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Victims killed in shooting at Budiman’s Smokeshop in Rock Hill identified, suspect Zachary Elias arrested

Authorities have identified one of the deceased as Emad Thabet, while the identity of the second victim remains undisclosed.

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A tragic shooting at Budiman’s Smokeshop & Art Gallery on Cherry Road in Rock Hill claimed the lives of two individuals and left a third seriously injured, according to the Rock Hill Police Department.

The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Zachary East Elias of Columbia, has been apprehended and faces multiple charges, including two counts of murder.

Suspect 28-year-old Zachary East Elias of Columbia
Suspect 28-year-old Zachary East Elias of Columbia

Authorities responded to reports of gunfire at the smoke shop around 9:40 p.m. on Wednesday.

En route, officers received information about the suspect: a white male fleeing the scene in a silver Dodge.

Upon arriving, they witnessed the suspect driving north on Cherry Road. Moments later, the suspect crashed his vehicle near the Catawba River bridge.

As the man exited his truck, officers confronted him. According to police, one officer discharged their firearm but missed.

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The suspect then charged toward the officers, prompting them to deploy a stun gun. After a physical altercation, officers subdued Elias and took him into custody.

Inside the smoke shop, police discovered three victims, all suffering from gunshot wounds.

Tragically, two individuals—a male and a female—were pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities have identified the deceased victims as Emad Thabet Saadalla and employee Celci Johnson.

Victims killed in shooting at Budiman's Smokeshop in Rock Hill identified, suspect Zachary Elias arrested
Leana Saadalla and her husband Emad Saadalla

The third victim, a woman, was transported to a local hospital with severe injuries, including gunshot wounds, broken bones, and a shattered hand.

The injured woman is the mother of six children, ranging in age from 2 months to 15 years old. Her husband, the sole provider for their family, was among those killed in the attack.

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Authorities clarified that the victims were not employees of the smoke shop but customers. A fourth individual managed to flee the scene uninjured.

Elias has been charged with two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and possession of a weapon during a crime of violence. He is currently being held at the Rock Hill Jail.

Suspect 28-year-old Zachary East Elias of Columbia
Suspect 28-year-old Zachary East Elias of Columbia

The highway near the scene was closed during the investigation and reopened around 3 a.m. Thursday.

The incident has left a devastating impact on the community, particularly the family of the injured mother and deceased father. Neighbors described the couple as kind and hardworking, having recently relocated to Rock Hill from Florida with their children.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover the motive behind this senseless act of violence.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Rock Hill Police Department.

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Crime

Two Children, Ages 9 and 10, Charged in Brutal Assault and Attempted Murder of 5-Year-Old A’Marie Jones in Cleveland

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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.

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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.

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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.


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