Crime
54-year-old Vernon Johnson killed in shooting started by argument, suspect in custody
Temple, Texas – The Temple Police Department has identified the victim and suspect involved in a fatal shooting that occurred on Wednesday night.
On October 9th, around 7:20 PM, police responded to reports of a shooting in the 700 block of Luna Lane. Upon arrival, officers discovered one person suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Following an investigation, police determined that the victim, Vernon Johnson, 54, had entered his neighbor’s backyard and engaged in an argument with the suspect, David Tate, 52.
During the altercation, Tate shot Johnson multiple times.
Johnson was transported to the hospital in critical condition but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
Tate has been arrested on charges of murder.
An autopsy has been ordered by the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences.
Police confirm that no other injuries were reported and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Temple Police Department at 254-298-5500 or Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-8477.
Crime
Two Children, Ages 9 and 10, Charged in Brutal Assault and Attempted Murder of 5-Year-Old A’Marie Jones in Cleveland
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Two children, ages 9 and 10, have been formally charged in connection with the brutal assault and attempted murder of a 5-year-old girl A’marie Jones in Cleveland last month, according to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors confirmed that the 9-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl are facing serious felony charges, including attempted murder, rape, felonious assault, kidnapping, and strangulation.
Because of their ages, both suspects are being charged as juveniles.
The alleged attack occurred on September 13 in a field near East 148th Street and St. Clair Avenue, where investigators say the young victim was discovered severely injured.
The child’s mother, Antavia Kennibrew, previously told that her daughter suffered catastrophic injuries, describing the scene as “unbelievable.” Kennibrew said she had dropped her daughter off at a relative’s home near East 145th Street and St. Clair Avenue that day.
At some point, the 5-year-old reportedly wandered out of the house alone before being attacked.
“When I saw her, she was unrecognizable,” Kennibrew said. “Her hair was scalped from her head. She had bruises and blood all over her body. Her eyes were filled with blood, her lips and mouth were swollen and bleeding, and her nails were filled with dirt and debris.”
First responders rushed the child to the hospital for emergency treatment. Officials say she continues to recover but has suffered severe physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. She is now undergoing ongoing therapy and counseling.
Due to the extreme sensitivity of the case and the involvement of minors, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office has declined to release further details, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to protect the victim’s privacy.
“The investigation remains active,” prosecutors said, noting that authorities are still reviewing evidence and gathering additional information.
Kennibrew says her focus now is on helping her daughter heal:
“I just want her to be able to live like a normal 5-year-old again.”
Cleveland police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault.