NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Three people have tragically lost their lives following a shooting in Nacogdoches on Friday morning, October 24. The incident occurred in the 1000 block of Hackberry Street at around 10:22 a.m., and police have identified Dequavious LeCharles Brooks, 17, and Edward Alejandro Rivera, 18, both of Nacogdoches, as two of the victims. The identity of the third victim has not yet been released.
Police responded to a call reporting a shooting and found two victims seated in a black car in the street, both suffering from gunshot wounds. A third victim was found lying in the street. One of the victims in the car died at the scene, while the other two were rushed to the hospital, where they later died from their injuries.
As of 4:17 p.m., a fourth individual was still at large. Assistant Chief of Patrol Dan Taravella with the Nacogdoches Police Department confirmed that authorities believe the shooting was a targeted, isolated event. Despite the tragedy, he assured the community that there is no ongoing threat to the public or the neighborhood.
“We feel confident that this was a targeted and isolated incident,” Taravella said. “The general public and the neighborhood are not in danger.”
In response to the situation, Fredonia Elementary was placed in a secure status as a precaution, though no threat was identified to the campus. A controlled release of students took place during dismissal.
The police are urging the public to assist in the investigation and are asking for any witnesses or anyone with home security footage from the area to come forward. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but authorities are focused on gathering information to locate the suspect.
“We definitely want the public’s help,” Taravella added. “We don’t know the exact motive, but we know this was specific to these individuals.”
As the investigation continues, Nacogdoches Police are working tirelessly to bring justice to the victims and their families.