A midafternoon shooting on 9th Avenue North rattled a Texas City neighborhood Tuesday, leaving one person dead, another wounded and a local man in custody, according to police. Officers responded to the area near Highway 146 shortly before 3 p.m. and found two people suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were rushed to area hospitals as detectives swarmed the block, marked shell casings and went door to door looking for witnesses.
What police say
Authorities later identified the person killed as 25-year-old Nakia Kelly and named 26-year-old Kristian McMurrin as the suspect in the shooting. McMurrin was taken into custody and charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to FOX 26 Houston. As of that report, investigators had not released a possible motive or an update on the condition of the surviving victim.
Local context
This is not the first time gun violence has shaken Texas City this year. Earlier local reporting detailed a deadly incident on 12th Avenue in January, when officers arrested a 22-year-old in connection with the shooting, Texas City Cops Nab 22‑Year‑Old. Law enforcement officials say that in smaller cities, breaking cycles of violence often depends on witnesses stepping up quickly and on whatever video evidence neighbors can provide.
How to help
Texas City police are asking anyone who was in the area or who may have captured the shooting or its aftermath on a phone or security camera to contact Detective Copeland at 409-643-2834 or Detective Williamson at 409-643-7771. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Mainland Communities Crime Stoppers at 409-763-8477, the department told FOX 26 Houston. Investigators say that even small details or brief video clips could help them piece together what happened.
Legal status and next steps
McMurrin is being held in Galveston County custody on the charges listed by police, and prosecutors are continuing to review the case as detectives work through the evidence. Texas City police say they plan to release more information once they are able and after key investigative steps are completed.
