Crime
18-year-old Ember Henry, son of former Salado mayor Bert Henry, killed after shot several times in Temple
TEMPLE, Texas — Authorities in Temple are investigating the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Ember Henry, the son of former Salado mayor Bert Henry, after he was found with multiple gunshot wounds in a residential neighborhood earlier this week.
According to the Temple Police Department, officers responded Wednesday morning, May 6, to the 1300 block of Paseo Del Oro for an urgent welfare check.
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Ember Henry suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Officials said the 18-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators later confirmed the case is being treated as a homicide.
Family friends identified Henry as the son of former Salado Mayor Bert Henry, a well-known figure in the Central Texas community.
News of the teenager’s death has sent shockwaves through both Salado and Temple as loved ones mourn the tragic loss.
Police revealed that officers had already been called to the same block the previous day after reports of gunfire in the area. However, when officers responded Tuesday, they reportedly found no evidence of a shooting, no apparent crime scene, and no injured individuals requiring assistance.
Less than 24 hours later, authorities returned to the neighborhood after receiving the welfare concern that ultimately led to the discovery of Henry’s body.
The Temple Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division is now leading the homicide investigation.
Detectives are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including when the gunfire occurred and whether the earlier shots-fired call may be connected to the killing.
As of now, investigators have not announced any arrests, identified a suspect, or released information regarding a possible motive.
Authorities are continuing to gather evidence, review surveillance footage, and interview potential witnesses as the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Temple Police Department or Bell County Crime Stoppers.
Crime
24-Year-Old Jose Alfredo Soto Navarrete Jr Dies in Fatal Jeep Incident in Midland, Christian Rojelio Zubia Arrested
MIDLAND, Texas — Jose Alfredo Soto Navarrete Jr., a 24-year-old man from Odessa, died after an incident involving a Jeep Wrangler in Midland on Thursday night, October 8, 2026. The driver, a 30-year-old Odessa man, was later arrested and charged with manslaughter, according to the Midland Police Department.
Police said officers responded at approximately 10:46 p.m. Thursday to a reported crash involving a 2018 Jeep Wrangler and a pedestrian in the 1700 block of Rankin Highway.
During the preliminary investigation, witnesses told authorities that Soto Navarrete had jumped onto the hood of a black Jeep Wrangler. Investigators allege that the driver accelerated while turning southbound, causing Soto Navarrete to fall from the vehicle and sustain fatal injuries.
Authorities identified the driver as Christian Rojelio Zubia, 30, of Odessa.
According to police, Zubia left the scene after the incident. Officers later located him with assistance from the Odessa Police Department.
Zubia was arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with Soto Navarrete’s death. The charge is an allegation, and the case will proceed through the legal system.
The Midland Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident, including the events leading up to Soto Navarrete’s fall from the Jeep.
Authorities have not released further details about what prompted the encounter or whether additional charges may be considered.
Police confirmed that Soto Navarrete’s next of kin has been notified of his death.
Soto Navarrete’s death has left his family and loved ones grieving. His passing serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly a dangerous incident can result in a fatal outcome.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as authorities continue reviewing the case.