Killeen Police Charge 34-Year-Old Male with Murder and Assault

Killeen, TX (February 21, 2025) UPDATE: Detectives from the Robbery-Homicide Unit investigated the case and presented their findings to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office. As a result, two complaints were filed, leading to two arrest warrants issued by Justice of the Peace Nicola James – one for Murder and another for Aggravated Assault— charging 34-year-old Lemont Diante McKinney. At this time, McKinney was already in custody at the Bell County Jail on unrelated charges. Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman later arraigned him, setting a total bond of $1,200,000.

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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE A HOMICIDE ON CUNNINGHAM
 
Killeen, TX (January 6, 2025): Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division investigate the death of a 28-year-old female.
 
On Thursday, January 2, 2025, at approximately 1:18 p.m., officers were dispatched to the Best Western Plus located at 2709 Cunningham Road in reference to multiple 911 calls about shots fired.  Upon the officer’s arrival, they located an unconscious female and a male both suffering from gunshot wounds.  Officers immediately began life saving measures on both until paramedics arrived.  The 34-year-old male was immediately airlifted to Baylor Scott & White and was conscious and alert.  The female victim, Jazmien Rae’Lynn Hernandez, unfortunately succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman at 3:05 p.m.
 
The preliminary investigation revealed that the 34-year-old male was engaged in a verbal altercation a 32-year-old male outside the hotel. During the exchange, both individuals fired shots, resulting in injuries to each other and the female.  Witnesses told officers that the 32-year-old male fled on foot south behind the hotel.  The 32-year-old male then fled on foot heading south, prompting officers to begin a search of the area.  Shortly after, officers were notified that a male had arrived at the hospital with gunshot wounds.  Officers were able to verify that this was the male that had fled on foot.
 
Both males are currently in the hospital are listed in stable condition.
 
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department