Crime
21-year-old Angel Ann Marie Rogers killed in New Orleans terror attack
Angel Ann Marie Rogers, a young mother who had recently celebrated her 21st birthday, has been identified as one of the victims of the tragic New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans, Channel2 NOW has learned.
Her grieving family is now navigating unimaginable pain and loss as they seek support to honor her memory and provide for her young son.
Rogers’ mother, Kayla McKinney, spoke to Channel 2 NOW, sharing her heartbreak and the profound impact her daughter’s death has had on their family. Through a GoFundMe campaign, McKinney expressed her anguish and outlined her hopes for laying her daughter to rest and securing a future for her grandson.
“I am creating this GoFundMe on behalf of my deceased daughter and my grandson,” McKinney wrote. “My family is living through so much pain and heartache. My sweet baby Angel was taken from us during the recent attack in New Orleans. I need help to bring what’s left of my child back home to Milwaukee so I can give her a proper burial and start a savings fund for her sweet baby boy. Anything counts.”
McKinney’s words revealed the depth of her sorrow and the cherished memories of her daughter:
“My heart is shattered. Our sweet Angel, who just turned 21, was taken from us. I’m devastated, angry, heartbroken, lost, and so many other things that words can’t express. She was an amazing daughter, mother, friend, and sister—so full of light and love. It doesn’t feel real, and we are completely broken.”
McKinney also shared a heartfelt plea to others, urging them to cherish their loved ones:
“I want to remind you to hug your kids, talk to them, and let them know you love them. You never know when their last day is. This world is hard and so cruel.”
As the family grieves, they are leaning on the support of friends, loved ones, and the community. McKinney concluded her message with a request for prayers:
“Right now, our family is grieving and trying to process this. Your prayers mean so much to us. Please keep holding us close in your hearts.”
The loss of Angel Ann Marie Rogers is a devastating reminder of the senselessness of violence and the irreplaceable void it leaves in the lives of those left behind. Her family’s efforts to bring her home and provide for her son serve as a testament to the enduring love they have for her.
Crime
2 Christian County deputies killed in the line of duty, suspect Richard Bird also dead
The name of the second deputy has not yet been publicly released pending family notification.
Christian County, Mo. — A massive multi-agency manhunt in Christian County has ended with the suspect dead, but not before claiming the lives of two sheriff’s deputies and injuring two others.
According to Brad Cole, the suspect, Richard Bird, was shot and killed by law enforcement officers early Tuesday morning near the roundabout on State Highway 160 close to Reeds Spring.
Authorities confirmed that two deputies with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office were killed in the line of duty during the operation.
One of the fallen deputies has been identified as 30-year-old Deputy Gabriel Ramirez.
The name of the second deputy has not yet been publicly released pending family notification.
In addition to the two fatalities, one Christian County deputy and one deputy from the Webster County Sheriff’s Office were wounded during the exchange of gunfire.
Sheriff Cole stated that their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
The violence began around 4:00 p.m. Monday when a Christian County deputy conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of State Highway 160 and Route HH, south of Highlandville.
During that stop, Deputy Ramirez was fatally shot, prompting a Blue Alert and a large-scale manhunt for Bird.
After Bird’s vehicle was located abandoned, officers from across the Ozarks converged on the area. Sheriff Cole said approximately 100 officers, deputies, and state troopers participated in the search effort, along with federal partners including the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, and the ATF.
The search continued for hours into the early morning. A helicopter operated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol detected a moving heat signature in a wooded area near Reeds Spring. As deputies approached the location, Bird reportedly opened fire. Law enforcement officers returned fire, fatally striking the suspect and ending the threat.
While the suspect was neutralized, the outcome has left the community in mourning. Two deputies lost their lives in the line of duty, and two others were injured.
Sheriff Cole described the loss as devastating for the department and the broader community. Families of the fallen deputies are now grieving, and colleagues across multiple agencies are reflecting on the risks law enforcement officers face daily.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing as authorities continue to process the scene and review the circumstances surrounding the shootings.