KILLEEN, Texas — For two and a half years, Killeen resident Keila Cruz has fought to add more streetlights in the City of Killeen.
Her son Johnathan Martinez was shot and killed in a poorly lit area in the 3900 block of Old FM Road 440.
"It is constant pain and reminder of losing someone so young. He was gone too soon," said Cruz.
Cruz said the lack of lighting made it harder to get details on her son's murder at the crime scene.
"It definitely helps to deter crime in Killeen. People tend to commit crimes in dark areas compared to areas where there is more light," said Cruz.
There are 4,539 street lights in the City of Killeen. Mayor Jose Segarra said before the city adds additional street lights, they must own them first.
"If things like that happen, then we would be responsible when it comes to the street lights," said Segarra.
The streetlights are owned and managed by Oncor, which charges about $10.31 a month.
Segarra said if the city owned them, the streetlights would cost about 45 cents to 50 cents a month, but Oncor does not want to sell.
"They are not going to want to give up that revenue. They are going to say no way, we are not going to sell it,” said Segarra. "Then, what happens is we have to go into negotiations which they say they don't want to do."
Cruz said this is still a step forward.