Crime
Adam Hughes, 34, Found Dead in Lawrence County After Going Missing
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Police have confirmed the death of Adam Hughes, 34, of Rapid City, South Dakota. Authorities found him in Lawrence County after he went missing earlier this month.
Hughes was last seen in Rapid City on October 17, 2026. During the search, police said he might have traveled to Lead or Deadwood.
The Rapid City Police Department said investigators have found no evidence of foul play. However, officials have not shared further details about his death.
Police have not explained the circumstances surrounding the discovery. They have also not released additional findings about the case.
The Rapid City Police Department thanked the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office for assisting with the search. Officials also recognized community members who shared information about Hughes.
The department offered condolences to Hughes’ family and loved ones. His death brings a painful end to the search, while questions about the circumstances remain unanswered.
Police have not reported any evidence of foul play so far.
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.