Crime
20-year-old Jalea Turner killed in New Year’s Morning Shooting in West Erie
An autopsy has been scheduled for Saturday to determine the exact cause of death.
Erie, PA – Authorities have provided an update on Erie’s first homicide of the year, which claimed the life of 20-year-old Jalea Turner in a tragic New Year’s Day shooting.
According to Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook, Jalea Turner was declared brain-dead on Wednesday afternoon following the incident. An autopsy has been scheduled for Saturday to determine the exact cause of death.
The shooting occurred just after 12:30 a.m. on January 1 in the 900 block of West 19th Street.
In addition to Jalea, a 19-year-old man was also injured during the attack, sustaining a gunshot wound to his leg. He was treated at a local hospital and has since been released.
No arrests have been made, and the Erie Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is actively investigating the case.
Detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in their efforts to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible.
Community members who have information related to this incident are encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant David Madurski or Detective Ronald Pilarski of the Erie Police Department Major Crimes Unit at 814-870-1229.
The Erie Police Department is committed to seeking justice for Jalea Darea and ensuring the safety of the community. Your assistance could be crucial in solving this case.
Crime
Indiana Man Arrested for Allegedly Threatening to Assassinate President Trump in TikTok Videos
A 23-year-old Indiana man has been arrested and charged with making threats against former President Donald Trump after allegedly posting multiple threatening videos on TikTok, federal authorities announced Thursday.
According to a criminal complaint filed by the FBI, Douglas Thrams posted a series of videos between Monday—when Trump was inaugurated—and Wednesday, in which he allegedly threatened anti-government violence and called for the assassination of the former president.
In one of the videos cited in the complaint, Thrams reportedly stated, “Every U.S. government building needs to be bombed immediately.” He further escalated his rhetoric by saying, “He [Trump] needs to be assassinated, and this time, don’t… miss,” using explicit language.
Authorities noted that Thrams’ statements were particularly concerning in light of previous assassination attempts targeting Trump, including an incident last year at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the former president sustained a minor injury to his ear.
Additionally, an FBI affidavit revealed that in another video, Thrams was seen holding a rifle and tapping it, an action investigators interpreted as an implied threat.
Thrams was taken into custody on Thursday and has been charged with “interstate communications with a threat to injure,” a federal offense.
The case remains under investigation, and authorities have not disclosed any further potential threats. Thrams is expected to appear in federal court in the coming days.