Weekly Recap: Crime in Killeen Down in 2024; Longtime Killeen educator dies, woman struck by train in downtown Killeen | Local News

Key comparisons with last year's figures also include a decline in thefts, thefts, fraud and forgery, and destruction of property. Violations of drug and weapons laws also fell year-over-year.

Areas where the numbers indicate an increase in crime include aggravated assault, motor vehicle theft and property theft.

There were a total of 1,872 reports of crime in the first three months of 2024, compared to 2,103 in the same period last year.

Longtime Killeen educator John Idoux has died

John Paul Idoux, a longtime Killeen educator, has died.

As part of his extensive experience, Idoux worked at various universities, including Northeast Louisiana State College in Monroe, Louisiana; the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida; Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas; and Coastal Carolina University in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Idoux has held various academic positions including professor, dean, provost and interim president.

In 2002, Idoux accepted a position as executive director at what was then Tarleton-Central Texas, now known as Texas A&M University-Central Texas. Idoux was instrumental in Tarleton's transition to Texas A&M, which was founded in 2009 as a member of the Texas A&M University System.

Idoux helped shape the identity of the new campus and worked to develop new programs and attract more students. Idoux worked with both local and state governments to find a path for the university.

Woman killed after being hit by train in downtown Killeen

Police are investigating the death of a pedestrian struck by a train near the Eighth Street railroad crossing in Killeen on Wednesday.

The victim was identified as 58-year-old Christine Gerlinde Rottmann, according to a news release from the Killeen Police Department. The press release states that the victim did not leave the train track despite the conductor's horn and emergency braking.

Rottmann was deceased when officers arrived at the scene in the 100 block of Eighth Street. Dispatchers called at 7:24 p.m

Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson pronounced Rottmann dead at 8:25 p.m. and ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensics Sciences in Dallas.

The investigation is ongoing.

The ten most read stories on kdhnews.com from April 28 to May 4 were:

1) “Killeen Forecast: Severe Weather, Possible Hail, 2-3 Inches of Rain”

2) “Killeen Walmart celebrates remodeled store with Polo, Reebok and more”

3) “KPD investigates fatal car accident on Sunday”

4) “Killeen ISD names Teacher of the Year in surprise ceremonies.”

5) “City officials cancel annual Celebrate Killeen Fest.”

6) “Road Projects Begin Monday in Killeen”

7) “Woman killed after being hit by train in downtown Killeen.”

8) “KISD Trustees Consider New Program”

9) “School Board Discusses New KISD Scorecard System”

10) “Longtime Killeen educator John Idoux has died.”