Crime
Edward “Eddie” Haygood killed after shooting in Thomasville near Harper Elementary School
A 15-year-old has been taken into custody following a deadly shooting.
A 15-year-old has been taken into custody following a deadly shooting in Thomasville, Georgia, that left one man dead and prompted a temporary lockdown at a nearby elementary school, according to the Thomasville Police Department (TPD).
The shooting occurred late Tuesday morning in the 100 block of Fern Street, just two blocks from Harper Elementary School.
Officers responded to the scene following FLOCK alerts, 911 calls, and reports of shots fired in the area, according to a TPD press release.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered Edward “Eddie” Haygood suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Officers immediately began administering first aid until emergency medical services arrived. Haygood was transported to Archbold Memorial Hospital, where he received further treatment. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries later that evening.
The suspect, a 15-year-old male, was apprehended around 11 p.m. Tuesday in the 300 block of Fern Street. He was taken to a youth detention center and now faces multiple charges, including:
- Murder
- Aggravated Assault
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
Authorities have not disclosed a motive or further details about the relationship between the suspect and the victim as the investigation remains ongoing.
Due to the proximity of the shooting to Harper Elementary School, administrators placed the campus under lockdown as a precautionary measure shortly after the incident. Parents and staff were notified via a post on the Thomasville City Schools Facebook page.
The lockdown was lifted approximately two hours later, and school operations resumed as normal. The district has not reported any direct threats or incidents involving the school.
The fatal shooting has left the Thomasville community shaken, particularly given the involvement of a juvenile suspect and the close proximity to an elementary school.
Thomasville Police are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward. Individuals can contact the Thomasville Police Department directly at 229-227-3302.
As police continue their investigation, they are working to uncover the events leading up to the shooting and the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Eddie Haygood.
This incident marks another somber reminder of the need for community vigilance and the importance of addressing violence in our neighborhoods.
Crime
Victims killed in Madison Abundant Life Christian School shooting identified as Erin West and Rubi Vergara
Natalie “Samantha” L. Rupnow, 15, of Madison: The suspected shooter, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office has released the identities of the three individuals who tragically lost their lives in the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison on Monday, December 16, 2024.
The victims have been identified as:
- Erin M. West, 42, of Deforest: A staff member at the school.
- Rubi P. Vergara, 14, of Madison: A freshman student.
- Natalie “Samantha” L. Rupnow, 15, of Madison: The suspected shooter, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to the medical examiner, Erin West and Rubi Vergara were pronounced deceased at the scene. Forensic autopsies confirmed that both victims died from homicidal firearm-related trauma.
Natalie Rupnow, identified as the shooter, succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Madison Police Department reported that six additional individuals sustained injuries during the incident. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is ongoing.
The community is reeling from the tragedy, and arrangements are underway to honor the victims. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care has announced funeral services for Rubi Vergara.
- Funeral Service:
- Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024
- Time: 11 a.m.
- Location: City Church, 4909 E. Buckeye Road, Madison, WI
- Burial: Roselawn Memorial Park, following the service
- Visitation: Begins at 9 a.m. at the church
The Madison Police Department continues to work tirelessly to investigate this devastating incident, offering their support to the grieving families and the wider school community.