Crime
Video shows moments Jefferson Parish deputies shoot woman during standoff in Marrero
MARRERO, La. — A 62-year-old woman from Lafitte was shot multiple times by Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) deputies Wednesday afternoon during a confrontation in Marrero, according to authorities.
The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. in the 7300 block of the Westbank Expressway, after deputies responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle.
The truck driven by the woman had been flagged, prompting law enforcement to approach the scene around 2:15 p.m.
According to JPSO, deputies attempted to speak with the woman and instructed her to exit the vehicle.
A bystander video obtained by local media captures the moments leading up to the shooting. In the footage, the woman is seen inside the truck, appearing to point a firearm at deputies.
She then steps out of the vehicle with her hands raised, but as she walks toward the back of the truck, she allegedly raises the weapon again, prompting deputies to open fire.
The video, which is paused before showing the actual shooting due to its graphic nature, depicts deputies quickly surrounding the woman after she is shot.
JPSO confirmed that two deputies discharged their firearms, striking the woman multiple times.
She was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Her current condition has not been publicly disclosed.
Authorities state that once she is medically cleared, the woman will face charges of aggravated assault on a peace officer.
The incident was also recorded on deputy body-worn cameras and surveillance footage from a nearby business.
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation. Anyone who witnessed the incident or possesses additional video footage is urged to contact JPSO at 504-364-5300.
Crime
Elgin Public Schools Teacher Holly Hill Dies From Complications Two Years After Drinking Poisoned Margarita
ELGIN, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has launched a formal investigation into the death of Holly Hill, a 30-year-old teacher, wife, and mother from Elgin, Oklahoma, who died last week from long-term medical complications reportedly caused by ingesting a poisoned margarita at a local restaurant in 2023.
OSBI officials confirmed that the investigation began at the request of Comanche County District Attorney Kyle Cabelka following Hill’s death on Thursday.
According to Hill’s family, her health issues began on Valentine’s Day 2023, when she dined at Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill in Elgin.
During the evening, Hill ordered a second margarita that, unbeknownst to her, contained a highly caustic industrial cleaning chemical rather than the intended cocktail ingredients.
“Her mouth was on fire, and she knew something wasn’t right,” recalled Kelly Hunter, Hill’s mother. “She immediately jumped up and ran to the bathroom, started throwing up, and rinsing her mouth out with water.”
The ingestion caused severe internal burns to Hill’s esophagus and digestive tract, leading to two years of intense medical treatment.
Hill underwent more than 60 medical procedures, including repeated esophageal dilations and surgeries, as doctors attempted to repair the extensive damage.
Despite her deteriorating health, Hill continued teaching at Elgin Public Schools, where she was described as a dedicated educator loved by her students and colleagues.
In the days leading up to her death, Hill’s family believed she was finally recovering.
On October 17, doctors reportedly told them that her esophagus appeared to be healing. However, her condition suddenly worsened, and she went into cardiac arrest as medical staff prepared to transfer her. “As they were trying to get her ready to transport her, they lost her pulse,” Hunter said.
Hill’s family previously filed a civil lawsuit against Hacienda Las Margaritas, which was settled confidentially earlier this year, according to their attorney.
Following her death, the family is renewing calls for accountability and public awareness.
“The number one thing we really want at this point is for people to be aware of what happened at that restaurant and to quit supporting them,” Hunter said. “We want them to be held accountable for taking my daughter’s life. It might have been a long fight, but ultimately, they are the cause.”
The restaurant has not issued a recent public statement regarding Hill’s death. In a 2023 social media post, management wrote:
“We have never walked away from responsibility and will continue to support them in any way possible while our insurance company is on the case.”
Local officials confirmed that Elgin Police requested assistance from OSBI, and investigators are now reviewing evidence related to the original 2023 incident and Hill’s recent death.
In a statement, Elgin Public Schools expressed deep sorrow over Hill’s passing, describing her as “an Owl through and through” and asking the community to keep her family in their thoughts and prayers.
Hill leaves behind her husband and young child, as well as a community still reeling from a tragedy that began with what should have been an ordinary night out.