Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Through the combined investigative efforts of the Gatesville Police Department and Texas Rangers, among others, two of the three suspects involved in the March 2023 murder case of Martin William Davis have been identified. Both suspects have been charged with murder and subsequently arrested.
The first suspect has been identified as Shawn Michael Smith-Brearey, a 21-year-old resident of Temple. Following his indictment by a Coryell County Grand Jury in June, a warrant for the charge of murder was issued for Smith-Brearey. Working in collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Texas Rangers, and the Temple Police Department, Smith-Brearey was apprehended without incident at a residence in Temple on July 20.
The second suspect has been identified as Trevor Lovell Ford, a 32-year-old Gatesville resident. While already in custody at the Coryell County Jail on unrelated charges, Ford was served with a murder charge warrant based on the indictment by a Coryell County Grand Jury in June.
As of now, the third suspect remains unidentified. The Gatesville Police Department urges anyone with information about this incident to contact them at 254-865-2226 or reach out to Centex Crime Stoppers at 254-865-8477. Crime Stoppers callers may remain anonymous, and any information leading to the arrest of the third suspect, in this case, may result in a cash award.
“I am proud of the work done by our investigators involved in this case and extend my gratitude to Texas Ranger Jake Burson, the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force, the Temple Police Department, and our partners at the Coryell County District Attorney’s Office,” said Gatesville Police Chief Brad Hunt.
Hunt said he hopes this recent development brings some closure to Davis’ family and the community. Hunt emphasized that at least one more individual was involved in the crime, and the case will remain open until all responsible parties are identified and charged accordingly.
