On January 23, 2025, Killeen Police officers were dispatched to the 3700 block of Dustin Court after receiving a 911 call reporting a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an 18-year-old male with a gunshot wound. Officers began life-saving measures until paramedics arrived and transported the victim to AdventHealth Central Texas in critical condition.
Despite medical efforts, the victim, identified as Raymon Cruz, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 6:31 PM by Justice of the Peace Nicola James.
According to the preliminary investigation, Cruz and the suspect, 19-year-old Jeremiah Ezekiel Hanley, were in a bedroom playing with a handgun when the weapon was discharged, striking Cruz.
After reviewing the case, the Bell County District Attorney’s Office issued a complaint charging Hanley with Manslaughter, a 2nd degree felony. He was arraigned in the Killeen City Jail, where Justice of the Peace Nicola James set his bond at $120,000. Hanley is currently in custody at the Bell County Jail.
