Kenya Webster, a 26-year-old man from Jackson, was convicted in Hinds County Circuit Court for his role in a December 2021 drive-by shooting that killed 23-year-old Keyunta McWilliams and her unborn child. Prosecutors said Webster fired an assault rifle into the vehicle McWilliams was in, allegedly targeting another occupant, but instead struck McWilliams, who was eight months pregnant, and her unborn baby. A jury found Webster guilty on multiple counts including two counts of murder, aggravated assault, and drive-by shooting. He was sentenced to two life sentences plus 55 years in prison for his conviction in the deaths.

On New Year’s Day in Dallas, rising local rapper Zeethewizard—born Zec’Qurie Cannon Grant Fields—was fatally shot during an early-morning shooting outside Pinkhouse Dallas, an after-hours club celebrating its grand opening. The 25-year-old artist was among several people struck in the parking lot around 3:45 a.m. and was rushed to a hospital in critical condition. He succumbed to his injuries on January 5, 2026, as police continue to investigate the incident with no arrests yet announced. Zeethewizard had been gaining momentum in the North Texas rap scene and was remembered by friends and fans for his music and community presence.

On Christmas Day in Miami, 50-year-old Roseita Lavette Smith was arrested after she allegedly shot her adult son in the thigh outside the Red Rooster restaurant following a family brunch. According to police, the pair got into a heated argument inside and outside the restaurant about the son’s “disrespectful” behavior, which continued into the parking lot and her vehicle. As he exited the car, Smith reportedly fired one shot, striking him. The victim was hospitalized in stable condition, and Smith was taken into custody on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.