Crime
Rice Consolidated High School Student Josiah Cobia Killed in Accidental Shooting at Home in Eagle Lake
Eagle Lake, TX — An 18-year-old student at Rice Consolidated High School was tragically killed in an accidental shooting at his home Friday evening, April 11, according to the Eagle Lake Police Department.
The victim, identified as Josiah Cobia, was shot around 5 p.m. in a bedroom of the family’s residence located at 670 Donovan Street in Eagle Lake.
According to Police Chief Donald T. Chaney, the incident occurred when Cobia’s younger brother, whose name has not been released due to his age, accidentally discharged a firearm while showing it to his older brother.
The shot struck Cobia, who later succumbed to his injuries.
Chief Chaney emphasized that the incident appears to be a tragic accident, based on statements provided by family members who were present at the time. “It was an accident, and accidents happen,” Chaney said. “You have kids that get a hold of guns, and unfortunately, neither of them had any business with it. That’s something we’re going to look into.”
While no criminal charges are currently anticipated in connection to Cobia’s death, authorities have launched a separate investigation to determine how the firearm came into the boys’ possession.
Chief Chaney noted that the children’s mother was unaware a gun was in the home or accessible to her sons.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether the gun discharged as a result of being dropped or due to another handling mishap.
Authorities will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the firearm’s accessibility and the exact sequence of events that led to the fatal discharge.
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available in the ongoing investigation.
GULFPORT, Miss. – A domestic dispute during a community Easter celebration in the Orange Grove area escalated into a deadly shooting on Saturday, April 12, leaving one man dead and at least two others injured, according to Gulfport authorities.
The incident unfolded during a family-oriented Easter gathering hosted by Empowerment Ministries Christian Center outside the Jack and Florence Goldin Sportsplex around 2:05 p.m.
Witnesses say a young woman had invited her child’s father to the event so he could see their baby. At some point during the gathering, tensions rose when the father attempted to take the child without consent.
Two church members, identified as part of the event’s security team, stepped in to de-escalate the situation after noticing the man was holding both the baby and a firearm.
Fearing for the safety of the children and other attendees, they approached the man. Words were exchanged, and in a sudden turn of events, the man opened fire while still holding the child.
One of the church members, later identified as Deacon Eddie Shed, was shot multiple times, including after falling to the ground.
Despite his critical injuries, Shed—who served as head of church security—managed to return fire, striking the assailant.
A second church member was also shot in the exchange.
The suspect attempted to flee the scene with the child but reportedly stumbled and fell while holding the infant and the weapon.
He eventually made it to a vehicle being driven by his father, and the two fled the scene. They were later located at Garden Park Medical Center.
One of the suspects is believed to have sustained a gunshot wound.
Emergency crews responded immediately. Deacon Eddie Shed was pronounced dead at the scene.
Another victim, suffering from life-threatening injuries, was airlifted to Mobile, Alabama, while a third individual was transported to a local hospital by ambulance.
Three individuals have been detained as part of the ongoing investigation. Officials confirmed that the shooting was not connected to any Spring Break-related events.
Later that evening, Empowerment Ministries Christian Center released a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of Deacon Shed. The statement reads, in part:
“Our beloved Deacon Eddie Shed was taken from us in a senseless act of gun violence. Deacon Shed epitomized the virtues of a hero, displaying selfless courage and bravery that ultimately saved others from harm. He paid the ultimate price for his valor, and we are deeply saddened by this loss.”
Senior Pastor Dr. Gregg S. Magee, Sr., emphasized that the perpetrator was not affiliated with the church, and the tragedy has left the congregation heartbroken.
The church described Shed as a “pillar of strength” and a “beacon of light and hope,” offering prayers to his family and all affected by the tragedy.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the suspect’s motives and the events leading up to the gunfire.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Gulfport Police as the investigation remains active.