Tragedy at Sage Park: Former Basketball Star Francisca Crage Killed During Pickup Game

 

MOBILE, AL — The sun was setting over Sage Park on what should’ve been a normal evening of community basketball—a space filled with laughter, sneakers squeaking on pavement, and local players reliving their glory days. But in a moment of senseless violence, everything changed. Francisca Crage, a beloved former basketball standout from Vigor High School (Class of 2015) and Coastal Alabama Community College, was gunned down mid-play.

She was dribbling. Focused. Determined. Doing what she loved. And then—a gunshot.

Witnesses say the sound sliced through the court like a blade. There were no arguments, no altercations, no warning signs. Just the sharp crack of a bullet and the heartbreaking sight of Francisca falling to the ground. Chaos erupted. People ran. Others froze in place, unable to comprehend what they had just witnessed.

“I thought someone lit a firecracker,” said one onlooker. “Then I saw her drop. And we all knew… this wasn’t an accident.”

Despite desperate attempts to render aid, Francisca Crage was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police arrived within minutes and quickly cordoned off the area. But by then, the shooter had vanished. As of now, there are no suspects in custody. Detectives are canvassing the neighborhood for surveillance footage and urging anyone with information to come forward. Flyers have gone up around the area. Silent tears are turning into calls for justice.

Who Was Francisca Crage?
To many in Mobile, Francisca wasn’t just a talented athlete—she was a mentor, a motivator, and a beacon of promise. At Vigor High School, she dominated the court with heart and hustle, leading her team to regional recognition. After graduation, she took her talents to Coastal Alabama Community College, where she continued to impress as a forward known for her gritty defense and calm leadership.

“She was the kind of player you build a team around,” said one of her former coaches. “But more than that—she was a leader, a light. She had the heart of a champion and the soul of someone who cared.”

After college, Francisca remained active in the community—volunteering at youth camps, mentoring young athletes, and still showing up to local courts like Sage Park just to play. Just to feel the rhythm of the game.

A Community in Grief
As the investigation unfolds, the city mourns a woman whose life was stolen far too soon. A makeshift memorial has sprung up at Sage Park, where friends, family, and former teammates leave flowers, candles, and handwritten notes.

“Rest easy, Fran,” one message read. “We’ll finish the game for you.”

Local leaders have condemned the violence and are calling for increased security measures at public spaces like Sage Park. But deeper than policy is the heartache—the raw emotional wound left in the wake of Francisca’s death.

“She represented everything good about this city,” said longtime family friend Lisa Montgomery. “Hardworking, joyful, kind. And now she’s gone, and we don’t even know why.”

Justice Must Follow
Authorities have vowed to pursue every lead, no matter how small. Mobile Police have asked anyone who may have been recording or live-streaming at the park that evening to share footage. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Mobile’s Crime Stoppers hotline.

For now, her loved ones are left with memories—of the girl who lit up the scoreboard, who encouraged the shyest kid to take the shot, who chased her dreams without apology.

Francisca Crage died doing what she loved. But she should still be here—playing, laughing, leading.

To those who knew her, she was more than an athlete. She was a sister, a daughter, a teammate, a friend.

And to the person who pulled that trigger: you didn’t just end a life. You stole a future.

Rest in power, Francisca. Your game lives on in every heartbeat of this city. 🕊️

👉 Anyone with information is urged to contact Mobile Police or Crime Stoppers at (251) 208-7211. Let’s bring justice to her name.

Troubled Past, Tragic Present: Phoenix Ikner’s Downward Spiral Ends in Bloodshed at FSU

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Two men are dead, and a university campus is reeling, after a young man’s long and troubled history finally reached a breaking point. The name at the center of it all: Phoenix Ikner—a Florida State University student whose life was marked by emotional instability, legal entanglements, and a trail of warning signs stretching back years.

The incident, which unfolded earlier this week in a quiet campus building, was sudden and horrifying. Witnesses say there was no shouting, no altercation, no warning—just the sound of gunshots and the unthinkable realization that two lives had been taken. Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims pending family notification, but they have confirmed that both were male students at the university.

For many who knew Phoenix Ikner, the news was not entirely shocking—but it was devastating all the same. His story reads like a case study in systemic failure: a child of custody battles, mental health struggles, and fractured support systems. It’s a tale of red flags that were seen, acknowledged, and too often left unaddressed.

A Childhood in Turmoil

Ikner’s early years were marked by volatility. His mother served time for international child abduction after allegedly fleeing the country with him during a bitter custody dispute. The emotional trauma of being uprooted from his home and returned through legal force reportedly left lasting scars. Court documents later revealed that Ikner was diagnosed with several mental health conditions, including severe anxiety and mood disorders. Medication was prescribed—but, as noted in multiple reports over the years, it was not consistently administered.

As a teenager, Ikner bounced between schools, therapists, and guardians. At least one civil lawsuit was filed on his behalf over what his family described as “institutional negligence” and “emotional harm caused by improper care and oversight.” The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court.

The FSU Chapter

When Ikner enrolled at Florida State University, it was seen by some as a fresh start. By others, a risky experiment. Professors described him as smart, introspective, and unusually intense. Classmates noted that he often kept to himself—quiet but unpredictable, sometimes erratic in his behavior, and quick to isolate. At least two wellness checks were made during his time at FSU, one just last semester after he reportedly disappeared for several days without notice.

Still, no formal disciplinary action was ever taken. No involuntary holds. No criminal charges. Until now.

The Snap

What pushed Phoenix Ikner to allegedly take the lives of two fellow students remains unclear. Officials have not yet released full details of the attack, citing an ongoing investigation, but they’ve confirmed it was not random. Some early reports suggest the victims may have known Ikner in some capacity—possibly through a shared class or student group. But no motive has been formally established.

In a short press briefing, campus police chief Carla Ramirez said:

“This tragedy reflects a catastrophic failure to intercept a person in crisis. Our community is mourning, and we are doing everything possible to support those affected. But we are also asking: what more could have been done?”

A System That Missed the Signs

Now, the spotlight turns to the many institutions—family courts, schools, mental health systems, the university—that had glimpses into Ikner’s struggles but failed to piece together the full picture.

Mental health advocates say this case should ignite urgent reform.

“It’s not enough to prescribe medication and hope for the best,” said Dr. Allen Ferrow, a clinical psychologist familiar with similar profiles. “We need continuity of care. We need to monitor at-risk individuals over time—not just when they hit a breaking point.”

A Community in Mourning

As tributes pour in for the two young men whose lives were taken, FSU has announced plans for a campus-wide vigil and the establishment of a memorial fund in their names. Grief counselors have been made available around the clock, and students are being encouraged to come forward if they are struggling or if they noticed warning signs in anyone around them.

Because in the end, this story is not just about Phoenix Ikner. It’s about what happens when a troubled boy becomes a troubled man, and the world keeps looking the other way—until it’s too late.

Two families are now planning funerals instead of graduations. A campus has lost its sense of safety. And a community is left asking how many more lives need to be shattered before something changes.

Rest in peace to the victims. Your names will not be forgotten.

👉 Read the full timeline of Phoenix Ikner’s case, the early warning signs, and the institutions that failed him—coming soon.

Tragedy on Floyd Drive: 80-Year-Old Gunman Takes Two Lives, Including 11-Year-Old Ashly Turner

FLOYD COUNTY, KY — A quiet Wednesday night shattered into horror when 80-year-old Reuben Arthur Leonard walked into a home on Floyd Drive and opened fire, unleashing a tragedy that has left a community grieving and struggling for answers.

Among the victims was 11-year-old Ashly Turner, a vibrant young girl with a bright smile and her whole life ahead of her. She was struck multiple times during the shooting. Despite a swift response from deputies, Ashly succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Family members and neighbors watched in anguish as law enforcement attempted to save her, their efforts ultimately unable to undo the irreversible damage inflicted in mere minutes.

As officers subdued and handcuffed Leonard, the elderly man muttered a chilling statement: “Check on my wife—I shot her too.” Deputies rushed to the couple’s nearby residence, where they found his wife fatally wounded. Her name has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.

Authorities are still piecing together what led Leonard to commit such unthinkable acts. Initial reports suggest no prior criminal history or known history of violence, but investigators are looking into mental health concerns, possible domestic issues, and whether Leonard legally owned the firearm used in the shootings.

The motive remains unclear.

The shocking nature of the crime—a man in his 80s committing a double shooting, including a child—has left even seasoned officers stunned. “This is one of the most heartbreaking and perplexing cases we’ve seen,” said one deputy who responded to the scene. “Two innocent lives were taken. A child… it’s just unimaginable.”

Ashly Turner was described by her teachers as a “ray of light” in the classroom, a kind soul who loved reading, dancing, and playing with her friends. Her loss is being mourned not only by her immediate family but also by her school community, who are grappling with the trauma of losing a classmate to senseless violence.

The local school district has mobilized crisis counselors to support grieving students and staff. A memorial of flowers, stuffed animals, and hand-written notes now rests near the home on Floyd Drive, a visual expression of sorrow from neighbors and strangers alike.

The family of Ashly Turner released a short statement through a community liaison:

“Ashly was pure love and laughter. She deserved a life full of dreams, not to be taken by a nightmare. We are broken, and we ask for privacy as we try to understand how to live in a world without her.”

Reuben Arthur Leonard is currently in custody and facing multiple charges, including two counts of murder, with more potentially pending as the investigation continues. Prosecutors are expected to determine next steps in the coming days, including whether Leonard will undergo a mental competency evaluation before formal proceedings begin.

As the community mourns, many are left asking the same questions—how did this happen? Could it have been prevented? And why were innocent lives caught in the crossfire of such unimaginable violence?

In the days ahead, vigils are being planned in Ashly’s memory, and neighbors are rallying around her family to offer support and comfort in the wake of an unspeakable loss.

Two lives gone. In minutes. Our hearts break for the families left behind, especially for the loved ones of Ashly Turner—a child whose light was stolen too soon. May she rest in peace, and may justice and healing follow in the wake of this tragedy.

Outrage in Pinole: BMO Senior Banker Natasha Chand at Center of Viral Racial Hate Incident

PINOLE, CA — A disturbing confrontation in a Pinole parking lot has sparked national outrage and renewed conversations about racism, accountability, and the power of social media. The incident, which unfolded on Sunday afternoon, involved Natasha Chand, a senior banker at BMO, who was filmed repeatedly hurling racial slurs—specifically the N-word—at a Black woman during an unprovoked and vile outburst.

Video of the incident, filmed by a relative of the victim, quickly went viral. In the footage, Chand is seen shouting hate-filled language from her blue Toyota Camry while mocking the victim’s appearance and unleashing a barrage of offensive slurs. The clip, which has since racked up millions of views across platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram, shows stunned bystanders witnessing the altercation in disbelief.

“This isn’t just a bad moment. This is hate in its rawest form,” said one witness who shared the video on social media. “She kept yelling the word like she was trying to hurt as deeply as she could. It was disgusting.”

The Pinole Police Department has confirmed it is actively investigating the incident as a hate incident, with potential to escalate to a hate crime, pending further review of evidence and witness accounts. In a statement, law enforcement officials acknowledged the viral video and encouraged the victim and her family to come forward to support a full investigation.

Chand, who was initially misidentified on social media as a nurse at several Bay Area healthcare facilities, has since been confirmed as a senior banking executive at BMO. The financial institution has not yet issued a public response, though internal sources suggest that human resources and legal departments are conducting their own internal review.

The backlash has been swift. Social media users have flooded BMO’s public pages demanding accountability. Many have called for Chand’s immediate termination and criminal charges to be filed. Some activists and community leaders are organizing protests and encouraging formal complaints to be lodged with both law enforcement and Chand’s employer.

For the victim and her family, the pain goes far beyond a viral video. According to statements made by the woman’s relatives, she was “deeply shaken” and is still processing the trauma of being so openly and aggressively targeted. The family is considering legal action.

“To the woman who endured this racist abuse: you are not alone,” wrote one Twitter user. “Millions of us saw what happened. And we are standing with you.”

Chand’s behavior has also reignited debates around racial bias in corporate America and how companies should respond when senior employees are involved in public acts of hate. Many are demanding that institutions adopt stricter standards around community accountability and diversity, equity, and inclusion policies that extend beyond boardroom rhetoric.

As of now, Natasha Chand remains at the center of the growing firestorm, with both her professional future and public image in freefall.

No matter how the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear: this incident has pierced the conscience of a community and struck a nerve across the nation. It serves as a stark reminder that racism is not confined to the shadows—it can erupt in parking lots, in broad daylight, and in front of cell phone cameras that now serve as the eyes of accountability.

To the woman targeted in this attack, and to her loved ones—we extend our deepest sorrow. No one should have to endure such cruelty. As the world watches and waits for justice, the message is clear: hate has no home here.

Police Respond to Reported Shooting on East Main Street in Radford, VA; Campus Alert Urges Students to Shelter in Place

RADFORD, VA — An intense police response was launched late Friday night following reports of a shooting on the 1400 block of East Main Street, a bustling area that sits close to the heart of Radford University’s main campus. The incident sparked immediate concern and prompted an urgent campus-wide alert urging students and staff to secure in place as law enforcement flooded the area.

The first alert was issued by Radford University’s emergency notification system shortly after the initial reports emerged. “Radford Alert! Main Campus. URGENT: Shelter in place. Police responding to reported shooting,” the message read. The alert sent shockwaves across the student body, many of whom were either wrapping up their night out or returning from off-campus activities when the situation unfolded.

As students and faculty scrambled to lock doors and stay indoors, Radford City Police, supported by university law enforcement, responded rapidly to the scene. Officers worked to secure the area, interview witnesses, and gather intelligence. While initial details were scarce, the heavy police presence and the sudden nature of the alert created an atmosphere of high tension on and around campus.

Roughly an hour later, an updated alert was issued by the university, this time providing a description of the individuals believed to be involved in the incident. “Radford Alert! Main Campus. Urgent: Per City PD, suspect descriptions: 2 Black males—1 with dreads, white shirt with yellow & red; 1 wearing a green long-sleeved shirt.” No further context was given at that time regarding their direction of travel or whether they remained in the vicinity.

As of now, it remains unclear if anyone was injured in the incident or whether shots were confirmed to have been fired. Police have not yet released an official statement with additional details, and the suspects have not been apprehended.

The campus remained under high alert for several hours, with students being urged to remain inside, away from windows, and to await further instructions. Many took to social media to share their experiences, express concerns, and check on friends. Some posted videos of police vehicles lining East Main Street, lights flashing, as officers moved cautiously through the area.

Parents and community members also voiced concern, seeking clarity and reassurance about the safety of their loved ones. University officials acknowledged the fear caused by the alerts and stressed that student safety was their top priority.

Radford University later confirmed that while the campus was not believed to be under direct threat, the lockdown was a necessary precaution given the proximity of the incident to student housing and other university facilities.

City and campus police are continuing their investigation, asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or seen the described suspects to come forward with information. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is also being reviewed in hopes of identifying and locating those involved.

This incident adds to a growing national concern regarding campus safety and the need for fast, coordinated emergency responses. The university’s timely alert system was credited by many students for helping them remain calm and take proper precautions in a rapidly evolving situation.

As of Saturday morning, no further alerts have been issued, but authorities have reassured the public that they are doing everything possible to track down those responsible. Anyone with tips is encouraged to contact Radford City Police or use the anonymous campus safety tip line.

More details will be provided as the investigation develops. Students and residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in the area.