On March 13, 2023, a series of shootings occurred in Lubbock County, Texas, resulting in the death of 32-year-old Christian Rios and injuries to three others. The incidents began around 4:44 p.m. when Lubbock County Sheriff's deputies responded to reports of shots fired near 110th Street and Avenue P. Upon arrival, they found 42-year-old Benjamin Veanueva with a gunshot wound; he was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
Shortly thereafter, at approximately 4:55 p.m., deputies were dispatched to 9107 Avenue P, where they discovered 41-year-old Florencio Rivera suffering from a gunshot wound; he was also taken to the hospital in critical condition. During the investigation at this location, authorities learned of a third victim, Christian Rios, who had been transported to a private hospital by a private vehicle. Rios succumbed to his injuries nearly six days later, on March 19, 2023.
The shooting spree continued with a final incident reported at 5:30 p.m. at an Allsup's Convenience Store located at 1402 N. Highway 82 in Slaton. There, deputies found 35-year-old Cody Payne with a gunshot wound; he was transported to the hospital and later released after treatment.
Authorities arrested 49-year-old suspect, Jamie Lee Pruett, in connection with the shootings. Pruett was taken into custody without incident and initially faced multiple felony charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Following the death of Christian Rios, the charges against Pruett were upgraded to include murder. As of April 19, 2023, Pruett was indicted for murder and remained in custody at the Lubbock County Detention Center on bonds totaling $20 million.
Investigations revealed that Pruett had been sued by a family member on the same day as the shootings, alleging financial disputes involving large sums of money and property. During his arrest, Pruett reportedly expressed grievances related to local game rooms, claiming he had been threatened by their patrons. He allegedly admitted to the shootings, stating, "I shot 4,5,6, I don't know how many people. And that's why I killed them."
The series of shootings prompted local officials to reconsider regulations concerning game rooms in Lubbock County. Prior to the incidents, a proposed ordinance to regulate these establishments had been tabled until September. However, following the violence, Lubbock County Commissioner Jason Corley announced plans to expedite the ordinance's consideration, aiming to address safety concerns associated with game rooms in the community.
