The Gregg County Criminal District Attorney, John W. Moore, announced today that a local grand jury has cleared officers from the White Oak Police Department, Longview Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety of any criminal wrongdoing in three separate shootings. The grand jury declined to return any charges against the officers involved in these incidents.
The first incident took place on March 12, 2023, when officers from multiple law enforcement agencies were confronted by Danny Ray Jackson near the intersection of Highway 31 and South Loop 281. Jackson, who had already pointed a firearm at the officers once, was shot after raising his weapon at them for a second time. The encounter began when a White Oak officer attempted to stop Jackson's reckless driving on Highway 80, leading to a chase that eventually entered the City of Longview. After abandoning his vehicle and discharging his firearm, Jackson ran southbound and crossed over Highway 31 onto the southbound Highway 31 access road. Despite pleas from the officers to drop his weapon, Jackson's threatening actions left them with no choice but to open fire. Medical aid was immediately provided, but Jackson later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
The second incident occurred on May 7, 2023, when Longview officers responded to a man with a gun call at the American Fidelity apartments in Longview. It was the second such call to the same location that evening. Upon arriving, the officers encountered Renaldo Beall outside an apartment door. Due to the nature of the call, the officers approached Beall cautiously and repeatedly instructed him to raise his hands. Ignoring their commands, Beall kept his hands around his waist area. As one of the officers approached him, Beall reached for his pocket and retrieved what was identified as a handgun. Despite numerous warnings from the officer, Beall proceeded to pull out the firearm, resulting in the officer firing one round that struck Beall. He dropped the weapon, fled into the apartment, and later emerged. The officers immediately called for emergency medical services (EMS) and provided aid. Beall was subsequently transported to a local hospital, treated, and later released.
The third incident unfolded on May 17, 2023, when Longview officers responded to a disturbance call at a residence. Upon arrival, officers were granted access to the home by the mother of the suspect, who directed them to her son, Corey Moody, located in a bedroom. As Moody exited the room, he lunged towards the officers while holding a claw hammer above his head. In response, an officer fired, striking Moody. He received medical treatment at a local hospital and was later released into police custody.
The decisions made by the grand jury mean that, according to Texas law, no criminal charges will be filed against the officers involved in these incidents. The submission of officer-involved shootings to the grand jury serves as a means of transparency, allowing an impartial body unrelated to law enforcement to review the investigations and determine whether charges are warranted. In each case, the Texas Rangers conducted the investigations and provided testimony before the grand jury.
