Crime
Three Victims Killed from Fentanyl Overdoses in Yamhill County Identified
NEWBERG, Oregon — Authorities are investigating a tragic triple fatal overdose in Yamhill County after three individuals were found dead in what officials believe was fentanyl exposure, underscoring the growing danger of synthetic opioids in the region.
According to the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews responded to a 911 call at approximately 4:19 p.m. on April 20, 2026, reporting multiple overdose victims in the 22000 block of NE Dopp Road in Newberg.
Personnel from the Gaston Rural Fire District and sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene, where all three individuals were pronounced dead.
Evidence at the location indicated exposure to suspected fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid.
Specialized investigative teams, including the Yamhill County Street Crimes & Narcotics (SCAN) unit and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), were called in to assist with the ongoing case.
Officials have identified the victims as:
- Timothy Dean Crisman, 28, of McMinnville
- Roberto Refugio Hernandez, 35, of Newberg
- Virginia Ann Rarick, 56, of Newberg
Sheriff Sam Elliott emphasized the extreme danger of fentanyl, noting that even a small amount can be fatal, often without the user’s knowledge.
“Drug overdoses continue to be one of the most significant public safety threats we face in Yamhill County,” the sheriff said, urging residents to remain vigilant.
Officials highlighted available support through Yamhill County Health and Human Services, including walk-in drug screening and treatment assessments.
The county’s Deflection Program also allows individuals to seek help through first responders or by contacting local support services.
Authorities urge the public to take immediate action in suspected overdose situations:
- Watch for warning signs such as slow or stopped breathing, unconsciousness, or pale, clammy skin
- Carry naloxone (Narcan), a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses
- Encourage those struggling with substance use to seek professional help
The incident remains under active investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office or submit tips to investigators as authorities work to determine the source of the suspected fentanyl.
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.