KTBB News, Weather, Talk

PITTSBURG — According to our news partner KETK, a surveillance video reportedly caught a young sex worker entering Naasson Hazzard’s semi-truck in Dallas on Aug. 15, 2024, at around 9:27 p.m. Eight days later, her decomposing body was found in a wooded area off Texas Highway 11 in Pittsburg with a black plastic bag tied around her head. The victim’s body was recovered on Aug. 23 where officials found her phone shattered on the side of the road.

Hazzard, 28 of Austin, traveled from the pickup location to a nearby parking lot where he remained for around 17 minutes, cell phone records showed. He then drove three hours into Pittsburg. Hazzard proceeded to text his boss that he would be out sick the following day and remained for almost an hour before finishing a load for work. The next day, Hazzard and his wife returned to the scene before getting dinner in Tyler.

Authorities said Hazzard then switched phones and deleted his Google and Life360 location-sharing accounts. He then reportedly cleaned the truck with bleach and searched “how many years for first, second and third-degree murders.” His wife also searched for “Pittsburg Texas news.”

Hazzard has been convicted of the murder of that sex worker. Continue reading Driver convicted after dumping woman’s body in woods

ATHENS — According to our news partner, KETK, an Athens man was sentenced to eight years in prison after threatening to shoot at officers and his wife.

In reports from the Henderson County District Attorney’s Office, the Athens Police Department responded to West College Street in Athens on April 24, 2024, after a man called 911 saying he was going to kill his wife and himself. The DA said that after officers approached the home, 35-year-old convicted felon on parole, Celso Seabo Garza II threatened to get a gun from inside to shoot at officers and his wife so she could watch him get shot.

Garza was sentenced to 8 years in state prison on Jan. 23 after he pleaded guilty to third-degree felony, obstruction or retaliation.

TYLER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that Bass Pro Shop will host a two-day hiring event in Tyler as they prepare to open their new location.

The event will take place on Feb. 19 and Feb. 20 at the Tyler Holiday Inn Conference Center from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The company is looking to hire over 130 full-time and part-time employees for all departments. The new store is set to include fishing and hunting equipment as well as hiking gear and will offer free seasonal experiences for the whole family. Construction for the new store remains ongoing, and a grand opening date is expected to be announced soon.

During the event, on-site interviews will be conducted and individuals who want to share their passion for the outdoors are encouraged to apply. Continue reading Bass Pro Shop to host two-day hiring event in Tyler

LINDALE – Lindale High School Speech and Debate teacher, JP Fugler, was selected by the National Federation of High Schools as a recipient of the Outstanding Speech and Debate Educator Award. Fugler was one of only eight section award winners across the country out of the pool of nominees. “An award like this is never expected,” said Fugler. “When the Director of Speech and Debate at UIL called me in November to say that I was the Texas nominee, that alone was surprising. It still feels so early in my career to receive this kind of national attention for my teaching.”
The UIL selected Fugler as the Texas nominee for the award. NFHS will select a section winner for the eight sections across the country. Section six includes Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Colorado. Continue reading Lindale High School teacher wins national award

LONGVIEW — A beloved East Texas hot dog restaurant is closed until further notice after a vehicle crashed into their building on Thursday morning.

Longview Hot Dog Express, on 106 E Marshall Avenue in Longview, experienced damage to their building at around 6:30 a.m. after a vehicle crashed on the right side of the building. According to the restaurant, the driver fell asleep at the wheel when they crashed into the building, but was not injured.

The restaurant is expected to reopen on Friday after the owners realized the damage wasn’t as bad as they thought.

EAST TEXAS — Texas has carried out its first execution since the state tried to put a Palestine man to death, a battle that is still raging. Robert Roberson was to have been put to death three and a half months ago. He was convicted in the 2002 death of his daughter. The courts have upheld the conviction, but after hearing new evidence, a Texas House Committee became convinced Roberson was wrongly convicted based on shaken baby syndrome, and that the girl actually died from an acute illness.

The committee managed to derail the execution in October by issuing a subpoena for Roberson to testify. A stay was issued, then lifted it with the Texas Attorney General’s Office insisting that Roberson will not appear. Now with new members added to the court of criminal appeals, Roberson’s lawyers say they are close to filing a new appeal.

LONGVIEW — On Wednesday afternoon, Longview residents took to the streets to protest President Trump’s recent immigration policies, as well as those he is planning to implement in the coming week. According to our news partner KETK, more than a dozen Longview residents, ranging from children to the elderly, gathered near the Longview Mall to peacefully protest Trump’s actions. Passing drivers honked in support, adding to the demonstration’s momentum.

“It’s time we speak up, with the current president and all of the outrageous changes, we need to be loud! Everyone deserves their rights,” the protest flyer said. “Immigrants, LGBTQ members, women and anyone of color! It’s time for change and we cannot go back.”

However, a small group of counter-protesters assembled across from the main demonstration, expressing support for Trump’s policies.

Similar protests are occurring statewide, including one in Nacogdoches on Saturday at 3 p.m. on 1717 North Street.

TYLER – East Texas Baptist University continues to see strong enrollment for the Spring 2025 semester, marking the second-highest Spring enrollment in the University’s history. The Spring 2025 enrollment stands at 1,612 students, following last year’s record-setting Spring enrollment of 1,657 students. This marks the first time in ETBU’s history that Spring enrollment has exceeded 1,600 students in consecutive years. “We are grateful for the continued strength of our enrollment and the confidence students and families place in ETBU,” said President J. Blair Blackburn. “These numbers reflect the dedication of our faculty and staff and the unwavering mission of our University to provide a transformative Christ-centered educational experience. We celebrate how God is working in the lives of our students as they grow academically, spiritually, and professionally.” Continue reading ETBU celebrates continued strong enrollment for Spring

KILGORE — Our news partner, KETK, reports that a high school student was detained after a weapon was found on a Kilgore ISD bus Tuesday night.

According to KISD, during an off-campus basketball game versus Henderson, school staff and police officers learned that a student may have a weapon on a Kilgore ISD bus. During a search of the bus, officials reportedly found a weapon and later detained a KHS student. Henderson ISD said investigators believe the student left the weapon on the bus before entering the school. Now, the Henderson Police Department with the cooperation of Henderson ISD and Kilgore ISD, will continue the investigation.

“The safety and security of our students and staff both during the school day and at all school-related events remains our top priority and we appreciate all those who provided information during this incident,” Henderson ISD said.

NECHES— Our news partner, KETK, reports that Neches ISD has canceled classes for Thursday and Friday after an “unbelievable amount” of health-related absences.

According to NISD, the trend of sickness has been worse over the past couple of days, with record-low attendance leading them to cancel classes. The district said they want to allow time for families to get healthy and for their staff to thoroughly clean their facilities.

“We believe we have made the decision that is in the best interest of our district,” NISD said. “We will use banked minutes in our calendar and no make-up days will be needed.”

NISD said Friday’s basketball games will take place as scheduled and all students will return to school Feb. 17 after winter break.

WILLS POINT — According to a report from our news partner, KETK, an East Texas teacher has been arrested following allegations of sex crimes against children.

Wills Point ISD released a statement on Monday regarding, Jimmy Hanks, who was arrested by the Rains County Sheriff’s Office. Hanks is a former high school teacher in Wills Point and owns a local business, Bulldog Nutrition, in Edgewood. School officials said that the alleged behavior did not occur on the school’s campus or property and that officers will continue investigating the allegations and take proper legal action.

The sheriff’s office said during the course of the investigation, probable cause was established, and an arrest warrant was issued. Hanks was later arrested and remains at the county jail for continuous sexual abuse of a young child. School officials said that the alleged behavior did not occur on the school’s campus or property and that officers will continue investigating the allegations and take proper legal action. Continue reading Former East Texas teacher arrested for child sex crimes

JACKSONVILLE — The Jacksonville Police Department  arrested a man in connection to the Nov. 27, 2024 hit-and-run death of Tayedrian Baker. According to our news partner KETK, Londedric Jayquell Taylor Sr., 30, of Jacksonville, was arrested for accident involving serious bodily injury or death and has been booked into the Cherokee County Jail.

Police said Baker was traveling on an electric bike when an unknown vehicle hit him. Baker was flown to a Tyler hospital but later died from his injuries. Baker was an organ donor and helped save six people’s lives following his death.

“Our hearts go out to Mr. Baker’s family during this difficult time. The case remains under investigation, and no further details will be released at this time,” the Jacksonville Police Department said.

KILGORE — The Kilgore Police Department arrested two suspects on Tuesday after more than 600 grams of meth and other drugs were found during a raid. According to our news partner KETK, members of the Narcotics Department, Drug Enforcement Unit and Proactive Community Engagement Team served a drug warrant at an apartment on Martin and Houston street. During the drug raid, officials reportedly found 643 grams of meth, 7 grams of Psilocybin, 27.2 pounds of Marijuana, 10 grams of Trazodone, 241 grams of ‘white powdery substance’, Glock 23, Mini Drako, Drako, Semi-automatic rifle, ammunition and two bullet proof vests.

Alston Antwone Lee has been charged with the manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, possession of dangerous drugs and weapon charges coming soon. His bonds total $235,000.

The Kilgore Police Department reminded dealers that their “time is numbered.”

WOOD COUNTY — Arrest records shed light on a former pastor who allegedly used the same ruse to lure children and sexually assault them at church. According to our news partner KETK, Timothy Nall’s affidavit indicates the sexual assault took place at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Mineola in Fall 2022. According to a deputy’s offense report, a counselor notified deputies of possible sexual abuse to a 4-year-old girl.

The parents of the girl had placed her in counseling sessions after they noticed strange behavior at home that highly alarmed them. The suspect was identified as Timothy Nall who was the full time pastor at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, where the family went to beginning February 2022.

A forensic interview was conducted at the Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center on Jan. 27 where the child made statements against Nall. Nall was booked into the Smith County Jail and was released the following day. Continue reading New details in sexual abuse case involving East Texas pastor

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Commissioners voted on Tuesday afternoon to honor the memory of two firefighters who were killed in the line of duty while battling a house fire in 2007. According to our news partner KETK, the court voted to rename a portion of FM 2493, or Old Jacksonville, as the “Captain Kevin Williams and Firefighter Austin Cheek Memorial Highway” in memory of the two firefighter who died after responding to a house fire. During the meeting Council member Neal Franklin reflected on the tragedy.

“It was a tough time in the fire service and a tough time for everybody. It brings back some hard moments but we are here to honor those individuals today,” Franklin said.

The Noonday Volunteer Fire Department crew, including Williams and Cheek, responded to a house fire located at 20188 FM 2493 on Aug. 3, 2007 at around 1:35 a.m. Continue reading Smith County Commissioner Court honors fallen firefighters

HARRISON COUNTY — A Marshall man was arrested on Tuesday following an ongoing investigation into crack-cocaine trafficking. According to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office and our news partner KETK, officers searched a home on 329 Floyd Evans Road where they found crack-cocaine on the property.

During the search, officials said they identified the property owner as 72-year-old James Earl Rudd who has an extensive criminal record, including prior convictions for drug trafficking and homicide.

Rudd was arrested for the manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance and was booked into the Harrison County Jail. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed officials said.

MABANK — Our news partner, KETK, reports that a Dallas man has died after his vehicle crashed into an embankment and was submerged under water on Saturday in Mabank.

Officers with the Mabank Police Department were dispatched to the 17000 block of eastbound U.S. Highway 175 in reference to a vehicle crash. Once officers arrived, they spoke with witnesses who said the vehicle left the roadway and crashed into the bridge embankment and was submerged under water. Authorities attempted to remove the man from the vehicle however after several attempts, “officers realized that a rescue was not likely due to vehicle’s position in the water and the damage sustained during the crash.”

A short time later, officers pulled the vehicle from the water and located the man dead inside. The man was identified as Bradley Michael Leonard, 68 of Dallas. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

KARNACK— Our news partner, KETK, reports that one man was injured in Harrison County after an officer-involved shooting occurred Monday evening. According to the Harrison County Sheriffs Office, around 7:12 p.m. their communications office received a 911 call regarding a white male trying to enter into a home on Pine Island Rd. Officers reported hearing a man yelling in the background as the situation unfolded through the phone.

While deputies were enroute, the person who called 911 informed them the man had successfully entered the home and had a gun. Everyone inside the home were able to escape safely to a neighboring property.

When deputies arrived, the man allegedly appeared on the front porch armed with a firearm. Officials said the subject then pointed the firearm in the direction of the deputies, prompting them to respond by firing their service weapons striking him. Continue reading Man injured after an officer-involved shooting in Harrison County

LONGVIEW — A Longview gymnastics instructor, Matthew Orban, 52, has been  charged with sexual assault of a minor. According to our news partner KETK, the incident involving Orban occurred on or around March 1, 2016. Orban reportedly turned himself into the Gregg County Jail on Dec. 12 and was released the same day on a $75,000 bond.

Orban is co-founder of Faith Flip alongside Nicole Orban, whose mission is to reach and teach children in a “loving, caring environment.” The nonprofit is located in the Longview Mall where they provide tumbling and trampoline instruction while teaching life lessons through the Holy Bible.

Orban is scheduled to appear in the 188th district court on April 9 at 9 a.m. for a status hearing.

EDOM – Van Zandt County leaders held a townhall to inform residents of their future plans to move out of the current courthouse building. On Monday night, according to our news partner KETK, dozens of residents were able to hear two plans for the county. The first proposed project is to completely move their courthouse operations to a building downtown. The second proposed project is to build a brand-new jail and Sheriff’s office. The county’s current courthouse was built in 1937 and is need of major renovations.

County Commissioner Brandon Barton said documents and the amount of people living in Van Zandt County has outgrown the 88-year-old building.

“From 2010 to 2020, the county grew at 25% and they’re projecting that for the future also,” said Van Zandt Co. Precinct 4 county commissioner, Brandon Barton said.

“We’ve had water problems, we’ve had leak problems, the walls in the courthouse are crumbling. We’ve run out of space, we have no more room,” Barton said. Continue reading Van Zandt Co. leaders plan to move out of old courthouse

LUFKIN – The Lufkin Police Department is asking the public to help them locate two men who were last seen on Tuesday, Jan. 28. According to our news partner KETK, Robert Saxon is a 6’1? tall 79-year-old white man who weighs around 220 pounds. Michael “Mike” Allen is a 5’7? tall 44-year-old white man who weighs around 160 pounds.

Both men where last seen in Angelina County on Jan. 28, according to Lufkin PD. Officials are also searching for Saxton’s silver Ford F-150 pick-up truck with an extended cab and the dealer tag #31C883A. Anyone with information about the men or the truck is asked to call the Lufkin Police Department at 936-633-0356 or the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office at 936-634-3331.

HENDERSON COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, a UT Tyler employee was reportedly hosting child pornography online before he was arrested on Thursday, arrest records have revealed. A criminal investigator for the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Crimes Against Children Task Force started an investigation after they found at least one file of interest to child porn investigations being hosted on the BitTorrent network, which is designed for people to share files with one another.

Using a computer running investigative BitTorrent software, the investigator was able to find a direct connection to a singular IP address which let them download files being hosted by that address.
On Tuesday, Nov.12 between 11:30 and 11:58 p.m., a download of two files of interest was completed.

One file was a video that depicted two white girls who were both under the age of 15 performing a various sexual acts. Another download was conducted later that same day and that video reportedly contained a girl under 7-years-old, according to arrest documents. Continue reading UT Tyler employee arrested for hosting child pornography online

UPDATE: According to our news partner KETK, the Longview Police Department were notified by a citizen on Saturday around 2:20 p.m. of a possible body in a wooded area in the 4700 block of Tanglewood. Officers then reportedly identified the body as Nyah Newton who went missing on Jan. 10.

“There are no obvious signs of foul play in this case, however, an autopsy has been requested. At this time the investigation is still ongoing,” Longview PD said.

Investigators said they have met with family and updated them on the case.

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department is seeking the public’s help as they search for a missing 21-year-old woman. Officials said Nyah Newton was last seen in the 4480 block of Tanglewood Road. She is described as being around 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs around 90 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes.

LONGVIEW — Our news partner, KETK, reports that an East Texas woman was arrested for aggravated robbery after she allegedly tried to steal a woman’s purse at a Longview business.

According to Longview PD, on Jan. 31 around 4:40 p.m. officers responded to a robbery at a business in the 1000 block of North Eastman Road. Officials said that officers contacted the victim who said another woman had tried to steal her purse and left her with bodily injuries. The victim was transported by Longview Fire EMS to a local hospital where she was treated. Investigators later identified the suspect as 46-year-old, LaCarol Joyce Henderson of Longview.

Henderson was booked into Gregg County Jail on Sunday for aggravated robbery and was released on a $50,000 bond.

Tyler – Tyler ISD Fine Arts is hosting the Carnegie Hall Link-Up Wednesday February 5 at 9:30 a.m in the Caldwell Arts Academy. All Tyler ISD 4th and 5th-grade students will perform with their voices and recorders from their seats. A partnership with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra (ETSO) gives nearly 4,000 students the experience to perform with the ETSO. The Tyler ISD District Honors Choir, student actors , Tyler High Drumline and Tyler ISD Recorder Choir will all be on the stage with ETSO.  For more information, please contact Jennifer Hines at 903-262-1064.

LUFKIN – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the Lufkin Police Department said that a man last seen on Friday was found dead in a wooded area.

Joe Flood, 66 of Lufkin, was reportedly last seen at his home in the 200 block of Echo Lane between the hours of 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31. A Lufkin Police Department lieutenant told KETK on Monday that Flood had been found dead in a wooded area. Lufkin PD is investigating his death but they do not believe he was the victim of a crime.

Lufkin PD said Flood left his phone, wallet and keys at home before leaving on foot.

Tyler – Tyler ISD invites students, staff, families, and community members to join in the district-wide celebration of Black History Month. Throughout February, campuses will host various events to honor the legacy, achievements, and cultural contributions of Black Americans. This year’s celebrations promise to be an enriching experience filled with education, reflection, and unity. These campus celebrations will feature student performances, interactive exhibits, guest speakers, and historical showcases that highlight the invaluable contributions of Black Americans. Through these activities, students and staff embrace the opportunity to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Black culture. Continue reading Tyler ISD celebrates Black History Month