On September 12, 2023, 18-year-old Caleb White was fatally shot in Boyd, Texas, following a domestic dispute with his stepfather, 37-year-old Joshua Lawrence Earwood. Earlier that evening, Wise County Sheriff's deputies responded to a verbal altercation between White and Earwood at their residence on Griffin Street. White had left the scene before deputies arrived, and no physical confrontation was reported at that time.
Approximately an hour later, deputies were called back to the residence, where they found White suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to Wise Health System but succumbed to his injuries. Investigations revealed that Earwood had shot White during a subsequent confrontation. Earwood was arrested at the scene and charged with murder. He was booked into the Wise County Jail with bond set at $350,000.
In November 2023, a Wise County grand jury indicted Earwood for murder, stating that he "knowingly caused the death" of his stepson by shooting him with a firearm. The indictment formalized the charges against Earwood, and he awaits trial in the Wise County judicial system.
Caleb White was remembered as a beloved son, brother, and friend. He was nearing the completion of his high school education, with only two credits remaining before graduation. Known for his enthusiasm for history and the gospel, Caleb was contemplating a service-oriented career, considering paths in the military, firefighting, or emergency medical services. His sudden passing deeply affected the tight-knit community of Boyd, Texas, prompting an outpouring of support for his family.
In the wake of this tragedy, community members organized fundraisers and support initiatives to assist Caleb's family during this difficult time. A memorial service was held at Grace Baptist Church in Springtown, where family and friends gathered to honor his memory and celebrate his life.
