Killeen Police Continue to Investigate Eighth Murder
Killeen, TX (August 3, 2021): Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division continue to investigate the eighth Murder in the City of Killeen.
Through the investigation, it revealed that the shooting incident occurred in the back/rear parking area at the Naked City Club located at 4300 South Fort Hood Street. Multiple shell casings were recovered from the crime at this location.
One of the individuals that were detained has been released pending further investigation. The second individual has been charged with Deadly Conduct, Class A misdemeanor.
This Murder investigation is ongoing and detectives ask that if anyone has any additional information, videos and/or photos that could help their investigation, are asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at (254) 501-8860 or you can submit it anonymously to the Bell County Crime Stoppers at (254) 526-8477 or online at http://www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com.
The investigation is ongoing and there is no other information at this time.
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Killeen, TX (July 30, 2021): Killeen Police are actively working a shooting investigation.
On Saturday, July 31, 2021, at approximately 2:45 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 4300 block of S. Fort Hood Street in reference to a shots fired call. Upon the officers, they located a victim suffering from a gunshot wound at the intersection of Fort Hood Street and Elms Road. The shooting victim, a male, was immediately transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition.
The victim, 36-year-old Deon Dewayne Elliot, succumbed to his injuries and Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson pronounced him deceased at 3:49 a.m.
Through the investigation, it revealed that another male was also shot, and he transported himself to Advent Health with non-life-threatening injuries. The male victim has since been released.
A suspect vehicle leaving the scene was stopped by Patrol Officer, and two people were placed under arrest. Officers did locate several firearms inside the suspect vehicle.
The department is asking anyone who may have seen anything, has any videos or any 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.
The investigation is ongoing and there is no other information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate a Murder
Killeen, TX (August 1, 2021): Killeen Police are actively working a Murder at a convenience store.
On Sunday, August 1, 2021, at approximately 3:53 a.m., officers were dispatched to the Valero Convenience Store located at 3900 Trimmier Road in reference to an unresponsive male. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located the store employee suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim, 25-year-old Kentaro Cooper, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson at 4:39 a.m.
Through the investigation, detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division seek a person of interest. The male is described as a light skinned male, and was last seen wearing a face mask, a beanie and was heavily dressed in multiple layers of dark colored clothing.
This the ninth criminal homicide in the City of Killeen of 2021.
The department is asking anyone who may have seen anything or any 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.
The investigation is ongoing and there is no other information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate an Early Morning Shooting
Killeen, TX (July 30, 2021): Killeen Police are actively working a shooting investigation.
On Saturday, July 31, 2021, at approximately 2:45 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 4300 block of S. Fort Hood Street in reference to a shots fired call. Upon the officers, they located a victim suffering from a gunshot wound at the intersection of Fort Hood Street and Elms Road. The shooting victim, a male, was immediately transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition.
The victim, 36-year-old Deon Dewayne Elliot, succumbed to his injuries and Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson pronounced him deceased at 3:49 a.m.
Through the investigation, it revealed that another male was also shot, and he transported himself to Advent Health with non-life threatening injuries. The male victim has since been released.
A suspect vehicle leaving the scene was stopped by Patrol Officer, and two people were placed under arrest. Officers did locate several firearms inside the suspect vehicle.
The department is asking anyone who may have seen anything, has any videos or any 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.
The investigation is ongoing and there is no other information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Officer Arrested For Injury To A Child
Killeen, TX (July 30, 2021): A Killeen Police Officer is in custody for a felony charge.
On Wednesday, July 28, 2021, Killeen Police were notified of a domestic disturbance that had occurred that evening involving a Killeen Police Officer while off-duty. Through the investigation, it revealed that a 5-year-child was recklessly injured during the domestic.
Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division, Special Victims Unit, presented the case to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office, and on Friday, July 30, 2021, a complaint was returned charging 29-year-old Laura Smith with Injury to a Child under 17.
On July 30, 2021, Smith was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson and set her bond at $50,000.
Smith has been with the Department since September 2018 and is currently on administrative leave with pay while an Internal Affairs investigation is completed.
The Killeen Police Department is a Civil Service Agency that must follow the local Civil Service Rules that outlines the due process procedures for allegations of misconduct. This process includes the affected employee’s pay status.
Chief Kimble stated “We hold the officers of the Killeen Police Department to the highest standards, both on and off duty, and this incident will be fully investigated to ensure accountability. The Criminal Investigation will be handled in accordance to Texas laws in coordination with the District Attorney’s Office. The Police Department has initiated an Internal Affairs investigation to follow the due process procedure set forth by Civil Service Rules.”
At this time, no further information will be released.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Officer Resigns
UPDATE – Killeen, TX (July 19, 2021): On Friday, July 16, 2021, Officer Miguel Velasco-Herrera submitted his resignation from the Killeen Police Department in lieu of completing the Internal Affairs investigation.
Chief Kimble stated “Miguel Velasco-Herrera’s actions violated the trust and faith placed in him by the community and this department. These allegations against Mr. Velasco-Herrera do not represent the values and ethics of the Killeen Police Department. His conduct is inexcusable and will not be tolerated.”
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NEWS RELEASE: A KILLEEN POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED ON FELONY CHARGE
Killeen, TX (July 15, 2021): A Killeen Police Officer is currently on bond for a felony charge.
On July 5, 2021, Killeen Police were notified of a possible Sexual Assault that had occurred early that morning involving a Killeen Police Officer. Upon receiving this information, the officer was placed on administrative leave and criminal and internal investigations were immediately initiated.
Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division, Special Victims Unit, determined that there was sufficient evidence to support probable cause for criminal charges. This case was reviewed on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and a complaint was returned charging Miguel Velasco-Herrera with Sexual Assault of a Child under 17.
On July 15, 2021, Velasco-Herrera turned himself in and was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson. He set his bond at $100,000.
Miguel Velasco-Herrera, a seven-year veteran, is currently on administrative leave with pay.
The Internal Affairs investigation continues to be conducted and there is no further information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Officer Arrested on Felony Charge
Killeen, TX (July 15, 2021): A Killeen Police Officer is currently on bond for a felony charge.
On July 5, 2021, Killeen Police were notified of a possible Sexual Assault that had occurred early that morning involving a Killeen Police Officer. Upon receiving this information, the officer was placed on administrative leave and criminal and internal investigations were immediately initiated.
Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division, Special Victims Unit, determined that there was sufficient evidence to support probable cause for criminal charges. This case was reviewed on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and a complaint was returned charging Miguel Velasco-Herrera with Sexual Assault of a Child under 17.
On July 15, 2021, Velasco-Herrera turned himself in and was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson. He set his bond at $100,000.
Miguel Velasco-Herrera, a seven-year veteran, is currently on administrative leave with pay.
The Internal Affairs investigation continues to be conducted and there is no further information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Identify Victim from Crash Fatality
Killeen, TX (July 9, 2021): The victim in this crash fatality has been identified as Victor Alexander Demarest.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE A CRASH FATALITY ON ELMS
Killeen, TX (July 7, 2021): A 41-year-old male is deceased from a multiple-car crash.
On Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at approximately 9:00 a.m., a patrol officer was traveling westbound on Elms Road when he observed a blue Dodge Charger traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed. The officer turned around to conduct a traffic stop, however lost sight of the vehicle on W.S. Young and Stan Schlueter Loop. A second patrol officer observed the Charger at the intersection of Stan Schlueter Loop and Trimmier Road traveling northbound on Trimmier Road. The suspect vehicle stopped at the red light at Trimmier and Elms and then the suspect driver ran the red light cutting through traffic and sped off westbound on Elms Road.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a silver Chevy Equinox was exiting a private drive on Elms Road when the Charger traveling westbound on Elms Road collided into the driver side of the Equinox. The impact caused the Equinox to collide into a black Chevy Silverado pickup that was traveling eastbound in the outside lane of Elms Road. Officers arrived shortly thereafter and immediately started to perform life saving measures on the driver of the Equinox until paramedics arrived. He was immediately transported to Seton Medical Center Harker Heights in critical condition.
The two occupants in the Charger and the driver of the Silverado were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
The victim of the Equinox succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 11:05 a.m. by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke.
The name of the victim has been withheld pending notification next of kin.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate a Crash Fatality on Elms
Killeen, TX (July 7, 2021): A 41-year-old male is deceased from a multiple-car crash.
On Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at approximately 9:00 a.m., a patrol officer was traveling westbound on Elms Road when he observed a blue Dodge Charger traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed. The officer turned around to conduct a traffic stop, however lost sight of the vehicle on W.S. Young and Stan Schlueter Loop. A second patrol officer observed the Charger at the intersection of Stan Schlueter Loop and Trimmier Road traveling northbound on Trimmier Road. The suspect vehicle stopped at the red light at Trimmier and Elms and then the suspect driver ran the red light cutting through traffic and sped off westbound on Elms Road.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a silver Chevy Equinox was exiting a private drive on Elms Road when the Charger traveling westbound on Elms Road collided into the driver side of the Equinox. The impact caused the Equinox to collide into a black Chevy Silverado pickup that was traveling eastbound in the outside lane of Elms Road. Officers arrived shortly thereafter and immediately started to perform life saving measures on the driver of the Equinox until paramedics arrived. He was immediately transported to Seton Medical Center Harker Heights in critical condition.
The two occupants in the Charger and the driver of the Silverado were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
The victim of the Equinox succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 11:05 a.m. by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke.
The name of the victim has been withheld pending notification next of kin.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Identify Homicide Victim
UPDATE NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE IDENTIFY HOMICIDE VICTIM
Killeen, TX (July 1, 2021): The department received a positive identification of the victim in this case as 67-year-old Hudson Tai through dental records.
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UPDATE NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE SEVENTH CRIMINAL HOMICIDE
Killeen, TX (June 14, 2021): The preliminary results from the medical examiner resulted that the cause of death was a homicide.
The identity of the victim is pending DNA results, which may take some time to confirm.
The investigation is ongoing and there is no other information at this time.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE CONDUCT A DEATH INVESTIGATION
Killeen, TX (June 1, 2021): On Monday, May 31, 2021, at approximately 4:24 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Adams Avenue in reference to a suspicious circumstances call.
Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a deceased body in the backyard of a residence. Officers were unable to locate any identification and the body was sent to the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas. The identity is pending the results from the medical examiner.
The department is 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.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Apprehend Austin Murder Suspect
Killeen, TX (June 24, 2021): 19-year-old De’Ondre Jermirris White has been located and is currently in the Killeen City Jail.
On Thursday, June 24, 2021, at approximately 2:23 p.m., members of the United States Marshals Service – Lone Star Fugitive Task Force and with the assistance from the Killeen Police Department Specialized Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, located De’Ondre Jermirris White in the 1300 block of Anna Lee Drive. White was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Killeen City Jail. He awaits arraignment on an arrest warrant for Murder in reference to the mass shooting that occurred in Austin, TX on June 12, 2021.
“The tragic incident that occurred in Austin on June 12th received nationwide attention and we are happy to report that the murder suspect is in custody. We would like to thank the US Marshals Service and our SWAT team for their dedication and persistence to help close a chapter in this investigation. We are glad to work with dedicated professionals that are committed to keep our communities safe regardless of boundaries. This case covered multiple jurisdictions and together we were able to locate and take into custody a violent fugitive,” stated Chief Charles Kimble.
Please refer any further inquiries to the Austin Police Department.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
KilleenPD News 