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Killeen Police Investigate a Fatal Pedestrian Crash on Interstate 14

Killeen, TX (March 20, 2025) – The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit is investigating a fatal pedestrian crash.

On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at approximately 8:53 p.m., officers responded to a crash on Interstate 14 westbound near the Willow Springs exit ramp involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.

Upon arrival, officers and Killeen Fire Department paramedics found an unconscious 26-year-old male on the inside shoulder of the interstate.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the pedestrian was crossing the interstate from north to south when a green Dodge sedan traveling westbound in the inside lane struck him. The driver of the vehicle stopped and cooperated with responding officers. Tragically the pedestrian succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Nicola James at 9:00 p.m.

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

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

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Investigating Incident Involving Two Students at Roy J. Smith Middle School

The Killeen Police Department, in coordination with the Killeen Independent School District Police Department, is actively investigating an incident involving two students that occurred during school hours.

Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old female student suffering from a stab wound. She was immediately transported by EMS to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition. Tragically, the victim succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at 12:21 p.m. by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson.

The preliminary investigation indicates that a dispute between two female students escalated, resulting in one student stabbing the other. The 14-year-old suspect was taken into custody by a KISD Police Officer at the scene.

Due to the ages of both the victim and the suspect, the Killeen Police Department will not release their names.

We recognize the emotional impact of this incident on the victim’s family, students, staff, and the entire Killeen community. Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we extend our support to those in need.

We ask for the public’s patience and cooperation as detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division continue their investigation.

Any further requests for information surrounding this incident can be directed to the Killeen Independent School District.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Identify Homicide Victim

Killeen, TX (February 25, 2025): Detectives have identified the victim as Esther Gitau, an active-duty soldier stationed at Fort Cavazos.

Further details are under investigation, and updates will be provided as they become available.

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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATING A HOMICIDE ON LAKECREST

Killeen, TX (February 22, 2025): On Friday, February 21, 2025, at approximately 7:16 p.m., Killeen Police officers responded to a welfare check at a residence located in the 3300 block of Lakecrest Drive.

Upon the officer’s arrival, they found a 37-year-old woman with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at 9:29 p.m. by Justice of the Peace Nicola James. Her name will be not released until next of kin is notified. Two children were located inside the residence, unaware of what occurred and are safe.

Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit obtained an arrest warrant for the victim’s spouse, 42-year-old John Mwangi. The suspect was later located on Fort Cavazos. He is currently in the Killeen City Jail.

Detectives believe this was a domestic violence-related incident and there is no danger to the public.

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division Robbery-Homicide Unit are actively investigating this incident and at this time no other information will be released.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Identify 54-Year-Old Male Driver

Killeen, TX (February 25, 2025): The Killeen Police Department has identified the driver involved in the fatal crash as 54-year-old Vincent Tyrone McKnight.

Investigators with the Traffic Unit continue to investigate this fatal incident, and charges are pending. Additional details will be released as they become available.

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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE A FATAL CRASH ON STAN SCHLUETER LOOP

Killeen, TX (February 23, 2025) – On Sunday, February 23, 2025, at approximately 2:31 p.m., Killeen Police officers responded to a major crash in the 3200 block of W. Stan Schlueter Loop.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a black Jeep Patriot was leaving a private parking lot when a white Jeep Cherokee traveling eastbound in the outside lane on Stan Schlueter Loop struck it.

The female driver of the Cherokee was transported to AdventHealth in stable condition. The male driver of the Patriot was airlifted to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition. Tragically, the 54-year-old male succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Nicola James at the hospital, who ordered an autopsy.

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

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Investigate a Fatal Crash on Stan Schlueter Loop

Killeen, TX (February 23, 2025) – On Sunday, February 23, 2025, at approximately 2:31 p.m., Killeen Police officers responded to a major crash in the 3200 block of W. Stan Schlueter Loop.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a black Jeep Patriot was leaving a private parking lot when a white Jeep Cherokee traveling eastbound in the outside lane on Stan Schlueter Loop struck it.

The female driver of the Cherokee was transported to AdventHealth in stable condition. The male driver of the Patriot was airlifted to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition. Tragically, the 54-year-old male succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Nicola James at the hospital, who ordered an autopsy.

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

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police are Investigating a Homicide on Lakecrest

Killeen, TX (February 22, 2025): On Friday, February 21, 2025, at approximately 7:16 p.m., Killeen Police officers responded to a welfare check at a residence located in the 3300 block of Lakecrest Drive.

Upon the officers arrival, they found a 37-year-old woman with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at 9:29 p.m. by Justice of the Peace Nicola James. Her name will be not released until next of kin is notified. Two children were located inside the residence, unaware of what occurred and are safe.

Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit obtained an arrest warrant for the victim’s spouse, 42-year-old John Mwangi. The suspect was later located on Fort Cavazos. He is currently in the Killeen City Jail.

Detectives believe this was a domestic violence-related incident and there is no danger to the public.

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division Robbery-Homicide Unit are actively investigating this incident 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

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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 Identify 39-Year-Old Male Victim

Killeen, TX (February 7, 2025): Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division have identified the victim as Jason Lee Bergland.

Detectives continue to investigate this Homicide and 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.

This is an active investigation and there is no additional information at this time.

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NEWS RELEASE: 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

Killeen Police Investigate a Crash Fatality on Trimmier

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