Two Kountze men shot dead in Silsbee
Murder suspects in the killing of two Kountze men were arrested in Lumberton on Nov. 30 for traffic violations. Deontray Carey Jr., 22, of Beaumont, and Kenny Johnson, 21, of Baytown are being held on $2 million dollar bonds.
Hardin County Sheriff’s Office | The Silsbee Bee
Dylan Busby dylan@silsbee-bee.com The Silsbee Bee SILSBEE — A fatal shooting that left two Kountze men dead on Fresenius Road early Tuesday morning has led to murder charges against two suspects, as investigators continue examining a confrontation that began in a nightclub parking area and ended in gunfire outside a private event. The suspects are currently asserting claims of self-defense. The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office responded around 2:30 a.m. to the 4000 block of Fresenius Road after receiving a report of a shooting. Deputies arrived to find Henry Carey Jr., 36, and Khalil Ahmadrian Gooch, 29, lying near the roadway with gunshot wounds. Both were pronounced dead at the scene, and autopsies were ordered by Hardin County Justice of the Peace Rod Ousley. The owner of The Warehouse Event Center, located near the scene, reported that the building had been rented for a private party that night. Gooch attended the event, and Carey arrived only to pick him up. Carey reportedly never entered the venue. As the two men returned to their vehicle, Carey is believed to have struck another vehicle belonging to the men later charged in the shooting. The confrontation that followed escalated into the gunfire that killed both victims. Though the Silsbee Police Department was the first to reach the area, the location fell under Hardin County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction, and the investigation was transferred accordingly. Investigators determined that all four individuals involved had been on Fresenius Road prior to the shooting, and the incident began after the minor vehicle collision. Shortly after the killings, the Lumberton Police Department located and detained the suspects during a stop for traffic violations. Officers notified the Sheriff’s Office upon discovering their possible connection to the shooting. The detained men were Deontray Deshunn Carey Jr., 22, of Beaumont, and Kenny Ray Johnson, 21, of Baytown were later identified as the suspects. After collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses, investigators charged each with two counts of first-degree murder. Both remain jailed on warrants issued by Justice of the Peace Rod Ousley. During arraignment, Hardin County Justice of the Peace Mark Ames set two $1 million bonds for each murder charge against both suspects. Carey Jr. received an additional $10,000 bond for possession of a stolen firearm. Both men are currently claiming they acted in self-defense, a position investigators are continuing to review as part of the ongoing case.
What happened to Penny Lee Murphy?
Penny Lee Murphy was found dead in Kountze in 2015, her murder is still at large.
Submitted | The Silsbee Bee
Kountze Library Hosts Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus Saturday
Daryin McInnis daryin@silsbee-bee.com The Silsbee Bee KOUNTZE — Families in Kountze are invited to celebrate the holiday season with a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Kountze Public Library this weekend. The event, sponsored by the Friends of Kountze Public Library and the Woman’s Club of Kountze, promises festive fun for children and families alike. The Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus will take place Saturday, December 6, from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. at the library, located at 800 S. Redwood Street. Children attending the event will have the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, share their holiday wishes, and receive goodie bags, available while supplies last. The event is part of the library’s ongoing efforts to bring the community together during the holiday season. By combining storytelling, seasonal activities, and family-friendly entertainment, the Kountze Public Library aims to create a welcoming and joyful environment for all attendees. This special holiday celebration is free and open to the public, making it an accessible and festive way for families to start the season. Library staff and volunteers will ensure that every child leaves with a memorable experience and a small gift to take home. Community members are encouraged to arrive early, as goodie bags will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The event also offers families a chance to take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, providing a keepsake to remember the day. In addition to the holiday festivities, the Kountze Public Library continues to offer programs and events for children, teens, and adults throughout the year. The library serves as a hub for learning, community engagement, and cultural enrichment, and events like the Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus highlight its commitment to fostering community spirit. With its combination of holiday cheer and family-friendly activities, the Saturday event at Kountze Public Library promises to be a festive highlight of the season, offering children and families a chance to celebrate and create lasting memories together.
Daryin McInnis daryin@silsbee-bee.com The Silsbee Bee HARDIN COUNTY — Nearly ten years after the body of 51-year-old Penny Lee Murphy was discovered off a rural Hardin County road, investigators say they are still searching for answers in a case that remains one of the region’s most troubling unsolved crimes. Murphy, a resident of Evadale who lived with her older sister, Lesia Coleman, disappeared on Sunday, November 29, 2015, after visiting a gas station in the 1100 block of IH-10 South in Beaumont. According to police reports, Murphy frequented the business, often spending time playing coin-operated gaming machines. That night, however, she never returned home. Coleman reported her sister missing to the Beaumont Police Department at 9:50 A.M. the following morning, November 30, after Murphy failed to come home the night before. At the time, investigators found no immediate evidence of foul play, classifying the incident strictly as a missing-person case. For nearly a week, the search produced no promising leads. That changed on Sunday, December 6, when two hunters made a harrowing discovery near Black Creek Hunting Club, roughly two miles south of Laird Road in Sour Lake. At 11:26 A.M., they contacted the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office to report finding the nude body of a woman lying near the entrance of the club’s gate. Sergeant Investigator Williams arrived on scene at 11:40 A.M., officially logging the case as a 09A — murder/non-negligent manslaughter under unknown circumstances. The remains were soon confirmed to be those of Penny Lee Murphy. But the discovery raised as many questions as it answered. Murphy’s body was in an advanced state of decomposition, making it extremely difficult for investigators to determine how long she had been at the site or what injuries she may have sustained. Hardin County authorities noted that heavy rains during the week, combined with animal activity in the wooded area, had significantly compromised the scene. According to Hardin County Sheriff Mark Davis, the investigation has passed through several hands over the past decade. Deputies have worked closely with the Texas Rangers, following every lead that has surfaced. Still, Davis says, no credible information has surfaced to explain what happened to Murphy after she left the Beaumont gas station or how she ended up more than 30 miles away in rural Hardin County. “The condition of the body made things difficult from the very beginning,” Davis said. “The circumstances of where she was found — and how long she may have been there — left investigators with very few solid clues. But this case has never been closed, and it remains very much active.” Murphy’s disappearance and murder left a void that has only deepened with time, as loved ones continue to wait for accountability and closure. What happened during the hours after she was last seen alive at the Beaumont gas station remains one of the most pressing mysteries for investigators. Davis is urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (409) 833-TIPS.
