This browser does not support the Video element.
Woman killed by police after deadly stabbing
A woman was shot and killed by police in Hiram after she allegedly stabbed a man to death. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is looking into it.
HIRAM, Ga. - A woman was fatally shot by Hiram police after allegedly stabbing her teen son to death on Sunday.
Officers were called out around 1:15 p.m.
What we know:
The stabbing took place at the Columns Apartment Complex located in the 6000 block of Bill Carruth Parkway in Paulding County.
According to initial reports, the woman, who was in bloody clothing, refused to comply with police commands to drop the knife she was wielding. They said they tried to use a Taser first, but that didn't hold her back. When she allegedly approached them with the knife still in hand, they opened fire.
The male victim died at the scene from his injuries. The Paulding County Coroner's Office identified him as 17-year-old Khalil Malique Wigfall.
The suspect, identified as his 38-year-old mother, Daniele Latrice McDowell, was rushed to the hospital where she also died.
It's believed that the two were involved in some sort of domestic dispute that turned lethal.
No Hiram police officers were injured. The three officers involved were placed on administrative leave pending an investigation to be handled by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
What Witnesses Are Saying:
FOX 5 spoke to neighbors living in The Columns apartments about what they saw and heard.
"It was shocking, concerning, because this is a quiet complex. Stuff like this doesn't happen," said Tosha Goodou.
She said she was walking to her car with her daughter Sunday afternoon when she saw the victim's body lying in the parking lot.
Goodou quickly tried to shield her daughter's eyes from the grisly scene.
"So, I rushed her back into the apartment so she couldn't see anything," Goodou said.
She and other neighbors FOX 5 spoke with on Sunday said they had never seen or heard of anything like this happening at their apartment complex before.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Dashcam video shows stabbing suspect over teen's body
Shocking dashcam video shows a woman over the body of a teen she was accused of stabbing to death in a Hiram apartment parking lot. (Credit: Wayne Cheek)
Resident Wayne Cheek sent us dashcam video from his car as he drove by the scene. In the video, the suspect can be seen sitting next to the victim's body in the parking lot.
What Police Are Saying:
"This is a horrible event for everyone involved – not only the families and the two deceased people, but also, keep in mind, the mental status of the officers that had to do this today. That is going to be an emotional toll on them for life," said Joshua Lonergan from the Hiram Police Department. "This is horrific."
Lonergan said he's been with the department for 14 years and can't recall another time there was an officer-involved shooting.
Hiram High School mourns Khalil Wigfall
What they're saying:
Hiram High School Principal Darius Hodge released a statement Tuesday evening, expressing his condolences to Wigfall's family and friends "during this unimaginably painful time."
Khalil Wigfall (Credit: Hiram High School, Instagram)
He also shared some common signs of grief and tips for parents to help their children process this tragedy:
Dear Hiram High School Families:
It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news of the passing of one of our students, Khalil Wigfall.
In light of this tragic event, I kindly request your assistance in informing your student about Khalil Wigfall passing. For many, hearing the news at home and amongst family will provide the greatest comfort as your student processes this information and grieves. We are aware that children who have experienced significant losses in their lives may have a harder time coping with this information. You might notice the following signs of grief in your student:
- Tearfulness
- Irritability
- Physical complaints – stomachaches, headaches, etc.
- Inability to concentrate
- A temporary dip in grades
Listed below are some ideas that can help your student with grieving:
- Let them express their feelings
- Offer them loving support
- Allow them to be sad and cry
- Crisis Call and Text Line: Dial 988
Counselors and support staff will be available on-site, Wednesday, March 5, 2025, to provide assistance, guidance, and a safe space for students and staff to express their feelings and seek support. We will also be providing guidance to teachers on how to address this news with their students in an age-appropriate and empathetic manner.
Finally, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Khalil Wigfall family and friends during this unimaginably painful time. We are here to offer our support and stand together as a school community to provide comfort and strength during their grieving process.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we navigate through this difficult period. Together, we will honor the memory of Khalil and ensure that our students receive the support they need.
Sincerely,
Darius Hodge
Principal
What we don't know:
The GBI is now leading the investigation.
The agency has not identified the Hiram Police officers involved.
The Source: The Hiram Police Department released information about this incident on March 2, 2025. FOX 5 Atlanta reporter Eric Mock spoke to witnesses at the scene. One witness shared dashcam video of the incident. The Paulding County Coroner's Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified the suspect and victim in an update on March 5, 2025.