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LONGVIEW — Longview Police Department said they responded to an apparent murder-suicide that was reported on the 4300 block of Gregg Tex Road around 1:40 p.m. on Saturday. Officials said that when Longview PD officers arrived on scene they found two people dead from apparent gunshot wounds. According to Longview Police Department, investigators determined that Michael Shane Headrick, 41, shot Ashley Lynn Headrick, 33, before shooting himself. Longview Police Department said that their next of kin has been notified and that this an active investigation. If anyone has any information they would like to report about the shooting, officials asked them to call 903-237-1170.

MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department said they’re investigating the death of a pedestrian after two pedestrians where hit by an 18-wheeler on Saturday around 2:15 a.m. Officials said they responded to the scene at the 5100 block of South East End Boulevard at 2:15 a.m. and found the two pedestrians. One pedestrian was declared dead at the scene and the other was transported to a local hospital, according to officials and our news partner KETK. Authorities said that the driver of the 18-wheeler was uninjured and is not being charged at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville Police Department announced on Saturday that they’re investigating the deaths of two people found near the 1000 block of Clemons Drive. Officials said they received a report of a dead body around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday. When Jacksonville PD, Jacksonville Fire Department and EMS arrived at the scene officers found two victims dead from gunshot wounds. The victims were identified as Toyn B. McCuin, 37, Bullard, and Coray R. McCuin, 35, Jacksonville. Autopsies have been ordered. Dexter Lynn Davis, 29, Jacksonville, was arrested Saturday night on an unrelated charge, and later charged with capital murder, according to Jacksonville Police. He was booked into the Cherokee County Jail. The Texas Rangers are assisting in the investigation.

TYLER — The Tyler High School Administration has sent out a letter stating that a student was arrested on campus Friday after a gun was allegedly found in their backpack. According to our news partner KETK, the gun was found after a student reported that another student brought a gun on campus on Friday afternoon, according to the letter which the school sent out to parents and guardians. Officials said that appropriate disciplinary and legal action will be taken. “The District will file the appropriate complaint, and I have full confidence the legal system will see the penalty to its fullest completion,” Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford shares. “The individual will never be allowed again to enroll in or set foot on Tyler ISD schools and property.” Continue reading Tyler ISD says student with gun in backpack arrested

TYLER – A Tyler man was arrested on Wednesday for aggravated kidnapping with a deadly weapon in connection to an incident that happened in September 2022. According to our news partner KETK, on Sept. 17, 2022, she drove to a home when a man, identified as Adan Orozco, 41, opened her car door and pointed a pistol at her. The warrant said he “pushed the barrel of the pistol into the left side of her head with the pistol and walked to the passenger side of her vehicle.” Orozco told the woman “you aren’t leaving until I say you’re going to leave,” according to the warrant, and told her to drive to the Bunny’s Truck Stop at FM 14 and Loop 323 in Tyler. When they arrived at Bunny’s, the warrant said Orozco took the keys and went inside. Continue reading Tyler man arrested in 2022 kidnapping

TYLER — The National Weather Service confirmed that damage in Tyler was consistent with an EF-0 tornado from Thursday’s severe storms. Winds were estimated to have reached a maximum of 80 mph, but crews are continuing to survey, so the intensities could change depending on additional damage that is found, the NWS said. Tornadoes are measured on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale ranging from 0-5. EF-0 tornadoes have winds ranging from 65-85 mph and can be compared to a category 1 hurricane, while EF-5 tornadoes can reach wind speeds of more than 200 mph.

TYLER — On Friday a man pleaded guilty to murder in connection to the 2021 deadly shooting at the New Orleans Flavors Daiquiri in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, 23-year-old Jaderick Willis pleaded guilty Friday in a Smith County courtroom and was sentenced to 35 years in prison. In a 2021 arrest affidavit, Tyler police say that Tylsha Brown as celebrating her 46th birthday at New Orleans Flavors Daiquiri in Tyler when a fight broke out in the parking lot. During the fight, Brown was shot and killed. Also, in December of last year, Dycorrian Lofton of Jacksonville was sentenced to 3 years in prison for aggravated assault in connection to the case.

TYLER — The southbound far right lane of South Broadway Avenue around Chimney Rock Drive is closed following a Friday morning wreck. Crews are working to replace a traffic signal cabinet that was hit by a car. Police are asking drivers to use caution in the area and requests that drivers use an alternate route if possible.

TYLER — A tornado is believed to have touched down in East Texas. The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning just after 6:30 Thursday evening for Smith County. Residents are reporting damage to homes and businesses. There are also reports that the twister caused damage to Tyler Junior College. Reports that Lloyd James Funeral Home, on East First Street, was heavily damaged as well. So far, no injuries reported. The National Weather Service is expected to survey the area today for any damage the tornado may have caused.

TYLER — Billy Hibbs Jr., Chairman and CEO of Heartland Security Insurance Group of Tyler was inducted into the the Junior Achievement of Greater Tyler Business Hall of Fame last night at the organization’s annual hall of fame dinner. Hibbs became the first “father-son” inductee. His father received the award in 2004.

KTBB Owner and General Manager Paul Gleiser, who is a former Junior Achievement Board President and emcee of last nights event, said this about Hibbs, “Billy is the very embodiment of success under the American system of free enterprise, I can’t think of a better role model for students in school today.” Gleiser also said to those assembled that Junior Achievement provides business and financial programs for students from elementary thru high school on campuses throughout the greater Tyler area.

TYLER – With severe storms and tornados in East Texas, about 3.450 utility users are said to be without power as of 8 p.m. on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, this is based on information from ONCOR, SWEPCO and various electric co-ops. Continue reading Over 3,400 without power in East Texas

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – On Thursday morning, Van Zandt County Constable Pat Jordan and the Ben Wheeler Fire Department responded to a turned over vehicle left on the roadway. Jordan said the vehicle was located on County Road 4714 a mile south of FM 279 and once they arrived, they saw the black Jeep on its side with an individual inside. According to our news partner KETK, the individual inside the vehicle was not injured. When Jordan ran the VIN number on the vehicle, he said it was registered in Tennessee. He then began an investigation of the individual and a search of the vehicle. The individual was identified as Jeremie Scott Meshell, 37, and when Jordan ran his name, he discovered that he had an outstanding felony warrant out of Louisiana for a possession charge. Continue reading Rollover wreck leads to drug bust in East Texas

MARSHALL-According to our news partner KETK, Marshall police are investigating a threat a local business received via email that bombs were planted in Marshall. Marshall Police Chief Cliff Carruth said, “The police department is working closely with other law enforcement agencies to thoroughly search and investigate any potential threat in the area,”. Carruth urged citizens to remain vigilant and to report anything suspicious to authorities. Authorities say their investigation is ongoing.

LONGVIEW – Longview man and former city council candidate was arrested on Monday for invasive visual recording after he was indicted. According to our news partner KETK, Bernd “Dutch” Deblouw, 38, was arrested following an indictment and in August 2022. He was arrested for possession with intent to promote child pornography. Deblouw, the owner of Longview I.T. has served the city in multiple capacities, according to his campaign website, including as the president of the zoning board of adjustment. He had been previously employed by the Longview Fire Department and in his campaign listed public safety as a key issue. He was released from the Gregg County Jail after posting a $10,000 bond.

TYLER – A Bullard woman was sentenced on Thursday after pleading guilty to stealing over $7,000 from a youth nonprofit. Misty Adair, 47 of Bullard, pleaded guilty on March 31 in Smith County to felony theft of property after being arrested in May for misapplying funds from the Youth for Agriculture account into her personal account. She was sentenced on Thursday to four years deferred adjudication, community service of 120 hours and was ordered to pay restitution in an amount to be determined. According to her Smith County arrest warrant, Adair told detectives in April 2022 the hotel bills, restaurants, Suddenlink and Asurion Wireless charges to the Youth for Agriculture account happened because she confused the debit card. Adair was indicted for theft of property in Smith County on Dec. 1, and on Thursday was indicted in Henderson County for theft of property from a second organization.

SMITH COUNTY – On Thursday, a woman was arrested for stealing from her employer in Smith County. According to our news partner KETK, Tina Marie Barber, 39, Tyler, was reportedly caught on camera stealing from her employer. Detective Sabrina Rodgers with the Smith County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office obtained an arrest warrant for Barber for theft of property with a previous conviction. Barber was booked into the Smith County Jail with a bond set at $4,000. The investigation continues.

LONGVIEW — Longview police are investigating an overnight shooting that left one man injured. According to a Longview PD Facebook post, officers were called to a home on 13th Street around 10:00 Wednesday night and found a victim with a gunshot wound. The unnamed victim was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Additional details were not available. Detectives continue to gather information and ask anyone with information to contact LPD (903) 237-1110.

TYLER — A bittersweet Wednesday for the St. James CME church community. The church has been a pillar in the Black community for 102 years was demolished. Many people lined up to see the 1920s structure one last time, according to our news partner KETK. It’s becoming more and more real as you see it come down and the walls fall down,” said Pastor Brian Lightner. Thanks to the generosity from the East Texas community, the church received the money that they needed to take down the building. “Due to the report from this TV station and going out into the community and the community responded in kind,” said Lightner. Continue reading First historically Black church in Tyler demolished after 102 years

LONGVIEW — There has been a rise in train derailments nationwide lately. To be ready to respond to similar cases like what we’ve seen the past few months, crews from across the U.S. are in East Texas training. It’s run by the Longview Fire Department, which is one of just a few training courses in the nation to educate workers, according to our news partner KETK. “Trinity Industries is one of the largest tank car manufacturers in the world, and they have two manufacturing plants in Longview…so that kind of puts us as a unique school,” said training section chief for the Longview Fire Department Andy Parker. Continue reading Longview train derailment training is one of few in the country

TYLER — A man died after a construction incident near the Hollytree neighborhood entrance in Tyler on Wednesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler Fire Marshal Paul Findley said a construction crew was building a retaining wall near 610 West Grande Boulevard when an excavator slid and fatally struck one of the workers. Fire officials responded to the medical call of a crush injury at 10:30 a.m. and cleared the scene by 10:50 a.m. Tyler Police Department also responded to the scene.

SMITH COUNTY — A Tyler man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of aggravated assault of public servant. Jonathan Lizarraga-Romero was sentenced Wednesday in the 114th District Court of Smith County. The charges stem from a high-speed chase that Lizarraga-Romero led several law enforcement agencies on across Smith and Cherokee Counties in April 2022. After officials cornered Lizarraga-Romero in a Tyler apartment complex, he shot at police as they attempted to arrest him. Lizarraga-Romero was facing a life sentence and pleaded guilty to the charges. He asked the jury to determine an appropriate punishment. After a two day trial, the jury sentenced Lizarraga-Romero to 30 years in prison.

LONGVIEW — Longview Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing person, Mark Horner, 63. Horner is described as approximately 300 lbs. and standing at 6′ tall, with brown hair, and a gray beard, and walks with a cane. He was last seen wearing an unknown-colored button-up shirt with a tie, slacks, and glasses. Horner was last seen leaving his home Tuesday morning. He’s said to be driving a black 2018 Nissan Rogue with Texas license plate RFJ2817. Contact Longview Police with any information (903) 237-1170.

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday to approve adding three new election precincts and adjusting other precinct boundaries to comply with Texas Election Code. The proposed changes stem from population growth in some areas, other areas being annexed by the City of Tyler or City of Lindale, and changes needed after redistricting, Elections Administrator Michelle Allcon said. Smith County’s election precincts will grow from 72 to 75. All three precincts being split are Republican, Ms. Allcon said. The precinct boundaries are required to be reviewed every two years. The changes approved by Commissioners Court on Tuesday will become effective January 1, 2024. Continue reading Changes to election precinct boundaries approved

HARRISON COUNTY — A 19-year-old man was arrested on Monday after attempting to flee Harrison County authorities during a traffic stop. The sheriff’s office said a deputy was at a stop sign at FM 451 and FM 9 when he observed a car with multiple traffic violations and conducted a traffic stop. According to our news partner KETK, when the deputy approached the car, the driver, identified as Dakota Stone, 19, of Waskom, “drove off reaching speeds over 100 mph.” According to officials, Stone drove to the driveway of his home and ran from the deputy before he was arrested. A search of Stone’s car found a .40 caliber Glock with an extender magazine. Stone was booked into the Harrison County Jail for evading arrest with a vehicle, unlawful carrying of a weapon and on two misdemeanor warrants that had been issued for his arrest.

TYLER – A Lindale man was sentenced on Monday to six months in state jail for arson after pleading guilty to setting clothes on fire inside a Tyler Walmart. According to an arrest warrant, Tyler police and the Tyler Fire Marshal’s Office were called to the scene at the Walmart on Highway 64 on Dec. 9, 2020 where it was reported a young man had set clothes on fire and left the store. Tiko Porter, 25 of Lindale, was later identified as the person seen in surveillance footage and the warrant said he was seen near the rack of clothes and moments later “smoke and fire can be seen rising up from the clothes and the rack.” Continue reading Man sentenced to 6 months in state jail for 2020 arson at Tyler Walmart

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Commissioners Court ratified a resolution Tuesday, proclaiming April 13, 2023, as “John Sims Day” in Smith County, in honor of the veteran radio newsman who was laid to rest last Thursday. “This community was his family,” KTBB Account Executive Lonnie Johnson said in Commissioners Court. “It was always obvious but upon his death, it became even more obvious.” Since 1998, Sims served as news anchor and editor at KTBB radio. His career in radio spanned 46 years, with 43 of those in East Texas. He died March 31, 2023, after he was struck by a vehicle while walking near his home. His memorial service was held April 13, at First Christian Church. Continue reading Commissioners Court approves “John Sims Day” in Smith County

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department arrested a 24-year-old man in connection to a 2022 murder case. According to our news partner KETK, on Monday, Longview detectives served a murder warrant on Preston Wade Graham, of Gladewater. He was booked into the Gregg County Jail on a murder charge. Bond has not yet been set. On Oct. 10, officials responded to a call in the area of Baxley Lane regarding an assault. Arriving officers found an injured victim inside a residence. The victim was taken to a local hospital and died the following day. According to online records, Graham’s criminal history includes, evading arrest, theft of property and DWI.

TYLER — Elizabeth Gomez, assistant principal of Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School, has been named the new principal at Bonner Elementary School. “It means so much to me to continue to grow here at home in Tyler ISD,” Gomez said. “I have had the pleasure to meet many wonderful mentors on my journey from student to educator and administrator, and those experiences will guide me to create a positive impact at Bonner Elementary.” Gomez joined Tyler ISD in 2015 as a classroom teacher at Bell Elementary School. In 2019, she moved into an administrative role at the district, serving as a Bilingual/ESL Instructional Specialist. Gomez became assistant principal at Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School in 2020. Continue reading Tyler ISD names new elementary school principal