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
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.