WACO, Texas — Three people were killed and two were injured in shootings over three days in Waco from Feb. 23 to Feb. 25, according to the Waco Police Department.
A 41-year-old man was reportedly shot and killed on Friday, Feb. 23 in the 200 block of Mary Avenue. Waco PD said a fight took place between multiple people, which led to the victim being shot. The victim reportedly died at the scene.
Thirty-nine-year-old Winfred Talley Jr. was reportedly shot in the 600 block of Ruby Avenue on Saturday, Feb. 24. Police said Talley was taken to the hospital where he died of his injuries. Two teenage girls were also shot and are expected to be ok, the department said.
Waco PD said 17-year-old Myesha McCants was shot in the 3900 block of S. Jack Kultgen Expressway on Sunday, Feb. 25. According to police, McCants later died at a local hospital. Waco PD said 18-year-old Jada Millwood was arrested and charged with manslaughter in the case. Police said Millwood was recklessly handling a gun when it fired, killing McCants.
In a statement issued on Feb. 27, Waco Police Chief Sheryl Victorian gave her condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the three shootings. She said these deaths were the first homicides of 2024, and regardless of the circumstances, the shootings are "unsettling" in the Waco community.
"Three murders in three nights are unprecedented in our city," Victorian said.
Victorian said the shootings were isolated incidents. She said one investigation has already led to the manslaughter charge of Millwood, and officers are working "nonstop" to identify those involved in the other, separate investigations.
"The deaths of these victims are heartbreaking and everyone in the community is impacted in one way or another," Victorian said.
Victorian asked the community for help to get justice for the victims, asking those involved to "do the right thing" and come forward, and asking anyone with information to contact either the Waco Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 254-753-4357.
Victorian urged community members to practice responsible gun ownership and gun safety, emphasizing that using a gun in a "chemically induced" state, such as under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or while emotionally charged, contributes to the bad decision to use the weapon, which she said "destroys families and communities".
"The decision to recklessly use a weapon to settle a score or retaliate, or brandishing and discharging a weapon negligently, will result in legal consequences," Victorian said. "Consequences that will change your life and the life of your family."
Victorian said Waco PD is committed to putting the pieces of the investigations together and will continue to work to bring justice to each victim.
Victorian stated that Waco had seen a record year in crime reduction in 2023, but emphasized the community's responsibility to keep Waco safe.
"Overall, our city is a safe city," Victorian. said. "But it is the responsibility of all of us to do our part for it to remain that way."
More information on the investigations can be found on KCENTV.com.
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