Killeen Police Identifies Motorcycle Operator from Fatal Crash
Killeen, TX (July 8, 2024): UPDATE – Investigators from the Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit have identified the motorcycle operator as Jeffery Ronald Rich. The investigation into this fatal crash is ongoing, and no further information is available at this time.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE A FATAL MOTORCYCLE CRASH
Killeen, TX (July 1, 2024): Investigators with the Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit are investigating the fatal crash of a 39-year-old male.
On Sunday, June 30, 2024, at approximately 11:36 p.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. and Hackberry Drive in reference to a vehicle crash involving a motorcycle.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2014 GMC cargo van was traveling southbound on MLK and was turning left onto Hackberry Drive, when a 2017 Suzuki motorcycle, occupied by two, traveling northbound on MLK, struck the cargo van at a very high rate of speed.
The operator of the motorcycle unfortunately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Nicola James at 11:51 p.m. The passenger, a 27-year-old male, was transported by Killeen Fire Department ambulance to Baylor Scott and White Hospital in critical condition.
No other injuries were reported.
The motorcycle operator was not wearing a helmet, the passenger was wearing a helmet.
The name of the deceased has been withheld pending next of kin notification.
The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit continues to investigate this fatal crash and there is no further information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate an Early Morning Fatality
Killeen, TX (July 6, 2024): Killeen Police are investigating the death of a 31-year-old male involved in a single car crash.
On July 6, 2024, around 3:57 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 5600 block of E Central Texas Expressway regarding a single-vehicle crash. The preliminary investigation indicates that a red Pontiac sedan was traveling at high speed when it veered off the roadway. The vehicle rolled several times before coming to a stop. Tragically, the driver did not survive the accident, and Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson pronounced the estimated time of death at 4:05 a.m.
The name of the driver has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The Killeen Police Traffic Unit continue to investigation this fatality and at this time no other information will be released.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate a Fatal Motorcycle Crash
Killeen, TX (July 1, 2024): Investigators with the Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit are investigating the fatal crash of a 39-year-old male.
On Sunday, June 30, 2024, at approximately 11:36 p.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. and Hackberry Drive in reference to a vehicle crash involving a motorcycle.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2014 GMC cargo van was traveling southbound on MLK and was turning left onto Hackberry Drive, when a 2017 Suzuki motorcycle, occupied by two, traveling northbound on MLK, struck the cargo van at a very high rate of speed.
The operator of the motorcycle unfortunately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Nicola James at 11:51 p.m. The passenger, a 27-year-old male, was transported by Killeen Fire Department ambulance to Baylor Scott and White Hospital in critical condition. No other injuries were reported.
The motorcycle operator was not wearing a helmet, the passenger was wearing a helmet.
The name of the deceased has been withheld pending next of kin notification.
The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit continues to investigate this fatal crash and there is no further information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Identify and Arrest Suspect in Fatal Hit and Run Crash
Killeen, TX (June 13, 2024): The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit has identified and arrested a 47-year-old male suspect in a fatal hit and run crash.
On Sunday, June 11, 2023, at approximately 2:31 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of E. Elms Road in reference to a crash. Upon the officers’ arrival, paramedics were on scene attending to a male lying in the roadway with serious injuries. The victim, Eric Rucker, succumbed to his injuries.
As a result of an extensive joint investigation with the Fort Cavazos Criminal Investigation Division, Traffic Investigators were able to identify the suspect in this case. The case was presented to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office, and on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, a complaint was issued charging 47-year-old Kristopher Taylor Jr. with Collision Involving Death, a second-degree felony offense.
On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service-Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, Taylor was located and arrested without incident in Bryan, TX. He was transported to the Brazos County Jail and is pending arraignment.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE A HIT AND RUN FATALITY
Killeen, TX (June 11, 2023): The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit need the community’s assistance in a hit and run fatality.
On Sunday, June 11, 2023, at approximately 2:31 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of E. Elms Road in reference to a crash. Upon the officers’ arrival, paramedics were on scene attending to a male lying in the roadway with serious injuries. The victim, Eric Rucker, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Nicola James at 3:21 a.m. She ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.
The preliminary investigation revealed that two motorcycle operators were traveling westbound on E. Elms Road when the victim dropped an item in the roadway. Both motorcyclists stopped and got off their motorcycles to retrieve the item. While the victim was trying to recover the dropped item, he was struck by a passing vehicle.
The suspect vehicle was described to be a smaller gray sedan and may have front end and windshield damage.
Traffic Investigators are asking anyone who may have seen anything or has information about this incident, 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.
The investigation is ongoing and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate a Late Night Shooting
Killeen, TX (June 13, 2024): On Thursday, June 13, 2024, at approximately 12:25 a.m., Killeen Police Officers responded to the 2800 block of Tucker Drive in reference to a shooting victim. Upon the officers’ arrival, along with Killeen EMS, they located a female victim outside of a residence suffering from gunshot wounds.
The victim succumbed to her injuries and Justice of the Peace Nicola James pronounced the estimated time of death at 12:30 a.m. at the scene.
The name of the victim has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
A 27-year-old male at the residence was placed under arrest and transported to the Killeen City Jail.
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 are Investigating a Pedestrian Fatality
Killeen, TX (May 22, 2024): Investigators with the Killeen Police Traffic Unit are investigating a pedestrian fatality.
On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at approximately 2:42 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 2800 block of E. Veterans Memorial Blvd in reference to a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. Deputies with the Bell County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4, were the first to arrive on scene when they located a female lying in the roadway. They immediately started to perform life-saving measures until paramedics arrived.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the pedestrian was attempting to cross northbound on Veterans Memorial Blvd., when a red Chevrolet pick-up truck traveling eastbound in the inside lane, struck the pedestrian. No other injuries were reported.
The 63-year-old victim succumbed to her injuries. Justice of the Peace Nicola James pronounced the estimated time of death at 4:00 p.m. at the scene.
The name of the victim has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Investigators with the Traffic Unit continue to investigate this fatality and at this time no other information will be released.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate the Sixth Murder in the City of Killeen
Killeen, TX (May 16th, 2024): On May 15th, 2024, around 10:09 PM, Killeen Police Officers were dispatched to 4305 Hank Dr. in reference to two males needing medical attention. Upon arrival, Officers discovered two males outside the residence with gunshot wounds. Neither of them were conscious or breathing. Killeen EMS arrived and determined both males were deceased. Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson pronounced both males dead, one at 10:05 PM and the second at 10:07 PM. The names of the deceased will be released upon notification of next-of-kin.
Through investigation, it was determined the two males were neighbors and engaged in an altercation. One male produced a handgun and shot the other male. The shooter then turned the gun on himself and took his own life.
Detectives have determined this to be an isolated incident between the two deceased persons. There is no danger to the community.
The Killeen Police Department’s Robbery/Homicide Unit is investigating the case and asks if anyone has information about this criminal act, to contact the Killeen Police Department.
Alex Gearhart
Assistant Chief of Police
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 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
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