Latest news with #AshleyShelton
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Daily Mail
Heroic teen girl's brave final act before drowning in West Virginia river... as cops make two arrests
A brave teenage girl got swept away by a current and drowned while trying to save her cousin's son in a West Virginia river. Reese Hanshaw, 13, of Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, tragically lost her life on June 30 when she, a group of children, and two adults, Ashley Shelton, 29 and Joshua Lockerbie, 34, took a trip to the Ohio River. Shelton and Lockerbie, of Weirton, drove six children, aged four to 13-year-old, to the river in We to swim that day when a strong current took over Hanshaw around 7pm. Hanshaw desperately tried to save the little boy near the Veterans Memorial Bridge. Heavy rainfall throughout the day made the water level higher than normal, sparking dangerous conditions, the Weirton Police Department said. Officers rushed to the scene within minutes, as one cop swam out to save Hanshaw and performed life-saving measures on her. She was then taken to the hospital where she died, Weirton Police Chief Charlie Kush said. Following her sudden death, the teen's aunt revealed her final heroic act just before she drowned. 'While enjoying a summer day with her cousins, Reese heroically gave her life saving her cousin's little boy, who was swept away by a sudden rip current,' Becky Watlet, Hanshaw's mother's sister, said on Facebook. Shelton and Lockerbie, who are in a relationship, were arrested Wednesday and charged with six felonies. It is unclear what their relationship was to Hanshaw or the other children. Police said they chose to bring several children to the river despite high water levels. Investigators also noted no flotation devices were present. The couple were also aware that none of the children were strong swimmers, police said. They are both charged with child neglect resulting in death and child neglect with risk of death or injury, according to arrest records obtained by Daily Mail. Shelton and Lockerbie are being held at the Northern Regional Jail in Moundsville on a $150,000 bail each, per records. Although boats are common in the river, people don't often swim or go fishing in the water, especially in hazardous conditions, Kush told CBS News. 'You have to be responsible, you have to know the limitations of the people that you're with if you are letting juveniles do these types of things,' he explained. The police chief added that 'it was just unusual' for people to go down to that river to swim in the bad weather. Hanshaw has been remembered as a 'bright and creative spirit' who had just finished the eighth grade, her obituary read. The rising high school freshman was also 'a proud member of the Turtle Club' and was known for her 'deep love for animals.' 'A talented and imaginative soul, she enjoyed drawing, crafting, creating videos, and editing,' the page read. Watlet called her late niece a 'shining light' who was also 'kind, courageous, and full of love. 'Her selflessness and bravery will forever be remembered by all who knew her,' she continued. She went on to ask the public to help raise money for her sister and brother-in-law during this difficult time. A GoFundMe page was created by her other aunt Heather Durbin to help raise money, and as of Sunday afternoon, more than $10,500 was collected. 'We are so grateful for any support, kindness, and love you can share as we honor Reese's memory,' Watlet wrote. Several of Hanshaw's classmates posted heartfelt messages about her following her death. 'Reese, I always sat with you the few days we had left of school,' one wrote. 'We weren't close but you were always kind and I remember you giving me candy all the time and starting conversations with me when I had nobody to talk to on the bus.' Another said: 'The last remaining years of school won't be the same without. Not seeing you in the hallways will be a big change because you made everyone laugh in the hallways. Rest in peace Reese…' A funeral was held for Hanshaw on Tuesday in her hometown. This is not Lockerbie's first run-in with the law, as he was previously arrested for speeding, driving under suspension, simple assault, and theft, among other offenses, according to public records.
CBS News
4 days ago
- CBS News
2 adults charged after 13-year-old Washington County girl drowns in West Virginia
Two adults are facing charges after a 13-year-old Washington County girl drowned while swimming in the Ohio River in West Virginia. Ashley Shelton, 29, and Joshua Lockerbie, 34, of Weirton have been arrested and charged with one felony count of child neglect causing death and five felony counts of gross neglect of a child creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury, Weirton police announced. On June 30, police said Shelton and Lockerbie took six kids ranging in age from 4 to 13 to the Ohio River to swim near the Veterans Memorial Bridge. Heavy rain throughout the day made the water levels high, and police said 13-year-old Reese Hanshaw of Burgettstown drowned after she was swept away by the current. Police said there were no flotation devices, and both Shelton and Lockerbie knew that none of the children were strong swimmers. Both Shelton and Lockerbie were arrested on Wednesday, arraigned and given a $150,000 bond. Both of them were incarcerated at the Northern Regional Jail in Moundsville. According to the Child's Safety Network, nearly 900 children and adolescents ages 0-19 die every year in the United States from unintentional drowning. For children ages 5-19, the network says drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Voting rights groups to rally in Baton Rouge for fair housing, criminal justice reform
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Black Voters Matter and over a dozen grassroots groups will rally at the Capitol steps on Monday. They want lawmakers to act on healthcare access, fair housing, voting rights and criminal justice reform. 'The State Capitol is our house. This is the people's house, and we need the people to really pay attention to the things that are happening,' said Ashley Shelton, president and CEO of the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice. Organizers said this year's BVM Day at the Capitol is important. Many Louisiana communities are struggling with big challenges in healthcare and housing. Advocates stress the importance of holding elected officials accountable. They also want to highlight the voices of marginalized communities in decision-making. 'You have to fight for your voice to be heard to make your community better,' Shelton said. 'Resources should be focused on the challenges and the problems that communities are facing.' Monday's event will feature a press conference. There will also be chances to talk directly with lawmakers. Black Voters Matter and its partners want to send a strong message: voters are watching and want action. Bill would penalize Louisiana gun owners if minors access unsecured firearms; most states already have storage laws 'There will be a series of different lobby days hosted by Black Voters Matter,' Shelton said. 'Power Coalition will have our day on Tuesday, and what we want to relay to our lawmakers is that it's critical they put people before politics.' Advocates worry about laws that they believe go against what voters want. 'Voters in March voted down four amendments, and now we're seeing all of those same bills come up again in our legislature — and they're moving through,' a Power Coalition representative said. Local grassroots groups and national organizations want to make sure that historically excluded voices are heard and lead the discussion about Louisiana's future. Voting rights groups to rally in Baton Rouge for fair housing, criminal justice reform 13-year-old boy dies after being hit by car while riding bike in Livingston Parish Suspect arrested in Homeland Security Secretary Noem's purse theft More than 100 immigrants detained at an illegal after-hours nightclub in Colorado Colleges and universities have billions stashed away in endowments; here's what they are Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Power Coalition partners with activists for Baton Rouge listening tour on constitutional amendments
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Power Coalition is partnering with political figures to educate and encourage people to use their voices through a Thursday listening tour in Baton Rouge. Ashley Shelton, CEO of the Power Coalition, is teaming up with activists Gary Chambers and Geno McLaughlin. The statewide town hall series focuses on the four constitutional amendments on the ballot for March 29. 'More importantly engage them about the totality of politics and kind of in a post-election environment,' McLaughlin, the moderator for the tour said. 'What are the ways we can help ourselves, save ourselves, so that when we do have to show back up to the polls we're more knowledgeable about the things on the ballot.' The Power Coalition wants to help Louisianans activate their voice and learn where and when to use it. With the ultimate push to encourage people to vote. The group aims to reach more people in the state, especially the river parishes. They want residents to understand why they should vote a certain way this election cycle. 'Often times we only think about the individuals in the large metropolitan areas… Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and even Shreveport. But what about the people in the river parishes? They are also impacted by the plants…. Somebody needs to be the voice for them and talk to them directly,' said McLaughlin. The event is at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20. The town hall starts at 6:30 p.m. and goes until 8:30 p.m. at The Valdry Center for Philanthropy at Southern University. The address is 589 Harding Blvd. You don't need to pre-register to attend. But, you can register on Eventbrite to save your spot. Krewe of Orion parade theme brings New Orleans to Baton Rouge McConnell won't seek reelection to Senate Creative control of James Bond franchise given to Amazon MGM President Donald Trump appoints Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to Council of Governors Power Coalition partners with activists for Baton Rouge listening tour on constitutional amendments Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
