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Incident Summary

• The shooting occurred on Sunday, August 31 — late at night — at a home on the 1400 block of Ford Avenue in Tarrant during a Labor Day gathering, approximately around 10 p.m.https://www.wbrc.com

• Witnesses allege the violence was triggered by a dispute between two women over a vehicle earlier that day. The police had been called around 4 p.m. due to a shot being fired, but no one was injured and the suspect had fled the scene.https://www.wbrc.com

• Hours later, someone returned with a semi-automatic firearm and fired into the home, tragically striking 35‑year‑old Kristy “ItsJuicy” Harrison, who was not involved in the earlier dispute. She was at the gathering that evening and was completely innocent of any altercation.https://www.wbrc.com

• As of now, no arrests have been made, and law enforcement continues the investigation.https://www.wbrc.com

Key Facts at a Glance

Context & Significance

This tragedy underscores the unpredictability and severity of firearm violence. Even when individuals are tangential or unconnected to a conflict, as Kristy tragically was, lives can be irrevocably changed.

Statement on the Tragic Conditions and Loss of Life at Trousdale Turner Correctional Center

The recent tragedy involving the young man from Hartsville — whose father and grandmother still reside in the area — underscores a dire and unacceptable reality in Tennessee’s prison system. On Thursday the 26th, the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) hosted a panel to hear from the community. What we shared — and what we’ve witnessed — is deeply troubling.

The deaths of inmates and staff members alike at Trousdale Turner Correctional Center are more than statistics; they are human lives, families torn apart, and futures erased. It is terrifying that a parent can leave home for work in a prison facility and never return — just as it is horrific for families to receive calls days or even weeks after the death of a loved one behind bars.

The system has failed. It prioritizes punishment over rehabilitation, confinement over care, and profit over people. The justice system should exist to restore — not destroy. Not everyone in prison belongs there. And no one — not even the guilty — deserves to die from systemic neglect.

I knew Joshua, one of the lives lost. He was a kind-hearted soul, a cook and chef’s assistant at a downtown Nashville restaurant. His grandmother, married to my cousin, helped raise him. He did not deserve this fate. The conditions at Trousdale are inhumane — conditions so cruel you wouldn’t wish them on an animal, let alone a person.

The tragic loss of Mr. Leeper’s son must be a turning point. As citizens, we must stand behind Tim Leeper in his pursuit of justice for the lives lost. His courage and compassion remind us of the urgent need to overhaul a corrupt system.

To the leadership of this state: We are watching. We are grieving. And we are demanding change.

Thank you, Tim Leeper, for your tireless advocacy. Your voice speaks for those who no longer can.

• Amid the violence, President Trump renewed his call to deploy federal agents and possibly National Guard troops to Chicago. This proposal has met strong opposition from local and state leadership.ABC NewsNew York PostAxios

• Mayor Brandon Johnson responded decisively, signing an executive order that explicitly prohibits Chicago police from cooperating with any federal troops or agents deployed under such a plan. He warned that the deployment would be “uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound,” and committed to legal challenges if the federal government proceeds without local consent.ReutersAOLNew York PostAxios

• Governor J.B. Pritzker echoed this stance, asserting that troops cannot be sent to Chicago without the state’s approval. He labeled Trump’s threat as unconstitutional, unnecessary, and potentially “un-American,” and pledged immediate legal resistance.New York PostAxiosCBS News

Summary

• Violence: At least 54 individuals shot, 7 killed across various neighborhoods over Labor Day weekend.

• Federal Threat: President Trump proposed federal deployment in response.

• City Response: Mayor Johnson banned cooperation with federal forces and stands ready to sue.

• State Response: Governor Pritzker also opposes and will legally challenge any unauthorized deployment.

That’s a deeply disturbing and tragic situation. If a child rang a doorbell and ran away—commonly known as a prank like “ding-dong ditch”—and was then shot, it raises serious concerns about the use of force, judgment, and the legal consequences for the shooter.

Key points to consider in such a case:

1. Excessive Force: Shooting someone, especially a child, for a non-violent prank is likely to be seen as a gross overreaction and potentially criminal.

2. Legal Implications: Depending on the jurisdiction, the shooter could face charges ranging from aggravated assault to attempted murder or even murder if the child died.

3. Self-Defense Laws: While some states have “Stand Your Ground” or “Castle Doctrine” laws, those typically don’t justify shooting someone who poses no immediate threat—especially someone fleeing.

4. Community Impact: Incidents like this often spark outrage, especially if there are underlying issues of race, fear, or gun culture involved.

In Loving Memory of Karl Walz

With deep sadness, we honor the life of Karl Allen Walz, who passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025, at the age of 67 in his hometown of Alpena, Michigan Legacy.comechovita.com.

A devoted husband, Karl married Kim on January 3, 1998, and together they built a life grounded in love, laughter, and unwavering faith Legacy.com. He was a beloved father to Steven Walz, Amanda (Bory) Seigle, Jeremy (Sara) Glomski, Leigh Ann (Jake) Watts, and lovingly remembered Kaitlyn Jarose, and a proud grandfather to a large circle of grandchildren, including Keturah, Landon, Onica, Olivia, Cooper, Briar, Charlotte, Ayla, Caleb, Lilly, Kearah, Bayleigh, Maddox, Brice, and Holden, plus niece Kylie Brookshear and great-niece Aurora Legacy.com.

Karl’s early life in Alpena was shaped by strong family bonds. He was the cherished son of Gloria (Fred) Spain and the late Allen (Jane) Walz, and close brother to Jason Spencer (Colleen), Vicki Brookshear (AJ), and Susan Hamrahi. He and his father shared a special bond through their hobby of taxidermy Legacy.com.

Professionally, Karl was a respected sales engineer at R. A. Townsend Company, where he brought intelligence, dedication, and warmth to his work—a reputation echoed in your tribute Legacy.com. His character shone beyond the office; he was an outdoorsman at heart—loving hunting, fishing, and storytelling—with a constant companion of coffee and good conversation Legacy.com.

Funeral Details

You are invited to a visitation on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at McWilliams Funeral Home, located at 504 W. Washington Ave., Alpena, MI 49707. Following visitation, a memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. the same evening echovita.comLegacy.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations made in Karl’s memory to:

• Second Chance Animal Shelter

• Disabled American Veterans (DAV) echovita.comLegacy.com

• Caelan passed away in a tragic accident on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. GoFundMe

• He is remembered as a devoted son, brother, worshipper, leader, and friend—whose faith and compassion touched many lives. GoFundMe

• The fund was created so that his family can grieve without the added financial stress. While no amount can ease the pain, every contribution helps honor his memory. GoFundMe

Ways You Can Offer Support

• Donate to the GoFundMe: It’s a beautiful way to help ease the burden on Caelan’s family during their time of grief.

• Contribute directly: You mentioned being open to direct contributions—please let me know if you’d like assistance coordinating that safely.

• Share memories: The GoFundMe page invites friends and community members to leave memories or messages—sharing your stories of Caelan can bring comfort to his loved ones.

• Offer emotional support: Your words, prayers, and presence are deeply meaningful right now.

Incident Summary

• A boat crash occurred around 7 p.m. on Sunday evening at Eagle Mountain Lake. The vessel struck a dock near Miller Avenue on the lake’s west side.FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort WorthNBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

• Three people were injured in the crash:

  • One adult was taken to Harris Methodist Hospital Downtown.

  • Two children were transported to Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth.FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort WorthCBS News

What’s Still Unknown

• The ages of the injured children have not been disclosed.

• Details regarding the severity of their injuries remain unclear.FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth

• Possible causes of the crash—such as whether alcohol, speed, operator error, or mechanical failure played a role—have not yet been specified. Authorities, including the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, are investigating.FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort WorthNBC 5 Dallas-Fort WorthPolice Accident Reports (888) 657-1460

Safety Context & Response Advice

This crash highlights how quickly boating accidents can happen—and how serious their consequences may be, even near docks. Safety officials regularly emphasize the importance of:

• Wearing life jackets for all passengers, including children.

• Having throwable flotation devices aboard.

• Exercising caution near structures like docks and maintaining appropriate speed and control.FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort WorthNBC 5 Dallas-Fort WorthWFAA

• Avoiding substance use when operating a vessel—boating under the influence is illegal, and impaired handling increases risks.FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort WorthWFAA

Summary Table

What Happened

• On Saturday, August 30, 2025, a fatal crash occurred at Indian Mountain ATV Park in Piedmont, Alabama, involving two off-road side-by-side vehicles (RZRs). One carried nine family members—Marcus Ragland (34), Ashley Hawkins (31), and seven children aged between 1 and 12 years old. The other ATV had two occupants who were uninjured.People.com+1AP News

• The overloaded ATV, reportedly traveling at high speed, collided with the other vehicle, traveled around 150 feet, overturned, and struck a tree.New York PostAP NewsPeople.com

Victims

• Marcus Ragland was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Ashley Hawkins was airlifted to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries.People.com+1AP News

• Seven children—siblings—were injured:

  • Ages ranged from 1 to 12.

  • Several were airlifted to trauma centers in Birmingham; others were transported to a hospital in Rome, Georgia.AP NewsPeople.com

  • Reportedly severe injuries included a skull fracture, broken collarbone, and spleen trauma.New York Posthttps://www.wsaw.com

Underlying Concerns

• None of the occupants—adults or children—were wearing safety harnesses or restraints, which, although not required at the park, were advised against not using.People.comNew York PostAP Newshttps://www.wsaw.com

• The crash site’s remote mountainous terrain complicated rescue and emergency response.AP NewsPeople.comNew York Post

• Safety officials emphasized the urgent need for restraint use in UTVs to prevent such tragedies.People.comAP News

Voices of Grief

• Ragland’s mother, Felecia Towers, shared her deep sorrow:

  “This is just so hard to deal with. It’s just so hard.”People.comhttps://www.wsaw.com

• A close friend, Maya Boyett, reflected on the couple’s character:

  “They are both two good people, good to their kids, and I really hate that they’re gone now.”People.comhttps://www.wsaw.com

Summary Table

Yes, the Uvalde school shooting at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022, remains one of the most devastating and controversial mass shootings in recent U.S. history. Here’s a factual, respectful summary of the tragedy:

🕊️ Uvalde School Shooting – Robb Elementary

Date: May 24, 2022
Location: Uvalde, Texas
School: Robb Elementary School

📊 Casualties

• 22 deaths total, including:

  • 19 children (mostly 9–11 years old)

  • 2 teachers

  • 1 perpetrator (Salvador Ramos, 18 years old)

• 21 others injured, including students, teachers, and law enforcement

🔥 Critical Timeline & Law Enforcement Response

• The shooter entered Robb Elementary around 11:33 a.m., after crashing a vehicle nearby and shooting at people outside.

• He entered a classroom (Room 111/112) and began firing.

• Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies responded quickly but waited over an hour — 74 minutes — before breaching the classroom and killing the shooter at 12:50 p.m.

• This delay sparked nationwide outrage due to:

  • Children calling 911 from inside the classroom during that time

  • Officers reportedly waiting in the hallway while the shooter remained active inside

  • Conflicting and misleading public statements by officials in the days following

💔 Aftermath & Public Reaction

• The police response was widely condemned as a systemic failure.

• Investigations revealed:

  • “Lack of leadership and communication”

  • Law enforcement prioritized officer safety over immediate threat neutralization

• The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District police chief, Pete Arredondo, was fired in August 2022.

• Multiple lawsuits were filed by victims’ families.

• Federal and state investigations criticized both planning and execution of active shooter protocols.

🕯️ Legacy

• The tragedy reinvigorated debates around:

  • Gun control

  • Assault weapons bans

  • Law enforcement accountability

  • School safety measures

• The Uvalde shooting is now considered a tragic benchmark in both school shooting response and policy failure.

🎗️ In Memory

Every name and life lost in Uvalde mattered. Remembering them is more than a statistic — it’s a commitment to ensure such delays and missteps never happen again.

Verified Details — What We Know

• The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office has officially identified the victim as 17-year-old Cameron Ballentine. He was shot multiple times just after midnight on Sunday, August 31, 2025, on the 3300 block of Bond Drive, near Roy Road and Downing Street, in the Martin Luther King Jr. neighborhood of Shreveport. He was transported to a local hospital and pronounced deceased at 12:54 a.m. https://www.ksla.com.

• His death is the 25th confirmed homicide in Shreveport so far in 2025 https://www.ksla.com.

• According to family accounts cited by KSLA, Cameron was at a friend’s house when he was shot nine times. His mother expressed profound grief and frustration, lamenting the growing violence in Shreveport and pleading for justice. His sister mentioned he was about to have a job interview on the day of his death, underscoring the tragedy of such promise cut short https://www.ksla.com.

• The Shreveport Police Department continues to investigate the incident. No arrests have been made yet, and the family believes Cameron may have been lured outside just prior to the shooting https://www.ksla.com.

Summary Table