Georgia homeowner fatally shoots 3 teens during attempted armed robbery
David Morgan•
Georgia homeowner fatally shoots 3 teens during attempted armed robbery.
A homeowner in Conyers, Georgia, shot and killed three masked teenage intruders at 4 a.m. when one drew a weapon—no charges filed so far under state "stand your ground" laws.
π Read the full report: CNN sourced via WSET (Rockdale County Sheriff's Office)
π΅️♂️ What Happened
Around 4 a.m. on Sept. 16, 2019, three masked teens—a 15-year-old and two 16-year-olds—approached the front yard of a Conyers home intending to rob its residents. One of the teens reportedly drew a gun and fired. A homeowner returned fire with a semi-automatic rifle, striking and ultimately killing all three intruders.
The teens did not live in the neighborhood. Victims of the attempted robbery were uninjured. The three suspects were shot—one died at the scene, two died later at a hospital. Neighbors reported hearing multiple rifle shots, some described as five or more in quick succession.
Under Georgia’s “stand your ground” self-defense laws, homeowners are not required to retreat before using force if they reasonably believe it’s necessary to prevent great bodily harm or a forcible felony. No charges have been filed, and authorities currently deem the incident justified under current statutes.
Neighbors described the shooter as protective—especially over his elderly mother—citing fears of increasing youth violence in the area. Some experts warn that labeling such incidents as self-defense may unintentionally fuel vigilante behavior. The school district declined to release identities due to the minors’ age.
In the early morning hours, a Conyers homeowner shot and killed three masked teens attempting armed robbery.
One teen fired at the residents; the homeowner returned fire with a rifle.
Georgia’s “stand your ground” law shields the homeowner from prosecution; no charges filed.
Neighbors and legal analysts debate what this means for community safety responses to firearms.
Arizona mom, 72, shoots adult son after video game rage—he survives
David Morgan•
Arizona mom, 72, shoots adult son after video game rage—he survives.
Hazel Benson, 72, allegedly shot her 38-year-old son in Mesa, Arizona, during a dispute over video games. He survived, and authorities have charged her with aggravated assault.
On the night of May 17, a 72-year-old woman—identified locally as Hazel Benson—was arrested after allegedly shooting her 38-year-old son in the stomach during a heated argument at their Mesa home. Their disagreement reportedly began over video game noise. The mother called 911 to report the incident shortly afterward.
Neighbors say the conflict escalated when Hazel tried to prevent her son from reentering the home after a walk. As he returned, she claimed he lunged at her with raised fists—and that led her to fire the gun. She later admitted to police that she shot him and threw the weapon into a nearby canal.
The son was rushed to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is in stable condition. Hazel Benson was booked on charges of aggravated assault. Police say the confrontation began over loud video gaming and quickly escalated into violence.
Neighbors described Benson’s home as quiet and incident-free before the shooting. One neighbor said, “She kept her home always beautiful… never any incidents, ever before.” Another noted hearing three distinct gunshots.
A 72-year-old Arizona woman shot her 38-year-old son during a dispute over video games.
The son survived and is in stable condition; the mother faces aggravated assault charges.
The case has residents stunned—no known history of domestic violence before the incident.
Want an infographic on age-related conflict incidents or local violence trends vs. video game debate? I can produce it next—just say the word.
Virginia Teen Shot Dead During TikTok Prank — Homeowner Faces Murder Charge
David Morgan•
Virginia Teen Shot Dead During TikTok Prank — Homeowner Faces Murder Charge
Michael Bosworth Jr., 18, was fatally shot by a Virginia homeowner during a late-night “ding-dong ditch” TikTok prank. The shooter has been charged with second-degree murder.
On May 3, 2025, at around 3 a.m., Michael Bosworth Jr., a high school senior from Fredericksburg, Virginia, was shot while filming a TikTok video with two friends. The trio was performing a “ding-dong ditch” prank in a quiet residential neighborhood, knocking on doors and running off for views. When they approached the home of Tyler Chase Butler, 27, the homeowner allegedly fired multiple rounds, striking Bosworth in the upper torso.
Bosworth, who had plans to attend prom the very next day, was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries. One of his friends sustained a grazing wound from the gunfire and survived. The third teen was uninjured.
His death shocked the Spotsylvania community, where students and staff from Massaponax High School gathered for a candlelight vigil and memorial balloon release in his honor.
The shooter, Tyler Chase Butler, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and two counts of firearm use in the commission of a felony. Authorities say Butler claimed he believed someone was trying to break into his home when he opened fire. However, prosecutors argue the teens posed no real threat and the use of lethal force was unjustified.
Butler is currently being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
The “ding-dong ditch” prank, also known as “knock-knock zoom,” has been a staple of teen mischief for decades. But with the rise of TikTok, such pranks have grown bolder and riskier, often carried out late at night and in unfamiliar neighborhoods to maximize shock value.
Experts say these viral antics can escalate dangerously in states with “stand your ground” or self-defense laws, where homeowners may feel empowered to use force at the slightest perceived threat.
Bosworth’s family and classmates are calling for both justice and accountability on all sides. His friends say they had no idea their harmless prank could turn deadly, while school administrators are now urging parents to talk to their teens about the real-world consequences of online clout-chasing behavior.
The incident has also reignited a national debate about homeowner gun rights, youth misjudgment, and how digital culture collides with real-life danger.
18-year-old Michael Bosworth Jr. was fatally shot during a TikTok prank in Virginia.
The homeowner has been charged with murder and multiple gun-related felonies.
The incident spotlights the risks of social media stunts and gun violence in America.
Community leaders and grieving classmates call for better judgment, safer laws, and online responsibility.
22 Killed and 60+ Injured in Maine Mass Shooting by Army Reservist with Mental Health Issues
David Morgan•
22 Killed and 60+ Injured in Maine Mass Shooting by Army Reservist with Mental Health Issues
A shooting spree in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday evening, resulted in 18 fatalities and 13 injuries when a gunman targeted a bowling alley and a restaurant.
Lewiston, a mix of residential and industrial areas situated near the Maine Turnpike, is home to two hospitals and the private liberal arts institution Bates College. The city is predominantly working-class, with a median household income of around $48,000 and about 16% of residents living in poverty, according to the US Census.
Maine Governor Janet Mills, who has personal ties to Lewiston, described the city as a “special place.”
“It’s a close-knit community with a long history of hard work, persistence, faith, and a welcoming spirit,” Mills said. “This city did not deserve this horrific attack on its people, its peace of mind, or its security. No city, no state, no people deserve such a tragedy.”
President Joe Biden has spoken with Maine lawmakers and offered full federal support in response to the attack, according to a statement from the White House.
Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline expressed his heartbreak for the city and its residents. “Lewiston is known for its strength and resilience, and we will need both in the coming days,” he said.
Shanna Cox, President of the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, described the attacked locations as “family-oriented.”
“The bowling alley was hosting family league activities. The impact on so many here is profoundly real,” Cox said.
22 Dead and Over 60 Injured In Mass Shooting In Maine By An Army Reservist With Mental Health Issues
Auburn Mayor Jason Levesque, who lost friends in the shooting, shared that a teenager who was a classmate of his son was injured but is expected to recover. “Few in this community will remain untouched by this event,” Levesque told “CNN This Morning.” He added, “It will stay with me for the rest of my life, and it's difficult to put into words.”
Levesque also noted the trauma experienced by witnesses and their families. “The bright side was seeing people reunited with their loved ones after a long period of uncertainty, but unfortunately, some are still waiting and may never have that reunion.”
Idaho Father Who Killed Neighbor’s Family After Their 18 Year Old Son Exposed Himself To His Wife
David Morgan•
Idaho Father Who Killed Neighbor’s Family After Their 18-Year-Old Son Exposed Himself To His Wife
An Idaho father has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder after allegedly killing a neighboring family in response to their 18-year-old son reportedly exposing himself to his children. Majorjon Kaylor, 31, of Kellogg, carried out the fatal shooting on Father's Day, according to a police report.
Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life for Shooting Woman Who Mistakenly Entered His Driveway
David Morgan•
Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life for Shooting Woman Who Mistakenly Entered His Driveway
Kevin Monahan, 66, was sentenced Friday to more than 25 years to life in prison for fatally shooting 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis. The shooting occurred last April when Gillis’s SUV accidentally entered Monahan’s rural driveway in upstate New York. Monahan was convicted of second-degree murder in the case.
Dallas Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Murder Over Pickup Basketball Game
David Morgan•
Dallas Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Murder Over Pickup Basketball Game
A Dallas man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after reaching a plea deal just before his trial was set to begin. The charge stems from the 2022 murder of a woman following an argument during a pickup basketball game.
Former NFL Player Kills Entire Family Before Killing Himself In South Carolina
David Morgan•
Former NFL Player Kills Entire Family Before Killing Himself In South Carolina
The family of Phillip Adams, a former NFL player who tragically took the lives of six people in Rock Hill, South Carolina, before taking his own in 2021, has expanded their wrongful death lawsuit to include the NFL, according to court documents. The suit claims that Adams suffered from brain injuries sustained during his football career, and it now names both the NFL and NFL Properties Inc. as defendants.
FBI Intercepts Arizona Man's Plot to Carry Out Mass Shooting Against African Americans
David Morgan•
FBI Intercepts Arizona Man's Plot to Carry Out Mass Shooting Against African Americans
The Department of Justice has indicted a man from the Prescott area this week, following allegations that he intended to target a Bad Bunny concert in Atlanta in an attempt to incite a "race war."
Texas Teen Claims He Killed His Family to Prevent Them from Eating Him
David Morgan•
Texas Teen Claims He Killed His Family to Prevent Them from Eating Him
Authorities in East Texas have arrested an 18-year-old man, Cesar Olalde, on capital murder charges for the shootings of his parents, sister, and brother. Police in Nash, Texas, responded to a report on Tuesday that a man had harmed his family and was threatening to kill himself. Upon arrival, officers found Olalde barricaded inside a home and were informed that multiple people were dead inside.
According to a probable cause affidavit by Nash Police Officer Craig Buster, Olalde later called the police and confessed to "pulling the trigger and shooting his family."
The officers convinced Olalde to surrender. Inside the home, they discovered the bodies of his parents, Reuben Olalde and Aida Garcia, his older sister, Lisbet Olalde, and his younger brother, Oliver Olalde, in a bathroom. The affidavit noted that the victims appeared to have been shot in various locations within the residence and then dragged to the bathroom. Multiple spent cartridge casings and blood spatter were found throughout the home.
The affidavit detailed that a co-worker of Lisbet Olalde had gone to the home after she failed to arrive at work. Accompanied by a family member, the co-worker forced entry into the house, where Cesar Olalde confronted them with a firearm. The co-worker informed police that Olalde claimed he had killed his family because they were cannibals and intended to eat him.
Bowie County court records show that Olalde is being held on a $10 million bond. His defense attorney has not yet responded to requests for comment. Nash is a small town with a population of about 3,800, located on the western edge of Texarkana near the Arkansas state line.
Texas Teen Killed His Family Because He Thought They Were Cannibals Who Were Out To Eat Him
This incident is part of a disturbing trend of mass killings in the United States. A database maintained by The Associated Press, USA Today, and Northeastern University tracks mass killings involving four or more fatalities, excluding the perpetrator, using the same standards as the FBI.
Fatal Shooting at Baltimore Block Party Leaves 2 Dead, 28 Injured
David Morgan•
Fatal Shooting at Baltimore Block Party Leaves 2 Dead, 28 Injured
A block party in Baltimore turned tragic as gunfire erupted, leaving 2 dead and 28 others wounded, according to officials.
Acting Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police revealed in a Sunday afternoon press conference that all 30 victims sustained gunshot wounds, with ages ranging from 13 to 32 years old. Among the deceased were 18-year-old Aaliyah Gonzales and 20-year-old Kylis Fagbemi, identified by Baltimore police.
Of the injured, 15 were minors, as stated in a Sunday night news release from police. As of Sunday afternoon, nine remained hospitalized in various conditions.
The shooting, which unfolded during the early hours, involved "at least two" shooters, though investigators are exploring the possibility of additional perpetrators, Worley disclosed. The motive behind the violence remains undisclosed.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott condemned the incident as a "reckless, cowardly act of violence," emphasizing the profound impact on the affected lives and underscoring the broader issue of gun violence. The tragic event adds to the grim statistics of mass shootings in the U.S., with this incident marking the third in July and one of 338 mass shootings in 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
Details emerged of the chaotic scene, with police receiving multiple calls after 12:30 a.m. Responding officers found one victim deceased at the scene, while others sustained gunshot injuries. The 20-year-old victim was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Describing the block party as an annual celebration in Brooklyn, Baltimore, Mayor Scott lamented the sudden turn of events, highlighting efforts to provide support to the affected community. Councilwoman Phylicia Porter echoed sentiments of solidarity, emphasizing the need to address the longstanding challenges faced by marginalized communities like Brooklyn. As investigations unfold, scrutiny extends to the circumstances surrounding the event, including the absence of a permit and police presence. Commissioner Worley pledged accountability and vowed to rectify any oversights.
2 People Dead and 28 Injured in Mass Shooting at Baltimore Block Party
In response to the tragedy, Governor Wes Moore affirmed his administration's commitment to combating gun violence, pledging support to local authorities. The incident reignites discussions on gun safety measures, with Maryland's recent legislative actions aimed at curbing gun violence facing legal challenges. Amid calls for justice and reflection, authorities continue their pursuit of the perpetrators, underscoring the collective resolve to address the scourge of gun violence plaguing communities.
Two Boys, Aged 12 and 17, Accused of Killing Three Teens in Marion County; $10,000 Reward for Capture of At-Large Suspect
David Morgan•
Two Boys, Aged 12 and 17, Accused of Killing Three Teens in Marion County; $10,000 Reward for Capture of At-Large Suspect
Two teenagers, aged 12 and 17, are facing first-degree murder charges in Marion County after allegedly killing three teenagers, while another suspect, a 16-year-old, remains at large. The victims, two girls and a boy, were found with gunshot wounds in the Ocklawaha area over the past week.
Sheriff Billy Woods disclosed that the suspects fled the scene after simultaneously killing the three teenagers, leaving behind substantial evidence. The arrested individuals are Robert Robinson, 17, and Christopher Atkins, 12, both charged with first-degree murder. The third suspect, Tahj Brewton, 16, is still on the run.
A $10,000 reward has been announced for information leading to Brewton's arrest, and Sheriff Woods urged anyone with knowledge about his whereabouts to come forward.
While the motive for the shootings does not appear to be linked to gang rivalry, Sheriff Woods mentioned that all the teenagers, both suspects and victims, were associated with gangs. The suspects were known for committing burglaries and robberies in the area, obtaining the gun used in the killings through these criminal activities.
The sheriff emphasized that the suspects and victims had previously collaborated on burglaries and robberies but had a falling out, leading to the tragic turn of events. Sheriff Woods stated, "There is no honor among the thieves, and at some point, these three individuals turned on our three victims and murdered them."
Tragic Christmas Eve: Sister Fatally Shot as Teenage Brothers Engage in Gunfight Over Presents
David Morgan•
Tragic Christmas Eve: Sister Fatally Shot as Teenage Brothers Engage in Gunfight Over Presents
Tragedy unfolded on Christmas Eve in Largo as two teenage brothers now face charges following a deadly altercation within their family, as reported by authorities.
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri revealed that the incident occurred during a Christmas shopping outing with the family. The 14-year-old and 15-year-old brothers engaged in an argument, fueled by jealousy on the part of the older brother over the number of gifts their mother was purchasing for the younger sibling.
Upon leaving the store, the family, including the brothers, their mother, their 23-year-old sister, and her 10-month-old and 6-year-old sons, headed to their grandmother's residence on 22nd Avenue Southwest in Largo. The plan was for the grandmother to care for the children while the sister went to work.
At the grandmother's home, tensions escalated when the 14-year-old brandished a gun, threatening to shoot his brother in the head, as per authorities. Initially, the 15-year-old resisted engaging in a physical altercation, and the boys' uncle intervened to separate them. The 14-year-old left the home briefly, prompting his sister to discourage the conflict, reminding them it was Christmas.
However, a new argument erupted between the 14-year-old and his sister, who was carrying her 10-month-old son in a baby carrier. The situation escalated when the 14-year-old directed derogatory language at his sister and proceeded to shoot her in the chest with a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun, according to the sheriff's office.
In response to the shooting, the 15-year-old retaliated by firing at his brother, shouting, "You shot my m***** f****** sister." Subsequently, the 15-year-old fled, discarding his firearm in a nearby yard. Authorities apprehended him at a relative's home in Clearwater.
The 14-year-old shot once in the stomach, and underwent surgery after being transported to the hospital, while their sister tragically succumbed to her injuries.
The 14-year-old now faces charges of first-degree murder, child abuse, and being a delinquent in possession of a firearm. Meanwhile, the 15-year-old is charged with attempted first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence. The Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney's Office will assess whether the 14-year-old will be charged as an adult.
Masked Teens Board School Bus, Attempt to Shoot 14-Year-Old Boy's Head, and Assault Him After Gun Malfunctions
David Morgan•
Masked Teens Board School Bus, Attempt to Shoot 14-Year-Old Boy's Head, and Assault Him After Gun Malfunctions
Three masked teenagers boarded a Maryland school bus on Monday afternoon, singling out a 14-year-old boy who was the sole remaining student on the bus, according to WJLA.
3 Maryland Teens Jump On School Bus And Tried To Kill Student; Despite Shooting 3 Times, Gun Failed
One of the masked individuals pointed a gun at the boy and attempted to fire three times. Remarkably, the gun failed to discharge on all three attempts, and the police later discovered three live rounds on the Prince George's County bus.
Martin Diggs, the head of the bus drivers' union, characterized the incident as a blatant attempted murder, stating, "They pulled the trigger three times, but for some reason, by the grace of God, the gun didn't go off and bullets flew out of the gun."
The attack occurred late Monday afternoon on a school bus transporting students from the Prince George's County Alternative Middle School in Suitland. Multiple sources have confirmed that the bus's onboard video system recorded the entire attack, including a close-range attempt to shoot the middle school student in the head. When the gun failed to fire after three attempts, the assailants physically assaulted the 14-year-old boy. Once the attackers fled, the bus driver moved the vehicle to a secure location.
"We are outraged as a district. Horrified that this incident did occur," expressed Charoscar Coleman, Associate Superintendent of Prince George's County Public Schools. Coleman urged students, faculty, families, and staff to remain vigilant and report any brewing problems, emphasizing the priority of maintaining a safe environment for students during school hours and transportation.
The head of the drivers' union called for increased security measures, stating that the driver and aide feared for their lives. The Prince George's County Police Department is actively seeking the attackers. WJLA has requested the school bus video, but release has been denied at this time. The extent of the 14-year-old victim's injuries has not been disclosed.
In Other SMH America News
Over the phone, Jarret told FOX 11 News he was a victim of entrapment. When asked why he sent sexual messages to a 14-year-old girl, Jarret said she was the one sending the explicit messages. He added that he planned to meet the girl in person to tell her to stop texting and "let her off easy."