Crime
Anthony Astorini and Maurice Mitchell Killed in Fatal Wrong-Way Crash on I-85 in Spartanburg County
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Authorities have identified two people who were killed in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 85 in Spartanburg County early Friday morning.
The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as Anthony Joseph Astorini, 28, of Moore, and Maurice Levernon Mitchell, 64, of Greer.
According to Spartanburg County Coroner Rusty Clevenger, Astorini was pronounced dead at approximately 3:47 a.m., while Mitchell was pronounced dead at approximately 3:44 a.m.
The fatal collision occurred on Interstate 85 near mile marker 62 in the Duncan area, where authorities reported a wrong-way driver was involved.
Multiple crashes were reported in the area during the incident, prompting a significant emergency response. Investigators and emergency crews worked at the scene for several hours while authorities examined the circumstances surrounding the collisions.
All southbound lanes of I-85 were closed during the investigation, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area. The interstate has since reopened.
The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office said examinations will be conducted on both victims as part of the investigation.
Authorities have not yet released additional details about the wrong-way driver, the circumstances that led to the vehicle traveling against traffic, or whether any other people were injured.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information is expected to be released as authorities continue to reconstruct the events surrounding the deadly I-85 wrong-way crash in Spartanburg County
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.