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Community Support

Unexpected Death Of Teen Sends Shockwaves Through Charles County Community Unexpected Death Of Teen Sends Shockwaves Through Charles County Community
Wesley Janes Of Charles County Dies Wesley Janes’ smile was as big as his heart—both of which his grieving family says can never be replaced after his sudden passing. The 19-year-old Charles County native died unexpectedly on Friday, Feb. 7, leaving behind a grieving family now contending with heart-wrenching grief. "Wesley was more than a brother. He was a son, the most loving brother, an amazing friend, the best uncle — a person who brought light into the lives of everyone around him," she wrote in a GoFundMe raising money for his funeral.  "His unforgettable laugh, his kindness, his humor, his generosity, his em…
Sudden Death Of Maryland Teen Leaves Community Reeling: Remembering Kentrelle Smith Sudden Death Of Maryland Teen Leaves Community Reeling: Remembering Kentrelle Smith
Sudden Death Of Maryland Teen Leaves Community Reeling: Remembering Kentrelle Smith A Maryland family is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 18-year-old Kentrelle Smith, whose life was cut tragically short, leaving loved ones grieving and rallying to give him a proper farewell. Smith, of Greenbelt, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 5, leaving behind family and friends struggling to come to terms with the loss of a young man known for his warmth, kindness, and love for others. "He brought so much joy and love into our lives, and his warmth touched everyone he met," his mother shared. "The love we have for him is immeasurable, and the love he showed to his family and friends will …
Robber Returns To Scene Of Crime Targeting Family-Owned Business In Maryland Robber Returns To Scene Of Crime Targeting Family-Owned Business In Maryland
Robber Returns To Scene Of Crime Targeting Family-Owned Business In Maryland A robber who previously targeted a popular neighborhood shop in Maryland returned weeks later to strike again, according to friends of the owners. In late January, Ertters on Dale Drive in Silver Spring was hit by an armed robber, leaving the family in dire straits. The situation worsened when the same suspect returned on Thursday, Feb. 6. "We wanted to reassure you that appropriate action is being taken to ensure the safety not only of Kevin and his mom but of everyone in the neighborhood," organizers of a fundraiser for the owners wrote.  The owners are now working with the lan…
Philadelphia Plane Crash Leaves Resident Homeless, GoFundMe Launched Philadelphia Plane Crash Leaves Resident Homeless, GoFundMe Launched
Philadelphia Plane Crash Leaves Resident Homeless, GoFundMe Launched The Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crash in Northeast Philadelphia displaced countless residents, including Cornelius “CJ” Fannin, who lost his home and all of his belongings in the tragedy. CJ’s Story: Starting Over After Losing Everything CJ had just finished work when he learned the devastating news—his home had been destroyed in the fiery plane crash that claimed multiple lives and impacted 343 homes in the neighborhood. “As a single male with no family or support in the area, I find myself completely lost and homeless,” CJ shared on his GoFundMe campaign. “Everything I built over the years…
Mom Of Three ID'd As Second Patient In Critical Condition After Philadelphia Plane Crash Mom Of Three ID'd As Second Patient In Critical Condition After Philadelphia Plane Crash
Mom Of Three ID'd As Second Patient In Critical Condition After Philadelphia Plane Crash A mother of three critically injured in the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crash in Northeast Philadelphia has been identified as Dominique Goods-Burke, her family said. Dominique, a Day Bake Supervisor at High Point Cafe, was with her family at Macy’s in Roosevelt Mall on Friday, Jan. 31, when the medical jet crashed into the area, causing her car to catch fire. Fighting To Recover Dominique remains in critical condition but is responding well to treatment, her family said. Her recovery is expected to be long and challenging. Her employer, High Point Cafe, shared their support for Dominique…
9-Year-Old Burned On 90% Of His Body After Philadelphia Plane Crash 9-Year-Old Burned On 90% Of His Body After Philadelphia Plane Crash
9-Year-Old Burned On 90% Of His Body After Philadelphia Plane Crash Ramesses Dreuitt, the 9-year-old son of Steven Dreuitt, who was killed in the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crash in Northeast Philadelphia, is fighting for his life after suffering burns on 90% of his body, family members said. Critical Injuries And Coma Ramesses was in the car with his father on the 2300 block of Cottman Avenue when the medical jet crashed and exploded on Friday, Jan. 31. While Steven was tragically killed, Ramesses survived but sustained severe burns across his body. Facebook/Steven Dreuitt He remains in a medically induced coma and faces a long and painful road to recovery…
Coach, Maryland Father Killed In DC Plane Crash 'Made Incredible Impact On Young Skaters' Coach, Maryland Father Killed In DC Plane Crash 'Made Incredible Impact On Young Skaters'
Coach, Maryland Father Killed In DC Plane Crash 'Made Incredible Impact On Young Skaters' The local skating community is reeling from an unthinkable loss after beloved coach Alexandr "Sasha" Kirsanov was among those killed in the crash of American Airlines Flight 5342 over the Potomac River. Kirsanov, a longtime coach at Ice World, is being remembered as more than just a mentor—he was a guiding light for countless young skaters, instilling not only technical skill but also confidence, perseverance, and love for the sport.  According to US Figure Skating, Kirsanov was a professional ice dancer who previously competed for the United States, Azerbaijan and Russia, and last competed…
Sudden Death Of Teacher Taddeo 'Teddy' Kintu Sparks Sadness Among Students In Maryland Sudden Death Of Teacher Taddeo 'Teddy' Kintu Sparks Sadness Among Students In Maryland
Sudden Death Of Teacher Taddeo 'Teddy' Kintu Sparks Sadness Among Students In Maryland A beloved teacher, mentor, and friend to many is being remembered for his kindness, laughter, and dedication to his community following his sudden passing. Brookeville resident Taddeo “Teddy” Kintu died unexpectedly on Jan. 21, leaving behind a grieving family, students, and friends who are now rallying to support his wife, Tiona, and children, Tyler and Teagan. Hello friends, family and colleagues. Arrangements for the celebration of life service have been finalized for my dear... Posted by Tiona Rodgers Kintu on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 His death comes months after his sister …
Family Loses Everything But Their Lives In Maryland House Fire Family Loses Everything But Their Lives In Maryland House Fire
Family Loses Everything But Their Lives In Maryland House Fire A devastating fire tore through a Howard County home over the weekend, leaving a family displaced and claiming the life of a beloved pet. At approximately 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 25, Howard County Fire and Rescue crews responded to a blaze in the 2800 block of Belle Hollow Court.  When firefighters arrived, flames had already spread from the deck to the main floor and up to the second story of the single-family home, a spokesperson for the agency said. The intense fire took crews from Howard, Frederick, Carroll, and Montgomery Counties approximately two and a half hours to fully extinguish.…
Maryland Mom's Final Gift: Cara Stevenson Leaves Lasting Legacy Of Life, Love Maryland Mom's Final Gift: Cara Stevenson Leaves Lasting Legacy Of Life, Love
Maryland Mom's Final Gift: Cara Stevenson Leaves Lasting Legacy Of Life, Love Cara Lynn Stevenson had one last gift for the world before she died in Maryland from brain complications. "In her last moments she was able to give us the most amazing gift with the birth of our daughter Bella Lynn Stevenson," Stevenson's husband, Brad, wrote on social media. "She was also able to give the gift of life to multiple others through organ donation."  The 37-year-old Forest Hill mother passed away on Thursday, Jan. 23, leaving behind a shell-shocked community that is rallying around the heartbroken family. A GoFundMe launched for the Stevenson family had raised more than $…
Death Of Maryland Restaurant Owner With 'Heart Of Gold' Spreads Shock Death Of Maryland Restaurant Owner With 'Heart Of Gold' Spreads Shock
Death Of Maryland Restaurant Owner With 'Heart Of Gold' Spreads Shock Richard "Todd" McCain, the owner of Three Bears Carryout in Baltimore County is being remembered as a man of few words and a "heart of gold." MCain, 49, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Jan. 12 at work due to a brain aneurysm, according to his obituary, leaving behind his wife and two children. "Todd was also known to many in the community as the kind owner of Three Bears Carry Out in Baltimore Highlands," organizers of a GoFundMe for the family wrote. "He was a man of few words, but had a heart of gold. "Understandably, Todd's family was not prepared for this devastating loss." &n…
DUI, Unlicensed Driver Kills Maryland Hockey Coach, Dad David Funk: 'Unimaginable' DUI, Unlicensed Driver Kills Maryland Hockey Coach, Dad David Funk: 'Unimaginable'
DUI, Unlicensed Driver Kills Maryland Hockey Coach, Dad David Funk: 'Unimaginable' Maryland hockey coach and father of five David Funk was killed by an uninsured, unlicensed, and intoxicated driver in Delaware on Tuesday, Jan 21, authorities confirmed. State police say 28-year-old Fidel Villatoro-Martinez ran a red light and struck Funk, 51, around 10:40 p.m. Funk was hospitalized, as was his 16-year-old passenger, identified in a campaign for his family as his son, David Jr. Funk died the following day, police said. Villatoro-Martinez has been charged with vehicular manslaughter, driving without a license, failure to stop, DUI, and more, police said. daryus cash…
Teen Found Shot Dead In Car Of Quiet Maryland Town Teen Found Shot Dead In Car Of Quiet Maryland Town
Teen Found Shot Dead In Car Of Quiet Maryland Town A quiet Maryland street became the site of heartbreak after 17-year-old Lance Carrington was found shot to death in a parked car, leaving a grieving community grappling with the sudden loss of a bright young life. Police in Columbia made the grim discovery on Tuesday, Jan. 19, after responding to reports of a suspicious vehicle near the 9500 block of Quarry Bridge Court. Inside, they found Carrington with gunshot wounds.  He was pronounced dead at the scene, marking the start of an investigation into the crime. Carrington leaves behind his parents, his sister Sydney, his bro…
Maryland Family Starts From Scratch After Devastating House Fire: 'We Are Numb' Maryland Family Starts From Scratch After Devastating House Fire: 'We Are Numb'
Maryland Family Starts From Scratch After Devastating House Fire: 'We Are Numb' A Maryland family is rebuilding after a fire tore through their home and left little behind but ashes and smoldering debris.  Shortly before 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9, crews from the Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department and nearby agencies were called to a home in the 4400 block of Cortona Drive in Port Republic, where a massive blaze broke out inside. Upon arrival, crews were met by flames engulfing the residence and smoke billowing through the air before the home ultimately collapsed on itself, leaving the Lester family out in the cold.  The Calvert County fir…
Young Bethesda Couple Killed On Winter Vacation: 'They Had Their Whole Lives Ahead Of Them' Young Bethesda Couple Killed On Winter Vacation: 'They Had Their Whole Lives Ahead Of Them'
Young Bethesda Couple Killed On Winter Vacation: 'They Had Their Whole Lives Ahead Of Them' A young couple’s holiday vacation turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when William Herrera Ortega, a bicycle shop mechanic, and his wife Sonia were killed in a crash while vacationing in Colorado. Will and Sonia were in a Toyota Tundra involved in an accident with a 2024 Peterbilt Semi-truck/tractor combination the morning of Dec. 26, 2024, according to police and those who knew him. The Fraser Winter Park Police Department said the Tundra, driven by a 37-year-old Colorado man, was heading east on Route 40 when it lost control on the icy roads and rotated counterclockwise into the…
Talk Show Host Who Shares Stories Of Survival Now Facing Her Own Fight After Holiday Crash Talk Show Host Who Shares Stories Of Survival Now Facing Her Own Fight After Holiday Crash
Talk Show Host Who Shares Stories Of Survival Now Facing Her Own Fight After Holiday Crash A cherished local mother who hosts a talk show sharing stories of survival and resilience will have a tale of her own after a Christmas Day crash left her with broken bones and shattered dreams. The woman, known for her inspirational show "Just Talk with Justice," was gearing up to start a dream job this January as a Prince George's County Parks and Rec Facility manager, though fate had other plans for her and her young daughter. Instead of celebrating the holiday and the new dream job, Justice and her daughter, Lydia, spent it in an area hospital after both were injured in the crash, …
Expectant Father Gunned Down In Maryland Leaves Behind Sister Struggling To Bury Him Expectant Father Gunned Down In Maryland Leaves Behind Sister Struggling To Bury Him
Expectant Father Gunned Down In Maryland Leaves Behind Sister Struggling To Bury Him Justice may have been served for a single mother who suffered a tragic loss, though that won't bring her 27-year-old brother back after a midday shooting. Baltimore resident Maurice Prioleau, 28, has been arrested and charged with murder in connection to the fatal shooting of DeAngelo West the day after Christmas in a case of mistaken identity, leaving his family devastated. His older sister, Yasmine Coles said that West had recently moved in with her to help provide him a good home and so he could assist with her three children. Coles said that her brother was gunned down in broad dayligh…
Social Worker’s Smile Shattered In Brutal Beating As Family Seeks Support From Community Social Worker’s Smile Shattered In Brutal Beating As Family Seeks Support From Community
Social Worker’s Smile Shattered In Brutal Beating As Family Seeks Support From Community A social worker in the DMV known for changing others' lives is now in need of help to reclaim his own.  David Thurston, who has spent years supporting others through some of life's toughest moments, was brutally assaulted, leaving him with severe dental injuries and a broken sense of self, according to his brother. According to a friend of Thurston, "the attackers beat him pretty badly and stole his coat and backpack.  "While he is mostly okay, has extra coats, and is getting emotional support from his family, the attackers messed up his teeth pretty badly."  The attack, wh…
Burns Head To Torso: Ex-Fire Chief's Teen Granddaughter Victim Of Major MD House Fire Burns Head To Torso: Ex-Fire Chief's Teen Granddaughter Victim Of Major MD House Fire
Burns Head To Torso: Ex-Fire Chief's Teen Granddaughter Victim Of Major MD House Fire Support is swelling for the family of a former fire chief in Southern Maryland following a devastating house fire that left his granddaughter with critical injuries. The community is rallying around 13-year-old Rylee Johnson, who suffered burns on her face, neck, arm, and torso in the Mechanicsville fire Dec. 23, according to a GoFundMe campaign. Officials say a candle sparked the blaze at Three Notch Road and Oakville Road around 8 p.m. ***WORKING INCIDENT ALERT*** 20:04:57*Structure Fire - Residential*AREA OF THREE NOTCH RD & OAKVILLE... Posted by Mechanicsville Volunte…
'Shining Light' Killed Exiting Car At MD Food Store Left 'Lasting Impact On All Who Knew Her' 'Shining Light' Killed Exiting Car At MD Food Store Left 'Lasting Impact On All Who Knew Her'
'Shining Light' Killed Exiting Car At MD Food Store Left 'Lasting Impact On All Who Knew Her' Tragedy struck twice in four months for a family that is grappling with another heartbreaking loss after a 37-year-old woman was killed getting out of a car in the parking lot of a Montgomery County food store. Burtonsville resident Michelle Gogan, 37, was getting out of the passenger side of her parked car at Giant on Old Columbia Pike last week when she was hit by a 2023 silver Mazda CX5 around 11:30 a.m., on Thursday, Dec. 26, according to Montgomery County Police. The driver of the Mazda, who was attempting to enter an adjacent parking stall, struck Gogan, her vehicle, and another parke…
Maryland Father Remembered As ‘Genuine Family Man’ After Tragic Apartment Shooting Maryland Father Remembered As ‘Genuine Family Man’ After Tragic Apartment Shooting
Maryland Father Remembered As ‘Genuine Family Man’ After Tragic Apartment Shooting The 30-year-old Suitland father who was found shot to death in an apartment building is being remembered as a "genuine family man" by his loved ones.  Brian Speaks was pronounced dead at the scene late in the afternoon inside an apartment in the 3500 block of Parkway Terrace Drive over the weekend, according to police in Prince George's County. When officers arrived, they found Speaks suffering from gunshot wounds inside the building, and despite their best efforts to provide aid, he was declared dead at the scene, leaving his friends and family reeling and filled with questions. "We are h…
'Loving Spirit:' Community Honors Young Mother's Legacy Following Tragic Golf Cart Crash In MD 'Loving Spirit:' Community Honors Young Mother's Legacy Following Tragic Golf Cart Crash In MD
'Loving Spirit:' Community Honors Young Mother's Legacy Following Tragic Golf Cart Crash In MD More than $250,000 has been raised on behalf of a young family in Maryland that was suffered a tragic loss just as they were beginning to start their lives with a new house and baby in Anne Arundel County. Crownsville resident Mary Beth Blasetti had to be airlifted to the University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center on Saturday night after being involved in a golf cart crash, where she died two days later, officials confirmed. The 32-year-old woman leaves behind her husband, Nick, and their 2-month-old daughter, Mary Katharine Blasetti. According to organizers of a GoFundMe - …
Guatemalan Family Pleads For Help After Patriarch Killed By Maryland Gun Violence Guatemalan Family Pleads For Help After Patriarch Killed By Maryland Gun Violence
Guatemalan Family Pleads For Help After Patriarch Killed By Maryland Gun Violence A Maryland community is rallying as a family hopes to send the body of a 38-year-old man victimized by gun violence in Prince George's County back to his native Guatemala. Jeiver Pozuelos Cervantes was found suffering from fatal gunshot wounds on the side of the road in what is believed to be a targeted attack in Riverdale, police say. At approximately 6:40 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, officers in the area of Veterans Parkway and Riverdale Road were alerted to Cervantes, who was unresponsive on the side of the road with critical injuries. The Hyattsville resident was pronounced dead at the s…
Innocent Teen Bystander On Life Support After Maryland Shooting Innocent Teen Bystander On Life Support After Maryland Shooting
Innocent Teen Bystander On Life Support After Maryland Shooting What started as a momentous day for a Maryland family ended in tragedy when a 19-year-old was caught in the crossfire of bullets during a late night shooting in Baltimore, leaving her with life-altering injuries. Cameran Holt is in the ICU on life support after the innocent teen was struck in the back by a bullet as two groups got into a shootout on Sunday morning in Baltimore. Shortly after 3:45 a.m. on Oct. 27, officers from the Baltimore Police Department were called to the unit block of West Hamburg Street, where they found Holt suffering from multiple gunshot wounds after she was caugh…
Community 'Extends Virtual Arms' Around Maryland Family Devastated By Garage Fire Community 'Extends Virtual Arms' Around Maryland Family Devastated By Garage Fire
Community 'Extends Virtual Arms' Around Maryland Family Devastated By Garage Fire There has been an outpouring of support for a popular family after a garage fire caused hundreds of thousands in damage and left them displaced in Montgomery County. More than $15,000 was raised in just days after the Wu family was forced to evacuate their Rockville residence in the Rockshire neighborhood when a fast-moving fire sparked in their garage and spread to the rest of the home. The Rockville fire caused hundreds of thousands in damage. Twitter Shortly before 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, crews were dispatched to the 1400 block of Gerald Street, near Bentley Court, when a fam…
Waldorf Father Killed In Motorcycle Crash 'Was Vibrant Soul Who Touched The Lives Of Many' Waldorf Father Killed In Motorcycle Crash 'Was Vibrant Soul Who Touched The Lives Of Many'
Waldorf Father Killed In Motorcycle Crash 'Was Vibrant Soul Who Touched The Lives Of Many' Friends and family are trying to keep the memory alive of a beloved father who was killed riding his motorcycle in Prince George's County. Waldorf resident Samuel Hinton was tragically killed after being involved in a crash with a sedan while crossing through a Forestville intersection over the weekend.  The crash was reported at around 1 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Donnell Drive, where there was a reported crash involving Hinton. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Southbound Pennsylvania Ave is closed from Walters Ln to Donnell Dr. Please …
Single Mother Of Two Identified By Police As Pedestrian Killed Crossing Maryland Road Single Mother Of Two Identified By Police As Pedestrian Killed Crossing Maryland Road
Single Mother Of Two Identified By Police As Pedestrian Killed Crossing Maryland Road Dinora Aleman Amaya was on her way home from work in Montgomery County when she was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing the road in Gaithersburg, friends say. Investigators have identified the 30-year-old single mother of two from Germantown as the pedestrian who was fatally struck crossing Great Seneca Highway near Kentlands Boulevard on Monday night.  Police say that Amaya was walking shortly after 9:15 p.m. on Oct. 7 when she was struck by a Honda Civic not far from Orchard Ridge Road. She was pronounced dead at the scene, now the community is rallying around her family.&…
Maryland High School Student Killed Crashing Into Telephone Pole Identified By Police Maryland High School Student Killed Crashing Into Telephone Pole Identified By Police
Maryland High School Student Killed Crashing Into Telephone Pole Identified By Police The high school senior in Maryland who was killed in a crash with a telephone pole in Montgomery County had "high hopes of attending college in the fall," according to her family. Sherwood High School student Sanaa Virtue Vil, 17, has been identified by police as the person killed on Wednesday morning in a single-vehicle crash in Sandy Spring. Shortly before 8 a.m. on Oct. 2, police say that Vil was driving a red 2005 Toyota Corolla north on Norwood Road near Ashton Way on the way to school when it failed to navigate a turn and struck a wooden telephone pole. Traffic Advisory: A single-…
Search For Killer Underway As Loved Ones Mourn Elkridge Dad Shot Dead In Roadway Search For Killer Underway As Loved Ones Mourn Elkridge Dad Shot Dead In Roadway
Search For Killer Underway As Loved Ones Mourn Elkridge Dad Shot Dead In Roadway A 40-year-old father from Elkridge is being mourned as police search for his killer in Prince George's County. Bracston Pitt has been identified as the man killed over the weekend in a late-night shooting in Temple Hills, authorities announced on Monday. At approximately 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, officers from the Prince George's County Police Department responded to the 2900 block of Oxon Park Street to investigate reports of shots fired, where they found Pitt suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the roadway. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No details about a possible mo…
Man With Grill Fork Killed By Officer In MD Was Working to Aid, Reunite With Mother In Honduras Man With Grill Fork Killed By Officer In MD Was Working to Aid, Reunite With Mother In Honduras
Man With Grill Fork Killed By Officer In MD Was Working to Aid, Reunite With Mother In Honduras A grieving family is seeking the community's assistance as thy hope to send a man to his mother in Honduras after he was killed in an officer-involved shooting when police mistook a grill fork for a weapon in Montgomery County. At approximately 7:45 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, officers were called to the 3400 block of Janet Road in Wheaton after there was an emergency call placed about an assault in progress. Upon arrival, members of the Montgomery County Department of Police spotted a man, identified as 31-year-old Wheaton resident Melvin Omar Chavez-Paz in a yard holding an object in…
Teen Killed By BF Days After Maryland Reunion Was 'Dreamer Studying To Reach Goals' In US Teen Killed By BF Days After Maryland Reunion Was 'Dreamer Studying To Reach Goals' In US
Teen Killed By BF Days After Maryland Reunion Was 'Dreamer Studying To Reach Goals' In US Dania Carolina Cruz Mejía came to the US searching for a better life five months ago, only to see those dreams dashed when the 18-year-old was allegedly killed by her boyfriend in Maryland. Earlier this year, the El Salvador native made the move to the country, where she reunited with longtime boyfriend Gerber Luis Sanchez Centeno, 22, who has since been accused of her murder in Montgomery Village. According to Cruz Mejía's family, she had spend the last couple years with Sanchez Centeno, who decided to reunite in Maryland, leading to her death. "(Ten) days after reuniting with D…