Crime
Two Arrested in Connection with Triple Homicide in Baton Rouge
The victims, Shelita Vallery (40), David Celestine (62), and Paul Lewis (63), were fatally shot.
Two individuals have been charged in connection with a triple homicide that occurred on Friday, September 27th, in the area of Benson Avenue and Grayson Avenue in Baton Rouge.
According to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, the shooting took place around 11 p.m. The victims, Shelita Vallery (40), David Celestine (62), and Paul Lewis (63), were fatally shot. Celestine and Lewis were relatives of Vallery.
The suspects, Dominik Franklin (19) and Tyrone Eackles (19), were also injured during the incident and will be booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison upon their release from the hospital. Franklin faces three counts of first-degree murder, while Eackles is charged with three counts of principal to first-degree murder and illegal use of a firearm.
Deputies believe that Franklin was the shooter and that Eackles was his accomplice. The shooting is believed to be the result of an ongoing feud between Franklin and the Vallery family.
According to authorities, the suspects arrived at a home on Grayson Avenue and became involved in a physical altercation with the victims. The altercation escalated into gunfire, resulting in the deaths of the three victims. One of the victims is believed to have returned fire, injuring both suspects.
The investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing.
Middletown, Ohio — Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal weekend shooting in Middletown as 49-year-old Christopher Bullock, according to the Butler County Coroner’s Office.
Officers with the Middletown Police Department responded around 12:00 p.m. Sunday to reports of gunfire in the area of Roosevelt Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers located two individuals who had sustained gunshot wounds.
Bullock was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A second victim was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Officials have not released the condition of the surviving victim.
At this time, police have not announced any arrests or identified a suspect.
Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact Detective Kristi Hughes at 513-425-7733 or via email at kristi.hughes@cityofmiddletown.org. Tips may also be provided through police dispatch at 513-425-7701.
Detective Hughes is further urging residents in the area to review home or business security footage for any suspicious individuals or vehicles that may have been present around the time of the shooting. The investigation remains active and ongoing.