Crime
James Washington shot and killed in South Fort Worth drive-by shooting
FORT WORTH, Texas — The Fort Worth Police Department is actively investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early morning in South Fort Worth, leaving a juvenile male dead.
According to authorities, officers assigned to the South Division were dispatched at approximately 1:30 a.m. on April 2, 2026, to the 6700 block of Glenbrook Lane in response to reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, officers located a juvenile male, identified as James Washington, inside a residence suffering from a gunshot wound.
Emergency responders with Fort Worth Fire Department transported the victim to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead at 2:22 a.m.
Preliminary information indicates the shooting is being investigated as a possible drive-by incident. However, officials noted that the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and detectives are working to determine the sequence of events leading up to the incident.
Homicide detectives have taken over the investigation and are actively pursuing leads.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an examination to determine the official cause and manner of death.
In a statement, the Fort Worth Police Department emphasized the importance of community assistance in addressing violent crime:
“The Fort Worth Police Department urges anyone with information about this incident to come forward. Addressing gun violence is a shared responsibility, and information from the public plays a critical role in solving crimes and preventing further incidents.”
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Fort Worth Police Department at 817-392-4330. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through Tarrant County Crime Stoppers by visiting 469tips.com or calling 817-469-8477.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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.