Crime
Classmate charged with manslaughter following drowning of South Jones High student Yahir Valiente Alba
ELLISVILLE, Miss. — Authorities have identified the 16-year-old South Jones High School student who died Monday in a tragic incident near a gas station in Ellisville, Mississippi, as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the case.
Jones County Coroner Burl Hall confirmed the victim was 16-year-old Yahir Valiente-Alba, a freshman at South Jones High School and a member of the Laurel-Jones County Futbol Club.
According to Ellisville Police Department Investigator Kyle Pickett, one of Valiente-Alba’s classmates was taken into custody following the incident.
Sources close to the investigation confirmed the juvenile suspect has since been charged with manslaughter and was denied bond during an initial court appearance Tuesday.
The incident occurred Monday near the Texaco gas station located along Mississippi Highway 590 in Ellisville.
Witness Randall Blair told reporters he observed much of the confrontation unfold in the gas station parking lot.
According to Blair, a vehicle carrying three teenage boys arrived at the location before one of the occupants exited the vehicle and began striking the trunk aggressively.
Authorities confirmed the teenagers knew one another and all attended South Jones High School.
Blair stated that the confrontation escalated when the same individual allegedly began chasing the other two teenagers. One teenager reportedly managed to re-enter the vehicle and drive away, while Valiente-Alba fled toward a nearby pond.
The witness alleged that the suspect pursued Valiente-Alba into the water, physically assaulted him, and held him underwater.
Blair further claimed that bystanders attempted to intervene but were warned to stay back after the suspect allegedly claimed to possess a firearm.
Emergency responders and police officers were dispatched to the scene shortly afterward, where Valiente-Alba was later pronounced dead.
Ellisville police have not publicly confirmed whether a weapon was recovered at the scene or whether foul play has officially been determined as the cause of death.
Investigator Pickett stated that authorities are also examining whether drugs may have played a role in the events leading up to the fatal incident.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
The death of Yahir Valiente-Alba has deeply impacted the Jones County community, with classmates, teammates, teachers, and residents sharing tributes and memories across social media.
Friends and family described Valiente-Alba as a friendly and outgoing teenager who “made friends wherever he went.”
According to family members, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist with funeral expenses and support the family during the difficult time.
Valiente-Alba was also remembered as a dedicated soccer player with the Laurel-Jones County Futbol Club.
Jones County Superintendent B.R. Jones acknowledged the emotional impact the tragedy has had on students and faculty across the district.
“We are wrapping up the school year, so there will be several awards programs and things like that going on,” Jones said. “I know that there will be mentions of these students throughout that. We’ll be coordinating with the families as well in regards to any remembrances.”
Authorities have not released additional details as the manslaughter investigation continues.
ERIE, Pa. — Matthew S. Stone, also known as Matt Stone, has reportedly been identified as the suspected gunman in a deadly mass shooting at a residence on Perry Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday, October 9, 2026.
The shooting reportedly claimed nine lives, including those of his daughter, Angelina Stone, and her two young children, according to information shared by family members and other reports.
Authorities responded to a residence at 722 Perry Street at approximately 5 p.m. after receiving emergency calls reporting gunfire.
The incident developed into an hours-long standoff before officers entered the home and found multiple victims.
The suspected shooter was also found dead inside the residence, reportedly from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The reported identification of Matthew S. Stone as the suspect has added another painful dimension to a tragedy that has devastated relatives, friends and the wider Erie community. However, the suspect’s identity and the reported family relationships should be treated as unconfirmed unless officially verified by law enforcement.
Angelina Stone, 24, her 5-year-old son, Isiah Hodges, and her nearly 2-year-old daughter, Amari’anna, have reportedly been identified among those killed in the shooting.
Family-shared information and a fundraising appeal described Angelina as pregnant and expecting a baby boy named Kyrie in the coming weeks. The reported deaths of Angelina and her children have left relatives and friends grieving the loss of a young mother and the children whose lives were cut short.
Information shared by family members reportedly identified Matthew S. Stone as Angelina’s father and the person responsible for killing her and her children. However, the information available for this report does not establish that police have officially confirmed the suspect’s identity, the family relationships or the allegations surrounding the deaths.
Lora Roberts, a mother of five and volunteer advocate for people experiencing homelessness, has also reportedly been identified as a victim.
Roberts was known for her community service and was reportedly a former member of the board of directors of Community of Caring, an Erie nonprofit that provides food and shelter to people in need.
According to information shared about the incident, Roberts was reportedly attempting to help a family member escape when she was shot. Her reported death has left five children without their mother and loved ones mourning a woman remembered for her compassion and willingness to help others.
April Miles Pineiro shared a heartfelt tribute remembering Jonathan and Matthew Stone as close childhood friends who helped make her early years unforgettable.
Pineiro recalled meeting the brothers when they were children and quickly becoming part of a close group of neighborhood friends. They spent hours playing outdoors, including hide-and-seek games in which the boys sometimes wore a clown mask to scare their friends.
She remembered how the children continued spending time together through cold and snowy weather and how they walked to the school bus stop together when they learned they would attend the same school.
Pineiro also recalled Jonathan’s childhood crush on her and a memorable visit to a park when playful horseplay on a slide ended with both brothers falling. She described these memories with affection, emphasizing the lasting bond they shared.
In her tribute, Pineiro expressed heartbreak over the reported deaths and promised to cherish their memories.
“I’ll love you ALWAYS AND FOREVER Matthew and Jonathan,” she wrote.
Her words reflected the depth of the friendships and the profound grief being felt by those who knew the brothers.
According to reports, witnesses told investigators that a man fired a handgun outside the residence before entering the home. Two women were initially found dead in the street.
Erie police officers and the department’s SWAT team surrounded the property and attempted to persuade the man inside to surrender. Additional gunshots were reportedly heard while officers remained outside.
Police eventually entered the residence and discovered additional victims in different areas of the home, including children. The suspected shooter was found dead inside, reportedly with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities said there was no continuing threat to the public after the situation was contained.
Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah described the incident as devastating and deeply disturbing for the officers and investigators involved.
“The loss of life is devastating, and the circumstances we are working through are deeply disturbing,” Lorah said.
Mayor Daria Devlin also expressed condolences to the victims’ families and everyone affected by the tragedy, calling it a terrible loss for the community.
The Erie County Coroner’s Office and police investigators remained at the scene late Friday to document evidence and establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Counseling was reportedly being made available to responding officers following the traumatic incident.
The reported deaths of Angelina Stone, her children, Lora Roberts and other victims have left families and friends facing an unimaginable loss.
Community members continue to share tributes, remembering the victims through stories of childhood friendships, family bonds and efforts to help others.
Authorities are working to establish the full sequence of events and confirm the identities and relationships of those involved. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional official information may clarify the reported identity of the suspected shooter and the circumstances leading to the deadly incident.