Crime
Active Shooter Situation Reported at Westwood Hills Elementary School in Waynesboro
WAYNESBORO, Va. — Authorities responded to an emergency situation at Westwood Hills Elementary School in Waynesboro on Wednesday morning, prompting a lockdown and the evacuation of students from the school.
The Waynesboro Police Department said it was managing an “emergency” situation at the elementary school as authorities worked to secure the area.
Early reports described the incident as an active shooter situation, although officials did not immediately provide details about whether shots were fired or whether anyone was injured.
The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office reported at approximately 10:23 a.m. that the situation at Westwood Elementary was “contained and secured at this time.”
Authorities emphasized that the children were safe and were being evacuated from the school.
Officials urged parents and members of the public not to respond directly to the school, explaining that emergency personnel and buses needed clear access to the area.
Waynesboro Public Schools began coordinating a reunification process to allow students to be safely reunited with their families.
The designated reunification location was Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1904 Mount Vernon Street, Waynesboro. Families were instructed to report to the lower fellowship hall and enter through the area marked with “entry” signs.
School officials asked families to wait for further instructions and notifications rather than going directly to Westwood Hills Elementary.
As authorities responded to the situation in Waynesboro, several schools in the surrounding area were also placed under lockdown as a precaution.
According to Augusta County Public Schools, schools in Stuarts Draft and the Wilson Complex were placed on lockdown after the Augusta County sheriff ordered the precautionary measure.
Officials said the lockdowns were implemented because of reports of the emergency in Waynesboro and were intended to protect students and staff while authorities assessed the situation.
The Waynesboro Police Department and Augusta County Sheriff’s Office continued managing the emergency response Wednesday morning.
Authorities have not immediately released additional details about what prompted the emergency at Westwood Hills Elementary, whether a weapon was involved, or whether any injuries were reported.
The situation was reported as contained and secured, while students were evacuated and reunification procedures were put in place. Officials continue to urge parents and the public to follow instructions from Waynesboro Public Schools and law enforcement.
Crime
Albuquerque Mother Elaina Gomez-Villeda Charged With Murder After 10-Year-Old Son Fatally Shoots 16-Year-Old Keinerlein Rangel
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A 40-year-old Albuquerque woman is facing multiple criminal charges after police say her 10-year-old son fatally shot a 16-year-old during a dispute between neighbors over loud music at an apartment complex.
The victim was identified by investigators as Keinerlein Rangel, 16. Rangel was initially reported to be 17 years old, but authorities later corrected the victim’s age to 16.
According to the Albuquerque Police Department, the incident happened Saturday during a confrontation between neighbors at an apartment complex.
Investigators say the dispute began over loud music and escalated into a physical altercation involving Elaina Gomez-Villeda, 40.
Police allege that during the confrontation, Gomez-Villeda instructed her 10-year-old son to retrieve her handgun.
The child allegedly obtained the firearm and fired one shot, striking Rangel.
The teenager suffered fatal injuries.
Following the shooting, Gomez-Villeda was arrested and is facing an open count of murder, conspiracy, child abuse, and making a firearm accessible to a minor, along with other alleged offenses.
Authorities say the 10-year-old child has not been charged as of the latest update. Because of his age, detectives are consulting with the District Attorney’s Office and state authorities to determine the appropriate next steps in the case.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deadly confrontation, including the events leading up to the shooting and the child’s involvement.