Suspects being held in Guadalupe County Jail, juvenile detention center

(New Braunfels) — Two additional suspects in a recent fatal shooting north of Seguin are now behind bars at the Guadalupe County Jail, bringing the total number of people charged in the case to four.

Authorities say the arrests are part of the ongoing homicide investigation into the death of a 16-year-old male who was killed Feb. 19 at a residence in the 1900 block of Saengerhalle Road.

According to the New Braunfels Police Department, a 17-year-old male from New Braunfels and 23-year-old Jayden Lee Villa-McMarion of Converse were taken into custody after arrest warrants were obtained Wednesday, Feb. 25. Both have been charged with capital murder and were transported without incident to the Guadalupe County Jail, where they remain in custody.

Police previously announced that Jayce Cooper, 18, was identified as the alleged shooter in the incident. Investigators said Cooper also suffered a gunshot wound during the altercation and remains hospitalized at University Hospital in San Antonio.

A 16-year-old male was also originally charged in the case and is being held at the Guadalupe County Juvenile Detention Center.

New Braunfels Police officials say, “Under Texas law, individuals can be charged as a ‘party to the offense’ if they assist, encourage or participate in the commission of a crime, even if they did not personally commit the act that caused the death.”

Investigators say they have determined through evidence gathered that the two newly arrested suspects played active roles in the events that led to the homicide.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests or charges.

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the New Braunfels Police Department at 830-221-4100.