Killeen Police Organized Crime Unit Arrest Two and Seize Narcotics
Killeen, TX (May 9, 2024): On May 8, 2024, detectives with the KPD Organized Crime Unit received information about illegal narcotics being transported from Houston, TX to the Killeen area. Detectives conducted surveillance and observed the suspect vehicle as it traveled through Temple, TX.
With assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety, a traffic stop was conducted on the suspect vehicle in the 2000 block of Airport Rd. in Temple. During the traffic stop, K9 Kenzi was deployed and performed an open-air sniff of the vehicle. K9 Kenzi alerted to the presence of drugs and a search of the vehicle resulted in 11 pounds of Methamphetamine. The driver and passenger were arrested and transported to the Killeen City Jail.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate a Train-Pedestrian Fatality
Killeen, TX (May 2, 2024): Killeen Police are investigating the death of a pedestrian who was struck by a train.
On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at approximately 7:24 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of 8th Street in reference to a pedestrian being struck by a BSNF train at the railroad crossing. Upon the officers’ arrival they located a deceased female on the tracks.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the train was traveling approximately 25 mph eastbound near the 8th Street railroad crossing when the conductor noticed a person on tracks. The conductor sounded the train’s horn and applied the emergency brakes; however, the individual did not move, and the train struck the victim.
Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson pronounced the victim, 58-year-old Christine Gerlinde Rottmann, deceased at 8:25 p.m. and ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensics Sciences of Dallas.
The investigation is ongoing and there is no other information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Charges 22-Year-Old Male with Murder
Killeen, TX (April 22, 2024): On Friday, April 19, 2024, the case was presented to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and a complaint was returned charging Xavier Mason Stokes with Murder. Justice of the Peace Larry Wiley arraigned Stokes and set his bond at $500,000. Stokes is currently in the Bell County Jail.
Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit continue to investigate this Murder and there is no additional information at this time.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE THE FIFTH MURDER IN THE CITY OF KILLEEN
Killeen, TX (April 18, 2024): On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at approximately 10:05 p.m., Killeen Police Officers responded to the 900 block of Southside Drive in reference to a shooting. Upon the officers’ arrival, along with Killeen EMS, they located a 33-year-old male victim inside a residence suffering from gunshot wounds.
Killeen EMS initiated life savings measures and transported the victim to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries. The victim, Tres Maurice Carter, was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Nicola James at 10:44 p.m.
A 22-year-old male that was at the residence was placed under arrest and transported to the Killeen City Jail.
This incident is related to domestic/family violence, and 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 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
Killeen Police Investigate the Fifth Murder in the City of Killeen
Killeen, TX (April 18, 2024): On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at approximately 10:05 p.m., Killeen Police Officers responded to the 900 block of Southside Drive in reference to a shooting. Upon the officers’ arrival, along with Killeen EMS, they located a 33-year-old male victim inside a residence suffering from gunshot wounds.
Killeen EMS initiated life savings measures and transported the victim to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries. The victim, Tres Maurice Carter, was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Nicola James at 10:44 p.m.
A 22-year-old male that was at the residence was placed under arrest and transported to the Killeen City Jail.
This incident is related to domestic/family violence, and 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 the Fourth Murder in the City of Killeen
Killeen, TX (April 18, 2024): On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 1:36 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 6300 block of Taree Loop after a male called 9-1-1 and advised he shot his friend at a residence. Officers arrived and located a male deceased inside the residence with gunshot wounds.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the two males were friends, and it was confirmed that the two men engaged in an argument and altercation, which led to the subsequent shooting.
The victim, who was found deceased in the residence, was identified as Jarquis D. Pold, Male, 26, and he was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Nicola James at 3:01 p.m.
The suspect was identified as De’Tavius K. Smith, Male, 26, who is deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Lampasas County, was pronounced deceased by Lampasas County Justice of the Peace Dan Hause at 2:06 p.m.
Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division continue to investigate this Murder. There is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Department Transitions to Encrypted Radio Transmissions
Killeen, TX (April 10, 2024): Effective, Thursday, April 11, 2024, as part of the Bell County Communication Center initiative, the Killeen Police Department will switch to encrypted radio transmissions.
This change is designed to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the confidentiality of our operational information, while still maintaining a level of transparency with the public. While the content of our communications will be encrypted, the fact that communication is taking place will still be accessible to the public through Freedom of Information Act requests. This upgrade in our communication infrastructure aligns with modern security standards and is essential for maintaining a strategic advantage in our efforts to combat crime and protect our citizens. As we continue to prioritize the safety and security of our community, we must adopt measures to enhance the confidentiality and integrity of our communications systems.
Encrypted radio communication provides several key benefits:
Enhanced Security: Encrypted communication protects against unauthorized access, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential and secure.
Privacy Protection: By encrypting our transmissions, we safeguard the privacy rights of individuals involved in law enforcement activities and protect them from potential interception or monitoring.
Improved Efficiency: Encrypted communication systems offer streamlined and reliable information transmission, enabling quicker response times and more effective coordination among our teams. In emergency situations, our encrypted communication system is designed to prioritize and expedite critical information, ensuring that there are no delays in our response times.
Adaptation to Modern Threats: In an era of increasing cyber threats and technological sophistication, encrypted communication is vital for staying ahead of potential adversaries and safeguarding critical infrastructure. This is not a new concept, and many other jurisdictions have successfully implemented encrypted communication systems, leading to significant improvements in their law enforcement activities and public safety.
We understand that this transition may raise questions. We are committed to providing transparent and informative updates through our social media feeds and verbally during live critical incidents that may alarm or concern the community. Your understanding and support are not just crucial, but integral, as we prioritize the safety and well-being of our community. Encrypted communication is an essential component of our strategy to fulfill this responsibility, and we want you to be fully informed about this important change.
“I want to express my deep appreciation to the media for their continued partnership in keeping the public informed and engaged. Your role in promoting transparency and accountability is invaluable,” said Chief Pedro Lopez Jr.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
The Killeen Police Department General Investigations Unit is asking for your help identifying multiple suspects in a Robbery Attempt.
Killeen, TX (April 4th, 2024): On April 2nd, 2024, around 6:34PM, the Killeen Police Department responded to a shooting at a residence in the 1300 block of Dugger Cir. It was reported two (2) males knocked on the victim’s door and demanded property. The victim refused to allow the suspects in and closed the door. One of the suspects fired a gun into the door and both suspects fled the scene on foot. No injuries were reported.
Suspect 1: Black Male, heavy-set, darker skin complexion, wearing a gray in color hooded sweatshirt. Gray, black, and white camouflage pants, white Crocs with no socks, and a black face mask over lower portion of face. Suspect 1 appeared to be holding a black in color semi-automatic handgun.
Suspect 2: B/M, slender build, wearing black sweatpants, light colored (white or pink) hooded sweatshirt, black shoes.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have seen anything or has information about this shooting, to contact 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.
Killeen Police Identifies Murder Victim
Killeen, TX (February 20, 2024): Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division Robbery-Homicide Unit have identified the victim as 28-year-old Larry Kidd Jr. He was shot during an altercation where the suspect brandished a 9mm pistol in the 900 block of W. Central Texas Expressway on Saturday, February 17, 2024.
The case has been referred to the Bell County Grand Jury and the name will not be released until formal charges are returned.
This investigation is ongoing and there is no additional information at this time.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING SECOND MURDER of 2024
Killeen, TX (February 18, 2024) A 28-year-old male is deceased after being shot outside of a business located in the 900 block of W. Central Texas Expressway.
The Killeen Police Department was dispatched on Saturday February 17, 2024, at approximately 8:05 p.m., in reference to a 911 call about a shooting victim. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a male victim suffering from several gunshot wounds. Officers started to perform life saving measures until paramedics arrived. The victim was transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 8:39 p.m. by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson. He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas.
The name of the victim has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
One person was taken into custody.
This is an isolated incident and there was no further threat to the community.
Detectives are asking anyone who may information about this Murder, to contact 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.
This investigation is ongoing and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police are Investigating the Second Murder of 2024
Killeen, TX (February 18, 2024): A 28-year-old male is deceased after being shot outside of a business located in the 900 block of W. Central Texas Expressway.
The Killeen Police Department was dispatched on Saturday February 17, 2024 at approximately 8:05 p.m., in reference to a 911 call about a shooting victim. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a male victim suffering from several gunshot wounds. Officers started to perform life saving measures until paramedics arrived. The victim was transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 8:39 p.m. by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson. He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas.
The name of the victim has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
One person was taken into custody.
This is an isolated incident and there was no further threat to the community.
Detectives are asking anyone who may information about this Murder, to contact 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.
This investigation is ongoing and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
KilleenPD News 