2 More Arrested in New Braunfels Teen Killing

Four now face capital murder charges in the February 19 shooting death of a 16-year-old boy.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Authorities in New Braunfels, Texas have arrested two more suspects, a 17-year-old and 23-year-old Jayden Lee Villa-McMarion, in connection with the killing of a 16-year-old boy on February 19. This brings the total number of people facing capital murder charges in the case to four, including a 16-year-old boy and 18-year-old Jayce Cooper, who was also shot in the incident.

Why it matters

The arrests highlight the ongoing challenges communities face with youth violence and gun crime. The involvement of multiple suspects also suggests a complex case that may require extensive investigation to determine the full extent of each person's alleged role.

The details

According to police, officers responded to a residence on Saengerhalle Road near the New Braunfels Airport on February 19 for reports of gunfire. A 16-year-old boy was killed, and 18-year-old Jayce Cooper was identified as the alleged shooter. The other two suspects, the 17-year-old and 23-year-old Jayden Lee Villa-McMarion, are facing murder charges as 'parties to the offense,' though the specifics of their alleged involvement are unclear.

  • On February 19, police responded to a shooting incident on Saengerhalle Road.
  • On February 22, police filed capital murder charges against a 16-year-old boy and 18-year-old Jayce Cooper.
  • On February 26, police arrested a 17-year-old and 23-year-old Jayden Lee Villa-McMarion in connection with the case.

The players

Jayce Cooper

An 18-year-old who was identified by police as the alleged shooter in the February 19 incident.

Jayden Lee Villa-McMarion

A 23-year-old from Converse, Texas who was arrested and charged with capital murder in the case.

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What’s next

The judge will determine if the 17-year-old and 23-year-old suspects will be granted bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing challenges communities face with youth violence and the need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes and prevent such incidents from occurring.