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Hope, Arkansas — July 21, 2025 — The Arkansas State Police (ASP) has launched a comprehensive investigation into a devastating series of crashes that occurred early Monday morning along the westbound lanes of Interstate 30 between Hope and Fulton. The tragic events claimed the lives of Jonathan Gary Williams, Jonathan Garcia, and Javier Rivera, while several others were left injured in a morning that has shaken the local community and first responders alike.

ARDOT Worker Jonathan Gary Williams Killed in Hit-and-Run

At approximately 1:00 a.m., 44-year-old Jonathan Gary Williams of Sherwood was killed in a fatal hit-and-run near the 18-mile marker. Williams, a contractor with the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), was working from a specialized trailer, applying reflective markers to the highway’s center line when a 2004 Buick Century veered into the work zone and struck him.

The driver of the Buick abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, leaving Williams fatally injured. Despite emergency response, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are actively searching for the suspect and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Williams’ death has devastated his colleagues and serves as a painful reminder of the risks faced by roadside workers every day.

Second Crash Leads to Minor Injuries

Just over an hour later, around 2:15 a.m., state troopers responded to a second crash near the 19-mile marker, involving two vehicles. Fortunately, this collision resulted in only minor injuries, and those involved were treated at the scene. However, the incident added further congestion and strain to the unfolding emergency response efforts.

Multi-Vehicle Wreck Kills Jonathan Garcia and Javier Rivera

A third and even more catastrophic crash occurred shortly after, near the 20-mile marker. This collision involved three tractor-trailers and a pickup truck carrying four people. The violent impact killed Jonathan Garcia, 25, and Javier Rivera, 61—both residents of Hope, Arkansas—who were passengers in the pickup.

The driver and another passenger sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for emergency care. Their current conditions have not yet been released to the public. The drivers of the semi-trucks were not reported to be critically injured.

Highway Shutdown and Continuing Investigation

Following the incidents, authorities shut down the westbound lanes of I-30 between Hope and Fulton to conduct investigations and clear the wreckage. One westbound lane reopened at 9:00 a.m., with full traffic restored by noon.

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ASP Urges Caution in Work Zones

In a public statement, ASP officials emphasized the importance of vigilance when driving through work zones:

“This has been a heartbreaking morning. The loss of life—including Jonathan Gary Williams, Jonathan Garcia, and Javier Rivera—is a tragedy that could have been prevented. We urge drivers to slow down, stay alert, and take extra care in active work zones. Lives depend on it.”

Anyone with information related to the hit-and-run driver who killed Jonathan Gary Williams is asked to contact the Arkansas State Police immediately.

This tragic day underscores the critical need for public awareness, responsible driving, and the unwavering commitment to the safety of all those working and traveling on Arkansas highways.

Hanover Township, OH — Sheriff Richard K. Jones and the Butler County Sheriff’s Office are saddened to report a devastating single-vehicle crash that occurred during the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

At approximately 1:40 a.m., deputies from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, alongside emergency crews from the Ross Township Fire Department, were dispatched to the 2100 block of Ross Hanover Road following a report of a serious traffic accident involving a vehicle that had collided with a tree.

Upon arrival, first responders discovered a 2014 Acura that had sustained catastrophic damage. Initial findings from the scene indicated that the vehicle had been traveling westbound when the driver lost control, veered off the left side of the roadway, and violently struck a tree.

Tragically, the 17-year-old female driver was pronounced dead at the scene. A 17-year-old female passenger was critically injured and was immediately airlifted by CareFlight to Miami Valley Hospital, where she is currently being treated for serious, life-threatening injuries.

Due to the severity of the incident, the Butler County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team (S.T.A.R.T.) was called in to conduct a detailed investigation. Early indicators suggest that excessive speed may have been a contributing factor in the crash. However, authorities state that drugs and alcohol are not suspected at this time.

Sheriff Jones expressed his deep sorrow over the tragedy:

“These are the calls that weigh heaviest on all of us. A young life lost, another fighting to survive—it’s a nightmare for the families, and it’s heartbreaking for our community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this devastating loss.”

Grief counselors have been made available to students and staff in the local school district, where both teens are believed to have attended.

As the investigation continues, anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Further updates will be shared as they become available.

Media Contact:

Butler County Sheriff’s Office

Public Information Division

 

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Toby Atwood, a beloved young woman whose radiant spirit and strength left an unforgettable impression on everyone she encountered. This past weekend, during what should have been a joyful and empowering event—the running of a half marathon—Toby’s vibrant life was tragically cut short. Though many of us at BSO did not know her personally, the ripple of love, grief, and remembrance that has followed her loss is undeniable. Toby clearly touched countless lives.

Toby was the embodiment of resilience, determination, and compassion. Her dedication to fitness and self-growth, paired with her open-hearted energy, was nothing short of inspiring. Whether she was pushing through the miles of a race or lifting up the people around her, she did so with warmth, strength, and grace. Her passing leaves behind not just grief, but a space filled with the echo of her laughter, the memory of her encouragement, and the beauty of her soul.

At BSO (Beloved Spirit Originals), our mission has always been to help families and communities honor those they’ve lost. Over the years, we’ve been trusted to create meaningful memorial pieces—not just shirts or hoodies, but tangible keepsakes that offer comfort in the darkest moments. A cozy hoodie becomes a source of warmth when the world feels cold. A sticker on a water bottle or laptop sparks stories that keep someone’s spirit alive. A blanket becomes a safe place to grieve, to remember, and to love.

In that spirit, we would be truly honored to extend the same support to Toby’s family and community. If anyone close to the Atwood family is reading this, please know that we are here, with open hearts and hands ready to help. We would love to design a custom memorial logo that reflects Toby’s radiant life—a symbol of who she was and the legacy she leaves behind.

As always, our team covers all design costs, and we will donate a portion of proceeds directly to the family to assist with any unexpected expenses. Additionally, we will gift memorial items to Toby’s immediate family—not as a business gesture, but as a personal and heartfelt tribute. It is our way of saying: we see your grief, we honor your loss, and we are with you.

Because remembering someone like Toby isn’t a one-day thing—it’s a journey. And having something to hold, to wear, or to see every day can sometimes offer a little light in that darkness.

To Toby’s family, friends, and all who loved her: please accept our deepest condolences. May her memory live on in every mile run, every act of kindness shared, and in the hearts of all she touched. She will not be forgotten.

With heartfelt sympathy and love,

— The BSO Team

Helping keep memories alive, in the only way we know how.

COLUMBUS, OH — A wave of anguish has swept across the city of Columbus following the conclusion of a harrowing and deeply disturbing case. After months of investigation and legal proceedings, Lashanda Wilder, 33, has been sentenced to life in prison—with the possibility of parole after 15 years—for the brutal murder and abuse of her 8-year-old son, Martonio Wilder.

What began as a missing child case in June 2024 has been revealed to be one of the most heartbreaking examples of prolonged child abuse and deception in recent local memory.

The Torment of Martonio Wilder

For much of his young life, Martonio Wilder endured horrific abuse at the hands of his mother, Lashanda Wilder, and her partner, Johnna Lowe, 34. Authorities say Martonio was consistently mistreated and singled out for cruel punishment. He was often locked inside a closet to prevent him from searching for food, subjected to deliberate malnutrition, and forced to walk naked up and down stairs while carrying a heavy medicine ball—a degrading form of punishment designed to break his spirit.

Those familiar with the family reported that Martonio received harsher treatment than the other children in the home, describing his suffering as both obvious and deeply disturbing.

Tragically, the abuse culminated in Martonio becoming unresponsive. Instead of calling for help, Lashanda Wilder and Johnna Lowe chose to cover up their crimes. The pair placed Martonio’s lifeless body in a laundry bag, then inside a garbage bag, before hiding him in the attic of their home on Olmstead Avenue.

A Desperate Deception

In an effort to mislead investigators, Lashanda Wilder called 911 and falsely reported her son missing. The deception was short-lived. On June 28, 2024, Columbus police—assisted by a cadaver dog—searched the residence and discovered Martonio Wilder’s body hidden in the attic.

According to the Franklin County Coroner, Martonio died from a combination of blunt force trauma and asphyxiation. His body showed signs of malnourishment, dehydration, and multiple bruises to the head and face—clear evidence of chronic and fatal abuse.

Following the discovery, Wilder and Lowe fled the scene with two other children and left them in the care of Mary Johnson, Lashanda’s mother and Martonio’s grandmother. When investigators questioned Johnson, she lied to authorities and denied that the children were in her custody. She was later charged with obstruction of justice, receiving a suspended sentence and two years of community control.

Further Betrayal

In a further twist of cruelty, police uncovered that Lashanda Wilder had stolen over $1,000 from the Popeyes restaurant where she worked, claiming it was to pay for Martonio Wilder’s funeral expenses. However, the timeline proved otherwise—she had stolen the money before Martonio had died, showing premeditated financial misconduct and utter disregard for her son’s life.

Sentencing and Justice

On June 15, 2025, Lashanda Wilder pleaded guilty to murder, abuse of a corpse, and theft. Her partner, Johnna Lowe, had already pleaded guilty earlier that month and was sentenced to life in prison under the same terms.

Although the punishment cannot undo the years of pain that Martonio Wilder endured, it brings some measure of justice to a case that has devastated an entire community.

A Life Lost, A Name Remembered

The death of Martonio Wilder has left a permanent scar on those who knew him—and even those who didn’t. He was just eight years old. A child who, by all accounts, had been failed repeatedly and tragically by the adults entrusted with his care.

Now, his name lives on—not as a victim of silence, but as a rallying cry for reform, vigilance, and compassion. Martonio Wilder’s story must be remembered so that no other child suffers in the shadows.

Let his memory shine a light in the darkest places.

Rest in peace, Martonio Wilder.

It is with deep sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of  Mahal, Charles. His absence has left an unmeasurable void in so many people’s hearts, and while words fail to capture the depth of this loss.

As we grieve and reflect on the beautiful memories we shared, I kindly ask for your understanding and respect for my privacy. This is a deeply personal and emotional journey, and your patience means more than you know.

To honor Charles’ life and spirit, we will be holding evening prayers each night at 7:00 p.m. at our home. These prayer gatherings are open to all who would like to join us in remembrance and solidarity. Your presence, whether in prayer or quiet reflection, will be a comfort to our family.

A special prayer service will take place on the 9th day, Sunday, July 28, as we come together to celebrate and honor Charles’ life, love, and legacy. It will be a time for reflection, gratitude, and unity in remembrance of someone who meant so much to so many.

Thank you once again for your compassion and support during this time of sorrow. Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Charles, Mahal, you will always be in our hearts. Your love will never be forgotten.

Manchester, Tennessee — A sense of shock and sorrow has gripped the community of Manchester as authorities have launched an active murder investigation following the tragic discovery of a woman’s body behind the Truckers Inn, a familiar and frequented rest stop located off Interstate 24.

The victim has been identified as 40-year-old Allecia Wolfe, known to many in her family circle as Allecia Carnley. Her body was discovered under suspicious circumstances in a field behind the Truckers Inn earlier this week. The discovery was made by a passerby who immediately contacted law enforcement, prompting a swift response from the Manchester Police Department and Coffee County authorities.

Emergency responders and detectives quickly cordoned off the area, treating it as a crime scene due to visible signs that suggested foul play. The circumstances surrounding Allecia’s death have not been fully disclosed, but officials have confirmed that the nature of her injuries, as well as other evidence at the scene, led to the classification of her death as a homicide.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has joined local authorities in the investigation, which remains active and ongoing. Forensic teams have combed the area for evidence, and an autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause and time of death. Investigators are also reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and interviewing individuals who may have seen or interacted with Allecia in the hours leading up to her death.

Allecia Wolfe was more than just the latest name in a tragic headline. To those who knew her, she was a woman with a strong personality and a resilient spirit. Family members have described her as someone who had weathered many storms in life, yet always remained rooted in love for her children and family. She was known for her loyalty, her laughter, and the deep connections she maintained with her loved ones, despite life’s challenges.

In the wake of her death, Allecia’s family and friends are devastated and searching for answers. Vigils are being organized to honor her memory, and social media has become flooded with tributes—photos, memories, and heartfelt messages from those who knew her best. Many are calling for justice, urging anyone with information to come forward and assist investigators in piecing together the events that led to her untimely death.

The community is rallying around Allecia’s family, offering both emotional and practical support during this time of unimaginable grief. A GoFundMe campaign has been discussed to assist with funeral expenses and to help her family navigate the coming days.

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any tips, no matter how small, that could help bring Allecia’s killer to justice. The Manchester Police Department and TBI have provided contact information for anonymous tips and encourage residents to speak up if they noticed anything unusual near the Truckers Inn in the days surrounding the discovery.

As Manchester mourns this loss, the memory of Allecia Wolfe (Carnley) will live on in the hearts of her family, her friends, and a community that refuses to let her story be forgotten.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Manchester Police Department or the TBI. Justice for Allecia must not be delayed.

Rest in peace, Allecia. You are gone too soon, but you are not forgotten.

A profound wave of grief and disbelief has swept over the quiet town of St. Martinville, Louisiana, as residents come to terms with the devastating news that Iris Davis, a vibrant 16-year-old girl who had been reported missing just days earlier, has been found dead. Her body was discovered earlier today in a field not far from her home, bringing an unthinkable end to a search effort that had united the community in a shared hope for her safe return.

Iris’s disappearance set off an immediate and widespread response from law enforcement, community members, and volunteers alike. Flyers were distributed, social media lit up with posts sharing her image, and prayer vigils were held as loved ones and strangers alike rallied in solidarity. For many, Iris was not just a face on a missing poster—she was a student, a neighbor, a friend. She was someone’s daughter, sister, and classmate. Her absence was deeply felt, and her story resonated far beyond the city’s borders.

That collective hope was shattered today with the heartbreaking confirmation of her death. Authorities have not released full details regarding the cause of death, stating only that the case remains under active investigation. The area where Iris was found has been cordoned off as forensic teams work meticulously to gather evidence and piece together the final moments of her young life.

News of Iris’s passing has left a community reeling. In the hallways of her school, in the pews of local churches, and in the streets of St. Martinville, conversations are heavy with sorrow and disbelief. For many, the question is not only “how” but “why”—why was this beautiful, kind-hearted girl taken so soon? Why must her family endure such unimaginable loss?

Those who knew Iris describe her as joyful, intelligent, and full of potential. She loved art and music, excelled in school, and dreamed of a future filled with possibilities. She had a light within her that touched everyone she met—a gentle presence, a bright smile, a soul wise beyond her years. Her teachers remember her eagerness to learn; her friends recall her loyalty and her ability to lift others with kindness and humor.

As the Davis family faces the unthinkable, the community has once again come together—not with search parties or flyers this time, but with flowers, candles, and heartfelt tributes that now cover the front steps of her school and the field where her life was tragically cut short. Online, thousands are sharing memories, condolences, and messages of outrage and support. A growing chorus of voices is calling for justice, determined that Iris’s death will not be in vain.

Local officials have promised transparency and diligence as the investigation continues. The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office, along with state and federal partners, are working tirelessly to uncover the truth behind what happened to Iris. In the meantime, the town grieves—with broken hearts and a lingering sense of disbelief that such tragedy could strike so close to home.

In memory of Iris Davis, many are calling for renewed efforts toward youth safety, community vigilance, and mental health support for teens. Her life—though short—left a powerful impact, and her story has awakened a community’s sense of responsibility and compassion.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days, but already, it is clear that Iris Davis will never be forgotten. Her light, extinguished too soon, continues to shine in the love and unity she inspired in those around her.

Rest in peace, sweet Iris. You mattered. You are missed. You are loved.

With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Thomas Kevin Cahill III, who left this world peacefully in his sleep on July 19, 2025, at the age of 41.

Born on February 27, 1984, Thomas—lovingly known as “Tommy” to many—was a son, a brother, an uncle, and a friend whose life brought warmth and light to all who knew him. His quiet strength, steady kindness, and easygoing nature made him a treasured presence in the lives of his family and friends.

Thomas is survived by a loving family who will forever carry his memory in their hearts: his father Tom Cahill, mother Tammy Nickel, and stepfather Rick Nickel; his brother Cory Cahill, sister Nicole Cahill, and sister-in-law Jessica Cahill; his cherished nephew Connor Cahill and sweet niece Sylvia Cahill; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends whose lives were touched by his presence.

Those who knew Thomas remember a man who approached life with sincerity, humility, and a generous heart. He had a way of making people feel at ease, whether through a quiet conversation, a warm smile, or a helping hand. He was deeply loyal to those he loved and was the kind of person who showed up when it mattered most. His presence brought a calm and grounded energy that will be deeply missed.

Though he is no longer with us in body, the love and memories Thomas gave so freely will remain eternal. His family and friends will remember him for his authenticity, his compassion, and the gentle spirit that was uniquely his.

A visitation to honor and celebrate Thomas’s life will be held on:

Monday, July 28, 2025

From 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM

McKenzie Funeral Home

15618 S Cicero Ave

Oak Forest, Illinois

As we gather to remember Thomas, let us hold close the memories, the laughter, and the love he brought into our lives. May we find comfort in one another and strength in the legacy he leaves behind.

Rest peacefully, Thomas. You were loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.

With shattered hearts and unspeakable grief, we mourn the tragic and unimaginable loss of a  beloved Liberty Rowan Hall, a beautiful little girl whose time on Earth was heartbreakingly brief, yet deeply meaningful. Her light, though small in years, burned brightly in the lives of everyone blessed enough to know her.

Liberty’s passing has left a gaping void in their family—one that no words can fill and no time can heal. Her laughter was the kind that could brighten even the darkest days, her curiosity limitless, and her love pure and overflowing. She was the joy in her parents’ hearts, the little sister with a big spirit, and a precious granddaughter who brought warmth to every family gathering.

Please hold Kayla and Alex, Liberty’s devoted parents, tightly in your thoughts and prayers. No parent should ever have to endure such anguish. And please remember Liberty’s siblings—each of whom has lost not only a sister, but a playmate, a partner in laughter, and a piece of their childhood. To Debbie and Sam, her loving grandparents, who treasured her more than words can express, we extend every ounce of strength and comfort that love can offer.

We are all struggling to make sense of this profound loss. It feels unreal, unbearable—like a nightmare that refuses to fade. One moment she was here, full of life and promise, and the next, she was taken from us far too soon. The grief is sharp, the sorrow endless.

Yet even through our tears, we cling to the memory of her joyful spirit. Liberty’s name was more than a name—it was a symbol of freedom, light, and innocence. She touched lives just by being herself, by simply being Liberty—sweet, kind, funny, fearless. Her memory will never be diminished by time; it will live on in every story, every photograph, and every heart she ever touched.

As we navigate the days ahead without her, we will lean on each other, lift one another up, and keep Liberty’s memory alive with love. Memorial details will be shared in the coming days, and we know that this community—so full of compassion—will surround the Hall family with the grace and strength they desperately need.

Fly high, sweet Liberty Rowan Hall. You were our angel on Earth, and now you are our angel in Heaven.

We love you forever and always.

After nearly 18 years of heartache and unanswered questions, justice is finally coming into view in the tragic and long-unsolved murder of Andrés Valdés, a 51-year-old father and beloved resident of Meadowbrook. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has announced the arrest of five suspects in connection with his 2007 killing—a breakthrough that brings long-overdue relief and a measure of closure to a family and community that has waited far too long for answers.

The Night That Changed Everything

On the night of June 13, 2007, the Valdés home was shattered by violence. Masked intruders stormed the house on Mariposa Avenue, initiating what appeared to be a home invasion. In the chaos that followed, Andrés was shot and killed. Several others were injured, but Andrés, a man known for his quiet strength and devotion to family, was the only fatality.

Despite immediate investigative efforts, the trail quickly went cold. For years, the case remained unresolved—a painful void for his loved ones who never stopped hoping for justice.

🔎 A Cold Case Reawakened

This year, in February 2025, detectives with the Central Homicide Unit decided to take another look. New investigative techniques, combined with help from the District Attorney’s Gang Impact Team, finally began to peel back the layers of silence. Through tireless work and renewed determination, authorities identified multiple suspects linked to that horrific night.

The Breakthrough Arrests

In a flurry of coordinated efforts across several states, five men have now been taken into custody:

• Kenneth Tucker, 37, of Riverside – Arrested July 6
• Deshawn Hill, 36, of Riverside – Arrested July 5
• Dennis Haynes, 37, of Phoenix, AZ – Arrested July 14
• Kenneth Haynes, 37, of Beaumont, TX – Arrested July 14
• Keith Crutchfield, 37, of Belton, TX – Arrested July 21

All five men are now facing murder charges, and those apprehended out of state are being extradited back to California to stand trial.

A Community Holds Its Breath

This stunning development has sparked both emotion and relief throughout the Riverside County community. The two California-based suspects are due to be arraigned in the coming days before Judge Melissa Hale at the Riverside Hall of Justice. For the Valdés family, the news is bittersweet—justice long delayed, but no longer denied.

Remembering Andrés

To those who knew him, Andrés Valdés was not just a victim of violence—he was a kind-hearted man, a father, a provider, and a friend. His legacy lives on in the memories he made with his family and the quiet acts of kindness he showed to others. For nearly two decades, that legacy has been obscured by unanswered questions. Now, with these arrests, his story is finally gaining resolution.

Call for Continued Community Support

Although significant progress has been made, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is still encouraging anyone with additional information to step forward. Those who may have details about the case are urged to contact Master Investigator Darryl Robertson or Deputy Andrew Lucifora at (951) 955-2777.

A Final Word

While nothing can bring back the life stolen so violently in 2007, the arrests made this month offer a glimmer of hope, a return of faith in justice, and a chance for a grieving family to begin to heal.

Andrés Valdés was taken far too soon, but his memory will live on—in the hearts of those who loved him, and now, finally, in the courtroom where truth is beginning to prevail.

May he rest in peace.