ROUND ROCK, Texas — A second suspect has been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting at a Juneteenth event on June 15, Round Rock police said Friday evening.
Round Rock police said the second juvenile suspect was arrested at around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, June 21, and was taken to the Williamson County Juvenile Justice Center. The Round Rock Police Department said investigators are still searching for additional suspects.
This follows the arrest of a 17-year-old who was booked into the Williamson County Jail in connection with the shooting on Thursday.
Chief Allen Banks said 17-year-old Ricky Thompson III of Manor was arrested by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force in Pflugerville on June 20 around 7:30 a.m.
According to an affidavit obtained by KVUE, Thompson allegedly got into a fight with another 17-year-old and admitted to firing three shots during the altercation. It is important to note that it is not clear at this time if he is responsible for the deaths of 54-year-old Ara Duke and 33-year-old Lyndsey Vicknair.
Currently, Thompson has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He could face additional charges, pending further investigation. Banks said Thompson has no previous criminal history and after he was arrested, he was immediately taken to the Williamson County Jail. His bond has been set at $1,000,000.
Banks said investigators know Thompson was not the only shooter, and they are still looking for additional suspects. The investigation continues, with "a lot of casework left," Banks said, but no additional suspects have been identified at this time.
"We will not stop until the Vicknair family and the Duke family and the other 14 victims get the justice that they rightfully deserve," Banks said.
Banks was unable to provide much additional information, saying he will not compromise the integrity of the investigation. However, he did note that the Round Rock Police Department has received a lot of useful tips from the community and investigators welcome any additional information that people might have.
"This isn't a victory lap, by any means ... We got a 17-year-old, a 17-year-old, that's in custody right now for pulling out a gun at what should've been an absolutely amazing event – which was an amazing event until this occurred," Banks said, later adding, "Any good leads, we are going to follow up on."
Manor ISD confirmed in a statement that Thompson is a student in the district. He's expected to appear in court on July 23.
What happened on June 15?
Two women were killed and 14 others were injured in the shooting during a Juneteenth event on June 15 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. Police said the incident began when two groups of people started fighting with each other near the vendor area of the festival. At least one person then pulled a gun out and started shooting before leaving the scene.
The two women, Ara Duke and Lyndsey Vicknair, were both innocent bystanders in the shooting, according to police. The injured victims’ ages range from 10 to 62 years old.
Family and friends remembered Vicknair at a funeral in her hometown in North Texas on June 22. Vicknair was remembered as a loving wife, mother and friend – someone involved in her community in many ways.
Gov. Greg Abbott announced that his office is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person or people responsible for the shooting. Williamson County Crime Stoppers is also offering $5,000, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering $5,000, bringing the total reward amount up to $20,000.
The FBI and the ATF are assisting Round Rock police in the investigation. You can help the Vicknair family by donating to the GoFundMe set up in Lyndsey Vicknair's honor.
Ara Duke's family provided KVUE with the following statement following Thompson's arrest:
"The family of Ara Duke is in the mists of profound grief. We appreciate the efforts put forth by the Round Rock Police Department, and all other law enforcement agencies working on this case. Our family is grateful for the first arrest, and we employ all others involved, to turn yourselves in. We appreciate the outpouring of love and support shown by the entire community."
Ara Duke's family asks that instead of flowers, the community considers donating to charities that meant a lot to her. You can donate to the NPH USA in Duke's memory through this link or donate to the Boys and Girls Club of the Austin Area with a note that says, "In Memory of Ara Duke."
Mental health resources
For those in need of mental health assistance following the shooting, the Round Rock Fire Department's Crisis Response Unit can be reached by calling 512-218-5501. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Disaster Distress Helpline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990.
Other general mental health support services include the Crisis Text Hotline (text HOME to 741741), the National Crisis and Suicide Prevention Lifeline (dial 988) and the Bluebonnet Trails Crisis Hotline (call 1-800-841-1255).