Crime
Wyatt Oser, 8th grader at Trist Middle School killed after accidental shooting in Sand Springs
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is deeply saddened to report the accidental shooting death of a 13-year-old boy on Sunday night.
Sheriff James Pohlmann confirmed that deputies responded to a call around 11:30 pm at a residence located on the 4500 block of East St. Bernard Highway in Meraux.
The young man, identified as Wyatt Oser, an 8th grader at N.P. Trist Middle School, was found with a gunshot wound and rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators believe the shooting was accidental, as Wyatt was handling a firearm when it discharged.
Sheriff Pohlmann expressed his deepest condolences to Wyatt’s family and friends. “This is a tragic loss for the family and our entire community,” he stated.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time.”
N.P. Trist Middle School also released a statement on Facebook, mourning the loss of their student. The school will have their district crisis response team on campus this week, offering grief counseling and support for students and staff.
A Call for Gun Safety
Sheriff Pohlmann emphasized the importance of firearm safety in preventing such tragedies. “Keeping guns securely stored and out of reach, especially in homes with children or young adults, is one of the most effective ways to ensure safety,” he said.
The Sheriff stressed the use of gun safes or affordable gun locks, which can significantly reduce the risk of accidental discharges or unauthorized access. “By taking these simple precautions, you can help protect your loved ones and promote a safer community,” Sheriff Pohlmann concluded.
A Community in Mourning
A GoFundMe page has been created to support the Oser family during this difficult time.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA โ A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple Universityโs campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple Universityโs Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
โThe loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victimโs family and loved ones.โ
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victimโs last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individualโs involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.