Longview Man Charged in Connection with Toddler’s Death

LONGVIEW — A Longview man has been arrested on a charge of tampering with evidence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon in connection with the death of 2-year-old Ariyana Gonzales Aug. 3. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Devetrick Tramel Johnson, 27, was held on bonds totaling $100,000 Wednesday. The girl was reported dead in a unit at the Huntington Hills apartments in the 2500 block of North Eastman Road in Longview. Johnson, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base in 2009, was seen carrying two rifles wrapped in a towel or blanket at the scene, according to the arrest warrant.

The mother of the victim told police that Johnson’s cousin had brought some guns to the apartment, but that she did not know where they were. Johnson provided several different stories about the origin of the guns in the apartment, police said. Police also found one box of ammunition on a night stand drawer in the apartment, according to the arrest warrant. Investigators say Ariyana had been playing with a gun when it accidentally discharged, hitting her. Justice of the Peace B.H. Jameson has ordered an autopsy from Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas. The investigation into the shooting is continuing.