Crime
Texas authorities ID 2 killed, 1 arrested in Sunday shooting in Morton - Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Two young men were shot and killed early Sunday morning in Morton, and an 18-year-old suspect is now in custody, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The shooting happened around 3:51 a.m.
The shooting happened around 3:51 a.m. In the 800 block of Fillmore Avenue in Morton, a small town in Cochran County about 90 miles west of Lubbock. Cochran County sheriff's deputies and the Texas Rangers are jointly investigating the killings. Authorities identified the two victims as 18-year-old Noah Ornelas and 19-year-old Deven Ponce.
Tanane Brackens, also 18, was arrested in connection with both deaths. The circumstances surrounding the shooting have not been released, as the investigation remains active.
For the families and friends of Ornelas and Ponce, the losses hit hard in a county where nearly everyone knows everyone. Morton's population hovers around 2,000 people, meaning two deaths in a single morning touches a significant share of the community. The Texas Rangers' involvement signals the case carries enough weight to bring in state-level resources alongside local deputies.
Common questions
Who were the victims of the Morton shooting?
- The two victims were 18-year-old Noah Ornelas and 19-year-old Deven Ponce. Both were shot and killed around 3:51 a.m. Sunday in the 800 block of Fillmore Avenue in Morton, a small Cochran County town about 90 miles west of Lubbock.
Who was arrested in connection with the Morton shooting?
- Tanane Brackens, 18, was arrested in connection with both deaths. The circumstances surrounding the shooting have not been released, as the investigation by Cochran County sheriff's deputies and the Texas Rangers remains active.
Where exactly did the Morton shooting happen?
- The shooting happened at approximately 3:51 a.m. Sunday in the 800 block of Fillmore Avenue in Morton, Texas. Morton is the county seat of Cochran County, located roughly 90 miles west of Lubbock.
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