Crime
4-Year-Old Garcia Welch Dies After Attack in Louisa County, Virginia
LOUISA COUNTY, Va. — October 22, 2026 — Four-year-old Garcia Welch, a preschooler from Thomas Jefferson Elementary, died on Sunday, October 18, following an attack on Jefferson Highway in Louisa County, Virginia.
According to the information provided, deputies responded to the scene at approximately 4:45 p.m. and found Garcia suffering from severe injuries. He was airlifted to a hospital for emergency treatment but was later pronounced dead.
Garcia was remembered as a sweet, cheerful child whose smile brought happiness to those around him. His sudden death has left his family, particularly his mother, Cathleen Russ, facing an unimaginable loss.
A GoFundMe fundraiser titled “In Loving Memory of Garcia Welch” has been created to help cover funeral expenses and support the family during this difficult time.
The circumstances surrounding the attack have not been detailed in the information available for this report.
AKRON, Ohio — October 21, 2026 — Boomer Smith, 36, died after a shooting outside Absolut Lounge on East South Street in Akron on Tuesday night, October 20. The incident also left another man wounded, while police detained a 33-year-old man as investigators worked to determine what led to the gunfire.
Akron police responded to the scene at approximately 10:39 p.m. Smith was found in the parking lot and transported to Summa Akron City Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:06 p.m.
Investigators believe an argument that began inside the lounge continued outside before shots were fired. A second man suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and was expected to survive.
Police have not announced any formal charges or confirmed a motive. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the sequence of events and determine responsibility for the shooting.
Smith’s death has left family members and friends grieving a sudden loss. He was 36, and his passing has brought renewed sorrow to those who knew and loved him.
Authorities are continuing to gather information about the incident. The identity and legal status of the detained man, beyond the details provided, have not been confirmed in this report.