Kilgore PD Seeks Person of Interest in Murder Investigation

KILGORE — The Kilgore Police Department is currently searching for Marcus Demois Whitaker, 35, of Kilgore. KETK reports Whitaker is considered a person of Interest in the shooting death of Franciosa Jackson on December 28, 2014, in Kilgore. Whitaker is currently wanted by Texas Pardons and Parole for an alleged parole violation stemming from a burglary charge in Gregg County. Whitaker should be considered armed and dangerous and the public should not attempt to approach or apprehend him, according to officials.

Jackson was found dead in the yard of his house in the 300 block of Rogers Street in Kilgore. Police said that he had been shot at least once. Following the shooting, authorities were told the suspect came to Jackson’s house and asked for him by name. Jackson and the suspect talked in the front yard before family members in the house heard gunfire and found Jackson dead in the yard. During the initial investigation, the lead investigator, Trae Portwood, said they believe the victim knew the person who shot him. “There was some indication they conversed in the front yard. They didn’t have any conflict. They weren’t arguing in the front yard when the conversation started. They shook hands when he came out of the house. Until the gunfire was heard by the family inside the house there was no indication anything was wrong.”

Anyone with information regarding Whitaker’s current location should contact one of the following:
United States Marshal’s Joint East Texas Task Force at 903-593-1370
Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP(7867)
Detective Tim Dukes, Kilgore Police Department at 903-218-6904