Brenham PD Responds to Shooting
Update 8-19-2026: The Brenham Police Department would like to provide an update regarding the ongoing investigation into the death of Laterius Ragston.
At approximately 2:00 PM on August 19, 2026, Trenton Gilbert turned himself in to the Brenham Police Department and was booked into the Washington County Jail on the active Murder warrant.
Brenham Chief of Police Gary Boshears stated, “I am incredibly proud of the dedication and persistence demonstrated by our investigators and every member of our team who contributed to this case. I am also grateful for the assistance provided by our partner agencies, whose cooperation was instrumental in placing the suspect safely into custody. While an arrest cannot undo the loss experienced by the victim’s family and loved ones, we hope this development brings them some measure of peace and moves this case closer to accountability and justice.”
The Brenham Police Department continues to ask anyone with information related to this case to come forward. Anyone with pertinent information related to this case is asked to contact Sergeant Ashley Burns with the Brenham Police Department at 979-337-7369.
The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Update 8-18-2026: The Brenham Police Department would like to provide an update regarding the ongoing investigation into the death of Laterius Ragston.
During the course of the investigation, the Brenham Police Department has identified 22 year old Trenton Deshunn Gilbert as the primary suspect in the shooting death of Laterius Ragston. Trenton Gilbert currently has an active warrant issued out of for his arrest for Murder in connection with the shooting death of Laterius Ragston.
Washington County Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Trenton Gilbert. Anyone with information regarding Trenton Gilbert’s whereabouts are encouraged not to approach Gilbert but to contact Washington County Crime Stoppers at 979-836-TIPS (8477) with information.
The Brenham Police Department continues to ask anyone with information related to this case to come forward.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Published 8-17-2026: On Sunday, August 16, 2026, the BPD responded at 2:29 AM to the 800 block of Pleasantview Avenue in reference to a reported weapons-related incident. Upon arrival, officers learned that a shooting had occurred and located Laterius Ragston, 25, of Brenham, who had sustained gunshot wounds.
Officers immediately began providing lifesaving measures at the scene while awaiting additional medical assistance. Laterius Ragston was subsequently transported for a higher level of medical care. Despite the efforts of responding officers and medical personnel, Laterius Ragston unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
The BPD Criminal Investigation Unit, in conjunction with the Texas Rangers, is actively conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. As part of the investigation, officers executed a search warrant at a location in Hempstead. The search warrant was conducted with assistance from the Waller County Sheriff's Office, Hempstead Police Department, Austin County Sheriff's Office Special Response Teams, and Washington County EMS.
The Brenham Police Department extends its condolences to Laterius Ragston’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. Investigators are continuing to work diligently to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine those responsible.
Anyone with information regarding this incident, no matter how minor they may believe it to be, is encouraged to contact Sergeant Ashley Burns with the Brenham Police Department at 979-337-7369.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available and as the integrity of the ongoing investigation permits.
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