On July 15, 2024, 17-year-old Tristen Latrell Rey Hochstetler was found fatally shot inside a residence in the 600 block of Avenue I in Killeen, Texas. Police responded to the scene around 2:31 p.m. Justice of the Peace Nicola James pronounced him dead at 4:19 p.m.
Tristen was born on March 29, 2007, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to his mother, Kristen Hochstetler. He attended Ellison High School and graduated from Penn Foster High School at the age of 16.
Known for his warm and outgoing personality, Tristen had a passion for cars, football, and video games. He shared a close bond with his mother, described as inseparable.
Following the incident, Killeen Police identified Tristen as the city's seventh murder victim of 2024. On July 18, detectives detained a person of interest in connection with the case for an unrelated offense. The individual's identity has not been disclosed, and no formal charges related to the murder have been announced.
Authorities continue to seek information from the public to aid in the investigation. Anyone with relevant details is encouraged to contact the Killeen Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division or reach out anonymously to Bell County Crime Stoppers.
A Celebration of Life for Tristen was held on July 27, 2024, at the First Baptist Church of Killeen. His untimely passing has left a profound impact on his family, friends, and the Killeen community, who remember him for his resilience, determination, and the joy he brought into their lives.
