Michael Ted McCloskey, 37, of Austin, Texas, was shot and killed on October 29, 2017, after attempting to subdue an armed man at a Halloween party in the North Loop neighborhood. McCloskey worked as a ranch manager and hunting guide at Twistflower Ranch in Crockett County and was described by his father as an avid outdoorsman who was well regarded in his community.

According to witnesses, 33-year-old Randall Jones, dressed as Santa Claus that night, became increasingly intoxicated and agitated, grabbed a .40-caliber handgun and began firing at guests. McCloskey was struck while trying to stop the shooter. Jones turned himself in shortly after the shooting and left the gun on a neighbor’s porch; he later pleaded guilty to murder and aggravated assault and was sentenced to 40 years in prison in February 2019.

McCloskey’s family and friends filled the courtroom at sentencing and have spoken about the impact of his death and his work at the ranch.