Crime
Victim killed in shooting at Wegmans Warehouse identified as Jmere Smith
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Authorities have identified the victim fatally shot at the Wegmans Warehouse in Gates as 20-something-year-old Jmere Smith.
The deadly shooting occurred late Saturday afternoon and is currently under active investigation.
According to Gates Police Chief Robert Long, officers responded to the Wegmans Distribution Center located at 1500 Brooks Avenue around 4:15 p.m. following reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, law enforcement found the victim, later identified as Jmere Smith, suffering from three gunshot wounds to the chest at close range.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by responding medical personnel.
The suspect fled the area before police arrived. Authorities have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the surrounding area or nearby businesses.
The incident prompted a coordinated response involving the Gates Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, and Greece Police Department.
Chief Long noted that, at this time, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and no arrests have been made.
Investigators do not believe the shooting is related to a separate incident that took place Friday outside an Amazon Distribution Center, also located in Gates.
The suspect’s identity has not been released, and authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that may assist the investigation.
Individuals with relevant details are asked to contact 911 or reach out anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
The Gates Police Department continues to lead the investigation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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.