Crime
22-year-old Ricky Shannon shot dead by police after he allegedly shot and killed family members in Lancaster County
When officers approached the car after the shootout to provide medical aid, they discovered that both Shannon and the 19-year-old woman had been fatally wounded by gunfire.
In a tragic series of events early Friday morning, six people were shot, and three are dead following a pair of connected crime scenes, a high-speed chase, and a police-involved shooting that spanned across Dauphin and Lancaster Counties in Pennsylvania, according to Pennsylvania State Police (PSP).
The incident began around 4 a.m. when 22-year-old Ricky Shannon reportedly entered the Sassafras Terrace apartment complex in Lancaster County and opened fire on four individuals, fatally wounding one.
Shannon, originally from Altoona, Pennsylvania, fled the scene in a car with a 19-year-old woman.
Police indicated that the individuals targeted in the apartment were family members of the young woman.
Both Shannon and the woman had filed Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders against one another, with Shannon’s PFA filed first, followed by the woman’s only days later.
PSP were called to the scene promptly, where they identified Shannon as the suspect, and a pursuit ensued. PSP Lancaster joined the pursuit, which stretched over 40 miles into Dauphin County.
During the chase, Shannon reportedly collided with several vehicles and, at times, drove on the wrong side of the road at high speeds, posing a significant threat to the public.
The chase continued for approximately 40 minutes until PSP officers executed a pit maneuver on Route 147, effectively halting Shannon’s vehicle.
According to PSP Lt. Adam Reed, after being stopped, Shannon fired multiple rounds at the troopers, striking several police vehicles and nearly hitting some of the officers.
In response, PSP troopers returned fire. When officers approached the car after the shootout to provide medical aid, they discovered that both Shannon and the 19-year-old woman had been fatally wounded by gunfire.
Lt. Reed noted that Shannon’s truck had tinted windows, complicating officers’ efforts to see inside the vehicle during the confrontation.
Despite immediate efforts to administer aid, both Shannon and the young woman succumbed to their injuries.
At a press conference held at 1 p.m., PSP Public Information Officer Lt. Reed and Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo provided additional details on the unfolding investigation, noting that it remains in its preliminary stages.
Investigators are currently reviewing bodycam and dashcam footage to piece together the exact sequence of events.
DA Chardo also confirmed that police are working to identify and locate the family members of the young woman who were injured in the initial shooting, although their identities have not yet been publicly released.
The nature of Shannon’s relationship with the young woman, as well as the reasons behind their mutual PFAs, remains unclear, and further investigation is ongoing.
PSP stated that Route 147 between Mountain Road and Exit 22 (US 22 West/US 322 West) would remain closed as law enforcement processes the aftermath of the incident.
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.