On June 23, 2023, 22-year-old Chase Costello was fatally shot near Mexia, Texas. The Limestone County Sheriff's Office reported that deputies responded to reports of two vehicles chasing and shooting at each other on Highway 84, just west of Mexia. Before deputies arrived, one of the vehicles veered off the road and came to rest in a pasture. At the scene, deputies found Costello deceased and another occupant, 20-year-old Joseph Raheem Smith, seriously injured.
Smith was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition. The other vehicle involved in the incident fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.
The Limestone County Sheriff's Office launched a homicide investigation into Costello's death. As of the latest available information, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. Authorities have urged anyone with information about the case to contact the Limestone County Sheriff's Office at 254-729-3278 or the Limestone County Crime Stoppers at 254-729-8477.
In the wake of his passing, Costello's family and friends have commemorated his life. A balloon release in his honor was held on July 1, 2023, at Cameron Park's Pecan Bottom near the bridge. According to his obituary, Costello was born on February 2, 2001, to Amanda McNew and James Costello in Baytown, Texas. He was remembered as a loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, and grandson who enjoyed fishing, playing games, and spending time with loved ones. He attended schools in Mexia, Groesbeck, and Mart, and was a father to a daughter named Aurora and an unborn son.
The community continues to seek justice for Costello's untimely death. The lack of arrests or identified suspects has left his family and friends awaiting answers. Authorities continue to encourage anyone with information to come forward to aid in the investigation.
