Killeen Police Arrest Male for Capital Murder

Killeen, TX (April 22, 2024): A 28-year-old male is currently in Bell County Jail for Capital Murder.

On April 29, 2023, officers were dispatched to McLane’s Children’s Hospital regarding an injured child where abuse was suspected in a residence in Killeen. The 2-year-old child was reported to have a subdural hematoma to the head and multiple rib fractures. The child suffered respiratory failure as a result of her neurologic injury and died as a result of her injuries on May 2, 2023. An autopsy concluded that the victim suffered a skull fracture, and her cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries to the brain.

Through the investigation, it was determined that the victim’s father and mother would strike the victim with a belt and stick. The victim’s father used a closed fist to spank the victim and would push and shake her. The victim’s mother stated that she observed her spouse strike the children with his fists and other objects but focused the abuse primarily at the victim. Approximately one week prior to the victim’s death, the mother observed her spouse strike the victim’s head with a stick.

The case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and on April 15, 2024, a complaint was issued charging Ronald Vernon Legette with Capital Murder and a complaint was issued charging 30-year-old Portia Marquise Waller with Injury to a Child with Intentional Injury.

The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department