Buckholts, Texas — Law enforcement agencies across Central Texas launched a large-scale search Tuesday after a woman was shot near Buckholts, prompting a tense hours-long standoff and hunt for the alleged gunman. Despite a massive response, the suspect remains at large.
The Shooting
The Milam County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies were dispatched just after 11 a.m. Tuesday to the 1800 block of CR 104, off FM 1915, outside Buckholts. Upon arrival, they located a female gunshot victim identified as 24-year-old Grace Durbin.
Durbin had sustained a single gunshot wound and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Before being transported, she told deputies that she had been shot by her boyfriend, 38-year-old Cody Villareal.
Tactical Response and Failed Negotiations
As more units arrived, deputies established a secure perimeter around the property where the shooting occurred. Repeated attempts to contact Villareal by phone went unanswered.
The situation escalated, drawing in additional resources from across the region. The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and their mobile command unit deployed to the scene. Tactical teams used an armored vehicle to approach the main building, attempting to make contact with anyone inside.
When no response was received, officers breached the front door and sent in a drone to search the interior. Despite the effort, no one was found inside the residence.
False Lead Delays Search
During the search, deputies received a report from a nearby property owner about a suspicious person atop a large trailer overlooking the suspect’s land. Units quickly diverted, surrounding the location and detaining a man. However, it was soon determined that the individual was not Villareal.
The diversion temporarily delayed the main search, forcing law enforcement to redeploy their resources back to the original property.
Scene Declared Secure
By late afternoon, deputies resumed a comprehensive search of the property by foot, vehicle, and air support. Despite the extensive sweep, Villareal was not located. The area was declared secure by 5 p.m., and law enforcement began clearing the scene.
Villareal remains at large as of Tuesday evening. Authorities say warrants are being pursued for his arrest on the charge of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Family Violence.
Troubled History Between Victim and Suspect
Both Durbin and Villareal are known to local law enforcement. In April 2025, Durbin reportedly shot Villareal at the same property. At the time of Tuesday’s incident, Durbin had active warrants for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Family Violence related to that case.
Despite the violent history, officials said Villareal is not considered an immediate threat to the public.
Sheriff Praises Multi-Agency Support
Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore expressed gratitude for the wide-ranging support received during the tense standoff and search operation.
Among the responding agencies were:
- Williamson County Sheriff’s Office SWAT and command unit
- Texas Department of Public Safety
- Texas Rangers
- Buckholts Police Department
- Milam County Emergency Services District 1 paramedics
- Milam County Fire Marshal’s Office
“This was a complex and resource-intensive response, and I am thankful for the cooperation of all the agencies that assisted us today,” Sheriff Clore said in a statement.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are urging the public to remain alert and to contact law enforcement with any information on Villareal’s whereabouts.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Milam County Sheriff’s Office at 254-627-1740 or reach out to Crime Stoppers.