HUNTSVILLE, TX — A tense morning unfolded in Huntsville on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, after a shooting on Essex Boulevard left one person dead and another critically injured. Police have confirmed that Marquel Wiley is now in custody and has been charged with Capital Murder.
The incident began shortly after sunrise, when Huntsville police officers responded to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers discovered two victims — one was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was airlifted via Life Flight to a nearby trauma center with life-threatening injuries.
Wiley fled the scene on foot, disappearing into a wooded area between Essex Boulevard and FM 2821. What followed was an intense, multi-agency manhunt. Residents in the area were urged to stay inside as officers scoured the woods.
Due to the close proximity to several Huntsville ISD campuses, school officials moved quickly to protect students. Huntsville Elementary and Huntsville High School — along with other district buildings nearby — were placed on Secure status, locking all exterior doors and restricting access. At one point, Huntsville Elementary was briefly placed on full Lockdown, with staff and students sheltering in place, before the threat level was downgraded.
Within hours, the search ended. Huntsville Police, with assistance from the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Walker County EMS, and the Huntsville Fire Department, located and arrested Wiley without further incident.
“This was a dangerous situation, and thanks to the quick response and teamwork of multiple agencies, we were able to bring it to a safe resolution,” said Huntsville Police Chief Slaven. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
Investigators remain at the scene collecting evidence, and authorities say more information — including the identities of the victims — will be released once families have been notified.
The Capital Murder charge against Wiley carries the potential for the most severe penalties under Texas law. Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to come forward as the investigation continues.
For now, the Huntsville community is left reeling from the violence, but grateful that a potentially dangerous suspect was taken off the streets before more lives were at risk.
Leave a Reply