Killeen Man Indicted for Murder Following Deadly Shooting
A Bell County Grand Jury has indicted a 19-year-old in connection with a 2025 shooting death near Cantabrian and Barcelona drives.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Crime — General
Donald Charles Kessee Jr. faces murder and robbery charges following a fatal shooting on May 25, 2025. The indictment comes after Killeen police investigated the death of Gabriel Lee Garza, who succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds.
Why it matters
The indictment marks a significant step forward in the legal proceedings regarding the violence that occurred last year in Killeen. Investigators identified Kessee, who was already in juvenile custody, as a suspect in the robbery and subsequent shooting.
Donald Charles Kessee Jr. is currently being held in the Bell County Jail on a combined $1.5 million bond for his charges. He was formally indicted by a Bell County Grand Jury following a lengthy investigation by local police.
The players
Donald Charles Kessee Jr.
He is a 19-year-old suspect currently held in the Bell County Jail facing charges of murder and robbery.
Gabriel Lee Garza
He was the victim of the shooting incident who died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Killeen Police Department
This is the primary local law enforcement agency that investigated the crime scene and identified the suspect.
The details
Police responded to reports of gunfire near Cantabrian Drive and Barcelona Drive on May 28, 2025, where Gabriel Lee Garza was struck by multiple bullets. Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division later linked the suspect to the crime, noting that the victim and Kessee were previously acquainted.
Timeline
May 25, 2025: The robbery and shooting incident took place.
May 28, 2025: Killeen police responded to reports of gunfire.
May 2026: The suspect was arrested by local authorities.
June 17, 2026: Killeen police received notification that the suspect was in juvenile custody.
Legal Context
This indictment aligns with the established procedural standards used by the Bell County justice system to prosecute violent felony offenses. Such cases typically proceed through a grand jury evaluation to determine if sufficient evidence exists to warrant a trial for murder and robbery.
The indictment provides a sense of progress for residents concerned about safety in the area near Cantabrian Drive. While the suspect is now in custody, the legal process will continue to unfold within the Bell County court system.
The takeaway
The resolution of this investigation highlights the coordinated efforts of local law enforcement in tracking suspects across jurisdictions. Residents are reminded to report suspicious activity to authorities to assist in maintaining neighborhood safety.
Further reading
For more information on local criminal proceedings, visit the Crime — General section of our site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KWKT - FOX 44.
