Crime
14-Year-Old Student Serenity Baker Fatally Stabbed at Roy J. Smith Middle School
Killeen, TX – A tragic incident unfolded at Roy J. Smith Middle School on Monday, resulting in the fatal stabbing of 14-year-old student Serenity Baker.
The school was placed on lockdown following the altercation, and authorities have since launched a homicide investigation into the case.
According to Killeen ISD Chief of Police Erik Hydorn, the incident occurred at approximately 11:25 a.m., when an altercation between two students escalated into a stabbing.
The victim, Serenity Baker, was immediately transported to Carl R. Darnell Army Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries.
The suspect, identified as a female student, was quickly apprehended at the scene.
The motive behind the attack remains under investigation.
Following the incident, the school was placed on LOCKDOWN to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Killeen ISD Police, the Killeen Police Department, and other emergency personnel responded to the scene, securing the campus and conducting a thorough investigation.
In an official statement, Killeen ISD spokesperson Karen Rudolph expressed the district’s deep sorrow:
“Killeen ISD is deeply saddened to share the tragic news that happened at Roy J. Smith Middle School. Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and school community as we grieve this heartbreaking loss.”
Killeen ISD Superintendent Dr. Jo Ann Fey also addressed the tragedy, emphasizing the impact on the school community:
“Our hearts are heavy as we navigate this difficult time together. We know this tragedy has deeply affected our school community, and we want to ensure that our students, staff, and families have the space and support needed to grieve and begin to recover.”
As a result of the incident, Dr. Fey has made the decision to cancel classes at Roy J. Smith Middle School until after spring break. Classes will resume on Monday, March 24.
Additionally, the Killeen ISD Board of Trustees has scheduled an emergency meeting on Tuesday, March 11, at 8 a.m., where they will discuss the incident and review school safety protocols.
Shortly after the attack, Principal Fred Lily informed parents of the lockdown in a message:
“Smith Families, we want to inform you of a situation that occurred on our campus this morning. A student was injured and is being transported to receive medical care.”
The lockdown remained in effect as law enforcement secured the campus and conducted an initial investigation.
Principal Lily assured families that there was no ongoing threat to students or staff, stating:
“We understand that this may be concerning, and we want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our highest priority. We will update you as soon as possible.”
To facilitate a safe and orderly reunification process, all students were transported by bus to Manna Church at 1826 Stagecoach Road, where parents or guardians were required to follow specific procedures for pickup:
- Photo ID Required: Only parents, guardians, or emergency contacts listed in school records could pick up students.
- Reunification Cards: Parents were asked to complete a Reunification Card for each student being picked up.
- Patience Requested: Students were released one at a time to ensure safety and accuracy.
- Compliance with Staff & Law Enforcement: Parents were instructed to follow guidance from school staff and law enforcement throughout the process.
“We understand that this may be a stressful time, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to reunite families safely,” Killeen ISD stated.
The Killeen Police Department has confirmed that a homicide investigation is underway, and additional details regarding the suspect, motive, and potential charges will be released as the case develops.
The tragic loss of Serenity Baker has deeply affected the school and local community. Counseling and support services are being made available to students, staff, and families coping with the devastating event.
Roy J. Smith Middle School is located at 6000 Brushy Creek Drive in Killeen, Texas.
Crime
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.