Crime
Rebekah Weikle Became Jealous of Her 4-Year-Old Daughter Haley, Then Admitted to Killing Her in Summers County
West Virginia Mother Sentenced to Life for Murder of 4-Year-Old Daughter in Summers County Case
SUMMERS COUNTY, W.Va. — A West Virginia mother has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to the 2022 killing of her 4-year-old daughter, closing a deeply disturbing case that shocked the local community.
Rebekah Weikle, 33, was sentenced on April 30, 2026, in Summers County Circuit Court after admitting to first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death in connection with the killing of her daughter, Haley Weikle.
According to investigators, the fatal incident occurred on July 29, 2022, inside the family’s home in Summers County. Authorities said the child suffered multiple fatal injuries. Haley was found deceased the following morning, July 30, after her father returned home and contacted emergency services.
Law enforcement officials described the case as complex, involving extensive forensic analysis and digital evidence. In the early stages of the investigation, Weikle allegedly attempted to mislead authorities by placing blame on another individual and making false claims. However, investigators were able to contradict those statements through cellphone data and other evidence, ultimately leading to her confession.
During court proceedings, prosecutors argued the crime was intentional and stemmed from ongoing emotional factors within the household. Officials stated the motive was not linked to a single event but rather developed over time.
As part of a plea agreement, Weikle formally accepted responsibility for the killing.
The court sentenced Weikle to two life sentences, one for each conviction. Under West Virginia law, she will be required to serve a minimum of 30 years before becoming eligible for parole.
The child’s father, Rusty Weikle, was not charged in connection with the homicide. He later pleaded guilty to child neglect-related charges and received a probationary sentence.
Officials emphasized the severity of the crime during sentencing, noting the vulnerability of the victim and the profound breach of parental trust. The case, which spanned nearly four years from the child’s death to sentencing, drew widespread attention due to its tragic nature and the age of the victim.
Authorities stated that multiple agencies contributed to the investigation to ensure accountability and justice.
The death of Haley Weikle continues to serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and recognizing potential warning signs before tragedy occurs.
Crime
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.