Crime
Cody Alland Arrested for First-Degree Intentional Homicide Following Fatal Shooting in La Crosse

La Crosse, WI – Authorities have arrested a 28-year-old La Crosse man in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred early Sunday morning on the city’s north side. The suspect, identified as Cody Alland, is currently being held at the La Crosse County Jail on charges of first-degree intentional homicide.
The incident unfolded on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at approximately 2:30 a.m., when officers from the La Crosse Police Department responded to reports of a shooting in the 1800 block of George Street.
Upon arrival, officers discovered an individual suffering from a gunshot wound outside the location. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by first responders, the victim was transported to a local hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
The deceased has been identified as Justin J. Betz (Date of Birth: 06/24/1982).
The La Crosse Police Department extended their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Betz during this difficult time.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the shooting stemmed from an argument, and authorities have indicated that the incident appears to have been isolated, posing no ongoing threat to the community.
Law enforcement officials are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and encourage anyone with information to come forward.
Individuals can provide information by contacting the La Crosse Police Department at (608) 782-7575 or by submitting anonymous tips through La Crosse Area Crime Stoppers at (608) 784-TIPS (8477), online at www.p3tips.com/459, or via the “P3” app.
Further details regarding the investigation and the suspect’s court proceedings will be released as they become available.
Crime
2 shot outside Brown Middle School in Forney, Two Suspects in Custody

The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating a shooting that took place Friday afternoon near Brown Middle School in Forney ISD.
Authorities confirmed that two individuals were shot in a residential neighborhood near Windmill Farms Boulevard, just outside Forney city limits.
In response to the incident, two individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the shooting.
However, law enforcement has not yet released details regarding their identities or possible motives.
Forney ISD officials confirmed the presence of an active crime scene in the vicinity, prompting precautionary security measures across multiple campuses.
Brown Middle School, along with North Forney Middle School, Smith Intermediate, Dewberry Elementary, Blackburn Elementary, and Forney Learning Academy, were placed in “secure” mode as a safety precaution.
Despite the close proximity of the shooting, Forney ISD emphasized that the incident did not occur on school grounds and that all students and staff remained safe throughout the situation.
News footage from the scene showed crime scene tape around a vehicle parked in front of the school.
The district lifted the security measures at approximately 3:30 p.m. and began releasing students to their parents.
Students who walk home were expected to leave at their normal dismissal time of 4:00 p.m., though minor delays were anticipated for bus routes.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. No further details have been provided regarding the condition of the victims.