CLOSE Odessa Police Chief Michael Gerke breaks down how the Midland and Odessa shootings unfolded. USA TODAY The gunman who killed seven people and wounded 25 more in a shooting rampage along a west Texas highway Saturday had previously failed a gun background check, but authorities have not yet said how he obtained the firearm he used. "Not only did the … [Read more...]
Gunman in Texas shooting previously failed background check: Heres what we know
CLOSE Odessa Police Chief Michael Gerke breaks down how the Midland and Odessa shootings unfolded. USA TODAY The gunman who killed seven people and wounded 25 more in a shooting rampage along a west Texas highway Saturday had previously failed a gun background check, but authorities have not yet said how he obtained the firearm he used. "Not only did the … [Read more...]
At least 25 dead in horrific California boat fire; 9 still missing, Coast Guard says
CLOSE At least four people were killed and dozens remained missing after a dive boat fire in southern California. Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said, "You couldn't ask for a worse situation." Wochit, Wochit SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – At least 25 people are confirmed dead and nine others still missing after a tragic boat fire early Monday that occurred … [Read more...]
Move over, Friday Night Lights: Texas shooting brings together Odessa, Permian teens to help survivors
CLOSE Odessa Police Chief Michael Gerke says both the gunman and his employer called 911 after he was fired. USA TODAY ODESSA, Texas — They gathered as the children they are near the statue of a cowboy-hat wearing Prairie Dog in Prairie Pete Playland Park. But they left radiating the best qualities of adulthood — defiance, determination and benevolence. Nearly … [Read more...]
California dive-boat fire highlights need for more than one exit from sleeping quarters
CLOSE Several people are dead and dozens are unaccounted for after a diving boat caught on fire near Santa Barbara, California. USA TODAY A commercial scuba diving vessel was engulfed by flames before dawn on Labor Day, hours before it was scheduled to return from a three-day dive trip through California's Channel Islands. Of the 39 people aboard, five crew … [Read more...]