Crime
14-month-old Elliot Whitaker raped and murder by Easton Vance in Kingsport
A 14-month-old child died following a violent incident in Kingsport, Tennessee, prompting a homicide investigation and the indictment of a 20-year-old man on multiple felony charges, authorities confirmed.
According to the Kingsport Police Department (KPD), officers and emergency responders were dispatched on October 21, 2024, to a residence in the 3800 block of Eastline Drive after receiving a report of an unresponsive child.
Upon arrival, first responders located 14-month-old Elliot Whitaker unresponsive inside the residence.
Life-saving measures were immediately initiated, and the child was transported to Indian Path Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.
An autopsy was conducted at the Williams L. Jenkins Forensic Center, where the medical examiner determined that the child had suffered severe and extensive injuries.
The manner of death was officially ruled a homicide, according to investigative findings.
Following the investigation, a Sullivan County grand jury returned an indictment charging Easton Joshua Vance, 20, with multiple felony offenses in connection with the childโs death.
The charges include:
- Three counts of first-degree murder
- Aggravated child abuse
- Aggravated rape of a child
- Aggravated child neglect
- Aggravated criminal trespass
Court documents state that the aggravated criminal trespass charge stems from allegations that Vance unlawfully entered or remained at Miller Village Apartments, knowing he was not permitted to be on the property.
Prosecutors allege this violation is connected to a prior aggravated robbery charge, though details of that case were not immediately released.
Vance remains incarcerated at the Sullivan County Jail pending further court proceedings.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
As with all criminal cases, the charges outlined in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. โ Multiple people were injured after a U-Haul truck drove into a crowd during an Iranian protest on Veterans Avenue in Los Angeles on Sunday, according to police and eyewitness accounts.
The incident occurred near the federal building at 1338 Veteran Avenue, where demonstrators had gathered for a proโPahlavi, anti-regime rally.
Video circulating on social media shows a U-Haul truck bearing political slogans related to Iranโs monarchy entering the area of the protest and moving directly through a group of demonstrators.
Witnesses reported that as the truck approached the crowd, several protesters attempted to block its path, striking the vehicle and trying to pull the driver out.
In some footage, individuals can be seen attempting to remove or cover slogans displayed on the truck. Despite these efforts, the driver continued inching forward and ultimately drove into people in the crowd.
Authorities stated that multiple individuals were injured in the incident.
While no fatalities have been confirmed, witnesses described the situation as chaotic and potentially deadly.
Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and treated victims, while law enforcement worked to secure the area.
Police said individuals on the ground attempted to confront the person inside the U-Haul prior to the vehicle moving through the crowd.
Officers subsequently established a perimeter and began moving demonstrators away from the emergency response zone to allow first responders to operate safely.
The Los Angeles Police Department has not yet released the identity of the driver or confirmed whether the incident is being investigated as an intentional act or a traffic-related offense.
Officials indicated that the investigation is ongoing and that further details will be provided as they become available.