Crime
Yahsim Howlett and Tyaisha West Killed in Trenton Mass Shooting
TRENTON, N.J. — Two people were killed and nine others were wounded in a mass shooting early Sunday morning on Locust Street in Trenton, according to the Trenton Police Department.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:25 a.m. on August 30, 2026, in the area of 194 Locust Street.
Police officers responded after receiving reports of multiple shots fired and found several people suffering from gunshot wounds when they arrived.
Authorities confirmed that 11 people were shot during the incident. Two victims, identified as Yahsim Howlett and Tyaisha West, were pronounced dead.
The other nine victims were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for treatment. Their conditions were not immediately released.
An off-duty Trenton police detective, Corey McNair, assisted emergency personnel in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
As police, firefighters and emergency medical crews worked amid a large crowd at the scene, two critically injured victims were placed inside an ambulance. McNair reportedly drove the ambulance to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, helping transport the wounded victims for emergency treatment.
The two victims transported by McNair had suffered gunshot wounds to the head. Despite the severity of their injuries, both survived.
Residents in the area said a party had been taking place outside before the gunfire erupted. However, those residents declined to provide additional details about what may have led to the shooting.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the violence, including what triggered the gunfire and who was responsible.
The Mercer County Homicide Task Force is leading the investigation with assistance.
No arrests have been announced in connection with the shooting, and authorities have not released information about a possible suspect.
The investigation remains active, and additional details are expected as detectives continue interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence and working to establish a complete timeline of the deadly incident.
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.