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
Killeen Police are Conducting a Death Investigation on York Avenue
Killeen, TX (February 29, 2024): On Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at approximately 12:41 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 800 block of York Avenue in reference to a 911 call about a male needing EMS. A City of Killeen Solid Waste employee was in the area and observed multiple individuals attempting to assist a 20-year-old male who was lying on the sidewalk. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located the unresponsive victim and paramedics advised he was deceased.
The Office of the Justice of the Peace Nicola James pronounced the victim deceased and ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Science.
We would like to let the community know that there is no foul play suspected and no threat to the public.
This investigation is ongoing and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate Train-Pedestrian Fatality
Killeen, TX (February 29, 2024): Killeen Police are investigating the death of a pedestrian who was struck by a train.
Killeen Police responded to a 911 call on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at approximately 7:55 a.m., telling them that a person had just been hit by a BSNF train at the Twin Creek Road railroad crossing. Upon the officers’ arrival they located a deceased male on the tracks.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the train was traveling eastbound when the conductor noticed a person near the tracks. The conductor sounded the train’s horn; however, the individual did not move, and the train struck the victim.
Justice of the Peace Nicola James pronounced the victim, 27-year-old Robert Quintin Derego, deceased at 8:37 a.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 Investigate a Fatality Crash on Rancier
Killeen, TX (February 23, 2024): Investigators with the Killeen Police Traffic Unit are investigating a vehicle crash involving two fatalities.
On February 23, 2024 at approximately 12:11 a.m., Killeen Police Officers responded to vehicle crash in the 2800 block of E. Rancier Ave. Upon arrival, Officers found a Maroon Kia Telluride on fire with a deceased female driver pinned inside. The second vehicle involved was a white Cadillac. The female driver of that vehicle was extricated by the Killeen Fire Department and airlifted to Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Temple. She succumbed to her injuries there.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the White Cadillac was travelling westbound on Rancier and crossed over the center line into the eastbound inside lane, striking the Kia head-on. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in this crash.
The 33-year-old female driver of the Kia, identified as Diane Cintron, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Nicola James at 12:33 a.m. The 20-year-old female driver of the Cadillac, identified as Taeler Greenleaf, was pronounced deceased at Baylor Scott and White Hospital by Justice of the Peace Larry Wilkey at 2:20 a.m.
This fatality crash continues to be investigated and no other information will be released at this time. Anyone with information on this crash is asked to contact Traffic Investigators at 254-501-8830.
Alex Gearhart
Assistant Chief of Police
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Identifies Murder Victim
Killeen, TX (February 20, 2024): Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division Robbery-Homicide Unit have identified the victim as 28-year-old Larry Kidd Jr. He was shot during an altercation where the suspect brandished a 9mm pistol in the 900 block of W. Central Texas Expressway on Saturday, February 17, 2024.
The case has been referred to the Bell County Grand Jury and the name will not be released until formal charges are returned.
This investigation is ongoing and there is no additional information at this time.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING SECOND MURDER of 2024
Killeen, TX (February 18, 2024) A 28-year-old male is deceased after being shot outside of a business located in the 900 block of W. Central Texas Expressway.
The Killeen Police Department was dispatched on Saturday February 17, 2024, at approximately 8:05 p.m., in reference to a 911 call about a shooting victim. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a male victim suffering from several gunshot wounds. Officers started to perform life saving measures until paramedics arrived. The victim was transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 8:39 p.m. by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson. He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas.
The name of the victim has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
One person was taken into custody.
This is an isolated incident and there was no further threat to the community.
Detectives are asking anyone who may information about this Murder, 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.
This investigation is ongoing and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Releases Name of the 54-Year-Old Female
Killeen, TX (October 12, 2023): Killeen Police have notified next of kin of the decedent, LaTonya Thomas of Killeen.
The Texas Rangers was notified and are the lead investigating agency. Any inquiries regarding the investigation should be directed to Sgt. Washko with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE AND TEXAS RANGERS INVESTIGATE AN IN-CUSTODY DEATH
Killeen, TX (October 10, 2023): On Monday, October 9, 2023, the Killeen Police Department arrested a 54-year-old female and transported her to the Killeen Police Department Jail. Upon arriving at the jail, she was placed in a cell. When the officers and jail staff went to check on the female, they noticed she was unresponsive. Officers immediately started to perform life-saving measures until paramedics arrived. Killeen paramedics transported the female to Advent Health. The female was pronounced deceased by medical staff.
The Texas Rangers was notified and are the lead investigating agency. Any inquiries regarding the investigation should be directed to Sgt. Washko with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police and Texas Rangers Investigate an In-Custody Death
Killeen, TX (October 10, 2023): On Monday, October 9, 2023, the Killeen Police Department arrested a 54-year-old female and transported her to the Killeen Police Department Jail. Upon arriving at the jail, she was placed in a cell. When the officers and jail staff went to check on the female, they noticed she was unresponsive. Officers immediately started to perform life-saving measures until paramedics arrived. Killeen paramedics transported the female to Advent Health. The female was pronounced deceased by medical staff.
The Texas Rangers was notified and are the lead investigating agency. Any inquiries regarding the investigation should be directed to Sgt. Washko with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE THE DEATH OF A 4-YEAR-OLD
Killeen, TX (October 21, 2022): Killeen Police are actively investigating the death of a 4-year-old male.
On Thursday, October 20th, 2022, at approximately 12:28 p.m., Killeen Police Officers responded to a call regarding a deceased 4-year-old male at McLane’s Children Hospital in Temple. Officers were notified that the 4-year-old male was transported to the hospital by Killeen Fire Department EMS from the 4900 block of John David Dr. in Killeen with medical issues.
Bell County Justice of the Peace Keith Reed pronounced the child deceased at 2:15 p.m. and ordered an autopsy at Southwestern Institute of Forensic Science. Due to the victim’s age, his name will not be released at this time.
Detectives are actively investigating this Death and there is no additional information at this time.
Alex Gearhart
Assistant Chief of Police
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Continue to Investigate the Mall Shooting
Killeen, TX (December 8, 2021): Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit are actively investigating the shooting at the Killeen Mall.
On Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at approximately 7:17 p.m., Killeen Police responded to a 911 call in reference to a shots disturbance at the Killeen Mall located at 2100 S. W.S. Young Drive. Multiple 911 calls were received from callers stating that they heard multiple shots inside the mall, prompting a large police and fire response. Upon the officer’s arrival, they located one victim and began to safely evacuate the patrons from the building.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect seen in these photos entered the mall and walked into one of the businesses. He approached the counter and discharged a black handgun, wounding one male. The suspect then fled in an unknown direction on foot. The victim was airlifted to Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Temple.
The victim is currently in stable condition.
The suspect is described as a medium build white male and was last seen wearing a white beanie, a white mask and gloves, and dark color clothing.
We are asking if anyone has any information or videos about this incident to contact the police department at 254-501-8800 or the Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477).
We would like to thank our law enforcement partners that include KISD Police Department, Harker Heights Police Department, Texas A & M Central Texas Police Department, Belton Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for their response and assistance.
Detectives are actively investigating this shooting and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Department K9s Receive Donated Body Armor
Killeen Police Department’s K9s Jaxx, Edy, Arco, and Merlin have received their bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Jaxx’s vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. 2019 craft fair fundraiser and embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Kilo, Seekonk Police Department, MA.” K9 Edy’s vest was embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Rocco, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.” K9 Arco and Merlin’s vests were embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Ty, California City Police Department.”
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c(3) charity located in East Taunton, MA, whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 3,500 protective vests in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a value of $5.7 million dollars.
The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.
The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950. Each vest has a value between $1,744 – $2,283, with a five-year warranty and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
KilleenPD News 