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
Greenville County Murder-Suicide: Chloe Jade Brown and Dreak Wright Dead After Elmwood Avenue Shooting
GREENVILLE, South Carolina — A fatal shooting at a home on Elmwood Avenue in Greenville County claimed the lives of a man and a woman on Tuesday evening, October 13, 2026.
The victims have been identified in information shared with the public as Chloe Jade Brown, a young mother, and Dreak Wright. The incident has been described as a suspected murder-suicide.
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called to Elmwood Avenue before 9 p.m. after receiving a report of a shooting.
Upon arrival, they found a man and a woman who had both sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
According to the supplied account, Wright allegedly shot Brown before taking his own life. The identities and sequence of events should be treated as reported information until confirmed by authorities.
Chloe Jade Brown has been remembered by friends and loved ones as a caring mother and a bright presence in their lives.
Following news of the deadly incident, tributes expressed grief over her death and concern for the children she leaves behind. Those mourning her have offered prayers for her children, family and everyone affected by the tragedy.
The loss of a mother has prompted particular concern for the children’s well-being and the emotional support they may need as they cope with their loss.
Some people sharing tributes to Brown alleged that she had experienced domestic violence. However, the information available does not independently confirm those claims or establish whether domestic violence played a role in the shooting.
Authorities have not provided further details in the supplied report about the circumstances leading up to the incident, the relationship between the victims or any previous reports of domestic disputes.
These details should be verified before being presented as established facts.
Deputies with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Elmwood Avenue residence before 9 p.m. Tuesday. They found both victims dead from gunshot wounds, according to the agency’s initial account.
The incident has been described as a murder-suicide in the supplied information, but additional official confirmation is needed regarding the sequence of events and the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The tragedy has left friends and loved ones mourning both individuals, while tributes to Brown have highlighted the impact her death will have on her children.