Every year comes with its highs and lows. And 2022 was no different. The billionth vaccine was administered. The population of humpback whales, which were once endangered, is growing. Acres of redwood forest were returned to an Indigenous tribe. Scientists may have cured HIV in one woman. This year held some beautiful moments.
But there were also quite a few tragic headlines this year, and although we're ready to move onward and upward, we also think it's important to take a moment to reflect on what we've collectively experienced over the past 12 months. Here's a list of some of the most tragic headlines of 2022. We share these stories to honor and remember the victims and to hopefully learn what we might do differently moving forward.
The Buffalo Shooter Gave All the Red Flags & Still, No One Stopped Him
Eighteen-year-old Payton Gendron committed one of this year’s most deadly shootings when he walked into a grocery store in Buffalo, New York, and killed 10 people. The massacre was racially motivated. Eleven of the 13 people Gendron shot were Black. Many believe the shooting could have been prevented as Gendron had exhibited several concerning behaviors.
He threatened to commit a murder-suicide after graduating high school, published a 181 page manifesto detailing his racist beliefs and even detailed his plan to shoot up that particular store because "it has the highest black population percentage." Gendron, who pleaded guilty to the murders, faces life in prison.
Young Mom & 4-Year-Old Daughter Killed in 'Tragic' Shooting
A family in Pittsburgh mourned the loss of not only their 4-year-old granddaughter but that of her young mother as well. The two were grocery shopping when they were shot and killed outside Brooklyn Food Market.
Kaari Thompson, the toddler, died shortly after the shooting, while her mother, Temani Lewis, was taken to the hospital in critical condition. She succumbed to her injuries days later. Authorities are still searching for the shooter.
Man Arrested After Weeks-Long Manhunt, Accused of Killing & Dismembering 11-Month-Old Baby
Christopher Francisquini was on parole for one crime when he allegedly killed his infant daughter and managed to evade police for weeks. When authorities found Camilla Francisquini’s body, it was in a “state of dismemberment.” Her official cause of death was determined to be the result of neck compressions and stab wounds.
Though Francisquini attempted to alter his appearance, he was eventually tracked down by the FBI. He was arrested the day before Camilla’s first birthday. He remains behind bars on a $5 million bond.
Adopted 11-Year-Old Girl Who Was Tortured & Murdered Weighed Just 48 Pounds When She Died
To the public, Leticia McCormack was a mother of three adoptive children and a leader in the church. But behind closed doors she allegedly was an abuser who tortured, abused, and starved children. She, along with her parents, reportedly were so diabolical in their actions that 11-year-old Aarabella McCormack died from starvation and bodily injuries. Aarabella and her two sisters had been beaten with paddles and sticks, been denied food and water, and were prevented from using the bathroom when they wished.
At the time of her death, Aarabella had 15 bone fractures that were still healing and weighed just 48 pounds. McCormack’s husband, Brian McCormack, also was involved in the abuse but died by suicide after police questioned him about his daughter’s death.
Paramedic Didn't Know She Tended to Her Own Daughter Before She Died
Jayme Erickson arrived at the scene of a car crash and immediately went to work treating the young woman trapped in the back seat. Sadly, the woman's injuries were too significant and she succumbed to them. What Erickson didn’t know was that she was working on her own daughter at the time.
Montana Erickson's injuries were so severe that her mother didn’t recognize her. When she went home after her shift, authorities broke the devastating news. Erickson’s daughter was just 17 years old.
Toddler Starved to Death in NY Apartment After Father Died of a Heart Attack
David Conde Sr., 59, and his 2-year-old son, David Conde Jr., were known to keep to themselves. But when family members hadn’t heard from the two for weeks on end, they called for a wellness check. When authorities arrived at the home, they found a horrifying scene.
Conde Sr. had died of cardiovascular disease. And in the absence of his father’s care, Conde Jr. died of starvation. The toddler’s mother was not involved in his life, and Conde Sr. was awarded full custody shortly after he was born. The father and son were discovered on the bed together.
Woman Charged With Killing Sister & Her 3-Week-Old Baby
Jealousy and an extreme case of sibling rivalry apparently caused 22-year-old Yarelly Solorio-Rivera to take the life of her 18-year-old sister, Yanelly, and her 3-week old baby, Celine. Yarelly Solorio-Rivera did not act alone. Her boyfriend allegedly also worked to orchestrate the murders.
The mother and daughter were found in bed with multiple gunshot wounds. Yanelly Solorio-Rivera was holding her infant daughter in her arms. Her sister has been charged with two counts of premeditated murder. If convicted, she will face 25 years to life in prison.
Man Allegedly Murdered GF & Shot Her Child Because He Suspected Her of Cheating
When two children were left at a Michigan hospital without a parent, police launched an investigation. That led them to the home of Rosanna Romero on the Isabella Indian Reservation. At Romero’s home, authorities found her body with multiple gunshot wounds. Eventually, police found Johnathan Ashford, Romero’s boyfriend. Once they found him, Ashford immediately admitted to shooting and killing Romero because he believed she was cheating on him. He also admitted to shooting the baby but claimed that was an accident.
In addition to being charged with murder, Ashford faces charges of failing to register as a sex offender, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence after being convicted of a felony, first-degree child abuse, and two counts of domestic assault by a habitual offender. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
Couple Allegedly Killed 6 Kids in Apparent Murder-Suicide Motivated by Looming Debt
High school sweethearts Brian and Brittney Nelson were found dead near the front of their Oklahoma home, which had been set on fire. The two sustained injuries that were "criminal" in nature. The couple’s six children were also found dead near the back of the home. Police determined no one in the home died as a result of the fire. Instead, it was homicide.
Brian Nelson’s parents said the couple was under severe financial stress after he suffered a head injury. His parents believed that with the painful aftermath of his injury, mounting debt, and many children to feed, it all became too much for the couple.
Mom of 3 Was Allegedly Killed by Her Abusive Husband After He Was Released From Jail
Adam Bennefield and his estranged wife, Keaira Hudson, apparently had an abusive marriage. Hudson, who was the mother of three children, was taking steps to leave him for good. She’d recorded his violent outbursts and even called the police after his most recent altercations. He was arrested but later released because his charges didn’t qualify for bail reform.
A judge had issued an order of protection but it wasn’t enough. Days later, he allegedly shot and killed Hudson while she sat in her car in front of her mother’s home.
Drunk Driver Reportedly Smirked After Running Over 6-Year-Old Multiple Times, Killing Him
Pedro Alberto Hernandez reportedly had a history of driving drunk. Sadly, his recklessness apparently culminated in the death of 6-year-old Darien Lewis. Lewis was getting a snack after dinner when Hernandez allegedly struck him in the parking lot. Hernandez, who witnesses described as out of his senses, reportredly backed up over the boy again.
But Lewis’ grandfather, Dana Hubbard, said Hernandez thought the whole thing was funny. He claimed he was laughing. This was Hernandez’ fourth DWI arrest. He is charged with murder and driving while intoxicated. If convicted, he will serve life in prison.
Utah Woman Was Killed Hours After She Said She Was Planning To Flee Abusive Relationship
Experts say a woman in an abusive relationship is in the most danger when she decides to leave. Sadly, that statistic was all too real for Lyberdee Cisneros. Cisneros, a 24-year-old from Utah, told her younger sister that she was planning on leaving 20-year-old Jayden Fernelius, her boyfriend of two years. But before she could do so, he allegedly shot her multiple times and she succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Fernelius faces a charge of first-degree felony murder.
Abused 5-Year-Old Girl Dies After Allegedly Being 'Beaten in Ribs' by Mom & Boyfriend
An autopsy revealed that the sudden death of 5-year-old Emily Canales, was the result of extensive abuse, reportedly at the hands of mother Brianne Escamilla and her mother’s boyfriend, Matthew Urias. The autopsy found that Canales, who died in January, had suffered at least 20 blunt force injuries days before her death, including extensive bruises and cuts, lung contusions, rib fractures, and several hemorrhages. Her head was also shaved prior to her death, a punishment from her mother.
The couple confessed to abusing the girl, and the boyfriend said he regretted “spanking” her. Both Escamilla and Urias have been charged with first-degree murder.
A 9-Year-Old Boy Beat Cancer & Then His Parents Allegedly Strangled Him to Death
Azuree Charles fought for his life when he was diagnosed with pediatric cancer. Although he should have been enjoying a second chance at life, his was allegedly ended by his father Jean Charles. Jean Charles, who had a documented history of abuse of his son, allegedly strangled Azuree. His body was found unclothed, covered in dirt in the backyard. Later, his mother, Luella Eilen, who had promised to keep Jean Charles away from the boy, lied to the police when she said her son was missing.
Jean Charles now faces charges of murder, criminal homicide, abuse of a corpse, unlawful restraint of a minor by a parent, strangulation, concealing the death of a child, and tampering with physical evidence. Eilen has been charged with aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, and hindering apprehension or prosecution of another person.
The Uvalde School Shooting
The year 2022 has proven to be the deadliest year for mass shootings, according to one expert. With more than 600 shootings that claimed the lives of more than 10 people each, it’s been a record-setting year in the worst way possible. The deadliest shooting of the year took place at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, claiming the lives of 19 children and two teachers.
It was heartbreaking to watch the names and faces of those tiny victims and to see the devastation their parents shared with the world. It was yet another reminder that children are not safe even in schools and something has to change in terms of the laws around the accessibility to guns in this country.
