Crime
54-year-old Vernon Johnson killed in shooting started by argument, suspect in custody
Temple, Texas – The Temple Police Department has identified the victim and suspect involved in a fatal shooting that occurred on Wednesday night.
On October 9th, around 7:20 PM, police responded to reports of a shooting in the 700 block of Luna Lane. Upon arrival, officers discovered one person suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Following an investigation, police determined that the victim, Vernon Johnson, 54, had entered his neighbor’s backyard and engaged in an argument with the suspect, David Tate, 52.
During the altercation, Tate shot Johnson multiple times.
Johnson was transported to the hospital in critical condition but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
Tate has been arrested on charges of murder.
An autopsy has been ordered by the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences.
Police confirm that no other injuries were reported and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Temple Police Department at 254-298-5500 or Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-8477.
Crime
18-year-old Kyler Naely charged for the murder in shooting death of 16-year-old Ja’Tycie Williams
An 18-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged in a deadly shooting that occurred in October, which claimed the life of a 16-year-old and injured another.
The incident began on October 6, 2024, shortly after 12:45 a.m., when officers were called to a shooting on I-244 near Yale Avenue.
Upon arrival, they discovered a gray SUV riddled with bullet holes and shattered windows. Investigators determined that seven people were inside the vehicle at the time of the shooting.
Two occupants of the vehicle suffered gunshot wounds.
One victim, 16-year-old Ja’Tycie Williams, sustained critical injuries and succumbed to them several weeks later. The other victim suffered a minor gunshot wound to the arm and survived.
Preliminary investigations revealed the incident was linked to a fight at the Tulsa State Fair earlier that evening.
Witnesses reported that the altercation, which occurred as the group was leaving the fairgrounds, likely escalated into the highway shooting.
Following an in-depth investigation, Tulsa Police Homicide Detectives identified 18-year-old Kyler Naely as the suspect responsible for the shooting.
On November 19, 2024, Naely was arrested, charged with first-degree murder, and booked into the Tulsa County Jail.
Authorities emphasize that the case remains under investigation and are urging anyone with additional information to contact Tulsa Crime Stoppers at 918-596-COPS. Callers can remain anonymous.