Crime
School Teacher Laquana Sheppard Injured in New Orleans Terror Attack Seeks Community Support
Laquana Sheppard, a dedicated school teacher and mother, was among the victims injured in the tragic terror attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans during the New Year’s celebrations.
Her sister, Herbrinisha Sheppard, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to support Laquana as she recovers from severe injuries sustained during the incident.
“On New Year’s, my sister was part of the Bourbon Street terrorist attack,” Herbrinisha explained. “She’s currently in the hospital, recovering from this traumatic experience.”
Laquana’s injuries are significant enough to prevent her from returning to her role as a school teacher, a position she holds with great pride and love.
“She sustained severe injuries that keep her from returning to work as a loving school teacher,” Herbrinisha shared.
In addition to her professional life, Laquana is a devoted mother to her young daughter, adding another layer of urgency to her recovery and financial stability.
Herbrinisha emphasized that the funds raised will be sent directly to Laquana to help her navigate this challenging time, ensuring she can maintain stability as she undergoes her recovery.
“These funds will assist her in keeping her life somewhat stable through this critical recovery process,” Herbrinisha wrote.
She also urged the community to contribute by either donating or sharing the campaign to spread awareness.
The attack has left Laquana and her family reeling, but her sister remains hopeful that the kindness and generosity of others will help them through this trying time.
“Please help her out by donating or sharing her information. Everything is greatly appreciated!”
The GoFundMe campaign is active, and contributions of any size will directly support Laquana’s medical and living expenses as she works toward recovery.
This tragic incident has left many families, like the Sheppards, grappling with unimaginable challenges. The community’s support can make a meaningful difference in helping Laquana heal and rebuild her life.
Crime
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.