The Polk County Sheriff’s Office began receiving calls around 1:07 a.m. Sunday morning to report Jeremy Lamar Bennett, 20, had been shot at a location in Polk County off US Highway 146 near FM 2665.
Responding deputies arrived to find Bennett suffering from a gunshot wound and immediately initiated lifesaving measures. While deputies attempted to render aid, a fight again began amongst the crowd, forcing deputies to divert their attention to regain control of the scene.
Bennett was transported by ambulance to CHI Livingston Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased due to his injuries.
A homicide investigation was initiated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division in coordination with the Texas Rangers Division. A search warrant executed at the property led to the recovery of six firearms, alcohol and drugs.
Investigators determined the gathering began as a party after prom and grew into a large event, where individuals were consuming alcohol, smoking marijuana and displaying firearms. Law enforcement said that ultimately contributed to the circumstances leading to Bennett’s death, after a fight broke out in the crowd.
While processing evidence from the scene and interviewing witnesses Monday, authorities made an arrest in connection with the death of Jeremy Bennett. A 16-year-old male juvenile was taken into custody and charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon and manslaughter. He may also face additional charges. Following a determination by the justice of the peace and juvenile probation officials, the teenaged suspect will remain in custody at a juvenile detention facility.
In addition, Osvaldo Daniel Alvarez will be charged with two counts of aggravated assault and may face further aggravated assault charges related to this incident. Alvarez, 19, advised detectives while on scene that he invited the crowd to his residence to continue this party and had already been charged with deadly conduct. Gabriel Ramirez, 21, who is already under indictment for aggravated assault in an unrelated case, is expected to have paperwork completed by the district attorney’s office for a no-bond warrant on the new charge of deadly conduct involving the discharge of a firearm.
Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons stated that as detectives continue to process evidence from the scene, additional charges are anticipated for others who were present on the night of the incident.
Jon Raul Villarreal, 19, has been arrested for unlawful carrying of a weapon. Alvarez, Ramirez Jr. and Villareal are all from Livingston.
The investigation remains ongoing, as evidence continues to be evaluated and additional charges may be filed.
The sheriff's office is requesting the public's assistance in the investigation. Investigators believe several individuals attended the party, and that Bennett's family deserves a full and accurate account of what happened.
Those with information related to the event are urged to contact or visit the Polk County Sheriff's Office or reach out to their local law enforcement agency to provide a statement.
Lyons and the PCSO expressed their condolences to Bennett’s family, stating that the loss of a young life is heartbreaking and could have been prevented. He also urged the youth of Polk County to avoid situations involving large crowds, alcohol, drugs, and weapons, emphasizing the importance of making safe choices and leaving potentially dangerous environments to return home safely. Lyons thanked the Livingston Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Rangers Division for their ongoing assistance in the investigation.
