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Killeen Police Identify and Arrest Murder Suspect

Killeen, TX (February 11, 2026) UPDATE: Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit have identified a suspect in the murder of Brandon Richards.
 
On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, detectives presented the case to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office. As a result, two criminal complaints were filed. Natalia Lamontiara Trader, 22, was charged with Murder and Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence.

Natalia Lamontiara Trader

Trader was arraigned by Bell County Magistrate Anthony Woolstrum, who set bond at $1,000,000 for the Murder charge and $50,000 for the Tampering charge. She is currently awaiting transport to the Bell County Jail.
 
Detectives continue to actively investigate this case. No additional information is available at this time.

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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATING THE MURDER OF A 22-YEAR-OLD MALE
 
Killeen, TX (February 10, 2026): The Killeen Police Department is actively investigating a shooting that resulted in the death of a 22-year-old male.
 
On Monday, February 9, 2026, at approximately 7:42 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 2700 block of Cunningham Road in reference to a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, officers located a male on the front porch of an apartment suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was immediately transported to Carl R. Darnall Medical Center in critical condition.
 
The victim, Brandon Richards, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson at 8:26 p.m.
 
The preliminary investigation revealed that the 9-1-1 caller reported the victim had been shot and that the suspect fled the area.
 
Anyone with information related to this murder is urged to contact Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at http://www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com.


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

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Investigating the Murder of a 22-Year-Old Male

Killeen, TX (February 9, 2026): The Killeen Police Department is actively investigating a shooting that resulted in the death of a 22-year-old male.

On Monday, February 9, 2026, at approximately 7:42 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 2700 block of Cunningham Road in reference to a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, officers located a male on the front porch of an apartment suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was immediately transported to Carl R. Darnall Medical Center in critical condition.

The victim, Brandon Richards, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson at 8:26 p.m.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the 9-1-1 caller reported the victim had been shot and that the suspect fled the area.

Anyone with information related to this murder is urged to contact the Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at http://www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com.

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

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Investigating the Murder of a 35-Year-Old Male

Killeen, TX (February 1, 2026): The Killeen Police Department is actively investigating a shooting that resulted in the death of James Marquis Simmons.

On Sunday, February 1, 2026, at approximately 3:59 a.m., officers were dispatched to Club Blu Print, located at 4505 E. Veterans Memorial Boulevard, in reference to a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, officers located a male in the parking lot suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was immediately airlifted to Carl R. Darnall Medical Center in critical condition.

The victim later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Gregory Johnson at 5:01 a.m.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the 9-1-1 caller reported hearing gunshots and then discovering the male in the parking lot with a gunshot wound. An unknown vehicle was observed leaving the scene.

Anyone with information related to this murder should contact the Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at http://www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com.

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

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Investigate a Single-Vehicle Fatality on Roy Reynolds

Killeen, TX (January 28, 2026): Investigators with the Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash on Roy Reynolds Drive.

On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at approximately 5:49 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of N. Roy Reynolds Drive in reference to a single-vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers discovered a vehicle that had crashed into a utility pole.

The preliminary investigation indicates a silver Volvo SUV was traveling southbound in the 500 block of Roy Reynolds Drive when it accelerated suddenly and left the roadway. The vehicle struck a utility pole, severing a portion of the pole, then rolled over and came to rest.

The male driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson at 5:50 a.m. An autopsy has been ordered and will be conducted at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Traffic investigators expect a prolonged closure of Roy Reynolds Drive while the investigation and clean-up operations are completed.

The Killeen Police Department’s Traffic Unit continues to investigate this fatality, and no further details are available at this time.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Conduct a Death Investigation on Rancier Avenue

Killeen, TX (January 26, 2026): Officers with the Killeen Police Department responded to the 200 block of W. Rancier Avenue at approximately 5:11 a.m. in reference to the unknown status of a person. Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive adult female.

Preliminary investigation indicates a witness was walking in the area when they observed a body lying on the ground near a dumpster and called 9-1-1. Justice of the Peace Nicola James pronounced the female deceased at 5:15 a.m. She ordered an autopsy to be conducted at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas.

It is unknown whether the death may be weather-related, medically related, or a combination of both factors, pending the results of the autopsy.

With extremely cold temperatures continuing, we remind residents that resources are available to help prevent tragedies during severe weather. Community members in need of shelter are strongly encouraged to take advantage of available city resources.

Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division are investigating this death and there is no additional information at this time.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Investigate Fatal Shooting on Illinois Avenue

Killeen, TX (January 18, 2026): The Killeen Police Department is investigating a shooting that resulted in the death of a 58-year-old male.

On Sunday, January 18, 2026, at approximately 1:34 p.m., officers responded to a report of a violent domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, officers located a 58-year-old male outside in the breezeway suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The male was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson at 2:42 p.m.

The female victim, 45, was also transported to Seton Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

The preliminary investigation indicates witnesses heard a female screaming and observed a male pointing a firearm at her. A 66-year-old male who was walking in the area heard the disturbance and intervened. The 58-year-old male then pointed his gun at the female and the 66-year-old male, who then fired his own handgun, striking the 58-year-old.

The case will be reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office. No arrests have been made at this time.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Investigate a Fatality Crash on Stan Schlueter Loop

Killeen, TX (January 10, 2026): Killeen Police are actively investigating the death of a 34-year-old male from a vehicle collision.

On Saturday, January 10, 2026, at approximately 8:58 a.m., officers were dispatched to a major vehicle crash at the intersection of Stan Schlueter Loop and Central Texas Expressway.

The preliminary investigation shows that a white Ram 3500 truck and another pickup truck were traveling north on Stan Schlueter Loop near Central Texas Expressway. Witnesses said the two trucks appeared to race away from a traffic light.

As they went through the intersection, the Ram struck a black Jeep SUV that was traveling west on the expressway. The Ram then spun sideways and hit a blue Chevrolet pickup that was stopped at the light in the southbound left-turn lane. The Ram subsequently hit a red Honda sedan that was stopped in the southbound inside lane. The Ram then tipped onto its passenger side and came to rest against the driver’s side of the Chevrolet. The Chevrolet was pushed backward and hit a black Toyota sedan.

The Toyota and the Jeep also hit each other and both came to rest along the northbound curb-line of Stan Schlueter Loop.

Unfortunately, the driver of the Jeep succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Nicola James. She ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas. His name has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The male driver of the Ram was transported by ambulance and the female driver of the Chevrolet was airlifted to Baylor Scott and White Hospital. The other drivers reported no injuries.

The unknown pickup that was traveling along side the Ram continued northbound. That vehicle is described as a late model, possibly General Motors pick-up, black or dark in color.

The roadway was closed the majority of the day due to a large amount of oil and fuel spilled that required a clean up crew from the City of Killeen after the vehicles were removed from the scene.

If anyone has any information about this fatality, call the Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477).

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

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Charge 29-Year-Old Man with Murder

Killeen, TX (January 8, 2026) — UPDATE: Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit have identified a suspect in the murder of Anthony Glenn Powell.

On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at approximately 10:40 p.m., officers responded to a 911 call regarding a gunshot victim in the 800 block of W. Avenue D. Upon arrival, officers located Powell suffering from a gunshot wound. He was airlifted to Baylor Scott & White Hospital in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The case was presented to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office, and a complaint was issued charging Ryon Marcus Lucius with Murder. Justice of the Peace Nicola James issued a warrant for his arrest. Lucius is currently incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on unrelated charges.

Detectives continue to investigate this Murder, and no further information is available at this time.

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UPDATE NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE IDENTIFY THE MURDER VICTIM

Killeen, TX (October 29, 2024): Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit have identified the victim as 37-year-old Anthony Glenn Powell.

Detectives are actively investigating this Murder, and no further information is available at this time.

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NEWS RELEASE: 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 Charge 18-Year-Old in Fatal Monte Carlo Shooting

Killeen, TX (January 2, 2026): UPDATE – Detectives with the Killeen Police Department Robbery-Homicide Unit have identified a suspect in the murder of 22-year-old Tai’Lynn Akaya Wright.

Following the investigation, the case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office, and two criminal complaints were issued against Jada Raquelle Levy, 18. Levy has been charged with Aggravated Assault and Murder. Bell County Associate District Judge Susan Criss issued an arrest warrant for her.

On December 31, 2025, Levy was located and arrested by the Killeen Police Department. She was arraigned by Judge Criss and received a total bond of $300,000. She is currently being held in the Bell County Jail.

This investigation remains ongoing, and there is no further information available at this time.

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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE FATAL SHOOTING ON MONTE CARLO LANE

Killeen, TX (November 26, 2025): The Killeen Police Department is actively investigating the death of a 22-year-old female following a shooting incident.

On November 26, 2025, at approximately 2:02 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of Monte Carlo Lane in reference to two shooting victims suffering with gunshot wounds. Upon the officer’s arrival, they located an unconscious female and a conscious male inside the residence. Killeen Fire EMS arrived and provided life-saving measures to both victims.

The 26-year-old male victim was transported to Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Temple with non-life-threatening injuries. He has been treated and released.
The female victim, Tai’Lynn Akaya Wright was pronounced deceased at 2:47 a.m. by Justice of the Nicola James at the scene, who ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were inside their residence when an unknown person fired a weapon from outside toward the residence.
Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division continue to actively investigate this case. This appears to be an isolated incident.

There is no further information at this time.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Investigate a Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash

On Thursday, December 4, 2025, at approximately 4:33 p.m., officers responded to the 4800 block of E. Rancier Avenue for a single-vehicle crash. They arrived to find the vehicle off the roadway and on fire. The Killeen Fire Department extinguished the fire while paramedics treated the driver.

The preliminary investigation shows a gray Infiniti SUV was traveling eastbound at a very high speed when it left the roadway, entered a drainage culvert, and went airborne. The vehicle struck the ground near a tree line, continued forward, ran over several trees, and became airborne a second time. The driver was ejected when the vehicle came to rest on the opposite side of the tree line, where it caught fire. No other occupants were in the vehicle.

Despite life-saving efforts by KFD paramedics, the male driver was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson at 5:47 p.m.

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

The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit continues to investigate.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department