Nine people die in shootings over Father’s Day weekend
At least 14 shootings happened in America on Father’s Day weekend, with nine people dead and 74 injured, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
A 17-year-old was arrested in connection with the shooting that killed two women and injured 14 others at a Juneteenth festival on Saturday, the Round Rock Police Department announced Thursday.
Ricky Thompson III of Manor was arrested 7:30 a.m. at an undisclosed location in Pflugerville by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, Police Chief Allen Banks said at a news conference Thursday morning. Thompson faces one charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was booked into the Williamson County Jail.
More: 2 killed, 14 injured in shooting at Juneteenth celebration in Texas; Suspect at-large
“We know Ricky Thompson was not the only shooter at this event. We are still looking for other suspects,” Banks said. He clarified that Thompson was the man in the white hoodie, a description police had previously provided. He did not have physical descriptions for the other shooters.
Banks said there were “more charges to come” for Thompson and other shooters. Thompson did not have a previous criminal history, he said.
Police have said an argument between two groups attending the Juneteenth event resulted in several people pulling out guns and shooting at one another about 10:50 p.m. Saturday. Banks said he had “no indication” that Thompson was a gang member.
Lyndsey Vicknair, 33, of Manor and Ara Duke, 54, of Pflugerville died after the shooting. Police said Vicknair and Duke had been attending the celebration and were not associated with the altercation that preceded the shooting. Both victims were declared dead at the scene.
The chief would not say whether police had located Thompson’s gun.
“We know Ricky was a shooter, but I’m not going to give you any more information,” Banks said, citing the integrity of the investigation.
“We still have a lot of work to do. This is not a victory lap,” Banks said about Thompson’s arrest.
More: Police: Round Rock Juneteenth shooting victims identified as Pflugerville, Manor residents
Thompson attended Manor Senior High School, said Maritza Gallaga, a spokeswoman for the Manor school district. Manor district Superintendent Robert Sormani shared a statement with the school community Thursday acknowledging Thompson’s arrest.
The district’s “thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the Vicknair family and all others who have been impacted by this senseless act of violence,” Sormani said in the statement. “We stand with you during this incredibly difficult time and offer our heartfelt condolences for your unimaginable loss. Within Manor ISD, we stand firmly against all forms of violence.”
Counseling and support services are available at the school district’s website, Sormani said. People can also call 988 if they need immediate support.
Law enforcement have received “very helpful, very useful” tips, Banks said, and he encouraged members of the public to continue sending in any information or video footage. He could not answer whether anyone would receive cash rewards offered by the governor’s office, the Williamson County Crime Stoppers and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in connection with Thompson’s arrest.
Banks also said he has not received any information that any of the 14 people with gunshot wounds were part of the altercation.
Duke was an administrator at IDEA Public Schools at its Rundberg campus in North Austin, her family said. She was planning to help her pregnant daughter move to London in late June.
Vicknair was a construction lawyer with the Chapman Firm in Austin.
“Our family is experiencing a range of emotions,” said Vicknair’s husband, Kevin Vicknair, in a statement Thursday. “Our focus is preparing to say our last goodbyes to Lyndsey. To our friends, family and community your outpouring of love and support has been a source of strength for us…We will always remember Lyndsey for the amazing person she was and the light she brought into our lives.”
Two of Thompson’s relatives declined to comment Thursday.
Elaine Hadley is a dedicated journalist covering the ever-evolving landscape of U.S. news. With a keen interest in politics and a commitment to uncovering the truth, she provides insightful commentary and in-depth analysis on domestic issues. When not reporting, Elaine enjoys exploring the diverse cultures and landscapes of the United States.
