Harris County, TX – Authorities have announced a major arrest in a deadly New Year’s Eve shooting that left a young man dead in west Harris County, bringing a key development in a case that unfolded just before the start of 2026.
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the victim was identified as Dennis Maldonado Tejeda, 26. Investigators say the suspect, Xavier Pipkin-Jarrell (18), was taken into custody following a coordinated multi-agency effort and has now been formally charged.
Deputies were originally dispatched Wednesday, December 31, 2025, to a call for service in the 16000 block of West Road, located in northwest Harris County near the Houston metro area. When deputies arrived, they found Maldonado Tejeda deceased inside a vehicle, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
According to investigators, the Violent Criminals Apprehension Team (VCAT) worked alongside the U.S. Marshals Service to locate and arrest the suspect. Xavier Pipkin-Jarrell was apprehended in Comal County, north of San Antonio, without incident.
Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Detectives have charged Pipkin-Jarrell with Capital Murder in connection with the shooting death. Authorities emphasized that the charge is an allegation, and the case will move forward through the judicial process.
At this time, Pipkin-Jarrell remains booked into the Comal County Sheriff’s Office Jail and is awaiting extradition back to Harris County, where court proceedings are expected to begin.
Sheriff’s officials thanked all agencies involved for their assistance, citing the swift coordination that led to the arrest.
The investigation remains active, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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