Victim Identified and Suspect Charged with Manslaughter in Dustin Court Shooting

Killeen, TX (January 25, 2025): Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit identified the victim as Raymon Cruz.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim and the suspect were playing with a handgun in the bedroom of the residence when the suspect pulled the trigger, striking the victim.

The Bell County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and a complaint was issued charging 19-year-old Jeremiah Ezekiel Hanley. Hanley was arraigned in the Killeen City Jail by Justice of the Peace Nicola James, who set his bond at $120,000. He is currently in the Bell County Jail.

Detectives continue to investigate this incident and at this time there is no other information to be released.

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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING A HOMICIDE ON DUSTIN COURT
 
Killeen, TX (January 23, 2025): Killeen Police Officers were dispatched to the 3700 block of Dustin Court in response to a 911 call about a shooting.  Upon arrival, officers found an 18-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound and immediately started to perform life-saving measures until paramedics arrived.  He was transported by ambulance to AdventHealth Central Texas in critical condition.
 
Tragically, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 6:31 p.m. by Justice of the Peace Nicola James.  The name of the victim has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
 
A 20-year-old male was placed under arrest and transported to the Killeen City Jail.  Charges are currently pending.
 
This is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public.
 
Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division are actively investigating this incident and at this time no other information will be released.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department