Crime
1 killed in 3 overnight shootings in Utica
In the early morning hours of November 8, 2024, around 12:30 a.m., Utica Police and Fire units were dispatched to a report of a shooting victim at a business on 822 South St.
Upon arrival, responders found a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to his abdomen.
Investigators quickly determined that an unknown assailant wearing a mask had entered the establishment, shot the victim, and fled the scene.
The victim was rushed by Utica Fire Department (UFD) personnel to Wynn Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical but stable condition.
Shortly after the initial shooting, as officers were on-site investigating, they received a ShotSpotter alert around 1:00 a.m. indicating multiple gunshots on Faxton St.
As officers responded, 911 calls also came in reporting multiple victims.
At the scene, officers found two victims: a male with gunshot wounds to his back and a female with injuries to her chest.
Utica Police and Fire units quickly administered first aid and transported both victims to Wynn Hospital.
Tragically, despite every effort by emergency responders and hospital staff, the 19-year-old female, identified as Key Amonie, succumbed to her injuries.
The male victim remains hospitalized in stable condition.
Utica Police and Fire extend their deepest condolences to the family of the young woman and hope for the male victim’s recovery.
While still processing the scene on Faxton St, officers received another ShotSpotter alert at approximately 3:30 a.m., this time from the 1500 block of Howard Ave, indicating multiple gunshots.
Upon arrival, officers discovered that several rounds had been fired into a residence while occupants were asleep, including several children.
Fortunately, none of the residents were injured.
The Utica Police Departmentโs Criminal Investigations Division and Major Crimes Unit are now conducting thorough investigations into all three incidents, exploring any possible connections between them.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. If you have any details regarding these incidents, please contact the Utica Police Department at (315) 223-3510. You may also provide information anonymously through Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers at www.mohawkvalleycrimestoppers.com, by calling 1-866-730-8477 (TIPS), or by using the P3 Tips mobile app.
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.