Crime
Video shows people seen fleeing ice skating rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — A youth hockey game in Pawtucket turned tragic Monday afternoon when gunfire erupted inside an indoor ice rink, leaving a young girl dead and at least four others injured, according to city officials.
The shooting occurred during a high school co-op hockey matchup at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, located on Andrew D. Ferland Way.
Authorities confirmed that multiple individuals were struck by gunfire while the game was underway, prompting panic inside the facility as players, coaches, and spectators rushed to safety.
The Mayor’s Office stated that a young girl was killed in the shooting. Four additional victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Their conditions have not yet been publicly disclosed. Officials have not released the identities of any of the victims pending notification of their families.
Law enforcement confirmed that the suspected shooter is also deceased.
Authorities have indicated they are not searching for any additional suspects.
While details surrounding the suspect’s death have not been formally released, preliminary information suggests the individual died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Early reports indicate the incident may have involved a parent or parents of student participants, though investigators have not confirmed a motive.
At the time of the shooting, a 2:00 p.m. game between the Coventry-Johnston co-op team and the St. Raphael–Providence Country Day–North Providence–North Smithfield co-op team was reportedly in progress.
Video from the scene showed people fleeing the arena in fear as emergency sirens filled the area.
An employee at a nearby Walgreens on Andrew D. Ferland Way reported that individuals ran into the store in a state of panic, stating that shots had been fired inside the rink.
Pharmacy staff were instructed to close the store and evacuate, while some individuals sheltered in place as 911 was contacted and law enforcement responded.
Police quickly secured the arena and surrounding area as part of a large-scale response. Authorities emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The investigation remains active as state and local officials work to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting.
Additional details, including confirmation of victim conditions and further information about the suspect, are expected as the investigation continues.
Officials are urging the public to avoid the area while investigators process the scene and gather evidence.
Crime
Jerome DeWayne Hughes, 35, Fatally Shot During Bonfire Gathering in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama
A gathering among friends turned into a devastating tragedy Sunday night when 35-year-old Jerome DeWayne Hughes was fatally shot during a bonfire gathering in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. His death has left family members, friends, and others who were present mourning a sudden and heartbreaking loss.
Authorities have arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the fatal shooting. The suspect, identified as Derrick Lamont Edwards Jr., is facing a murder charge as investigators continue working to establish what led to the deadly confrontation.
According to the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 10:20 p.m. Sunday to the 4300 block of Culver Road, west of Tuscaloosa, following reports of a shooting.
Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit Captain Jack Kennedy said the shooting occurred during a social gathering around a bonfire. What had begun as an evening spent with friends ended in violence, prompting an emergency response and a homicide investigation.
Hughes had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to DCH Regional Medical Center for emergency treatment, but despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead.
His death has left loved ones grieving a life lost during what was supposed to be an ordinary gathering among friends.
Following interviews with witnesses and an examination of the crime scene, investigators obtained a murder warrant for 23-year-old Derrick Lamont Edwards Jr.
Authorities reported that Edwards was taken into custody within a few hours of the shooting through coordinated efforts involving the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit and the U.S. Marshals Service.
He has been charged with murder and is being held without bond, according to the information provided.
The charge is an allegation, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system. Edwards is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Although investigators have made an arrest, important questions about the shooting remain unanswered.
Authorities have not publicly explained what led to the confrontation, whether there was an argument before the gunfire, or what may have motivated the alleged attack.
Detectives continue gathering information and reviewing evidence as they work to establish the full sequence of events.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit detectives at 205-464-8690.
At 35 years old, Jerome DeWayne Hughes had a life and future that mattered to the people who knew and loved him. His sudden death has left family members and friends facing the painful reality of losing someone close to them.
The gathering on Culver Road was supposed to be an opportunity for people to spend time together. Instead, it became the setting of a fatal incident that has deeply affected those connected to the tragedy.
For Jerome’s loved ones, the days ahead will bring grief, difficult questions, and memories of a man whose life ended far too soon.
As the investigation continues, thoughts and condolences remain with the family and friends of Jerome DeWayne Hughes, as well as everyone affected by the shooting.
May Jerome be remembered with love and compassion, and may his family find strength and comfort during this heartbreaking time.