Crime
31-year-old Lajarvious Smith killed after shooting on East Carpenter in Springfield
Detectives have determined that over 50 shots were fired during the incident.
The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deadly shooting that occurred Saturday evening in the 2800 block of East Carpenter Street.
At approximately 7:44 p.m., deputies responded to reports of shots fired in the area.
Witnesses informed law enforcement that numerous rounds were fired at a vehicle, which subsequently transported two gunshot victims to St. John’s Hospital.
A 23-year-old female sustained a gunshot wound described as non-life-threatening and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Lajarvious Smith, 31, suffered multiple serious gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts by medical personnel, Smith succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Detectives have determined that over 50 shots were fired during the incident.
Witnesses reported seeing a dark, four-door sedan involved in the shooting. The vehicle was last seen fleeing eastbound on Carpenter Street.
This investigation remains active, and authorities are working diligently to gather additional information. The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with knowledge of the shooting or the vehicle involved to come forward.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at (217) 788-8427.
This tragic event has left the community shaken, and law enforcement remains committed to identifying those responsible. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Crime
Two Children Killed, Two Others Critically Injured in Angleton-Area Shooting, Mother in Custody
ANGLETON, Texas — Authorities are investigating a tragic shooting in Brazoria County that left two children dead and two others critically injured early Saturday morning.
According to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), deputies were dispatched around 5:00 a.m. after a distressed woman called 911, reporting that her son had attempted to kill her and that multiple children were in the vehicle with her.
Deputies located the woman and the children at a gas station on State Highway 288B near FM 521.
Investigators believe the shooting occurred elsewhere, and multiple agencies are now working to determine the exact location of the incident.
Upon arrival, deputies found four children suffering from gunshot wounds. A 13-year-old and a 4-year-old were pronounced dead at the scene.
An 8-year-old and a 9-year-old were airlifted to a nearby trauma hospital in critical condition.
Authorities later confirmed both surviving children are expected to recover.
Initial reports indicate that all individuals involved have been accounted for, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.
A female adult—believed to be the children’s mother—has been taken into custody.
While investigators initially received conflicting information suggesting one of the children may have been responsible, authorities now believe the adult female was the shooter.
In a statement, the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office said:
“All individuals believed to be involved have been detained, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. While the details are still developing, the loss of two children in such a manner is a tragedy. Our thoughts are with the family and everyone affected as we continue to learn more about this heartbreaking situation.”
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it is assisting Brazoria County investigators at a related residence in Montgomery County, believed to be connected to the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims or the suspect pending notification of next of kin.
The investigation remains active.