Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division have identified the deceased victim as Asher Levi Kitchens. The other victims, a 41 -year-old and a 42-year-old, remain in the hospital and are in stable condition.

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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE A MURDER OF A 34-YEAR-OLD

Killeen, TX (January 31, 2021): At approximately 9:32 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of York Avenue in reference to a shooting victim. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located three males suffering from gunshot wounds. Two were immediately transported to Baylor Scott & White in Temple and the third victim was deceased at the scene.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the three victims were at a residence in the 600 block of Murphy Street. The suspect arrived and started a disturbance when shots were fired. At this time, this appears to be an isolated incident.

The deceased victim was pronounced dead at 10:59 p.m. by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke. The name of the victim will not be released until next of kin is notified.

The department is asking anyone who may have seen anything or has information about this Murder, to contact Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or go online at http://www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com. You can also download the P3Tips App for IOS or Android and give an anonymous tip. All information is confidential and anonymous and if your tip leads to the arrest of the person(s) responsible, you could be eligible to receive a reward up to $1,000 in cash.

This investigation is active, and information will be released as it becomes available.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen, TX (January 31, 2021): At approximately 9:32 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of York Avenue in reference to a shooting victim. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located three males suffering from gunshot wounds. Two were immediately transported to Baylor Scott & White in Temple and the third victim was deceased at the scene.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the three victims were at a residence in the 600 block of Murphy Street. The suspect arrived and started a disturbance when shots were fired. At this time, this appears to be an isolated incident.

The deceased victim was pronounced dead at 10:59 p.m. by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke. The name of the victim will not be released until next of kin is notified.

The department is asking anyone who may have seen anything or has information about this Murder, to contact Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or go online at http://www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com. You can also download the P3Tips App for IOS or Android and give an anonymous tip. All information is confidential and anonymous and if your tip leads to the arrest of the person(s) responsible, you could be eligible to receive a reward up to $1,000 in cash.

This investigation is active, and information will be released as it becomes available.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen, TX (January 31, 2021): A 36-year-old female is deceased after striking a vehicle that occurred during the evening hours.

On Saturday, January 30, 2021, at approximately 9:58 p.m., Killeen Police were dispatched to the 1600 block of S. Fort Hood Street in reference to a 911 call about a crash involving a motorcycle and a vehicle. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located an unconscious female lying on the roadway.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a white Harley Davidson was traveling southbound on SH 195 at unsafe speed when the driver of a black Nissan Versa failed to yield-Right of Way-stop sign and entered the intersection in front of the motorcycle. The motorcycle struck the left front quarter panel of the Nissan, causing the operator to be ejected. The operator was not wearing a helmet.

The operator of the motorcycle, Marla Harris, was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke at 11:15 p.m.

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

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen, TX (January 30, 2021): Two juveniles are in custody after they steal a vehicle in the 3600 block of Zephyr Road with an infant inside.

The Killeen Police Department received a 911 call on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at approximately 5:21 p.m., about a vehicle being stolen with a 9-month old infant boy inside. Upon the officers’ arrival, they were told that the owner of the vehicle left it running while he stepped out to briefly talk to his spouse as she placed a food order at the restaurant. That is when he turned around and noticed the vehicle was missing. A description of the vehicle was provided to assisting officers and within minutes, they located the vehicle traveling northbound on 38th Street with two occupants. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused and fled. A short pursuit ensued when the suspect driver came to a stop near Westcliff Road. The two occupants, a 15-year old male and a 14-year-old female, were detained without incident.

At approximately 5:38 p.m., while officers were detaining the occupants of the stolen vehicle, officers were notified that an infant was left on the side of the roadway in his car seat and appeared to be unharmed. Additional officers immediately responded to the location of the infant where they were met by Killeen EMS. The child was assessed by EMS as a precaution and was found to be in good health with no injury.

“This is another reminder to never leave children in an unattended vehicle, not even for a moment. Thieves are always looking for crimes of opportunity. The officers with Days B Shift did an outstanding job locating the vehicle and safely returning the infant to his family,” stated Chief Charles Kimble.

Investigation is ongoing and information will be released as it becomes available.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen, TX (January 27, 2021): On January 23, 2021, at approximately 12:38 p.m., officers were dispatched to the Buddy’s Neighborhood Store, located at 3000 Old FM 440 regarding a shooting incident. Upon their arrival, they located several shell casings, but no victims or suspects were on scene. A short time later, officers were advised that a victim, suffering with a gunshot wound to the leg, arrived at Advent Health Hospital, along with a vehicle that had damage consistent with a bullet hole. The victim since has been released from the hospital.

Through the investigation, detectives were able to identify the suspect and locate his vehicle. The victim positively identified Chanon Jaross Lacewell as the shooter.

On January 24, 2021, this case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and a complaint was returned charging Lacewell with Aggravated Assault Bodily Injury with a Deadly Weapon. An arrest warrant for Chanon Jaross Lacewell was issued by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke and he set his bond at $200,000.

On January 25, 2021, Chanon Jaross Lacewell was located and taken into custody by Detectives of the Killeen Police Department and Agents of the Marshals Service-Lone Star Fugitive Task Force.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen, TX (January 13, 2021): The deceased male has been identified as 52-year-old Patrick Lynn Warren, Sr. of Killeen.

The officer involved, Officer Reynaldo Contreras, is a 5-year veteran of the department. He remains on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation.

In addition to the investigation being conducted by the Texas Rangers, the Killeen Police Department is conducting a separate Internal Affairs investigation.

For any inquires with the Texas Rangers, send to Sgt. Bryan Washko at Bryan.Washko@dps.texas.gov.

Police Chief Charles Kimble issues the following statement to the public:

This incident is rightfully of great concern to the community. As Killeen Police Chief, it is my duty to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted so that all parties, including the public, have the answers they seek. There are many more facts in this case that are not publicly available at this time. I assure you that more information will be made available as soon as appropriate, and I ask for your patience as both investigations proceed.

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Killeen, TX (January 10, 2021): At approximately 5:29 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of Carrollton Avenue in reference to a 911 call in reference to a psychiatric call. Upon the officer’s arrival, he encountered an emotionally distressed man. The officer initially used his conducted energy weapon, which was ineffective, and then discharged his duty weapon during the encounter, striking the subject. The male was transported by paramedics to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and later succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced deceased by medical personnel and Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke.

The Killeen Police Department Criminal Investigation Division and the Texas Rangers responded to the scene and an investigation is ongoing, being led by the Rangers.

Any further requests for information surrounding this incident can be directed to Sgt. Bryan Washko with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

As per protocol, the officer will be placed on administrative leave.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen, TX (January 10, 2021): At approximately 5:29 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of Carrollton Avenue in reference to a 911 call in reference to a psychiatric call. Upon the officer’s arrival, he encountered an emotionally distressed man. The officer initially used his conducted energy weapon, which was ineffective, and then discharged his duty weapon during the encounter, striking the subject. The male was transported by paramedics to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and later succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced deceased by medical personnel and Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke.

The Killeen Police Department Criminal Investigation Division and the Texas Rangers responded to the scene and an investigation is ongoing, being led by the Rangers.

Any further requests for information surrounding this incident can be directed to Sgt. Bryan Washko with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

As per protocol, the officer will be placed on administrative leave.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen, TX (January 8, 2021): One female pedestrian is deceased after being struck by a vehicle that occurred during the evening hours.

On January 7, 2021, Killeen Police were dispatched at approximately 6:38 p.m., to the 3300 block of E. Rancier Avenue in reference to a 911 call about a vehicle versus pedestrian crash. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located an unconscious female lying on the side of the roadway.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a black Chevrolet Malibu was traveling westbound on Rancier Avenue in the outside lane. When the pedestrian attempted to cross Rancier Avenue from the southside of the roadway to the northside, she failed to yield right of way to the Malibu and was struck. The impact caused the pedestrian to come to rest in the grassy area north of the roadway.

The pedestrian, 51-year-old Penn Moffitt Ford, was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke at 7:39 p.m.

The Killeen Police Department reminds both drivers and pedestrians to be vigilant when out on roadways of Killeen. Your safety is our priority.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen, TX (January 1, 2021): A 23-year-old female is currently in the Bell County Jail with multiple charges.

Through the investigation, it revealed that the driver of the Toyota, Alexus Nicole Williams, 23, had drugs in her system and was driving under the influence.  On Wednesday, December 30, 2020, the case was presented to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and two complaints were returned charging, Alexus Nicole Williams with Manslaughter and Aggravated Assault causing Serious Bodily Injury. 

On Thursday, December 31, 2020, at approximately 10:18 a.m., traffic investigators located Williams in the 1100 block of W. Stan Schlueter Loop and arrested her without incident. 

The Killeen Police Department asks everyone to be responsible and never get behind the wheel of a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  

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Killeen Police Investigate a Fatal Crash on State Highway 195.

On Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at approximately 6:51 p.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of State Highway 195 and Chaparral Road in reference a 911 call about a major crash involving a white Toyota Corolla and a silver Chevrolet Malibu.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the Malibu was traveling northbound on SH 195 in the outside lane approaching the intersection, when the Corolla, that was traveling southbound on SH 195, turned left at the intersection, through the crossover, in an-attempt to cross the northbound lanes onto Chaparral.  The driver of the Corolla failed to yield right of way to the Malibu, causing the Malibu to strike the Corolla’s right passenger side.  The impact caused the Corolla to rotate to the northeast corner of the intersection into the grassy area, rolling onto its top and coming to a rest.  The Malibu also traveled to the northeast corner and came to a stop in the grassy area. The three occupants in the Corolla were transported to Baylor Scott & White in critical condition and the driver of the Malibu was also transported to Baylor Scott & White in stable condition. 

One of the passengers in the Toyota, Dade Michael Neujahr, 23, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace GW Ivey at approximately 7:54 p.m.

The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit continues to investigate this fatality and information will be released as it becomes available. 

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department