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Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025
The Eagle

National brief: California teen kills two, commits suicide

A California teenager clad in a black cape and helmet went on a shooting rampage Saturday, according to USAToday.com.

William Freund, 19, killed a man and his daughter before committing suicide, authorities said.

He also fired shots into another house and also had a confrontation with a neighbor.

According to Orange County Sheriff's Department spokesman Jim Amormino, there was no known link between the teen and his victims.

Freund left his home early Saturday morning and arrived at a house where he killed Vernon Smith, 45, and daughter Christina Smith, 22, with a shotgun, Amormino said.

Freund then walked across the street and fired into another house where the individual inside suffered cuts from broken glass, Amormino said.

Police tape blocked off much of the large subdivision in the hills above Aliso Viejo, a section of south Orange County near Laguna Beach.


Section 202 hosts Connor Sturniolo and Gabrielle McNamee are joined by fellow Eagle staff member and phenomenal sports photographer, Josh Markowitz. Follow along as they discuss the United Football League and the benefits it provides for the world of professional football.


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