Crime
16-Year-Old Kharrel Allen Killed in Lynchburg Shooting
Lynchburg, VA – A 16-year-old boy, identified as Kharrel Allen, has tragically died following a shooting on Thursday, January 9, according to the Lynchburg Police Department (LPD).
The shooting occurred around 3:40 p.m. on Hillcrest Avenue.
Officers responded to reports of the incident and subsequently learned that a teenage boy had arrived at Lynchburg General Hospital with a gunshot wound.
Initially reported to be in critical condition on Thursday, police confirmed in an update Friday afternoon that Allen had succumbed to his injuries.
“Our condolences are with his family during this difficult time,” LPD stated in an official release.
The LPD has described the incident as isolated, involving specific individuals. While a person connected to the shooting is currently in custody on unrelated charges, authorities have not yet confirmed whether they will face charges related to this fatal incident. The police are actively investigating to determine any further connections.
The LPD is urging anyone who may have been in the area of Hillcrest Avenue and Langhorne Road around the time of the shooting to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation.
- Contact Information: Detective Scott can be reached at (434) 455-6174.
- Those wishing to remain anonymous can also contact the Crime Stoppers hotline.
The death of Kharrel Allen marks another somber moment for the Lynchburg community, highlighting the urgent need to address violence involving youth.
Law enforcement officials are committed to ensuring justice and have called on community members to share any information that could help bring closure to the family during this difficult time.
The investigation remains ongoing.
AUSTIN, Texas — A man was taken into custody Saturday afternoon following a shooting inside the Austin Central Library that left one person seriously injured and prompted a large emergency response and temporary shelter-in-place order in the downtown area.
According to the Austin Police Department (APD), officers responded shortly after 12:00 p.m. to reports of gunfire inside the Austin Central Library, located at 710 W. César Chávez Street.
Upon arrival, police and Austin-Travis County EMS units found one victim suffering from a gunshot wound.
The individual was transported to a local hospital in serious but stable condition.
Assistant Police Chief Lee Rogers stated during a press briefing that the shooter fled the scene before officers arrived.
After an extensive search, the suspect—identified as 55-year-old Harold Newton Keene—was located and arrested in South Austin at approximately 1:25 p.m.
The library was safely evacuated, and the shelter-in-place alert was lifted shortly after Keene’s apprehension.
Authorities emphasized that the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident involving only one suspect and one victim.
“This was not an active shooter situation,” Rogers confirmed.
Preliminary reports and public records reveal that Harold Newton Keene has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple arrests for assault, family violence, terroristic threats, burglary, drug possession, and evading arrest.
He is described by law enforcement officials as a habitual violent offender who has had numerous prior run-ins with police.
Records indicate Keene was previously arrested for threatening a man with a firearm several months ago and, in a separate incident, assaulted another inmate while in custody at the Travis County Jail.
In both cases, prosecutors later declined to pursue charges.
Authorities have not yet released a possible motive for the shooting or confirmed whether the suspect and victim knew each other.
The Austin Police Department’s Major Crimes Division is leading the investigation.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Austin Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS.