KTBB News, Weather, Talk

VAN ZANDT COUNTY— 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a stay of execution Monday for a Texas death inmate. According to our news partner KETK, the execution of 48-year-old Jedidiah Isaac Murphy was scheduled for Tuesday. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice said on Oct. 4, 2000 Murphy forced a 79-year-old woman in Garland to give him a ride at gunpoint. He then forced the woman into the trunk of her car and shot her while she was getting into the trunk. Later, Murphy took the woman out from the cars trunk and drowned her in a creek. The Texas Attorney General’s Office tried to overturn the execution order, but the decision was upheld by the Court of Appeals.

AUSTIN — With the third special session now in progress, Gov. Greg Abbott intends to make progress on what he calls “education freedom.” The governor has asked Texans to contact their state representative to advocate for school choice, while opponents of the idea claim this is just a rebrand of the school voucher plan. Since the topic of school choice has been brought forth, public school districts across East Texas have had concerns, according to our colleagues at KETK. “I think that would be detrimental to public schools. Changing the name from vouchers to school choice and different things like that, I mean, parents have a choice, students have a choice,” Central ISD Superintendent Justin Risne said. Continue reading East Texas school districts raise questions in Austin

SMITH COUNTY – Our news partners at KETK report two people are in custody after a pursuit Tuesday morning on I-20 in Smith County. According to Smith County Constable Precinct 5 Wesley Hicks, they were alerted to a pursuit of a stolen car from Grapevine around 9:38 a.m. that was headed towards Smith County. A Precinct 5 deputy attempted to stop the car at the Hideaway Lake exit before the car fled eastbound, driving on and off the highway several times. Hicks said the car came to a stop at the Love’s Travel Stop on Barber Road after colliding with a chain link fence. Two suspects ran from the car and were caught by authorities. The driver was identified as Robert Harris and has been charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and evading arrest while the passenger, Levell Bagneris, was charged with evading arrest. Both were arrested and booked into the Smith County Jail.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is working a traffic crash at Old Jacksonville Hwy and South College Ave. that has caused at least 2 power poles and guidelines to break and are in the roadway. There are live power lines in the roadway. There are some road closures to be aware of. Old Jacksonville Hwy is closed from South Broadway Ave. to South Chilton Ave.
South College is closed from West 8th St down to Hamvassy Ln. Avoid this area, officers are in the roadway working the crash and crews are clearing the area.

TYLER — This weekend, Tyler Junior College will host public viewing events for the first of two historic solar eclipses that will pass through East Texas in 2023 and 2024. On Saturday, Oct. 14, an annular — or partial — eclipse will cross North America from northwest to southeast. An annular eclipse occurs when the moon is farthest from Earth and blocks about 80 percent of the sun, creating a “ring of fire” effect around the moon. The eclipse will last from 10:25 a.m. until 1:32 p.m. local time, and the degree of darkness will resemble evening. The next such event in Tyler won’t occur until the year 2165. The TJC Earth and Space Science Center will host a free viewing party from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the center, located at 1411 E. Lake St., on the TJC central campus. Solar telescopes and observation stations will be set up, and free solar eclipse glasses will be available while supplies last. Continue reading TJC to host solar eclipse viewing parties

HENDERSON COUNTY — A LaPoynor ISD coach was arrested after a phone was found recording in the girls locker room, according to court documents and our news partner KETK. Jammie Allen Maze, 44, of Brownsboro, was arrested for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence on Sept. 29. According to Maze’s arrest warrant, cheerleaders found a cell phone in the girl’s locker room on Sept. 26. The phone was reportedly underneath the bench inside a shoe with the camera pointed upward, recording at the time it was found. The cheerleaders took the device to another coach at LaPoynor ISD where Maze was present. According to documents, Maze took the phone and began to press buttons. When LaPoynor ISD Police Chief J. Daniels received the phone, it had reportedly been locked with no way of accessing the contents. Continue reading Coach arrested after recording device found in locker room

ANDERSON COUNTY, Texas (KETK) – The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office said that a man died in Anderson County Jail on Saturday after being arrested on Oct. 5 in Frankston. Our news partners at KETK report that Rodney Lynn McKenzie, 47, was arrested by Frankston Police Department around 11:59 p.m. on Oct 5. for two outstanding traffic warrants that were issued by Anderson County Justice Court, Precinct 2. McKenzie was taken to Anderson County Jail and reportedly screened by medical staff before being booked. From 1:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday Oct. 6 he was held in the booking area before he was moved into a cell. Around 6 a.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning jail staff reportedly saw McKenzie moving in the cell. At 10:05 a.m. inmates notified the control operator by intercom that McKenzie was reportedly in “medical distress”, according to the sheriff’s office. Continue reading Man dies at Anderson County jail

NACOGDOCHES – The Nacogdoches Police Department said that one man is dead after a crash happened in the 2200 block of Southeast Stallings Drive around 4:34 p.m. on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK the driver may have been having a medical emergency while heading eastbound when the crash happened. According to Nacogdoches Police Department, the man was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. A passenger in the vehicle only got minor injuries in the crash and officials are withholding the deceased until their family can be notified.

TYLER — A University of Texas at Tyler professor was awarded over $300,000 from the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Santosh Aryal, an associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences and health outcomes, received a $307,859 subaward to improve models for future nanomedicine testing that will help reduce animal testing, our news partner KETK reports. According to a release from UT Tyler, Aryal specializes in nanotechnology and nanomedicine that focuses on using camouflaged nanoparticles to treat cancer. Receiving this award is truly a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Fisch College of Pharmacy faculty and the supportive environment at UT Tyler. It’s an honor to be part of a community that fosters innovation and pushes the boundaries of scientific discovery,” said Aryal. Continue reading UT Tyler professor awarded over $300,000

ANDERSON COUNTY — The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office said that a man died in the Anderson County Jail on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, Rodney Lynn McKenzie, 47, was arrested by Frankston Police just before midnight on Thursday, October 5 on two outstanding traffic warrants issued by Anderson County Justice Court, Precinct 2. McKenzie was taken to Anderson County Jail and reportedly screened by medical staff before being booked. From 1:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday Oct. 6 he was held in the booking area before he was moved into a cell. Around 6 a.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning jail staff reportedly saw McKenzie moving in the cell. At 10:05 a.m. inmates notified the control operator by intercom that McKenzie was reportedly in “medical distress”, according to the sheriff’s office. Continue reading Anderson County Jail death under investigation

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department said on Friday they are investigating several incidents of a recent scam. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh said most of the victims were elderly. Officials said victims reported that in store aisles and parking lots, someone would drop cash and after they picked up the cash and put it in their wallet, the person would approach the victim and tell them it’s their money. “Then, when the victim exposes their wallet, they or another suspect will steal the wallet or items from it,” officials said. One resident who frequently goes into Hobby Lobby said he’s concerned. Police said it has also been reported that a suspect will drop cash by a register after they see someone has put their debit card in the machine. One suspect will then confront the victim about the money while another takes the debit card from the machine. Continue reading Tyler Police investigate in-person parking lot scam

BRAZORIA — A Tyler man is back in custody after allegedly walking away from a prison trusty camp. According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and our news partner KETK, Cadarion Avery, 22, was serving a 5-year sentence for a theft out of Smith County when he left the camp around 11:30 p.m. Friday night. The trusty camp, a housing location outside the main prison for inmates with nonviolent offenses, was located at the Clemens Unit in Brazoria. He was found on Saturday just before 8:00 a.m. near the Clemens Unit, according to TDCJ. Avery will now face felony escape charges.

LONGVIEW – On Saturday, Oct. 7, portions of downtown Longview will be closed for the Longview Great Pumpkin Roll, Ollie’s Skate Shop Downtown Takeover, and Longview Cruisers Cruise Night.

Road Closures for the Event
Friday, Oct. 6 beginning at 6 p.m. – Sunday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m.
Westbound lane of Tyler Street from Center to High St.

Saturday, Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Westbound and Eastbound of Tyler Street from Center to High Street, Center Street from 420 N. Center to Tyler Street, and Methvin Street from Center to Fredonia.

TYLER – A 22-year-old man was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Friday for his role in the June 2021 shooting death of a Tyler teen. Jason Edward Rhodes, of Tyler, pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery. According to our news partner KETK, the shooting happened outside of a residence on Omega Drive and left Jesse McNeely, 17,  dead from a gunshot wound. In December of 2022, Rhodes was initially arrested for capital murder. He lead Tyler Police on a brief chase after being named as a suspect. Rhodes was indited for armed robbery on Sept. 9, 2021. Continue reading Tyler man sentenced to prison for 2021 murder

TYLER – After Tuesday’s historic vote that removed Rep. Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of The House, the search for his replacement begins. Our news partner KETK spoke with local Rep. Nathaniel Moran, (R) Texas. In their conversation he said, “Right now, everything in the house comes to a halt.” Eight Republicans voted for McCarthy to step down, and four East Texas congressmen chose to keep McCarthy as Speaker. Moran also gave his thoughts on who the front-runners are for the position. “The two primary candidates right now are Steve Scalise, who’s the majority leader, and chairman, Jim Jordan, who chairs the Judiciary Committee, both of those men would be fantastic Speakers of The House,” said Moran. He concluded by saying that no matter who gets chosen, it will be a hard road ahead.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man has been arrested after he reportedly hit and killed a bicyclist while driving intoxicated. According to our news partner KETK, Longview Police Public Information Officer Brandon Thornton said that Sergio Retana-Garcia, 28, was driving westbound on East Marshall Avenue when he collided with an individual who was riding their bike while traveling in the same direction. Retana-Garcia reportedly drove away from the scene and the individual was pronounced dead by authorities. Retana-Garcia was later found and booked into the Gregg County Jail for driving while intoxicated 3rd or more and collision involving death.

TYLER – Pets Fur People is having Pets in the Park this Saturday at Bergfeld Park in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, this is their free annual event. Pets in the Park hours Saturday are 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. rain or shine. Whether you have a four-legged family member or not, the fundraiser will be a great way for dog owners meet other dog owners. Pets in the Park will feature food trucks, face painting, raffle prizes and the always popular weenie dog races.

TYLER – A Tyler man was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Thursday after pleading guilty to second-degree felony child endangerment after his January arrest. Our colleagues at KETK report that Paul Hanna, 38 of Tyler, was arrested in January after his 1-year-old daughter was found, strapped into her car seat, on the side of Rhones Quarter Road. He was booked into the Smith County Jail that night for child endangerment and driving while intoxicated second offense. Police reported at the time of the incident that Hanna was located shortly after the child was found after receiving reports of a drunk driver at a gas station on Troup Highway. Continue reading Man sentenced to 15 years in prison for child endangerment

RUSK COUNTY — Our news partners at KETK report the City Attorney for both Henderson and Tatum, Joe Edward Shumate, was booked at the Rusk County Jail Wednesday on two felony charges. According to the records on the Rusk County Sheriff Office’s website, Shumate was arrested and charged with a first degree felony of misapplication of fiduciary property or property of financial institution, greater than or equal to $300,000 and first degree felony theft of property, greater than or equal to $300,000. The attorney has since been released on bond.

TYLER – Whitehouse native and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes with his foundation, 15 and the Mahomies, announced a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of America. Our news partners at KETK report that the Super Bowl champion has donated up to 300 scholarships for students to attend the Tyler and Whitehouse-based Mentorship Alliance. The $1.625 million donation will serve as a contribution and a multi-year commitment to support the Boys and Girls Club of America.

TYLER – With severe weather moving through East Texas early Thursday morning, nearly 14 hundred customers are said to be without power as of 3:30 p.m. Thursday according to our news partner KETK. To find a list of counties with power outages from ONCOR and SWEPCO as well as several electric co-ops, click here.

SMITH COUNTY — A portion of Smith County Road 463, just south of Lindale, has been reopened after water over the road, caused by a dam failure, closed the road. Smith County Emergency Management Coordinator Brandon Moore said those traveling in the area are asked to be careful on CR 463, at the intersections of CR 462 and CR 472, as well as under the overpass of Interstate 20.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue was one of 30  professionals nationwide to be selected to participate in a Wildland Fire Investigator Course in Redding, California. “The class exceeded my expectations. It was a privilege to have instructors with so much knowledge and experience in the wildland fire investigation field,” Hogue said. “The U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE personnel are topnotch and I’m excited to bring back what I’ve learned and share it with local fire investigators.” The training was offered September 25-29, 2023, by the U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Academy, U.S. Forest Service and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Continue reading Smith County Fire Marshal attends national training

LUFKIN – According to our news partner KETK a Lufkin High School student was detained on Wednesday morning after a gun was found in their backpack. According to the school district, a gun was reported to be in a student’s possession while on campus. An investigation of the report led to the weapon being confiscated from their backpack and the district said the student was detained. “Thank you to our students, staff and Lufkin ISD PD for responding in a timely and efficient manner,” the district said.

TYLER – UT Tyler hosted it’s fifth annual top 25 percent celebration Wednesday morning at Patriot Plaza. According to our news partner KETK the event recongnizes the top high school students from each graduating class who are accepted into UT Tyler automatically. About 1,600 students from 66 high schools in East Texas, Dallas and Houston assembled for the celebration.
Continue reading UT Tyler hosted it’s 5th annual Top 25% celebration

PANOLA COUNTY – Two men were arrested on Tuesday afternoon after being pursued by authorities through East Texas and captured in Panola County. According to our news colleagues at KETK, the Panola County Sheriff’s Office were notified around 4:07 p.m. that Shelby County units were pursuing the car on FM 699 towards Carthage. Panola County units and a Texas Highway Patrol Trooper responded.
Officials said a Panola County deputy set up spike strips at CR 405 and FM 2517 while other units stopped traffic on FM 2517. The fleeing car struck the spikes around 4:17 p.m., according to Panola County, and continued to flee with three deflated tires before running into a ditch near CR 4053. Continue reading 2 arrested after car spiked during pursuit through East Texas