August 1, 2023 - (Update 2:55pm) The Shelby County Sheriff's Department has issued a press release, which reads as follows: Shelby County Sheriff Kevin W. Windham reports that on Monday, July 31, 2023, at approximately 9:45pm, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a shooting incident that had reportedly occurred at a residence located at 6190 FM 138 in Center. Law enforcement personnel responded and discovered a male subject identified as Elmer Gene Richards, 54, of Center, deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. The suspect in the shooting incident was identified as Elmer’s brother, James Wayne Richards, 58, of Center.
Preliminary information is that Elmer and James were involved in an argument that escalated into the shooting incident. James Richards was arrested for first degree murder and transported to the Shelby County jail.
Elmer Richards was pronounced by Justice of the Peace – Precinct 1, Donna Hughes, and an autopsy has been ordered.
This case is actively being investigated. If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at (936) 598-5601.
(Update - 12:43pm): According to the Shelby County Jail booking log, James Richards, 58, of Center has been arrested and charged with murder, felony 1.
A residence just under five miles from Center on FM 138 is the scene of a shooting incident currently under investigation by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.
Assisted by additional units from county constables and Texas Game Wardens, investigators cordoned the area at the front of the residence with crime scene tape where the victim was located while they gathered evidence.
According to Shelby County Sheriff’s Lt. Chad Hooper, at approximately 10pm the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department received a call on FM 138 of a possible shooting. Once deputies arrived on scene, a deceased male individual was located.
Another individual is in custody, and the incident remains under investigation. Additional information is pending release by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.
Donna Hughes, Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1, performed the inquest of the deceased individual, and Watson & Sons Funeral Home transported him from the scene.
The Sheriff’s Department was assisted by the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Game Wardens and Shelby County Constables Jamie Hagler, Josh Tipton and Zack Warr.
