Police in Lavon are seeking anyone who aided a 14-year-old boy in hiding after he allegedly shot and killed a 24-year-old man at a weekend house party, marking the first murder case in Chief J. Michael Jones’ career.
The teen from Lavon faces murder charges in the death of Romeo English, who was gunned down Saturday evening during a gathering on Wellington Drive. Authorities say the suspect evaded capture for two days before a family member took him to a pastor, who turned him over to officers.
Chief Jones, in his 26th year with the department, said investigators are probing a possible network of accomplices who assisted the boy’s flight. Chief Jones said the teen “absolutely” received help staying out of sight.
“And we will investigate anyone involved and we will prosecute everyone that we have the legal opportunity to do so,” Chief Jones said, Fox 4 KDFW reported. “Justice is never served if the defendant is never brought before the system.”
The shooting stemmed from a dispute during a game at the residence, where words led to a physical altercation, according to Chief Jones.
“There were some words that were exchanged, and then it became physical at one point,” he said.
As English tried to depart, the teen allegedly pulled a handgun and fired multiple shots at close range, killing the alleged unarmed victim.
English’s pregnant girlfriend and her mother, Kewanita Brownfield, expressed outrage and called for clarity on the firearm’s source.
“If it was a minor, where did the gun [come] from?” Brownfield asked, according to Fox 4. “A 14-year-old with a gun? And how did he get it? Where were the parents?”
The suspect is enrolled at Community Trails Middle School in the Community Independent School District, but has not shown up for classes since November. Chief Jones noted prior police contacts with the boy regarding his status as a runaway, though he would not elaborate on his home life.
Officers have seized the weapon and are collaborating with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to determine its origins as the probe unfolds.
Reflecting on prevention, Chief Jones emphasized societal factors over policing alone.
“I don’t think you can have enough police on the street to make sure that someone doesn’t get angry in a house. I think that the real systemic change in this area comes from addressing the root causes,” he said.
