Crime
Ricardo Contreras Mendoza, the man who caught Quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummond
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The manhunt for quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummond came to an end Tuesday morning after he was captured by a Jackson resident, identified as Ricardo Contreras Mendoza, according to law enforcement.
Ricardo Contreras called police this morning when he saw Austin Drummond walking in the woods.
Drummond had been the subject of an intense, multi-agency search following the August 1 discovery of four family members fatally shot in Lake County, Tennessee.
The weeklong manhunt reached a critical point Tuesday after Drummond was spotted in a residential area of Jackson, Tennessee, prompting a shelter-in-place alert for residents near Saddlebrook Drive and Bridlepath Drive.
The Jackson Police Department issued a public safety message urging residents to:
“Shelter in place immediately. Lock all doors and windows, remain indoors, and avoid unnecessary travel.”
Authorities also blocked off roads in the Pleasant Plains and Country Club area as the search intensified.
Law enforcement said Ricardo Contreras Mendoza played a pivotal role in Drummond’s apprehension.
Details surrounding the exact circumstances of the capture have not yet been released, but officials confirmed that Mendoza was instrumental in spotting and detaining the fugitive until police arrived.
Drummond had evaded capture since last Tuesday, when he allegedly killed four relatives in Lake County. His abandoned vehicle was discovered in Jackson on Friday, leading authorities to believe he was hiding somewhere in the area.
On Sunday night, a home surveillance camera captured footage of Drummond on Pipkin Road, wearing camouflage, a backpack, and carrying a rifle. In one clip, he could be seen attempting to open a door.
The manhunt resulted in heightened police presence near Pleasant Plains Extension and Oil Well Road, as well as a temporary lockdown at Union University on Monday as sightings continued to pour in.
Authorities are now working to piece together the timeline of Drummond’s movements over the past week and determine whether anyone may have assisted him while he was on the run.
The Jackson Police Department is continuing its investigation and encourages anyone with further information to call 731-425-8400.
Crime
Celeste Gusman, 66, Dies After Stabbing at Kalihi Business in Honolulu; Police Investigate as Homicide
HONOLULU, Hawaii — A 66-year-old woman has died following a stabbing at a business in Honolulu’s Kalihi neighborhood, leaving her family, friends, and the local community grieving a tragic loss.
The victim was identified as Celeste Gusman, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Officers responded to a business in the 2300 block of North School Street at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Gusman suffering from a stab wound. Emergency medical personnel quickly began providing advanced lifesaving treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Gusman later succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities also reported that another woman, who is in her 60s, sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to the information released, she was injured in a fall amid the disturbance and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the second woman’s injuries have been provided.
Following the incident, police initially arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. After Gusman died from her injuries, authorities reclassified the case as a murder investigation.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the stabbing. Police have not yet released information about what may have triggered the incident or whether the suspect knew Gusman.
The suspect’s arrest and the ongoing investigation do not establish guilt. Further details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and determining the events that led to the fatal attack.
The death of Celeste Gusman at 66 has brought sadness to those affected by this incident. A place of business in a familiar neighborhood became the scene of a tragedy, and loved ones are now facing the difficult reality of losing someone important to them.
While many questions remain unanswered, the loss of life has deeply affected the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are left remembering Gusman and hoping that the investigation will bring clarity about what happened.
Please keep Celeste Gusman’s family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. The injured woman and everyone affected by the incident also deserve support as they recover.
May Celeste Gusman rest in peace. May her loved ones find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.