Crime
15-year-old Shamiya Walker killed in Gastonia shooting on Christmas Eve
No arrests have been made, and investigators continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
The Gastonia Police Department is investigating a tragic shooting that claimed the life of 15-year-old Shamiya Walker on Christmas Eve.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, around 11 a.m. at an apartment complex on Barkley Street, near Interstate 85.
According to authorities, Shamiya Walker suffered fatal gunshot wounds in what they described as a “wild homicide.”
Police responded to the scene following reports of gunfire in the area. Despite efforts, Shamiya succumbed to her injuries.
At this time, police have not disclosed further details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
No arrests have been made, and investigators continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Authorities have asked residents to avoid the area while the investigation remains active. The loss of a young life has deeply affected the local community, and law enforcement is committed to finding those responsible.
The Gastonia Police Department is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Tips can be directed to the department’s front desk at 704-866-6702.
Shamiya’s death marks a heartbreaking loss for her family and the community during the holiday season. Police are working diligently to ensure justice is served.
Crime
Kenneth Cook Arrested for Incest After Fathering Three Children with Biological Daughter Alexzandrea Thomas
MacArthur, W.Va. – A Raleigh County man has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including incest, sexual abuse, and child neglect, after authorities discovered he had an incestuous relationship with his biological daughter, resulting in the birth of three children.
According to a criminal complaint, 43-year-old Kenneth Cook, of MacArthur, West Virginia, was taken into custody on Thursday, March 6.
He is facing charges of:
- Sexual abuse by a parent or custodian
- Third-degree sexual assault
- Child neglect
- Three counts of incest
Investigators allege that between 2019 and March 2024, Cook engaged in a non-consensual sexual relationship with his biological daughter, Alexzandrea Thomas, which led to the birth of three children, currently aged 5, 3, and 1.
The complaint states that Alexzandrea Thomas is now 21 years old, meaning that the first child was conceived when she was under the age of 16, and Cook was 38 years old at the time.
Throughout this period, Cook and Thomas were residing together in the same household.
Authorities launched an investigation following a referral from Child Protective Services (CPS) regarding concerns of abuse and neglect involving the youngest child, who, at one year old, weighed only six pounds.
Medical personnel at Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) determined that the 1-year-old was severely malnourished and exhibited signs of medical neglect, as his health had continued to deteriorate without proper intervention.
Further concerns were raised when the attending physician noted physical characteristics commonly associated with an incestuous relationship.
This prompted genetic testing, which was conducted on all three children and later sent to the Mayo Clinic for analysis.
The test results confirmed that the children’s parents shared a first-generational biological relationship, indicating that their parents were either a parent and child or full-blooded siblings.
As Thomas has no full-blooded siblings, investigators determined that Cook was the biological father of all three children.
Cook is currently being held at Southern Regional Jail on a $500,000 bond as the investigation continues.