Category: Uncategorized

Fort Smith, AR — May 25, 2025 — The Fort Smith Police Department responded to a serious incident at the Hope Campus on Sunday evening that resulted in the arrest of a suspect in connection with a stabbing. Officers were dispatched at approximately 6:30 PM to 301 South E Street after reports were received of a violent altercation that had taken place inside the facility.

Upon arrival, officers secured the scene and began immediate investigation into the incident. Emergency medical personnel were also dispatched and attended to the victim, who sustained stab wounds during the attack. Fortunately, authorities later confirmed that the victim’s injuries are non-life-threatening.

Through a combination of on-site evidence review and multiple witness interviews, investigators were able to quickly identify a suspect. As a result, 32-year-old Wesley Underwood was taken into custody and formally charged with one count of Battery in the First Degree, a serious felony offense under Arkansas law. Underwood is currently being held at the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center on a bond set at $150,000.

The Fort Smith Police Department extended its sincere gratitude to individuals present at the facility who stepped in during the attack. The department emphasized that the actions of these witnesses not only helped contain the suspect but also likely prevented further harm to the victim and others at the scene.

“The swift action taken by bystanders played a crucial role in stabilizing a volatile situation,” the department stated. “We commend their bravery and willingness to act under extremely difficult circumstances.”

The motive behind the assault has not been publicly disclosed, and it remains unclear whether the suspect and victim were acquainted. Investigators continue to gather information, and further details may be released as the case progresses.

The Hope Campus, located in downtown Fort Smith, serves as a community resource center offering shelter, meals, and support services to individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability. The organization expressed concern over the incident and is working with authorities to ensure continued safety and support for its residents and staff.

Anyone with additional information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Fort Smith Police Department or submit tips anonymously through the department’s official communication channels.

As the investigation continues, Fort Smith residents are reminded to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behavior. The police department reiterated its commitment to community safety and support, particularly for the most vulnerable members of the pop

A Dalton police officer at the center of a wrongful arrest that left a 19-year-old undocumented teen detained in an ICE facility has officially resigned, according to city officials.

Leslie Allen O’Neal, a former officer with the Dalton Police Department in Georgia, stepped down after an internal investigation revealed he mistakenly pulled over the wrong vehicle, leading to the arrest and subsequent detention of Ximena Arias-Cristobal. The case has ignited outrage, drawn national media attention, and reignited debate surrounding immigration enforcement and accountability in local policing.

A Traffic Stop with Life-Altering Consequences

The incident occurred on May 5, when Arias-Cristobal was pulled over for what Officer O’Neal claimed was an improper turn. During the stop, police discovered she did not have a valid driver’s license. Further checks revealed her undocumented status, prompting authorities to place her into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Arias-Cristobal was then transferred to the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia—a facility known for housing hundreds of undocumented immigrants awaiting deportation or legal proceedings.

For days, her family had no idea where she had been taken.

But less than a week after the arrest, the Dalton Police Department released a statement acknowledging a critical error: Dashcam footage showed that O’Neal had in fact pulled over the wrong vehicle. Arias-Cristobal had not committed the alleged traffic violation that prompted the stop.

Despite the acknowledgment and the dropping of all charges, Arias-Cristobal remained at the detention center for nearly two more weeks. It wasn’t until an immigration judge granted her a $1,500 bond that she was released. She returned to her family early on a Friday morning, met by hugs, tears, and a flood of emotions that underscored the trauma of the experience.

“I Wouldn’t Wish It on My Worst Enemy”

In an emotional interview with Atlanta News First, Arias-Cristobal described the fear and uncertainty she endured behind the walls of the detention center.

“It’s not knowing what’s going to happen to me,” she said. “Knowing that I could be sent back to a country that I don’t know. Having to be torn apart from my family.”

Arias-Cristobal has lived in the United States since the age of four and considers it her only home. Her sudden detention—and the realization that it stemmed from a police error—left her shaken and has sparked broader questions about the role of local law enforcement in immigration matters.

Her attorney confirmed that Arias-Cristobal is now pursuing a U.S. visa and has a court hearing scheduled for early 2026. In the meantime, her story has resonated with immigrant rights advocates, sparking protests and online campaigns demanding reform and justice.

Officer O’Neal Resigns Amid Fallout

City officials confirmed on Saturday that Officer O’Neal had resigned from his position following the internal investigation. While no criminal charges have been filed against him, the incident has left a deep mark on the department’s public image.

Community leaders have expressed concern over the apparent lack of oversight and the potentially devastating consequences of a simple mistake made during a routine traffic stop.

“What happened to Ximena shouldn’t happen to anyone,” said Maria Torres, an advocate with Georgia Immigrant Alliance. “This wasn’t just a wrong turn—this was a wrong stop that led to a young woman being locked in a detention center and fearing for her life in a country she’s called home for nearly her entire life.”

National Spotlight and Ongoing Debate

The case of Ximena Arias-Cristobal is now part of a larger national conversation around immigration enforcement and the intersection of local policing with federal immigration agencies. The timing has also resurfaced discussions around the Trump administration’s legacy of aggressive deportation policies, which are still being enforced in many parts of the country.

Legal experts and human rights groups argue that incidents like this underscore the need for stricter protocols and independent oversight when it comes to law enforcement interactions with undocumented individuals.

As Arias-Cristobal begins to rebuild her life, her story stands as a chilling example of how quickly a single mistake can spiral into a life-threatening situation for undocumented people in the United States.

“I’m just happy to be home,” she said. “But I don’t want anyone else to go through what I did.”

The Dalton Police Department has not commented further on whether additional disciplinary action will be taken or if new training policies will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

For now, one young woman’s wrongful arrest has not only altered her life but has also exposed cracks in the system that demand attention.

 

In a moment that has reignited debate over capital punishment in Tennessee, the state carried out its first execution in five years on Thursday, May 23, 2025. Oscar Franklin Smith, 75, was put to death by lethal injection at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution just outside Nashville. Smith was pronounced dead at 10:47 a.m., marking a grim milestone in the state’s justice system.

A Long Path to Execution

Smith’s path to execution spanned more than three decades. He was convicted of a brutal triple homicide that occurred in 1989, involving his estranged wife, Judith Lynn Robirds Smith, and her two sons from a previous marriage, Chad and Jason Burnett. The murders took place in Nashville, and prosecutors contended that Smith acted out of jealousy and rage during a bitter separation from his wife.

The court found that Smith entered the victims’ home and committed the murders with premeditated intent. In 1990, a jury sentenced him to death for all three killings, and he had remained on death row ever since.

A Halted Execution and Renewed Scrutiny

Smith was originally slated for execution in April 2022, but just hours before it was scheduled, Governor Bill Lee issued a last-minute reprieve. The decision came after revelations of procedural discrepancies in the Tennessee Department of Correction’s execution protocols. Specifically, concerns arose over improper preparation of lethal injection chemicals and incomplete training of the personnel involved.

The reprieve triggered broader scrutiny of Tennessee’s execution procedures, prompting several death row inmates and their attorneys to challenge the state’s methods. These legal challenges have since formed the basis of an ongoing lawsuit, with a trial on the matter scheduled for January 2026.

Despite these looming legal questions, Gov. Lee made headlines again this week by denying a collective request from attorneys to pause all executions in light of the ongoing concerns. His decision effectively cleared the path for Smith’s execution to proceed as planned on Thursday.

The Final Hours

As is tradition, Smith was offered a last meal before his execution. He requested hot dogs, tater tots, and apple pie with vanilla ice cream—a humble and quintessentially American menu.

Witnesses reported that the execution took place without any visible complications. However, representatives for Smith continued to maintain that his conviction was flawed, and anti-death penalty advocates argue that unresolved questions surrounding the state’s execution protocols should have warranted another delay.

Legal and Ethical Questions Persist

Though the execution has concluded, the broader controversy surrounding Tennessee’s use of capital punishment is far from over. The upcoming 2026 trial will examine whether the state’s lethal injection protocols meet constitutional standards and whether the personnel involved in administering executions are sufficiently trained and qualified. The lawsuit could potentially reshape how executions are handled in Tennessee going forward—or put a temporary halt to them altogether.

Smith’s execution also reignites a national conversation around the ethics of capital punishment, especially for inmates who have spent decades on death row, and for states where systemic issues in execution procedures have been identified.

As Tennessee closes the chapter on its first execution since 2020, it simultaneously opens the door to a new wave of legal, ethical, and political debate—one that could define the state’s criminal justice policy for years to come.

HOMESTEAD, FL – A family dispute turned nearly fatal Wednesday afternoon when a 57-year-old woman allegedly stabbed her daughter-in-law multiple times during an argument witnessed by a young child. Celestine Ward now faces charges of attempted felony murder after authorities say she tried to kill her daughter-in-law inside a family home on Southwest Fourth Avenue.

According to an arrest report from the Homestead Police Department, officers were dispatched around 3:40 p.m. following a 911 call reporting a stabbing. Upon arrival at the residence, an officer knocked on the front door, which was answered by Ward. Just beyond her, the officer saw a gruesome scene — a woman slumped on the living room floor in a pool of blood, propped against a cot bed.

The unidentified victim, later revealed to be Ward’s daughter-in-law, was airlifted in critical condition to Jackson South Medical Center for emergency treatment. Detectives say her wounds were extensive, the result of multiple stab injuries inflicted in the heat of a domestic argument.

One of the most disturbing aspects of the incident is that it reportedly unfolded in front of a child — the daughter of the victim and her husband. During an interview with authorities, the young girl recounted the chain of events, stating that her parents had been arguing earlier in the day. After her father left the home, tensions escalated between her mother and grandmother.

That’s when, according to the child, the violence began. “Grandma started to kill Mami with the knife,” the child told detectives. She then pointed officers to the knife used in the attack, which was later found hidden under a bed in the home.

In a separate interview at the hospital, the victim confirmed that she and Ward had been drinking together earlier in the day at a Chili’s Grill & Bar. Although she could not recall what sparked the argument, she remembered Ward charging at her twice — the second time wielding a knife and stabbing her multiple times.

Despite the victim’s critical injuries and the child’s eye-witness account, Ward claimed the stabbing was an act of self-defense. She told officers that her daughter-in-law had attacked her first, punching her multiple times in the face. However, police noted that Ward did not have any visible injuries consistent with her account.

As of Thursday, Ward remains in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. She has been formally charged with attempted felony murder. The case is expected to proceed to court, where prosecutors will likely rely heavily on the child’s testimony and the forensic evidence recovered from the scene.

The incident has shocked the quiet neighborhood and raised concerns about the broader issue of domestic violence within families — particularly when children are caught in the crossfire.

Authorities have not released the current condition of the victim, but sources say she is receiving intensive care and is expected to survive. The Department of Children and Families is reportedly involved in the case due to the presence of the child witness.

As investigators continue to gather evidence, the case of Celestine Ward stands as a tragic reminder of how family conflicts can erupt into devastating violence, leaving lasting trauma for everyone involved — especially the youngest.

 

A devastating incident at Lake Tobesofkee in Bibb County has claimed the life of a young child and left two others hospitalized, casting a heavy shadow over what began as a typical afternoon outing. Authorities confirmed that on Thursday, May 23, at approximately 2:38 p.m., emergency responders were dispatched to the Michael Dewayne Jones Public Fishing Area following reports that three children had gone under the water and failed to resurface.

The children involved in the incident were boys aged seven, eight, and ten. According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, all three were in the water when they suddenly began to struggle. Witnesses at the scene alerted emergency services, prompting an immediate and large-scale response from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Macon-Bibb County Fire Department, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Upon arrival, first responders swiftly entered the water and were able to recover two of the boys—the eight-year-old and the ten-year-old. Both children were transported by EMS to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care. Medical officials have since reported that the eight-year-old boy is in critical but stable condition, while the ten-year-old is stable and expected to recover.

Tragically, the youngest of the three—the seven-year-old boy—was not immediately located. Rescue efforts intensified, and after a tense search, the child was found unresponsive in the water. Despite life-saving attempts, he was pronounced dead at the scene by Deputy Coroner Luanne Stone. Authorities have confirmed that the child’s family has been notified of the heartbreaking loss.

The cause of the incident is still under investigation, with officials working to determine the circumstances that led to the children’s sudden distress in the water. The area, known for fishing and recreational activities, is typically considered safe for visitors, raising questions about water safety measures and supervision in the vicinity.

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has additional information to come forward. They can be reached at 478-751-7500.

This tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that can arise near water, especially involving young children. Local officials and community leaders are expected to revisit water safety protocols and consider whether additional safety measures may be warranted at Lake Tobesofkee.

As the community grieves the loss of a young life and prays for the recovery of the other two boys, support and condolences continue to pour in from residents and public officials alike. Grief counselors and support services are being made available to the families affected and to any witnesses who may have been traumatized by the event.

 

Tybee Island, GA — A Savannah woman is now facing serious criminal charges after what began as a bizarre and unsettling incident on Tybee Island’s beach escalated into a major police investigation, uncovering her alleged involvement in a separate violent crime.

On April 1st, officers with the Tybee Island Police Department were dispatched to the area near 14 ½ Street after receiving reports of a disorderly woman behaving aggressively on the beach. According to the caller, the woman had thrown sand at a baby, prompting immediate concern from beachgoers and law enforcement alike.

The woman was identified as 38-year-old Brittany Floyd, a Savannah resident. Upon arrival, police found Floyd exhibiting erratic and combative behavior. According to official reports, she shouted at officers and began smashing a glass liquor bottle against a railing at the beach crossover, escalating the situation further.

Floyd was taken into custody on the scene and charged with obstruction. However, the incident took an unexpected turn during her transport to the Chatham County Detention Center.

According to police, while en route to jail, Floyd spontaneously confessed to a more serious crime. She reportedly said, “I stabbed a b*** in Savannah,”* followed by “I did it.” The statement prompted further investigation by law enforcement.

Following her initial arrest, Floyd was released on bond the next day, April 2nd, for the obstruction charge. But on April 4th, she was arrested once again — this time charged with aggravated assault in connection to a stabbing that had occurred just days earlier.

The Savannah Police Department confirmed that Floyd’s second arrest stems from a stabbing incident that took place on March 31st on West 57th Street in Savannah. The victim in that case sustained non-life-threatening injuries, but the motive and circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation.

As of now, Brittany Floyd remains in custody at the Chatham County Jail, facing serious legal consequences. Her arrest has not only drawn attention due to the unusual nature of the beach incident but also because of the disturbing connection to a violent assault in Savannah.

Authorities have not released additional details about the victim in the stabbing or any potential connections between the two incidents. Investigators are working to piece together Floyd’s actions leading up to her arrests and determine whether mental health, substance abuse, or other factors played a role.

The Tybee Island and Savannah communities have been left shaken by the incident, which started with what many considered a shocking public outburst and ended with the unraveling of a more serious criminal allegation.

We are deeply heartbroken to announce the passing of Shellie Jean Taylor, a cherished daughter, devoted friend, and bright light in the Amite, Louisiana community. Shellie passed away on May 25, 2025, at the tender age of 20. Her presence, though brief, left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Born on February 18, 2005, Shellie was a beacon of love, laughter, and resilience. She grew up in Amite, surrounded by a tight-knit family and community that nurtured her compassionate spirit. From a young age, it was clear that Shellie possessed a natural warmth and kindness that drew people to her. She was known for her infectious smile, a laugh that could brighten any room, and a heart as generous as it was gentle.

Shellie attended Amite High School, where she not only excelled academically but also became a friend and confidant to many. Whether volunteering for community events, helping a friend through a tough time, or simply being there with a listening ear, Shellie exemplified selflessness and strength. Her dream was to pursue a career that allowed her to make a positive impact, and she had a deep love for children, animals, and the arts.

She was the kind of person who left a lasting impression—through her thoughtful words, her creativity, and her unwavering support for those she cared about. Shellie believed in seeing the good in people, in finding beauty in the everyday, and in living with honesty and intention. Her light radiated far beyond her years.

Shellie’s passing leaves a profound void, not only in the lives of her family and friends but throughout the community of Amite. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the incredible person she was and the love she gave so freely. Though her time with us was far too short, the impact of her life will be felt for generations to come.

A visitation will be held in her honor on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, followed immediately by a Celebration of Life service. All who knew and loved Shellie are invited to attend and share in remembering her remarkable spirit.

As we gather to say goodbye, we ask the community to keep Shellie’s family in your thoughts and prayers. May her memory be a blessing, and may we carry forward the love she gave so freely.

Rest in peace, Shellie Jean Taylor. You will be missed more than words can express, but you will never be forgotten.

Phil Robertson, the bearded and beloved patriarch of the Robertson family who rose to national fame through the hit A&E reality television series Duck Dynasty, has died at the age of 79. His death was confirmed by his son, Jase Robertson, who shared the news with fans and followers on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.

“My dad has gone to be with the Lord today!” Jase wrote. “He will be missed but we know he is in good hands, and our family is good because God is very good! We will see him again!”

Phil Robertson became a cultural icon in the 2010s, known for his rugged appearance, unapologetic faith, and deep devotion to family and the outdoors. As the founder of Duck Commander, the Louisiana-based company that manufactures duck calls and hunting gear, Robertson built a multimillion-dollar business that would later become the centerpiece of Duck Dynasty. The show, which ran from 2012 to 2017, captivated audiences with its blend of humor, family values, and homespun wisdom, making it one of the most successful reality shows of its time.

Robertson’s story was not one of overnight fame. Born on April 24, 1946, in Vivian, Louisiana, Phil grew up in a poor but hardworking family. He earned a football scholarship to Louisiana Tech University, where he famously started ahead of future Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw. Though he had the talent to pursue a career in the NFL, Robertson ultimately turned away from football to focus on his true passion: hunting and the outdoors.

In the 1970s, Phil invented the Duck Commander duck call, which launched his business empire and laid the foundation for his family’s future fame. But his early life was also marked by personal struggles, including alcoholism and a period of estrangement from his wife, Kay, whom he married in 1966. It wasn’t until the mid-1970s that Robertson underwent a profound Christian conversion, which he often credited with saving his marriage and setting him on a new course in life.

Faith became a defining feature of Phil Robertson’s life and public persona. On Duck Dynasty, he was known for ending each episode with a family prayer around the dinner table. Offscreen, he was an outspoken advocate for Christian values, frequently speaking at churches and conservative events across the country. While his forthright views occasionally sparked controversy — including a 2013 GQ interview that led to a brief suspension from A&E — Robertson remained steadfast in his beliefs and found unwavering support from a loyal fan base.

Beyond television, Robertson authored several best-selling books, including Happy, Happy, Happy, UnPHILtered, and The Theft of America’s Soul. He also hosted the popular podcast Unashamed with Phil & Jase Robertson, which continued the family’s tradition of sharing faith-centered messages and stories with a wide audience.

Phil Robertson’s legacy stretches far beyond the realm of reality TV. He was a symbol of old-school American values — faith, family, hard work, and freedom — and he lived those values unapologetically. His authenticity, combined with his unique sense of humor and boundless love for the outdoors, endeared him to millions.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Kay Robertson; their four sons, Alan, Jase, Willie, and Jep; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a legacy that will continue through both his family and his ministry.

As news of his passing spreads, tributes have poured in from fans, religious leaders, and fellow public figures who admired Robertson’s strength, faith, and down-to-earth character.

While Phil Robertson’s voice may be silenced, his impact resonates loudly — in the duck blinds of the American South, in homes that cherished Duck Dynasty, and in the hearts of those he inspired with his message of redemption, love, and faith in Jesus Christ.

 

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the tragic passing of Jaylen King, a bright and beloved member of the Jackson, Mississippi community. Jaylen’s life was tragically cut short on May 26, 2025, at the age of just 21 years old, leaving behind a legacy of light, laughter, and love that touched all who knew them.

Jaylen was more than just a name — they were a friend, a sibling, a neighbor, and a source of joy to many. Described by those close to them as having a vibrant spirit and a generous heart, Jaylen carried an energy that lit up every room they entered. Whether it was through a warm smile, a kind gesture, or their unshakable optimism, Jaylen left a lasting impact that will continue to resonate through the lives they touched.

Growing up in Jackson, Jaylen was a familiar face in their community. They took pride in their roots and often spoke of wanting to help uplift those around them. Friends remember them as someone who could always be counted on — for a laugh during hard times, for support when things felt heavy, and for their unwavering loyalty and compassion.

The suddenness of Jaylen’s passing has sent waves of grief throughout Jackson and beyond. As family and friends attempt to grapple with this unimaginable loss, the community has come together in remembrance — holding vigils, sharing stories, and leaning on one another in honor of Jaylen’s life.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jaylen’s passing is ongoing, and local authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Justice and clarity are deeply important to those who loved Jaylen, and every voice matters in helping uncover the truth.

In the face of this heartbreaking loss, we ask everyone to keep Jaylen’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. Their pain is immense, but the support of the community can serve as a small beacon of hope and solidarity.

As we remember Jaylen King, let us not only mourn their loss but also celebrate the life they lived — a life marked by kindness, resilience, and a deep love for others.

Rest in peace, Jaylen. You will never be forgotten.

 

UHAND, TX – May 25, 2025 — A small Central Texas community is reeling after a deadly shooting took the life of a 17-year-old male in the early hours of Sunday morning. The Uhland Police Department is actively investigating the fatal incident and has asked the public for any information that may assist in identifying the suspect responsible.

According to police reports, the shooting occurred around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 25, 2025, in the 100 block of Rocky Road, a quiet residential area in the heart of Uhland. Officers were dispatched following multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire in the neighborhood. Upon arrival, they discovered the teenage victim lying on the street, suffering from a gunshot wound.

Emergency medical services quickly responded and began life-saving measures at the scene. The teen was transported to a nearby hospital, but despite the efforts of paramedics and hospital staff, he was later pronounced dead.

Authorities have not yet released the name of the victim, pending notification of next of kin. However, law enforcement officials described him as a local resident known to the area. Grief counselors and community advocates are working closely with the victim’s family and classmates, as the tragedy has sent shockwaves through the close-knit town of fewer than 2,000 residents.

Detectives from the Uhland Police Department, with assistance from the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Rangers, have launched a full-scale investigation. Initial findings suggest that the shooting may have stemmed from an altercation, though the motive and events leading up to the incident remain unclear.

So far, no suspects have been identified or arrested in connection with the shooting. Authorities are combing through surveillance footage, canvassing nearby homes, and speaking with potential witnesses in hopes of gathering critical leads.

“The community is hurting. A young life was taken far too soon, and we are determined to bring justice to this victim and his family,” said Uhland Police Chief Rebecca Salazar during a press conference Sunday afternoon. “We are urging anyone who may have seen or heard something—no matter how small it may seem—to come forward. Your information could be the key to solving this case.”

Residents are encouraged to check their home security systems for any unusual activity between 12:30 and 1:30 a.m. in the Rocky Road area. Tips can be reported anonymously through the Hays County Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-324-TIPS or online at their official website.

The Uhland Police Department has also increased patrols in the area and is working closely with school officials to provide additional security and emotional support to students affected by the loss.

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Uhland Police Department at (512) 398-3461. Investigators stress that even seemingly minor details could be vital to solving the case and bringing closure to a grieving family.

As the investigation continues, the Uhland community gathers in mourning, remembering a life lost and hoping that justice will soon be served. A candlelight vigil is reportedly being planned for later this week in honor of the young victim.