A teenager now facing charges for the fatal shooting of a Citadel cadet and his close friend had a history of offenses reaching back to 2021. Authorities argue that the suspect, despite his troubled past, repeatedly evaded significant consequences until this alleged double homicide came to light.

According to the DeLand Police Department of Florida, the tragic incident occurred around 10:40 p.m. on July 29, claiming the lives of 19-year-old Dustin Rose and 18-year-old Samson Campbell. An arrest warrant was issued for a 17-year-old suspect, who was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Service on Wednesday, as announced by officials earlier in the week.

At a news conference on Wednesday, police highlighted that the individuals involved were acquainted “in some capacity.” Authorities further revealed that the arrested teen boasts a considerable criminal record.

While on a break from his studies at The Citadel Military College of South Carolina, Dustin Rose tragically lost his life. General Frank McKenzie, The Citadel’s President, expressed the profound loss in a message to the campus community shared with news outlets. He described Rose as a “team leader” who was both a cherished friend and classmate.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said the 17-year-old, whom News Media is not naming because he has not yet been charged as an adult, has a lengthy criminal history that includes charges of assault with a deadly weapon, multiple counts of battery and drug possession.

“We’re talking about aggravated battery and assault with a deadly weapon, carrying a concealed weapon, multiple counts of battery, criminal mischief, vehicle theft, trespassing, drug possession, another aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, resisting an officer, all dating back to 2021,” Chitwood said. “Charges that were either dropped, non-filed, dismissed, or at best, resolved with probation.”

Chitwood alleged that the teen’s ability to face little punishment is due to a lack of prosecution by the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida, Monique Worrell. He said that before the alleged double murder, the teen was in a diversion program for drug possession and disturbing a school function.

“It makes you wonder if our justice system held [the teen] accountable from the start, maybe things would have turned out different,” the sheriff said.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier also criticized Worrell, saying her “neglect of duty and incompetence are a danger to the 9th Judicial Circuit.”

“Soft on crime policies do not work!” Uthmeier said.

Worrell said in a statement, “It is disappointing, but not surprising, that the appointed Attorney General continues to make politically motivated statements without knowing all the facts. Public safety deserves thoughtful leadership and not rhetoric designed to score political points.”

“The most recent case referenced by Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood that involves this juvenile did not occur within the Ninth Judicial Circuit, but rather his own Seventh Circuit and is therefore outside the jurisdiction of this office to speak to,” Worrell said.

The teen faces two counts of second-degree murder in relation to the shooting, but R.J. Larizza, state attorney of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, said during a news conference he would likely be charged as an adult. The teen suspect’s father was also arrested on charges of felony accessory after the fact.

Rose was also a member of the South Carolina National Guard, a spokeswoman confirmed with News Media.

Rachel Rose, Dustin’s mother, said he was “such a light in our family.”

“When they took him they took the very best part of me. We are devastated,” she told News Media.

One of the victims’ mothers may have been among the family members who found the two dead after they went unreachable by phone, police previously said.

Campbell, a DeLand native, had been staying with his aunt, Karen Chobin, in the Chicago area. Chobin said he was in town to grieve the recent death of the family’s 8-year-old dog and was staying with Rose’s grandparents.

Rose was in DeLand to help Campbell spread his dog’s ashes, Chobin said.

“It was a traumatic loss. It wasn’t a passing of old age. It was awful. And then for this to be what he’s welcomed with when he goes down there to mourn his loss is devastating,” Chobin said.

A man who once carried the title of inmate firefighter now faces charges for igniting the deadly Gann Fire in Northern California.

65-year-old Herbert Wayne Smith, who served his time over two decades ago while working at a California work camp, admitted to starting the blaze, according to reports from KCRA.

Smith’s journey in the Conservation Camp Program began in 1999 when he fought fires as an inmate firefighter in Soledad. He later continued this work at a Georgetown camp until his release on parole.

At the time of his incarceration, Smith was serving sentences for charges related to receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled substance, as noted by the news outlet.

The state’s correctional department explains that inmate firefighters are crucial in aiding state, local, and federal agencies during various emergencies, including fires and floods, as well as other natural and manmade catastrophes.

Inmates who work as firefighters typically are under  “minimum custody” status, the lowest security level, and must have 8 years or less remaining on their sentence.

The revelation comes as Smith admitted to starting the Gann Fire, which has burned thousands of acres and killed an animal breeder.

The victim, identified as Hinterland German Shepherds owner Susan Solari, told friends she could not leave as the flames approached because she refused to abandon her dogs. She had operated the breeding business for decades.

Smith was booked for recklessly causing a fire, operating equipment capable of producing sparks in vegetation without adhering to fire prevention requirements, and allowing a fire to escape control.

Smith has said he was using a saw to cut metal scraps so that he could sell them to pay for his wife’s birthday celebration when the fire started. He expressed regret about his actions.

“This is going to destroy my life, one way or another,” Smith said in an interview with KCRA.

“I’m so sorry for everything that’s happened. That was never my intent. I was just out there trying to get some money together, and it turned into this.”

Authorities accused Smith of operating the tool without clearing flammable vegetation and failing to have firefighting tools on hand. 

Eight years ago, Smith also ran into trouble when he allegedly started a fire on someone else’s property.

“The Calaveras County District Attorney’s Office is unwavering in its duty to base all charging decisions on the facts and the law, and is firmly committed to fairness in the pursuit of justice,” the county district attorney’s office said in a statement.

No formal charges have been filed yet.

During a recent appearance in Canada, Meghan Markle was spotted donning Princess Diana’s iconic earrings adorned with diamonds and sapphires.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their way to Victoria, British Columbia, to lend their support to friend and music producer David Foster at the 40th Anniversary of his foundation, a celebratory event held last Friday.

In a charming pose, the couple was photographed with the esteemed 76-year-old record producer David Foster, and his wife, Katharine McPhee, who is both an actress and singer, aged 42.

Prince Harry, aged 41, opted for a classic look in a black tuxedo complemented by a bow tie, while Meghan dazzled in an elegant black one-shoulder gown crafted by Canadian designer Greta Constantine.

At 45, Meghan paid a touching tribute to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, showcasing the striking sapphire earrings. Her updo hairstyle accentuated their beauty, offering a graceful nod to Diana’s memory.

The Duchess owns several pieces of jewellery from Princess Diana’s personal collection and has previously worn Diana’s earrings at public events.

Pieces from Diana’s collection that Meghan owns include her butterfly earrings and matching cuff bracelet, a diamond tennis bracelet, her Cartier Tank Louis, and Diana’s iconic aquamarine ring, widely dubbed her ‘divorce ring’.  

Canadian-American David Foster has won 16 Grammy Awards and 45 nominations across a career spanning four decades. 

Meghan and Harry have been long friends of the couple, having previously been pictured on a double date with the couple. 

In 2019, Foster arranged for the Duke and Duchess to stay at a close friend’s mansion on Vancouver Island, telling the Daily Mail at the time: ‘I felt honoured that I was able to help Meghan there because I’m a Canadian, and we’re a Commonwealth country – we’re the Crown’s.’ 

The music producer hooked up the royal couple with accommodation in a secluded waterfront estate in North Saanich, owned by a close friend of the Canadian songwriter – but declined to identify the owner. 

‘It’s important to us, so I grew up with that kind of sentiment. I was really happy to be able to help them to find a respite just to take a little time off.’ 

Foster arranged for Meghan and Harry’s Christmas getaway in a $14million mansion on Vancouver Island, Canada, by connecting them to its mystery multimillionaire owner. 

Foster’s wife, Katharine McPhee, has known Meghan since childhood, having gone to the same school as her. 

McPhee told Access Hollywood in 2020 of Foster and Harry’s relationship: ‘My husband has a really, really beautiful relationship with Harry. 

‘They’re like, they’re so cute. They’re like father and son.’ 

‘We just stay in touch with them. But mostly, Meghan and I knew each other from childhood, but really Harry and my husband are friends. It’s really nice.’ 

CHICAGO (WLS) — Excitement is in the air as ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago breaks the news that it will air the 97th annual Bud Billiken Parade. This vibrant event, which heralds the Back-to-School Festival, is set to be broadcast live on Saturday, August 8, from 10 a.m. to noon. The spectacle, recognized as the largest African American parade in the United States, will stream not only on ABC7 but also on abc7chicago.com and across all ABC7’s digital and streaming platforms.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The broadcast booth will be bustling with energy as ABC7 Eyewitness News icons Cheryl Burton, Hosea Sanders, and Val Warner take the helm. Meanwhile, Terrell Brown and Karen Jordan will immerse viewers in the ground-level excitement, capturing the parade’s lively spirit. Samantha Chatman and other dedicated ABC7 staff will engage with the crowd from atop the ABC7 Chicago float, adding to the festive atmosphere.

This year’s Bud Billiken Parade is a proud celebration of 97 years of tradition and excellence. As a back-to-school highlight, it will showcase impressive talents from across Chicago. Parade-goers can expect thrilling performances by local favorites such as the Jesse White Tumblers, South Shore Drill Team, Golden Knights Drill Team, alongside the dynamic Chi-Town Cheerleaders, Next Level Dance Team, MBM Dance Team, and the inspiring Little Ladies of Virtue.

This year’s parade will be led by none other than beloved Chicago native, LisaRaye McCoy, who will serve as the Grand Marshal. Known for her iconic roles in “The Players Club” and “Single Ladies,” as well as her stint as the first lady of the Turks and Caicos, McCoy adds star power and charisma to this cherished event.

The Bud Billiken Parade is not just an event; it’s a cherished tradition attracting over a million spectators. As the oldest and grandest African American parade nationwide, it embodies a spirit of community and celebration. Each August, it draws families together, marking the joyous start of a new school year in Chicago.

“We are proud to be a part of this 97-year tradition, which has brought joy, inspiration and summer fun to generations of Chicagoans,” said John Idler, general manager, ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago. “Our long-standing partnership with Chicago Defender Charities also allows us to spotlight the importance of education and student empowerment, which is central to the organization’s mission.”

The parade will kick off at 10 a.m. on 39th Street and Martin Luther King Drive, with grand marshal McCoy leading the procession south onto King Drive, through Washington Park and concluding at Garfield Boulevard.

About ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago

ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago is the No. 1 local news source and most-watched television station in Chicago. With top-rated daily newscasts spanning decades and the largest social media presence in the market with more than 3.5 million Facebook followers, ABC7 Eyewitness News provides breaking news, investigative reporting, weather, politics, traffic and sports in the multiplatform space toChicago, the suburbs and northwest Indiana. NamedBest News Operationby the Associated Press, ABC 7 Eyewitness News produces “Chicago Proud,” a series of features that spotlights everyday heroes in and around Chicago.The station also produces the highest-rated New Year’s Eve special in Chicago,the nationally syndicated holiday kickoff special, “The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival,” and the award-winning series “Our Chicago,” which showcases the city’s diversityand highlights contributions in the Black, Hispanic, Asian,LGBTQ+ communities, among others.Every Friday, Windy City Weekend entertains while giving Chicagoans everything they need to know about what’s happening in the city. ABC 7 is the only Chicago station producing and broadcasting parades representing Chicago’s rich cultural history. The station has a long and proud tradition of broadcasting political candidate debates to keep Chicago’selectorate informed and town halls where residents can share their concerns.ABC7’s outreach efforts include an annual partnership with local food banks, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars. ABC7 also partners with the Red Cross for the Great Chicago Blood Drive, one of the largest, one-day blood drives in the country.

Follow ABC7/WLS-TV Chicagoon Instagram, X and Facebook.
Instagram: instagram.com/abc7Chicago
X: https://x.com/abc7chicago
Facebook: facebook.com/abc7Chicago