The quiet of Juneteenth celebration was shattered by gunfire in Round Rock's Old Settlers Park last Saturday, leaving two dead and 14 injured. Authorities have since arrested 17-year-old Ricky Thompson III in connection with the violence. According to Fox San Antonio, Thompson was apprehended early Thursday morning by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony.
While making the announcement, Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks stated, "We know Ricky Thompson was not the only shooter at this event. We are still looking for other suspects," The investigation is still seeking other suspects involved in the shooting arising from an altercation between two groups. Held under custody in the Williamson County Jail, arrested at an undisclosed location in Pflugerville, Thompson's charge may not remain singular. Police Chief suggested that "more charges to come" for both Thompson and any others found responsible as uncovered by an investigation that is far from reaching its terminus, according to Statesman.
The shooting resulted in the death of two local women, Lyndsey Vicknair, 33, and Angelia Duke, 52, both unsuspecting participants in the celebration and not involved in the preceding conflict. Vicknair, a construction lawyer with the Chapman Firm in Austin, and Duke, an administrator at IDEA Public Schools, were declared dead at the scene. "We have a lot of evidence, a lot of case work to continue to do to make sure that we are getting the justice for these families that they deserve," Banks mentioned in a briefing, "We are going to continue to work hard to make sure that we get a resolve, this case, for the families, the victims and this community." as was relayed by Fox San Antonio.
Banks urged the community to contribute to the ongoing investigation by sending tips and video footage that might be useful, even as he clarified that "no indication" Thompson was a gang member. The nature of Thompson's weapon and his exact role in the fatal event remain undisclosed as the investigation proceeds. Information on potential cash rewards for assistance leading to arrests, offered by various offices including the governor's, have yet to be clarified following the apprehending of young Thompson.
