Victim Identified in Fatal Shooting and Kidnapping in South Lubbock; Suspect in Custody After Dramatic Pursuit

LUBBOCK, TX — April 8, 2025 — A harrowing crime that began with a fatal shooting and abduction in South Lubbock late Monday night has ended with the safe recovery of two kidnapped victims and the arrest of a suspect following a high-speed, multi-county pursuit. Lubbock police have now identified the individual killed in the incident, and the community is grappling with the shocking chain of events.

Tragedy Unfolds in South Lubbock

At approximately 10:43 p.m. on April 7, officers with the Lubbock Police Department were dispatched to an apartment complex located near 130th Street and Indiana Avenue in South Lubbock following reports of a shooting. When officers arrived on the scene, they discovered a man inside the apartment suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim has been identified as 31-year-old Jonathan Reyes, a Lubbock resident known to many in the area. Authorities believe Reyes was targeted by the suspect, though the precise nature of their relationship remains under investigation.

Kidnapping of Woman and Child Sparks Urgent Search

Following the shooting, the suspect allegedly kidnapped a woman and her young child, fleeing the scene in a gray SUV. An Amber Alert was issued shortly after midnight, triggering an urgent multi-agency response across West Texas.

Law enforcement officials say the woman and child were acquaintances of both the suspect and the victim, though further details about their connection have not yet been released.

Pursuit Ends in Arrest Near Post, Texas

Shortly after 12:30 a.m. on April 8, the suspect’s vehicle was located by deputies with the Crosby County Sheriff’s Office near Ralls, Texas. When law enforcement attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the suspect accelerated, leading officers on a high-speed pursuit that spanned over 100 miles and passed through several counties, including Crosby and Lynn.

The pursuit finally ended near Post, in Garza County, when the suspect lost control and crashed his vehicle off the highway. He attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended by responding deputies.

Miraculously, the kidnapped woman and child were found inside the vehicle, physically unharmed. They were taken to a nearby medical facility for evaluation and are now receiving trauma support services through victim advocacy groups in Lubbock.

Suspect in Custody, Facing Multiple Charges

The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Devin Carter, is currently being held at the Lubbock County Detention Center. Authorities say Carter has a criminal history that includes previous arrests for domestic violence and firearms violations.

He is expected to face a long list of charges, including:

• Capital Murder
• Aggravated Kidnapping
• Evading Arrest in a Motor Vehicle
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon

Formal charges are expected to be filed by the Lubbock County District Attorney’s Office later this week.

Community Mourns and Demands Justice

News of the crime has shocked the South Lubbock community, with many residents expressing grief over the loss of Jonathan Reyes and concern for the emotional well-being of the kidnapped victims.

“This has left our whole neighborhood shaken,” said Maria Gutierrez, a neighbor who knew Reyes. “He was kind, hardworking, and always smiling. I can’t believe something like this happened right next door.”

Local organizations and churches have already begun coordinating support efforts, offering grief counseling and raising funds for the victim’s family.

Investigation Ongoing

Lubbock Police detectives, working alongside the Texas Rangers and FBI, are continuing to piece together the timeline and motive behind the incident. Preliminary evidence suggests the shooting and kidnapping may have stemmed from a personal dispute that escalated to deadly violence.

Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the case to contact the Lubbock Police Department at (806) 775-2865 or to submit tips anonymously through Crime Line at (806) 741-1000.

A Community Determined to Heal

As South Lubbock mourns the life lost and reflects on the terrifying events of the past 24 hours, community leaders are calling for unity and proactive efforts to prevent future violence.

“This tragedy reminds us that domestic disputes can spiral into public emergencies,” said Councilwoman Sheila Patterson. “We need to do more as a city to support at-risk families and prevent access to firearms by violent offenders.”

Funeral arrangements for Jonathan Reyes are expected to be announced in the coming days.