Jonathan Ragland, 44, was shot and killed on April 22, 2025, on Toler Road in Longview, Texas. Officers arrived around 2:47 p.m. and found Ragland with fatal gunshot wounds; a Gregg County Justice of the Peace pronounced him dead at the scene. The city’s first homicide of the year was reported in connection with this death.

The suspect fled before officers arrived. Police identified 26-year-old Dalton Chandler Lawrence as the primary suspect; Lawrence was later arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He also faced two outstanding warrants from Wood County. Authorities have not released a motive or described any prior connection between Ragland and Lawrence.

The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to gather evidence. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Longview Police Department at 903-237-1199.