On February 13, 2023, at approximately 5:12 p.m., the Harker Heights Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting at a residence in the 1800 block of Pontotoc Trace. Upon arrival, officers discovered 23-year-old William Jerome Baker III, known as "Jay," deceased from a gunshot wound. Justice of the Peace Nicola James pronounced Baker dead at the scene at 5:44 p.m. An autopsy was ordered to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.
Baker was a resident of Harker Heights, Texas, and was born on June 15, 1999, in Crestview, Florida. He was affectionately known as "Jay" and was described as a kind-spirited individual who brought joy to those around him. He graduated from Shoemaker High School in 2018 and had aspirations to pursue a career in the medical field. Baker was also a dog lover, having adopted a dog named Rocky in 2019.
As of the latest available information, there have been no public reports regarding arrests or suspects in connection with Baker's death. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities have not released further details to the public.
The community mourned the loss of Baker, with a memorial service held on February 25, 2023, at Chisolm's Family Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas. A private family interment was scheduled for a later date.
