Crime
Victims killed in New Albany warehouse shooting identified
The alleged shooter, 28-year-old Bruce Reginald Foster III, appeared in court Thursday afternoon and is currently being held on a $20 million bond.
NEW ALBANY, OH – Authorities have identified both victims who were fatally shot in Tuesday night’s mass shooting at a KDC/One warehouse in New Albany.
The Licking County Coroner’s Office confirmed Thursday that 38-year-old Kyle Vaver, of Pickerington, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second victim, 30-year-old Shakhar Chapagai, was transported to Mount Carmel East Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at 8:33 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Franklin County Coroner’s Office.
In an update Thursday, officials reported that one individual remains hospitalized following the incident.
The alleged shooter, 28-year-old Bruce Reginald Foster III, appeared in court Thursday afternoon and is currently being held on a $20 million bond.
According to court records filed in Licking County Court of Common Pleas, Foster has been charged with aggravated murder, with additional charges likely as the investigation progresses.
His next court appearance is scheduled for February 13.
At approximately 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, officers responded to reports of an active shooter at the KDC/One warehouse on Smiths Mill Road North.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered six employees who had been shot, including Vaver, who was deceased.
During a Wednesday afternoon press briefing, New Albany Police Chief Greg Jones stated that officers arrived within four minutes of receiving the emergency call.
However, Foster had already fled the scene using a rideshare service, which authorities do not believe was involved in the crime.
While police have described the attack as targeted, they have not yet determined a definitive motive.
Witnesses told investigators that Foster had been working for several hours before the shooting and that there had been no prior altercation or dispute leading up to the violence.
Foster was ultimately taken into custody at an apartment complex on East 7th Avenue, near the Short North Arts District in Columbus.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the New Albany Police Department or Licking County authorities.
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — A 35-year-old man has died after being shot inside a residence in Birmingham early Thursday morning, prompting a homicide investigation by local authorities.
The victim was identified as Ralen Jerean McCurdy, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. McCurdy was found unresponsive inside a home in the 4300 block of 12th Court North after police responded to reports of gunfire and an injured person shortly after 1:40 a.m.
Despite the response from emergency personnel, McCurdy did not survive his injuries. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service personnel pronounced him dead at approximately 2:04 a.m.
According to authorities, officers assigned to Birmingham Police Department’s South Precinct were dispatched to the area shortly after 1:40 a.m. Thursday following a ShotSpotter alert and a report of an injured individual.
When officers arrived at the residence, they discovered McCurdy unresponsive inside the home. Emergency responders subsequently confirmed his death at the scene.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting have not yet been publicly established.
Birmingham police detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding McCurdy’s death. Authorities have not announced any arrests, and no suspect information or possible motive was included in the details released.
Investigators will continue working to determine what happened inside the residence and identify anyone who may have been involved. Additional information may be released as the investigation progresses.
McCurdy’s death marks Birmingham’s fourth homicide since Saturday, according to the information provided. The latest fatal shooting adds to a difficult stretch for the city and leaves another family grieving the loss of a loved one.
At 35 years old, McCurdy’s life ended in a violent incident that remains under investigation. His death is a painful loss for his family, friends, and everyone who knew him.
As detectives continue their work, loved ones are left to remember McCurdy while waiting for answers about the circumstances that led to his death.
May Ralen Jerean McCurdy rest in peace. May his family and friends find strength, comfort, and support during this heartbreaking time.