The following vignettes describe the circumstances for killings not ruled self-defense by private individuals with permits to carry concealed handguns. The incidents below all occurred in Texas. The descriptions include the current, known status of any charges filed against the concealed carry killer as reported by news sources as well as noting instances where the perpetrator committed suicide.
The Violence Policy Center welcomes any new information regarding the status of any case (with verifiable source(s)). Use this link to contact the VPC: http://www.vpc.org/contact.htm.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Names Not Provided CONVICTED
Date: Between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022
People Killed: 16
Circumstances: Between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that 16 Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of murder. In its annual report, the Texas Department of Public Safety does not release the offender’s name, the exact date of the event, nor the type of weapon used in the homicide.
Source: Conviction Rates for Handgun License Holders, Reporting Period: 01/01/2022 – 12/31/2022, Texas Department of Public Safety, www.dps.texas.gov.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Names Not Provided CONVICTED
Date: Between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021
People Killed: At least 7
Circumstances: Between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that one Texas concealed handgun license holder was convicted of capital murder of multiple persons, and five Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of murder. In its annual report, the Texas Department of Public Safety does not release the offender’s name, the exact date of the event, nor the type of weapon used in the homicide.
Source: Conviction Rates for Handgun License Holders, Reporting Period: 01/01/2021 – 12/31/2021, Texas Department of Public Safety, www.dps.texas.gov.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Sgt. Daniel Perry CONVICTED
Date: July 25, 2020
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On July 25, 2020, concealed handgun permit holder Sgt. Daniel Perry allegedly shot and killed Garrett Foster, 28, during an altercation at a Black Lives Matter protest in Austin, Texas. On the evening of the protest, Perry, who was stationed at Fort Hood, but was working that night as a ride share driver, encountered a group of protesters marching in the street. Videos of the event reportedly show Perry honking his horn and aggressively pulling his vehicle into a group of the marchers. Perry stopped in front of Foster, who was carrying an AK-47-style assault rifle and pushing his fiancée, a quadruple amputee, in a wheelchair. According to witnesses, as Foster approached Perry’s car, Perry allegedly shot through the open driver’s side window, striking Foster three times in the chest. Foster died at the scene. Perry fled the scene before turning himself in to police. Perry claims he acted in self defense after Foster raised the barrel of his rifle. Both Perry and Foster had concealed handgun permits. Perry was charged with murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and deadly conduct.
UPDATE: In April 2023, Sgt. Daniel Perry was convicted of murder in the death of Garrett Foster. In May 2023, Perry was sentenced to 25 years in prison with credit for the time he had already served.
Source: “Daniel Perry sentenced to 25 years in protester murder, defense prepares for appeal,” kxan.com, May 10, 2023; “Daniel Perry will stand trial for murder of BLM protester Garrett Foster,” austinchronicle.com, July 2, 2021; “What we know about the Austin BLM protest shooting,” nymag.com, July 27, 2020.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Names Not Provided CONVICTED
Date: Between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020
People Killed: 4
Circumstances: Between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that three Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of murder, and one Texas concealed handgun license holder was convicted of making a firearm accessible to a child resulting in death. In its annual report, the Texas Department of Public Safety does not release the offender’s name, the exact date of the event, nor the type of weapon used in the homicide.
Source: Conviction Rates for Handgun License Holders, Reporting Period: 01/01/2020 – 12/31/2020, Texas Department of Public Safety, www.dps.texas.gov.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Pvt. Jonathan Lauture PENDING
Date: June 19, 2019
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On June 19, 2019, concealed handgun permit holder Pvt. Jonathan Lauture allegedly shot and killed Jason Lindsay at Lauture’s apartment. Lauture had been beating his wife since March 2019, including beating her with a picture frame on the night of the shooting. Lindsay was attempting to aid Lauture’s wife when he went to Lauture’s apartment. Lindsay was allegedly shot six times and killed just across the door frame of the apartment. When police arrived Lauture was waiting on his knees with his hands behind his back and his unloaded Glock 19 pistol and a Texas concealed carry permit on the ground next to him. Despite El Paso police noting the couple’s “history of family violence,” they ruled the shooting a justifiable homicide and Lauture did not face criminal charges. Lauture was reassigned from Fort Bliss to Fort Stewart, Georgia, where he continued to beat, choke, and point his gun at his wife. At Fort Stewart, Lauture’s abuse was investigated, and he was convicted by court martial on four counts of spousal battery, four counts of obstructing justice, four counts of disobeying orders, and one count of assault with an unloaded firearm. He was sentenced to two years and one month of confinement and given a dishonorable discharge. Lauture faces a second court martial for the 2019 shooting death of Jason Lindsay.
Source: “Soldier quietly reassigned after killing man, hitting wife finally faces murder charge,” militarytimes.com, July 13, 2021.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Lance Tyler Campbell CONVICTED
Date: June 18, 2019
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On June 18, 2019, concealed handgun permit holder Lance Tyler Campbell, 27, allegedly shot and killed Michael Haney, 60, outside the Sun Washateria in Houston. Campbell worked for a private security company and was assigned to patrol the shopping center which contained the Washateria. Campbell told investigators that he had kicked Haney, who was homeless, out of the shopping center the day before the shooting and told him not to return. Campbell then encountered Haney the next night as Haney rummaged through a trash can. Campbell claimed that after asking Haney to leave, the homeless man became aggressive and started walking toward him. Campbell stated that he felt threatened and shot Haney. Surveillance footage appeared to contradict Campbell’s version of events. The video allegedly showed Campbell kicking over a shopping basket with Haney’s belongings before drawing his weapon. Campbell then allegedly shot Haney once in the throat according to prosecutors. The video did not show Haney charging Campbell. According to prosecutors, Campbell waited eight minutes after the shooting before trying to save Haney’s life. During that time, Campbell made a phone call, threw a rag from Haney’s belongings on top of him, left and returned wearing a pair of rubber gloves, and then started chest compressions which failed to save Haney’s life. Campbell was arrested and charged with murder.
UPDATE: In December 2022, Lance Campbell was found guilty of murder in the death of Michael Haney. Campbell was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Source: “Houston security guard convicted in 2019 killing of Urban Animals member,” Houston Chronicle, December 13, 2022; “Security guard charged with murder in shooting outside Houston washeteria,” Houston Chronicle, June 19, 2019.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Names Not Provided CONVICTED
Date: Between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019
People Killed: At least 19
Circumstances: Between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that seven Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of capital murder of multiple persons, and five Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of murder. In its annual report, the Texas Department of Public Safety does not release the offender’s name, the exact date of the event, nor the type of weapon used in the homicide.
Source: Conviction Rates for Handgun License Holders, Reporting Period: 01/01/2019 – 12/31/2019, Texas Department of Public Safety, www.dps.texas.gov.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Names Not Provided CONVICTED
Date: Between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018
People Killed: 6
Circumstances: Between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that two Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of capital murder by terror threat/other felony, three Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of manslaughter, and one Texas concealed handgun license holder was convicted of murder. In its annual report, the Texas Department of Public Safety does not release the offender’s name, the exact date of the event, nor the type of weapon used in the homicide.
Source: Conviction Rates for Handgun License Holders, Reporting Period: 01/01/2018 – 12/31/2018, Texas Department of Public Safety, www.dps.texas.gov.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: William Anthony Hall CONVICTED
Date: May 31, 2017
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On May 31, 2017, concealed handgun permit holder William Anthony Hall, 71, shot and killed James Garza, 67, following a dispute over a handicapped parking space. On the evening of the shooting, Garza went to a post office to pick up his mail and parked in a handicapped parking space, but did not have a handicapped sticker. Hall confronted Garza about parking in the handicapped spot and the two men argued before Hall shot Garza once in the chest. At Hall’s trial, prosecutors argued that he was acting as a vigilante by taking the law into his own hands over a minor misdemeanor. The Assistant District Attorney argued, “That license does not give you a license to kill. You still have to follow the law and if you don’t, you’re going to be held accountable just like everybody else.” Hall was convicted of murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Source: “Man sentenced to 20 years in prison for shooting Houston attorney over handicapped parking spot,” khou.com, August 1, 2019.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Santiago Vasquez CONVICTED
Date: May 30, 2017
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On May 30, 2017 concealed handgun permit holder Santiago Vasquez, 86, shot and killed his next-door neighbor John Seth Jr., 80, with a .38 Special revolver in Killeen, Texas. A witness testified that she saw Vasquez hit Seth twice with a cane, knocking him down, before shooting him three times. Vasquez claimed that it was Seth beating him with the cane when one of the two handguns Vasquez was carrying fell out of his waistband onto the ground. Vasquez claimed both men struggled but he picked it up and shot Seth two times. In addition to the two handguns, Vasquez was carrying a knife with a six-inch blade at the time of the shooting. On May 17, 2019, Vasquez was found guilty of murder in the death of John Seth. On July 11, 2019, Vasquez was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
Source: “Texas man, 86, gets 14 years over slaying of neighbor, 80,” nbcdfw.com, July 12, 2019; “Jurors convict local man, 86, of killing neighbor, 80,” kwtx.com, May 17, 2019; “State rests its case; 86-year-old defendant testifies in Killeen murder trial,” kdhnews.com, May 15, 2019.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: William Francis Kenny SUICIDE
Date: April 3, 2017
People Killed: 2 (including shooter)
Circumstances: On April 3, 2017, concealed handgun permit holder William Francis Kenny, 64, shot and killed Assistant Chief Deputy Constable Clint Greenwood moments after Greenwood pulled into the parking lot of the courthouse where he worked in Baytown, Texas. Kenny was found dead the next day from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A website linked to Kenny revealed a long-standing grudge against Harris County, Texas police, which started after a 2012 complaint made to police about Kenny by Kenny’s then father-in-law. Clint Greenwood’s name was mentioned on the website several times. Ballistics confirmed that the same 9mm Taurus pistol found on Kenny was used to murder Greenwood. The photo on Kenny’s concealed carry license was used to match him to surveillance video from Greenwood’s murder.
Source: “Ballistics prove Houston cop killer used same gun on himself, investigators confirm,” www.chron.com, April 14, 2017; “Closer look at Asst. Chief Deputy Greenwood’s murder suspect,” www.abc13.com, April 10, 2017; “Deputy constable killed in ambush mourned as ‘cop’s cop’,” www.houstonchronicle.com, April 4, 2017.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Olishea Lashawn Smith CONVICTED
Date: March 4, 2017
People Killed: 2
Circumstances: On March 4, 2017, concealed carry permit holder Olishea Lashawn Smith, 30, shot and killed Dexter Lamont Prather, 42, and Damion Hopkins, 27, with a revolver in a Harker Heights nightclub. According to the testimony of Club Empire co-owner Frederick Henderson, Prather and Hopkins were engaged in a fist fight over a game of dice because Prather had put weighted dice into the game. Smith then fired five shots from 10 feet away, killing both men. Prather died at the scene and Hopkins later died after being rushed to Seton Medical Center. Neither man was found to have any weapons. Smith, who initially fled the scene, turned herself in several days later and surrendered her weapon. In her testimony, she claimed that multiple people had joined the fight against Prather, with whom she had been in a four-year relationship, and fired when she saw a man with a gun approach the fight. She added that she was not firing at anyone specifically. The entire incident from start to finish lasted less than a minute. On Monday, December 3, 2018, Smith was sentenced to two 35-year prison terms to be served consecutively after pleading guilty to both murders in June. She will be eligible for parole in 17 years.
Source: “Waco woman sentenced in 2017 Heights double murder,” kdnews.com, December 3, 2018.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Names Not Provided CONVICTED
Date: Between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017
People Killed: 8
Circumstances: Between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that two Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of capital murder by terror threat/other felony, three Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of manslaughter, and three Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of murder. In its annual report, the Texas Department of Public Safety does not release the offender’s name, the exact date of the event, nor the type of weapon used in the homicide.
Source: Conviction Rates for Handgun License Holders, Reporting Period: 01/01/2017 – 12/31/2017, Texas Department of Public Safety, www.dps.texas.gov.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Names Not Provided CONVICTED
Date: Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016
People Killed: 12
Circumstances: Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that two Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of capital murder by terror threat/other felony, two Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of capital murder of multiple persons (resulting in at least four deaths), two Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of criminally negligent homicide, two Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of manslaughter, and two Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of murder. In its annual report, the Texas Department of Public Safety does not release the offender’s name, the exact date of the event, nor the type of weapon used in the homicide.
Source: Conviction Rates for Handgun License Holders, Reporting Period: 01/01/2016 – 12/31/2016, Texas Department of Public Safety, www.dps.texas.gov.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Unknown PENDING
Date: December 11, 2016
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On December 11, 2016, an unknown concealed handgun permit holder allegedly shot and killed another driver on the Southwest Freeway in Houston after a minor accident. One of the drivers got upset and stopped his car, which made other vehicles stop. After a physical altercation on the side of the road between two drivers, one of the drivers shot and killed the other, according to police. The shooter, who has a concealed carry permit, was detained by police.
Source: “Fatal shooting after accident on Southwest Freeway,” abc13.com, December 11, 2016.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Names Not Provided CONVICTED
Date: Between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015
People Killed: 3
Circumstances: Between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that three Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of murder. In its annual report, the Texas Department of Public Safety does not release the offender’s name, the exact date of the event, nor the type of weapon used in the homicide.
Source: Conviction Rates for Concealed Handgun License Holders, Reporting Period: 01/01/2015 – 12/31/2015, Texas Department of Public Safety, www.dps.texas.gov.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Names Not Provided CONVICTED
Date: Between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014
People Killed: 2
Circumstances: Between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that two Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of capital murder while remuneration (murder for hire). In its annual report, the Texas Department of Public Safety does not release the offender’s name, the exact date of the event, nor the type of weapon used in the homicide.
Source: Conviction Rates for Concealed Handgun License Holders, Reporting Period: 01/01/2014 – 12/31/2014, Texas Department of Public Safety, www.dps.texas.gov.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Names Not Provided CONVICTED
Date: Between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014
People Killed: 3
Circumstances: Between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that three Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of murder. In its annual report, the Texas Department of Public Safety does not release the offender’s name, the exact date of the event, nor the type of weapon used in the homicide.
Source: Conviction Rates for Concealed Handgun License Holders, Reporting Period: 01/01/2014 – 12/31/2014, Texas Department of Public Safety, www.dps.texas.gov.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Names Not Provided CONVICTED
Date: Between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014
People Killed: 3
Circumstances: Between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that three Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of manslaughter. In its annual report, the Texas Department of Public Safety does not release the offender’s name, the exact date of the event, nor the type of weapon used in the homicide.
Source: Conviction Rates for Concealed Handgun License Holders, Reporting Period: 01/01/2014 – 12/31/2014, Texas Department of Public Safety, www.dps.texas.gov.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Names Not Provided CONVICTED
Date: Between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: Between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that one Texas concealed handgun license holder was convicted of capital murder by terror threat/other felony. In its annual report, the Texas Department of Public Safety does not release the offender’s name, the exact date of the event, nor the type of weapon used in the homicide.
Source: Conviction Rates for Concealed Handgun License Holders, Reporting Period: 01/01/2013 – 12/31/2013, Texas Department of Public Safety, www.dps.texas.gov.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Names Not Provided CONVICTED
Date: Between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013
People Killed: 3
Circumstances: Between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that three Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of murder. In its annual report, the Texas Department of Public Safety does not release the offender’s name, the exact date of the event, nor the type of weapon used in the homicide.
Source: Conviction Rates for Concealed Handgun License Holders, Reporting Period: 01/01/2013 – 12/31/2013, Texas Department of Public Safety, www.dps.texas.gov.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Dennis Roy Redding CONVICTED
Date: June 23, 2012
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On June 23, 2012, concealed handgun permit holder Dennis Roy Redding, 63, shot and killed Dr. Mark K. Holcomb, 61, following an argument at the oral surgeon’s weekend home. Redding is a retired Houston police officer and former security officer at the Johnson Space Center. Redding and Holcomb were friends who had a falling out and were reportedly working to patch up their relationship. Following a disagreement, Redding left the living room of Holcomb’s house, retrieved a .380 pistol from his luggage, returned to the living room, and allegedly shot Holcomb in the stomach. Holcomb died at the hospital a few hours later. Others present at the house grabbed Redding and held him until police arrived. Redding was arrested and charged with murder.
UPDATE: On May 12, 2014, Dennis Roy Redding was found guilty of manslaughter in the death of Dr. Mark Holcomb. Redding faces up to 20 years in prison.
Source: “Ex-Houston officer convicted in dentist slaying,” click2houston.com, May 14, 2014; “Retired cop gets murder charge,” Galveston Daily News, June 24, 2012.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Unidentified PENDING
Date: May 17, 2012
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On May 17, 2012, an unidentified concealed handgun permit holder allegedly shot Tyrza Smith, 26, during a robbery at a Family Dollar store. According to police, two masked men entered the store around 10:00 PM. As the men approached Smith and demanded money, a customer who was armed and had a concealed handgun permit pulled his gun and exchanged gunfire with the robbers. Smith was shot in the chest and killed, and the two suspects fled in the customer’s rental car. One of the alleged robbers was later arrested, while a second suspect is still at large. According to police, the bullet that killed Tyrza Smith came from the concealed handgun permit holder’s gun.
Source: “Arrest made in deadly shooting at Family Dollar store,” abclocal.go.com, May 31, 2012; “Still no arrests after fatal gunfight at Family Dollar,” myfoxhouston.com, May 23, 2012; “HPD: Young, female Family Dollar clerk killed in gunfight between robbers, customer,” khou.com, May 18, 2012.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Names Not Provided CONVICTED
Date: Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012
People Killed: 2
Circumstances: Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that two Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of criminal homicide. In its annual report, the Texas Department of Public Safety does not release the offender’s name, the exact date of the event, nor the type of weapon used in the homicide.
Source: Conviction Rates for Concealed Handgun License Holders, Reporting Period: 01/01/2012 – 12/31/2012, Texas Department of Public Safety.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Names Not Provided CONVICTED
Date: Between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011
People Killed: 6
Circumstances: Between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that six Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of criminal homicide. In its annual report, the Texas Department of Public Safety does not release the offender’s name, the exact date of the event, nor the type of weapon used in the homicide.
Source: Conviction Rates for Concealed Handgun License Holders, Reporting Period: 01/01/2011 – 12/31/2011, Texas Department of Public Safety.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Name Not Provided CONVICTED
Date: Between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011
People Killed: at least 2
Circumstances: Between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that one Texas concealed handgun license holder was convicted of capital murder of multiple persons. The report does not detail the specific number of deaths, but it must be no fewer than two. In its annual report, the Texas Department of Public Safety does not release the offender’s name, the exact date of the event, nor the type of weapon used in the homicide.
Source: Conviction Rates for Concealed Handgun License Holders, Reporting Period: 01/01/2011 – 12/31/2011, Texas Department of Public Safety.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: William Franklin PENDING
Date: November 21, 2011
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On November 21, 2011, concealed handgun permit holder William Franklin, 81, was traveling in his pickup truck on I-40 near Shamrock, Texas when he allegedly grazed the side of 65-year-old concealed handgun permit holder William Thompson Nardin’s rented Chevrolet Impala. Both men were traveling with their wives to Thanksgiving gatherings. The Impala was not badly damaged and Nardin called 911 to report the incident while Franklin continued to drive further west. Approximately 30 minutes later, Nardin pulled in to Allsup’s Convenience Store where Franklin was filling his truck with gas. The vehicles were parked on opposite sides of the gas pump, and Nardin approached the pickup as Franklin sat inside. An argument ensued, and Franklin allegedly fired several shots with a .38 revolver through his truck’s door and driver’s side window. Nardin was hit in the upper chest and died. Franklin was charged with murder and posted a $75,000 cash bond.
Source: “Shooting victim said to be man in charge,” amarillo.com, November 22, 2011.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Tan Do SUICIDE
Date: July 23, 2011
People Killed: 6 (including shooter)
Circumstances: On July 23, 2011, concealed handgun permit holder Tan Do, 35, opened fire at his son’s 11th birthday party being held at the Forum Roller World in Grand Prairie, Texas, killing the boy’s mother and four members of her family before taking his own life. The rink was closed for the private party which was attended by approximately 30 family and friends. Do asked his children to leave the area before he began the attack. According to news reports, Do’s wife had obtained a protective order against him in December 2010 but had withdrawn it later against a prosecutor’s advice “because she wanted to give him another chance.” Do was reported to have been a domestic abuser who had threatened his wife with firearms. Walt Hedrick, owner of the roller rink, told reporters, “Kids were having fun and all of a sudden Bang! Bang! Bang!”
Source: “Police Offer Counseling After Roller Rink Rampage,” publicbroadcasting.net, July 25, 2011; “‘I hope I’m making the right decision’: Wife of Texas gunman withdrew protection order against him months before he shot her and family dead at son’s roller rink birthday party,” MailOnline, July 25, 2011.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Names Not Provided CONVICTED
Date: Between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010
People Killed: 6
Circumstances: Between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that six Texas concealed handgun license holders were convicted of criminal homicide. In its annual report, the Texas Department of Public Safety does not release the offender’s name, the exact date of the event, nor the type of weapon used in the homicide.
Source: Conviction Rates for Concealed Handgun License Holders, Reporting Period: 01/01/2010 – 12/31/2010, Texas Department of Public Safety.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Raul Rodriguez CONVICTED
Date: May 2010
People Killed : 1
Circumstances: In May 2010, concealed handgun permit holder Raul Rodriguez, 47, shot and killed elementary school teacher Kelly Danaher, 36. Rodriguez, a retired firefighter, was angry over the noise coming from a night-time birthday party for Danaher’s wife and went over to Danaher’s home carrying his handgun while recording the interaction on video. In the 22-minute video, Rodriguez is heard telling a 911 operator “my life is in danger now” and “these people are going to go try and kill me” as well as, “I’m standing my ground here.” When someone appeared to confront Rodriguez and grab his camera, he fired, killing Danaher, who was in his driveway, and injuring two other men, one of whom was a Houston Fire Department captain. During his murder trial in 2012, Rodriguez invoked Texas’ “Stand Your Ground” law in his defense of shooting the three unarmed men, a claim that the prosecution, using the permit holder’s own video evidence, dismissed. The Harris County Assistant District Attorney told the court that Rodriguez made sure to use all of the “CHL [Concealed Handgun License] buzzwords” that he had learned in his concealed carry class. According to news reports, Rodriguez’s attorney said that he was the type of concealed handgun permit holder who “wears a holstered gun and an extra clip just to go outside.” During the trial, “One neighbor testified that Rodriguez bragged about his guns and said a person could avoid prosecution in a shooting by telling authorities you were in fear of your life and were standing your ground and defending yourself.” In June 2012 Raul Rodriguez was convicted of murder and sentenced to 40 years in prison.
UPDATE: On December 18, 2014, Houston’s First Court of Appeals ruled that the jury’s instructions on Texas’ self-defense law were so confusing that Rodriguez did not receive a fair trial and ordered a new trial in the case.
UPDATE: On November 24, 2015, Raul Rodriguez was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Kelly Danaher.
Source: “Raul Rodriguez gets life in prison for killing teacher,” khou.com, November 24, 2015; “Court overturns ‘stand your ground’ conviction,” Houston Chronicle, December 18, 2014; “Raul Rodriguez, Texas man, gets 40 years in prison for fatally shooting neighbor after claiming ‘stand your ground’ defense,” cbsnews.com, June 28, 2012; “In Texas, ‘stand your ground’ case leads to murder conviction,” latimes.com, June 14, 2012; “Texas man convicted in stand-your-ground case,” usatoday.com, June 14, 2012; “Courts: Self-defense case hinges on video of incident,” Houston Chronicle, June 6, 2012.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Ronnie Cook CONVICTED
Date: May 13, 2009
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On May 13, 2009, concealed handgun permit holder Ronnie Cook exchanged gunfire with police in an hours-long standoff during which Cook wore a bulletproof vest. The standoff began after Cook phoned a woman and told her that he had killed his wife. The woman then called police. When officers eventually entered Cook’s home, they found his wife Darlene dead in the bathroom with a single gunshot wound to the head. Police also found at least five guns and significant amounts of ammunition. According to the assistant district attorney for Anderson County, authorities believed Cook shot his wife as she sat on the toilet. He called the shooting a “cold-blooded and calculated murder.” In January 2010, Cook pleaded guilty to one count of murder and four counts of attempted murder against the responding officers. Cook had been a police officer in the 1970s and was an instructor for Cook’s Concealed Carry as was his deceased wife. The Cooks had taught concealed handgun permit classes on their property using a mobile home converted into an indoor firing range. He was still listed as such on the Texas Concealed Handgun Association’s directory of instructors after he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Source: “Cook sentenced to life in prison,” Palestine Herald-Press, January 16, 2010; “Man charged with attempted capital murder after standoff,” Palestine Herald-Press, May 15, 2009.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Name Not Provided CONVICTED
Date: Between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: Between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008 the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that three Texas concealed handgun permit holders had been convicted of murder. This is one of those convictions.
Source: “Conviction Rates for Concealed Handgun License Holders, Reporting Period: 01/01/2008 – 12/31/2008.”
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Name Not Provided CONVICTED
Date: Between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: Between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008 the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that three Texas concealed handgun permit holders had been convicted of murder. This is one of those convictions.
Source: “Conviction Rates for Concealed Handgun License Holders, Reporting Period: 01/01/2008 – 12/31/2008.”
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Name Not Provided CONVICTED
Date: Between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: Between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008 the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that three Texas concealed handgun permit holders had been convicted of murder. This is one of those convictions.
Source: “Conviction Rates for Concealed Handgun License Holders , Reporting Period: 01/01/2008 – 12/31/2008.”
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Name Not Provided CONVICTED
Date: Between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: Between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009 the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that one Texas concealed handgun permit holder had been convicted of murder.
Source: “Conviction Rates for Concealed Handgun License Holders, Reporting Period: 01/01/2009 – 12/31/2009.”
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Moises Gonzalez SUICIDE
Date: December 30, 2008
People Killed: 2 (including shooter)
Circumstances: On December 30, 2008, Moises Gonzalez, 28, embarked on a two-day crime spree that began when he fired shots into ex-girlfriend Maura Marroquin’s car in a busy McAllen intersection. Gonzalez then kidnapped Marroquin, 23, and the mother of a three-year-old, at gunpoint and commenced a series of crimes spread over approximately a dozen jurisdictions that included stealing four cars, brandishing a gun at victims, and eluding police in high-speed chases. At one point, McAllen police took the unusual step of calling a press conference to warn the public about Gonzalez’s growing propensity for violence. Gonzalez, who had a concealed handgun permit, eventually killed Marroquin in an H.E.B. supermarket, shooting her twice in the torso. He then stole a Cadillac which he crashed into the entrance of a Walmart, plowing through the check-out aisles. He then turned his gun on himself, ending his life. Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino told reporters that he had never seen a more violent crime spree in more than 20 years as a law enforcement officer, stating, “It was very obvious this was going to end violently. Sure as hell, that’s the way it turned out.”
Source: “New Year’s murder-suicide in Texas stores,” Associated Press at dallasnews.com, January 2, 2009; “Murder-suicide perpetrator described as ‘very jealous person,’” themonitor.com, January 2, 2009; “Two dead in crime spree, man goes on rampage killing ex-girlfriend, self,” brownsvilleherald.com, January 1, 2009.
Concealed Handgun Permit Holder: Alan Godin CONVICTED
Date: October 13, 2008
People Killed: 1
Circumstances: On October 13, 2008, concealed handgun permit holder Alan Godin, 64, shot and killed fellow librarian Devin Zimmerman, 37, in the school library of Northeast Lakeview College. According to witnesses, Godin walked into the library, approached Zimmerman at the front desk, put on ear protection, and then shot him five times with his pistol. He then sat down at a desk, put his head down, and waited for police. Zimmerman had recently been given a full-time tenure track position at the library that Godin had desired. At the trial, fellow librarian Robert Vaughn, his “voice quivering,” described the aftermath of the shooting: “He was gasping for air and he was trying to talk. I was…just trying to reassure him. I kept telling him that it was going to be alright, we were going to get through it.” Jurors rejected an insanity defense presented by Godin’s attorneys and convicted him of murder. Zimmerman’s widow, who had been pregnant at the time of his death, wept as the decision was announced. Godin was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to 25 years and a fine of $10,000.
Source: “NLC librarian sentenced 25 years for murder,” www.theranger.org, October 14, 2010; “College librarian is found guilty of murder,” San Antonio Express-News, October 13, 2010; “Godin found guilty in shooting death of librarian,” www.theranger.org, October 12, 2010; “Defendant claims insanity at library murder trial,” San Antonio Express-News, October 7, 2010.