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Decatur, Illinois — A desperate family in Decatur is pleading for the public’s help after their granddaughter, Emelia, was taken from her mother’s residence under troubling circumstances that appear to violate an existing court order.

According to the child’s grandparents, Emelia was picked up on Thursday afternoon around 3:00 p.m., just two and a half hours before her father was scheduled to begin his parenting time at 5:30 p.m. Per court order, her father has the right to refuse unauthorized transport, yet the child’s mother allegedly allowed unknown individuals to take the girl out of state.

The family says they were told Emelia was transported to Florida to a group home, but this relocation was neither court-approved nor communicated to her father.

“We have been at the police station for hours trying to file a report or at least get a BOLO (Be on the Lookout) or Amber Alert issued, but no officer has spoken with us. After four hours, dispatch told us to come back tomorrow during business hours,” the grandmother said, expressing frustration at the lack of immediate law enforcement action.

Witness Accounts

The only available information about the individuals who picked up Emelia comes from her siblings, who were present at the time. They described two adults who were unfamiliar to them:

• Male: Approximately 40s, brown hair, clean-shaven, wearing a t-shirt and pants.
• Female: Approximately 40s, blonde hair pulled into a bun, tank top, and pants.
• Vehicle: Gray minivan, no license plate information available.

Witnesses stated that the two individuals never entered past the doorway of the home. Emelia’s belongings had already been packed, and the departure happened quickly.

Family’s Call for Action

Loved ones are urgently asking for assistance from both law enforcement and the public to ensure Emelia’s safety. They stress that her removal from Illinois and transport to Florida was unauthorized and directly against the court’s custody order.

The family is now appealing to the public:

• If you have seen a gray minivan matching the description or witnessed anything unusual near the child’s mother’s residence in Decatur around 3:00 p.m., please contact authorities immediately.
• Anyone with knowledge of a group home in Florida that may have recently received a child under questionable circumstances is asked to come forward.

What To Do If You Have Information

Please call Decatur Police Department or 911 immediately if you have information that could help locate Emelia. Time is critical in cases involving missing children, and family members fear for her well-being.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a developing situation. Details may change as official reports are filed and verified.

HARTFORD, VT (Friday, Aug. 22, 2025) — The Vermont State Police (VSP) announced the arrest of Demetrius Drew, 30, of New Haven, Connecticut; Jeffrey Mullins, 46, of Ringe, New Hampshire; and Michelle Mullins, 48, of Ringe, New Hampshire in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred early Thursday morning in Hartford, Vermont.

The suspects have been identified as:

• Demetrius Drew, 30, of New Haven, Connecticut – charged with first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
• Jeffrey Mullins, 46, of Ringe, New Hampshire – charged with being an accessory before the fact.
• Michelle Mullins, 48, of Ringe, New Hampshire – charged with being an accessory before the fact.

The incident claimed the life of 65-year-old David Labrecque of Canaan, New Hampshire, who was pronounced dead at the scene. 36-year-old Jessica Lemay, also of Canaan, was critically injured and is currently receiving treatment at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire for multiple gunshot wounds.

Authorities responded to the scene at approximately 3:50 a.m. on August 21, 2025, after a 911 call reported a disturbance at a residence on Verna Court off VA Cutoff Road. Upon arrival, Hartford Police discovered one victim deceased and another severely injured.

Investigators quickly determined that the incident was targeted and posed no ongoing threat to the public. Following an intensive investigation by the Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Crime Scene Search Team, Field Force Division, and Victim Services Unit, in collaboration with the Hartford Police Department, the three suspects were taken into custody.

All three individuals have been ordered held without bail and are scheduled for arraignment at 12:30 p.m. Friday, August 22, in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in White River Junction. The affidavit of probable cause, which details the investigation, will be made public following the arraignment.

“This case represents the tireless work of our law enforcement professionals to bring swift justice to the victims and ensure the safety of our communities,” said a Vermont State Police spokesperson.

The body of David Labrecque has been transported to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington for an autopsy to determine the exact cause and manner of death.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact the Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit.

CHICAGO, IL – Heartbreak and outrage grip Chicago’s West Side community following a deadly double shooting that claimed the life of 27-year-old Tia Janae on Thursday night, August 21, 2025.

Chicago Police Department (CPD) officers responded to multiple 911 calls of gunfire near Pulaski Road and Gladys Avenue around 11:00 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

Tia Janae was found with a gunshot wound to the face. She was immediately transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where she was tragically pronounced deceased. The second victim, a 26-year-old male, sustained two gunshot wounds to the abdomen and one to the ankle. He remains hospitalized in serious condition.

According to preliminary reports, both victims were standing outside when an unidentified suspect approached on foot and opened fire before fleeing the scene. Detectives from CPD’s Area Four Homicide Unit are actively investigating, but no arrests have been made as of this time.

Community members are particularly devastated to learn that Tia Janae leaves behind nine children, now facing life without their mother. Friends, family, and neighbors are calling for prayers, justice, and an end to the ongoing cycle of violence.

“This is beyond heartbreaking,” said one resident at the scene. “She had so much life ahead of her, and now nine children will grow up without their mom. We need justice for Tia.”

As the investigation continues, community leaders and anti-violence advocates are urging residents to come forward with any information that may help bring closure to the family and hold those responsible accountable.

Springfield, VT –Springfield authorities are actively responding to a shooting incident at 78 Valley Street that has tragically resulted in the death of one individual. Emergency dispatch reports confirm that shots were fired, and the situation remains under investigation.

Date/Time: August 21, 2025, 9:39 PM EDT
Location: 78 Valley Street, Springfield, Vermont
Incident: Shooting

Two responding police officers are being transported as a precautionary measure, though no additional injuries to the public have been reported at this time. Law enforcement is urging all residents and travelers in the area to avoid the vicinity while the investigation and necessary safety measures are conducted.

The Springfield Police Department has not yet released details regarding the victim or potential suspects. Authorities are coordinating with local emergency services and are establishing a secure perimeter around the scene to protect residents and facilitate a thorough investigation.

Residents are advised to follow instructions from law enforcement and stay tuned to official updates for further information. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Springfield Police Department to assist in the ongoing investigation.

This tragic event underscores the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with local law enforcement to ensure public safety.

CONWAY, AR — The Conway Police Department has announced the arrest of Kemarie Tyrone Johnson in connection with the April 13, 2025, shooting at Fifth Avenue Park, a violent incident that shocked the community.

Johnson was apprehended on the evening of August 21, 2025, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, by the U.S. Marshals Eastern District of Arkansas Fugitive Task Force and the Arkansas State Police SWAT Team. He was taken into custody on an active Conway warrant for multiple serious charges:

• Two counts of Capital Murder
• Nine counts of Attempted Murder
• One count of Terrorism

The Conway Police Department extended its gratitude to federal and state law enforcement partners for their vital role in ensuring the safe apprehension of Johnson. The arrest underscores the coordinated efforts of local, state, and federal agencies working together to bring justice to victims and their families.

“Our detectives have remained relentless in seeking justice for those affected by this tragic act of violence,” the department said in a statement. “This arrest is the result of meticulous investigation, perseverance, and the strong collaboration of law enforcement at all levels.”

The department emphasized that this is an active and ongoing investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

The Conway Police Department continues to urge anyone with information related to this case to come forward and assist investigators in ensuring justice is served.

This arrest serves as a reminder of the commitment of law enforcement to protecting communities and holding violent offenders accountable.

COLUMBUS, OH — On August 21, 2025, Frederick D. Washington Jr. was taken into custody in connection with a recent shooting that left a man injured in the 1400 block of 20th Street North. The arrest was carried out by the Columbus Police Department’s VIPER team, working closely with the Criminal Investigations Division (CID).

Authorities executed both an arrest warrant for Washington and a search warrant at his residence. During the search, officers recovered multiple firearms along with a substantial quantity of illegal narcotics. The seized substances included:

• Approximately 3.2 pounds of marijuana
• 38.39 grams of cocaine
• 13.53 grams of crack cocaine
• 33.71 grams of MDMA

Following the investigation, Frederick D. Washington Jr. was formally charged with:

• Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
• Nine counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance with a Weapon Enhancement

The Columbus Police Department emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact authorities.

“This arrest highlights our department’s continued focus on removing violent offenders and illegal narcotics from our streets,” said Chief Daughtry. “We remain committed to protecting our community through proactive and strategic enforcement.”

Media Contact:
Officer Bryan Moore
Public Information Officer
Columbus Police Department

This arrest serves as a reminder of the Columbus Police Department’s commitment to community safety and the importance of public cooperation in ongoing investigations.

PIPPA PASSES, KY — The community of Pippa Passes is mourning the untimely passing of Daniel Hanson, 30, who tragically lost his life while at work. Daniel leaves behind his devoted wife, Breona Slone Hanson, and their young son, Daniel Joseph Dawson Hanson.

Known by friends and family for his kindness, dedication, and unwavering love for his family, Daniel was the sole provider for his household. He also cherished the outdoors, often sharing his passion for nature with loved ones and friends. His sudden passing has left the family and community in shock, struggling to process the profound loss.

In response to this tragedy, a fundraiser has been established to help cover funeral and related expenses. This effort seeks to give the Hanson family the support they need during this incredibly difficult time and to honor Daniel’s memory in a meaningful way.

Friends, family, and members of the community are encouraged to contribute and support the family as they navigate the grief and begin to heal from this heartbreaking event.

Daniel Hanson’s memory will be cherished by all who knew him, and his legacy of generosity, love, and dedication to his family will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.

BELLEVILLE, Ill. — Authorities confirmed that 33-year-old Emily Johnson, a resident of the 500 block of Augusta Street in Mascoutah, was tragically struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on Thursday morning along Green Mount Road near Eckert’s in Belleville.

According to St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr., Johnson was pronounced deceased at 4:35 a.m. at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon after being transported from the scene.

Belleville Police Detectives acted swiftly following the incident and were able to locate the vehicle involved in the fatal accident. Authorities have taken a suspect into custody, though the individual’s name has not yet been released pending formal charges, according to a news release from the Belleville Police Department.

The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to gather evidence surrounding the circumstances of the hit-and-run. Police are urging anyone with additional information regarding the incident to come forward to assist with the investigation.

Emily Johnson’s untimely death has left the Mascoutah community and her loved ones grieving, as friends and family remember her life and mourn the tragic loss.

The Belleville Police Department and St. Clair County authorities continue to work diligently to ensure that justice is served and that the responsible party is held accountable.

The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) has released new details regarding a tragic shooting that occurred on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in the 700 block of University Boulevard East in Silver Spring, Maryland. The incident resulted in the death of 17-year-old Jaril Verde Murillo, who was pronounced deceased following the attack. Detectives from the Major Crimes Division, Homicide Section are actively leading the investigation.

According to preliminary reports, Verde Murillo, who reportedly had no fixed address, was walking along a pathway toward the Foxhall Apartments accompanied by two other males when unknown suspect(s) fired shots in their direction. Verde Murillo was struck and collapsed in the roadway on University Boulevard East. He was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where authorities determined the cause and manner of death to be homicide by gunshot wound.

At this time, no suspect information has been released, and no arrests have been made. MCPD officials are urging anyone with information related to this crime to come forward.

Community members and potential witnesses are encouraged to contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County to provide tips. Information can be submitted anonymously by calling 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Tips that directly lead to an arrest may be eligible for a reward ranging from $250 to $10,000.

The MCPD emphasized that the investigation remains active, and detectives are pursuing all available leads to identify those responsible for this senseless act of violence. Authorities continue to ask the community for vigilance and cooperation to bring justice for Jaril Verde Murillo and his family during this devastating time.

The department also reminds residents to remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity as part of ongoing efforts to prevent further tragedies in Montgomery County.

Griffithsville , West virginia -The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of a respected law enforcement leader, Lincoln County Sheriff Brian K. Graley. Known for his unwavering commitment to public service and his steadfast dedication to the community, Sheriff Graley devoted his career to protecting and serving the residents of Lincoln County.

Throughout his tenure, Sheriff Graley exemplified integrity, professionalism, and compassion. Colleagues and community members alike recognized his ability to lead with both authority and empathy, fostering trust between law enforcement and the citizens he served. His commitment to justice and public safety made a lasting impact not only within the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office but across the broader law enforcement community.

The news of Sheriff Graley’s passing has resonated deeply, prompting an outpouring of condolences and support from fellow law enforcement agencies, local officials, and residents. His leadership and dedication will be remembered as a guiding example for both current and future officers.

During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers go out to Sheriff Graley’s family, friends, and the men and women of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. His legacy of service, integrity, and community devotion will continue to inspire those who knew him and those who follow in his footsteps.

Lincoln County has lost a devoted public servant, and his passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of many. May Sheriff Brian K. Graley rest in peace, and may those who mourn his loss find comfort in the enduring impact of his life and work.