Killeen Police and Texas Rangers Investigate an Officer Involved Shooting
Killeen, TX (December 29, 2023): On Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at approximately 12:24 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 800 block of Adela Street in reference to a Burglary of a Habitation in progress. Upon the officer’s arrival, they encountered a female suspect armed with a knife. Officers gave numerous commands to the suspect to drop the knife, when the suspect lunged towards the officer and the officer discharged his duty weapon, striking the female.
The suspect was airlifted to Baylor Scott & White in critical condition.
As per protocol, the officer, a 13-year veteran, was placed on administrative leave.
The Texas Rangers responded to the scene and are the lead investigating agency. The Killeen Police Department Internal Affairs Unit will conduct an internal investigation.
Any further requests for information surrounding the officer involved shooting incident can be directed to Sgt. Bryan Washko with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
On Wednesday, December 27, 2023, the criminal case against the suspect was presented to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and three complaints were returned charging 44-year-old Michele Ero with Aggravated Assault on a Public Servant. Justice of the Peace Larry Wilkey issued a warrant for her arrest.
This investigation is active and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate An Early Morning Shooting
Killeen, TX (December 29, 2023): Killeen Police are investigating an early morning shooting that occurred on Culp Avenue.
On Friday, December 29, 2023, at approximately 1:51 a.m., Killeen Police Officers responded to the 1200 block of Culp in reference to several calls for multiple shots being fired in area. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a male lying in the roadway suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers started to perform life saving measures until Killeen EMS arrived. The male was subsequently airlifted to Baylor Scott and White Hospital in critical condition.
Officers then responded to a call of a second male suffering from a gunshot wound in 1100 block of Culp Ave and administered first-aid until Killeen EMS arrived. He was transported by ambulance to Baylor Scott and White with non-life-threatening injuries.
Officers also responded to a report of a third male, believed to be involved with the shooting on Culp Avenue, who arrived at Seton Medical Center Harker Heights with gunshot wounds. The male was subsequently transported to Baylor Scott and White hospital in stable condition.
The officer’s preliminary investigation revealed that two of the males that were shot are suspected of committing a burglary or attempted theft of a vehicle prior to the shooting.
Detectives are actively investigating this shooting and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Charge Suspect With Manslaughter
UPDATE NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE CHARGE SUSPECT WITH MANSLAUGHTER
Killeen, TX (December 27, 2023): The suspect, Jeremiah Lafredrick Matthews, was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson and set his bond at $500,000. Matthews has been subsequently transported to the Bell County Jail.
The investigation is active and there is no additional information at this time.
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UPDATE NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE IDENTIFY AND ARREST SUSPECT
Killeen, TX(December 26, 2023): Through the investigation, detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division have identified and arrested a suspect in this case.
This case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and a complaint was returned charging a 20-year-old male suspect with Manslaughter. The suspect is currently in the Killeen City Jail awaiting arraignment.
The next of kin of the 17-year-old juvenile male victim has been notified.
The investigation is currently active and there is no additional information at this time.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE A MURDER on N. COLLEGE STREET
Killeen, TX (December 25, 2023): Killeen Police are actively investigating the eleventh Murder in the City of Killeen.
On Monday, December 25, 2023, at approximately 2:52p.m., Killeen Police were dispatched to the 1400 block of N. College Street in reference to a 911 call about a male with a gunshot wound. Upon the officer’s arrival, they located a male suffering from a gunshot wound. Killeen EMS arrived on scene and started life-saving measures.
The victim succumbed to his injuries and Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson pronounced the victim deceased at 4:28 p.m. at the scene. He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.
The name of the victim has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
We are asking if anyone has any information or videos about this incident to contact the department at 254-501-8800 or the Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477).
We want to let the community know that this was an isolated incident and there is no continued threat to the general public.
Detectives are actively investigating this Murder and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Identify and Arrest Suspect
UPDATE NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE IDENTIFY AND ARREST SUSPECT
Killeen, TX (December 26, 2023): Through the investigation, detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division have identified and arrested a suspect in this case.
This case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and a complaint was returned charging a 20-year-old male suspect with Manslaughter. The suspect is currently in the Killeen City Jail awaiting arraignment.
The next of kin of the 17-year-old juvenile male victim has been notified.
The investigation is active and there is no additional information at this time.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE A MURDER on N. COLLEGE STREET
Killeen, TX (December 25, 2023): Killeen Police are actively investigating the eleventh Murder in the City of Killeen.
On Monday, December 25, 2023, at approximately 2:52p.m., Killeen Police were dispatched to the 1400 block of N. College Street in reference to a 911 call about a male with a gunshot wound. Upon the officer’s arrival, they located a male suffering from a gunshot wound. Killeen EMS arrived on scene and started life-saving measures.
The victim succumbed to his injuries and Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson pronounced the victim deceased at 4:28 p.m. at the scene. He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.
The name of the victim has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
We are asking if anyone has any information or videos about this incident to contact the department at 254-501-8800 or the Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477).
We want to let the community know that this was an isolated incident and there is no continued threat to the general public.
Detectives are actively investigating this Murder and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate a Murder on N. College Street
Killeen, TX (December 25, 2023), Killeen Police are actively investigating the eleventh Murder in the City of Killeen.
On Monday, December 25, 2023, at approximately 2:52 p.m., Killeen Police were dispatched to the 1400 block of N. College Street in reference to a 911 call about a male with a gunshot wound. Upon the officer’s arrival, they located a male suffering from a gunshot wound. Killeen EMS arrived on scene and started life-saving measures.
The victim succumbed to his injuries and Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson pronounced the victim deceased at 4:28 p.m. at the scene. He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.
The name of the victim has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
We are asking if anyone has any information or videos about this incident to contact the department at (254) 501-8800 or the Bell County Crime Stoppers at (254) 526-TIPS (8477).
We want to let the community know that this was an isolated incident and there is no continued threat to the general public.
Detectives are actively investigating this Murder and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Arrest Suspect After Fleeing in Vehicle
Killeen, TX (December 22, 2023): On Wednesday, December 20, 2023, officers conducted a traffic stop on a Blue Nissan Sedan for a traffic violation in the area of Rancier Avenue and 10th Street. When officers approached the vehicle, the driver sped off and a pursuit ensued.
The suspect driver continued to travel towards Hallmark Avenue at a high rate of speed, disregarding stops signs and other vehicles in the roadway. When the driver came to a stop in the 200 block of Bryce Avenue, he exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers gave chase and were able to apprehend and arrest the suspect.
Officers located a handgun in a nearby shed and $1106.00 on the suspect. The suspect driver was transported to the Killeen City.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Arrest Male Driver in Fatal Crash on Robinett
Killeen, TX (December 19, 2023): Investigators with the Traffic Unit charge and arrest a 24-year-old male with Intoxication Manslaughter. On April 7, 2023, officers responded to a multiple-vehicle crash where several people were injured and one succumbed to his injuries.
On November 9, 2023, the case was presented to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and a complaint was returned charging Jarian Webster Isby with Intoxication Manslaughter with a Vehicle. Justice of the Peace Nicola James issued a warrant for his arrest.
Information was received that Isby had left the state and was believed to be in Illinois. On December 19, at 8:50 a.m., Isby was located and arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force Illinois Division. Isby is awaiting extradition to Bell County.
We would like to thank the U.S. Marshals Service-Lone Star Fugitive Task Force Waco Division for assisting us in the apprehension of Isby.
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UPDATE NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE IDENTIFIES DECEASED VICTIM
Killeen, TX (April 11, 2023): Investigators with the Traffic Unit have identified the victim as Donald Daniel Eagen.
Investigators are actively investigating this crash fatality and there is no additional information at this time.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATES A FATALITY ON ROBINETT
Killeen, TX (April 8, 2023): A 45-year-old is deceased from a multiple-vehicle collision.
On Friday, April 7, 2023, at approximately 8:58 p.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of Robinett Road and Gus Drive in reference to a 911 call about crash involving multiple vehicles. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located an unconscious male passenger in a red sedan. Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson pronounced him deceased at 10:06 p.m. at the scene.
The preliminary investigation revealed that four vehicles were involved in a collision while traveling southbound on Robinett Road and one vehicle of those vehicles came to rest after it struck a nearby residence. Speed and weather are potential contributing factors for this crash.
Four victims were transported to Baylor Scott & White in Temple, one victim was transported to Advent Health and one to Seton Medical Center Harker Heights all in stable condition.
The name of the deceased male has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
This fatality investigation is active and at this time no other information will be released.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
UPDATE NEWS RELEASE: DETECTIVES ARREST TWO PEOPLE FOR A 2014 MURDER CASE
Killeen, TX (December 19, 2023): Two people are in custody for the death of Sung Jin Farris. Farris was found suffering from a gunshot wound on Wednesday, April 20, 2014, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division Robbery-Homicide presented the case to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and two complaints were returned charging Johnathan Shaw Allen Holmes, 36, and Zykeshalla Tyree Murphy, 32, with Murder. Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson issued warrants for their arrest.
On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Murphy was located and arrested at approximately 7:30 a.m. in Ashland, OH by the U.S. Marshals Service Northern Ohio Fugitive Task Force. Holmes was located and arrested in Belton, TX by the U.S. Marshals Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force at approximately 8:30 a.m.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
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Killeen Police are investigating an early morning shooting on Wolf St.
Officers responded to 302 Wolf St. at 2:09 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2014, in reference to a drive by shooting. Upon their arrival, officers located a 36-year-old male suffering from gunshot wounds to his chest. The victim was immediately transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at 2:47 a.m. Justice of the Peace Garland Potvin ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.
The name of the victim has been withheld pending notification of his next kin. Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division continue to process the scene at this time. This case continues to be investigated and more information will be released as it become available.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
Alex Gearhart
Assistant Chief of Police
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Make an Arrest in Multiple-Vehicle Crash
Killeen, TX (December 14, 2023): Investigators with the Traffic Unit charge and arrest a 25-year-old male for his involvement in a five-vehicle crash that occurred on Friday, October 13, 2023, in the 1300 Block of E Stan Schlueter Loop.
This case was presented to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and a complaint was issued charging the driver of the blue Dodge Charger, Devin Lamar Nelson, with Intoxication Assault. A warrant was issued by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson and on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, Nelson turned himself in to the Killeen City Jail.
On Thursday, December 14, 2023, Nelson was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Nicola James and set his bond at $150,000. Nelson is currently in the Bell County Jail.
The investigation is ongoing and there is no other information at this time.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE A MULTIPLE-VEHICLE CRASH ON STAN SCHLUETER LOOP
Killeen, TX (October 14, 2023): On Friday, October 13, 2023, at approximately 7:34 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1300 Block of E Stan Schlueter Loop in reference to a crash. Upon the officer’s arrival, they located five vehicles that were involved.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a blue Dodge Charger was traveling eastbound on E Stan Schlueter Loop in the inside lane approaching the intersection of E Stan Schlueter Loop and Trimmier Road. The Dodge Charger exited its lane and struck a vehicle that was traveling in the outside lane. The Dodge Charger continued to travel eastbound at a high rate of speed when it struck a second vehicle in the left-hand turn only lane in the 1300 Block of E Stan Schlueter Loop. The Dodge Charger continued to travel eastbound, striking a third vehicle. The Dodge Charger lost control and struck a vehicle head-on that was traveling westbound of E Stan Schlueter Loop. The Dodge Charger subsequently caught fire.
Patients from all vehicles were transported to local hospitals with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The roadway was closed for several hours for investigation.
The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit is currently investigating this crash and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Charge Suspect with Capital Murder
Killeen, TX (December 11, 2023): Charges have been filed against the suspect arrested for the Murder of seventy-five year-old Deanne McGruder and fifty-three year-old Tina McGruder that occurred on Friday, December 8, 2023, on Basalt Drive.
Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit received a complaint from the Bell County District Attorney’s Office charging Louis Lamar Simpson Jr., 26, with Capital Murder. Simpson was arraigned by Judge Cliff Coleman and set his bond at $3,000,000. Simpson is currently in the Bell County Jail.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
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UPDATE NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING THE TENTH MURDER IN THE CITY OF KILLEEN FOR 2023
Killeen, TX (December 9, 2023):
Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division have identified the two victims.
Seventy-five year-old Deanne McGruder was pronounced deceased at 2:42p.m. by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson. Fifty-three year-old Tina McGruder was pronounced deceased at 2:49p.m. by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson.
The suspect remains in custody pending formal charges from the Bell County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE ARE CONDUCTING A SHOOTING INVESTIGATION
Killeen, TX (December 8, 2023): One person is in custody after a domestic violence incident involving a weapon.
On Friday, December 8, 2023, at approximately 1:34 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 2300 block of Basalt Drive in reference domestic disturbance. Upon the officers’ arrival, they observed a male exiting the residence and heard screaming inside. Officers detained the male and went inside the to find two females suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers immediately started to perform life saving measures until paramedics arrived. One victim was transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and the second victim was transported to Advent Health, both in critical condition.
The two females succumbed to their injuries. Their name has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released. There is no immediate threat to the public.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
KilleenPD News 