ROUND ROCK, Texas – Court proceedings have commenced for the individuals implicated in the mass shooting that tragically disrupted the Juneteenth celebration in Round Rock earlier this year. Two suspects appeared in separate courtrooms on Tuesday, marking a significant step in the ongoing legal process following the violent incident at Old Settlers Park.
The shooting, which occurred during what should have been a joyous community event, resulted from an altercation between two distinct groups, according to Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks. The devastating consequences included injuries to over a dozen people and the deaths of two innocent bystanders, Lyndsey Vicknair and Ara Duke. The Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing, highlighting the complexity of the case.
A central figure in Tuesday’s hearings was a 15-year-old juvenile suspect. Due to his age, his identity has been withheld. However, Williamson County Attorney Dee Hobbs is advocating for the juvenile to be tried as an adult. A certify hearing was held on Tuesday to determine if this will be the case. District Attorney Dick explained that if the juvenile is certified as an adult, the case will be transferred to his office and proceed as a public adult criminal case, subjecting the juvenile to the full weight of adult legal responsibilities and laws.
The attorney representing the juvenile argued that her client is not charged with murder and asserted that the evidence against him is weak. She further stated that Keshawn Dixon was the individual who publicly named her client before his arrest.
Eighteen-year-old Keshawn Dixon faces serious charges, having been indicted on two counts of murder and 13 counts of aggravated assault with mass shooting charges. Seventeen-year-old Ricky Thompson III has also been indicted for aggravated assault mass shooting. District Attorney Dick noted the potential significance of these charges, suggesting that this may be the first mass shooting case charged in Texas under House Bill 165 (HB 165).
HB 165, which took effect in Texas in September 2023, stiffens penalties for aggravated assault in mass shootings. The law elevates aggravated assault in such incidents to a first-degree felony, carrying a potential sentence of life in prison or a term of five to 99 years, along with an optional fine. HB 165 defines a mass shooting as an event involving a firearm where four or more people are injured or killed. Furthermore, the law mandates that sentences for first-degree felonies committed during the same mass shooting event must be served consecutively.
District Attorney Dick articulated the broader implications of the Juneteenth shooting, stating, “If you can’t feel safe to go to a public event in Williamson County, that really ruins the quality of life here.” He emphasized the need to prevent future incidents to reassure the community and deter similar offenses.
Keshawn Dixon’s next court appearance is scheduled for November 6, while Ricky Thompson III is due in court on November 5. The information presented in this report is derived from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin’s Meredith Aldis, court records, and details of House Bill 165.
