Crime
Credit Champs Owner Todd Austin Fatally Shot by T’Mone Michelle Williams in Apparent Murder-Suicide
ARLINGTON, TX — The Arlington Police Department is investigating a tragic murder-suicide that unfolded on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Salon and Spa Galleria located in the 7800 block of South Cooper Street.
The incident claimed the lives of 37-year-old William Todd Austin, a respected entrepreneur and credit expert, and 37-year-old T’Mone Michelle Williams, who police believe was the shooter.
According to investigators, Williams entered the salon shortly after 10 a.m. and shot Austin multiple times while he was receiving a haircut.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
As officers responded to reports of gunfire, they observed Williams attempting to flee the salon.
Upon noticing police presence, she returned inside and fatally shot herself.
She was transported to a local hospital but later died from her self-inflicted wounds.
Authorities believe the incident stemmed from a prior domestic relationship.
Austin and Williams reportedly shared a child together, and although the motive remains under investigation, the act appears to have been targeted.
The shooting occurred while multiple patrons and employees were present inside the salon.
Fortunately, no additional injuries were reported.
Austin, founder of the credit repair firm Credit Champs, was widely regarded in the business and mentoring community.
His death has left a deep impact on colleagues and clients alike.
Detectives are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with information related to the case to contact the Arlington Police Department.
ROCKFORD, Ill. — Daniel Gracia, 12, died after a truck struck his bicycle in Rockford on Tuesday evening, October 20, 2026. Police have charged the truck driver, 61-year-old Brian Knittel, in connection with the fatal crash.
Rockford police responded to the 900 block of 11th Street at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Officers arrived after receiving reports of a collision involving a truck and a young bicyclist.
Gracia suffered fatal injuries in the crash. Authorities have not provided further details about how the collision occurred.
Knittel, a Rockford resident, faces several charges related to the incident. These include reckless homicide, aggravated driving under the influence of drugs, two counts of aggravated driving under the influence, and additional traffic offenses.
Following his arrest, authorities took Knittel to the Winnebago County Jail.
During Knittel’s initial court appearance, a judge granted the state’s request to deny him pretrial release. He is scheduled to return to court on December 17, 2026.
The case remains pending as the legal process continues. The charges represent allegations, and Knittel is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.