17‑Year‑Old Killed in Burleson Park Shooting, Four Teens Charged

A tragic shooting on December 7 at Bailey Lake Park in Burleson turned a quiet evening into a scene of violence, claiming the life of a 17‑year‑old and leaving another teenager wounded. Four young men have now been charged with murder and related offenses, and bonds have been set at up to $1.25 million. The incident, which unfolded after a drug purchase went wrong, has drawn the attention of local law‑enforcement agencies and the community.

Incident Details

Burleson Police received a call around 11:30 p.m. that a shooting had occurred in the park’s parking lot. When officers arrived, they discovered a person with multiple gunshot wounds lying unresponsive in the driver’s seat of a vehicle. A second individual, a 17‑year‑old, was found with a gunshot wound to the leg. The wounded teen was transported to a hospital for treatment, while the condition of the other victim remains unknown.

Victim Information

The deceased, identified by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office as 17‑year‑old Keighan Robert Crist, was taken to Texas Health Huguley Hospital. Despite medical efforts, Crist later died at the facility. His death has prompted an investigation that has already led to several arrests.

Survivor Statement

The teen who sustained a leg wound was hospitalized, but authorities have not released his current condition. During an interview with detectives, the survivor recounted that the shooting began during a drug buy involving three other people. His testimony has been instrumental in identifying the suspects.

Arrests and Charges

Police quickly identified two of the participants and apprehended a teenage suspect found in a vehicle parked in his driveway in Burleson. Wyatt Lynn Jacobs, 17, admitted involvement in the shooting and was charged with capital murder and aggravated robbery. Jacobs is being held in Johnson County Jail on bonds totaling $1.2 million. Additional arrests followed: Joel Fabian Garcia, 17, from Fort Worth; Julio Adan Duarte, 17, from Burleson; and Gustavo Gil, Jr., 18, from Alvarado.

Garcia and Duarte face murder and aggravated robbery charges and are held in Johnson County Jail on bonds of $1.25 million each. Gil is charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, and no bond amount has yet been set. A photo released by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office shows the four suspects—Jacobs, Garcia, Duarte, and Gil—standing side by side.

Police Statement and Community Response

“The Burleson Police Department extends its heartfelt sympathy to the victims and families affected by the tragic shooting at Bailey Lake on Dec. 7,” police said. “This type of violent activity is not welcomed in our community and does not reflect who we are as a city.” The department urged anyone with information to contact its Criminal Investigations Division at 817‑426‑9903.

Key Takeaways

• A 17‑year‑old was killed and another wounded in a December 7 shooting at Bailey Lake Park.
• Four teens—Jacobs, Garcia, Duarte, and Gil—have been arrested and charged with murder, robbery, and organized crime.
• Bonds range from $1.2 million to $1.25 million, with Gil’s bond still pending.

The community remains shaken by the incident, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the fatal confrontation.