Crime
17-Year-Old Girl Fatally Shot at Mecca Apartment Complex
Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a 17-year-old girl early Wednesday morning in Mecca, California.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies responded to a call regarding an assault with a deadly weapon at approximately 1:00 a.m. at the Mecca II Apartments, located in the 91800 block of 66th Avenue.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered the victim, identified as 17-year-old Leslie, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Emergency medical personnel pronounced Leslie deceased at the scene.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Central Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation.
Authorities have not released details regarding a suspect, motive, or any potential witnesses.
The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
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.