Liberty City, Texas — A tragic shooting on September 1 at Hugh Camp Memorial Park has left the community reeling after a father and daughter were killed. Authorities charged Christopher Wayne Hicks Jr., the 18-year-old boyfriend of the daughter, with two counts of murder in connection with the incident.
Shawn Glen Blake, 49, and his 16-year-old daughter, Haley Nicole Blake, were found dead at the scene, which is located off Old Highway 135 N. According to investigators, Hicks was initially hospitalized for self-inflicted gunshot wounds before being arrested on September 16 and jailed on murder charges.
The arrest warrant detailing the investigation was prepared by Gregg County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Tyler Myers. The document outlined the crime scene, where two vehicles were found parked in the park. Inside a white Cadillac SUV, investigators discovered the body of Haley, while Shawn’s body was located outside a red Toyota car, both showing signs of fatal gunshot wounds.
An off-duty officer present in the park during the shooting reported hearing gunfire and witnessing the shooter attempting to clear a jam in a handgun. The witness approached the scene in an effort to disarm Hicks and provide assistance but noted that the weapon was directed toward him during the struggle.
Myers’ report clarified key details of the scene, noting that Shawn Glen Blake had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including one fired at point-blank range. Haley Blake was discovered with a gunshot wound to the head, adding to the grim nature of the event.
The investigation further revealed that the gun, a two-tone Smith & Wesson 9mm, was found near the vehicles, leading authorities to believe Hicks was responsible for both deaths. The evidence presented, including a credible witness account, paints a stark picture of the events that unfolded that day.
As of now, Hicks remains incarcerated at the Gregg County Jail, facing a bond set at $1 million for each murder charge. The community continues to mourn the tragic loss, grappling with the aftermath of the violence that shattered their peaceful neighborhood.