On the morning of September 23, 2023, at approximately 9:40 a.m., Harker Heights police responded to reports of a vehicle crash accompanied by possible gunshots near the intersection of Prospector Trail and Cattail Circle. Upon arrival, officers discovered 41-year-old Johnathan Rhodan of Jarrell, Texas, deceased with apparent gunshot wounds. Justice of the Peace Nicola J. James pronounced Rhodan dead at 11:40 a.m.
During the investigation at the scene, officers identified a damaged vehicle traveling near Stillhouse Lake Road that matched descriptions related to the initial crash. When police attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to comply, leading to a pursuit. The chase concluded when the suspect crashed at the intersection of Stillhouse Lake Road and FM 2484. The driver, later identified as 31-year-old Joshua Deshun Lyda, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Scott and White Hospital in Temple for treatment.
Following his release from the hospital, Lyda was arrested on September 25, 2023, and charged with evading arrest with a vehicle. Subsequently, on September 26, he was charged with the murder of Johnathan Rhodan. He was booked into the Bell County Jail with bonds totaling $2.5 million. On November 16, 2023, a Bell County Grand Jury indicted Lyda on charges of murder and evading arrest with a vehicle. As of the latest available information, Lyda remains in custody awaiting trial.
