The Waco Police Department is actively investigating a deadly shooting that occurred Thursday evening in the parking lot of Church’s Chicken, located on East Waco Drive. This tragic incident marks the fifth homicide investigation of the year in Waco, Texas. The victim, 30-year-old Jeromy MeechMoon, has been identified as the individual killed in the shooting. Authorities are still piecing together the details surrounding the attack, and the investigation continues.

At approximately 7:17 p.m. on Thursday, the Waco Police Department responded to reports of gunfire at Church’s Chicken, a fast-food restaurant known for its fried chicken and popular with local residents. The restaurant is located in a busy area of East Waco Drive, a major road that runs through the city. Upon arrival, officers found Jeromy MeechMoon lying in the parking lot, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Alongside MeechMoon, a second victim, 24 years old, was also found injured from gunshot wounds. The second victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and is currently listed in stable condition, according to police. His identity has not been publicly released, and further details about his condition are still pending.

As of now, the Waco Police Department has not made any arrests in connection to the shooting. Investigators have not publicly disclosed any suspects or a clear motive for the attack. However, the authorities are leaving no stone unturned as they work diligently to uncover the events that led to the deadly shooting.

The Crime Scene and Immediate Response

Upon arriving at the scene, police immediately cordoned off the area with crime scene tape to prevent contamination of evidence. Officers conducted a thorough investigation into the shooting, collecting evidence from the scene and speaking to witnesses who may have seen or heard the incident unfold. Crime scene investigators and detectives worked well into the evening to gather as much information as possible.

Several pieces of crucial evidence were recovered from the scene, including shell casings and personal belongings from the victims. Officers canvassed the area, speaking with anyone who may have been nearby when the shooting took place. Witnesses who had been inside the Church’s Chicken restaurant reported hearing gunshots and seeing two men fall to the ground outside.

Local residents in the area were understandably shaken by the violent event. Many expressed their concern for the safety of their community, especially in a neighborhood where such incidents are not typically commonplace. The shooting occurred in the early evening hours, a time when many people in the area would be finishing work or gathering for dinner, adding to the anxiety among the community members.

No Known Motive or Suspects

At this time, authorities have not released any information regarding the motive behind the shooting. The investigation remains open, and detectives are working hard to uncover any possible leads. While the specific circumstances of the crime remain unclear, investigators are looking into whether the shooting was targeted or if it was a random act of violence.

One of the main aspects of the investigation will involve understanding the relationship between the victims and the assailant(s). Did they know each other? Was this a gang-related incident, or was it the result of a personal dispute? These are just a few of the questions that authorities are seeking to answer as they piece together the sequence of events that led up to the shooting.

The Waco Police Department has emphasized the importance of public cooperation in solving the case. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and assist in the investigation. Additionally, they are appealing for any surveillance footage from nearby businesses, homes, or traffic cameras that may have captured the incident or the moments leading up to it. Witness accounts, even small details, could be crucial in identifying the perpetrator or perpetrators responsible for the attack.

The Impact on the Community

This tragic shooting has left the Waco community in mourning, particularly those who knew Jeromy MeechMoon. As the first reported fatality of the year, the shooting has shaken residents and raised concerns about public safety. Church’s Chicken, a well-known fast-food restaurant, is situated in a neighborhood with a mix of commercial and residential properties. It is frequented by families, workers, and local residents alike, making it a place where many people felt comfortable gathering. The presence of gun violence in such a public space has left many feeling unsafe.

Jeromy MeechMoon’s family and friends are understandably devastated by the loss. Though little is known about his personal life, tributes have begun to flood social media platforms, with friends and loved ones expressing their sorrow and sharing fond memories of the victim. His family has yet to release a public statement, but the grief from his sudden and violent death is palpable within the local community.

The second victim, though injured, is expected to survive, but his identity and his relationship to the shooting remain unclear. It is possible that the two men were targeted together, or that one was unintentionally caught in the crossfire. Local authorities have not yet confirmed the details surrounding their connection, but the impact on both men’s families and the larger community is undeniable.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety Concerns

As the investigation continues, the Waco Police Department is seeking answers to many questions. One of the main issues that remains unresolved is the motive for the shooting. Was this a targeted attack, or was it the result of an escalating argument or fight? Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses and analyze evidence in an attempt to get closer to the truth. They have also stated that they are leaving no leads unchecked, and are following up on any tips or information provided by the public.

Meanwhile, the growing concern about public safety in the area has led many residents to call for stronger measures to address violence. Local community groups and leaders are urging the city to prioritize the safety of its residents and take proactive steps to prevent violence. There have been ongoing discussions in Waco about how to better protect neighborhoods, such as implementing more security measures around public places, and enhancing the visibility of law enforcement officers during peak hours.

In particular, some community members are calling for increased police presence in high-traffic areas, like East Waco Drive and the surrounding neighborhoods. Others have suggested that community policing initiatives could help strengthen relationships between law enforcement officers and the residents they serve. These measures could provide a sense of safety and prevent further violence in the city.

The Bigger Picture: Gun Violence and Homicides in Waco

The fatal shooting of Jeromy MeechMoon marks the fifth homicide investigation in Waco for 2025. Over the past few years, the city has witnessed an uptick in violent crime, particularly shootings and homicides. Local leaders and law enforcement officials have acknowledged that gun violence is an ongoing problem in Waco, and efforts are being made to reduce the frequency of such incidents. However, many community members feel that more needs to be done to combat violence in the city, especially in high-crime neighborhoods.

The rise in gun violence in Waco reflects a broader trend in many cities across the United States, where homicides and gun-related crimes have increased in recent years. Factors such as economic disparity, systemic issues, and gang activity have been cited as contributing to the growing levels of violence. In response, city officials have implemented various programs aimed at reducing crime, including community outreach initiatives, anti-gang programs, and public safety campaigns.

However, many critics argue that these efforts have not been enough to prevent incidents like the one that occurred outside Church’s Chicken. Some residents have voiced concerns about the lack of resources available to combat the root causes of violence and poverty in Waco’s most vulnerable neighborhoods. These concerns have sparked conversations about the need for more holistic approaches to crime prevention, including better access to mental health services, education, and job opportunities.

Moving Forward: Justice and Accountability

As the investigation into the shooting continues, the Waco Police Department is working diligently to bring justice to Jeromy MeechMoon and his family. While no arrests have been made as of now, investigators remain hopeful that new information will come to light, and the individuals responsible for the shooting will be held accountable.

The Waco community has rallied together in the aftermath of this tragedy, united in their grief and desire for justice. Local leaders, activists, and residents are all calling for stronger measures to address gun violence and ensure the safety of the city’s residents. As the investigation unfolds, the hope remains that this tragedy will spur positive change and result in a safer, more peaceful community for everyone.

In the coming days and weeks, the Waco Police Department is expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available. For now, the community is left to mourn the loss of Jeromy MeechMoon, a man whose life was taken far too soon in an act of violence that could have been prevented.