A late-night confrontation at a Timpson truck stop ended in tragedy on Thursday, leaving one man dead and two suspects in custody. The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that 35-year-old Jeremy Smith, of Timpson, was shot and killed during the violent encounter.
Deputies responded to a 911 call around 8:30 p.m. reporting a disturbance involving two vehicles. When investigators arrived, they found Smith fatally wounded near his black passenger car. Evidence from the scene and witness accounts revealed how a heated conflict quickly escalated into deadly gunfire.
According to investigators, Smith had parked his car at the truck stop and retrieved what appeared to be a long gun from his trunk before returning to his vehicle. Moments later, a white SUV drove up at an angle beside Smith’s car. Authorities said the driver, identified as Jesus Flores of Center, stepped out and began assaulting Smith through the driver’s side window.
The situation intensified when a passenger in the SUV, identified as George Vasquez, also from Center, got out carrying a firearm. Officials stated that Vasquez fired from the passenger side through the driver’s side window, striking Smith as he stood in his doorway. Smith died at the scene from his injuries before first responders could render aid.
Following the shooting, Flores and Vasquez — who are cousins — fled the area. However, investigators quickly tracked them down. Flores later turned himself in at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, which led to the arrest of Vasquez a short time afterward. Both men are now in custody as detectives continue to piece together the events leading to Smith’s death.
Authorities believe the deadly shooting may be connected to a personal dispute. Investigators indicated that Smith had a child with the girlfriend of one of the suspects, a factor that may have played a role in the violent confrontation. For now, both Flores and Vasquez remain behind bars, and the case is still under investigation. The shooting has left the small community of Timpson shaken as friends and family mourn the loss of Jeremy Smith while awaiting justice.