Crime
17-year-old Jaylen Simmons Charged with Murder of 20-Year-Old Family Member in Fall River Shooting
FALL RIVER, MA – Authorities have charged 17-year-old Jaylen Simmons with murder following the fatal shooting of his 20-year-old relative, Jaleale Simmons, inside a Fall River residence on Saturday afternoon.
Officers from the Fall River Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting gunfire at a home in the 900 block of Rodman Street.
Upon arrival, police discovered Jaleale Simmons suffering from a gunshot wound.
Emergency medical personnel transported him to a nearby trauma center, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Following an initial investigation, authorities took Jaylen Simmons into custody at the scene.
The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that both the victim and the suspect lived at the residence where the shooting occurred.
At this time, investigators believe the incident was isolated, and authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The case remains under active investigation by the Fall River Police Department, Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and homicide prosecutors from the DA’s office.
The 17-year-old suspect is scheduled to be arraigned in Fall River District Court on Monday on murder charges.
Due to his age, officials have not released further details regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
This tragic incident marks a devastating loss for the victim’s family and the broader community.
Law enforcement officials extend their deepest condolences to those affected and urge the public to be mindful when discussing the case.
For those in need of assistance, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), online at www.thehotline.org, or via text by sending LOVEIS to 22522.
Crime
Elgin Public Schools Teacher Holly Hill Dies From Complications Two Years After Drinking Poisoned Margarita
ELGIN, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has launched a formal investigation into the death of Holly Hill, a 30-year-old teacher, wife, and mother from Elgin, Oklahoma, who died last week from long-term medical complications reportedly caused by ingesting a poisoned margarita at a local restaurant in 2023.
OSBI officials confirmed that the investigation began at the request of Comanche County District Attorney Kyle Cabelka following Hill’s death on Thursday.
According to Hill’s family, her health issues began on Valentine’s Day 2023, when she dined at Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill in Elgin.
During the evening, Hill ordered a second margarita that, unbeknownst to her, contained a highly caustic industrial cleaning chemical rather than the intended cocktail ingredients.
“Her mouth was on fire, and she knew something wasn’t right,” recalled Kelly Hunter, Hill’s mother. “She immediately jumped up and ran to the bathroom, started throwing up, and rinsing her mouth out with water.”
The ingestion caused severe internal burns to Hill’s esophagus and digestive tract, leading to two years of intense medical treatment.
Hill underwent more than 60 medical procedures, including repeated esophageal dilations and surgeries, as doctors attempted to repair the extensive damage.
Despite her deteriorating health, Hill continued teaching at Elgin Public Schools, where she was described as a dedicated educator loved by her students and colleagues.
In the days leading up to her death, Hill’s family believed she was finally recovering.
On October 17, doctors reportedly told them that her esophagus appeared to be healing. However, her condition suddenly worsened, and she went into cardiac arrest as medical staff prepared to transfer her. “As they were trying to get her ready to transport her, they lost her pulse,” Hunter said.
Hill’s family previously filed a civil lawsuit against Hacienda Las Margaritas, which was settled confidentially earlier this year, according to their attorney.
Following her death, the family is renewing calls for accountability and public awareness.
“The number one thing we really want at this point is for people to be aware of what happened at that restaurant and to quit supporting them,” Hunter said. “We want them to be held accountable for taking my daughter’s life. It might have been a long fight, but ultimately, they are the cause.”
The restaurant has not issued a recent public statement regarding Hill’s death. In a 2023 social media post, management wrote:
“We have never walked away from responsibility and will continue to support them in any way possible while our insurance company is on the case.”
Local officials confirmed that Elgin Police requested assistance from OSBI, and investigators are now reviewing evidence related to the original 2023 incident and Hill’s recent death.
In a statement, Elgin Public Schools expressed deep sorrow over Hill’s passing, describing her as “an Owl through and through” and asking the community to keep her family in their thoughts and prayers.
Hill leaves behind her husband and young child, as well as a community still reeling from a tragedy that began with what should have been an ordinary night out.