On January 22, 2020, 19-year-old Tyler McKinney was tragically shot and killed in his car on Cedar Mountain Drive in Waco, Texas. McKinney, a young man with a bright future, was found with gunshot wounds in his upper torso. The incident occurred after area residents reported hearing gunshots, prompting police to respond to the scene.
The investigation revealed that McKinney was lured to the area by 17-year-old Willow Reign Smith and 19-year-old Delviyonte Sampson, who planned to rob him.
According to police, McKinney was in contact with Smith moments before he was shot. Witnesses reported seeing Smith and Sampson leaving the scene on foot, with one witness identifying them as the individuals involved.
Both Smith and Sampson were arrested in Wichita Falls a few days after the murder. Smith was later sentenced to 35 years in prison after pleading guilty to the murder charge. Sampson's trial is still pending.
The McKinney family has been vocal about their desire for justice, expressing their shock and grief over the loss of Tyler. They have called for anyone with information to come forward to help bring those responsible to justice.
The case remains a significant one for the Waco Police Department, which continues to investigate and seek closure for Tyler McKinney's family.
