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.
ROCKFORD, Ill. — Daniel Gracia, 12, died after a truck struck his bicycle in Rockford on Tuesday evening, October 20, 2026. Police have charged the truck driver, 61-year-old Brian Knittel, in connection with the fatal crash.
Rockford police responded to the 900 block of 11th Street at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Officers arrived after receiving reports of a collision involving a truck and a young bicyclist.
Gracia suffered fatal injuries in the crash. Authorities have not provided further details about how the collision occurred.
Knittel, a Rockford resident, faces several charges related to the incident. These include reckless homicide, aggravated driving under the influence of drugs, two counts of aggravated driving under the influence, and additional traffic offenses.
Following his arrest, authorities took Knittel to the Winnebago County Jail.
During Knittel’s initial court appearance, a judge granted the state’s request to deny him pretrial release. He is scheduled to return to court on December 17, 2026.
The case remains pending as the legal process continues. The charges represent allegations, and Knittel is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.