Crime
Victims killed in shooting at Budiman’s Smokeshop in Rock Hill identified, suspect Zachary Elias arrested
Authorities have identified one of the deceased as Emad Thabet, while the identity of the second victim remains undisclosed.
A tragic shooting at Budiman’s Smokeshop & Art Gallery on Cherry Road in Rock Hill claimed the lives of two individuals and left a third seriously injured, according to the Rock Hill Police Department.
The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Zachary East Elias of Columbia, has been apprehended and faces multiple charges, including two counts of murder.
Authorities responded to reports of gunfire at the smoke shop around 9:40 p.m. on Wednesday.
En route, officers received information about the suspect: a white male fleeing the scene in a silver Dodge.
Upon arriving, they witnessed the suspect driving north on Cherry Road. Moments later, the suspect crashed his vehicle near the Catawba River bridge.
As the man exited his truck, officers confronted him. According to police, one officer discharged their firearm but missed.
The suspect then charged toward the officers, prompting them to deploy a stun gun. After a physical altercation, officers subdued Elias and took him into custody.
Inside the smoke shop, police discovered three victims, all suffering from gunshot wounds.
Tragically, two individuals—a male and a female—were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have identified the deceased victims as Emad Thabet Saadalla and employee Celci Johnson.
The third victim, a woman, was transported to a local hospital with severe injuries, including gunshot wounds, broken bones, and a shattered hand.
The injured woman is the mother of six children, ranging in age from 2 months to 15 years old. Her husband, the sole provider for their family, was among those killed in the attack.
Authorities clarified that the victims were not employees of the smoke shop but customers. A fourth individual managed to flee the scene uninjured.
Elias has been charged with two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and possession of a weapon during a crime of violence. He is currently being held at the Rock Hill Jail.
The highway near the scene was closed during the investigation and reopened around 3 a.m. Thursday.
The incident has left a devastating impact on the community, particularly the family of the injured mother and deceased father. Neighbors described the couple as kind and hardworking, having recently relocated to Rock Hill from Florida with their children.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover the motive behind this senseless act of violence.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Rock Hill Police Department.
Houston, TX – March 13, 2025 – A Houston man has been charged with murder following the death of his wife inside their home, while the victim’s family is seeking help in locating her missing dogs.
The Houston Police Department (HPD) responded to a residence on Emma Forest Street early March 12, 2025, after receiving reports of a disturbance.
Upon arrival, officers encountered 34-year-old Chance Zane Chavez, who was reportedly covered in blood.
Officers secured Chavez and proceeded to search the home, where they discovered the lifeless body of his wife, 32-year-old Kristen Chavez, inside a bedroom.
She had suffered blunt force trauma and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Following an initial investigation, HPD detectives arrested Chance Zane Chavez and formally charged him with murder.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive, and the case remains under investigation.
In addition to seeking justice for Kristen, her family is searching for her missing dogs, which were not found at the residence.
Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is urged to contact law enforcement.
The Houston Police Department urges anyone with additional details related to the case to come forward.