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ATHENS — UPDATE: The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has reported that Raylee has been located and is safe. Additional details were not available.  PREVIOUS REPORT: According to Sheriff Botie Hillhouse, at around 3:40 Saturday morning, Deputy Sherry Powers responded to a call saying the 9-year-old was missing from a home in the Brownsboro area. Dispatch advised that the father woke up at about 2 a.m. and noticed his daughter was missing. RayLee Rae Williams is a white female with blond hair and blue eyes, less than 4 feet tall, weighing 75 pounds or less. She was last seen wearing blue jeans and a red Christmas T-shirt. She normally wears glasses but she left them at home. The child is believed to be with the mother, April Williams (the two are pictured at left). According to CPS paperwork, April is not to be alone with the child. Officials believe that sometime after 10 p.m. and before 2 a.m., April entered the child’s residence and took Raylee.

TYLER – The 2022 BBB Awards for Excellence will be televised February 20, with the Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas presenting them to six area organizations. 32 organizations were nominated, and the community is encouraged to vote for their favorites. Polls will remain open until midnight on Monday, January 9. Sponsorships are still available. Click here for more information and to cast your vote.

LONGVIEW — Longview police are now investigating two weekend shooting deaths. According to our news partner KETK, officers responded to a shooting call on Fourteenth Street on Sunday around 5:45 p.m. 38-year-old Jeremy Willis of Longview was found outside with a gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital where he died from his injuries. Police say that the motive and circumstances are still under investigation. In the other case, first responders found one victim unconscious on South Twelfth Street early Saturday morning. 27-year-old Deraymond Horton of Longview was taken to a hospital, where he later died. If you have any information, on either case, you are encouraged to contact the Longview Police Department at 903-237-1170 or Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP(7867) or online here.

EAST TEXAS — DPS reports four deaths in three separate weekend highway accidents in East Texas. On FM 1651 in Van Zandt County Saturday morning, a preliminary report indicates one driver recognized another driver as an acquaintance and swerved over the center stripe towards the second vehicle in an attempt to scare her. The vehicles collided, killing the second driver, 18-year-old Taylor L. Raper of Canton. According to our news partner KETK, the first driver, 17-year-old Alfonso Medina of Canton, has been charged with manslaughter and providing a false statement to a law enforcement officer. His bonds total $525,000. Continue reading Three fatal weekend accidents in East Texas, four dead

TYLER – TxDOT will be busy with another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District this week. In Smith County, Tyler maintenance will have a crew on SH 31 at FM 2661 performing bobcat mill profile on Monday and Tuesday only. In Gregg County, maintenance crews will be hauling material from a stockpile location near IH-20 to a stockpile on FM 349 in Kilgore. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department is on the lookout for a suspect in an aggravated robbery. According to our news partner KETK, It occurred late Saturday morning at The Money Center inside Walmart on Gilmer Road. LPD officers interviewed a cashier who said they were approached by a black man who said wanted money and indicated he had a gun. Officers also obtained photos of the man and the vehicle he drove away in. He’s described as medium height and build, wearing a grey hood, white beanie, white mask, blue jumpsuit and boots. While driving an older model white Toyota or Camry with all-black wheels. If you can assist Longview Police in this matter, your help would be appreciated. Click here for more details.

TYLER — NET Health’s George Roberts says he and his troops are continuing to monitor the omicron variant of the coronavirus. He says it’s not affecting East Texas right now but that can change very quickly. There were no remarkable changes in East Texas COVID figures this week, but Roberts says current trends indicate increases in those numbers in coming days and weeks. Continuing to urge vaccinations, Roberts notes the times the Majesty Event Center clinic in Tyler will be open next week: 8:30 till 4:30 Monday through Wednesday as Christmas approaches. And speaking of the holidays, as you plan seasonal gatherings, Roberts cautions that you should try to stay away from friends and family members if you’re sick — with COVID-19 or anything else. For more information on COVID-19 in East Texas, click here.

TYLER – Three people are arrested following a report of an endangered infant. According to authorities, around 4:30 Wednesday afternoon, DPS CID Special Agents alongside investigators with the East Texas Anti-Gang Center, Tyler Police Department and Smith County Sheriff’s Deputies assisted the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services in reference to locating Garrett Rey Garcia, 28, and Brittany Ann Clegg, 28, along with a 4 month old infant, believed to be in danger. Garcia and Clegg (pictured) both had outstanding warrants. Officials responded to their last known address on Pebblecreek Drive and were given access to the residence by the homeowner. Garcia barricaded himself and the infant in a bedroom. Officers negotiated with Garcia to release the child. Continue reading Numerous agencies rescue endangered infant

TYLER — Tyler police are investigating a shooting Thursday night that sent a teenager to the hospital. It happened around 8:45 on Sutherland Drive. Officers were responding to numerous 911 calls reporting shots fired when they found the victim. Authorities said the 18 year-old male was alert and awake. He was transported by EMS to UT Health on Beckham. Witnesses saw what they described as a white Mercedes that is a possible suspect in the case. It was seen leaving the area after the shooting. No other people were injured in the shooting. The case is still under investigation. If anybody has any information on this case, please call Tyler PD Dispatch at 903-531-1000.

TYLER — The new Bergfeld Park tennis courts are getting cleaned, and temporary stripping and nets will be installed so that the courts can be used while contractors wait to do final touches. The fence will be taken down and the courts will be open for use this weekend, according to a City of Tyler news release. Officials say after delays caused by supply chain shortages and weather, the completion of the Bergfeld Park tennis court project has been postponed. The final step is resurfacing the courts, which includes painting and stripping. This cannot be completed until there are five consecutive days of no rain and temperatures above 55 degrees, according to the release. Continue reading Bergfeld Park tennis court project update

TYLER — A couple of announcements are made by candidates in Smith County’s 2022 Republican Primary. Former Tyler ISD board member Fritz Hager announced Thursday that he hopes to succeed Neal Franklin as county commissioner Precinct 1. Franklin is currently unopposed in his GOP run for county judge. Hager is opposed by Bullard Mayor Pam Frederick, who ran against Franklin for the commissioner’s seat last year. Also, longtime peace officer Curtis Wulf held a press conference announcing his campaign for justice of the peace Precinct 4. Mitch Shamburger, who has held that spot for many years, will not be seeking re-election. Wulf’s Primary opponents are Ronnie Hester and Laney Pilcher.

TYLER – Two people have been indicted in Smith County on capital murder charges in the 2016 case of a missing woman from Kilgore. According to our news partner KETK, Allen Lamont Sutton Jr., 33, of Kilgore and Laneshia Lashae Young, 29, are accused in the death of 20-year-old Sheriya Grant. Grant was reported missing on Aug. 20, 2016. She was eight months pregnant, and her body was never found. Sutton and Young were previously arrested and jailed after being charged with tampering with evidence. Continue reading Two indicted for capital murder in 2016 case

TYLER — UT Health East Texas Wednesday commemorated the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccination being given in East Texas by hosting a plaque dedication and ceremony at UT Health North Campus Tyler. The location was the first in East Texas to receive vaccines a year ago and later became one of the state’s vaccine hub locations. While the state ceased having mass-vaccination locations when vaccines became more widely accessible, the site continues to offer COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters and pediatric doses. “To date, we have given almost 60,000 vaccinations and hope to continue the effort and stress the importance of managing this virus,” said Cody Boyd, UT Health North Campus Tyler CEO, as quoted in a news release. “COVID-19 has negatively affected so many fellow Texans, and we hope that our continued efforts will result in favorable health outcomes for East Texans.”

TYLER — Seven people were rescued from a building that caught on fire in downtown Tyler on Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, crews were called to the incident shortly after 10 a.m. An abandoned hotel building was on fire on the corner of East Erwin Street and Thompson Avenue, said Tyler Fire Marshal Paul Findley. The fire was not very active, and it was contained quickly. The building had multiple floors and the fire started in the second floor. People were taken out of the building using ladders. One person was taken to a local hospital for smoke inhalation. The building was supposed to be unoccupied but those inside were possibly homeless and living at the location. While responding to the incident, four fire fighters fell approximately 10 feet through a large opening into the basement but they were not injured.

PALESTINE — On Tuesday around 1:30 a.m. a Palestine police officer attempted to make a traffic stop but the driver did not stop which ultimately resulted in a drug bust. According to our news partner KETK, the driver of a Mazda sedan eventually stopped at a residence on Louisiana Street. Officers identified the driver as Jasmine Thompson, 33, of Palestine. While making contact with Thomson, the officer observed narcotics paraphernalia inside of the vehicle. Continue reading Police: Almost 700 grams of various drugs seized after traffic stop in Palestine

TYLER — Tyler ISD played a role in passing legislation that allows students to be licensed as tradesman limited plumbers after meeting certain qualifications. That’s according to a news release from the school district. Gary Brown, executive director of college and career for TISD, is termed instrumental in the passage and implementation of the new law. It went through as an amendment added to HB 636 by state Representative Matt Schaefer of Tyler. Brown says he testified in support of the legislation in Austin, then worked with Schaefer and others to develop the implementation plan. Brown notes that licensed students will be stepping into what he calls a high-demand, high-wage career.

HAWKINS — Jarvis Christian College will offer its first master’s degrees in Spring 2023: a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. According to a news release, that’s after Jarvis recently got approval of the degree offerings from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. That approval sets the stage for Jarvis to move from college to university status if approved by the Jarvis Board of Trustees. “The approval to offer master level degree programs is another milestone in the history of Jarvis Christian College,” said JCC President Dr. Lester C. Newman as quoted in the release. Newman points out that the action comes in the same year that JCC celebrates its 110th anniversary.

STARRVILLE — Retired appellate judge Sam Griffith has withdrawn from the race for Smith County judge, leaving Pct. 1 Commissioner Neal Franklin unopposed in the GOP Primary. According to county GOP Chairman David Stein, Griffith dropped out of the race the day after he announced his candidacy. He added that Griffith said he realized that it wasn’t the right situation for him. Griffith himself told our news partner KETK, “I simply decided I’d rather edit my third book of devotionals and finish my fourth book than campaigning.” Current County Judge Nathaniel Moran plans to run for Rep. Louie Gohmert’s open seat in Congress. Gohmert is challenging Attorney General Ken Paxton.

ATHENS – Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse says pending the official autopsy report, he is prepared to file additional charges against the parents whose 18-month-old son was found dead at home in the Murchison area Tuesday. According to a news release, Erin Michelle Dennis, 23, and Daniel David Dennis, 25, have been charged with abandoning and endangering a child because of injuries to two other children in the home who have now been placed in the care of Child Protective Services. Hillhouse says investigators described he residence as horrible with human feces on the wall and dirty diapers on the floor. The temperature in the children’s room was high and had reached 103 degrees, according to the release. Hillhouse reports one of the baby cribs had been rigged as a “cage” according to the parents, and bedroom doors were locked from the outside to prevent escape. Continue reading Child dead, parents arrested, more charges deemed likely

LUFKIN — A man holding a hostage at gunpoint was shot and wounded by Lufkin police Monday night. Chief David Thomas says the suspect , identified as Timothy Gorko, had led officers on a chase through two counties — Cherokee and Angelina — before stopping on Highway 69 in Angelina County. Thomas says officers saw the suspect still holding the handgun toward the hostage and gave him commands to put the gun down. Thomas continues that after the suspect refused to follow the commands, officers fired at the suspect in order to rescue the hostage. The suspect was treated and released from the hospital. The hostage was not injured. The Texas Rangers were called in to investigate.

TYLER — A Tyler man pleaded guilty on Tuesday after being involved in robbing a gas station in January. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison. According to our news partner KETK, Francisco Vallejo, 21, was sentenced by Judge Jack Skeen Jr. for robbing a Valero gas station in Tyler on Jan. 26. Samuel Garcia, 42, and Gilbert Garcia, 53 of Smith County were both also charged in the incident. According to police, three men went inside the store. Later, one suspect pointed a gun at the store clerk who then gave him cash. All three left the scene in a Nissan Armada. On Tuesday, Vallejo pleaded guilty to other charges such as a revocation of probation for the offense of burglary of habitation. Continue reading Tyler man sentenced to 25 years in prison for robbing gas station

TYLER — Smith County’s Precinct 1 Chief Deputy has been fired following her Nov. arrest for theft while on duty. According to our news partner KETK, LaQuenda Banks, 42, of Tyler was terminated from her position as chief deputy on Dec. 3, according to Smith County Human Resources. Banks, Constable Curtis Harris and Sergeant Derrick Holman were arrested by the Texas Rangers in Nov. for allegedly stealing while executing a writ of possession on a rental property at Cascades Court in Tyler on Oct. 18. The three were arrested on charges of abuse of official capacity, official oppression and theft of property over $750 but no more than $2,500. Continue reading Smith County Precinct 1 Chief Deputy terminated after November arrest

LONGVIEW — Longview Police Chief Mike Bishop announced Tuesday that he plans to retire from the police department at the end of January 2022 after thirty-two years of service, including six years as chief. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Bishop originally joined the department in July 1989 as a patrol officer. Since that time, he has worked in almost every facet of the department. He was promoted to police chief in August 2015. Following his retirement, Chief Bishop will begin working at Tyler Junior College as a professor and coordinator of the Public Administration Program in the Department of Legal and Public Service Careers in the School of Professional and Technical Programs. A timeline has not yet been established for filling the Police Chief position. You can find lots more information by clicking this link.

TYLER — NET Health’s George Roberts says there’s still no confirmation, but he and his colleagues have reason to believe the COVID-19 omicron variant may already be transmitting around East Texas. Roberts says thus far, omicron appears to be more contagious than previous variants but the symptoms seem less severe. Roberts continues to urge vaccinations, staying home when you’re sick, and observing the hand hygiene that’s been recommended all along. For more information on COVID-19 in East Texas, click here.

QUITMAN – A Yantis man is jailed after allegedly holding a woman against her will at his apartment. According to our news partner KETK, Wood County deputies responded to a home on CR 1858 north of Quitman. Police say they learned the woman was being held by her boyfriend. A police statement does not list a date when this incident occurred. Authorities say they tried several times to speak to the suspect to try and defuse the situation. Eventually, 26-year-old Colton Rinks surrendered without incident, according to officials. He was charged with unlawful restraint, but the Wood County Sheriff’s Office said that more charges were pending.

LONGVIEW – UT Tyler’s assistant vice president for academic success, Sarah Bowdin, is serving as the interim director of the Longview University Center. According to a news release, Sherry Howard, the previous director, has taken a position as the senior executive director for non-credit training at Texas State Technical College. The university is conducting a search for the replacement. With more than 20 years of experience at UT Tyler, Bowdin previously served as the director of admissions and assistant vice president of enrollment management. “Sarah’s extensive experience recruiting and working with students in and around the Longview area will be beneficial in this position,” said UT Tyler President Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun, as quoted in the news release.

TYLER — Investigative genetic genealogists from the DNA Doe Project along with Tyler Police Detective James Holt have confirmed the identification of the remains of a man found in 2004 in a local barn as Kim Ryan Casey. That’s according to a Tyler PD news release. Police say On December 23, 2004, juveniles found a decomposed human skeleton in a barn in a wooded area near the intersection of Hwy 69 S and FM 2813 in Tyler. It was estimated the man died months earlier. Holt, of the Tyler PD’s Major Crimes Unit, brought the case to the DNA Doe Project in 2019 after officials say he had exhausted all available leads. Continue reading DNA Doe Project helps identify remains of man found in 2004

TYLER – The federal government intends to prosecute a Tyler man accused of driving halfway across the country and kidnapping an Alabama girl he met online. According to our news partner KETK, 19-year-old Daniel Skipworth is facing several charges in state court, including human trafficking and child sexual assault. Skipworth is being held in the Smith County Jail on a $550,000 bond. He was indicted in June. At the request of defense attorney Brett Harrison, 7th District Court Judge Kerry Russell agreed to delay the state case until January 10. Lead prosecutor Richard Vance said if the federal government does prosecute, the case would be dismissed in state court, but Russell agreed to the delay pending further word from the feds.

AUSTIN — An East Texan is among three of the state’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives recently captured, according to DPS. Christopher Wayne Davis II, 29, of Mt. Pleasant, was arrested in Longview following a traffic stop. Davis was added to the most wanted list Nov. 29. Officials say he had been wanted since May 2021, when the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles issued a warrant for a parole violation. Later that month the Cass County Sheriff’s Office issued warrants for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance. Continue reading Most wanted fugitive captured in Longview