On the night of April 18, 2024, 35-year-old Earnest Williams of Woodville, Texas, was found with a gunshot wound to the head at a home on County Road 4770, south of Warren. Tyler County deputies responded about 11:45 p.m. Williams was taken to a Houston hospital and died there on April 20, 2024.

Investigators focused on 33-year-old Cody Knight of Town Bluff after crime scene evidence and witness statements. A warrant was issued and Knight was taken into custody at his residence early on April 19, 2024. He was initially charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon; prosecutors elevated the charge to murder after Williams died and Knight’s bond was increased from $500,000 to $1,000,000. Deputies seized a .22 caliber rifle from Knight’s home during a search.

Authorities have not disclosed a motive, and it is unknown whether Williams and Knight had any prior relationship. Anyone with information about the shooting or the two men is asked to come forward.