Crime
57-year-old Lori Wasko killed in Susquehanna County shooting, suspect Carmine Faino dead
SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY, PA — A deadly and chaotic shooting unfolded late Thursday morning in the borough of Thompson, leaving two Pennsylvania State Troopers injured, an EMT hurt, and two individuals dead, including the gunman.
According to investigators, the suspect—identified as 61-year-old Carmine Faino—fatally shot his next-door neighbor, Lori Wasko, 57, outside her home around 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, August 7.
Authorities believe the attack was unprovoked. Wasko’s boyfriend immediately contacted emergency services.
Responding to the 911 call, Pennsylvania State Troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William Jenkins were the first to arrive on the scene.
As they exited their patrol vehicles along Route 171, Faino ambushed them with a rifle, firing multiple rounds.
Trooper Perechinsky was shot twice in the chest, and Trooper Jenkins sustained gunshot wounds to both arms.
Two additional troopers arrived shortly after and were able to reach the wounded officers, facilitating their evacuation.
Both Perechinsky and Jenkins were airlifted to local hospitals and remain in stable condition.
During the standoff, officials observed Faino sitting atop a propane tank, raising serious concerns that he might attempt to use it as an explosive device.
Negotiators attempted to de-escalate the situation; however, when Faino was deemed an imminent threat, he was fatally shot by law enforcement.
An EMT responding to the initial emergency was also caught in the crossfire.
His vehicle was struck by gunfire, causing him to veer off the road and sustain injuries. His condition has not been disclosed.
Governor Josh Shapiro, who confirmed the incident during a scheduled event in Bucks County, later visited Trooper Perechinsky at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton.
The governor praised Perechinsky’s actions, stating that his quick and decisive response “saved lives,” including that of his fellow trooper and civilians in the area.
“He acted decisively. He acted thoughtfully. And the work he did today exemplifies the absolute best of the Pennsylvania State Police,” Shapiro said.
Nikki Creps, a close acquaintance of Lori Wasko, told Channel2 NOW that Wasko was a deeply loved member of the community.
Creps expressed outrage, noting that the suspect was known to be a troubled individual and should have been incarcerated weeks earlier in connection with a prior home invasion.
Dave E. Carr Jr., who was present during the shooting, recounted a harrowing moment when a bullet narrowly missed his head as he watched troopers come under fire. Patrol vehicles were visibly damaged by gunfire, but Carr fortunately escaped unharmed.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are continuing to process the crime scene and interview witnesses.
Additional details are expected to be released during a press briefing at the Pennsylvania State Police Barracks in Dunmore.
Crime
Victims Identified in Deadly Robeson County Mass Shooting
Two Dead, 13 Injured in Mass Shooting at Large Party in Robeson County, North Carolina
ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. — A late-night party in eastern North Carolina turned deadly early Saturday morning when gunfire erupted, leaving two people dead and 13 others injured, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins confirmed that deputies were called to the scene on Dixon Drive, just outside the town of Maxton, at approximately 3:00 a.m. following reports of a shooting at a large outdoor gathering attended by more than 150 people.
When deputies arrived, chaos had already unfolded — witnesses said over 150 individuals fled the area before law enforcement could secure the scene.
Authorities identified the deceased victims as Jessie Locklear and his son Nehemiah Locklear.
Several other victims sustained critical injuries and were transported to area hospitals for emergency treatment.
Sheriff Wilkins stated that, based on preliminary findings, the shooting appears to have been an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the wider community.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from multiple agencies, continues to investigate the circumstances that led to the violence.
Detectives are working to determine the motive and identify all parties involved.
Authorities are urging anyone with information—or anyone who attended the gathering and witnessed the incident—to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Investigators at 910-671-3100.
“We know there were many people present when this occurred,” Sheriff Wilkins said. “If you saw something or know something, we need you to come forward to help bring justice to the victims and their families.”