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 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 Organized Crime Unit Seize Narcotics at a Local Lounge
Killeen, TX (April 24, 2024): On April 20, 2024, detectives with the Special Investigation Division, conducted a special detail at the LQ Lounge located at 810 N. WS Young Drive due to a citizen’s complaint about an event at this establishment. During the operation, officers arrested one person for Possession of Controlled Substance.
A narcotics search warrant was executed, and detectives seized 26 grams of Marijuana (leaf), 6 grams of THC Wax Substance, 6.55 lbs. of THC liquid, 786 grams of unknown purple substance, vape pen, two cell phones and Drug Paraphernalia.
Public Service Announcement – We would like to remind parents to educate their young teens on the dangers of using vapes and be alert on these types of ads and/or events (see below) shared on social media.
The investigation is ongoing and no other information will be released.
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
Killeen Police Investigate a Motorcycle Fatality on Rancier Avenue
Killeen, TX (March 28, 2024): Investigators with the Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit investigate a motorcycle fatality on Rancier Avenue.
On Thursday, March 28, 2024, at approximately 9:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of E. Rancier Avenue and N. 10th Street in reference to a motorcycle crash involving the Texas Department of Public Safety. Upon the officers’ arrival, the operator of a motorcycle was in transport to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a State Trooper was attempting to conduct a traffic stop on a Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle traveling at a high rate of speed near the intersection of S. Fort Hood Street and W. Veterans Memorial Blvd. The trooper was able to catch up to the motorcycle and initiate a traffic stop when the operator fled the area eastbound on W. Rancier Avenue at a high rate of speed. The trooper continued to follow and catch up to the motorcycle when the motorcyclist reached the intersection of E. Rancier Avenue and N. 10th Street. The motorcyclist disregarded the red light and struck a blue Lexus ES350 that was traveling northbound across the intersection. The operator of the Lexus was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
The motorcyclist succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson at 10:50 a.m.
The name of the motorcyclist will not be released until next of kin is notified.
Traffic Investigators continue to investigate this fatal crash and there is no other information to be released at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate a Homicide on Rusack Drive
Killeen, TX (March 24, 2024): Killeen Police are investigating the death of a 26-year-old male.
On Saturday, March 23, 2024, at approximately 7:53 p.m., Killeen Police Officers responded to the 3500 block of Rusack Drive in reference to a shooting. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a male in a residence suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers performed life-saving measures until Killeen EMS arrived to continue life savings measures; however, the male succumbed to his injuries. The victim was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace James at 8:38 p.m.
An adult 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
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