A Newton County man is behind bars after deputies say he opened fire on two people inside a pickup near Deweyville on Wednesday, critically injuring both and prompting an airlift to a Houston hospital. The suspect, identified by law enforcement as William Ronald Sepulvado, was detained at his home and booked into the Newton County Jail, where authorities say the case is still under active investigation.
How deputies say the shooting unfolded
According to Newton County deputies, the gunfire broke out near the intersection of County Road 4213 and County Road 4229, where two people were shot while seated in a pickup truck. Investigators say the wounded victims initially left the area in a vehicle headed toward a local hospital, but law enforcement later found them at a residence in Orange County. From there, both were life-flighted to a Houston trauma center, KTRE reported.
Arrest and charges
Deputies arrested William Ronald Sepulvado at his residence after securing warrants in the case. Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Dana Ashmore signed two arrest warrants for Sepulvado, according to MyTexasDaily. Newton County officials say he is facing two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and is currently being held in the Newton County Jail while deputies continue gathering evidence and statements.
Legal context
Under Texas law, aggravated assault is generally charged under Penal Code Section 22.02, which typically makes it a second degree felony that can carry two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. In certain situations the charge can be elevated to a first degree felony, with a higher potential sentence, as outlined in the Texas statutes.
Who responded
Sheriff Colton Havard publicly thanked a long list of agencies that rushed in to help once the shooting was reported. The Orange County Sheriff's Office, the Deweyville and Little Cypress fire departments, Acadian EMS, the Newton Police Department, Precinct 4 Constable Matt Wonders and the Texas Department of Public Safety all assisted, according to MyTexasDaily. Those agencies helped secure the scene, coordinate medical transport for the victims and support deputies as they worked the case.
What's next
The Newton County Sheriff's Office says it will keep investigating and then send the case to prosecutors for review and potential further action. Officials have not released a suspected motive or any bond information. Local outlets report that both victims are in critical but stable condition, and additional updates on the investigation or upcoming court dates are expected to surface in continued local coverage, according to KTRE.
