Killeen Police Announce Arrests in 2019 Murder
Killeen, TX (February 25, 2026) UPDATE: Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit have filed charges on two suspects for the murder of Gregory Wedel-Morales.
On August 23rd, 2019, Gregory Wedel-Morales, was reported missing to the Killeen Police Department. The Killeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, Robbery-Homicide Unit and Ft Hood’s Criminal Investigation Division conducted a joint investigation related to the missing soldier.
On June 21, 2020, the skeletal remains were identified with the assistance of Ft. Hood Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Army Dental Corps as those of the missing Ft. Hood soldier Gregory Morales. The Killeen Police Department Criminal Investigation Division, Robbery-Homicide Unit assumed command of the investigation once autopsy results listed the Cause of Death as “Gunshot wound of head” and listed the Manner of Death as “Homicide”.
After several years of ongoing investigation, it was discovered, Darius Demarcus Nobles and Darion Lequan Brown, were responsible for the murder of Gregory Wedel-Morales. The Bell County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and on December 30, 2025, and accepted the case, charging Darius Demarcus Nobles, 28, and Darion Lequan Brown, 27, with the Murder of Gregory Wedel-Morales.
On December 30, 2025, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Place 2 Nicola James issued arrest warrants for Darius Nobles and Darion Brown for Murder.
On December 30, 2025, Darion Brown was served while in custody at Parker County Jail for unrelated charges.
On February 23, 2026, Darius Nobles was arrested for his active Murder warrant by members of the US Marshall Task Force in Harris County. Nobles is currently being held with no bond.
The Killeen Police Department would like to thank the following agencies that assisted in this investigation: Ft. Hood CID, Texas DPS, specifically their Crime Intelligence Analyst & Texas Rangers, San Saba Sheriff’s Office, US Marshall’s Task Force, and the Bell County District Attorney’s Office.
Alex Gearhart, Assistant Chief of Police
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Identify and Arrest Murder Suspect
Killeen, TX (February 11, 2026) UPDATE: Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit have identified a suspect in the murder of Brandon Richards.
On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, detectives presented the case to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office. As a result, two criminal complaints were filed. Natalia Lamontiara Trader, 22, was charged with Murder and Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence.
Trader was arraigned by Bell County Magistrate Anthony Woolstrum, who set bond at $1,000,000 for the Murder charge and $50,000 for the Tampering charge. She is currently awaiting transport to the Bell County Jail.
Detectives continue to actively investigate this case. No additional information is available at this time.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATING THE MURDER OF A 22-YEAR-OLD MALE
Killeen, TX (February 10, 2026): The Killeen Police Department is actively investigating a shooting that resulted in the death of a 22-year-old male.
On Monday, February 9, 2026, at approximately 7:42 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 2700 block of Cunningham Road in reference to a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, officers located a male on the front porch of an apartment suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was immediately transported to Carl R. Darnall Medical Center in critical condition.
The victim, Brandon Richards, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson at 8:26 p.m.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the 9-1-1 caller reported the victim had been shot and that the suspect fled the area.
Anyone with information related to this murder is urged to contact Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at http://www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com.
The Killeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, Robbery-Homicide Unit, is actively investigating this case. No additional information is available at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigating the Murder of a 22-Year-Old Male
Killeen, TX (February 9, 2026): The Killeen Police Department is actively investigating a shooting that resulted in the death of a 22-year-old male.
On Monday, February 9, 2026, at approximately 7:42 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 2700 block of Cunningham Road in reference to a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, officers located a male on the front porch of an apartment suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was immediately transported to Carl R. Darnall Medical Center in critical condition.
The victim, Brandon Richards, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson at 8:26 p.m.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the 9-1-1 caller reported the victim had been shot and that the suspect fled the area.
Anyone with information related to this murder is urged to contact the Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at http://www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com.
The Killeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, Robbery-Homicide Unit, is actively investigating this case. No additional information is available at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigating the Murder of a 35-Year-Old Male
Killeen, TX (February 1, 2026): The Killeen Police Department is actively investigating a shooting that resulted in the death of James Marquis Simmons.
On Sunday, February 1, 2026, at approximately 3:59 a.m., officers were dispatched to Club Blu Print, located at 4505 E. Veterans Memorial Boulevard, in reference to a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, officers located a male in the parking lot suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was immediately airlifted to Carl R. Darnall Medical Center in critical condition.
The victim later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Gregory Johnson at 5:01 a.m.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the 9-1-1 caller reported hearing gunshots and then discovering the male in the parking lot with a gunshot wound. An unknown vehicle was observed leaving the scene.
Anyone with information related to this murder should contact the Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at http://www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com.
The Killeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, Robbery-Homicide Unit, is actively investigating this case. No additional information is available at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigating Multi-Vehicle Crash on Interstate 14
Killeen, TX (January 31, 2026): Killeen Police are investigating a multi-vehicle crash on I-14 resulting in multiple injuries.
On Saturday, January 31, 2026, at approximately 2:26 a.m., officers responded to a major multi-vehicle crash on I-14.
The preliminary investigation indicates a red Dodge Charger was traveling eastbound at a very high rate of speed when it struck a gray GMC SUV during a lane change and then struck a black Mercedes-Benz SUV. The Dodge Charger and Mercedes-Benz SUV left the roadway and rolled down the embankment, while the GMC SUV left the roadway and spun down the embankment. All three vehicles came to rest on Central Texas Expressway.
The driver of the Mercedes-Benz fled on foot and was apprehended by officers. He was found in possession of a stolen handgun and narcotics and had an active arrest warrant. A female passenger in the Mercedes was transported to Baylor Scott & White Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The occupants of the Dodge Charger required extrication by KFD and were transported to Baylor Scott and White Hospital. The driver was airlifted with serious injuries, and a passenger was transported by ambulance with serious injuries. The two occupants of the GMC sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
Central Texas Expressway was closed for approximately four hours. Only lane reduction was required on I-14.
The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit continues to investigate this crash.
No further information is available at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate a Single-Vehicle Fatality on Roy Reynolds
Killeen, TX (January 28, 2026): Investigators with the Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash on Roy Reynolds Drive.
On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at approximately 5:49 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of N. Roy Reynolds Drive in reference to a single-vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers discovered a vehicle that had crashed into a utility pole.
The preliminary investigation indicates a silver Volvo SUV was traveling southbound in the 500 block of Roy Reynolds Drive when it accelerated suddenly and left the roadway. The vehicle struck a utility pole, severing a portion of the pole, then rolled over and came to rest.
The male driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson at 5:50 a.m. An autopsy has been ordered and will be conducted at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.
The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Traffic investigators expect a prolonged closure of Roy Reynolds Drive while the investigation and clean-up operations are completed.
The Killeen Police Department’s Traffic Unit continues to investigate this fatality, and no further details are available at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Conduct a Death Investigation on Rancier Avenue
Killeen, TX (January 26, 2026): Officers with the Killeen Police Department responded to the 200 block of W. Rancier Avenue at approximately 5:11 a.m. in reference to the unknown status of a person. Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive adult female.
Preliminary investigation indicates a witness was walking in the area when they observed a body lying on the ground near a dumpster and called 9-1-1. Justice of the Peace Nicola James pronounced the female deceased at 5:15 a.m. She ordered an autopsy to be conducted at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas.
It is unknown whether the death may be weather-related, medically related, or a combination of both factors, pending the results of the autopsy.
With extremely cold temperatures continuing, we remind residents that resources are available to help prevent tragedies during severe weather. Community members in need of shelter are strongly encouraged to take advantage of available city resources.
Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division are investigating this death and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Identify Deceased Male from Fatal Shooting
Killeen, TX (January 22, 2026): UPDATE – Detectives with the Killeen Police Department Criminal Investigation Division have identified the deceased male involved in a fatal shooting that occurred in the 2600 block of Illinois Avenue.
The 58-year-old male has been identified as Randy Lee Wright.
Detectives continue to investigate this incident and there is no further information at this time.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE FATAL SHOOTING ON ILLINOIS AVENUE
Killeen, TX (January 18, 2026): The Killeen Police Department is investigating a shooting that resulted in the death of a 58-year-old male.
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, at approximately 1:34 p.m., officers responded to a report of a violent domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, officers located a 58-year-old male outside in the breezeway suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The male was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson at 2:42 p.m.
The female victim, 45, was also transported to Seton Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
The preliminary investigation indicates witnesses heard a female screaming and observed a male pointing a firearm at her. A 66-year-old male who was walking in the area heard the disturbance and intervened. The 58-year-old male then pointed his gun at the female and the 66-year-old male, who then fired his own handgun, striking the 58-year-old.
The case will be reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office. No arrests have been made at this time.
Detectives continue to investigate this incident and there is no further information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate Fatal Shooting on Illinois Avenue
Killeen, TX (January 18, 2026): The Killeen Police Department is investigating a shooting that resulted in the death of a 58-year-old male.
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, at approximately 1:34 p.m., officers responded to a report of a violent domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, officers located a 58-year-old male outside in the breezeway suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The male was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson at 2:42 p.m.
The female victim, 45, was also transported to Seton Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
The preliminary investigation indicates witnesses heard a female screaming and observed a male pointing a firearm at her. A 66-year-old male who was walking in the area heard the disturbance and intervened. The 58-year-old male then pointed his gun at the female and the 66-year-old male, who then fired his own handgun, striking the 58-year-old.
The case will be reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office. No arrests have been made at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Charge Second Suspect in Fatal Monte Carlo Shooting
Killeen, TX (January 15, 2026): UPDATE – Detectives with the Killeen Police Department Robbery-Homicide Unit have identified a second suspect in the murder of 22-year-old Tai’Lynn Akaya Wright.
Following the investigation, the case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office, and two criminal complaints were issued against Casual Savion Winston, 18. Winston has been charged with Aggravated Assault and Murder. Bell County Associate District Judge Susan Criss issued an arrest warrant for him.
On January 14, 2026, Winston turned himself in to the Killeen Police Department and was booked into the Killeen City Jail.
On January 15, 2026, Winston was arraigned by Judge Criss and received a total bond of $1.2 million. He is currently awaiting transport to the Bell County Jail.
This investigation remains ongoing, and there is no further information available at this time.
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UPDATE NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE CHARGE 18-YEAR-OLD FEMALE IN FATAL MONTE CARLO SHOOTING
Killeen, TX (January 2, 2026): Detectives with the Killeen Police Department Robbery-Homicide Unit have identified a suspect in the murder of 26-year-old Tai’Lynn Akaya Wright.
Following the investigation, the case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office, and two criminal complaints were issued against Jada Raquelle Levy, 18. Levy has been charged with Aggravated Assault and Murder. Bell County Associate District Judge Susan Criss issued an arrest warrant for her.
On December 31, 2025, Levy was located and arrested by the Killeen Police Department. She was arraigned by Judge Criss and received a total bond of $300,000. She is currently being held in the Bell County Jail.
This investigation remains ongoing, and there is no further information available at this time.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE FATAL SHOOTING ON MONTE CARLO LANE
Killeen, TX (November 26, 2025): The Killeen Police Department is actively investigating the death of a 22-year-old female following a shooting incident.
On November 26, 2025, at approximately 2:02 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of Monte Carlo Lane in reference to two shooting victims suffering with gunshot wounds. Upon the officer’s arrival, they located an unconscious female and a conscious male inside the residence. Killeen Fire EMS arrived and provided life-saving measures to both victims.
The 26-year-old male victim was transported to Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Temple with non-life-threatening injuries. He has been treated and released.
The female victim, Tai’Lynn Akaya Wright was pronounced deceased at 2:47 a.m. by Justice of the Nicola James at the scene, who ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were inside their residence when an unknown person fired a weapon from outside toward the residence.
Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division continue to actively investigate this case. This appears to be an isolated incident.
There is no further information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
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