Cleburne

Wanted suspect ID'd after woman fatally shot in Cleburne Sunday

Authorities said they believe the shooting was an isolated incident

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Cleburne police have identified a suspect in the shooting death of an 18-year-old woman killed Sunday afternoon.

A murder warrant has been issued for 20-year-old Giovanni Jimenez Diaz, who police confirmed Monday is not in custody. Investigators have released no further information about Diaz or what led to the shooting.

Cleburne police said they believe the shooting was an isolated incident, and there is no threat to the general public.

WOMAN 18, FATALLY SHOT IN SUV, POLICE SAY; GUNMAN AT LARGE

At about 1 p.m. Sunday, a doorbell camera recorded the moment gunshots rang out in a neighborhood. Moments later, police were called to reports of gunfire on the 500 block of Poindexter Avenue.

Cleburne police said in a statement that as they made their way to the scene, they learned a woman had been shot and moved to a different location. At that second location, officers found an injured 18-year-old woman. She was taken to the hospital but later died from her injuries, according to Cleburne police.

Records from the Tarrant County Medical Examiner identified the woman as 18-year-old Kaylee Lanay Merchant.

In their initial statement, police said they believed the woman was a passenger in a white SUV and was involved in an altercation in the 500 block of Poindexter Avenue. In the video captured on a residential doorbell camera, people heard three gunshots, then the white SUV sped off, followed by a fourth gunshot.

Police did not initially specify where exactly the shooting took place, what street the victim was found on, how many people were in the vehicle, or what happened to the white SUV. On Monday afternoon, police said, "All vehicles involved in this case have been identified, located, and in our custody."

Detectives said the gunman fled the scene before officers arrived, and they're looking for any information. Cleburne police are asking anyone with information to contact their department at 817-645-0972. People can also call Crime Stoppers at 817-641-TIPS, 817-295 LEAD, or 817-496-SAFE. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

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