Crime
13-Year-Old Arrested for Fatal Shooting of 18-Year-Old at Benton Park in Amarillo
AMARILLO, TX – A 13-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at Benton Park on Tuesday evening, according to the Amarillo Police Department.
At approximately 7:30 p.m. on April 22, officers responded to a report of a shooting at Benton Park, located in the 1400 block of South Vernon Street in east Amarillo.
Upon arrival, officers discovered 18-year-old Ethan DeLeon suffering from a gunshot wound inside a vehicle parked at the scene.
Officers immediately began performing life-saving measures until paramedics arrived. Despite their efforts, DeLeon was pronounced dead at the scene.
Through the course of the investigation, detectives with the Amarillo Police Department Homicide Unit determined that the alleged shooter was a 13-year-old male.
The juvenile suspect was taken into custody and has been booked into the Youth Center of the High Plains on a charge of murder.
Crime Scene Investigators remained on site for several hours Tuesday night, collecting evidence and processing the scene.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the motive behind the shooting or how the suspect came into possession of a firearm.
The Amarillo Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact APD’s Homicide Unit at (806) 378-9468 or submit tips anonymously through Amarillo Crime Stoppers at (806) 374-4400.
This tragic incident has left the community shocked, as questions remain about the involvement of such a young suspect in a deadly act of violence.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.