San Marcos Police Investigate Second Shooting Hours After Deadly Downtown Square Incident
San Marcos Police Investigate Second Shooting Hours After Deadly Downtown Square Incident
San Marcos, Texas —
The San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) is investigating a second, unrelated shooting that occurred early Sunday morning, only hours after a fatal shooting in the downtown square that left one person dead and two others injured. The back-to-back incidents have shaken residents of this typically peaceful college town, leaving authorities urging calm as investigations unfold.
According to a statement released by SMPD spokesperson Alison Taylor, the second shooting took place around 4:20 a.m. in the 700 block of River Road, roughly four miles from where the earlier downtown shooting occurred. Officers responded to reports of gunfire in a residential area near Cottonwood Parkway, where they discovered two vehicles with apparent bullet damage and several shell casings scattered along the roadway.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported in this second incident, though police confirmed that multiple individuals were involved and that several witnesses are cooperating with investigators. Authorities believe that at least two shooters exchanged gunfire, but the motive behind the confrontation remains unclear.
The timing of the second shooting has intensified concern across San Marcos, as it occurred shortly after a violent event in the city’s downtown entertainment district, where one person was fatally shot and two others were hospitalized following an altercation near Hopkins Street and North LBJ Drive around 1:00 a.m.
Police have identified the downtown shooting victim as 23-year-old Brandon “B.J.” Thomas, a San Marcos resident and local musician who had performed at a nearby venue earlier that evening. Two others — a 21-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man — were treated at Ascension Seton Hays Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Detectives say the downtown incident appears to have begun as a verbal dispute that escalated rapidly into gunfire. Surveillance video and witness accounts indicate that the suspect fled the area in a dark-colored sedan. SMPD has not yet confirmed whether the suspect has been identified, but multiple leads are being pursued.
As of Sunday afternoon, investigators emphasized that the two shootings are not connected, though the proximity in timing has placed additional pressure on law enforcement resources.
Chief Stan Standridge of the San Marcos Police Department addressed the public in a press briefing, saying:
“This is not a reflection of who we are as a community. We are dealing with two tragic and violent incidents in a short time frame, but we will not allow fear to define San Marcos. Our officers are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.”
The department has since increased patrol presence in both the downtown district and surrounding neighborhoods, reassuring residents that the city remains safe while investigations continue.
Friends and family of Brandon Thomas describe him as a talented artist with a big heart and an even bigger smile.
“He loved music, he loved people, and he loved this town,” said Alyssa Green, a close friend. “It’s hard to understand how something so senseless could take someone like him away.”
A memorial vigil for Thomas is scheduled to take place Tuesday evening at San Marcos Plaza Park, where community members plan to light candles and share memories of his life.
Police urge anyone with information about either shooting to contact the San Marcos Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 512-753-2300 or leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.
The tragic events have sparked renewed discussions about gun violence, nightlife safety, and youth intervention programs in the city. Local officials say they are reviewing security measures in and around the downtown square, which draws hundreds of visitors every weekend.
For now, the city of San Marcos mourns a life lost and prays that justice — and peace — will soon follow.
