Crime
21-year-old Kaizen Simmons killed in Killeen shooting
The Killeen Police Department has launched a homicide investigation following the death of a 21-year-old man who was shot early Tuesday morning.
At approximately 1:26 a.m. on April 29, officers were dispatched to the 5000 block of Morning Star Lane in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, they discovered a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound.
Emergency medical personnel responded and immediately initiated life-saving efforts.
The victim was transported in critical condition to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The deceased has been identified as Kaizen Amere Simmons, 21.
Justice of the Peace Nicola James pronounced Simmons deceased and ordered an autopsy to be conducted at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.
According to initial findings from the investigation, the shooting occurred while the suspectโbelieved to have been inside a vehicleโwas meeting someone on the street.
The exact circumstances leading up to the gunfire remain under investigation.
Killeen Police are asking residents in the area to review any home surveillance footage for individuals walking nearby around the time of the incident.
Anyone with information or relevant video evidence is urged to use the departmentโs provided QR code to submit tips or contact the Killeen Police Department directly at 254-501-8800.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Crime
Kaylub Giamanco Identified as โGood Samaritanโ Bystander Who Stopped Silver Rail Elementary School Shooter in Bend, Oregon
BEND, Oregon โ Kaylub Giamanco has been identified as the bystander who reportedly confronted and shot the teenage suspect during the deadly shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, Channel2 NOW has learned.
According to the family member who spoke with Channel2 NOW, Giamanco was returning home during his lunch break when he encountered the unfolding emergency near the school.
Giamanco reportedly lives just up the road from the elementary school, where his two daughters attend classes.
After hearing gunshots and seeing the suspected shooter moving toward or entering the school building, he allegedly rushed toward the scene because his children (daughters) were inside.
His reported actions have prompted praise from people describing him as a hero who acted out of concern for the safety of students and staff.
Some have said he deserves a medal for his actions.
Preliminary accounts provided for this report indicate that the suspected shooter was a 16-year-old Bend resident who allegedly used a shotgun during the attack. Early reports suggested that a bystander intervened and shot the suspect, who subsequently died.
Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the suspect’s death as part of the broader investigation.
The shooting triggered a major emergency response in Bend on Thursday afternoon.
Preliminary information indicated that four victimsโthree children and one adultโwere killed. The 16-year-old suspected shooter was also reported dead, bringing the reported death toll to five.
Rhoam Summer, 5, was identified in the supplied reports as the first named victim.
The other children who reportedly died were described as ages 8 and 11, while the adult victim was identified in preliminary accounts as a teacher. Their identities and the final casualty figures should be confirmed by law enforcement or the appropriate authorities before publication as definitive facts.
Two additional people were reportedly transported for medical treatment in critical condition: a 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher.
The deaths and reported injuries have left the school community facing an immense tragedy, with families awaiting reliable information about their children and loved ones.
Bend police issued an active-shooter alert at approximately 1:17 p.m. Thursday, warning the public about a major law enforcement response at Silver Rail Elementary School and urging people to avoid the surrounding area.
Police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel responded to the campus. Nearby schools, including Caldera High School and Jewell Elementary, were reportedly placed under lockdown as a precaution while emergency personnel worked to address the situation.
Authorities also established a family reunification location at Journey Church, at 61303 S Highway 97, near Goodwill and Dairy Queen. Parents and guardians were directed to the designated site to reconnect with students and receive information.
Although Giamanco has been described in the supplied account as the bystander who stopped the suspect, the details have not been independently verified for this report. The suspect’s death, the bystander’s role, the identities of all victims and the reported casualty figures should be attributed to official sources once confirmed.
The incident has renewed attention to the extraordinary decisions people may face during emergencies, particularly when children and school staff are in danger. Giamanco’s reported decision to act because his daughters attended the school has prompted expressions of gratitude and calls for formal recognition.
Above all, the tragedy has left families and the Bend community mourning the reported loss of young lives and an adult educator. The focus remains on supporting those affected, confirming the facts and allowing investigators to establish exactly what happened.