On the morning of September 13, 2024, at approximately 10:15 a.m., Longview Police Department officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 3100 block of McCann Road in Longview, Texas. Upon arrival, they discovered 20-year-old DeQualin Vaughn, a resident of Longview, suffering from a gunshot wound. Vaughn was promptly transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Following an investigation, detectives identified 23-year-old Eddie Floyd Hill Jr., of Gilmer, Texas, as the primary suspect in Vaughn's death. Hill was also wanted on felony charges from a separate case in Marshall, Texas. Authorities located and arrested Hill in Gilmer, subsequently booking him into the Upshur County Jail. He faces charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, deadly conduct, and murder.
The Longview Police Department acknowledged the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies in apprehending Hill, including the Marshall Police Department, Harrison County Violent Crime Task Force, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Gilmer Police Department. This cooperation was instrumental in swiftly bringing the suspect into custody following the tragic incident.
In the wake of Vaughn's death, his family arranged funeral services to honor his memory. A visitation was held on September 20, 2024, at Stanmore Funeral Home in Longview, followed by a funeral service on September 21 at Miracle Tabernacle Prayer & Praise Cathedral of Longview. Vaughn was laid to rest at Jordan Valley Cemetery. The community mourned the loss of a young life, reflecting on the impact of gun violence in their area.
The arrest of Hill provided some measure of closure for Vaughn's family and the Longview community. However, the incident underscored ongoing concerns about safety and the prevalence of violent crime in the region. Local law enforcement agencies continue to work together to address these issues and prevent future tragedies.
