Killeen Police Investigate a Homicide on Cantabrian Drive
Killeen, TX (May 29, 2025): The Killeen Police Department is actively investigating the death of a 19-year-old male following a shooting.
On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at approximately 1:42 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 2900 block of Cantabrian Drive 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 by ambulance to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The victim, Gabriel Lee Garza, was pronounced deceased at 6:29 a.m. by Justice of the Peace Nicola James. She ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.
The preliminary investigation reveals that the victim met with two to three males outside a residence. Multiple shots were fired, and the victim was struck multiple times. It appears the victim and the suspects knew each other.
The Killeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, Robbery-Homicide Unit, is actively investigating and there is no further information available at this time.
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 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 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 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
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
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