led to the shooting.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department urges anyone with information related to this case to come forward.
Tips can be submitted directly to the department or anonymously through CrimeStoppers. Community cooperation is vital in ensuring justice for the Williams family and holding those responsible accountable.