Crime
Missing 22-year-old Sarah Johnston found dead
KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — Authorities have confirmed that Sarah Johnston, the 22-year-old woman who was reported missing earlier this month, has been found deceased.
At this time, officials have released only limited information regarding the circumstances of her death.
Investigators are asking the public to keep her family and loved ones in their thoughts and to report any information that may assist in the ongoing investigation.
Johnston had been missing from Knox County since January 7, 2026.
According to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, she was last seen in the 1100 block of Copperwood Lane.
She was officially reported missing shortly after midnight on Friday.
Investigators stated that Johnston suffered from personal conditions that may have prevented her from returning safely on her own.
She did not own a vehicle, and it remained unclear whether she left her residence on foot or received transportation from another person.
Authorities also indicated that they did not know what she was wearing at the time she disappeared.
Johnston was described as having a distinctive heart-shaped tattoo near her left eye, a feature that was highlighted in earlier public appeals for information.
During the search, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office urged anyone who had seen Johnston or had knowledge of her whereabouts to contact their Major Crimes Unit at 865-215-2243.
That request remains in effect as investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to her disappearance and death.
Officials have not released further details regarding the cause of death or whether foul play is suspected, citing the active nature of the investigation.
Anyone with information relevant to the case is encouraged to contact the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.