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.
Crime
33-year-old Shawn Egner killed in Hamilton shooting
The other individual involved remained at the scene and is currently cooperating with detectives.
HAMILTON, OH — The Hamilton Police Department is actively investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Tuesday morning, leaving 33-year-old Shawn Egner dead.
Police responded to reports of shots fired around 5:45 a.m. in the 1100 block of Clovernook Drive, located off Southern Hills Lane near Hamilton Cleves Pike Road (Ohio 128).
Upon arrival, officers discovered Egner suffering from gunshot wounds.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to initial emergency communications, Egner was allegedly shot during an altercation involving two adults.
The other individual involved remained at the scene and is currently cooperating with detectives.
Police initially reported that the suspect may have fled in a purple Honda Civic, but further investigation has clarified that no additional suspects are being sought at this time.
Hamilton Police Spokesman Sgt. Brian Ungerbuehler stated that while detectives are interviewing the person involved in the altercation, no charges have been filed.
The decision regarding potential charges will be made in consultation with the Butler County Prosecutor’s Office as the investigation progresses.
Officers blocked off Southern Hills Lane at Hamilton Cleves Pike Road for several hours to process the scene, gather evidence, and interview witnesses.
The motive behind the altercation that led to Egner’s death remains under investigation, and police have not released further details about what may have caused the confrontation.
“This investigation is still in its early stages,” said Sgt. Ungerbuehler. “We are working diligently to piece together the events that led to this tragic outcome.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact Detective Ruhl at 513-868-5811, ext. 1271. Tips can remain anonymous.
The Hamilton Police Department will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.