Crime
22-year-old Kwantrell Vargas killed in shooting on Troy Drive in Madison
In connection with the shooting, the Madison Police Department has arrested three individuals.
The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred on December 5 in the 1500 block of Troy Drive in Madison.
The deceased has been identified as 22-year-old Kwantrell Vargas, a resident of Madison. Vargas was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident.
In connection with the shooting, the Madison Police Department has arrested three individuals, with charges varying based on their alleged roles in the crime:
- Denarian M. Ward, 17, was taken into custody without incident on Monday evening. He faces charges of felony murder (party to a crime) and robbery. He is currently being held at the Dane County Jail.
- A 16-year-old boy, whose identity has not been disclosed due to his age, is also facing charges of felony murder (party to a crime), first-degree reckless homicide, and robbery.
- Denivea L. Ward, 19, was arrested on charges of harboring or aiding a felon and for a probation hold. He was also taken into custody Monday evening without incident and is being held at the Dane County Jail.
The Madison Police Department confirmed that two teenage individuals who were injured during the incident are now in custody as part of the investigation.
The case is being led by the department’s Violent Crime Unit, which continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Additional details, including the motives and events leading up to the crime, have not been released at this time.
Authorities urge anyone with further information about this incident to contact the Madison Police Department.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.