Local archive
Crime & Public Safety
The City of Brownwood recognized firefighters, police dispatchers, ambulance personnel and Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood staff for their coordinated response to a July 14 cardiac emergency.
Crime & Public Safety
A two-vehicle collision near Early in Brown County killed a 66-year-old Early man and left the other driver with incapacitating injuries, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Crime & Public Safety
Brownwood News reported that the Brown County Sheriff’s Office provided booking information on the morning of Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. The supplied report excerpt does not include booking names, charges or other individual details.
Crime & Public Safety
The Brown County Sheriff’s Office says Robert Clinton Hamill Jr., 29, was arrested and held without bond after deputies and Brownwood police found two people dead from apparent gunshot wounds at a residence on Abilene St. just outside Brownwood city limits.
Crime & Public Safety
The Brown County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a double homicide just outside Brownwood’s northern city limits. A 29-year-old man is in custody on a capital murder charge, according to Sheriff Vance Hill.
Crime & Public Safety
Jurors scheduled to report to the 35th Judicial District Court of Brown County on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, do not need to appear after the jury service was cancelled.
Crime & Public Safety
Andrew Vidovich was sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined $5,000 after changing his plea to guilty in an intoxication manslaughter case stemming from a 2024 motorcycle crash on F.M. 3021 near the Hideout Country Club that killed his wife, Marti Vidovich.
Crime & Public Safety Cecil Holman Park
The Brownwood Municipal Development District board approved up to $100,000 for a standard outdoor fitness court at Cecil Holman Park or $150,000 for a studio version, with the city prepared to cover any remaining cost if another donor is not found.
Crime & Public Safety
A Brown County jury convicted Joseph Dean Williamson of murdering Taylor Hart, and Judge Mike Smith sentenced him to 55 years in prison. Williamson was also convicted of felony evading arrest and received an additional 10-year sentence.
Crime & Public Safety
Brown County commissioners lifted the outdoor burn ban during an Oct. 19 meeting but are set to reconsider it Oct. 28 amid dry conditions. The court also moved forward with interviews for a potential construction manager, paused a Humane Society subsidy, approved a wildfire-defense tractor and made an Extension Office hire.
Crime & Public Safety
Brownwood High School has announced its 2026 Homecoming Court. The crowning ceremony will take place before the 7 p.m. Oct. 23 football game against Gatesville at Gordon Wood Stadium.
Crime & Public Safety
Former Brown County Judge Shane Britton pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges in 35th Judicial District Court and received deferred adjudication, fines and the dismissal of three additional charges. Britton, who was suspended in November 2025 after being indicted and arrested, was later defeated in the 2026 Republican primary.
Crime & Public Safety
Brownwood residents can attend National Night Out block parties from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 6, with locations across the city and nearby communities collecting canned tuna for Good Samaritan Ministries.
Crime & Public Safety
Brownwood News published a Brown County Sheriff’s Office booking report on Oct. 6, 2026, stating that the information was provided Tuesday morning. The supplied report material does not include individual booking details.
Crime & Public Safety
Brownwood News reported that the Brown County Sheriff’s Office provided booking-report information on the morning of Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026.
Crime & Public Safety Pecan Bayou
Brown County commissioners approved steps to expand digital access to county records, including a new $10 retrieval fee, while leaving the current burn ban in effect. The court also approved updates involving software, purchasing thresholds, wildfire equipment, fees, meetings and county holidays.
Crime & Public Safety
David Alan Beene was sentenced in Brown County on Sept. 14, 2026, to life in prison for continuous sexual abuse of a child, along with consecutive 20-year sentences on five additional charges.
Crime & Public Safety
Brown County clerk and district clerk records filed from Sept. 4 through Sept. 10 include an assault case, several declarations of nolle prosequi, marriage licenses, property disputes and divorce filings.
Crime & Public Safety
Early High School has announced its 2026 Homecoming Court, with the celebration scheduled ahead of the school’s Sept. 11 football game against Ballinger.
Crime & Public Safety
The Bangs City Council appointed Dennis Farris as interim police chief, approved several staffing changes, kept the city’s water rate unchanged for the 2026-27 fiscal year and began work toward a possible 5% hotel occupancy tax during a lengthy Monday meeting.
Crime & Public Safety
The Brown County Grand Jury returned 28 true bills against 19 people during its August 2026 session, including allegations involving aggravated assault, controlled substances, family violence, child sexual assault and repeat offenses.
Crime & Public Safety
Two cases were filed in the Brown County Clerk’s office between Aug. 21 and Aug. 27, including allegations involving an unattended vehicle and controlled-substance possession.
Crime & Public Safety
The City of Brownwood has released its proposed $49.27 million Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget, including additional funding for police, fire and dispatch, four new patrol Tahoes, a new fire engine and a proposed increase in the property tax rate.
Crime & Public Safety
A Brownwood News report says four felony cases heard in 35th District Court resulted in prison sentences ranging from two to 25 years after guilty pleas and probation adjudications.
Crime & Public Safety
Ronnie Matthew Velarde, a documented West Texas Tango gang member wanted since May on a parole violation, was arrested Aug. 18 in Midland after investigators followed up on a tip. Texas Crime Stoppers will pay a reward for information leading to his capture.
Crime & Public Safety
Albert Salazar of Brownwood was sentenced to three concurrent two-year State Jail terms after a contested hearing involving two methamphetamine possession cases and an evading-arrest case. Court evidence included injuries to a Brownwood police officer and a separate pursuit requiring six officers to take Salazar into custody. Three other felony defendants also received sentences in Brown/Mills County District Court.
Crime & Public Safety
A pedestrian was flown to a Fort Worth trauma center after being struck by an 18-wheeler early Tuesday morning in the 1700 block of Early Boulevard, according to the Early Police Department.
Crime & Public Safety
Brown County Commissioners Court adopted a 90-day prohibition on outdoor burning in the county’s unincorporated areas on Aug. 10, 2026, citing a public-safety hazard. Certain authorized activities remain exempt, and violations may bring a fine of up to $500.
Crime & Public Safety
Texas DPS and the Brown County Sheriff’s Office are seeking information about the 1996 killing of Juan Leon Laureles near Brownwood. A reward of up to $6,000 is available for information leading to an arrest, but the tip must be submitted before the next featured Texas Rangers cold case is announced.
