Motel Room Death Investigation – Update

UPDATE: July 7, 2014

The deceased female has been identified as 25 year Shainta Nicole Tiller of Grand Prarie.  The manner of death has not been determined at this time as the detectives are awaiting the autopsy results.

This death continues to be investigated and information will be released as it becomes available.

Killeen Police and Fire departments investigate a fire and death of a woman in local motel room.

The Killeen Fire and Police Departments responded to a 911 call reporting a possible structure fire at the Palace Inn, located at 6200 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd, on Saturday, July 5, 2014, at 11:31am.

Upon the officers arrival they were told by the maintenance personnel that they were checking the rooms of those customers that were supposed to be checked out by 11:00am.  While on the second floor they smelled smoke in the area of room #219; a pass key was used to check on the welfare of the person who was checked into that room.  Upon entering the smoked filled room, a female was found inside that appeared to be deceased.  Killeen Fire Department paramedics confirmed that the female was deceased and contacted Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke; he pronounced the 25 year old female deceased at 11:58am.  He also ordered an autopsy to be performed at the southwestern institute of forensic sciences in Dallas.  The cause of death has not been determined at this time.

At this point the Killeen Police and Fire departments are working together to determine the cause of the fire and the cause of the females death.  Detectives are asking anyone who may have information about this incident to contact Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477), go online at www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com or text BELLCO along with the tip to 274637.  All information is confidential and you can remain anonymous.

Carroll Smith
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department