On Thursday, the Round Rock Police Department announced the arrest of a 17-year-old in connection with the shooting that resulted in the death of two women and left 14 others injured at a Juneteenth festival on Saturday.
During a news conference on Thursday morning, Police Chief Allen Banks announced that Ricky Thompson III from Manor was taken into custody by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force at an undisclosed location in Pflugerville at 7:30 a.m. Thompson has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and has been booked into the Williamson County Jail.
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According to Banks, there were other suspects involved in the event, and Ricky Thompson was not the only shooter. Banks confirmed that Thompson was the person wearing the white hoodie, which was previously reported by the police. However, physical descriptions of the other shooters are still unknown and under investigation.
According to Banks, Thompson and other shooters are expected to face additional charges. It’s worth noting that Thompson did not have a criminal record prior to this incident.
According to authorities, a dispute broke out between two factions present at the Juneteenth celebration, and multiple individuals brandished firearms and began firing at each other around 10:50 PM on Saturday. Banks confirmed that there was no evidence to suggest that Thompson was affiliated with any gangs.
According to authorities, the shooting that occurred at the celebration resulted in the untimely deaths of Lyndsey Vicknair, 33, from Manor, and Ara Duke, 54, from Pflugerville. It is important to note that these two individuals were not involved in the altercation that led to the shooting. Sadly, both Vicknair and Duke were pronounced dead at the scene.
It remains unclear if the police have found Thompson’s gun as the chief declined to give any information on the matter.
Banks stated that Ricky was indeed a shooter, but refrained from providing any additional details. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
Banks cautioned that while the arrest of Thompson is a significant step forward, there is still much work to be done in the fight against cybercrime. He emphasized that this should not be seen as a victory lap, but rather as a call to action to continue working towards making the internet a safer place for all.
According to Maritza Gallaga, a spokeswoman for the Manor school district, Thompson was a student at Manor Senior High School. On Thursday, Manor district Superintendent Robert Sormani addressed the school community in a statement regarding Thompson’s arrest.
In the statement, Sormani expressed the district’s condolences to the Vicknair family and others affected by the tragic act of violence. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you during this incredibly difficult time, and we offer our heartfelt condolences for your unimaginable loss,” Sormani stated. Manor ISD stands firmly against all forms of violence and is committed to supporting those impacted by it.
According to Sormani, the school district offers counseling and support services through their website. Additionally, individuals in need of immediate assistance can call 988.
Banks revealed that law enforcement has been receiving numerous tips, which have been incredibly valuable in the investigation. He expressed his gratitude towards the public and urged them to continue sending in any information or video footage that could assist them further. Banks could not confirm whether individuals would receive cash rewards offered by the governor’s office, the Williamson County Crime Stoppers and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in connection with Thompson’s arrest.
According to Banks, none of the 14 individuals who sustained gunshot wounds are believed to have been involved in the altercation.
According to her family, Duke held the position of administrator at IDEA Public Schools located at their Rundberg campus in North Austin. She had made plans to assist her pregnant daughter with moving to London in late June.
At the Chapman Firm in Austin, Vicknair specialized in construction law as a skilled lawyer.
“On Thursday, Kevin Vicknair, Lyndsey Vicknair’s husband, released a statement stating that their family is going through a variety of emotions. Our main focus right now is to prepare ourselves to bid our final goodbyes to Lyndsey. We are extremely grateful to our friends, family, and community for their overwhelming love and support during this difficult time. Your kind gestures have been our source of strength. Lyndsey will always be remembered for the incredible person she was and for the light she brought into our lives,” expressed Kevin Vicknair.”
