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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.