A Killeen murder case that started with a 911 call on a quiet March morning has now crossed state lines, with 47-year-old Charlie Leon Waldon charged in the shooting death of 37-year-old Christopher Gillespey and taken into custody in Oklahoma, according to authorities. Police say the investigation is still very much active as they work to bring Waldon back to Bell County.
Gillespey was found fatally wounded outside a home in the 1700 block of N. Gray Street on March 12, and Killeen detectives allege Waldon is responsible. Law enforcement officials say arrangements are underway to return him to Texas to face the murder charge.
Waldon was arrested by the Pittsburg County Sheriff's Office in Oklahoma on May 14 after a murder warrant was issued on May 6. That warrant came after the Killeen Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Unit reviewed the case and presented a complaint and affidavit to Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson, per MyTexasDaily. Waldon is now awaiting extradition to Bell County for formal processing.
What Police Say About The March 12 Shooting
Officers were dispatched around 9:12 a.m. on March 12 after a 911 call reported an unresponsive person outside a residence in the 1700 block of N. Gray Street. When they arrived, they found an unconscious man later identified as Gillespey.
Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson pronounced Gillespey dead at 9:25 a.m. and ordered an autopsy at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences. Preliminary findings indicate Gillespey was shot inside the home and then collapsed outside, according to the Killeen Police Department. Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit are continuing to dig into what exactly led up to the shooting.
Legal Status And Next Steps
Authorities say Waldon has been formally charged with murder and remains in custody while he awaits extradition back to Bell County. Once he is returned to Texas and formally processed, prosecutors will determine whether to pursue any additional charges, according to MyTexasDaily. In the meantime, detectives say they are still working the case, interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence.
How Residents Can Help The Case
Killeen detectives are asking anyone who lives or works near the 1700 block of N. Gray Street to check their surveillance cameras from the morning of March 12 and share anything that might help fill in the timeline. Residents and businesses are encouraged to review footage and send in any possible leads.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Killeen Police Department at 254-501-8800 or submit evidence through the department's reporting tools, according to the Killeen Police Department.
