Crime
9-year-old Michael Meagher shot and killed by stepfather in Lake Geneva
Authorities have not yet determined whether the shooting was intentional.
Lake Geneva, WI — A tragic incident unfolded early Monday morning in Lake Geneva, where a 9-year-old boy was fatally shot, leading to the arrest of his stepfather.
According to the Town of Geneva Police Department, officers responded to a report of a shooting near Kale Road and Lincoln Drive at approximately 2:00 a.m.
Upon arrival, they discovered the young victim, identified as Michael Meagher, suffering from gunshot wounds.
Emergency responders immediately initiated life-saving measures, and Meagher was transported to a local hospital. Despite medical efforts, he was later pronounced deceased.
Authorities have not yet determined whether the shooting was intentional.
In an official statement, police confirmed that the suspect, the child’s stepfather, has been taken into custody and faces preliminary charges of first-degree reckless homicide. He is currently being held at the Walworth County Jail.
However, as of Tuesday afternoon, formal charges have not yet been filed by prosecutors.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released additional details at this time.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Town of Geneva Police Department.
Crime
Stephen McKenzie Identified as Suspect in Pembroke Park Shooting That Left Mother and Three Children Dead
PEMBROKE PARK, FL – Authorities have identified the suspect in a horrific mass shooting at a Pembroke Park apartment complex as 34-year-old Stephen McKenzie, the father of two of the youngest victims.
The shooting, which occurred on Wednesday evening, claimed the lives of a mother and three of her children.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., Pembroke Park Police and Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) deputies responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex located in the 3100 block of Hallandale Beach Boulevard.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a woman and three children fatally shot inside the residence.
The victims were identified as:
- Julie Cruz, 32 (mother)
- Xion Solomon, 11
- Nova McKenzie, 2
- Emery McKenzie, 2
Both Nova and Emery were McKenzie’s biological children, authorities confirmed.
Additionally, first responders found 8-year-old Phiinyx Solomon suffering from gunshot wounds.
She was immediately transported to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, where she remains in serious condition.
McKenzie was also located at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound following an unsuccessful suicide attempt, according to investigators.
He was transported to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital in critical condition and is currently in police custody.
During a press briefing, BSO spokesperson Claudinne Caro confirmed that McKenzie has been identified as the primary suspect in the shooting.
“Upon arrival, officers found a woman and three children inside the apartment, all of whom were pronounced deceased from gunshot wounds. Another child and an adult male were also found injured. That male has now been identified as the suspect,” Caro stated.
The children’s grandmother arrived at the scene shortly after authorities notified her of the tragedy, collapsing into tears as she grieved the loss of her daughter and grandchildren.
“That’s my daughter! That’s my daughter!” she wailed in agony, as bystanders and neighbors attempted to console her.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the motive behind the attack, but neighbors and community members are left shocked and devastated by the brutal act of domestic violence.
“I just don’t understand what could lead someone to do something so terrible,” said one neighbor.
McKenzie remains hospitalized under police watch as the BSO Homicide Unit continues its investigation.
Officials urge anyone with additional information to contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.