Suspect Arrested after Pursuit and Multi-Vehicle Crash
Killeen, TX (June 19,2025): On June 18, 2025, at 6:29 p.m., officers with the Violent Crime Action Team (VCAT) attempted to stop a white Subaru SUV involved in a narcotics investigation in the 600 block of S WS Young Drive when the driver fled, and a pursuit ensued towards south Killeen.
The suspect led officers southbound on Trimmier Road before turning east onto Lowes Boulevard. While fleeing on Lowes Boulevard, the suspect caused two crashes. The first involved minor damage to two vehicles exiting a parking lot. The suspect continued eastbound toward the intersection of Lowes Boulevard and W.S. Young Drive, where a second crash occurred involving a woman and infant in a Nissan sedan and a black Chevrolet pickup. The victims of the Nissan were treated at the scene by EMS and declined transport to the hospital. The driver of the pickup reported no injuries. The suspect was taken into custody at the scene.
Charges are pending through the Bell County District Attorney’s Office for Evading in a Vehicle and Delivery of Controlled Substance.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Murder Suspect Located and Arrested
Killeen, TX (June 4, 2025) UPDATE: The 35-year-old murder suspect has been arrested and is currently in the Bell County Jail.
On Monday, June 2, 2025, Cecil Tamez Jr. was located in the 300 block of Cartwright Drive in Killeen and taken into custody. Tamez was found hiding under a mobile home and had attempted to conceal himself by burying himself in dirt. He was arrested and transported to the Killeen City Jail.
Justice of the Peace Larry Wilkey arraigned Tamez on the Murder warrant and set his bond at $1,000,000. He was later transferred to the Bell County Jail.
The Killeen Police Department would like to thank the United States Marshals Service – Lone Star Fugitive Task Force for their assistance in this apprehension.
No further information is available at this time.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE A HOMICIDE ON SUNSET STREET
Killeen, TX (May 22, 2025): The Killeen Police Department is actively investigating the death of a 28-year-old male following a stabbing incident.
On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at approximately 5:24 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Sunset Street in reference to a stabbing victim. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim suffering from a stab wound. Killeen Fire Department EMS responded and began life-saving measures. The victim was airlifted to Baylor Scott & White in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The victim, Ondarien Jamaal Kelly, was pronounced deceased at 6:58 p.m. by Justice of the Peace Ted Duffield. He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences.
The preliminary investigation reveals that the victim and suspect, who are acquaintances, were involved in a verbal altercation. During the dispute, the suspect grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed the victim before fleeing the scene. This is an isolated incident.
On May 22, 2025, this case was presented to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and a complaint was returned charging 35-year-old Cecil Tamez Jr. with Murder. Justice of the Peace Nicola James issued a warrant for his arrest.
If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Tamez, call the Killeen Police Department at (254) 501-8830 or contact the Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or go online at http://www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com.
The Killeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, Robbery-Homicide Unit, is actively investigating and there is no additional information available at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate Homicide from March Shooting
Killeen, TX (May 29, 2025): The Killeen Police Department is actively investigating the death of a 20-year-old female as a homicide following a March shooting.
On Friday, March 21, 2025, at approximately 10:07 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 2500 block of Bacon Ranch Rd in reference to a shooting victim. Upon arrival, officers discovered a female victim deceased from a gunshot wound.
The victim, Lucila Nair Nieva, was pronounced deceased at 11:02 p.m. by Justice of the Peace Nicola James. She ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.
The preliminary investigation revealed the death to be suspicious in nature. On May 7, 2025, detectives received the final results from the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences indicating the manner of death ruled to be a Homicide.
The Killeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, Robbery-Homicide Unit, and Fort Cavazos Criminal Investigation Division are actively investigating and there is no further information available at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate a Homicide on Cantabrian Drive
Killeen, TX (May 29, 2025): The Killeen Police Department is actively investigating the death of a 19-year-old male following a shooting.
On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at approximately 1:42 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 2900 block of Cantabrian Drive 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 by ambulance to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The victim, Gabriel Lee Garza, was pronounced deceased at 6:29 a.m. by Justice of the Peace Nicola James. She ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.
The preliminary investigation reveals that the victim met with two to three males outside a residence. Multiple shots were fired, and the victim was struck multiple times. It appears the victim and the suspects knew each other.
The Killeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, Robbery-Homicide Unit, is actively investigating and there is no further information available at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate a Homicide on Sunset Street
Killeen, TX (May 22, 2025): The Killeen Police Department is actively investigating the death of a 28-year-old male following a stabbing incident.
On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at approximately 5:24 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Sunset Street in reference to a stabbing victim. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim suffering from a stab wound. Killeen Fire Department EMS responded and began life-saving measures. The victim was airlifted to Baylor Scott & White in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The victim, Ondarien Jamall Kelly, was pronounced deceased at 6:58 p.m. by Justice of the Peace Ted Duffield. He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences.
The preliminary investigation reveals that the victim and suspect, who are acquaintances, were involved in a verbal altercation. During the dispute, the suspect grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed the victim before fleeing the scene. This is an isolated incident.
On May 22, 2025, this case was presented to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and a complaint was returned charging 35-year-old Cecil Tamez Jr. with Murder. Justice of the Peace Nicola James issued a warrant for his arrest.
If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Tamez, call the Killeen Police Department at (254) 501-8830 or contact the Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or go online at http://www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com.
The Killeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, Robbery-Homicide Unit, is actively investigating and there is no additional information available at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Traffic Delays Expected for Funeral Procession Honoring Killeen Fire Department Captain Marvin Taylor III
Killeen, TX (May 19, 2025): On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, motorists should expect traffic delays along a portion of Interstate 14 due to the funeral procession honoring Killeen Fire Department Captain Marvin Taylor III.
The procession will begin in Copperas Cove and travel eastbound on I-14 through Killeen. It will continue onto SH 201 (Clear Creek Road) and then head southbound onto SH 195.
The procession is expected to occur between 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. and may cause intermittent delays along the route, particularly near on-ramps and intersections along I-14, SH 201, and SH 195. Drivers are encouraged to plan accordingly, use alternate routes when possible, and exercise patience and caution in the area.
We ask the public to join us in honoring Captain Taylor’s life and service by allowing the procession to pass safely and respectfully.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
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
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