On the afternoon of Saturday, April 5, 2025, 30-year-old white male Zakary Michael Jerke was found with a gunshot wound to the head at the Temple Gun Club, located off FM 438 Loop in Temple, Texas. Emergency responders from the Bell County Sheriff's Office, Temple Police Department, Troy Fire Department, and Temple Emergency Medical Services arrived at the scene following a 911 call reporting the incident.
Jerke was transported to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple, where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, April 6, 2025.
Zakary Michael Jerke was a military veteran with a distinguished service record. He served four years in the United States Marine Corps, followed by five years in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant. During his military career, he completed overseas tours in Japan, South Korea, and Poland. After his honorable discharge, Jerke pursued a career in welding, obtaining a certification and working with the Z Modular team in Killeen, Texas.
The circumstances surrounding Jerke's death remain under investigation. Authorities have not yet determined whether the shooting was accidental, self-inflicted, or the result of foul play. The Bell County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division, in collaboration with the Texas Rangers, is conducting a thorough investigation. An autopsy has been ordered by Justice of the Peace Ted Duffield and is being performed at the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified in connection with the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released further details. The Temple Gun Club, where the incident occurred, is a private facility with ranges available for various shooting disciplines.
Zakary Michael Jerke is remembered by family and friends as an honorable and kind individual who served his country with pride. He is survived by his mother Christy Parnell, father Jan Jerke, siblings, and extended family members. A memorial service was held on May 5, 2025, at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.
