Virginia Walmart Mass Shooting Gunman Kills At Least 6 People ... Takes His Own Life
Another mass shooting has claimed the lives of at least 7 people -- including the gunman -- this time at a Walmart in Virginia.
The shooter was an employee, possibly a manager, who entered a break room in the department store in Chesapeake, VA, Tuesday night, a law enforcement source told ABC News. He reportedly opened fire at other people before turning the gun on himself.
When the smoke cleared, 6 victims had been shot dead by the pistol-packing assailant, police said. At least 4 others are now being treated for injuries at local hospitals. Their conditions are not known.
Chesapeake Police Chief Mark G. Solesky gave a briefing Wednesday morning ... he said officers discovered the carnage at around 10:12 PM after responding to a call for an active threat situation. The scene was deemed secure about one hour later.
Solesky confirmed the shooter used a handgun to take his own life. Detectives executed search warrants at the man's home.
Investigators have not identified the victims or the shooter, whose motive is unclear.
U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) tweeted about the bloodshed ... "Sickened by reports of yet another mass shooting, this time at a Walmart in Chesapeake. I'll be monitoring developments closely."
The attack comes on the heels of another mass shooting in Colorado over the weekend. 5 people were killed and more than 20 wounded at a gay bar in Colorado Springs. Several patrons restrained the gunman, who is now facing murder and hate crime charges.
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Armie Hammer's Dad Michael Armand Hammer Dead At 67
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Michael Armand Hammer, the father of Armie Hammer and business titan, has died ... TMZ has learned.
Michael passed away Sunday, sources connected to the family tell TMZ. We're told he had been quite ill for some time, battling cancer.
The American businessman worked at an investment banking firm in NYC ... before getting involved with Occidental Petroleum, the company his grandfather, Armand Hammer, helmed for years.
Michael moved Occidental's HQ to Los Angeles in the '80s ... becoming VP of the company and landing a seat on the Board of Directors.
Over the years, Michael reigned over Hammer Productions, the Armand Hammer Foundation, Hammer Galleries, and the Hammer International Foundation.
Michael and then-wife Dru Ann Mobley gave birth to Armie in 1986, and Armie's brother, Viktor, 2 years later.
As you know, the Hammer family was heavily featured in the docuseries, "House of Hammer."
The family has a mausoleum in the Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park, where Armand and a number of other family members were laid to rest.
Michael is survived by his wife, Misty, as well as Armie and Viktor.
He was 67.
RIP.
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'Power Rangers' Jason David Frank Wife Called Cops After Heated Argument ... Body Discovered in Hotel Room
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The entire 'Power Rangers' fandom is reeling over the death of star Jason David Frank, and we've learned about the sequence of events in the hours leading up to his suicide.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Jason and his wife, Tammie, checked into a Texas hotel Friday. We're told the two -- who are in the middle of a divorce -- got separate rooms, but at some point the estranged couple got into an argument in Tammie's room. We're told staffers were called to calm things down, and peace was restored.
Our law enforcement sources say at some point either late Friday night or early Saturday morning, the two got into another argument and Jason locked Tammie out of his room.
Our sources say Tammie was apparently concerned for his safety and called the cops around 5 AM Saturday morning. When officers couldn't make contact with Jason, we're told hotel management let them in and they discovered the actor hanged himself in the bathroom.
TMZ broke the story of the 49-year-old's death ... we're told Jason died by suicide.
Jason is survived by his 4 kids. His rep told us, "He loved his family, friends and fans very much. He will truly be missed."
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
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University Of Idaho Murders Dog Found Alive At Gruesome Crime Scene ... Now Living With 'Responsible Party'
The savage killer/killers of 4 Idaho college students spared the life of a dog at the house where the frenzied attack unfolded.
The Moscow Police Department released a statement Monday night, explaining the pooch was found uninjured the night the University of Idaho students were fatally stabbed with a combat knife. The dog was initially placed in the care of Animal Services, and then handed over to a "responsible party." Further details about the canine were not disclosed.
Meanwhile, police dismissed media reports theorizing that the quadruple homicide might have a connection to the recent killing -- and skinning -- of a mini Australian shepherd named Buddy, miles from the crime scene.
Dog Near Idaho Murders Location Skinned, Filleted Weeks Before Killings
Dead animals were also discovered on another residential property, but they were victims of "wildlife activity," cops said.
Moscow PD investigators have been working with the FBI and Idaho State Police to identify the still-at-large assailant/assailants. They opened an FBI tip line requesting anyone with information on the slayings to contact them immediately.
As we reported, police found the bodies of the students inside the home after responding to a 911 call on November 13. Two surviving roommates were also present, but they were apparently asleep and not involved in the attack.
They later called friends to the house because they thought one of the victims had fallen unconscious and wouldn't wake up. Multiple people inside the house spoke with the 911 operator, using one of the roommates' cell phones.
The authorities have maintained the attack was targeted, but they have yet to pin down a specific motive. They also have not located the murder weapon, which is believed to be a military-style knife similar to the one used by Sylvester Stallone's character, Rambo, in the 80s film, "First Blood."
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Colorado Shooting Trans Woman Stomped Gunman With Heels ... During LGBTQ Club Shooting
7:47 AM PT -- 11/22 -- A drag queen who says she was performing at Club Q the night of the shooting has tweeted out and corrected Richard's story, saying it was a trans woman, and not a drag queen, who stomped Aldrich out. She continues, "I also want to make it clear, I don’t think Richard knew that she’s not a drag performer. But now that we know, let’s correct it."
A drag queen is one of the heroes who saved an untold number of lives after a gunman opened fire at a Colorado gay nightclub ... stomping on the gunman with her high heels.
Army vet Richard Fierro -- who'd gone to Club Q in Colorado Springs with his family Saturday -- pounced on suspected shooter Anderson Lee Aldrich when the bullets started to fly ... this according to the NY Times.
Fierro clearly knew the drill -- subdue and disarm. As he struggled with Aldrich on the ground, he screamed for backup.
That's when a drag queen at the club ran over and began pummeling the shooter with her high heels. This gave Fierro a clear path, beating Aldrich with his own gun and repeatedly punching him into submission.
Fierro told the NYT he thought he killed him.
Cops swooped in and took Aldrich into custody. Fierro was also taken into custody amid the chaos, but was released an hour later. By all accounts, he's a hero, as is the drag queen.
And there's a tragic twist ... Fierro's daughter's boyfriend Raymond Green Vance, was killed in the massacre.
Originally Published -- 11/21 3:36 PM PT
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'Halloween' Michael Myers OG Stuntman James Winburn Dead at 85
James Winburn, the stunt double for the Michael Myers character in the original "Halloween" film, has died.
James' manager, Peter DeLorme, tells TMZ ... James died Saturday in a Los Angeles hospital after a short illness.
It sounds like a sudden health issue because we're told just about 3 weeks ago James traveled all the way to the United Kingdom for a convention.
James was in Manchester, England during the "For The Love of Horror" convention last month, and the company that put on the event says he "was an absolute pleasure to work with and shared some amazing stories with everyone over the weekend."
A veteran stunt performer, James doubled for Nick Castle's version of Michael Myers in 1978's "Halloween" ... including the famous scene at the end of the horror movie, where Dr. Loomis shoots Michael 6 times, sending Myers falling backwards over a balcony.
James also did stunt work on "The Fog" and "Escape from New York" among other films ... and even wrote and directed a handful of movies.
He was 85.
RIP
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Cardi B Surprise AMAs Performance After Takeoff Memorial
Cardi B was back in action this weekend at the AMAs ... which wasn't expected, as the show came just 9 days after Takeoff's funeral.
The rapper made a surprise appearance Sunday at the award show, where she put on a big performance alongside GloRilla -- and she was in full MC mode, spittin' to their collab song 'Tomorrow 2' and looking energetic as ever.
She was also dressed to impress for national TV ... rocking a tight body suit that showed off her signature curves. Although she flashed big smiles, no one would've been shocked had she canceled, but Cardi was a trooper.
The AMAs outing marks one of the first times she's surfaced publicly since attending Takeoff's memorial service on Nov. 11 in Atlanta.
She and her husband Offset had been laying pretty low in the wake of the murder, but Cardi was the consummate professional Sunday night. No sign of Offset at the ceremony, but his wife definitely held it down for both of them.
As they say ... the show must go on.
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U. of Idaho Murders Nearby Dog Skinned ... Weeks Before Student Killings
A couple living in the area where the University of Idaho student slaughter says their dog was brutally killed -- skinned from head to tail -- just weeks before the 4 students were massacred.
Buddy, a 12-year-old mini Australian Shepherd, was killed in October ... according to owners Pam and Jim Colbert, who told DailyMail they let the pup outside before heading to bed -- and he was soon found dead.
They say the only fur left on the dog was on its paws and head ... they believe someone might've been waiting for them to let Buddy outside.
Police reportedly haven't made the connection between the death of Buddy and the college students' murders ... but it's clear the Moscow community has all the more reason to stay on high alert.
As we reported, investigators believe the attack was targeted, but have not pinpointed an exact motive. They've been searching high and low for the murder weapon -- a combat knife similar to the one used by Sylvester Stallone's character, Rambo.
Moscow PD recently acknowledged the 911 call came from one of the surviving roommates' phones ... but wouldn't say exactly who called the police.
Moscow PD Chief James Fry said in a press conference there were 'other friends' in the residence when the 911 call was made.
Fry also confirmed that the killer did not make the 911 call.
It's unclear if the killer is still in Moscow, or has fled.
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'Power Rangers' Jason David Frank Dead by Suicide at 49
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10:07 AM PT -- Walter Jones, who played the black ranger in 'MMPR,' tells TMZ ... "He was an inspiration to so many people. His presence will be dearly missed. It’s so sad to lose another member of our Ranger family."
He adds, "Jason was one of the biggest pranksters on the show. He had a wild sense of humor. We had our shares of ups and downs but I stayed consistent about being an ear if he needed one. My prayers go out to his family and all that will miss him."
Jason David Frank -- one of the original "Power Rangers" -- has died ... TMZ has learned.
The actor and mixed martial artist died in Texas, according to his rep Justine Hunt. Sources with direct knowledge tell us his death was the result of suicide.
JDF is best known as Tommy Oliver from the original run of the "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" franchise, dating back to the kids series' debut in 1993 ... when he was introduced as one of six crime/monster-fighting superheroes, masked head to toe with kung-fu skills.
Fans will remember ... he started out as the Green Ranger in Season 1, introduced at first as an enemy of the Power Rangers -- only to do a 180 and become good. After his powers start to deteriorate, however, he's turned into the White Ranger ... and tapped as the new leader of the group. Frank starred as one of the leads for 3 seasons, totaling 123 episodes.
Frank went on to reprise his role as Tommy in several adaptions of 'Power Rangers' -- including 'Wild Force,' 'Turbo,' 'Zeo,' 'Dino Thunder,' 'Megaforce,' 'Ninja Steel,' 'HyperForce,' and more. He's been a Red Ranger, a Black Ranger and a Green Ranger anew. JDF is a fan favorite Power Ranger ... which is why he's returned to the franchise time and again.
His onscreen fighting abilities translated into the real world ... Frank was a professionally trained MMA brawler, who was well-versed in everything from Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and others. He fought professionally for a time from 2008 to 2010.
He's survived by his four children.
Jason's rep Justine tells TMZ ... "Please respect the privacy of his family and friends during this horrible time as we come to terms with the loss of such a wonderful human being. He loved his family, friends and fans very much. He will truly be missed."
Frank was 49.
RIP
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
Originally Published -- 8:57 AM PT
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Idaho Murders 911 Call Came from Cell Phone of Surviving Roommate
Turns out the 911 call that reported the slaughter of 4 University of Idaho students came from the cell phone of one of the surviving roommates ... but police aren't saying who called.
The City of Moscow PD clarified its prior statements late Saturday, acknowledging the phone that was used to make the call, but adding, "the identity of the caller has not been released."
It's unclear why cops don't want the ID known, but they have gone back and forth about whether the community is safe, given that the killer/killers are still on the loose.
Police have said they don't believe the surviving roommates were involved in the stabbings. What's puzzling ... authorities believe the murders occurred sometime around 3 AM, but the 911 call wasn't made until noon -- 9 hours later.
Weirdly, the 911 call -- logged at 11:58 AM, November 13 -- requested assistance for an unconscious person ... yet police say it was a bloodbath inside, with blood seeping through the walls onto the exterior of the house.
A big clue seems to be a series of calls made shortly after the victims returned home ... one of them called a guy named Jack a total of 7 times while another tried 3 times, but police offered no further information.
Detectives are on the hunt for surveillance video from 3 AM to 6 AM Sunday, November 13. They're looking at nearby businesses and homes in the area.
It appears some of the victims put up a fight, given they had defensive wounds. Police believe the victims were asleep when the attack began. Police said early on this was a "targeted" attack.
Cops have not found the murder weapon, although they have checked local businesses to see if a Rambo-like knife had been recently sold.
Two of the victims were at a food truck shortly before then went home for the night and just a few hours before they were murdered.
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Another LGBTQ Hate Crime 5 Dead, 18 Injured in Gay Nightclub Massacre ... Police ID Suspect
7:20 AM PT -- The Colorado Springs Police Department identified the suspect as 22-year-old male Anderson Lee Aldrich.
Chief Adrian Vasquez says initial evidence shows the suspect entered Club Q and immediately began shooting. At least two brave individuals inside confronted the suspect and fought him in order to prevent further killings.
Law enforcement says the suspect used a long rifle during the shooting, and two firearms were recovered on the scene. Investigators are working to determine a motive for the attack.
Another massacre at a gay club has left 5 dead and at least 18 injured.
A gunman opened fire at Club Q, a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs. The shooting occurred just before midnight Saturday, when authorities began receiving a barrage of 911 calls.
#Breaking: Colorado Springs Police confirm five are dead and 18 injured in the Club Q shooting! pic.twitter.com/RZuP6cEaYp
— Brian Sherrod (@briansherrodtv) November 20, 2022 @briansherrodtv
It appears the gunman is in custody. According to the Club's Facebook page ... "the quick reactions of heroic customers ... subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack."
A police official confirmed they apparently got the gunman ... "They did locate one individual who we believe to be the suspect inside. At this point in time, the suspect is being treated, but is in custody."
NEW VIDEO: Mourners create a small memorial of flowers and candles near the entrance to #ClubQ in #ColoradoSprings hours after the shootings that killed at least 5, injured dozens more.
— Shawn Reynolds (@ShawnReynolds_) November 20, 2022 @ShawnReynolds_
[🎥: @NBCNews Field Producer Mike Fomil] pic.twitter.com/vNWjvIw9dV
Police have not discussed or revealed motive, but the club itself has already called this a hate crime.
Club Q was hosting musical acts Saturday night, including its weekly Diva Drag Show.
The FBI is on the scene, and nearly a dozen ambulances rushed there to treat and transport the injured.
The club posted on its page, "Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community. Our thoughts are with all the victims and their families and friends. We thank the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack."
This is far from the first attack in gay clubs. Perhaps the worst ... back in 2016, when a gunman opened fire at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, killing 49.
This is the latest in a slew of mass killings in America this year -- more than 500 -- snuffing out the lives of more than 2,700 innocent people.
Originally Published -- 5:19 AM PT
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Shanquella Robinson Dad Says Cabo Death is No Accident ... Claims Attack Was a Set Up
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Shanquella Robinson's mysterious death in Mexico smells like a set up to her father ... he tells TMZ he believes his daughter was attacked as part of a diabolical plan.
Shanquella, who was from North Carolina, was found dead last month in her room in Los Cabos ... where she was vacationing with a group of friends. Her parents say the friends told them the 25-year-old died of alcohol poisoning.
However, her parents now say Mexican authorities have told them Shanquella died from blunt force trauma to her neck and spine -- and a brutal new video does indeed show a woman beating up Shanquella while she was naked in a room.
Her dad, Bernard Robinson, was very emotional as he told TMZ ... his daughter was not the fighting type, so she would never get into a physical altercation, leading him to theorize this was a planned attack.
At the very least, the video supports Bernard's point about his daughter's temperament -- Shanquella was not fighting back during the assault. He says it all feels like a set up to him, because her friends back home would never have let this happen.
He suspects her attackers left her body in the hotel room for a housekeeper to find.
The video is hard for anyone to watch, but that's especially so for Bernard ... who said it hurts to know others were in the room idly watching as his only child was attacked. He hopes those responsible are arrested and sentenced to life in prison.
Her autopsy report does not mention alcohol, and Mexican authorities, as well as the FBI, are now investigating her death as a homicide.
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Washington Commanders Honoring UVA Shooting Victims ... Three Helmet Decals
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The Washington Commanders will pay tribute to the three UVA football players who were tragically gunned down on campus last weekend ... by putting three stickers on their helmets for their game on Sunday.
The team just announced the homage ... revealing decals with the numbers 1, 15 and 41 -- the jersey digits of D'Sean Perry, Lavel Davis and Devin Chandler -- will be placed on the back of their players' headgear while the team attempts to get a win over the Houston Texans.
"Our hearts are with @UVAFootball and the UVA community affected by the tragedy," the team said in a tweet while unveiling the uniform honor.
The Commanders added the hashtags #UVAStrong and #FootballIsFamily.
Perry, Davis and Chandler were all killed on a bus on Sunday night after they had returned from a class field trip. Two others, including Cavaliers running back Mike Hollins, were injured in the shooting as well -- though they're both expected to survive.
Former UVA football player Juan Thornhill, a safety for the Chiefs, announced earlier this week he, too, will be paying tribute to the victims on NFL Sunday this weekend ... wearing a pair of custom cleats with homages to Perry, Davis and Chandler all over them.
The Univ. of Virginia, meanwhile, canceled its Saturday football game against Coastal Carolina following the deaths. It still has yet to make a determination on the status of its season finale against Virginia Tech on Nov. 26.
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B. Smyth Singer Dead at 30
R&B singer B. Smyth is dead ... at a very young age, and after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
The singer's brother, Denzil, broke the news to fans ... saying Smyth died Thursday from respiratory failure and had been hospitalized for a while, struggling with his lung disease.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Denzil says his little brother was in the ICU when he dropped his latest single, "Twerkaholic Part 2," just a few weeks ago, but the excitement around the release brought "a big smile to his face."
He says B. asked him to make the video for him before passing, so his fans would know he always appreciated them.
B. Smyth -- whose real name was Brandon Smith -- first jumped on the scene after covering hits like "Quickie" by Miguel or "Stay" by Rihanna in the early 2010s on YouTube ... before signing with Motown Records in 2012.
He dropped his first single soon after -- "Leggo" featuring 2 Chainz, and then released his first EP "The Florida Files" in 2013.
His big break came in 2014, when his song "Twerkoholic" blew up, gaining millions of views ... B. would go on to drop a studio album, "Thr3" in 2017, as well as a slew of singles over the years.
He was just 30.
RIP
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Young Dolph New Album Announced on Death Anniv. ... Key Glock Project Drops Too
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Young Dolph's Paper Route Empire is keeping his movement strong -- on the first anniversary of his death his estate is releasing new music, including tracks with Key Glock, and he's getting a day in his honor.
November 17 will now be recognized as Adolph "Young Dolph" Thornton Jr. Day of Service in Tennessee and Georgia. More on that in a moment, but the other big news is the release of "Get Away" ... the Dolph estate and EMPIRE Distribution unveiled the song to start the rollout for his upcoming "Paper Route Frank" LP.
The track finds Dolph longing to be with his deceased grandmother among other heapings of rich rapper flexing ... and Mia Jaye, his partner and mother of their two kids, wants the new tunes to inspire all his fans in spite of her sadness.
She says, “It is truly therapy and healing in helping others while you hurt," and adds ... "In your season of suffering, take on the spirit of Dolph, pay it forward, and watch a blessing or two come your way.”
Dolph's top lyrical gunner, Key Glock, is blessing fans, and boosting the PRE inventory, with the release of his "PRE5L" EP -- and its accompanying horrorcore video for the single "Jigsaw."
We're told Dolph’s special 11/17 Day will offer plenty of meritorious service examples throughout the country.
Makeda's Cookies -- the site of Dolph's murder -- is also marking the anniversary, telling TMZ Hip Hop it's preparing for a big crowd in remembrance of the Memphis rapper.
The store decked out its parking lot, and plenty of cookies, with his patented "dolphin" emoji and it's also supporting Mia's "black men deserve to grow old" slogan.
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Young Dolph Cookie Shop Where He Died Honoring Rapper One Year After Murder
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Young Dolph is being honored by the place where he died on the 1-year anniversary of his tragic murder.
Pamela Hill, owner of Makeda's Homemade Cookies tells TMZ ... they're paying homage to the late rapper Thursday, who was also one of their favorite customers, by pumping out a bunch of dolphin-shaped cookies -- and the kitchen's been cooking like crazy to get the job done.
The shop's got pics of Dolph hanging on the walls, alongside photos of the boarded-up shop following the fatal shooting. Pamela tells us they'll also have a DJ playing some of the rapper's tunes for customers.
Staffers are wearing shirts with Dolph's face on it, too -- with some reading "black men deserve to grow old."
As we reported, Dolph was gunned down a year ago at Pamela's shop in Memphis, the men who killed him were caught on a surveillance camera and were eventually arrested.
Pamela tells us her place had to shut down for 10 months after the shooting, and reopened this past September. The shop spent thousands of dollars fixing windows, framing doors, repairing the floor and more.
Luckily, she says her customers have been nothing but supportive, buying cookies at Makeda's other store in Memphis and through online orders ... and she's expecting a big crowd to come through and honor Dolph.