In the early evening of March 28, 2026, a burst of violence at Reyes-Mashburn-Nelms Park in Midland, Texas, claimed the life of 17-year-old Devon Nelson. Officers responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 7:48 p.m. and arrived to a chaotic scene with multiple vehicles fleeing the area. They discovered spent shell casings from both a pistol and a rifle, as well as blood in the parking lot.
Prior to their arrival, Nelson had been transported to Midland Memorial Hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
The investigation into the shooting death of the male teenager quickly identified three suspects. Witnesses at the park described seeing three young men near a vehicle brandishing firearms, including a Draco-style weapon and a pistol with an extended magazine. An argument reportedly broke out when Nelson approached the group, escalating into a physical confrontation that was followed by the fatal gunshots.
Based on witness statements, surveillance footage, and other physical evidence, the Midland Police Department identified and arrested three individuals in connection with Nelson's murder. The suspects are 19-year-old Juan Reyes Jr., 18-year-old Alejandro Lopez, and a 15-year-old juvenile whose name has not been released. All three have been charged with murder. Reyes Jr. and Lopez are being held at the Midland County Detention Center, each on a $500,000 bond. Witness descriptions provided key details that led to the identification of the suspects, including one with a neck tattoo and another wearing distinctive clothing with skeleton-style designs. The investigation was also aided by social media posts that reportedly linked the suspects to the shooting.
