Crime
Suspect Robert Lee Davis shot and killed on Stella Link in SW Houston
The Houston Police Department has confirmed that suspect Robert Lee Davis, also known as Sean Christopher Davis, was shot and killed by law enforcement officers late Wednesday morning.
The confrontation occurred behind a series of businesses near the original shooting location on Stella Link Road, north of the South Loop.
The tragic incident began earlier in the day when Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Jesus “Jesse” Vargas was fatally shot while attempting to apprehend Davis, a repeat violent offender, during the execution of a warrant.
Deputy Vargas was rushed to Ben Taub Hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Deputy Vargas was a 17-year veteran of the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office and leaves behind a grieving wife and three children. “This afternoon, we lost a local hero,” stated Houston Mayor John Whitmire.
“Deputy Vargas was dedicated to his community, and he gave his life in the line of duty while confronting a dangerous individual. Our hearts are with his family and the entire Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office during this unimaginable time.”
Following the initial shooting, authorities launched a manhunt for Davis, described as a 56-year-old Black male, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 220 pounds. He was last seen wearing a blue Nike hoodie with white lettering, blue jeans, and blue sneakers. A “Blue Alert” was issued statewide, urging the public to report any sightings and avoid the area.
Davis had an extensive criminal record dating back to 1990, with charges ranging from violent offenses to aggravated sexual assault as recently as December 2024. Law enforcement emphasized the danger posed by Davis, underscoring the urgency of the manhunt.
Law enforcement officers located Davis near Stella Link Road just before noon. Details surrounding the fatal encounter have not been fully released, but Davis was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The loss of Deputy Vargas has prompted an outpouring of condolences and tributes from across the community. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Houston Police Department and the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, are continuing the investigation into the circumstances of both shootings.
“We stand united in honoring the sacrifice of Deputy Vargas and in ensuring justice is served,” said Police Chief Troy Finner. Updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
The Houston Police Department urges anyone with further details related to this case to contact their office or Crime Stoppers of Houston.
AUSTIN, Texas — A man was taken into custody Saturday afternoon following a shooting inside the Austin Central Library that left one person seriously injured and prompted a large emergency response and temporary shelter-in-place order in the downtown area.
According to the Austin Police Department (APD), officers responded shortly after 12:00 p.m. to reports of gunfire inside the Austin Central Library, located at 710 W. César Chávez Street.
Upon arrival, police and Austin-Travis County EMS units found one victim suffering from a gunshot wound.
The individual was transported to a local hospital in serious but stable condition.
Assistant Police Chief Lee Rogers stated during a press briefing that the shooter fled the scene before officers arrived.
After an extensive search, the suspect—identified as 55-year-old Harold Newton Keene—was located and arrested in South Austin at approximately 1:25 p.m.
The library was safely evacuated, and the shelter-in-place alert was lifted shortly after Keene’s apprehension.
Authorities emphasized that the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident involving only one suspect and one victim.
“This was not an active shooter situation,” Rogers confirmed.
Preliminary reports and public records reveal that Harold Newton Keene has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple arrests for assault, family violence, terroristic threats, burglary, drug possession, and evading arrest.
He is described by law enforcement officials as a habitual violent offender who has had numerous prior run-ins with police.
Records indicate Keene was previously arrested for threatening a man with a firearm several months ago and, in a separate incident, assaulted another inmate while in custody at the Travis County Jail.
In both cases, prosecutors later declined to pursue charges.
Authorities have not yet released a possible motive for the shooting or confirmed whether the suspect and victim knew each other.
The Austin Police Department’s Major Crimes Division is leading the investigation.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Austin Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS.