KILLEEN, TX — A domestic disturbance turned deadly on Sunday afternoon after a bystander fatally shot a man who was reportedly threatening a woman with a firearm.
At approximately 1:34 p.m. on January 18, 2026, Killeen police responded to a violent domestic disturbance on Illinois Avenue. Officers arriving at the scene found a 58-year-old male in a breezeway suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition but later died from his injuries. He was pronounced deceased at 2:42 p.m. by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson.
The incident began when witnesses reported hearing a woman scream and observed a man pointing a gun at her. A 66-year-old male passerby, who heard the commotion, intervened. According to police, the 58-year-old then pointed his firearm at both the woman and the intervening man. In response, the 66-year-old drew his own handgun and fired, striking the armed male.
The woman, 45, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Seton Medical Center for treatment.
No arrests have been made. The case is currently under review by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office.
In situations involving domestic violence with an armed aggressor, intervention can be risky but potentially life-saving. This incident underscores the importance of being prepared and trained to respond to imminent threats of death or serious bodily harm—especially when innocent lives are at stake.