Crime
Possible Swatting Call Under Investigation at Franklinton High School, Police Continue Campus Search
FRANKLINTON, N.C. — Law enforcement continued its investigation at Franklinton High School after receiving a report of a possible shooting situation that officials now believe may have originated from a swatting call.
The school, located at 910 State Road 1116 in Franklinton, prompted a significant law enforcement response, with officers establishing a command post near the front of the campus.
Authorities have not confirmed reports of an active shooter, and no immediate threat or concerning findings had been identified as of the latest update. However, officers continued clearing the school as a precaution to ensure all areas had been checked.
Some rooms in the 600 and 700 hallways had reportedly been cleared, while law enforcement personnel continued working through the building.
The incident is being treated as a possible swatting call, in which someone allegedly makes a false emergency report to trigger a major police response. That possibility has not been independently confirmed.
Authorities have indicated that those responsible will be held accountable and arrested if identified.
Residents and motorists are being urged to avoid the area while officers complete their investigation. Additional details about the origin of the call and any potential arrests have not yet been released.
Crime
Albuquerque Mother Elaina Gomez-Villeda Charged With Murder After 10-Year-Old Son Fatally Shoots 16-Year-Old Keinerlein Rangel
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A 40-year-old Albuquerque woman is facing multiple criminal charges after police say her 10-year-old son fatally shot a 16-year-old during a dispute between neighbors over loud music at an apartment complex.
The victim was identified by investigators as Keinerlein Rangel, 16. Rangel was initially reported to be 17 years old, but authorities later corrected the victim’s age to 16.
According to the Albuquerque Police Department, the incident happened Saturday during a confrontation between neighbors at an apartment complex.
Investigators say the dispute began over loud music and escalated into a physical altercation involving Elaina Gomez-Villeda, 40.
Police allege that during the confrontation, Gomez-Villeda instructed her 10-year-old son to retrieve her handgun.
The child allegedly obtained the firearm and fired one shot, striking Rangel.
The teenager suffered fatal injuries.
Following the shooting, Gomez-Villeda was arrested and is facing an open count of murder, conspiracy, child abuse, and making a firearm accessible to a minor, along with other alleged offenses.
Authorities say the 10-year-old child has not been charged as of the latest update. Because of his age, detectives are consulting with the District Attorney’s Office and state authorities to determine the appropriate next steps in the case.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deadly confrontation, including the events leading up to the shooting and the child’s involvement.