KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center announced the 2025-26 “Big Names, Big Entertainment” season. Featuring Broadway hits, family-friendly programming and soaring artists, the season is packed with entertainment legends and legendary performances.

“I’m so excited by all that this season has to offer,” said UT Tyler President Julie V. Philley, MD. “We are honored to present such world class talent for East Texas audiences to enjoy. We want the Cowan Center to be widely utilized, so we’ve designed a season that has broad appeal.” Continue reading UT Tyler announces ‘Big’ season at Cowan Center

LUFKIN – A Lufkin man is behind bars after a shooting on Tuesday night on Percy Simond Street left one person injured, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

Around 7 p.m., Lufkin Police officers responded to a residence in the 100 block of Percy Simond Street.

When they arrived, 26-year-old Julious Griffin admitted to the officers that he shot the juvenile in the leg, but claimed self-defense.

Griffin has been booked in to the Angelina County Jail on the on the charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and deadly conduct.

The person that was injured was taken to a local hospital, but then later flown to an out-of-town facility. Their condition and identity have not been released as of this writing.

TYLER – A custodial death report from the Texas Attorney General’s office has released more information about a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred in the Cascades earlier this month, according to our news partner KETK.

On June 5, members of the Tyler Police Department were dispatched to a home in the 3100 block of Cascades Court after receiving reports of a suspicious person on a property. According to the report, a homeowner stated that she was currently getting divorced from a man identified as John O’Kelly, and that he was given a court order restricting him from returning to the home.

The homeowner was out of the house at the time but told officers that O’Kelly had returned to the home and was seen on home security cameras assaulting her father. The report stated that one officer arrived on the scene, observed damage to the backdoor and began attempting to negotiate with O’Kelly to go outside the home. Continue reading Man fatally shot after lunging at officers

TYLER — A custodial death report from the Texas Attorney General’s office has released more information about a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred in the Cascades earlier this month. According to our news partner KETK, on June 5, members of the Tyler Police Department were dispatched to a home in the 3100 block of Cascades Court after receiving reports of a suspicious person on a property.

According to the report, a homeowner stated that she was currently getting divorced from a man identified as John O’Kelly, and that he was given a court order restricting him from returning to the home.

The homeowner was out of the house at the time but told officers that O’Kelly had returned to the home and was seen on home security cameras assaulting her father. The report stated that one officer arrived on the scene, observed damage to the backdoor and began attempting to negotiate with O’Kelly to go outside the home. Continue reading New details following officer involved shooting

HAWKINS — The Hawkins City Council voted to remove their last city police officer on Monday night but residents said they don’t agree with the council’s decision and are nervous to be left without coverage. According to our news partner KETK, many people have openly opposed the decision, including resident and former Hawkins city councilwoman Eleta Taylor.

“I am extremely disappointed in this council,” Taylor said. “That decision just opened us up so vulnerably because we’re not going to have no protection.”

She said several people have expressed their concern to her. After the council meeting ended Monday night, several people told KETK News that they are both scared and disappointed.

“Gut-wrenching fear for what is going to happen,” community member Amy Pack said. Continue reading Hawkins residents raise concerns after last police officer fired

UPDATE: PALESTINE – According to the Palestine Police Department and our news partner KETK, Xavier Terrell Ealy was taken into custody without incident Tuesday night.

ORIGINAL STORY: The Palestine Police Department is currently searching for a man wanted in connection to the shooting of a 53-year-old on Monday, according to our news partner KETK.

Palestine officers were sent to an emergency room at around 7 p.m. on Monday in response to a report of a 53-year-old man had come in with gunshot wounds. Continue reading UPDATE: Police capture man considered ‘armed and dangerous’

HOUSTON (AP) — A new execution date has been requested for Robert Roberson, a Palestine man who had been set last year to become the first person in the U.S. to be put to death for a murder conviction tied to a diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome.

Monday’s request from the Texas Attorney General’s Office was the first time authorities had asked for a new execution date since Roberson received a stay in October. The execution’s delay followed a flurry of last-ditch legal challenges on the night of his scheduled lethal injection that were prompted by an unprecedented maneuver from a bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers who say he is innocent and was sent to death row based on flawed science.

In its five-page motion, the Texas Attorney General’s Office said because the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the state’s top criminal court, has previously denied appeals in Roberson’s case, “the criteria for setting an execution have been met.” Continue reading Prosecutors ask for new execution date for East Texas man

SMITH COUNTY – A Troup man was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Monday after running from the scene of a shooting that left one wounded in January, according to our news partner KETK. On January 7, officers responded to a call about a person suffering from a gunshot wound. While first responders were treating the victim, officers proceeded to the scene of the shooting, where they were informed that the suspect might still be inside the home.

Officials said that police quickly set up a perimeter around the home, and after multiple attempts to contact the suspect by phone and using loud speakers were unsuccessful, officers decided to enter the home. Upon entry, they discovered that the suspect had left the scene. Continue reading Troup man gets 30 years for shooting and evading police

LONGVIEW — A 21-year-old man was sentenced to 15 years on Monday after a fatal shooting at a Longview convenience store in 2024, according to our news partner KETK. Around 3:40 a.m. on March 22, 2024, Longview police officers responded to a shooting at the EZ Mart on 700 Gilmer Road, where they found a man with a “life-threatening” gunshot wound.

Officials said Tykiron Garceil Mumphrey, 21 of Gladewater, was identified as the suspect and taken into custody for aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, while the victim was transported to a local hospital.

Mumphrey’s charge was later updated to murder after the victim died from the gunshot wound, but was dismissed in court after he took a plea deal. Mumphrey pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on Monday, and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

WINONA – According to a news release from the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, a Winona man has committed an armed robbery. Officers are currently on the scene where the robbery occurred at the Courtesy Mart, located in the 300 block of S. Main in Winona, at approximately 10:30 am. A suspect entered the store armed with a handgun and robbed the clerk of an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect fled on foot toward the adjacent liquor store. He is described as a black male, 5’8 to 5’9”, medium build, wearing a black mask, grey hoodie, and blue jeans.

Several law enforcement agencies are currently assisting the Sheriff’s Office. Currently, resources include the Smith County K-9 and a drone. This is an active investigation, and the suspect is still at large. Please avoid the area, if possible.

This suspect is armed and dangerous, do not approach if seen. If you have any information, please call the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 566-6600 or 911 if urgent.

TYLER – According to a news release, Tyler City Councilman Stuart Hene officially declared his candidacy for Mayor of Tyler.

A native of Tyler and current District 1 Representative on the Tyler City Council, Councilman Hene brings a record of results and a vision for building on the city’s current momentum. His announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter in his service to the community he has long called home. Councilman Hene says that he is launching a campaign focused on continued growth, strong partnerships, and bold, forward-looking leadership. Continue reading Tyler City Councilman announces campaign for mayor

TYLER – Our news partner KETK is reporting that the Caldwell Zoo board of directors has announced a new leader for Tyler’s biggest zoo.

Scott Maddox has served as the zoo’s chief operating officer for the past five years and will now serve as Caldwell Zoo’s president and CEO. Former mayor of Tyler and chairman of the zoo’s board, Kevin Eltife explained why Maddox is right for the job.

“Scott was the obvious choice to assume this position. His vast experience with Caldwell Zoo and his natural leadership are unmatched. The Maddox family has a history of caring and giving back to our community,” Eltife said in a press release. “In his new role, Scott will continue to give back to this community and make sure that Caldwell Zoo is positioned to provide an incredible experience for families to visit and enjoy for generations to come.”

According to Caldwell Zoo, Maddox served on their staff as an animal keeper, animal supervisor, area supervisor, curator and assistant director before he was named chief operating officer. Continue reading Caldwell Zoo announces new president, CEO

TRINITY– According to our news partner KETK, a woman was care flighted to a hospital Monday afternoon after a two vehicle crash in Trinity.

According to the Trinity Police Department, one driver was flown to the hospital for her injuries after there was a major two vehicle crash on State Highway 19 in front of Joes Restaurant and McDonald’s. Officials said a vehicle pulled out of the McDonald’s parking lot onto State Highway 19 in front of the other driver causing the crash.

The roadway is now back open and Trinity Police Department will be investigating the crash, the department said.