Breakthrough in Capital Murder Investigation: Four Arrests Made in Connection to Tragic Incident
New Braunfels Police Department has made significant progress in a capital murder investigation related to the tragic death of a 16-year-old boy at a Saengerhalle Road residence. Two individuals were recently arrested and charged with capital murder in connection to the incident that occurred on February 19, 2026. The primary suspect, Jayce Cooper, 18, who was identified as the shooter, is currently in custody at University Hospital in San Antonio after sustaining a gunshot wound during the altercation.
In addition to Jayce Cooper, a 16-year-old male has also been charged with capital murder and is being held at the Guadalupe County Juvenile Detention Center. Further developments in the case led to the arrest of a 17-year-old male from New Braunfels and Jayden Lee Villa-McMarion, 23, of Converse, who have both been charged with capital murder. The arrest warrants were issued on February 25, 2026, and both individuals were apprehended without any issues and taken to the Guadalupe County Jail.
According to Texas law, individuals can be charged as a "party to the offense" if they are found to have assisted, encouraged, or participated in the commission of a crime, even if they did not directly commit the act that resulted in the death. The investigation revealed that both newly charged individuals played active roles in the events leading up to the homicide. With a total of four arrests made in connection to the capital murder case, the investigation is still ongoing, and there may be additional arrests or charges in the future.
If you have any information related to this case, please reach out to the New Braunfels Police Department at 830-221-4100. The authorities are urging the community to come forward with any relevant information that could assist in furthering the investigation and bringing justice to the victim and their family.