James Penegar, a 55-year-old African American man, was tragically killed on March 8, 2019, in McKinney, Texas. Penegar was fatally shot when a man fired into a crowd of about 30 people gathered outside a house on Maples Avenue. The incident occurred following an altercation, and Penegar was struck by a single stray bullet while walking to his friend's home. He was pronounced dead at Medical City McKinney.
The McKinney police reported that the shooter fired into the air, but this detail could not be confirmed. Penegar's family, including his daughters Takila and Constance Penegar, expressed their grief and emphasized that the bullet was not meant for him.
The McKinney police launched an investigation to find the shooter, who was believed to have driven off in a silver car. The North Texas Crime Commission's Crime Stoppers offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects. On March 19, 2019, a juvenile was arrested in connection with the shooting. The juvenile was taken into custody by McKinney police detectives and booked into the appropriate facility.
Penegar's death left a significant impact on his family and friends. His friend Clarence Smith, who witnessed the incident, described the emotional toll of reliving the moment Penegar was shot. The family held funeral services for Penegar, remembering him as a man who could make anyone smile. Constance Penegar, one of his daughters, expressed her desire for the police department to be more active in finding justice for her father. The investigation into the shooting continued, with detectives working to gather more information and bring the responsible parties to justice.
