NACOGDOCHES, Texas — A tragic shooting in Nacogdoches on Friday morning has left three people dead and police searching for a suspect. The incident occurred around 10:22 a.m. on October 24 in the 1000 block of Hackberry Street, prompting a swift and intense response from local authorities.
According to the Nacogdoches Police Department, officers arrived to find two victims inside a black car and another lying in the street, all suffering from gunshot wounds. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two were transported to a nearby hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries. Police identified two of the deceased as 17-year-old Dequavious LeCharles Brooks and 18-year-old Edward Alejandro Rivera, both from Nacogdoches. The third victim’s identity has not yet been released pending family notification.
Assistant Chief of Patrol Dan Taravella confirmed that authorities believe the attack was targeted and isolated, reassuring residents that there is no ongoing threat to the public. “We feel confident that this was a targeted and isolated incident,” Taravella stated. “The general public and the neighborhood are not in danger.” As of 4:17 p.m., police were still searching for a fourth individual believed to be connected to the shooting.
In response to the nearby violence, Fredonia Elementary School was briefly placed on secure status as a precautionary measure. No threat was made to the school, and students were later dismissed safely under a controlled release. The school district praised police for their rapid communication and response, which helped ensure the safety of students and staff.
Authorities are now urging the community to assist in the ongoing investigation. Detectives are asking residents with security camera footage or information about the suspect to contact the Nacogdoches Police Department immediately. “We definitely want the public’s help,” Taravella said. “We don’t know the exact motive, but we know this was specific to these individuals.”
As the investigation continues, grief and shock have rippled through the Nacogdoches community. Friends, classmates, and relatives of the victims have begun sharing tributes on social media, remembering the young lives cut tragically short. Police say their top priority is bringing justice to the victims’ families and ensuring that those responsible are swiftly apprehended.