Man arrested after gunfire strikes homes
Contributed Photo. An investigation into gunfire that hit multiple homes in December of last year has resulted in the indictment and arrest of Jerry Ray Killian.
BAYTOWN– An investigation into gunshots that hit multiple homes last December in the River Farms subdivision on the county’s west end resulted in an arrest last week.
Investigators with the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the home of Jesse Ray Killian, 44, in the 13900 block of South River Drive on Friday, June 13, according to a media release.
During that search, authorities discovered a pair of .223 caliber rifles and ammunition that were linked to the incident.
Law enforcement became aware of issues around 11 p.m. on Dec. 26, 2024, when an investigation by the CCSO got underway after complaints by several residents.
That investigation grew as more neighbors reported incidents, including in nearby neighborhoods, namely Raintree and Cotton Creek.
CCSO investigators began to collect evidence, including projectiles at the homes that had been struck by the gunfire, leading them to a retention pond near the residence of Killian. At that scene, law enforcement located a large number of .223 caliber shell casings.
Killian, a convicted felon, was arrested at his home without incident and has been indicted on two counts of deadly conduct-discharge of a firearm, at or in the direction of a habitation. Those charges are both third-degree felonies.
“This incident highlights the serious danger of discharging a firearm in a reckless and dangerous manner,” said Sheriff Brian Hawthorne. “We are grateful that no one was physically harmed, but the potential for tragedy was very real. I want to thank our deputies and investigators for their thorough and persistent work in bringing this case to a resolution.”