Crime
Father 19-year-old Gabriel Huerta killed his 9-month-old boy, before shooting himself in Pima County
On November 5, 2024, at around 5:00 p.m., deputies from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department’s Foothills District responded to a distressing call about suicidal threats in the 5500 block of North Shannon Road.
The caller reported that 19-year-old Gabriel Huerta had made alarming statements about self-harm to family members before leaving his home with his 9-month-old son in a red Ford Fusion, with his intended direction unknown.
Deputies were informed during their search that Huerta may be armed and had reportedly expressed intentions of harming both himself and his child.
Soon after, Huerta’s vehicle was located near Himmel Park, close to North Tucson Boulevard and East Hawthorn Street.
Deputies took strategic positions around the area, eventually locating Huerta. Despite repeated commands, Huerta fled on foot into a nearby alley.
Shortly after, deputies heard multiple gunshots from the alley’s direction.
They immediately located Huerta, who had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as well as his infant son, who had also been shot multiple times.
Deputies performed emergency life-saving measures on both Huerta and his son using Individual First Aid Kits until paramedics arrived and assumed care.
Both were transported to a local hospital, where, tragically, the infant later succumbed to his injuries. Huerta remains unresponsive and in critical condition.
The investigation is being led by detectives from the Pima County Sheriff’s Homicide Unit, with support from the Robbery and Assault Team, Domestic Violence Unit, and Crimes Against Children Unit.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also assisted with a K9 unit to search for additional evidence, such as projectiles and casings. The case remains active, and further updates will be provided as the investigation develops.
Crime
4 Killed in Eden Crash at Carroll and Church Streets, Driver and Victims Identified
Michael Vernon, driver of dump truck involved charged.
A tragic crash in Eden, North Carolina, has left four people dead and several others injured following a multi-vehicle incident involving a dump truck and a utility work crew.
The Eden Police Department confirmed the incident occurred Thursday afternoon at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Church Street, Carroll Street, and Park Road.
According to a news release from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), 66-year-old Michael Ray Vernon of Eden was operating a 2016 Hino dump truck owned by the City of Eden.
While traveling northbound on Carroll Street, Vernon failed to stop at a posted stop sign at the intersection with Church Street.
The dump truck proceeded through the intersection, striking six pedestrians—utility workers contracted through Carolina Power and Signalization—who were performing powerline work in the area.
The dump truck continued traveling north after striking the pedestrians, colliding with an occupied bucket truck before veering off the road and crashing into a ditch.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies arrived at the scene within minutes. Four of the six pedestrians were pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Douglas Garland Sides, 72, of Summerfield
- Madison Carter, 42, of Sandy Ridge
- William Evans, 35, of Randleman
- Matthew Lockwood, 30, of Winston-Salem
The two surviving pedestrians sustained life-threatening injuries and were airlifted to medical facilities.
They have been identified as:
- Hunter Carter, 24, of Reidsville – transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in critical condition
- Kevin Alexander, 34, of Eden – airlifted in stable condition
Cody Rich, 31, of Reidsville, who was inside the bucket truck at the time of the crash, was transported by ground to UNC Health Rockingham with non-life-threatening injuries.
Michael Vernon sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
He has been charged with a stop sign violation and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
Investigators confirmed that impairment is not believed to have played a role in the crash.
Further charges may be considered as the investigation progresses.
The intersection remained closed for several hours as law enforcement officers and emergency crews conducted their investigation.
The area was reopened to traffic at approximately 10:30 p.m.
In a statement, Duke Energy, which works in coordination with Carolina Power and Signalization, expressed condolences:
“We are saddened about the tragic event that happened today, and our hearts go out to the families and teammates of those involved. The safety of our employees, contractors, and customers is the highest priority at Duke Energy. We are working closely with law enforcement officials.”
The NCSHP continues to lead the investigation, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact local authorities.