Crime
Orlando Garza killed after shooting at Southland Casino in West Memphis, suspect Travis Boyd charged
The West Memphis Police Department has identified the victim of Friday morning’s fatal shooting at Southland Casino in West Memphis, Arkansas, as Orlando Garza.
The suspect has been named as Travis Boyd, though the specific charges against him have not yet been disclosed.
The shooting occurred just before 4 a.m. in the casino’s parking lot, according to Southland Casino’s Director of Communications.
When West Memphis Police responded to the scene, they confirmed that Garza had succumbed to his injuries.
Police have clarified that this was an isolated incident and emphasized that the casino has robust security measures in place, including advanced weapons detection systems at each entrance to prevent firearms and other weapons from entering the building.
Glen White, Director of Communications for Southland Casino, issued a statement to reassure the public:
“Our team and guests are safe following the recent, very isolated incident early Friday morning at our casino. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected.
We take the safety and security of our guests and team members as our top priority.
“We’re proud that our security protocols — including advanced weapons detection systems, extensive surveillance, and thorough guest identification measures — ensured that no weapons entered our premises. These systems played a critical role in assisting law enforcement by providing necessary information for a swift and thorough investigation.”
As authorities continue their investigation, West Memphis Police are working closely with the casino to further review the details of the incident.
The Chicago Police Department has charged a man in connection with the fatal stabbing of a woman at a CTA Green Line station on Thursday afternoon.
Willi Holmes, 54, faces one felony count of first-degree murder following the death of 25-year-old Emily Carlson.
According to authorities, the incident occurred around 1:00 p.m. at the Central Avenue Green Line station.
Preliminary investigations reveal that Carlson was with another individual when a verbal altercation broke out involving Holmes.
The argument escalated into a physical confrontation, during which Holmes allegedly produced a knife and stabbed Carlson in the back.
Holmes then fled the scene.
Emergency medical personnel responded, and Carlson was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.
Chicago police officers quickly located and arrested Holmes shortly after the attack.
A weapon believed to have been used in the stabbing was recovered at the time of his arrest.
Sources indicated that the altercation began on the station platform and continued onto the street.
Holmes is currently in custody and is scheduled to appear at a detention hearing on Saturday.
The investigation remains ongoing.