Crime
Austin Neighborhood Stabbing: 20-year-old Kimari Tousant charged with the murder of Jessica Flagg
She is currently being held without bond and is scheduled for a detention hearing at 2600 S. California on December 29, 2024.
The Chicago Police Department has charged 20-year-old Kimari Tousant, a resident of the 5300 block of W. Chicago Avenue, with the first-degree murder of Jessica Hendricks.
Tousant is also facing a felony count of murder with a strong probability of causing death or injury.
The charges stem from a fatal stabbing incident that occurred in the early hours of December 27, 2024, in the 5300 block of W. Chicago Avenue, located in the Austin neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side.
According to investigators, the fatal confrontation began at approximately 12:15 a.m. when Jessica Hendricks, 20, approached Kimari Tousant outside a residence.
Preliminary reports indicate that a verbal exchange escalated into a physical altercation during which both women sustained injuries inflicted by a sharp object.
Hendricks was transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead as a result of her injuries. Tousant, who sustained multiple lacerations to her arm, was treated at West Suburban Hospital and subsequently taken into police custody.
Tousant was arrested at approximately 3:14 a.m. on December 27, 2024, at a location near the site of the incident.
She was formally charged with:
- One (1) felony count of Murder – First Degree
- One (1) felony count of Murder – Strong Probability of Death/Injury
She is currently being held without bond and is scheduled for a detention hearing at 2600 S. California on December 29, 2024.
Area Four detectives are leading the investigation, working to determine the motive and uncover additional details surrounding the fatal altercation. Authorities have not yet disclosed any further information regarding the events that led to the confrontation.
The Chicago Police Department encourages anyone with information about this incident to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, using the P3 Tips mobile application, or visiting P3tips.com.
This tragic incident highlights the need for community vigilance and cooperation in ensuring the safety of all residents. The investigation remains ongoing, and further updates will be shared as they become available.
The Chicago Police Department extends its condolences to the family of Jessica Hendricks and reaffirms its commitment to delivering justice. Community members are urged to assist in any way possible as detectives work diligently to resolve this case.
Crime
Chico Police Fatally Shoot Suspect Michael Oxley Following Weekend Attack on Local Barber George Ramirez III
The Butte County District Attorney’s Office and the Butte County Officer-Involved Shooting Protocol Team are actively investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred early Sunday morning in Chico.
The incident took place at The Post, an off-campus student housing complex on Nord Avenue, where members of the Chico Police SWAT team engaged 43-year-old Michael Oxley, a suspect in a Friday night shooting.
According to District Attorney Mike Ramsey, the situation began Friday evening when Oxley allegedly shot 43-year-old George Ramirez III, a well-known downtown Chico barber, in the parking lot of the Chico Farmer’s Market on Flume Street.
Ramirez was sitting in his vehicle when an assailant approached from behind and fired multiple rounds through the closed driver’s side window, striking him in the head, neck, and shoulder.
He was transported to an out-of-area hospital, where he underwent extensive surgery and remains in critical condition.
Following an overnight investigation, Chico Police identified Oxley as the primary suspect. Authorities determined that he was staying at The Post as an Airbnb resident, not as a student.
A warrant for his arrest was obtained through the District Attorney’s Office and a local judge.
Officers attempted to take Oxley into custody around 6 p.m. on Saturday, but he barricaded himself inside his apartment, prompting a lockdown of the housing complex.
The situation escalated when Oxley fled to the parking structure, where SWAT officers contained him on a ramp between the fourth and fifth floors.
Authorities reported that Oxley was crouching with a pistol equipped with an extended magazine.
Despite two hours of negotiation urging him to surrender, Oxley stood up and opened fire at officers.
In response, six members of the Chico Police SWAT team returned fire, fatally wounding him. The shooting occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 2.
The Butte County Officer-Involved Shooting Protocol Team launched an immediate investigation following the incident.
The six involved officers have been placed on administrative leave, per standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.
Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the case, including the suspect’s motive and the sequence of events leading up to the fatal encounter.
Additional details will be released as the investigation progresses.