Ribbon Cutting and Tours at Brazos County Medical Examiner’s Office

Man Held on ICE Detainer After Shoplifting at Bryan Walmart

A man is jailed on an ICE detainer after he tried shoplifting from the West Bryan Walmart. Police were called to the Walmart at 643 North Harvey Mitchell Parkway on Sunday after receiving reports of a theft in progress. The store’s asset protection told police that a man tried walking out of the store with a cart full of merchandise. Reports say 25-year-old Nelson Jimenez Santamaria admitted to not paying for the following items worth $1,156.77 (not including tax): (4) LEGO sets valued at $419.98 (10) pet supplies items valued at $176.48 (8) household items valued at $155.63 (17) assorted men’s and women’s clothing and shoes valued at $404.68 Santamaria was charged with Theft of Property greater than $750, but less than $2500. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or message us on Facebook or Twitter/X.

UPDATE: Man Shot and Killed in Brenham on Sunday

UPDATE to a news story we published yesterday. Brenham Police have announced that 22-year-old Trenton Deshunn Gilbert is wanted in connection with the weekend murder of 25-year-old Laterius Ragston. Washington County Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Gilbert. You can contact Washington County Crime Stoppers at (979) 836-TIPS (8477). This story was originally posted on August 17, 2026: Brenham Police announced today the details regarding a fatal shooting early Sunday morning. BPD responded at 2:29am to the 800 block of Pleasantview Avenue for a reported weapons-related incident. Upon arrival, officers found that 25-year-old Laterius Ragston, of Brenham, had been shot. Officers provided lifesaving measures until medical assistance could arrive. Ragston was transported to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries. The BPD Criminal Investigation Unit is working in conjunction with the Texas Rangers to conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. As part of the investigation, officers executed a search warrant at a location in Hempstead. The search warrant was conducted with assistance from the Waller County Sheriff’s Office, Hempstead Police Department, Austin County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Teams, and Washington County EMS. They ask that anyone with information, no matter how minor you might believe it to be, to contact Sergeant Ashley Burns with the Brenham Police Department at (979) 337-7369. Additional information will be released as it becomes available and as the integrity of the ongoing investigation permits. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or message us on Facebook or Twitter/X.

Governor Abbott Wants to Ban H-1B Workers At Public Schools

In an effort to eliminate foreign influence in Texas’ public schools, Governor Greg Abbott unveiled a new education initiative. The initiative would ban H-1B workers from K-12 schools. “Texas classrooms should be a safe place for students to learn, grow, and succeed, not a place for foreign entities to indoctrinate young Texans,” said Governor Abbott. “There should be zero foreign influence in the education of our children. My proposal will shut the door on foreign money, materials, and partnerships in our K-12 schools.” Under the proposal, public schools would be prohibited from accepting gifts or entering into partnerships or other financial arrangements with foreign governments and the entities they own, fund, or act through. Governor Abbott also announced that he will seek legislation establishing a total ban on H-1B workers in Texas public schools. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or message us on Facebook or Twitter/X.