Crime
Second Victim Killed in Twin Falls In-N-Out Shooting Identified as Christopher “Toph” Claunch
TWIN FALLS, Idaho — The second victim killed in the mass shooting at the newly opened In-N-Out Burger in Twin Falls has been identified as Christopher “Toph” Claunch, a beloved member of the community whose death has prompted an outpouring of grief from family, friends, and coworkers.
Claunch was among three victims killed during Saturday’s shooting outside the restaurant.
Authorities have identified the suspected gunman as 24-year-old Chad Williams, who police say died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after opening fire at the busy restaurant.
Including the suspect, four people died in the tragedy, while seven others were injured.
Loved ones described Claunch as a compassionate, resilient man who dedicated himself to helping others and making a positive impact on those around him.
In a heartfelt tribute shared after his death, friends wrote:
“Topher ‘Toph’ was innocently killed by the very man that suffered from a disease that Toph went to all lengths to help.”
They described him as far more than a friend.
“Toph wasn’t just a friend, he was a brother.”
According to those who knew him, Claunch overcame tremendous adversity throughout his life and became an inspiration to many in the Twin Falls community.
“A man who fought through adversity and not only became an amazing man but also a role model. Toph will always be remembered as a pillar in our community.”
The emotional tribute reflects the profound impact Claunch had on those who knew him, with many remembering his kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others.
During a Sunday news conference, Twin Falls Police Chief Matthew Hicks identified the suspect as 24-year-old Chad Williams.
Police said Williams acted alone during the shooting and later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Investigators continue working to determine what motivated the attack. Authorities said Williams’ family is cooperating fully with law enforcement, and detectives continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence collected at the scene.
Officials have not released a motive for the shooting.
The shooting claimed the lives of three innocent victims, including Christopher “Toph” Claunch and Ashley, an In-N-Out employee who was working when the gunfire erupted.
Including Williams, the total death toll stands at four.
Police said seven additional victims suffered injuries during the attack.
Hospital officials reported:
- Two victims have been treated and released.
- Three remain hospitalized in stable condition.
- Two remain in critical condition.
Among those injured is Steven Pixley, who was wounded during the shooting.
Another survivor, Terry Dudley, was shot while inside a blue Tesla parked outside the restaurant. Family members said he underwent surgery and is currently in stable condition.
Relatives connected to a gray Tesla involved in the shooting said the driver was killed, while the passenger survived and continues receiving medical treatment.
Authorities praised the actions of an off-duty Idaho State Police trooper and an armed citizen who confronted the gunman during the attack.
Chief Hicks said both individuals returned fire, forcing the suspect away from the crowded restaurant.
“We believe their actions helped drive the suspect away from the scene, preventing further casualties,” Hicks said.
“We want to take a moment and commend the actions of the off-duty officer and the citizen, and their heroic action to stop this incident.”
Although police have not officially identified the civilian, numerous witnesses have identified him as Jordan Salinas, whose actions were captured in widely circulated cellphone video.
The footage appears to show Salinas drawing his handgun and advancing toward the gunman while under fire. At one point, he falls into nearby bushes before getting back up and continuing to confront the suspect.
Police have not confirmed whether Salinas struck the shooter or whether his intervention directly ended the attack, but officials acknowledged that the actions of the armed citizen and the off-duty trooper likely prevented additional casualties.
Earlier Sunday, In-N-Out Burger owner Lynsi Snyder confirmed that employee Ashley was among those killed.
In an emotional statement, Snyder mourned the loss of the young employee.
“My heart is broken, my chest is heavy, my eyes burn from the tears I’ve shed. We lost one of our beautiful Associates tonight.”
She added:
“She was taking care of our most important asset—our customers—and her life was taken by a disgusting human who doesn’t value the lives of others or his own.”
The company said it is mourning alongside the victims’ families and supporting employees affected by the tragedy.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is assisting the Twin Falls Police Department and has asked members of the public to submit photographs, videos, and other evidence captured during the shooting.
Investigators hope additional footage will help establish a complete timeline of the attack.
The shooting occurred around 2 p.m. Saturday at the Twin Falls In-N-Out Burger, which had opened on July 24 as part of the California-based chain’s expansion into Idaho.
The restaurant is located in a busy shopping center where hundreds of customers and shoppers were present when gunfire erupted.
Detectives continue processing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing surveillance footage as they work to determine why Chad Williams carried out the attack.
Authorities are also warning the public about misinformation circulating online and have emphasized that several individuals incorrectly identified as the shooter have no connection to the case.
As the Twin Falls community mourns the lives lost, tributes continue to pour in for Christopher “Toph” Claunch, remembered as a devoted friend, mentor, and community leader whose compassion and selflessness left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
Crime
Ihor Demianenko Identified as Driver in North Hollywood Crash That Killed 3 and Critically Injured 2, Held on $6 Million Bail
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES — A 61-year-old driver has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after a vehicle crashed into pedestrians and street vendors near a Metro station in North Hollywood, killing three women and injuring two others.
The driver, identified as Ihor Demianenko, is being held on more than $6 million bail. In addition to the suspected DUI offense, he is facing three counts of murder in connection with the deadly crash, according to authorities.
The collision happened shortly before 6 p.m. Tuesday near the Metro station on North Lankershim Boulevard, close to Chandler Boulevard, during the evening rush hour.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Demianenko was driving a white minivan southbound on Lankershim Boulevard at what investigators described as an unsafe speed. The vehicle reportedly veered off the roadway and struck several pedestrians and food vendors on the sidewalk.
Demianenko became trapped inside the minivan and had to be extricated by emergency responders. He was taken to a hospital with minor injuries before being arrested on suspicion of felony DUI.
Three women were pronounced dead at the scene. The LAPD confirmed that the victims were 40, 53 and 69 years old. Their identities had not been publicly released in the information available.
Two additional women, believed to be between 50 and 55 years old, were struck and transported to a hospital in critical condition.
The crash occurred in an area where street vendors regularly sell food and other items near the Metro station entrance and exit. Witnesses told local media that at least two of the women who died were longtime food vendors who had worked in the area for years.
The deaths have deeply affected commuters, customers and neighborhood residents who regularly encountered the women.
People familiar with the vendors described them as friendly and generous community members who welcomed customers and sometimes provided food even to people who could not afford to pay.
A growing memorial appeared near the crash site Wednesday as people stopped to pay their respects and remember the women.
Joseph Portillo, who said he saw the vendors regularly, expressed sadness over their deaths and the impact on their families and children.
Another vendor, Noe Orozco, told local media that he worked alongside the women and regularly dropped them off in the morning and picked them up later in the day. He said he had just picked them up as usual when he came upon the devastating crash scene and discovered that one of his colleagues had died.
The Los Angeles Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, including the events leading up to the minivan leaving the roadway.
Demianenko remains in custody on more than $6 million bail. He has been arrested on suspicion of DUI and is facing three murder counts.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the full sequence of events that led to the deaths and injuries.