On April 22, 2025, at approximately 2:47 p.m., Longview Police Officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 900 block of Toler Road in Longview, Texas. Upon arrival, officers discovered 44-year-old Jonathan Ragland, a male victim, who had suffered fatal gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a Gregg County Justice of the Peace.
Authorities confirmed that Ragland’s death marked the first homicide of the year in Longview.
The suspect fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. Following an investigation, police identified 26-year-old Dalton Chandler Lawrence as the primary suspect in the shooting. Lawrence was later arrested and charged with first-degree murder. In addition to the murder charge, Lawrence had two outstanding warrants from Wood County. Officials have not disclosed further details regarding the motive behind the shooting or any prior connection between Ragland and Lawrence.
The Longview Police Department has urged anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. They have requested that witnesses or individuals with knowledge of the events contact them at 903-237-1199. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and determine the circumstances surrounding Ragland’s death.
