Crime
Retired Berkeley Fire Chief Henry Williams and his daughter Halayna Williams killed in Ferguson shooting
The St. Louis community is grieving the tragic loss of retired Berkeley Fire Chief Henry Williams and his 15-year-old daughter, Halayna Williams, following a fatal shooting at a Ferguson residence on Saturday evening.
According to the Ferguson Police Department, officers responded at approximately 6:15 p.m. on February 21 to a reported medical emergency—initially described as a “sick case”—in the 500 block of North Clay Avenue in Ferguson.
Upon arrival, officers discovered an adult male and a teenage female suffering from severe injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.
Police immediately initiated life-saving measures; however, both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Troy Doyle confirmed that the adult male victim was Henry Williams, who previously served as Fire Chief for the Berkeley Fire Department.
Williams was widely respected throughout the region for his years of service and leadership in public safety.
Halayna Williams, a 15-year-old high school student, was described by family and friends as a vibrant and well-loved member of her school community.
She was an active basketball player and was remembered by classmates and staff for her positive spirit and strong presence both on and off the court.
61-year-old Linda Hayden has officially been charged with two counts of First-Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action.
The loss has deeply affected family members, friends, first responders, and residents across the St. Louis area, many of whom have expressed their condolences and support for those impacted by the tragedy.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Ferguson Police Department at 314-522-3100.
Crime
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.