Crime
12-year-old Dereon James Robins and 9-year-old Mikhail-Lee Smith killed in Spartanburg County crash
Authorities in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, are investigating a devastating crash that claimed the lives of two young boys Sunday afternoon along Asheville Highway.
According to the Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office, officials were called to the scene of a serious collision near the intersection of Asheville Highway and Brock Street.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported that the incident occurred when a 2016 Honda Accord, occupied by two individuals, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck two bicyclists who were riding on the eastbound sidewalk.
The victims, identified as 12-year-old Dereon James Robins and 9-year-old Mikhail-Lee Smith, both of Spartanburg, sustained critical injuries.
Emergency responders transported the children to a nearby hospital; however, despite lifesaving efforts, both later succumbed to their injuries.
One child was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the other died after being transported for medical care.
Authorities confirmed that the boys were riding their bicycles on the sidewalk at the time of the crash and were not in the roadway.
Witnesses at the scene, including family members, reportedly attempted to render aid, performing CPR until emergency personnel arrived.
Preliminary findings indicate that the driver of the Honda Accord lost control of the vehicle before leaving the roadway and striking the victims.
Additional information released indicates that excessive speed and possible impairment may have been contributing factors.
The driver has since been identified as Eri Otoniel Roberto Perez, who now faces multiple charges, including two counts of DUI resulting in death and operating a vehicle without a valid license.
Officials have indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming.
A bond hearing is expected as the legal process moves forward.
One occupant of the vehicle was also transported to a hospital. Their condition has not been publicly disclosed.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to lead the investigation into the crash, and officials emphasize that the findings remain preliminary and subject to change as more evidence is gathered.
This tragedy has deeply impacted the Spartanburg community, as two young lives were lost under circumstances that authorities indicate may have been preventable.
Family members, first responders, and residents are mourning the loss, while calls for accountability and justice continue as the investigation progresses.
Crime
Jesse James West, 36, Dies After Being Shot by Kansas City, Kansas, Police Officer During Disturbance Response
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A family’s request for help ended in tragedy Friday evening, November 6, 2026, when 36-year-old Jesse James West died after being shot by a police officer responding to a reported disturbance at a residence in Kansas City, Kansas.
The incident occurred in the 6500 block of Kansas Avenue, where officers were dispatched following a call from a woman who reported that a relative was behaving erratically inside a vehicle parked in the driveway. What began as a request for assistance became a fatal encounter that has left West’s loved ones grieving and raised difficult questions as investigators work to establish exactly what happened.
According to information released by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), officers were dispatched at approximately 7:35 p.m. Two Kansas City, Kansas, police officers arrived at the residence around 7:50 p.m. and approached an SUV parked in the driveway.
Inside the vehicle, officers encountered West. One officer reportedly observed that he had a firearm.
The officers initially moved away from the SUV and instructed West to exit the vehicle with his hands raised. They later approached again and repeated their commands.
At approximately 7:56 p.m., as officers approached the SUV, one officer fired a single round, striking West. According to the KBI’s preliminary account, West was standing just outside the vehicle’s door when he was shot.
Officers immediately began providing life-saving medical assistance while waiting for emergency medical personnel to arrive.
West was transported to The University of Kansas Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
No officers were reported injured during the incident. Investigators also said they located what they believe were components of a rifle at the scene.
The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department requested assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at approximately 8:25 p.m. The KBI is conducting an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
Once the investigation is complete, the findings are expected to be submitted to the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office for review.
Authorities have not released further conclusions about the circumstances leading to the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and the findings will help determine the full sequence of events.
Jesse James West was 36 years old. His death has left family members and loved ones facing a painful loss following an incident that began with a call for assistance.
The circumstances surrounding the encounter remain under investigation, and many questions may not be answered until investigators complete their review.
As his family mourns, thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved West. Losing someone unexpectedly is devastating, and the pain can be especially difficult when the circumstances remain unclear.
Our deepest condolences go out to Jesse James West’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May they find strength, support, and comfort as they grieve.
May Jesse James West rest in peace.