BUCKHOLTS, Texas — A 24-year-old woman was rushed to the hospital Tuesday morning after being shot near Buckholts, sparking a massive law enforcement response and an intensive search for the suspected gunman, who remains at large.
Victim Identified
Deputies with the Milam County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 1800 block of CR 104 off FM 1915 just after 11 a.m. and found Grace Durbin, 24, suffering from a single gunshot wound. Before being transported for treatment, Durbin told authorities she had been shot by her boyfriend, 38-year-old Cody Villareal.
Tactical Units Deployed
Law enforcement quickly established a perimeter around the property and tried repeatedly to reach Villareal by phone, but he did not respond.
The standoff escalated into a full-scale tactical operation, with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, an armored vehicle, and a mobile command unit joining the search. Teams used a drone to sweep the residence after breaching the front door, but Villareal was not located.
False Alarm Delays Operation
In the midst of the search, deputies diverted to a nearby field after receiving a report of a suspicious man atop a trailer overlooking the suspect’s property. The man was detained but later cleared, delaying the primary search.
Deputies eventually resumed operations at the original property, combing the area by air, vehicle, and on foot. By 5 p.m., the scene was declared secure, but Villareal was still missing.
Warrants to Be Issued
Sheriff’s officials confirmed warrants are being sought for Villareal on a charge of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Family Violence. Both Villareal and Durbin have a history of violence: in April, Durbin allegedly shot Villareal on the same property and still faces charges stemming from that incident.
Authorities emphasized that while Villareal is not currently believed to pose a broader public threat, anyone who knows his whereabouts should immediately contact law enforcement.
Multi-Agency Response
Sheriff Mike Clore praised the cooperation of the many agencies that responded, including the Texas Rangers, Texas DPS, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Buckholts Police, Milam County ESD paramedics, and the Milam County Fire Marshal.
“This was a highly complex and resource-heavy operation, and we are grateful for the assistance of all agencies involved,” Clore said.
Ongoing Investigation
As of late Tuesday, Villareal remains on the run. The Milam County Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to report any information by calling 254-627-1740.
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