Crime
Sacramento County Declines Homicide Charges in Natomas High School Shooting, Cites Self-Defense
SACRAMENTO, California — Prosecutors in Sacramento County have declined to file homicide charges in connection with a fatal shooting at Natomas High School, concluding that the incident occurred during a violent attempted robbery and was legally justified under self-defense.
In a statement released Tuesday, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office detailed the findings of its review, which included an examination of evidence, witness accounts, and applicable law.
Officials determined there was insufficient evidence to prove a criminal homicide case beyond a reasonable doubt.
According to investigators, two individuals who were not students at Natomas High School entered the campus with the apparent intent of locating a specific student.
Authorities reported that one of the individuals was wearing a ski mask and was armed with a handgun.
The pair ultimately encountered the intended target and attempted to rob him in what prosecutors described as a violent confrontation.
During the incident, the targeted student—who was also in possession of a firearm—discharged his weapon, striking and killing the armed suspect.
The deceased has been identified by family members as 16-year-old De’Jon Sledge.
Following a comprehensive review, prosecutors concluded that the student’s actions met the legal criteria for self-defense. “Our professional and ethical obligation requires us to decline charges when the evidence cannot establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt,” the District Attorney’s Office stated.
Despite the decision not to pursue homicide charges, the case will proceed in other respects.
Authorities confirmed that the individual associated with the deceased suspect will face a charge of attempted robbery in juvenile court.
Additionally, the student who fired the weapon is expected to face separate weapons-related charges.
The District Attorney’s Office also used the announcement to underscore broader concerns about safety on school campuses, emphasizing that schools should remain secure environments for students.
Officials noted the troubling reality that some young people may feel compelled to carry weapons for personal protection, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address violence affecting school communities.
Crime
14-Year-Old Middleton High School Student Carson Chrapkowski Dies After Bicycle Crash, Driver Alyssa Anderson Arrested
MIDDLETON, Idaho — A 14-year-old Middleton High School student has died after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle near the high school Friday night, according to the Middleton Police Department.
The teenager was transported by Life Flight to St. Luke’s Boise following the crash but died from his injuries early Saturday morning.
Middleton police said the crash involved a vehicle and a bicyclist near Middleton High School. The 14-year-old suffered critical injuries and was flown to a Boise hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Police announced Saturday morning that the young bicyclist had succumbed to his injuries.
The teen was identified in the information provided for this report as Carson Chrapkowski, a Middleton High School student. However, the police department’s public statement did not release the teenager’s name.
Police arrested 41-year-old Alyssa Louise Anderson in connection with the crash. Anderson was booked into the Canyon County Jail.
According to police, Anderson is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter, aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an injury accident.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the collision or the specific allegations supporting the DUI charge.
The crash remains under investigation by the Middleton Police Department and Idaho State Police. Investigators have not released further information about the sequence of events or whether additional charges could be filed.
Police said they are continuing to work to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
The Middleton Police Department expressed condolences to the teenager’s parents, family, friends, classmates and others affected by his death as the community mourns the loss of a young student.