Crime
14-month-old Elliot Whitaker raped and murder by Easton Vance in Kingsport
A 14-month-old child died following a violent incident in Kingsport, Tennessee, prompting a homicide investigation and the indictment of a 20-year-old man on multiple felony charges, authorities confirmed.
According to the Kingsport Police Department (KPD), officers and emergency responders were dispatched on October 21, 2024, to a residence in the 3800 block of Eastline Drive after receiving a report of an unresponsive child.
Upon arrival, first responders located 14-month-old Elliot Whitaker unresponsive inside the residence.
Life-saving measures were immediately initiated, and the child was transported to Indian Path Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.
An autopsy was conducted at the Williams L. Jenkins Forensic Center, where the medical examiner determined that the child had suffered severe and extensive injuries.
The manner of death was officially ruled a homicide, according to investigative findings.
Following the investigation, a Sullivan County grand jury returned an indictment charging Easton Joshua Vance, 20, with multiple felony offenses in connection with the childโs death.
The charges include:
- Three counts of first-degree murder
- Aggravated child abuse
- Aggravated rape of a child
- Aggravated child neglect
- Aggravated criminal trespass
Court documents state that the aggravated criminal trespass charge stems from allegations that Vance unlawfully entered or remained at Miller Village Apartments, knowing he was not permitted to be on the property.
Prosecutors allege this violation is connected to a prior aggravated robbery charge, though details of that case were not immediately released.
Vance remains incarcerated at the Sullivan County Jail pending further court proceedings.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
As with all criminal cases, the charges outlined in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
PENSACOLA, Fla. โ Bagley Drekwon Lamont was among three sailors who died in a fiery vehicle crash in Pensacola, Florida, early Saturday morning, October 24, 2026. All three sailors were stationed at Naval Air Station Pensacola, according to naval officials.
The fatal crash occurred around 1:35 a.m. at the intersection of M Street and Cervantes Street. The incident claimed the lives of three service members and left their families, friends, and fellow sailors grieving.
Pensacola police responded to reports of a crash at the intersection shortly after 1:30 a.m. First responders arrived and found a vehicle engulfed in flames.
Firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze. Once the fire was under control, responders discovered three sailors dead inside the vehicle.
Authorities have not released further details about what caused the crash. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear based on the information available.
Naval officials confirmed that all three victims served at Naval Air Station Pensacola. However, the report identified only Bagley Drekwon Lamont by name. Officials had not publicly released the identities of the other two sailors.
The deaths represent a tragic loss for the victimsโ families, friends, and fellow service members. Loved ones now face the difficult task of grieving three lives lost in a sudden and devastating incident.
Lamontโs death has prompted heartfelt tributes and messages of sympathy. Those remembering him have expressed condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
As authorities work to establish the circumstances of the crash, the three sailors are being remembered for their lives and their service. Their loss leaves a lasting impact on the people who knew and cared for them.