Crime
Pima County Deputy Ramon Hernandez Under Investigation for Social Media Posts Appearing to Celebrate Charlie Kirk Killing
PIMA COUNTY, Ariz. — A Pima County sheriff’s deputy is under internal investigation after social-media posts that appeared to celebrate the killing of activist Charlie Kirk drew public outrage, officials and local media report.
The deputy, identified in social posts as Ramon Hernandez, is alleged to have shared a series of messages condemning Kirk’s views and describing the slaying as “karma.” In the posts, Hernandez reportedly wrote that Kirk “only promoted hate, racism” and suggested the country is “long overdue for a revolution.”
He also referenced graphic accounts of civilian harm abroad and criticized U.S. and international policies while urging readers to “stand on the right side of history, especially if you’re a cop.”
The posts — which include strong language and condemnatory rhetoric — prompted concern from community members and elected officials about whether an officer who appears to celebrate violence can be trusted to serve impartially.
Critics noted that law-enforcement personnel are held to high standards of conduct and impartiality, particularly when policing communities that include individuals with differing political beliefs.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed it is aware of the social-media activity and has opened an internal review. Department spokespersons said the matter is being handled through standard internal-affairs procedures; no disciplinary determinations have been announced.
If substantiated, such conduct could lead to administrative discipline up to and including termination, depending on investigative findings and applicable policies.
Civil-rights advocates and local leaders called for a transparent review and clear communication from the sheriff’s office about the inquiry’s scope and outcome.
Law-enforcement oversight experts say investigations typically examine whether an officer’s speech violated department policies on professional conduct, impartiality, or use of social media, and whether it undermined public trust.
Hernandez has not publicly commented on the investigation.
The sheriff’s office has not released additional details about the probe’s timeline or any interim actions taken while the review is ongoing.
Authorities encourage anyone with relevant information about the posts or related conduct to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department’s internal affairs unit.
CHICAGO, IL — A man was found shot to death Friday night on Chicago’s South Side, prompting a homicide investigation by Area One detectives, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 900 block of West 63rd Parkway in the Englewood neighborhood at approximately 10:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 36-year-old male victim suffering from gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, but the victim was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified him as Dennis T. Durley, age 36.
According to preliminary information, a male suspect exited a white sedan, approached the victim, and opened fire before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle.
No arrests have been made at this time, and Area One detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not released details on a possible motive or whether the incident may have been targeted.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Chicago Police Department’s Area One Bureau of Detectives or submit an anonymous tip through CPD’s tip line or Crime Stoppers.