Crime
Victims Identified in Mamou Mardi Gras Concert Shootings
Authorities have identified the two teenage victims who tragically lost their lives in the recent Mamou Mardi Gras concert shootings, which left two dead and 14 others injured.
Family and friends are mourning the loss of Bryson Green and Alaya Christian, both of whom were struck by gunfire during the violent incidents.
Bryson Green, affectionately known as “BREAL” by his loved ones, is remembered as a protective and lighthearted young man.
“He loved to chill and laugh,” said his parents, Trina and David Green. “Even though he was the youngest of his siblings, he always made sure his sisters were safe and protected wherever they went.” Green leaves behind his parents and five siblings, all of whom are devastated by his loss.
The second victim, Alaya Christian, was an honor student at Lafayette Renaissance Charter High School.
In addition to excelling academically, she was an active member of the schoolโs softball team and student council.
School leaders expressed their grief over her passing, saying she will be “deeply missed” by the entire school community.
The shootings took place during Mardi Gras celebrations in Mamou, where large crowds had gathered for a concert.
Witnesses described a sudden eruption of gunfire from a fully automatic weapon, triggering mass panic as hundreds of people ran for their lives.
Mamou Police Chief Pat Hall described the aftermath as officers arrived at the scene:
“When we got to the area, we saw several people injured. Two individuals succumbed to their injuries, two are in critical condition at Lafayette General, and the rest are being treated for various gunshot wounds.”
Authorities are still working to determine the motive behind the shootings and whether the two incidents are connected.
This tragedy follows another shooting on Monday, which left three people wounded during the same Mardi Gras celebrations.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate and urge anyone with information to contact the Mamou Police Department or Evangeline Parish Crime Stoppers.
Crime
61-year-old Sharon killed by ex-boyfriend in Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium shooting, Craig Sipe charged with murder
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio โ Craig Alan Sipe, 63, of Akron, has been charged with aggravated murder following a fatal shooting at the Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium on Sunday morning, October 18, 2026, according to the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department.
Police said officers responded to reports of a shooting inside the fitness facility on 4th Street at approximately 9:30 a.m.
During the initial investigation, authorities determined that a 61-year-old woman had been shot and seriously injured.
The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment but later died from her injuries, police confirmed. Her name has not been officially released by authorities.
According to the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, preliminary findings indicate that the suspect targeted one victim before fleeing the area. Investigators believe the shooting was domestic-related, although authorities have not publicly disclosed further details about the circumstances that led to the violence.
Sipe, who is from Akron, later turned himself in to Cuyahoga Falls police. He was taken into custody and transported to the Summit County Jail.
Authorities have charged Sipe with one count of aggravated murder in connection with the woman’s death. He was expected to be arraigned on Monday, October 19, according to the information released about the case.
The charge represents an allegation, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system.
The Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium was closed following the shooting and was scheduled to remain closed through Monday, October 19, 2026, as the investigation continued.
Police have not released additional information about the events leading up to the shooting or the relationship between the suspect and the victim. Investigators said further details would be shared as they become available and when appropriate.
The City of Cuyahoga Falls also expressed condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones as they cope with the loss.
The Cuyahoga Falls Police Department continues to investigate the fatal shooting. Authorities have not publicly released the victim’s identity, and additional details about the case remain limited.
The investigation is ongoing as officials work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.