Crime
22-year-old Kwantrell Vargas killed in shooting on Troy Drive in Madison
In connection with the shooting, the Madison Police Department has arrested three individuals.
The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred on December 5 in the 1500 block of Troy Drive in Madison.
The deceased has been identified as 22-year-old Kwantrell Vargas, a resident of Madison. Vargas was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident.
In connection with the shooting, the Madison Police Department has arrested three individuals, with charges varying based on their alleged roles in the crime:
- Denarian M. Ward, 17, was taken into custody without incident on Monday evening. He faces charges of felony murder (party to a crime) and robbery. He is currently being held at the Dane County Jail.
- A 16-year-old boy, whose identity has not been disclosed due to his age, is also facing charges of felony murder (party to a crime), first-degree reckless homicide, and robbery.
- Denivea L. Ward, 19, was arrested on charges of harboring or aiding a felon and for a probation hold. He was also taken into custody Monday evening without incident and is being held at the Dane County Jail.
The Madison Police Department confirmed that two teenage individuals who were injured during the incident are now in custody as part of the investigation.
The case is being led by the department’s Violent Crime Unit, which continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Additional details, including the motives and events leading up to the crime, have not been released at this time.
Authorities urge anyone with further information about this incident to contact the Madison Police Department.
Crime
River Ridge man kills wife, 2-year-old before Jefferson Parish deputies kill him
Sheriff Lopinto described the 911 call as critical to the rapid response and praised the child who called as “a brave little girl.”
Sheriff Joseph Lopinto of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) announced an ongoing investigation into a tragic incident involving a double homicide and a deputy-involved shooting early Friday morning in River Ridge, Louisiana.
Around 4:00 a.m., deputies responded to a 911 call from a child reporting multiple gunshot victims inside a residence on the 10000 block of Stephen Drive.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered a harrowing scene.
An adult female and a 2-year-old child were found unresponsive and suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.
Two additional juvenile females, ages 9 and 13, were found injured but alive.
Both were transported to Children’s Hospital.
The 9-year-old remains in critical condition after undergoing surgery, while the 13-year-old sustained a gunshot wound to the ankle.
While securing the residence, deputies encountered an armed adult male suspect, later identified as the father of the juvenile victims, in a back bedroom.
Deputies reported that the suspect brandished a firearm, prompting multiple officers to fire their service weapons.
The suspect was struck multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary evidence indicates that the suspect shot all four victims before being confronted and fatally wounded by deputies.
Sheriff Lopinto described the 911 call as critical to the rapid response and praised the child who called as “a brave little girl.”
- Deceased:
- 40-year-old mother.
- 2-year-old child.
- Suspect (father).
- Injured:
- 9-year-old child (critical condition).
- 13-year-old child (non-life-threatening injuries).
The JPSO continues to investigate the incident, including the circumstances leading to the shootings and the actions of deputies at the scene.
Sheriff Lopinto emphasized the gravity of the tragedy and assured the community that the investigation would be thorough and transparent.
No further details are available at this time. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.