On the evening of April 17, 2024, at approximately 10:05 p.m., Killeen Police responded to a reported shooting in the 900 block of Southside Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered 33-year-old Tres Maurice Carter inside a residence, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Services initiated life-saving measures and transported Carter to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Nicola James at 10:44 p.m.
At the scene, authorities arrested 22-year-old Xavier Mason Stokes, who was present at the residence during the incident. Investigators determined that the shooting was related to domestic or family violence, indicating no broader threat to the community. Stokes was initially held in the Killeen City Jail.
Following a review by the Bell County District Attorney's Office, Stokes was formally charged with murder on April 19, 2024. He was subsequently transferred to the Bell County Jail, with bond set at $500,000. In June 2024, a Bell County grand jury indicted Stokes for murder. Reports indicate that Carter was Stokes' stepfather, adding a familial dimension to the case.
As of December 2024, Stokes remains in custody, awaiting trial for the murder of Tres Maurice Carter. The case has drawn attention due to its domestic violence context and the familial relationship between the victim and the accused. The Killeen community continues to mourn the loss of Carter, whose life was tragically cut short.
