A homicide investigation is underway in East Texas after a 54-year-old woman was found fatally shot at her home, while her former boyfriend was later arrested hundreds of miles away in Arizona and is expected to be returned to Texas for questioning.
According to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a reported shooting on Friday in Tennessee Colony. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered 54-year-old Joni Williams deceased from what authorities described as an apparent gunshot wound.
Officials said Tammy Lightfoot responded to the scene, formally pronounced Williams dead, and ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause and manner of death. Investigators immediately launched a homicide investigation and began collecting evidence related to the fatal shooting.
As detectives worked to piece together the circumstances surrounding Williams’ death, they attempted to locate and speak with her former boyfriend, 65-year-old Bruce Kenton Jeffers. Authorities considered him an individual they wanted to question as part of the ongoing investigation.
The case took a significant turn on Saturday evening when the sheriff’s office was notified that Jeffers had been arrested by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Officials said an Arizona state trooper stopped and arrested him on Interstate 10 near Benson.
According to investigators, Jeffers was taken into custody on a warrant alleging that he violated conditions of a previously issued bond. While he has not been publicly charged in connection with Williams’ death, authorities have stated that they intend to extradite him back to Texas so detectives can question him regarding the fatal shooting.
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office has not yet released details about a possible motive, the circumstances leading up to the shooting, or whether additional suspects are being sought. Investigators also have not disclosed what evidence led them to focus on Williams’ former boyfriend during the early stages of the case.
As the investigation continues, authorities are awaiting autopsy results and pursuing additional leads. Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouraged to contact law enforcement. Meanwhile, Jeffers remains in custody in Arizona pending the extradition process that would return him to Texas for further investigation.
It is important to note that, as of the latest information released by authorities, Jeffers has not been charged with Williams’ murder and is presumed innocent unless and until criminal charges are filed and proven in court.
