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.
###
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
Killeen Police Identify Victim From Fatal Crash
Killeen, TX (February 7, 2025): The victim of this fatal crash was identified as 67-year-old Betsey Rolston.
The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit and the Robbery/Homicide Unit conducted the investigation, determining that three individuals were inside the stolen Jeep at the time of the crash. Two male suspects, a 15-year-old and a 14-year-old, exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot but were apprehended by officers after a brief pursuit. A third male suspect, also 15 years old, initially went unnoticed and fled in the opposite direction. Further investigation later led to his identification.
The 15-year-old and 14-year-old taken into custody are currently being held at the Bell County Juvenile Detention Center. Formal charges will be determined by the Bell County Juvenile Court at a later date. The case involving the other 15-year-old passenger is under review by the Bell County Attorney’s Office.
The identities of the juveniles will not be released.
The Killeen Police Department is asking the public for any photos or videos they may have of the incident. Scan the QR code or go to the link below to submit items related to this case. https://killeenpdTX.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/25-001475
###
NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE A CRASH FATALITY AFTER A PURSUIT
Killeen, TX (February 5, 2025): The Killeen Police Department is currently investigating a fatal crash that occurred following a pursuit earlier today.
At approximately 11:53 a.m., an officer identified a gray Jeep that had been reported stolen earlier in the day near the intersection of Veterans Memorial Blvd. and 10th Street. When the officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver refused to comply and continued traveling southbound on Trimmier Road.
The Jeep swerved into the northbound lane and, while attempting to evade, collided with a silver sedan traveling in the same direction. The impact caused the sedan to crash into a black pickup truck. Two male suspects, a 15-year-old and a 14-year-old, exited the Jeep and began to flee on foot but were apprehended by officers after a short foot pursuit.
Tragically, the 67-year-old driver of the silver sedan succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman. The two other occupants of the sedan, along with the driver of the black pickup truck, were transported to Baylor Scott & White in stable condition.
During a search of the stolen Jeep, officers recovered two handguns.
This case remains under investigation and will be referred to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office for further review.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police are Conducting a Death Investigation
Killeen, TX (February 1, 2025): Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the death of a 39-year-old male.
On Saturday, February 1, 2025, at approximately 2:36 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Roy Reynolds Drive and E. Rancier Avenue in reference to a 9-1-1 call about a single-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle. Upon the officers’ arrival, they discovered a male with apparent gunshot wounds. Officers began life-saving measures until paramedics arrived. He was transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Community Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson pronounced him deceased at 3:28 a.m.
The name of the victim has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
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.
Detectives are actively investigating this incident and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
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.
###
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
Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit Identifies Shooting Victim
Killeen, TX (December 11, 2024): UPDATE – Detectives have identifed the victim in this incident as Kyong Cha Carcano.
The male is currently listed in stable condition.
The female and male were in a relationship.
Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit continue to actively investigate this incident and there is no additional information at this time.
###
Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit are Investigating a Shooting Incident
Killeen, TX (December 5, 2024): On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at approximately 9:43 a.m., officers responded two shooting victims in the 1100 block of W Veterans Memorial Blvd. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a 66-year-old female and a 76-year-old male suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers began to perform lifesaving measures until paramedics arrived.
Unfortunately, the female victim succumbed to her injuries. She was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson at 9:59 a.m. He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.
The male victim was transported to Baylor Scott and White Hospital and is currently listed critical condition.
There is no threat to the community related to this incident.
Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit are actively investigating this incident and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate the Eighteenth Murder of 2024
Killeen, TX (October 17, 2024): Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the death of an adult male.
On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at approximately 10:40 p.m., officers responded to a 911 call in reference to a gunshot victim in the 800 block of W. Avenue D. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a 37-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound. The male was airlifted to Baylor Scott and White Hospital in critical condition.
The victim unfortunately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Larry Wilkey at 6:34 a.m. on October 17, 2024. 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.
There is no threat to the community related to this incident.
Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit are actively investigating this Homicide and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate a Shooting on Botanical Drive
Killeen, TX (September 19, 2024): On Thursday, September 19, 2024, at approximately 1:04 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 2200 block of Botanical Drive in reference to a gunshot victim. Upon their arrival, they located a male suffering from a gunshot wound. He was airlifted to Baylor Scott and White in critical condition.
Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division are actively investigating this shooting and information will be released as it becomes available.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate a Late-Pedestrian Crash
Killeen, TX (September 18, 2024): On September 18, 2024, at around 1:29 a.m., officers responded to a 911 call about a crash in the 5600 block of East Stagecoach Road. Killeen Police Department Accident Investigators arrived at the scene, where a preliminary investigation revealed that an unidentified dark-colored vehicle failed to stay in its lane, veered onto the sidewalk, and struck a pedestrian who was walking his dog. The vehicle then fled the scene.
The pedestrian was airlifted to Baylor Scott and White in Temple, where he remains in critical but stable condition, pending surgery. Unfortunately, the pedestrian’s dog was killed in the crash.
Initial investigation has indicated that a possible suspect vehicle could be a darker (gray or silver) smaller car, possibly a Honda. The vehicle will have front end damage.
Investigators with the Traffic Unit are asking anyone with any information, videos, or security footage of this area to contact the Traffic Unit at (254) 200-7970 or the Bell County Crime Stoppers at (254) 526-TIPS (8477).
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Joins in National Night Out 2024
Killeen, TX (August 26, 2024): Killeen Police Department joins cities nationwide for ‘America’s night out against crime.
On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, neighborhoods throughout Killeen are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “National Night Out” (NNO) crime and drug prevention event.
National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on October 1, 2024, residents in neighborhoods throughout Killeen and across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police. Neighborhoods are encouraged to host a variety of events such as block parties, cookouts, contests, and youth activities. Call or email to register your neighborhood so they will get a visit from the police department, fire department and McGruff the Crime Dog.
“The National Night Out program is an outstanding campaign to help build neighborhood unity and strengthen police-community partnerships. On October 1st, we invite citizens of Killeen and neighborhoods nationwide to join forces with us to give crime and drugs a going away party,” stated Chief Pedro Lopez.
If you would like to register your neighborhood or find out more information, please contact Erica Aurelio (254) 501-8805 or by email at eaurelio@killeentexas.gov.
Deadline to register is Friday, September 13, 2024.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate the Fourteenth Murder in the City of Killeen
Killeen, TX (August 25, 2024): On Sunday August 25, 2024, at approximately 4:33 a.m., Killeen Police Officers responded to the 2300 block of Andover Drive in reference to a shots fired call. While in route, dispatchers informed them of an accident that occurred in the 1000 block of Westover Drive.
Upon the officers’ arrival they located an unconscious female victim inside a crashed vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Nicola James 5:04 a.m. She ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences.
The name of the victim has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
There is no threat to the community related to this incident.
Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit are asking anyone with videos or security footage of this area to contact the Criminal Investigation Department at (254) 501-8830.
This investigation is active and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
KilleenPD News 