Crime
19-Year-Old Jarell Hodges Charged with Felony Murder Following Death of 18-Year-Old Keandre Simmons in Tuscaloosa Shooting
A 19-year-old man has been formally charged with felony murder following a deadly shooting in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday afternoon that left one person dead and two others injured.
The suspect, identified as Jarell Hodges, is accused in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Keandre Simmons, according to Capt. Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit (VCU).
The shooting took place around 4 p.m. on Beech Street in Tuscaloosa, where three individuals were shot.
Tragically, Simmons succumbed to his injuries, while the other two victims continue to receive medical treatment.
Investigators from the VCU have located and are interviewing multiple witnesses, as well as others present at the scene during the incident.
Kennedy confirmed that all individuals believed to be involved in the shooting are currently in custody, and additional charges are pending as the investigation progresses.
The case remains active, and authorities will provide further details once the investigation is complete.
Anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information that could aid in the case is urged to contact the Violent Crimes Unit at 205-464-8690.
Crime
One Shot, Another Stabbed During Morning Funeral at Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church in Hartford
HARTFORD, Conn. — A violent incident unfolded Friday morning during a funeral service at Gospel Lighthouse Apostolic Church, located at 2003 Main Street, leaving multiple individuals injured, according to Hartford Police Lt. Aaron Boisvert.
Police received several 911 calls reporting shots fired inside the church around 10:27 a.m.
When officers arrived, they found evidence of a disturbance involving both a shooting and a stabbing, Channel2 NOW has learned.
Initial reports indicate that a female victim who had been shot left the scene before police arrived and went to Saint Francis Hospital for treatment.
Her injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
Additionally, one or two more individuals, reportedly suffering from minor facial injuries, also self-transported to Saint Francis Hospital.
Later in the morning, around 10:45 a.m., a male victim arrived at the hospital with a stab wound to the leg, which authorities confirmed was related to the same church incident.
According to Lt. Boisvert, four shell casings were recovered inside the church, and one casing was located just outside.
Police believe the violence occurred during a funeral service in progress at the time, but the motive and details surrounding the altercation remain under investigation.
Officers and detectives have since secured the scene and are working to interview witnesses and review surveillance footage.
Authorities have not yet confirmed any arrests or released information on potential suspects.
The Hartford Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward by calling their Major Crimes Division at (860) 757-4000 or submitting anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.