David Anthony Vasquez, 47, was found lying unresponsive in a culvert near the intersection of Highway 277 and South Clack Street in Abilene on October 29, 2024, at about 12:30 a.m. Medical personnel determined he had sustained a fatal gunshot wound.

Later that day authorities arrested 25-year-old Jaylen Clint Shafer, listed as transient, and charged him with first-degree felony murder; Shafer was booked into the Taylor County Jail without bond. Police have not disclosed the specific circumstances that led to the shooting, and the investigation is ongoing.

Vasquez’s death occurred amid a series of gun-related incidents in Abilene that week; the police chief said suspects in those cases had been apprehended and urged the community to seek support as officials continue their work. Anyone with information about Vasquez’s killing is asked to contact the Abilene Police Department.