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 Charge a 27-Year-Old Male with Murder
Killeen, TX (April 21, 2025): On April 18, 2025, detectives with the Killeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division presented this case to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office. A complaint was returned charging Jermaine Justin Attaway, 27, with Murder. Justice of the Peace Nicola James arraigned Attaway and ordered that no bond be set. He is currently in the Bell County Jail.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was attending a gathering at a residence when the suspect arrived and attempted to force entry by kicking the front door. As the victim, 47-year-old Salathiel Andre Witherspoon Jr., held the door from inside to prevent entry, the suspect discharged a firearm, striking the victim.
Justice of the Peace Nicola James pronounced Witherspoon deceased at 8:20 p.m.
No further information is available at this time.
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NEWS RELEASE: 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 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
Suspect Charged with Aggravated Assault on a Public Servant
UPDATE NEWS RELEASE: Killeen, TX (April 17, 2025): On April 11, 2025, this case was presented to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office for review. Three complaints were returned charging Nathan Andrew Dodge with Aggravated Assault on a Public Servant. Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman issued a warrant for Dodge’s arrest.
On April 16, 2025, Dodge was released from the hospital, at which time the warrants were served. He was then transported to the Bell County Jail, where Associate District Judge Randy Dale arraigned him and set his bond at $1,500,000.00.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATES AN OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING IN THE 2600 BLOCK OF LARISSA DRIVE
Killeen, TX (April 10, 2025): On Thursday, April 10, 2025, the Killeen Police Department assisted the United States Secret Service (USSS) with a consensual interview involving a 24-year-old male.
At approximately 3:20 p.m., three Killeen Police officers and two USSS agents arrived at a residence in the 2600 block of Larissa Drive. An occupant allowed them inside, where the subject of the interview emerged from a room. For officer safety, a pat-down was conducted, during which officers felt a semi-automatic pistol in the male’s front pocket. A struggle ensued, and two Killeen officers discharged their duty weapons, striking the suspect multiple times.
Officers and USSS agents immediately rendered aid until paramedics arrived. The suspect was airlifted to Baylor Scott & White in critical condition.
The Killeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division is conducting the investigation into the shooting. The Killeen Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit will handle the administrative review. The Bell County District Attorney’s Office is also assisting.
There is no further information available at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigates an Officer Involved Shooting on Larissa Drive
Killeen, TX (April 10, 2025): On Thursday, April 10, 2025, the Killeen Police Department assisted the United States Secret Service (USSS) with a consensual interview involving a 24-year-old male.
At approximately 3:20 p.m., three Killeen Police officers and two USSS agents arrived at a residence in the 2600 block of Larissa Drive. An occupant allowed them inside, where the subject of the interview emerged from a room. For officer safety, a pat-down was conducted, during which officers felt a semi-automatic pistol in the male’s front pocket. A struggle ensued, and two Killeen officers discharged their duty weapons, striking the suspect multiple times.
Officers and USSS agents immediately rendered aid until paramedics arrived. The suspect was airlifted to Baylor Scott & White in critical condition.
The Killeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division is conducting the investigation into the shooting. The Killeen Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit will handle the administrative review. The Bell County District Attorney’s Office is also assisting.
There is no further information available at this time.
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 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 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 Charge 34-Year-Old Male with Murder and Assault
Killeen, TX (February 21, 2025) UPDATE: Detectives from the Robbery-Homicide Unit investigated the case and presented their findings to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office. As a result, two complaints were filed, leading to two arrest warrants issued by Justice of the Peace Nicola James – one for Murder and another for Aggravated Assault— charging 34-year-old Lemont Diante McKinney. At this time, McKinney was already in custody at the Bell County Jail on unrelated charges. Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman later arraigned him, setting a total bond of $1,200,000.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE A HOMICIDE ON CUNNINGHAM
Killeen, TX (January 6, 2025): Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division investigate the death of a 28-year-old female.
On Thursday, January 2, 2025, at approximately 1:18 p.m., officers were dispatched to the Best Western Plus located at 2709 Cunningham Road in reference to multiple 911 calls about shots fired. Upon the officer’s arrival, they located an unconscious female and a male both suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began life saving measures on both until paramedics arrived. The 34-year-old male was immediately airlifted to Baylor Scott & White and was conscious and alert. The female victim, Jazmien Rae’Lynn Hernandez, unfortunately succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman at 3:05 p.m.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the 34-year-old male was engaged in a verbal altercation a 32-year-old male outside the hotel. During the exchange, both individuals fired shots, resulting in injuries to each other and the female. Witnesses told officers that the 32-year-old male fled on foot south behind the hotel. The 32-year-old male then fled on foot heading south, prompting officers to begin a search of the area. Shortly after, officers were notified that a male had arrived at the hospital with gunshot wounds. Officers were able to verify that this was the male that had fled on foot.
Both males are currently in the hospital are listed in stable condition.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
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
KilleenPD News 