Archive by Author | KPDPIO

Killeen Police Investigate a Homicide on Sunset Street

Killeen, TX (May 22, 2025): The Killeen Police Department is actively investigating the death of a 28-year-old male following a stabbing incident.

On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at approximately 5:24 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Sunset Street in reference to a stabbing victim. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim suffering from a stab wound. Killeen Fire Department EMS responded and began life-saving measures. The victim was airlifted to Baylor Scott & White in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The victim, Ondarien Jamall Kelly, was pronounced deceased at 6:58 p.m. by Justice of the Peace Ted Duffield. He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences.

The preliminary investigation reveals that the victim and suspect, who are acquaintances, were involved in a verbal altercation. During the dispute, the suspect grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed the victim before fleeing the scene. This is an isolated incident.

On May 22, 2025, this case was presented to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and a complaint was returned charging 35-year-old Cecil Tamez Jr. with Murder. Justice of the Peace Nicola James issued a warrant for his arrest.

If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Tamez, call the Killeen Police Department at (254) 501-8830 or contact the Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or go online at http://www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com.

The Killeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, Robbery-Homicide Unit, is actively investigating and there is no additional information available at this time.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Traffic Delays Expected for Funeral Procession Honoring Killeen Fire Department Captain Marvin Taylor III

Killeen, TX (May 19, 2025): On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, motorists should expect traffic delays along a portion of Interstate 14 due to the funeral procession honoring Killeen Fire Department Captain Marvin Taylor III.

The procession will begin in Copperas Cove and travel eastbound on I-14 through Killeen. It will continue onto SH 201 (Clear Creek Road) and then head southbound onto SH 195.

The procession is expected to occur between 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. and may cause intermittent delays along the route, particularly near on-ramps and intersections along I-14, SH 201, and SH 195. Drivers are encouraged to plan accordingly, use alternate routes when possible, and exercise patience and caution in the area.

We ask the public to join us in honoring Captain Taylor’s life and service by allowing the procession to pass safely and respectfully.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Investigate a Homicide on Morning Star Lane

Killeen, TX (August 21, 2025) UPDATE: Detectives with the Killeen Police Department, Robbery-Homicide Unit, announce the arrest of 16 year-old murder suspect in this case.

On Monday, July 21, 2025, the offender was found hiding in Chicago, Illinois and arrested for the outstanding court order charging him with the murder of Kaizen Amere Simmons. He has been extradited back to Texas and is awaiting trial.

The Killeen Police Department would like to thank the United States Marshals Service – Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, as well as the United States Marshals Service in Chicago, for their assistance in this apprehension.

The name of the juvenile suspect will not be released and no further information is available at this time.

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Killeen, TX (April 29, 2025): The Killeen Police Department is actively investigating the death of a 21-year-old male following a shooting incident.

On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at approximately 1:26 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 5000 block of Morning Star Lane in reference to a shooting victim. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Killeen Fire Department EMS responded and began life-saving measures. The victim was transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The victim, Kaizen Amere Simmons, was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Nicola James. She ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences.

The preliminary investigation indicates the suspect was in his vehicle and was meeting someone in the street when the shooting occurred.

The Killeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, Robbery-Homicide Unit, is actively investigating. Detectives are asking residents in the area to review their surveillance cameras for any individuals walking in the vicinity around the time of the shooting. A QR Code is provided to submit any evidence in this case or contact the police department at 254-501-8800.

Detectives are asking if anyone has information about this incident, to contact the Bell County 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.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Charge a 27-Year-Old Male with Murder

Killeen, TX (April 21, 2025): On April 18, 2025, detectives with the Killeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division presented this case to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office. A complaint was returned charging Jermaine Justin Attaway, 27, with Murder. Justice of the Peace Nicola James arraigned Attaway and ordered that no bond be set. He is currently in the Bell County Jail.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was attending a gathering at a residence when the suspect arrived and attempted to force entry by kicking the front door. As the victim, 47-year-old Salathiel Andre Witherspoon Jr., held the door from inside to prevent entry, the suspect discharged a firearm, striking the victim.

Justice of the Peace Nicola James pronounced Witherspoon deceased at 8:20 p.m.

No further information is available at this time.

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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE A HOMICIDE ON GRAY STREET

Killeen, TX (April 17, 2025): Killeen Police are actively investigating the death of a 47-year-old male.

On Thursday, April 17, 2025, at approximately 7:28 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Gray Street in reference to a shooting victim. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound.

Killeen Fire Department EMS responded and began life-saving measures. The victim was transported to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced deceased by medical staff.

The name of the victim has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.

One person has been detained in connection to this case. This was an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The Killeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, Robbery-Homicide Unit, is actively investigating.

No further information is available at this time.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Investigate a Homicide on Gray Street

Killeen, TX (April 17, 2025): Killeen Police are actively investigating the death of a 47-year-old male.

On Thursday, April 17, 2025, at approximately 7:28 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Gray Street in reference to a shooting victim. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound.

Killeen Fire Department EMS responded and began life-saving measures. The victim was transported to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced deceased by medical staff.

The name of the victim has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.

One person has been detained in connection to this case. This was an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The Killeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, Robbery-Homicide Unit, is actively investigating.

No further information is available at this time.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Suspect Charged with Aggravated Assault on a Public Servant

UPDATE NEWS RELEASE: Killeen, TX (April 17, 2025): On April 11, 2025, this case was presented to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office for review. Three complaints were returned charging Nathan Andrew Dodge with Aggravated Assault on a Public Servant. Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman issued a warrant for Dodge’s arrest.

On April 16, 2025, Dodge was released from the hospital, at which time the warrants were served. He was then transported to the Bell County Jail, where Associate District Judge Randy Dale arraigned him and set his bond at $1,500,000.00.

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

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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATES AN OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING IN THE 2600 BLOCK OF LARISSA DRIVE

Killeen, TX (April 10, 2025): On Thursday, April 10, 2025, the Killeen Police Department assisted the United States Secret Service (USSS) with a consensual interview involving a 24-year-old male.
At approximately 3:20 p.m., three Killeen Police officers and two USSS agents arrived at a residence in the 2600 block of Larissa Drive. An occupant allowed them inside, where the subject of the interview emerged from a room. For officer safety, a pat-down was conducted, during which officers felt a semi-automatic pistol in the male’s front pocket. A struggle ensued, and two Killeen officers discharged their duty weapons, striking the suspect multiple times.

Officers and USSS agents immediately rendered aid until paramedics arrived. The suspect was airlifted to Baylor Scott & White in critical condition.

The Killeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division is conducting the investigation into the shooting. The Killeen Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit will handle the administrative review. The Bell County District Attorney’s Office is also assisting.

There is no further information available at this time.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Recover Stolen Vehicle and Arrest One Juvenile

Killeen, TX (April 16, 2025): On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at approximately 11:22 a.m., Killeen Police Officers located a Chevy Suburban that was reported stolen to our department earlier this morning, in the parking lot of the Killeen Mall. When the driver observed the marked patrol unit, the vehicle began to leave the area. The officers attempted to conduct a vehicle stop, but the driver refused and evaded through a nearby neighborhood, and eventually entered the property of Manor Middle School.

Upon entering the school property, the vehicle crashed into a fence and a series of drainage ditches. The vehicle came to a stop and the sole occupant, a 16-year-old male, fled on foot. Officers quickly pursued and safely took the juvenile into custody in the school’s parking lot. The suspect was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries sustained in the crash. He was later released and transported to juvenile detention.

The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit continues to investigate this incident and there is no additional information at this time.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Conduct a Death Investigation after a Single-Vehicle Crash

Killeen, TX (April 12, 2025): On Friday, April 11, 2025, at approximately 4:38 p.m., Killeen Police officers were dispatched to the 900 block of E. Veterans Memorial Boulevard in reference to a single-vehicle crash.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a blue SUV was traveling eastbound on Veterans Memorial Boulevard when the driver, a 70-year-old female, began experiencing a medical emergency. The vehicle crossed over the westbound lanes, left the roadway, and ultimately rolled into South Nolan Creek.

A bystander nearby immediately attempted to render aid, working to keep the driver’s head above water until emergency responders arrived. The Killeen Fire Department EMS transported the driver to Advent Health, where she later succumbed to her medical condition. Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson pronounced Kyong Cha Ganaha deceased at 5:18 p.m.

The Killeen Police Department’s Traffic Unit responded to the scene and will conduct the investigation.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Investigates an Officer Involved Shooting on Larissa Drive

Killeen, TX (April 10, 2025): On Thursday, April 10, 2025, the Killeen Police Department assisted the United States Secret Service (USSS) with a consensual interview involving a 24-year-old male.

At approximately 3:20 p.m., three Killeen Police officers and two USSS agents arrived at a residence in the 2600 block of Larissa Drive. An occupant allowed them inside, where the subject of the interview emerged from a room. For officer safety, a pat-down was conducted, during which officers felt a semi-automatic pistol in the male’s front pocket. A struggle ensued, and two Killeen officers discharged their duty weapons, striking the suspect multiple times.

Officers and USSS agents immediately rendered aid until paramedics arrived. The suspect was airlifted to Baylor Scott & White in critical condition.

The Killeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division is conducting the investigation into the shooting. The Killeen Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit will handle the administrative review. The Bell County District Attorney’s Office is also assisting.

There is no further information available at this time.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Investigate a Shooting on Griffith Loop

Killeen, TX (March 26, 2025): On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at approximately 6:48 p.m., Killeen Police officers were dispatched to the 6100 block of Griffith Loop in reference to a shooting victim.

Upon arrival, officers found a 52-year-old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, the victim, Jahid Hombre Black, tragically succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced deceased at 7:23 p.m. by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson at the scene.

Three other males, ages 10, 12, and 18, were also in the vehicle. Two sustained gunshot wounds, while the third was injured as a result of the crash. All three were transported to local hospitals in unknown condition.

A 16-year-old male suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Bell County Juvenile Detention Center.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the victims stopped in front of the suspect’s residence in a vehicle. All parties involved were known to each other. An interaction occurred, during which the suspect opened fire on the vehicle. The driver, the 52-year-old victim, attempted to drive away but crashed the vehicle approximately two blocks away.

Detectives believe this was an isolated incident and say there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The Killeen Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Unit continues to investigate. No further information is available at this time.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department