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Four Suspects Taken Into Custody Following Fatal Shooting of Teen in Aiken County

JACKSON, S.C. () – Authorities from the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office have apprehended several individuals in relation to the shooting incident that occurred on April 13th along the 100 block of Goodman Road in Jackson, South Carolina.

The tragic event resulted in the death of 17-year-old Kahlil Simmons, while another victim, aged 16, sustained injuries.

Law enforcement officials have charged 18-year-old Jared Grant Marsh II, hailing from Aiken, with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Additionally, 17-year-old Tyler Hans Lariscey, also from Aiken, faces a murder charge. Their arrests took place on Tuesday afternoon, April 21st, following a traffic stop.

Furthermore, 40-year-olds Tarah Alexander and Bryan Alexander, both residents of Aiken, have been charged with being accessories after the fact to murder. These charges were filed last night.

Currently, all accused individuals are detained at the Aiken County Detention Center.

Authorities say charges may be forthcoming as the case continues to develop.

The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in this case by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Fugitive Task
Force.

This remains an ongoing investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the
Aiken County Sheriff’s Office at 803-642-1761

Australian Tourist Rescued from Waist-Deep Sewage After Outback Toilet Collapse

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During a pause in her journey through the Australian outback, a tourist from Canberra found herself submerged up to her waist in a pit of human waste after an unfortunate accident with an outdoor toilet.

While traveling with her family on Sunday, she decided to stop at the Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve to use a drop toilet, a simple setup consisting of a toilet bowl over a deep hole.

To her horror, the corroded flooring gave way as she stepped on it, plunging her into a pit of sewage approximately 6.5 feet deep.

Stranded without phone reception in the remote area, located 90 miles southwest of Alice Springs, her family had no choice but to leave her behind temporarily and drive north for an hour to reach the nearest town for assistance.

Trapped in the sewage pit for three hours, the woman was eventually rescued by a passing worker, as reported by NT News, still covered in the foul material.

The 45-minute rescue was a difficult operation that required dismantling the toilet and lowering a tow rope into the hole to reach the woman.

She was then winched to safety using his 4×4 vehicle.

“There’s s—, literal nappies, piss, all in that hole,” a witness told the local outlet.

“You couldn’t even see the toilet.”

The woman was said to be “incredibly shaken” and sustained minor cuts.

She was transported 90 miles to Alice Springs Hospital for further evaluation.

It is understood that she and her family were traveling from Canberra to visit relatives at the time.

The toilet has since been cordoned off while NT WorkSafe conducts an investigation.

Photos of the incident site show the restroom building taped off and the entry blocked.

“The notification was made by the agency with management of the conservation zone, as a collapse or partial collapse of a structure, which is a dangerous incident under the work health and safety laws,” a spokesperson said.

The Action for Alice community Facebook page posted photos of the aftermath of the toilet nightmare, saying, “This won’t feature in tourism brochures.”

“The decaying infrastructure of NT tourism,” they added.

Commenters were horrified by the story.

“Thanks for confirming my paranoid fear of drop loos is a legitimate one,” said one. “I will now opt for the bush toilet from now on.”

Another echoed: “This is my biggest fear.”

“This is nightmare fuel,” a third wrote.

Others were worried about the potential health risks.

The main concerns for someone exposed to human waste are bacterial infections, parasites, hepatitis A and tetanus. They may also contract skin infections.

The remote Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve is a popular tourist stop that offers a self-guided trail around a reserve that contains 12 craters.

The craters were formed 4,700 years ago when the Henbury Meteor, weighing several tonnes and accelerating to over 25,000 miles per hour, disintegrated before impact, leaving only fragments that hit the Earth’s surface.

Henbury is one of five meteorite impact sites in Australia with remaining meteorite fragments and one of the world’s best-preserved examples of a small crater field.

Helmink of T-Town Honored as WCIA 3 Athlete of the Week


TEUTOPOLIS, Ill. (WCIA) — Malea Helmink is making waves in her final high school season.

In just 17 games, the accomplished shortstop, recognized twice as an All-State player, boasts an impressive .663 batting average and has driven in 26 runs.

After wrapping up her high school career, Helmink is set to continue her softball journey at the University of Illinois Springfield.

“Growing up, I always watched the College World Series and dreamed of playing at that level,” Helmink shared.

By her sophomore year, her potential for a collegiate career became evident, fueling her drive to succeed.

“That was really motivating and made me want to work even harder to see who I can get attention from,” Helmink said.

“She’s one that’s here first all the time,” Teutopolis head coach Crystal Tipton said. “She’s the one always there to pick up her teammates, and even after practice, she’s staying after taking extra hits or doing extra things.” “She just goes above and beyond, and it tells in her numbers and how she plays the game.”

Helmink is now eligible for a $1,500 cash prize given to one boy and one girl at the end of the school year. To nominate a local high school varsity athlete for WCIA 3 Athlete of the Week, click here.

Repeat Offender Arrested for Allegedly Threatening Pregnant Woman with a Gun

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Staff Report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities have taken Curtis D. Jackson II, aged 50, into custody after he allegedly threatened a pregnant woman with a firearm.

On the morning of April 22, around 7:32 a.m., officers from the Gainesville Police Department were dispatched to Choice Apartments, located at 2101 NE 2nd Street. The victim, who is expecting a child, informed police that both she and Jackson are currently homeless. Jackson had been residing temporarily with a witness at the apartment.

The victim recounted that an argument erupted when Jackson woke up and realized he had lost something. In a fit of frustration, he allegedly threatened to “rob and even kill someone to get food.” When she urged him to refrain from such talk, he allegedly retorted that he would end up in jail that day for murdering a pregnant woman. He then purportedly drew a small black handgun, described as having a leather covering, and aimed it at her face. Terrified, she fled outside to call 911, noting that Jackson had placed a “small clip” into the gun before pointing it at her.

Concerned for the safety of the witness who remained inside with Jackson, the victim shared her fears with the arriving officers. Police contacted Jackson via phone, and he eventually exited the apartment peacefully.

The witness gave officers consent to search the apartment and said Jackson only had access to the living room; officers reportedly searched the living room and did not find a gun, but as soon as they moved to the kitchen, which was directly adjacent to the living room, the witness withdrew her consent and asked officers to leave the apartment.

The witness reportedly said she had heard a brief argument before the victim left the apartment, but she did not hear Jackson make any threats toward the victim. She said Jackson had been staying with her for a few days, and she never saw a gun.

Post Miranda, Jackson reportedly said he had gotten into a verbal argument with the victim over money, and the victim started asking him about an incident on April 8; the arrest report states that officers responded to that incident, which also involved threats with a firearm. In that investigation, several people reportedly said they saw Jackson with a firearm, but none of those people wanted to press charges.

Jackson said he never had a firearm and never pointed a firearm at the victim.

The officer reported that based on the April 8 and April 22 incidents, Jackson “has shown to be increasing in his volatility.”

Jackson has been charged with domestic aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He has 13 felony convictions (two violent), 19 misdemeanor convictions (one violent), and 11 traffic convictions; he has served two state prison sentences, with his most recent release in 2024. Judge Bo Bayer ordered him held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to hold him without bail until trial; if the judge denies the motion, bail will be set at that hearing.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 


FBI Successfully Disrupts Potential Terror Plot Targeting Texas Synagogue

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On Thursday, FBI Director Kash Patel revealed that the agency’s regional offices in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Houston, Texas, have successfully disrupted an alleged terrorist plan. The plot, reportedly orchestrated by a woman from Lexington, North Carolina, aimed to execute a mass casualty attack on a synagogue in Houston.

The Houston Police Department has charged a 16-year-old with conspiracy to commit capital murder in connection with the scheme. Due to the suspect’s minor status, their identity has not been disclosed. However, the Houston Chronicle has provided further insights into the alleged conspiracy.

This development highlights the FBI’s effectiveness in countering hate-driven threats, a stark contrast to the efforts of organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center. The FBI’s proactive measures underscore the agency’s commitment to public safety and security under the leadership of Director Patel. This success story also challenges recent criticisms of Patel, as his strategic direction has led to significant accomplishments, both regionally and nationally, as extensively reported by various outlets.

On Wednesday, the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office arrested Angelina Han Hicks, 18, of Lexington, on two counts of felony conspiracy. According to warrants, the charges are for conspiring to commit murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.

She is also facing charges out of Texas.

According to the Houston Police Department, a 16-year-old has also been charged with conspiracy to commit capital murder. Because this person of interest is a minor, they remain unnamed. But the Houston Chronicle gave more details on the alleged conspiracy.

A juvenile in Harris County faces criminal charges tied to a multistate FBI investigation into an alleged plot to attack the campus of Houston’s Congregation Beth Israel.

The FBI office in Charlotte, N.C., said Thursday that the unidentified juvenile was arrested in Harris County. Before the juvenile’s arrest, court records obtained by the Houston Chronicle show a second person, 18-year-old Angelina Han Hicks, was arrested in North Carolina on felony charges.

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that a juvenile female had been arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit capital murder. The Houston Police Department was expected to release more information this afternoon.

Court papers accuse Hicks and two other people of planning to “kill as many Jews as possible” with a vehicle. Beth Israel and its school, The Shlenker School, said they were closed on Wednesday after learning from the Houston Police Department of a potential threat.





On Tuesday FBI received a tip that an individual out of Lexington, North Carolina was planning a mass casualty event at a Jewish Day School near Houston, Texas. @FBICharlotte and @FBIHouston acted quickly, and working with our outstanding local partners in the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, the subject has been taken into custody.

Investigation ongoing. Thank you to our Joint Terrorism Task Force personnel, FBI teams and local partners for their decisive work that likely saved lives.

It seems the FBI is doing a better job at thwarting hate than the Southern Poverty Law Center ever did. Of course, as we are discovering with the SPLC, that was a feature, not a bug. It also shows that The Atlantic hit piece against Patel was straight-up trash. As RedState has covered extensively, regionally and nationally, the FBI has been kicking butt and taking names on multiple levels. This reflects the extreme focus, competence, and strategic skill of FBI Director Patel, his agents, and his leadership team.








Ex-North Carolina Cop Allegedly Planned Mass Shooting at New Orleans Event

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An ex-police officer from North Carolina was taken into custody late Wednesday, accused of threatening a mass shooting at a festival in New Orleans, as reported by officials.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office announced that 45-year-old Christopher Gillum was apprehended at a hotel in Destin, Florida, on Wednesday night.

Gillum is being sought in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, on charges of making terroristic threats. Authorities allege he intended to travel to a New Orleans festival with plans to carry out a mass shooting followed by suicide.

The Louisiana State Police have not disclosed which festival was allegedly targeted but reassured in a Thursday statement that “there are no known direct threats to any festivals in Louisiana.”

The first weekend of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was set to commence on Thursday.

Christopher Gillum

Christopher Gillum, of Chapel Hill, N.C., was wanted by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety “for terroristic threats” and was arrested at a hotel in Destin, Fla., the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Thursday. (Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office)

Alex Carrasquillo, the communication manager for Chapel Hill, North Carolina, confirmed to Fox News Digital that Gillum was an officer there from 2004 to 2019.

Gillum returned as a non-sworn employee in 2024 before leaving for another job by the end of that year, Carrasquillo said.

Chistopher Gillum

Gillum was being held in a Florida jail and awaiting extradition to Louisiana, the sheriff’s office said. (Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office)

Authorities in Louisiana and Florida highlighted the collaboration between several agencies and the use of license plate reader technology after the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said deputies learned Gillum was in the area through the county’s Flock camera system.

“This disturbing case highlights how technology like FLOCK and strong partnerships between agencies can help prevent potential violence and bring wanted fugitives into custody safely before a tragedy could occur,” said Sheriff Eric Aden.

A handgun and ammunition from the suspect

When officers arrested Gillum, they recovered a handgun and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition from his hotel room, the sheriff’s office said. (Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office)

Deputies also recovered a handgun and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition from Gillum’s hotel room.

Gillium is being held in the Okaloosa County jail pending extradition to Louisiana.

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Trump’s Brief Comment Highlights Heartwarming Moment as Toddler Captivates Audience

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During a recent Oval Office event, former President Donald Trump witnessed what could only be described as a medical marvel—a drug that miraculously restored hearing to a two-year-old boy. The young star of the event, Travis Smith, captured everyone’s attention with his infectious laughter and coos as he nestled in his mother Sierra’s arms. This gathering was part of a celebration highlighting the administration’s initiatives to reduce prescription drug prices.

Travis, who was born completely deaf, experienced a life-changing breakthrough thanks to a drug developed by Regeneron, which successfully restored his hearing. The company had been invited to the White House in recognition of a significant agreement it reached with the administration to lower drug prices for American consumers.

President Trump was visibly moved by the young boy’s story, remarking, “That’s really incredible.” He went on to express his admiration for the treatment, noting that “He was 100 percent deaf, but he took this miracle cure, and now he can hear his mom, Sierra, say, ‘I love you.'” This heartwarming moment underscored the potential of medical advancements to transform lives and reinforced the administration’s commitment to making such treatments more accessible.

‘That’s really incredible,’ Trump remarked. 

‘He was 100 percent deaf, but he took this miracle cure, and now he can hear his mom, Sierra, say, “I love you,”‘ the President celebrated. 

Sierra Smith later noted how her child’s use of the drug, in conjunction with a surgery, gave him the ability to listen to music. 

‘He can listen to music, and he loves it, he loves to dance, and he loves instruments,’ she said. 

Soon after, the young boy stole the show when he began to do a little dance in the Oval Office. He then started crawling on the floor and briefly lying facedown on the carpet before an adult picked up the youngster. 

Travis Smith, 2, lies on the floor as President Donald Trump speaks during an event on health care affordability in the Oval Office at the White House, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Washington

Travis Smith, 2, lies on the floor as President Donald Trump speaks during an event on health care affordability in the Oval Office at the White House, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Washington

Two-year-old Travis Smith and his mother Sierra (R) react during an event with Trump on advancing health care affordability in the Oval Office of the White House on April 23, 2026 in Washington, DC

Two-year-old Travis Smith and his mother Sierra (R) react during an event with Trump on advancing health care affordability in the Oval Office of the White House on April 23, 2026 in Washington, DC

The barefooted boy became fascinated with the Oval Office carpet and played on the floor briefly before a man whisked up the youngster

The barefooted boy became fascinated with the Oval Office carpet and played on the floor briefly before a man whisked up the youngster 

The event centered around the administration’s efforts to lower health care costs and rising premiums. The deal with Regeneron involves them lowering prices for certain drugs in exchange for tariff relief. 

Trump took a Regeneron COVID treatment in 2020 and called it a ‘cure,’ despite the claim being widely contested. Leonard Schleifer, the co-founder of the company, has been noted as a golf buddy of the President.

During the lengthy, hour-and-a-half event, the President also gave updates on the Iran war and beautification projects in DC. 

He vowed not to use a nuclear weapon against Iran when asked and noted how the Islamic Republic’s leadership has different factions vying for control. 

‘They have all new leadership, and they’re fighting like cats and dogs for who’s going to control and because we’ve created a real mess for them,’ he said. 

That infighting has led to difficulties in the two countries’ negotiations to end the conflict. Trump and White House officials have repeatedly said they are waiting on a ‘unified’ response from Iran before the next round of negotiations. 

Vice President JD Vance was planning on meeting with Iranian officials in Islamabad, Pakistan, this week before cancelling his trip, the Associated Press reported. 

When pressed on when the war may end, the President did not give a specific timeline. 

Trump noted how the US blockade on Iran is causing Iranian oil depots to fill up, and that if they are not able to offload their supplies, the country's oil infrastructure could suffer permanent damage

Trump noted how the US blockade on Iran is causing Iranian oil depots to fill up, and that if they are not able to offload their supplies, the country’s oil infrastructure could suffer permanent damage 

Kharg Island, through which almost all of Iranian oil exports flow, is full, White House officials have said

Kharg Island, through which almost all of Iranian oil exports flow, is full, White House officials have said

Trump also touted his DC beautification efforts, including the remodel of the Lincoln Memorial's Reflecting Pool

Trump also touted his DC beautification efforts, including the remodel of the Lincoln Memorial’s Reflecting Pool

‘I don’t want to rush myself,’ Trump responded. ‘You know who’s under time pressure? They are. Because if they don’t get their oil moving, their whole oil infrastructure is going to explode.’ 

He suggested that Iranian oil infrastructure could break if they are not able to export their burgeoning stockpiles due to the current US blockade on the nation. 

As for the beautification project to restore the Lincoln Memorial’s Reflecting Pool, the Republican said the project will keep the typically murky body of water clear using robots.  

‘It’ll stay clean. We even have robots that go in it… they clean it like a swimming pool,’ he said. 

‘You can have a beautiful pool, and you’ll have it for July 4th, long before July 4th, instead of taking three, three and a half years, we’re taking a week,’ he said. In addition, the President revealed the floor of the pool will now be ‘American flag blue.’

He also said the West Wing’s colonnade walkway, which is being refurbished, will now feature granite floors and that the stone is sourced in Africa and is carved in Italy. 

A ramp that was installed to help Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was unable to walk as President due to polio, will be kept in his honor. ‘It means something,’ Trump said of the ramp.  

Get to Know L.A. Prosecutor Beth Silverman: Age, High-Profile D4vd Case, and Salary Insights

Beth Silverman Biography – Beth Silverman Wiki

Beth Silverman, an experienced deputy district attorney with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, currently serves in the Major Crimes Division. She embarked on her legal journey after earning her Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law, gaining admission to the State Bar of California in 1992.

Award

In 2021, Silverman, alongside Deputy District Attorney Marguerite Rizzo, was honored with the Centurion Award for Excellence in Cold Case Investigations with Technical Support by the Peace Officers Association of Los Angeles County. This accolade recognized their collaboration with multiple agencies utilizing investigative genetic genealogy to crack decades-old cases, including the 1986 murder of a Burbank woman and the 1981 death of a woman in Montclair.

Beth Silverman Age

Born in 1968, Prosecutor Beth Silverman is now at the forefront of a high-profile case involving singer D4vd, legally known as David Anthony Burke. He stands accused of murdering 14-year-old Celeste R., whose remains were tragically discovered decomposed and dismembered in his impounded vehicle in September 2025, as reported by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

D4vd Trial

Burke faces serious charges, including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. The criminal complaint further details special circumstance allegations, citing murder of a witness, murder for financial gain, and lying in wait. Additionally, it alleges that Burke personally employed a deadly and dangerous weapon, a sharp instrument, in the commission of the crime.

Burke was charged with one count each of murder, continuous $exu@l abuse of a child under the age of 14 and unlawful mut!lation of human remains. The criminal complaint also includes special circumstance allegations of murder of a witness, murder for financial gain and lying in wait as well as a special allegation that Burke personally used a deadly and dangerous weapon, a sharp instrument, to commit the crime.

On April 23, 2025, Burke invited the victim to his home in Hollywood Hills. Celeste R. arrived at the defendant’s house and was never seen again. On Sept. 8, 2025, the victim’s decomposed and dismembered remains were found in the front trunk of a car registered to Burke that had been impounded after the vehicle had been reported abandoned.

Salary

Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman receives an annual salary of $249,429.

Warning Issued: Costco Recalls 32 Degrees Heated Socks Amid Burn Injury Reports

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Costco has issued a recall for heated socks following reports of burn injuries, as announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The recalled product, known as 32 Degrees Heated Socks, was available in sizes medium, large, and extra-large.

The CPSC highlighted that these socks could pose a burn risk when worn during “high intensity activities.”

There have been 14 incidents reported involving heat-related injuries connected to these socks, with 13 cases resulting in first- or second-degree burns.

The CPSC has not clarified whether the burns are linked to the battery pack, the heating elements, or extended exposure to heat.


People leave a Costco Wholesale store pushing full shopping carts.
Heated socks sold at Costco were recalled after customers reported first- and second-degree burn injuries. Getty Images

About 207,806 packs of socks were recalled. 

The affected socks were sold at both Costco retailers and online at Costco.com from August 2025 through March 2026, ranging from $30 and $46 in price. 

A spokesperson for Costco did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.


Recall notice for 32 Degrees Heated Socks showing the product packaging, battery packs, and two socks.
About 207,806 packs of the 32 Degrees Heated Socks were recalled. X/USCPSC

Consumers are urged to stop using the socks immediately and return them to Costco for a full refund.

For additional information, customers can contact 32 Degrees toll-free at 833-997-2452 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email recall@32degrees.com or visit the company’s website and click “Sock Recall” under the Support section.

The recall underscores a broader concern with heated wearable products, where items marketed for everyday comfort can pose risks when used in real-world conditions. 

Since consumers increasingly rely on battery-powered apparel during active use — from outdoor work to exercise — the reported injuries highlight a potential gap between how these products are expected to perform and how they actually function under higher-intensity activity.

The recall comes as Costco has faced other recent product safety issues, including a Generac portable generator sold through the retailer that was recalled over fire risks.

Trump’s Fiery Exchange with Reporters: A Must-See Moment Unveiled

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Donald Trump is facing criticism from yet another ally, this time due to a statement he shared on his Truth Social platform.

On a recent occasion, Trump shared a transcript featuring remarks by conservative podcast host Michael Savage, who criticized the concept of birthright citizenship.

This particular post has drawn strong reactions, especially from Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesman for India’s foreign ministry.

The source of the controversy lies in a specific line from the post.

“A baby here becomes an instant citizen, and then they bring the entire family in from China or India or some other hellhole on the planet,” the post stated.

Jaiswal called out the comment today, saying it was “obviously uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste”.

Trump also copped a whack from a politician in his own country, with Deomcrat Ami Bera — whose parents are Indian immigrants — saying it was “beneath the dignity of the office he holds”.

“President Trump, who was born into wealth and privilege, has never had to struggle the way so many immigrant families have,” he said.