As the investigation into the tragic Juneteenth celebration shooting in Round Rock continues, police have apprehended a second suspect, a juvenile, whose identity remains undisclosed due to his age. The suspect was taken into custody at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, and is now at the Williamson County Juvenile Justice Center, as stated in an Austin American Statesman report. This follows the earlier arrest of 17-year-old Ricky Thompson III in connection with the shooting that left two women dead and injured fourteen others.
Thompson, who hails from Manor, faces aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge. During the altercation at Old Settlers Park on June 15, Thompson allegedly fired shots, yet it remains unclear if he is connected to the fatalities. According to an affidavit obtained by KVUE, he admitted to his involvement in the fight that escalated to gunfire. Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks commented that the investigation is enduring with the aim of bringing justice to the families of the deceased and the injured.
The heartbreak wrought by this violence was palpable in the expressions of grief by the families of Ara Duke and Lyndsey Vicknair, who were honored as loving community members tragically killed as bystanders. As friends and family mourn, a GoFundMe page has been established to assist the Vicknair family during this difficult time. Chief Banks, underscoring the gravity of the case, has vowed to pursue justice vigorously, stating, "We will not stop until the Vicknair family and the Duke family and the other 14 victims get the justice that they rightfully deserve," according to a statement obtained by KVUE.
Authorities continue the search for additional suspects. The FBI, ATF, and various local law enforcement agencies are aiding in the ongoing investigation. In an effort to encourage assistance from the public, Governor Greg Abbott's office has offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to further arrests, complemented by additional rewards from Williamson County Crime Stoppers and the ATF, bringing the potential reward total to $20,000. Details of the shooting that sparked the altercation between the two groups have yet to be disclosed by the police. Meanwhile, the community has come together in a showing of solidarity, channeling collective grief into action and assistance for those impacted by this incident.
