DNA Evidence Links Three Suspects to 2012 Park Shooting

TYLER — Tyler Police investigators received three positive DNA test results from the Department of Public Safety leading to the identity of three suspects deemed responsible for an aggravated robbery that occurred December 19, 2012, in City Park, at N. Broadway and Queen Street. Police say information received by a Tyler/Smith County Crime Stoppers tip allowed investigators to suspect three men who were later confirmed by their DNA that was recovered from the victim’s clothing. The victim was robbed, shot in the neck, left for dead, and paralyzed from the gunshot wound.

The three suspects are identified as Chester Lee Vaughn Jr., 23, Derrell Hampton, 31, and Jeremie Deshawn Wheeler, 30, all of Tyler. Police have arrested all three suspects with the assistance of the U. S. Marshal�s Office and have charged them with aggravated robbery. They are currently in the Smith County Jail on a $1,000,000 bond each.

Police say two males and three females were playing basketball at the park when they were approached by the suspects, one of whom reportedly had a handgun and fired it as they approached. The victims were robbed at gunpoint and the suspects fled, according to officials.