Nearly two dozen people were shot, three of them fatally, in shootings across Chicago since Friday.

The weekend’s first fatal shooting took place around 1:45 p.m. Friday in the 1900 block of West Howard Street in the city’s Rogers Park neighborhood when an 18-year-old man was found with gunshot wounds to his torso and back, police said.

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Police responded to the scene after receiving reports of shots fired in the area and found the teen unresponsive.

He was transported to Presence St. Francis Hospital in Evanston where he was pronounced dead, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office. He was later identified as 18-year-old Alante Vallejo, officials said.

A second person was also injured in the shooting, police said.
A 20-year-old man suffered a wound to his foot and took himself to Evanston Hospital in good condition, police said.

Officials believe the shooting may have been gang-related.

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Also Friday, a woman was shot to death in the city’s West Garfield Park neighborhood.

Police said a 22-year-old woman was shot around 10:45 p.m. in the 100 block of North Keeler Avenue in what may have been a domestic incident.

Carnesha Fort was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital and was pronounced dead just before 11:30 p.m., the medical examiner’s office said.

Early Saturday, two people were shot in the city’s Washington Park neighborhood.

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Police said officers found an 18-year-old man and a 20-year-old man in an alley in the 5600 block of South Wabash while responding to reports of shots fired.

The 18-year-old man was unresponsive at the scene and pronounced dead and the 20-year-old man was taken in critical condition to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County.

The medical examiner’s office later identified the 18-year-old victim as Brian Weekly.

At least 18 other people were wounded in overnight shootings.

• Around 10:45 a.m., police said a 27-year-old man was shot in the city's West Garfield Park neighborhood. The man told police he was in the 4000 block of West West End Avenue when someone exited a vehicle and opened fire. The man was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where his condition was stabilized, according to Chicago Police News Affairs Officer Veejay Zala.
• Around 3:28 a.m. Saturday, a 20-year-old man was shot in the 4800 block of West Quincy Avenue. The man told police he was standing with a group of people when someone exited a blue vehicle and opened fire. The man suffered a graze wound to the foot and was listed in good condition at Loretto Hospital.
• About 20 minutes earlier, two people were shot in the 4600 block of South Ellis Avenue. Police said they were responding to a call of shots fired when they discovered a man and woman wounded at the scene. Both were transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for treatment, police said. A 20-year-old woman was shot in the face and was listed in critical condition and a 21-year-old man was shot in the chest and leg and was listed in good condition. The man told police he heard shots and felt pain.
• Minutes earlier, police officers witnessed a man shoot and injure someone in the 3600 block of West Shakespeare Avenue. The officers approached the offender who they say pointed a gun at them forcing them to fire. The officers did not hit the offender and the man then fled the scene, police said. Details surrounding the injuries of the person shot were not immediately available. Area North detectives are investigating.
• Just before midnight, two people were shot in the 6100 block of South Wabash Avenue. An 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old man were standing outside when three people approached them and one person opened fire. The victims fled the scene after being shot and were later transported in stable condition at Stroger Hospital, according to Chicago Police News Affairs Officer Jose Estrada. The 18-year-old man suffered a wound to the leg and the 19-year-old man was shot in the arm. The incident is believed to be gang-related, according to authorities.
• Around 11:30 p.m., two officers and two suspects were wounded in a shootout during a traffic stop. Police said a man inside a vehicle fired at officers as they exited their vehicle during a traffic stop. The officers fired back at the man, striking him and a female driver in the car.
• A 22-year-old man was shot around 10:45 p.m. while walking on a sidewalk in the 10100 block of South Aberdeen Street. The man was shot in the ankle and taken in stable condition to Little Company of Mary Hospital.
• About 10 minutes earlier, a 16-year-old boy was shot in the lower back while walking with a group of people in the 1000 block of North Lamon Avenue. Police said a man approached the group and opened fire, striking the teen. The victim fled the scene after realizing he was shot and was later taken to Stroger Hospital in stable condition. Police believe the incident may have been gang-related.
• Around 10:15 p.m., two people were shot in the 500 block of North Leclaire Avenue. Police said a 27-year-old woman was sitting in a car and a 15-year-old boy was walking on the block when an offender opened fire in the area, striking them both. The woman suffered a graze wound to her shoulder and was in good condition at West Suburban Medical Center and the teen suffered a graze wound to the back and refused treatment. Police said it was not clear who the target was.
• Earlier Friday, a 30-year-old man was shot about 6 p.m. in the 4600 block of South Drexel Boulevard. The man, who police said was not cooperating with investigators, was shot in the leg and taken in stable condition to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The man said he was in a group when a man opened fire and hit him. No other injuries were reported.
• Just after 4 p.m., a 27-year-old ma n was shot in an apparent drive-by in the 4900 block of West Augusta Avenue. The man told police he was walking in an alley when a passenger in a passing maroon sedan fired shots at him. The vehicle fled the scene and the man was taken in stable condition to West Suburban Medical Center. Police said the shooting may have been gang-related.
• Around 2 p.m. Friday, a 24-year-old man was shot in another apparent drive-by in the 11200 block of South Marshfield Avenue. The man said a dark-colored sedan pulled alongside his vehicle and a passenger fired shots at his car, striking him in the ankle. The man was taken in good condition to Advocate Christ Medical Center, police said.

Police have arrested a second suspect in connection with a “bottle bomb” explosion at a Largo, Maryland, movie theater.

Prince George’s County Fire Department spokesman Mark Brady said Michael Sean Hollingsworth, 23, of Takoma Park, was taken into custody on Friday and and charged with two felonies in connection with the May 24 "bottle bomb" detonation at the Magic Johnson Theaters.

Hollingworth is in custody of the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections and is being held without bond.

Another suspect, Manuel Joyner Bell, was arrested last week for his involvement in the Largo incident. Bell also faces charges in Maryland and Virginia for separate “bottle bomb” explosions at different theaters. Investigators believe Hollingsworth was Bell's accomplice in all six of the incidents, said Brady.

An online trail led police straight to Joyner -- who admitted to setting off six bottle bombs at local movie theaters. Prince George's County police say Joyner was the only person who used the website Fandango.com to purchase movie tickets for the six shows during which bottle bombs exploded.

The bottle bombs were filled with acid and metal, according to fire officials. The material inside reacted, exploded the bottles and spewed acid. The devices are capable of sending the acid 20 to 30 feet, fire officials have said.

It is not known if Hollingworth has a lawyer.

A hash oil explosion led to a fire in a Mira Mesa apartment Friday afternoon after three people attempted the process of extracting hash oil on their balcony, authorities confirmed.

The blaze sparked just after 3 p.m. at an apartment complex located at 10185 Camino Ruiz.

According to the San Diego Police Department, three 19-year-old residents were watching a video on how to extract hash oil and decided to try the process themselves on the balcony of their apartment.

During the attempt there was an explosion, which then caused a small fire.

Officials said all three residents were injured in the explosion, sustaining burns to their hands and feet. They were each transported to a local hospital.

The incident remains under investigation, with the SDPD Narcotic Unit and Metro Arson Strike Team (MAST) handling the case.

This isn’t the first incident of this kind in San Diego, as hash oil labs are becoming more prevalent.

This past March, the manufacturing of hash oil led to an explosion in a North Park apartment that trapped a woman on her balcony. In February, a hash oil explosion destroyed an apartment in El Cajon.

In early January, an apartment building in downtown’s East Village area had to be evacuated after an explosion caused by a hash oil extraction using butane in a third-floor apartment.
 

A mother was shot and killed in South Los Angeles when she and her family were returning from celebrating her husband's birthday early Saturday, family members said.

Tynisa Guyton, 37 -- identified by her husband, Anthony Guyton -- was killed when two men jumped out of a dark-colored car in front of their home in the 1400 block of East 104th Street just after midnight and began to shoot at them, Lt. Steve Jauch said.

Anthony Guyton said he was able to make it into their home to protect his three children, ages 16, 10 an 8, but Tynisa was shot near the front door. She later died from her injuries.

"By the time I turned around my wife was laying behind the door," he said. "I guess she got hit trying to close the door get down."

Anthony Guyton was not injured in the shooting. The couple celebrated their 10-year anniversary in May, Guyton said.

"My wife is a beautiful person, I just lost my best friend," Anthony Guyton said. 

The fatal shooting occurred just hours before the family was to celebrate the eighth birthday of their youngest child.

"The kids they lost their mother, I have no explanation for them," Guyton said.

Authorities had not said whether they believe the shooting is gang- related Saturdy morning.

Information regarding the gunmen were not immediately known but their dark-colored sedan was last seen driving eastbound on 104th Street, Jauch said.

Authorities are currently looking for witnesses to come forward to help with their investigation.


 

Almost 20 years after her sister Nicole Brown Simpson’s body was found stabbed to death, Tanya Brown recalls her decade-long struggle to accept her older sister’s murder.

"It was really hard for me to wrap my brain around how somebody can love you, give you children, and then kill you," Brown said.

Nicole Brown Simpson’s body was found June 12, 1994. Brown believes her former brother-in-law OJ Simpson killed her sister. Simpson was never convicted of murder, but he was found guilty of violating Nicole’s civil rights.

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A day before Simpson led police on a slow speed chase and was arrested for Nicole’s murder, Tanya said she had ridden with the football star to her sister’s funeral.

"I just remember sitting there, and looking at the cut on his finger, and I was, (thinking) you know, that’s the cut everybody’s talking about," Brown said.

A decade of unresolved grief included an attempt to commit suicide. Brown ended up in psychiatric hospital for 10 days.

"I had anger toward Denise, my sisters, my parents, even Nicole, of course OJ," Brown recalled.
After that, Brown says, she had a turning point.

"I think when we get to the point where we can really accept the situation and not live in it, that's when the healing begins," Brown said.

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Brown has written a book called "Finding Peace Amid the Chaos: My Escape from Depression and Suicide."

Brown added that because of the tragedy, her family has taken on the role of educating others about domestic violence and mental health.

"You got to look at something positive and if I, I'd rather have (Nicole) here, but she's doing some good work (now)," Brown said.
 

Will Ferrell is serious about his Los Angeles Kings.

Just ask New Yorkers.

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A “Go Kings Go!” advertisement popped up outside Madison Square Garden Friday ahead of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final between the New York Rangers and Kings.

Twitter user Matt Kolowski snapped the photo around 3 p.m. after noticing the Anchorman star on an electronic billboard giving a warrior cry in the heart of New York City. In the photo, Ferrell appears to be making a lot of noise for the Kings as he sports his team’s colors.

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The billboard trolling comes just a few days after Ferrell, a long-time Kings fan, said the Los Angeles-New York battle is good for his city, hockey as a whole, and yes, even New York.

"It's great for the East Coast to find out how hockey really is played," Ferrell joked.

Los Angeles heads into Game 2 at the Staples Center leading the series 1-0. The series shifts back to New York on Monday. 

It's back to the past.

California motorists can get some vintage styling on their late-model vehicles, with the classic black license plates of yesteryear, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

The three vintage styles -- black plates with yellow lettering, blue plates with gold lettering and gold plates with dark letters -- are all available for motorists willing to fork over an extra $50.

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And that's thanks to 7,500 people who applied to have the plates, the newspaper reported. That was the demand required before the DMV would start stamping the plates.

Grab your own here.

The truck driver who triggered a six-vehicle crash that killed a man when his tractor trailer struck a limo bus carrying actor Tracy Morgan is now facing charges.

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Police have charged 35-year-old Kevin Roper of Jonesboro, Ga. with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto after the early morning Saturday accident, according to the Middlesex County Acting Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey and New Jersey State Police Superintendant Col. Joseph Fuentes.

Roper was driving a Walmart tractor trailer northbound on the New Jersey Turnpike near Exit 7A in Cranbury, N.J. -- about 15 miles north of Trenton -- around 1 a.m. Saturday when he failed to notice slow moving traffic and slammed into the limo bus, which had Morgan, stand-up comedians Ardie Fuqua Jr. and Harris Stanton, and several others on board, according to officials.

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The limo bus began rotating clockwise, then overturned on its left side and crashed into several other vehicles, according to New Jersey State Police.

"The driver of the tractor trailer ...failed to observe the slow moving traffic ahead of him," said New Jersey State Police Sgt. First Class Gregory Williams. "The driver did observe the traffic, but it was too late. It was just prior to impact, he swerved to the left in an attempt to avoid the collision. But he was unable to."

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Sixty-two-year-old James McNair, of Peekskill, New York, was killed in the crash, according to police.

Morgan, 45, and 36-year-old Jeffrey Millea, of Shelton, Conn., were airlifted to a hospital, where they remain in critical condition, according to officials.

Fuqua is also in cricital condition, while Stanton has been treated and released, according to reports.

Forty-four-year-old Tyrone Gail and another unidentified limo driver suffered non-life threatening injuries, according to limo operator Atlantic Transportation Services.

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Authorities expect Roper to surrender. Bail was set at $50,000.

The formerly-conjoined Ezell twins are sharing an exciting milestone -- they'll soon be headed home for good.

Mom Jenni Ezell said Emmett and Owen are going home on Wednesday.

The babies were once conjoined breast bone to belly button, but a Dallas doctor was able to surgically separate them at Medical City Children's Hospital last August.

The boys are currently at Our Children's House at Baylor for rehab, but mom said the twins are strong and even breathing on their own.

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The twins left Medical City in April for the inpatient rehabilitation center.

San Diego police are searching for a woman considered a person of interest in the death of her girlfriend, who was found dead inside a San Carlos apartment Thursday evening.

Homicide investigators are trying to track down San Diego resident Tiffany Nowden, 39, for questioning in connection with the killing of Russina Vale, 38, authorities confirmed Friday night.

Vale’s body was discovered at the Villa De Flores Apartments in the 7700 block of Mission Gorge Road around 6 p.m. Thursday after officers were asked to conduct a welfare check on Vale.

Inside the unit, they discovered Vale with trauma to her body. Investigators would not comment on how Vale died.

Her body was removed from the apartment early Friday.

Police said they’re looking to question Nowden about the death of Vale, but her whereabouts are unknown at this time. The women were in a relationship, according to investigators.

Police have released a photo of Nowden and are asking anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact the SDPD at (619) 531-2000 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

Some neighbors told NBC 7 that two women lived in the San Carlos apartment and that they had been fighting.

However, other neighbors said the women were quiet and mostly kept to themselves.

“They never really say much,” said resident Shayna North. “Our dogs kind of mingle and then they go their separate ways, so they never introduce themselves. I don’t know either of their names.”

Most Villa De Flores residents, including Matt Taylor, said they were completely shocked to hear of the death in the apartment complex.

“[I’m] very shocked. I saw them rolling her body out and I was just really sad [and] taken aback by it. It made it really real,” said Taylor.

Actor and comedian Tracy Morgan is in intensive care following a six-vehicle crash along the New Jersey Turnpike that left one person dead and at least two others seriously hurt, state police say.

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The 45-year-old former "Saturday Night Live" star, stand-up comedians Ardie Fuqua Jr. and Harris Stanton, and several other passengers were traveling north along the highway in a limo bus around 1 a.m. Saturday when a Walmart tractor trailer struck the limo bus, causing it to overturn, New Jersey State Police confirm.

The tractor-trailer driver, Kevin Roper, 35, of Jonesboro, Ga., was charged with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office said in a news release. Bail was set at $50,000 for Roper, who is expected to surrender, the release said. 

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The crash, which happened about 15 miles north of Trenton near Exit 7A of the Turnpike in Cranbury, N.J., killed 63-year-old James McNair of Peekskill, New York and put Morgan and two others in critical condition.

Some early reports indicated the tractor trailer driver was sleeping at the wheel, but New Jersey State Police say there is nothing to suggest he dozed off.

"There is nothing that indicates that," said New Jersey State Police Sgt. First Class Gregory Williams. "There is no documentation that agrees with that."

Walmart U.S. President and CEO Bill Simon expressed his condolences for the crash victims and their families in a statement to the press.

"This is a tragedy and we are profoundly sorry that one of our trucks was involved," Simon said. "We are working quickly to understand what happened and are cooperating fully with law enforcement to aid their investigation."

"The facts are continuing to unfold," he continued. "If it's determined that our truck caused the accident, Walmart will take full responsibility."

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A preliminary state police investigation found that the tractor trailer came upon slow moving traffic and slammed into the limo.

"The driver of the tractor trailer ...failed to observe the slow moving traffic ahead of him," Williams said. "The driver did observe the traffic, but it was too late. It was just prior to impact, he swerved to the left in an attempt to avoid the collision. But he was unable to."

The black Mercedes limo bus rotated clockwise, overturned on its left side and  crashed into several other vehicles, he said. Six vehicles in all -- two tractor trailers, the limo bus, an SUV and two cars -- were involved.

The crash was so severe, part of the limo's rear driver side was ripped away.

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The "30 Rock" actor was flown from the scene to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, N.J. He is in intensive care.

Morgan's representative, Lewis Kay, tells NBC News the actor is expected to remain in critical condition for the time being.

"His family is now with him and he is receiving excellent care. We don't anticipate much of a change in his condition today but will provide a further update once more information becomes available," Kay said.

James McNair, a 62-year-old of Peekskill, New York, was killed in the crash, according to state police.  The Associated Press is reporting that 37-year-old Jeffrey Millea of Shelton, Conn. was also flown from the crash to Robert Wood Johson Hospital, where he is in critical condition. A hospital spokesman told the AP that Fuqua is also in critical condition, while Stanton has been treated and released.

All of the injured were on the limo bus.

One of the two drivers in the limo bus, 44-year-old Tyrone Gail of Rehobeth, Del., was visibly shaken while exiting Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, Del.

Gail expressed his condolences for everyone involved in the accident before becoming overwhelmed by emotion and ending the interview.

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Christopher Thompson, co-owner of limo operator Atlantic Transportation Services, said the eight passenger limo bus had another driver besides Gail on board. One was behind the wheel and another in the front passenger seat.

The second driver also suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was shaken up by the crash, Thompson said.

"Atlantic Transportation Services extends our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to those injured in last night's accident. We also give our sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of the one individual that passed," he said in a written statement. "This is a very difficult time and we appreciate all of the support and well wishes we have received thus far, and we ask that everyone pray for the recovery of those injured. Godspeed to all involved."

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PHOTO: A photo of the overturned limo bus that Tracy Morgan was riding in on Saturday night. CREDIT: Charlie Benjumea

Morgan had a scheduled performance at Dover Downs Casino in Dover, Delaware, on Friday night. That's about 120 miles south of the crash point. The bus was chartered by the casino, according to Thompson.

Fuqua posted a photo to Instagram around midnight showing Morgan in front of a crowd. His Facebook page said he was opening for Morgan.

"This is what it looks like from the stage to see a standing ovation from 1,500 people," the photo's caption read. "Then we traveled back to NYC in style in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter. Road life is a good life!"

PHOTO: The aftermath of the crash showing the overturned limo bus.

A New York City native, Morgan started as a cast member on "SNL" in 1996 and spent seven years on the show. He later had his own show, "The Tracy Morgan Show," which lasted for just a season. In 2006, he portrayed the role of Tracy Jordan in the hit NBC comedy "30 Rock," created by "SNL" co-star Tina Fey.

Morgan grew up fatherless, one of five siblings, in a blighted section of Brooklyn, where he helped raise and support the family.

He once called his gift for being funny "a defense mechanism" for his miserable circumstances. As a teen, he started doing comedy on the streets to supplement the family's welfare income.

In recent years, he has struggled with alcoholism and has been arrested on drunken driving charges. He had a successful kidney transplant in late 2010.

The Turnpike was closed for more than five hours as officials investigated the crash. The highway was reopened around 6:30 a.m.

The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office will lead the investigation into the crash and the New Jersey State Police and National Transportation Safety Board are assisting. An NTSB spokesperson said the agency planned to send investigators to the crash scene Saturday evening or Sunday to focus on safety issues related to the trucks and limo.

San Diego police are looking for a tattooed man who robbed a bank in broad daylight Saturday.

The robber entered the Union Bank in the 3200 block of Sports Arena Boulevard just before 10:30 p.m. He verbally demanded cash and took off with an undisclosed amount of money, according to police.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian man in his late 30s about 6-feet tall and 180 pounds. He was wearing a gray t-shirt and white shorts and had two tattoos: The number “187” above his left eyebrow and a tear drop on his left check.

He was last seen headed left toward Target.

Check back for updates.
 

Newly released surveillance video shows the moment when a man was shot inside a Hialeah mini-mart by the store's owner.

Police said Jorge Mesa, the 30-year-old store owner, shot 34-year-old customer Antoine Perry inside the La Gloria mini-mart near the Tri-Rail station at 1120 East 25 Street on May 13 following an altercation.

At some point, Mesa told Perry to leave the store, Hialeah Police said. In-store surveillance video shows the two continuing to argue. Mesa points the gun at Perry, but Perry doesn't appear to back away. Eventually Perry starts to leave, but pushes down a food stand on his way out. Mesa then allegedly shoots the customer twice, once in the thigh and once in the knee, according to police.

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The new video also shows the moments following the gunfire, as Perry struggles to walk after being shot.

Police charged Mesa with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and he has since been released on bond. Florida's "stand your ground" law doesn't apply to property. Officials have said it did not appear that Mesa's life was in danger and that it's possible the customer had psychological problems.

While Mesa did not want to speak on camera, he said the surveillance video doesn't capture the full story.

Sergio Olmer, an employee who witnessed the incident, said Perry had been a nuisance at the store multiple times.

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A customer told NBC 6 he'd personally heard Perry make threatening statements in the past.

"I was here that first time, he said he was going to come back and get him," said the customer, who did not want to be identified.

Mesa's wife, who was behind the register at the time of the shooting, said in Spanish that her husband isn't a violent man and that she and her family felt threatened.

"He wasn't a welcome person," Carifel Suarez Mesa said in Spanish. "This wasn't a one-day thing, but the police didn't do anything about it."

Meanwhile, police are trying to figure out what exactly happened.

"We're trying to find out why he shot them," said Hialeah Police spokesman Carl Zogby. "Was it self defense? Or was it just a heated argument? Apparently there's some sort of history between the two."

Perry was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital following the shooting and treated for his injuries.

It is unclear if Mesa has an attorney.

The crash that critically injured Tracy Morgan also killed a comedian who some are remembering as a friend and mentor to the "30 Rock" star.

James McNair, known on the comedy circuit as "Jimmy Mack," died in the six-vehicle crash Saturday along the New Jersey Turnpike that sent Morgan and two others to the hospital in critical condition.

Morgan's ex-wife, Sabina Morgan, told the Daily News that the two had a long history together.

"He was one of the first comedians that took Tracy under his wing," she said of the 62-year-old Westchester resident. "They were very close."

Even after Morgan's career exploded, the two would sometimes work together, The Journal News reported.

"Him and Tracy stayed really close," McNair's friend Glenn Cook told the newspaper. "When Tracy calls, (McNair) drops everything and goes."

McNair was known in his hometown of Peekskill as a frequent volunteer who was very involved with his church. 

"I know how he loved comedy, how he loved community, how much he did for the community," Cook said. "He helped just about everybody."

He also helped care for his sister, who has cancer, Donna Besterio, head of the Caring for the Homeless of Peekskill, told The Journal News. 

A soldier’s suicide has motivated his family to raise awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder, culminating in a resource fair Saturday to make sure others get the help they need. 

Howard and Jean Somers still grieve for their son Daniel, who took his own life roughly one year ago.

Daniel was a sergeant with the California Army National Guard who served during the Iraq War.

His time on the battlefield left him with PTSD and Gulf War Syndrome, and his transition back to civilian life proved too difficult.

“He was married. We knew it was difficult for Daniel and his wife to sleep in the same bed because if she touched him during the night, it caused him flashbacks,” said Howard.

The father told NBC 7 he and his family had to walk on eggshells around Daniel. They knew he was having issues, but they did not know how to approach him or what resources were available in the community to help.

“He couldn’t get up before 12 o clock, couldn’t function, had severe headaches,” Howard said. “There were just so many things that were going on with him that we just didn’t know how to deal with.”

Now, Howard and Jean have made it their mission to make sure other veterans and families do not suffer as Daniel and his family did.

The two created Operation Engage America and organized a PTSD Awareness Day in Kearny Mesa Saturday, which offered talks on the benefits of a service dog and coaching people into the care they need.

More than two dozen organizations also participated in a resource fair to ensure guests knew about the aid available to them.

Howard said the event would have helped them if it had been available before Daniel’s death.

“This is a huge deal,” he said. “One of the big issues is that the VA -- we know they've been having a lot of publicity -- but they are experts in treating things like PTSD and TBI. The problem is less than 30 percent of veterans are even seen at VA hospitals.”

The Somers hope to make this an annual event in at least one city in every state.

A San Diego native will compete head-to-head – and gown-to-gown – alongside 50 other beauty queens for the coveted Miss USA crown during a three-hour telecast from the Baton Rouge Civic Center in Louisiana airing Sunday evening on NBC.

Cassandra Kunze, 20, will represent the state of California in the beauty pageant, hoping to succeed reigning queen Erin Brady of South Glastonbury, Conn. The contestants will be judged in swimsuit, evening gown and interview competitions until only one is left standing with the crown.

Kunze, born and raised in San Diego, is currently a junior at San Diego State University where she is studying Television, Film & New Media and International Security & Conflict Resolution. She enjoys traveling and once visited Israel as a U.S. student ambassador.

According to her Miss USA contestant biography, the 5-foot-9 blonde beauty has a love for dance and
music, and grew up dancing ballet at California Ballet School and is also a self-taught pianist.

Kunze loves outdoor activities, including flag football, baseball, track and field, golf, ultimate Frisbee and paddle boarding and, according to her bio, “believes that optimism is key to making the most of every day.”

Her favorite movie is “Shawshank Redemption” and her favorite song is “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol. Her food of choice is steak.

Her bio also lists the following “fun facts” about Kunze: she has a zip-line in her backyard, she was named after a tractor and she tends to always run as fast as she can down a dark hallway.

Prior to competing in Miss USA as Miss California, Kunze served as Miss Teen San Diego County and Miss Teenage California in 2012.

Her LinkedIn profile says she is a 2011 graduate of Grossmont High School and has worked as a ballet instructor in the past.

The winner of Sunday’s 63rd Miss USA title will represent the U.S. at the Miss Universe competition later this year.

Former "Saturday Night Live" castmember Tracy Morgan remained in critical condition Sunday, but has been "more responsive" following Saturday's deadly six-car crash on the New Jersey Turnpike that left two others critically injured and another man dead.

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The 45-year-old actor and comedian was "more responsive" Sunday after having surgery for a broken leg, spokesman Lewis Kay said in a statement.

"While Tracy remains in critical condition, he has been more responsive today, which is an incredibly encouraging sign," Kay said.

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Kay said that Morgan, who was airlifted to a hospital, also sustained a broken femur, broken nose and several broken ribs and is expected to remain hospitalized for "several weeks." He said that the comedian's family is "tremendously overwhelmed and appreciative of the outpouring of love and support from his fans."

Morgan was traveling with six other people -- two limo bus employees and four friends -- after a stand-up show in Delaware earlier that evening.

Limo driver Tyrone Gail said it was a "great day turned tragic in seconds. I was face down on the asphalt. It was unreal. I didn't know what happened. Shattered glass and things like that. It all happened so fast." 

Kevin Roper, 35, was driving a Walmart big rig on the turnpike when he failed to notice traffic slowing down in front of him. Roper smashed into the back of the the limo that Morgan was riding in, killing comedian James "Jimmy Mack" McNair, authorities said.

Walmart President and CEO Bill Simon expressed his sympathies to the victims of the crash.

"The facts are continuing to unfold. If it's determined that our truck caused the accident, Walmart will take full responsibility," Simon said.

• WATCH: Tracy Morgan Gives Birthday Present to Tina Fey 

Roper, of Jonesboro, Georgia, was charged with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office said in a news release. Roper, accompanied by his attorney, turned himself in to state police. He was released on $50,000 bail Saturday night. 

The accident happened about 15 miles north of Trenton near Exit 7A of the Turnpike in Cranbury, N.J.

Fans and celebrities took to social media and posted messages using the hashtag #PrayersForTracyMorgan to offer their support to Morgan.

Jeffrey Millea, of Shelton, Connecticut, and comedian Ardie Fuqua Jr. were listed in critical condition along with Morgan at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, hospital spokeswoman Zenaida Mendez said Sunday, The Associated Press reported. Another comedian, Harris Stanton, was treated and released from the hospital Saturday.

Roper is expected to appear in court Monday but nothing has been scheduled, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.

Pictured: Kevin Roper is the tractor-trailer driver who was charged in the fatal accident involving comedian Tracy Morgan. 

A paddle-out at La Jolla Shores Sunday celebrated a 15-year-old brain cancer victim and the surfing dog who made him feel "normal for a day," his mother said.

Last year, Florida teenager Caleb Acosta was diagnosed with a Stage 4 brain tumor, prompting rounds of surgery, radiation and physical therapy.

During the difficult treatments, Caleb heard of the San Diego-based dog “Ricochet” that surfs with people with disabilities, special needs and other disorders.

It became Caleb’s dream to take to the waves with the healing dog: a dream that the Make-a-Wish Foundation made come true.

“Never would I have believed that a dog -- a dog -- could be the bond that united so many people, that could make my son feel normal for a day,” said Caleb’s mother Cathy Franco.

Caleb and his family were flown out to the Del Mar dog beach in February to meet Ricochet and hop on a surfboard with her.

Unfortunately, just six weeks later, Caleb succumbed to the cancer.

On Sunday, Caleb’s memory was kept alive as his family traveled to La Jolla Shores for a paddle out memorial with Ricochet and others who have been helped by the dog.

Adaptive surfing was available for guests with disabilities.

"We created a bond of a family,” said Franco, “so it's a family reunion and we're celebrating my son's life and his message: a message of hope and of happiness and of love despite the hardest of circumstances."

The event also marked the release of “Ricochet” the book, written by the dog’s trainer Judy Fridono.

The “pawtobiography” includes a chapter about Caleb and his journey, written in part by the teen before he passed away.

"We carry him in our hearts, and he would be so so happy and proud to see so many people here together,” said Franco of the surfing event.
 

Red, white and brand new it is the latest transit service to hit the North County. It is called Rapid 235, a bus line featuring high-frequency, limited-stop service from the North County to downtown San Diego.

For Rancho Bernardo resident James Chiu, it is a long awaited form of public transportation.

“It will allow residents as well as anybody to be able to go into the city and take advantage of the public transportation system,” said Chiu, who commutes several days a week to volunteer at the USS Midway Museum.

A trip that used to take residents like Chiu more than an hour and a half to get downtown, this bus line promises to cut that travel time in half.

"It's going to eliminate a transfer when I do go to Escondido transit center I used to have to take the breeze 350 route, now it's just one straight shot and that's going to be a lot nicer," said Jake Fritz, who commutes from Rancho Bernardo to Kearny Mesa.

Rapid 235 operates seven days a week, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. It makes stops every 15 minutes during rush hour and every 30 minutes the remainder of the time.

“With the 235 I can come home noon time if I have to,” said Daniel Tan of Rancho Penasquitos. “That's an option that's really good cause with the kids and all, it's convenient."

It is also the first transit service to use the I-15 express lanes and at $2.50 a trip, for many, it beats having to drive.

"It's very exciting that there's a better route to take my son downtown, he goes to work in the Gaslamp Quarter, he works at the Omni, and he uses a wheelchair," said Kathy Keith of Poway.

With special ramps for wheelchair access she says the new bus route will save her son a lot of time.

“Now he can catch a bus a lot later in the morning and still get downtown in time for work,” she added Sunday morning.

Rapid is among the first of a new breed of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services that SANDAG is building in collaboration with the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS).

Rapid is an integral part of a region-wide strategy to create a BRT network to provide even more travel choices. In the coming years, Rapid will expand into a vast network of quick and efficient public transit throughout the region. Future routes include Escondido to UCSD (via Mira Mesa Boulevard), SDSU to Downtown San Diego (via El Cajon and Park Boulevards), and Otay Mesa to Downtown San Diego (via Interstate 805).

For more information visit the Rapid MTS website.