KTBB News, Weather, Talk

BULLARD — Gustavo Zavala-Garcia, 24, Bullard, who was being held on an immigration hold, has now been charged with capital murder and his bond set at $10 million. He has been charged in the death of Kayla Gomez Orozco, 10, Her body was found in a well near 22131 Old Jacksonville Highway. According to KETK, The suspect is Kayla’s cousin by marriage. A motive in the homicide has not been released. According to a law enforcement source, the man is in the country illegally and had been previously deported for a violent crime in 2014. Judicial records show Zavala-Garcia was arrested for assault causing bodily injury twice in 2014. Continue reading Bond Set for Suspect in Young Girl’s Death

TYLER – Funeral services will be held later this week for the former president of Tyler’s CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Francis Health System, Ray Thompson. Thompson, who was 69, died Saturday. No word on the cause of death. Thompson joined the hospital in October, 1981. He was instrumental in creating the hospital’s network of regional clinics, establishing an expansive emergency medicine program, and created one of the nation’s model sports medicine programs. He recently retired from his position as President of the healthcare system. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5:00 till 7:00 at Stewart Family Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Friday morning at 11:00 at Tyler’s First Presbyterian Church. Continue reading Funeral Scheduled For Former Health System President Thompson

MARSHALL – A Harrison County man will be serving a lengthy prison term after pleading guilty to murder. The murder trial of Rodris Webster, 27, of Elysian Fields had been scheduled for this week. But, last week, he pleaded guilty to the murder of his former girlfriend, Alicia Benefield, 19. Monday, Webster was sentenced to 50 years in prison for the slaying. In March 2014, Webster led investigators to teen’s body in a clay pit near the intersection of Farm to Market Road 31 and Elysian Fields Road in Marshall.

PALESTINE – Burn bans are being lifted in Anderson County.The county has lifted its burn ban. It is effective immediately. To coincide with the lifting of Anderson County’s burn ban, the City of Palestine will lift its burn ban effective Tuesday morning at 8:00. Residents will be allowed to burn if they obtain a permit at one of the three Palestine Fire Stations:
*Station 1, 611 Avenue A
*Station 2, 107 7th Street
*Station 3, 518 Benbrook

TYLER – Polls will remain open through 7:00 this evening in the General Election that will probably see a record voter turnout. With the presidential race heading the ballot, over 58,000 persons voted early in Smith County. This is nearly 8,000 more than the early voting in the 2012 presidential election. Over 135,000 Smith County residents are register to vote. And while the focus has been on the presidential race, there are some local contests that have been drawing a lot of attention. Tyler Congressman Louie Gohmert’s bid for re-election is being challenged by two persons. Sheriff Larry Smith is being challenged by Gary Pinkerton and In the Precinct 4 Constable’s Race Josh Joplin, who narrowly defeated constable John Smith in the Republican primary, is going up against Democrat Larry Reddic. Continue reading Record Voter Turnout Predicted

TYLER – Monday was the first day on the job for Tyler’s new fire chief, David Coble. Coble’s hiring was announced and ratified in late September. He took his oath of office Monday morning. Coble served as the executive assistant fire chief for Fort Worth for the past seven years and was the acting fire chief for most of 2015. He managed two of the department’s three divisions, including the Educational and Support Services division which includes the functions of training, EMS, supply, fire equipment services, fleet management, communications and emergency management. Coble succeeds Tim Johnson, a 35-year veteran of the City of Tyler Fire Department. He retired in April.

KILGORE – The East Texas Council of Governments has elected new officers for the 2016-2017 year. Lindale’s Bob Tardiff is the new Chairman of the ETCOG Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Tardiff is a Lindale city council member, a position he has held since 2012. The ETCOG Executive Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors and is responsible for carrying out the policies, programs and services established by the board for the 14 county region. In addition to Councilman Tardiff as Chairman, the newly elected officers for the Executive Committee includes: 1st Vice Chairman, Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt; 2nd Vice Chairman, Quitman Mayor J. R. Evans; 3rd Vice Chairman, Upshur County Commissioner Paula Gentry; and Secretary-Treasurer; Rusk Mayor Angela Raiborn.

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the TxDOT Tyler District during the Week of Nov. 7. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Officials urge you to slow down and pay attention when traveling through work zones.

Smith County – Tyler Maintenance plans to resume edge repairs on FM 2010 between FM 14 and FM 16. Base repair work continues on FM 15 outside of Troup. Expect lane closures at both locations with flaggers providing traffic control. Continue reading TxDOT’s Weekly Roadwork Update

TYLER – Monday’s the first day on the job for Tyler’s new fire chief, David Coble. Coble’s hiring was announced and ratified in late September. Coble served as the executive assistant fire chief for Fort Worth for the past seven years and was the acting fire chief for most of 2015. He managed two of the department’s three divisions, including the Educational and Support Services division which includes the functions of training, EMS, supply, fire equipment services, fleet management, communications and emergency management. Coble succeeds Tim Johnson, a 35-year veteran of the City of Tyler Fire Department. He retired in April.

BULLARD — A body found Saturday was confirmed to be that of a missing East Texas girl. The body of Kayla Gomez, 10, was found in a well near 22131 Old Jacksonville Highway. According to KETK, Kayla’s cousin by marriage, Gustavo Zavala-Garcia, 24, Bullard, is reportedly responsible for her death and has been taken into custody on an immigration hold. He has not been charged in the girl’s death. A motive in the homicide has not been released. According to a law enforcement source, the man is in the country illegally and had been previously deported for a violent crime in 2014. Judicial records show Zavala-Garcia was arrested for assault causing bodily injury twice in 2014. Continue reading Suspect in Death of Kayla Gomez Identified

GREGG COUNTY (AP) — Authorities say an East Texas police officer has fatally shot a motorist following a chase. Gladewater police did not immediately release the name of the driver who was shot and killed early Saturday by a police officer. Gregg County Justice of the Peace James Mathis says the incident began when the officer tried to pull a vehicle over for a traffic stop. Mathis says a chase ensued, then the driver stopped, got out of his vehicle and tried to flee. Mathis says the officer, whose name wasn’t immediately released, feared for his own safety and shot the driver, who had reached a field. A message left with Gladewater police wasn’t immediately returned Sunday. Texas Rangers are also investigating.

TYLER — Tyler Police have arrested three men in connection to an aggravated assault Saturday afternoon. Around 3:15, officers were dispatched to 2112 West Gentry after a 71-year-old man reported he had been attacked and robbed by two black men. Items, including cash, were reportedly taken from the victim. A witness told officers a third man was scene driving a green explorer, with the two suspects, on Houston and Charnwood. Officers located the explorer and attempted to question the men when they fled on foot. A short time later, Breshawn Cathey, 21 (pictured) and Kenjorian Walker, 18, were arrested a short time later. They were charged with aggravated robbery, possession of marijuana and evading arrest. A third suspect, Demetrice Watson, 19, was later arrested and charged with aggravated robbery. All three were booked into the Smith County Jail.

GREGG COUNTY — The results of an autopsy on a woman found dead in a Longview apartment have been released. According to authorities, Elizabeth Jane Wheeler, 52, was found dead Thursday morning after a report of a body at Hidden Hills Apartments on Gilmer Road. The report indicated Wheeler had stab wounds to the neck with a perforation of the jugular vein and carotid artery, muscles and larynx. Cause of death is listed as homicide. Toxicology results are pending. The victim’s daughter, Kayla Ann Wheeler, 28, (pictured) told investigators during an interview that she had killed her mother by stabbing her in the neck. She was booked into the Gregg County Jail on a charge or murder. Her bond was set at $150,000.

BULLARD — A body found earlier in the day has in fact been confirmed to be that of a missing East Texas girl. The body of Kayla Gomez, 10, was found in a well. According to KETK, Kayla’s uncle is responsible and has been taken into custody. Gomez went missing November 1st from Bullard First Assembly Church after being abducted from the lobby. Multiple state troopers and sheriff deputies have blocked off an area near 22131 Old Jacksonville Highway. Additional details are expected to be released Sunday. The FBI organized an official search party, including volunteers, to find Kayla Saturday. Cherokee County Crime Stoppers had raised the reward amount to $60,000. Kayla was a 4th grade student at Jack Elementary School.

TYLER — Tyler Junior College announced Friday the arrest of a student who allegedly exposed himself to a female victim at the Vaughn Library on October 28. KETK reports Fabian Sewell was taken into custody Friday morning by TJC Police and charged with indecent exposure. His bond was set at $40,000. Police say the investigation was aided by several factors: the victim’s immediate report to TJC Campus Police; surveillance cameras in place on campus that allowed TJC Campus Police to track the suspect to his vehicle; and a witness that recognized the individual after receiving the timely alert. Continue reading TJC Student Arrested for Indecent Exposure

MT. PLEASANT — An East Texas man is behinds bars for allegedly shooting a woman he then reportedly drove around for several hours. KETK reports that on Thursday afternoon, Titus County Sheriff’s Deputies were contacted by Upshur County officials who were investigating a shooting in their county. Investigators were attempting to locate the suspected shooter, Steve Seth Rosewell, 30, of Cookville. Upshur County officials say Rosewell shot a female companion causing life-threatening injuries. Authorities say Rosewell then drove the victim around several hours before dumping her out in Longview near a hospital parking lot. Continue reading Officials: Man Drove Shooting Victim Around for Hours

HAWKINS — The dispute over land along U.S. 80 in Hawkins where a controversial sign still sits is headed to a courtroom. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. “We’re standing for our constitutional rights and our deed,” Marie McDonald said. Her husband, Mark McDonald, is trustee of Jesus Christ Open Altar Church, which in September 2015 took control of property in Hawkins where a sign reading “Jesus Welcomes You to Hawkins” greets motorists traveling into town. Continue reading Jesus Sign Case Headed for Court

PRICE — An East Texas high school is in mourning following the loss of one of their own. KETK reports standout Carlisle football player Taylor Chote was killed following a vehicle accident Thursday night — just a day before the Indians’ game against San Augustine. Taylor is also the son of Henderson Fire Chief Rusty Chote. Taylor played guard and defensive tackle for the Indians. The school district says counselors are available for anyone needing help dealing with the loss.

TYLER — A reception was held Thursday evening for retiring UT Tyler President Rodney Mabry. The retirement is official next month. He’s been at the school for 18 years. Dr. Mabry shared his thoughts on retiring with KETK, saying, “I’m happiest with the total picture. I think we have launched a university that will be one of true substance.” After retiring, Mabry plans to focus on writing.

EAST TEXAS — Early voting across the state will wrap up today. There are five early voting locations in Tyler, Noonday, Whitehouse and Lindale, as well as a temporary branch location in Overton. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today. Election Day is Tuesday, November 8. Voters have been casting ballots at the polls in record numbers during the two weeks of early voting in Smith County. A reported 52,414 people have voted since October 24, 2016. With one more day to go, that’s already more than the 50,567 people who cast ballots during early voting in the 2012 Presidential Election. Smith County Elections Administrator Karen Nelson is expecting a large turnout today, but Election Day will most likely be even busier. Continue reading Early Voting Ends Today

NACOGDOCHES — A Nacogdoches home builder has been taken into custody following an ongoing investigation by the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office for theft. According to KETK, Richard Epps, 56, is accused of stealing more than $100,000 from a home owner in Etoile. Epps admitted he used the money on other construction projects and for personal use. Sheriff Office investigators have been able to verify that the homeowner has suffered a loss of nearly $175,000 to Epps who is operating a construction business by the name of 2 Bar E. Continue reading East Texas Builder Charged with Theft

TYLER – A man involved in a standoff in May has been indicted by the Smith County Grand Jury. It was announced Thursday that Michael Greenlee, 32, who had been charged with deadly conduct, was indicted last week. The standoff occurred on Hancock Drive just southeast of Tyler near the Trane plant. Greenlee is said to have gotten into a dispute with a construction worker and fired a shot into the ground. No one was hit. A negotiator contacted Greenlee and talked him out of his house.

TYLER – A Longview man is facing a lengthy prison sentence after pleading guilty in Tyler federal court. Gerald Dwayne Templeton, 56, who has 3 prior felony drug trafficking convictions, pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm. At sentencing, Templeton is facing a maximum punishment of 10 years in imprison and a $250,000.00 fine. Charges against a co-defendant are still pending. On March 1st, the Gregg County Organized Drug Enforcement Unit served a search warrant at a Longview home where Templeton and Teresa Ann Bean were found. Besides recovering around 35 grams of cocaine, officers found items indicating drug trafficking and two shotguns, one of which had been “sawed off,” and multiple rounds of ammunition of various calibers.

TYLER — Oprah is out with her annual “Favorite Things” list, and it includes one East Texas company. The former talk show host says Janie’s Cakes, which is based in Tyler, has the best pound cake she has ever had. The bakery’s Katherine Crow says since the announcement was made, their phone has been ringing off the hook. Crow says, “Christmas, naturally, is our busiest time of the year — so at this point, we see that Christmas came early.” She says they’ve known for months — and keeping that secret was almost impossible.

LONGVIEW – A Kilgore woman has been arrested in connection with the Thursday death of Longview woman. Charged with murder is 28 year old Kayla Ann Wheeler. She is charged with killing her mother in her mother’s apartment at the Hidden Hills Apartments on Gilmer Road. She is currently in The Gregg County Jail under a $150,000 bond. Police were investigating the woman’s death when Wheeler came to the apartment. She is said to have told investigators she stabbed her mother in the neck following an altercation.

TYLER – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission awarded a new contract for Early Childhood Intervention Services in the area. The State has granted $815,000 to Community Healthcore of Longview, to continue the services. The services had been administered by the Andrews Center in Tyler. This is a statewide program for families with children, from birth to age three, with disabilities and developmental delays. According to a news release from State Representative Matt Schaefer of Tyler, Community Healthcore will provide the same services to the same seven county service area with no changes to what clients pay. And they will be establishing new offices in the Tyler area. Continue reading Early Childhood Intervention Services Returning

LONGVIEW – A Longview death is under investigation. The person was found dead in a unit of the Hidden Hills Apartments on Gilmer Road. Investigators have called the death “suspicious,” and the body is going to a Tyler lab for autopsy. No other information has been released.

TYLER – A John Tyler High School senior has won a state-wide oratorical contest. Triston Ferguson the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest held in Austin. Triston received a $2,500 scholarship and a gold medal at the state competition. He now advances to compete in the National SAR Oration Contest to be held July 10-11 in Boston, Massachusetts. Continue reading Tyler Student Wins State Title

BULLARD — A nationwide Amber Alert continues for a 10-year-old girl reported missing from Bullard. Kayla Gomez went missing from the First Assembly of God off Highway 69, in Bullard, early Tuesday evening. A press conference was held Wednesday afternoon at the First Baptist Church in Bullard. According to KETK, FBI Dallas agent Thomas M. Class said the case is being treated as a missing child, however, an abduction has not been ruled out. The agent said Kayla was last seen at 7:30 p.m in the church lobby. Anyone with information is asked to call 972-559-5711. Agent Class reiterated no piece of information is too small and all leads will be aggressively pursued to bring Kayla home. Continue reading Amber Alert Continues for East Texas Girl

TYLER – One person has been killed in a vehicle/pedestrian accident in Tyler. It happened just before 7:00 Wednesday night on Loop 323 at Highway 110 North, Van Highway. The initial report indicated the pedestrian was walking from east to west across the Loop just north of the intersection when he was hit by a pickup. Charles Lee Sharrai, 60, was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials said it appears the pedestrian was at fault. No charges have been filed against the driver.