Crime
29-year-old Donnene Walker killed in Jefferson County crash involving multiple vehicles
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities are investigating a multi-vehicle collision in Jefferson County that resulted in the death of a pedestrian from Texas late Tuesday night, November 25.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the victim has been identified as 29-year-old Donnene Walker of Houston, Texas.
Investigators report that the crash involved four vehicles along Interstate 65 near the 278-mile marker.
The incident began when a Ford Edge, originally driven by Walker, became disabled in the roadway following an earlier collision.
Walker exited the vehicle and was standing nearby when a Nissan Rogue collided with the stationary Ford Edge.
The impact caused the Edge to strike Walker, resulting in critical injuries.
Before striking the Ford Edge, the Nissan Rogue also collided with a Chevrolet Silverado.
The drivers of both the Rogue and the Silverado sustained injuries and were transported to UAB Hospital for medical treatment.
Following the chain reaction, debris scattered across the roadway was struck by a fourth vehicle being driven by an 18-year-old driver.
No injuries were reported from that vehicle.
Walker was transported from the scene to UAB Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. No further fatalities have been reported.
Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division remain actively engaged in reconstructing the events leading to the crash.
The roadway was temporarily restricted as first responders worked to assess injuries, clear debris, and document evidence.
No additional details regarding contributing factors, such as weather, speed, or impairment, have been released.
Anyone with information or additional witness accounts is encouraged to contact ALEA as the investigation continues.
Further updates will be provided as they become available.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.