Crime
Son-in-Law Charged with Capital Murder in Fatal Shooting of Georgia Couple in East Alabama
Johnson is currently being held without bond at the Etowah County Jail.
ETOWAH COUNTY, AL – A Georgia couple was fatally shot in rural east Alabama on Tuesday, and their son-in-law has been charged with capital murder in connection with their deaths, authorities confirmed.
Christopher Scott Johnson, 38, is accused of killing 68-year-old Darla McKenzie and 72-year-old Michael McKenzie.
The couple, who lived in Roswell, Georgia, were visiting a residence on Coats Bend Circle in Etowah County when the shooting occurred.
Johnson is currently being held without bond at the Etowah County Jail.
Etowah County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Upon arrival, they discovered both victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures at the scene. Michael McKenzie was pronounced dead at the residence, while Darla McKenzie was airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where she succumbed to her injuries a short time later.
Based on information from 911 calls and evidence gathered at the scene, investigators quickly identified Johnson as the primary suspect.
He was taken into custody with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Ashville, Steele, Glencoe, and Rainbow City police departments.
Authorities confirmed that Johnson was married to the McKenzies’ daughter, who was present at the home at the time of the shooting and made the 911 call.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for the McKenzie family, and our hearts go out to them,” said Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton. “The loss of loved ones in such a tragic manner is devastating, and we extend our deepest sympathy to their family and friends.”
Sheriff Horton also assured the community that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
“We are committed to ensuring justice is served,” he stated.
The investigation remains active, with multiple agencies assisting in the ongoing case.
Crime
Celeste Gusman, 66, Dies After Stabbing at Kalihi Business in Honolulu; Police Investigate as Homicide
HONOLULU, Hawaii — A 66-year-old woman has died following a stabbing at a business in Honolulu’s Kalihi neighborhood, leaving her family, friends, and the local community grieving a tragic loss.
The victim was identified as Celeste Gusman, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Officers responded to a business in the 2300 block of North School Street at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Gusman suffering from a stab wound. Emergency medical personnel quickly began providing advanced lifesaving treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Gusman later succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities also reported that another woman, who is in her 60s, sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to the information released, she was injured in a fall amid the disturbance and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the second woman’s injuries have been provided.
Following the incident, police initially arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. After Gusman died from her injuries, authorities reclassified the case as a murder investigation.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the stabbing. Police have not yet released information about what may have triggered the incident or whether the suspect knew Gusman.
The suspect’s arrest and the ongoing investigation do not establish guilt. Further details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and determining the events that led to the fatal attack.
The death of Celeste Gusman at 66 has brought sadness to those affected by this incident. A place of business in a familiar neighborhood became the scene of a tragedy, and loved ones are now facing the difficult reality of losing someone important to them.
While many questions remain unanswered, the loss of life has deeply affected the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are left remembering Gusman and hoping that the investigation will bring clarity about what happened.
Please keep Celeste Gusman’s family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. The injured woman and everyone affected by the incident also deserve support as they recover.
May Celeste Gusman rest in peace. May her loved ones find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.