Crime
Suspect dead in explosion at American Reproductive Centers in Palm Springs
Palm Springs, CA — A powerful explosion rocked a medical building in Palm Springs on Saturday morning, injuring five people and leaving one person—believed to be the suspect—dead.
The blast occurred around 11:00 a.m. near the American Reproductive Centers, a fertility clinic located at 1199 N. Indian Canyon Drive, just north of East Tachevah Drive and near Desert Regional Medical Center.
Law enforcement sources confirmed that five individuals sustained injuries, while one person—thought to be responsible for the explosion—was killed at the scene.
The identity of the deceased has not been publicly released.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have both responded to the scene and are conducting a joint investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and whether it was intentional.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” said Nicole Lozano, spokesperson for the ATF. “Our teams are en route and working with local partners to assess the damage and collect evidence.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation.
One video appears to show a body lying near the blast site, which aligns with police confirmation of a fatality.
A statement from his office noted that the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is actively coordinating with local and federal agencies to support emergency operations on the ground.
Footage from witnesses and bystanders showed thick black smoke billowing from the building, shattered windows across adjacent structures, and debris scattered across the area.
The explosion was reportedly heard and felt up to two miles away, prompting panic and drawing a rapid response from fire and law enforcement agencies.
At a press briefing shortly after noon, Lt. William Hutchinson of the Palm Springs Police Department confirmed that the possibility of terrorism or deliberate criminal intent is “not being ruled out at this time.”
Dr. Maher Abdallah, who operates the American Reproductive Centers facility, told the Associated Press in a phone interview that his staff were unharmed and all accounted for.
He confirmed the explosion severely damaged the office and consultation areas, but the IVF laboratory and all stored embryos remained intact.
“I really have no clue what happened,” Dr. Abdallah said. “Thank God today happened to be a day that we had no patients in the building.”
Authorities have shut down North Indian Canyon Drive between Vista Chino and Alejo Road, urging the public to avoid the area while emergency crews continue to work.
Though some online speculation has pointed to past negative reviews associated with the clinic, investigators have not linked any grievances or prior complaints to Saturday’s explosion.
Federal agents, including bomb technicians and evidence response teams, are expected to remain on site throughout the weekend as they work to determine the origin and motive behind the blast.
A formal press conference is anticipated in the coming hours, where officials are expected to provide additional details on casualties, property damage, and the scope of the investigation.
Residents with surveillance footage or any information relevant to the incident are urged to contact the Palm Springs Police Department.
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.