Two men were killed and two others injured in a deadly gunfight in Corpus Christi, Texas’ South Side neighborhood, early Sunday morning, October 27, 2024, marking another violent episode in a city already struggling with crime.
The incident, which began as a parking lot dispute on the 5400 block of S. Staples Street, escalated into a deadly shootout by 2:37 a.m., leaving behind a tragic scene and many unanswered questions.
The victims, identified as 20-year-old Jakobe Mcdonald and 29-year-old Jerry Encinia, were found lifeless at the scene, while two other victims received medical attention for gunshot wounds. Police have not released additional details about the identities or the nature of the confrontation but have urged the public to come forward with information or video footage related to the incident.
Based on FBI data released in October 2023, Corpus Christi’s total crime rate is 3,911.6 per 100,000 residents. This figure is 68.3% above the national average of 2,324.2 per 100,000 and 45.33% higher than the Texas crime rate of 2,691.5 per 100,000 people.
The murder rate in Corpus Christi has seen a sharp increase, rising from 19 homicides in 2021 to 41 in 2022.
Assistant Police Chief David Blackman addressed recent violence in the city, stating that while these were “random acts of violence” that were “unpredictable by the officers,” Corpus Christi is not an unsafe city. According to Blackman, the police department “spends a lot of time addressing crime issues in the community” through various specialized units, including mental health and bike patrol teams.
Statistics indicate residents have mixed perceptions about safety, with “71% believing the city is unsafe.” Crime rates vary significantly by neighborhood, with areas near downtown and those with higher poverty and unemployment experiencing higher crime rates.
Law enforcement officials continue their investigation of Sunday’s shooting and have issued a public call for assistance. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police department.