Crime
24-Year-Old Jahkeem Douglas Killed in Shooting During Music Video Filming on Illinois Street in Rochester
The four surviving victims, aged 19, 20, 22, and 30, sustained varying injuries. One remains in critical condition, while the others are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
A music video shoot meant to honor a slain individual turned tragic late Tuesday night, as gunfire erupted, leaving one person dead and four others injured.
The Rochester Police Department (RPD) detailed the incident during a press conference on Wednesday.
The shooting occurred around 10:30 p.m. at a rented residence on Illinois Street, where a group had gathered to film a music video in remembrance of DeAndre Jenkins, who was killed on June 11, 2019.
Approximately 20 to 30 people were present when gunfire broke out, with an estimated 20 rounds fired by multiple weapons.
RPD Captain Ryan Tauriello stated that officers initially responded to reports of gunfire at the residence.
Shortly after, four shooting victims arrived at Rochester General Hospital via private transportation. Officers on-site then discovered a fifth victim, who was transported to the University of Rochester Medical Center by ambulance.
The deceased victim was identified as 24-year-old Jahkeem Douglas, who succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The four surviving victims, aged 19, 20, 22, and 30, sustained varying injuries. One remains in critical condition, while the others are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries, according to officials.
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans addressed the shooting during the press conference, emphasizing the senselessness of the violence.
“This is why we’re standing here today, and we shouldn’t be. Totally preventable, totally unnecessary, totally senseless, and total nonsense,” Evans said. He called for collective community efforts to disrupt violence before it occurs, highlighting the need for collaboration rather than reliance on government programs or quick fixes.
The Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation, which remains active. Authorities have not yet disclosed information regarding potential suspects or motives.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted by contacting 911, emailing majorcrimes@cityofrochester.gov, or calling Crime Stoppers at 585-423-9300.
The tragic incident underscores the continued struggle against gun violence in Rochester and the broader community’s efforts to prevent future tragedies.
Crime
4 Killed in Eden Crash at Carroll and Church Streets, Driver and Victims Identified
Michael Vernon, driver of dump truck involved charged.
A tragic crash in Eden, North Carolina, has left four people dead and several others injured following a multi-vehicle incident involving a dump truck and a utility work crew.
The Eden Police Department confirmed the incident occurred Thursday afternoon at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Church Street, Carroll Street, and Park Road.
According to a news release from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), 66-year-old Michael Ray Vernon of Eden was operating a 2016 Hino dump truck owned by the City of Eden.
While traveling northbound on Carroll Street, Vernon failed to stop at a posted stop sign at the intersection with Church Street.
The dump truck proceeded through the intersection, striking six pedestrians—utility workers contracted through Carolina Power and Signalization—who were performing powerline work in the area.
The dump truck continued traveling north after striking the pedestrians, colliding with an occupied bucket truck before veering off the road and crashing into a ditch.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies arrived at the scene within minutes. Four of the six pedestrians were pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Douglas Garland Sides, 72, of Summerfield
- Madison Carter, 42, of Sandy Ridge
- William Evans, 35, of Randleman
- Matthew Lockwood, 30, of Winston-Salem
The two surviving pedestrians sustained life-threatening injuries and were airlifted to medical facilities.
They have been identified as:
- Hunter Carter, 24, of Reidsville – transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in critical condition
- Kevin Alexander, 34, of Eden – airlifted in stable condition
Cody Rich, 31, of Reidsville, who was inside the bucket truck at the time of the crash, was transported by ground to UNC Health Rockingham with non-life-threatening injuries.
Michael Vernon sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
He has been charged with a stop sign violation and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
Investigators confirmed that impairment is not believed to have played a role in the crash.
Further charges may be considered as the investigation progresses.
The intersection remained closed for several hours as law enforcement officers and emergency crews conducted their investigation.
The area was reopened to traffic at approximately 10:30 p.m.
In a statement, Duke Energy, which works in coordination with Carolina Power and Signalization, expressed condolences:
“We are saddened about the tragic event that happened today, and our hearts go out to the families and teammates of those involved. The safety of our employees, contractors, and customers is the highest priority at Duke Energy. We are working closely with law enforcement officials.”
The NCSHP continues to lead the investigation, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact local authorities.