K9 Protection Dogs in Killeen, TX

Posted 3:32 AM, Apr 22, 2025

KILLEEN, Texas (KXXV) — In the wake of the stabbing death of 14-year-old Serenity Baker at Roy J. Smith Middle School on March 10, investigative journalist Angela Lim is working to ensure the story reaches beyond Central Texas. Writing for The Barbed Wire, an Austin-based digital publication aimed at Texans, Lim uncovered a troubling reality: despite the severity of the incident, few media outlets outside of Killeen have reported on it.

“We overall wanted to bring more awareness to this issue, just because, again, the impact that the stabbing had—it’s huge,” Lim explained.

With several editors in her newsroom having ties to Killeen, Yim said her team knew they needed to prioritize coverage of Baker’s death and the ongoing investigation. “Killeen was on our radar, and as a publication, we really wanted to expand our coverage beyond the major cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin,” she said. “These areas are very much under-covered.”

However, what shocked Lim most was the lack of attention on the case beyond Central Texas—especially in comparison to other recent incidents of school violence across the state. She pointed to the recent Karmelo Anthony stabbing incident in Frisco that quickly gained national media attention from outlets like NBC despite similarities between the two cases. “I personally noticed that the Killeen stabbing did not receive the same attention,” Lim said.

As she continues her reporting, Lim believes her piece will help shine a brighter light on the issue—one she feels Killeen’s parents deserve. “Since this issue hasn’t been widely covered outside of Killeen, we do anticipate more media outlets across the state to look at it more,” she noted.

Beyond media coverage, Lim sees a growing acknowledgment from local parents that Baker’s death was not an isolated incident. “Just from what I’ve seen online, I think that a lot of them can agree that the stabbing on March 10 wasn’t an isolated incident,” she said.

With KISD’s investigation ongoing, Lim plans to follow up with an in-depth investigative piece in the coming weeks, keeping the focus on accountability, school safety, and the broader implications of violence in Texas communities.

Copyright 2025 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

BELL COUNTY, Texas(KXXV) — Nearly two years after the death of 11-year-old Zoey Rene Walls at Stillhouse Hollow Lake, a Killeen man has been indicted in connection with the case.

On Wednesday, the Bell County Sheriff’s Office presented evidence to a grand jury, which indicted 44-year-old Joshua Glenn Walls for criminally negligent homicide in Zoey's July 2, 2023, death.

The next day, Thursday, investigators with the Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Apprehension Team located Walls and took him into custody. He is currently being held in the Bell County Jail on a $50,000 bond, set by Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman.

Walls remains in custody as of Thursday evening.

BACKSTORY ON THE CASE:

On July 2, 2023, Emergency crews responded to a report of a boat crash on Stillhouse Hollow Lake around 7:58 p.m. after reports that a child had been struck by a boat.

Investigators say the girl had been tubing behind her family’s boat when she fell into the water. As her father, who was driving the boat, circled back to get her, she was accidentally struck by the vessel and suffered fatal injuries.

A nearby boater heard the family’s cries for help and rushed over, bringing the girl to the Stillhouse Hollow Marina on Simmons Road, where first responders met them.

Justice of the Peace Nicola J. James pronounced the girl dead at the scene and ordered an autopsy to be conducted by the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office.

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Cafe Baklava Doner Kebab introduces Killeen to Turkish cuisine, expanding its reach to all of Central Texas after ten years on Fort Cavazos post.

KILLEEN, Texas — Nestled just outside the gates of Fort Cavazos, Cafe Baklava Doner Kebab is introducing the Killeen community to the rich, savory flavors of traditional Turkish cuisine — one kebab at a time.

Originally from Turkey, owner Murat Bozkurt opened his first Mediterranean restaurant after moving to California in 2006.

Years later, he moved to Fort Cavazos and spent a decade serving soldiers and their families on post under a food contract. But when that contract ended in March 2024, Bozkurt and his team brought their beloved dishes to the public by opening a new location off-post.

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“People loved my food on base, but not everyone could get through the gate,” Bozkurt said. “So we decided to come off post and open to more customers. Every day, we see more people walk through the door.”

The restaurant specializes in Mediterranean and Turkish staples like lamb and beef kebabs, rice plates, and house-made tzatziki sauce. Sweet treats include baklava, and new dishes are constantly in development, including traditional Turkish pizza, which Bozkurt says will be added to the menu soon.

Cafe manager Rosalie Holloway, who’s worked with Bozkurt for four years, said customers are especially fond of the lamb shank and a dish called “Adana kebab,” which packs a flavorful punch.

“Our customers are really diverse — Latin American, Asian, American — everybody seems to love the food,” Holloway said. “And we’re proud of that.”

Bozkurt attributes the restaurant’s success to its authenticity. From the herbs sourced from Mediterranean markets in Austin to Turkish teas, sodas, and yogurt drinks, everything is fresh and made with care. The restaurant even bakes its own bread daily.

“Lamb is a big part of our cuisine — it's healthier and tastier,” Bozkurt said. “That’s what sets Turkish food apart from typical American meals like burgers and fries.”

Despite occasional supply chain challenges, especially when sourcing herbs, the team continues to push forward. “Sometimes it’s hard to get ingredients, but we go to Austin when we need to,” Bozkurt said.

Cafe Baklava Doner Kebab is open seven days a week — Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays until 8 p.m. Customers can dine in or order via Uber Eats and DoorDash.

They are located at 701 W Elms Rd Ste #200, Killeen, TX, 76542.

The restaurant is active on social media and posts daily specials on Facebook and Instagram. Bozkurt said he is committed to being present every day to ensure quality and customer satisfaction.

“I want our customers to feel like they know me,” he said. “Many even call my name to check if I’m here — that means a lot.”

Holloway encouraged the community to continue supporting small businesses like theirs.

“If you’ve tried our food, tell your friends,” she said. “We’re here, and we’re waiting for you.”

KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX) - A small business in Killeen, Evolutions Trading, is known for housing some of the rarest Pokemon cards, and in the early hours of Monday morning someone stole nearly $100,000 worth of their inventory.

The shelves of the shop, located at 1512 Lowe’s Blvd., were wiped clean in under three minutes, a devastating hit to the local treasure trove.

Evolutions Trading is a beloved hotspot for collectors and they’re now counting their losses. Among them, a Gold Star Charizard card valued at up to $18,000.

Security footage from the business shows the chilling moment when a masked intruder shatters a window and steps inside with unsettling precision.

“I feel violated. He walked to our high end case, wiped it. And stole cash. The current total we’re sitting at is just under $93,000,” says co-owner of the store, Chris Grannes.

In about two minutes, the suspect swiped through their rarest inventory, slipped out the back door and was gone before the alarm even sounded.

Grannes says among the stolen items are vintage cards collectors dream of.

“The Umbreon from Skyridge, one of my favorites, that one sits at around $10,000,” he says.

Photos taken hours after the break-in reveal the aftermath: shattered glass, empty display cases and a cash register wiped clean.

The store closes early on Sundays and is closed on Mondays, leaving the store unattended for hours. The alarm didn’t sound when the window broke, only when the intruder left out of the back door.

“It’s one of those things where our system failed and that sucks,” Grannes explains.

Had the thief left out of the broken window, he says it would have never tripped the alarm and they wouldn’t have known for hours that someone broke in.

“A lot of it feels calculated, like they knew. They staged it and were ready for it,” he says.

But in the wake of the loss came community. As the sun rose, business owners from nearby shops rallied and helped board up the store front.

“It is really cool to see that and how quick everyone has jumped on ship asking how they can help,” Grannes explains.

Despite the heartbreak, Evolutions Trading plans to reopen its doors Tuesday at 11 A.M., determined to keep their passion alive.

The Governor's Office said the designation is meant to attract more out-of-state and international visitors to Texas and boost local jobs and revenue.

KILLEEN, Texas — Killeen, Texas has been named as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community by Travel Texas.

Travel Texas, part of the Office of the Governor's Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office, announced that Killeen earned the designation in the inaugural year of the program following a "multi-step certification process".

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According to Travel Texas, the designation "shows the Killeen Convention & Visitors Bureau’s commitment to further develop tourism as an economic growth strategy, boost local job creation and draw more visitors to their community and to Texas from across the nation and around the world."

The Tourism Friendly Texas Community program is reportedly open to local governments or non-profit organization that serve as the lead entity for tourism promotion and development efforts.

Benefits of the designation include the opportunity to "strengthen or establish relationships important for tourism development, educate local leaders on the importance of tourism to the state, identify and prioritize locally driven strategies and learn more about opportunities provided by Travel Texas and other state government programs available to support both communities and the travel and tourism industry," the Office of the Governor said.

According to the Governor's Office, Travel Texas' mission is to enhance and extend local economic development efforts by marketing Texas as a travel destination, especially in out-of-state and international markets, bringing in non-Texan travelers and creating revenue and jobs for local communities and the state.

“Tourism is critical to both our local and state economies, supporting one in 11 jobs across Texas,” Governor Greg Abbott said in a statement. “Travelers to and within Texas generate more than $199 billion in annual economic impact and support 1.3 million jobs across the state. Every region of this great state offers endless opportunities to experience the natural beauty, rich history and true Texas hospitality that draws visitors to our communities. I congratulate the City of Killeen and Killeen Convention & Visitors Bureau on earning this designation. All Texas communities are encouraged to apply to become a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community to further grow local tourism and jobs across our great state.”

“As a city that blends rich history with versatile attractions, Killeen offers visitors a distinct taste of Texas hospitality,” said Travel Texas Director Tim Fennell. “From its deep connection to the historic cavalry regiment at Fort Cavazos to its robust arts, shopping and dining options, Killeen welcomes an enriching experience for travelers. This designation as a Tourism Friendly Community recognizes the city’s efforts to provide a great experience for every traveler.”

“I am proud to congratulate the City of Killeen on its designation as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community,” said Senator Pete Flores. “This recognition highlights Killeen’s commitment to promoting tourism as a vital catalyst for economic growth and job creation. With its unique blend of rich history, cultural attractions and true Texas hospitality, Killeen is well-positioned to welcome visitors from near and far. As we continue to invest in our communities, I encourage all Texas cities to pursue this designation, ensuring that we showcase the diverse experiences our state has to offer and strengthen our local economies in the process."

“Congratulations to the City of Killeen on being designated as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community,” said Representative Brad Buckley. “Killeen seamlessly blends its rich military and railroad history with all the modern benefits of outdoor activities, diverse dining opportunities, museums and Texan hospitality. It is a destination that can be enjoyed by all ages, and I look forward to seeing people choose a visit to Killeen as a result of this designation.”

“Congratulations to the City of Killeen on being named a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community by Travel Texas,” said Representative Hillary Hickland. “As one of the largest cities in our state and home to a proud U.S. military base, Killeen’s rich history and welcoming spirit continue to draw visitors from across the nation. This well-deserved recognition highlights the incredible work being done to make Killeen a premier destination in Texas.”

“Tourism is at the heart of Killeen, and this recognition as a Tourism Friendly Texas destination is a testament to the passion and dedication of our entire community,” said Killeen Convention & Visitors Bureau Manager Tanida Mullen. “From our hardworking staff to our welcoming residents and thriving local businesses, we are committed to making Killeen a place where visitors feel at home. This designation isn’t just an achievement — it’s a reflection of the vibrant experiences, warm hospitality and economic growth that tourism brings to our city. We’re proud to showcase everything that makes Killeen a must-visit destination in Texas.”