Crime
Suspect who shot and killed Roswell police officer identified as 23-year-old Edward Espinoza
A Roswell police officer was shot and killed Friday night while responding to a call about a suspicious person, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred at approximately 7 p.m. at a shopping center located at 1425 Market Blvd.
Officers from the Roswell Police Department arrived at the scene in response to the report and encountered the suspect, identified by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) as 23-year-old Edward Espinoza, in the parking lot near the ACE Pickleball Club.
According to police, Espinoza opened fire on the officer, striking him multiple times.
The wounded officer was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Espinoza was taken into custody at the scene and is now facing murder charges.
As of Saturday morning, authorities have not yet released the name of the fallen officer.
In tribute to his service and sacrifice, the Roswell Police Department has lowered flags to half-staff at its law enforcement center.
The officerโs death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from officials and fellow law enforcement agencies.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued a statement expressing his grief and support:
“Tonight, Marty, the girls, and I are praying for the loved ones of a Roswell Police Officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty. We join them, his fellow Roswell PD, and all law enforcement in mourning this sudden and heartbreaking loss, and we ask all Georgians to join us in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers. We also ask that we remain mindful of the heavy sacrifices law enforcement and their families make to keep all of us safe each and every day. May this courageous manโs memory inspire all of us in the days, weeks, and years ahead.”
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has launched a full investigation into the shooting. Authorities are expected to release further details as the investigation progresses.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA โ A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple Universityโs campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple Universityโs Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
โThe loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victimโs family and loved ones.โ
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victimโs last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individualโs involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.