Killeen Police make an arrest in a 2022 Murder Case
Killeen, TX (January 26, 2024): A 38-year-old male is currently in jail for the Murder of Joe Sidney Williams.
On June 24, 2022, Officers were dispatched at approximately 2:50 a.m. to the 1800 block of N. 4th Street in reference to a gunshot victim. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located 55-year-old Joe Sidney Williams suffering from a gunshot wound, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
On January 19, 2024, Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division Robbery-Homicide Unit received a complaint for Murder charging Demetris Tyrone Prier, to which Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson issued an arrest warrant for. Prier was located in the Bell County Jail on unrelated charges. Justice of the Peace Keith Reed arraigned Prier and set his bond at $500,000.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE THE FIFTEENTH MURDER FOR 2022
Killeen, TX (October 6, 2022): Killeen Police are actively investigating the Murder of a 55-year-old male.
On June 24, 2022, Officers with the Killeen Police Department were dispatched at approximately 2:50 a.m. to the 1800 block of N. 4th Street in reference to a gunshot victim. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located one victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers immediately started to perform life saving measures until paramedics arrived. He was transported to Baylor Scott and White in Temple.
The victim, Joe Sidney Williams Junior succumbed to his injuries on August 3, 2022, and was pronounced deceased at the hospital by Justice of the Peace Theodore Duffield. He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.
Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit received the final autopsy, and it was determined that the death of the victim was ruled Murder.
The department is asking anyone who may have seen anything or has 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.
Detectives are actively investigating this Murder and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police and Texas Rangers Investigate an Officer Involved Shooting on Kings Court
Killeen, TX (January 16, 2024): On Sunday, January 14, 2024, at approximately 1:05 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area the 100 block of Elms Road in reference to an armed subject. The preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was involved in a disturbance and fled on foot towards Florence Road. Prior to the officer’s arrival, the call was upgraded to shots fired. Upon their arrival, the officers located the suspect and engaged him, which resulted in the officers discharging their firearms, striking the suspect. He was transported by ambulance to Baylor Scott & White and is listed in stable condition.
The officers, both 12 -year veterans, were placed on administrative leave as per protocol.
The Texas Rangers responded to the scene and are the lead investigating agency. The Killeen Police Department Internal Affairs Unit will conduct an internal investigation.
Any further requests for information surrounding the officer involved shooting incident can be directed to Sgt. Bryan Washko with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
This investigation is active and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate An Early Morning Shooting
Killeen, TX (December 29, 2023): Killeen Police are investigating an early morning shooting that occurred on Culp Avenue.
On Friday, December 29, 2023, at approximately 1:51 a.m., Killeen Police Officers responded to the 1200 block of Culp in reference to several calls for multiple shots being fired in area. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a male lying in the roadway suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers started to perform life saving measures until Killeen EMS arrived. The male was subsequently airlifted to Baylor Scott and White Hospital in critical condition.
Officers then responded to a call of a second male suffering from a gunshot wound in 1100 block of Culp Ave and administered first-aid until Killeen EMS arrived. He was transported by ambulance to Baylor Scott and White with non-life-threatening injuries.
Officers also responded to a report of a third male, believed to be involved with the shooting on Culp Avenue, who arrived at Seton Medical Center Harker Heights with gunshot wounds. The male was subsequently transported to Baylor Scott and White hospital in stable condition.
The officer’s preliminary investigation revealed that two of the males that were shot are suspected of committing a burglary or attempted theft of a vehicle prior to the shooting.
Detectives are actively investigating this shooting and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
UPDATE NEWS RELEASE: DETECTIVES ARREST TWO PEOPLE FOR A 2014 MURDER CASE
Killeen, TX (December 19, 2023): Two people are in custody for the death of Sung Jin Farris. Farris was found suffering from a gunshot wound on Wednesday, April 20, 2014, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division Robbery-Homicide presented the case to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and two complaints were returned charging Johnathan Shaw Allen Holmes, 36, and Zykeshalla Tyree Murphy, 32, with Murder. Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson issued warrants for their arrest.
On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Murphy was located and arrested at approximately 7:30 a.m. in Ashland, OH by the U.S. Marshals Service Northern Ohio Fugitive Task Force. Holmes was located and arrested in Belton, TX by the U.S. Marshals Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force at approximately 8:30 a.m.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
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Killeen Police are investigating an early morning shooting on Wolf St.
Officers responded to 302 Wolf St. at 2:09 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2014, in reference to a drive by shooting. Upon their arrival, officers located a 36-year-old male suffering from gunshot wounds to his chest. The victim was immediately transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at 2:47 a.m. Justice of the Peace Garland Potvin ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.
The name of the victim has been withheld pending notification of his next kin. Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division continue to process the scene at this time. This case continues to be investigated and more information will be released as it become available.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
Alex Gearhart
Assistant Chief of Police
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Are Conducting a Shooting Investigation
Killeen, TX (December 8, 2023): One person is in custody after a domestic violence incident involving a weapon.
On Friday, December 8, 2023, at approximately 1:34 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 2300 block of Basalt Drive in reference domestic disturbance. Upon the officers’ arrival, they observed a male exiting the residence and heard screaming inside. Officers detained the male and went inside the to find two females suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers immediately started to perform life saving measures until paramedics arrived. One victim was transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and the second victim was transported to Advent Health, both in critical condition.
The two females succumbed to their injuries. Their name has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released. There is no immediate threat to the public.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Identifies Deceased Male
Killeen, TX (November 22, 2023): Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division Robbery-Homicide Unit have identified the male as Jamal Rasheed Williams.
Detectives continue to investigate this incident and at this time no other information will be released.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE ARE CONDUCTING A SHOOTING INVESTIGATION
Killeen, TX (November 18, 2023): On Friday, November 17, 2023, at approximately 11:31 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 5000 block of Watercrest Rd in reference to a gunshot victim. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a 43-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers immediately started to perform life saving measures until paramedics arrived. The victim was transported by ambulance to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition. A second person, a 38-year-old female, was transported to Seton by personal vehicle, where she is in stable condition.
The male subject succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 12:08 a.m. by Justice of the Peace Nicola James. An Autopsy has been ordered.
The identity of the deceased has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The department is asking anyone who may have seen anything or has information about this Shooting, 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.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released. There is no immediate threat to the public.
Alex Gearhart
Assistant Chief of Police
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police and Texas Rangers Release Name of Deceased Male
Killeen, TX (October 24, 2023): The name of the deceased male has been identified as William Frank Lee.
Any further requests for information surrounding this incident can be directed to Sgt. Bryan Washko with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE AND TEXAS RANGERS ARE INVESTIGATING AN OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING
Killeen, TX (October 20, 2023): On Friday, October 20, 2023, at approximately 5:39 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Southside Drive in reference to a 911 call about a violent domestic with weapons. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a male in the roadway suffering from a stab wound and a second male armed with a knife in close proximity. The responding officer discharged his weapon, striking the armed male with the knife.
Both males were transported to Baylor Scott & White in Temple. The stabbing victim (36 years-old) is currently in critical, but stable condition. The armed male (38 years-old) succumbed to his injuries.
As per protocol, the officer, a 5-year veteran, will be placed on administrative leave.
The Texas Rangers responded to the scene and are the lead investigating agency. The Killeen Police Department Internal Affairs Unit will conduct an internal investigation.
Any further requests for information surrounding this incident can be directed to Sgt. Bryan Washko with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Arrest Murder Suspect
UPDATE NEWS RELEASE – Killeen, TX (September 7, 2023): Arrest made on the ninth Murder in the City of Killeen for 2023.
With the assistance of the community and numerous crime stopper tips, Detectives with the Killeen Police Department’s Robbery/Homicide Unit were able to identify the suspect in this case.
On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, detectives presented this case to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and a criminal complaint was issued charging Angelica Sharice Lamar Higgins, 32, with Murder. Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman issued an arrest warrant for Lamar Higgins.
On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, the U.S. Marshals Lonestar Fugitive -Task Force located Angelica Sharice Lamar Higgins at a residence in Harker Heights, TX. She was apprehended and taken into custody without incident. Higgins was transported to the Bell County Jail and Justice of the Peace Larry Wilkey arraigned her and set her bond at $1,000,000.
The next of kin has been notified and the victim has been identified as Valeria Favila.
We would like to thank the community for their assistance in this case.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE AN EARLY MORNING SHOOTING
Killeen, TX (September 1, 2023): Killeen Police are investigating the ninth Murder in the City of Killeen for 2023.
On Friday, September 1, 2023, at approximately 2:41 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 800 block of Atlas Avenue in reference to a gunshot victim. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a female suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers immediately started to perform life saving measures until paramedics arrived. The victim was transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition.
The 22-year-old victim succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at 3:57 a.m. by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson.
The identity of the victim has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The department is asking anyone who may have seen anything or has information about this Murder, 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.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate an Early Morning Shooting
Killeen, TX (September 1, 2023): Killeen Police are investigating the ninth Murder in the City of Killeen for 2023.
On Friday, September 1, 2023, at approximately 2:41 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 800 block of Atlas Avenue in reference to a gunshot victim. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a female suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers immediately started to perform life saving measures until paramedics arrived. The victim was transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition.
The 22-year-old victim succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at 3:57 a.m. by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson.
The identity of the victim has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The department is asking anyone who may have seen anything or has information about this Murder, 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.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate an Overnight Shooting
Killeen, TX (July 31, 2023): Killeen Police are investigating the eighth Murder in the City of Killeen for 2023.
On Sunday, July 30, 2023, at approximately 8:54 p.m., Killeen Police Officers were dispatched to the 3300 block of E. Rancier in reference to a shots fired call. Upon the officers’ arrival, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound. Killeen EMS arrived on scene and transported the male to Seton Medical Center Harker Heights; however, the man succumbed to his wound and was pronounced deceased at 9:47 p.m., by Justice of the Peace Nicola James.
The identity of the male has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
No arrests have been made at this time.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have seen anything or has 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.
Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division continue to actively investigate this incident and there is no other information at this time.
Assistant Chief of Police Jeff Donohue
Administration Bureau
Killeen Police Department
KilleenPD News 