Crime
William “Bill” Day and Wife Tommie Day Killed in Fiery Beechcraft Bonanza Plane Crash Near Bogalusa Airport
BOGALUSA, La. — Two people were killed Thursday morning after a Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from George R. Carr Memorial Airfield in Bogalusa, Louisiana, according to the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office and federal aviation officials.
The victims have been identified as William “Bill” Day, 68, and his wife, Tommie Day, 69, both of Seguin, Texas.
The fatal crash occurred at approximately 10:48 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, when emergency responders were dispatched to reports of an aircraft crash in a wooded area near George R. Carr Memorial Airfield.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft involved was a Beechcraft Bonanza (Beech H-35) that crashed into heavily wooded terrain shortly after departing the airport under circumstances that remain unknown.
The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed that both occupants aboard the aircraft died in the crash. No other injuries were reported.
Firefighters responded quickly to extinguish the fire that erupted after the aircraft impacted the ground. Once the flames were brought under control, authorities recovered the victims from the wreckage.
Officials said the bodies of Bill and Tommie Day will be transported to Lafayette for autopsies as part of the ongoing death investigation.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has assumed leadership of the investigation, while the FAA is assisting with the inquiry.
In a statement, the NTSB said the aircraft impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from George R. Carr Memorial Airfield, and an investigator was expected to arrive at the crash site Friday morning to begin documenting evidence.
Investigators will examine the wreckage before it is transported to a secure facility for a more detailed inspection.
As part of the investigation, the NTSB said it will review numerous aspects of the flight, including:
- Flight tracking and aircraft performance data
- Air traffic control communications, if available
- Aircraft maintenance and inspection records
- Weather and lighting conditions at the time of the crash
- The pilot’s licensing, certifications, and recent flight experience
- The pilot’s activities during the 72 hours leading up to the flight
- Witness statements
- Electronic devices that may contain relevant information
- Surveillance footage, including nearby security and doorbell camera recordings
Officials emphasized that investigators will not speculate on the cause of the crash while the on-scene investigation is underway.
The NTSB is asking anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have surveillance video or other information related to the incident to contact investigators by emailing witness@ntsb.gov.
The FAA is expected to release a preliminary report, while the NTSB’s full investigation into the fatal crash could take several months before a final determination is made regarding the cause.
The investigation remains active. Authorities have extended their condolences to the family and loved ones of William “Bill” Day and Tommie Day as they mourn their tragic loss.
Crime
19-year-old Brianna killed in Lincoln shooting, suspect Tyler Benzel charged with first-degree murder
LINCOLN, Neb. — Lincoln police have released additional information about a fatal shooting Tuesday evening that claimed the life of a 19-year-old woman identified as Brianna.
Authorities have identified 37-year-old Tyler Benzel as the suspect in the shooting. According to Lancaster County Jail records, Benzel has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death.
According to Lincoln police, the incident began with a verbal and physical altercation involving Benzel’s wife, Brianna and other individuals.
Investigators said they believe the confrontation was initiated by Benzel’s wife. Police said Benzel later left his residence and approached the group.
Authorities allege that Benzel told the individuals to leave and made verbal threats before raising a firearm and firing at the group. Police said the confrontation and shooting took place away from Benzel’s property.
Officers arrived at the scene within moments and found Brianna suffering from a single gunshot wound.
Officers immediately began providing life-saving medical treatment at the scene. Brianna was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Police recovered a 9mm handgun at the scene. However, investigators said forensic testing is still required to determine whether the recovered firearm was the weapon used in the shooting.
Authorities said they are not currently aware of any other weapons being involved in the incident.
Police said Benzel was cooperative when officers arrived at the scene. Authorities also said Benzel and his wife did not know Brianna or the other individuals involved before the altercation.
Benzel’s wife has not been arrested or charged in connection with the shooting at this time.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence, including forensic testing of the recovered firearm.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Benzel is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.