Crime
Murder-Suicide: Teens killed in Tonto Basin shooting after fight identified
Preliminary findings suggest that alcohol was a factor in the incident.
A second teenager has died following a tragic shooting in a remote area near Tonto Basin, Northern Arizona, over the weekend.
The victims have been identified as 15-year-old Easton Proffitt, a sophomore at Perry High School in Gilbert, and 15-year-old Colten Boyle, who resided near Payson.
The Gila County Sheriff’s Office reported that a group of seven individuals, aged 15 to 20, was gathered at a home approximately 12 miles east of Tonto Basin on Saturday night. Authorities stated that all but one member of the group had been drinking.
At around 11 p.m., an altercation reportedly escalated, during which a 15-year-old shot another 15-year-old before turning the gun on himself. Both boys suffered gunshot wounds to the head.
One teen was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the other was airlifted to a trauma center in Phoenix. Despite medical efforts, the second teen succumbed to his injuries on Sunday afternoon, according to the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner.
The Gila County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Unit is actively working to determine the events leading up to the shooting. At this time, it remains unclear which boy was the shooter and which was the victim.
Authorities revealed that one individual in the group was from the Phoenix metropolitan area, while the rest were residents of the Payson and Tonto Basin region.
The shooting occurred in a secluded area approximately an hour and a half northeast of Phoenix. The tragedy has left the community grappling with grief as questions linger about what transpired.
Statement sent to Perry High School families on Monday:
Dear Perry Pumas,
The administration, faculty and staff of Perry High School regret to inform you of the death of one of our 10th grade students, Easton Proffitt. As a community, we are grieving Easton’s death. Traumatic events can be difficult and, like adults, youth express emotions by grieving. Yet, youth may not demonstrate grief in the same manner as adults. The following information is provided for parents, guardians, and others who may find themselves in a position of guiding a youth through the grieving process. In addition, if your student needs extra assistance, the district’s crisis response team, school counselors and social workers are available to provide services.
Please know that our district crisis response team, school counselors and social workers are available now and throughout the year to help those who need assistance. Please contact us at (480) 224-2800 to be connected with a member of the counseling team.
Our thoughts go out to the Proffitt family during this difficult time of loss and grief, thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Heather Patterson
Principal
Perry High School
Further information has not been released as the investigation continues.
Crime
Armed Man with Reported Mental Health Concerns Arrested inside U.S. Capitol
Police officer suspended after failing to stop an armed man entering the U.S. Capitol.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, January 21, the United States Capitol Police (USCP) responded to a security alert regarding a man reportedly experiencing mental health issues and suicidal thoughts, who was believed to be armed and in the vicinity of the Capitol.
At approximately 1:15 p.m., USCP officers located the suspect’s vehicle on First Street near East Capitol Street, NE.
A subsequent search of the area determined that the individual had recently entered the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) and participated in a Capitol tour.
At around 2:15 p.m., officers observed the man exiting the Library of Congress following the tour and walking toward his vehicle.
He was intercepted, searched, and taken into custody. A concealed 9mm handgun was discovered in his waistband during the search.
The suspect, identified as 27-year-old James A. Faber of Massachusetts, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Unlawful Activities
- Carrying a Pistol Without a License
- Possession of an Unregistered Firearm
- Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
- Resisting Arrest
The case is currently under review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Following a review of security footage, it was determined that Faber entered the Capitol Visitor Center through the south checkpoint. Although the magnetometer alarm was triggered, an officer conducted a secondary hand search and subsequently allowed him entry into the building.
As a result of this lapse, the officer involved has been placed on administrative suspension pending an internal investigation by the USCP’s Office of Professional Responsibility to assess their performance in handling the security screening.
Authorities have stated that, at this time, there is no indication that Faber intended to harm members of Congress or any individuals within the Capitol complex.
In response to the incident, the USCP has ordered a comprehensive review of security protocols and mandated refresher training for all personnel involved in visitor screening to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“The United States Capitol Police demands the highest standards in security screening procedures to ensure the safety of all individuals within the Capitol complex. A thorough review is already underway to reinforce our protocols and training,” the agency stated.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported in connection with this incident.