Premont resident passes in southern Jim Wells County shooting investigation
In the unincorporated community of La Gloria, Texas, located in southern Jim Wells County, Texas, a heartbreaking incident on Monday afternoon led to the loss of life of a local man and triggered a homicide investigation that has stunned the nearby community of Premont, Texas. The victim, Johnny Quick, a well-known resident of Premont, was found deceased by deputies with the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Office at a scene on County Road 402 in La Gloria. He had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene by the coroner.
Authorities were dispatched to the rural roadway in southern Jim Wells County following a call reporting an unresponsive adult male. The caller indicated the man appeared to be hurt and possibly lifeless. When deputies arrived, they found Quick lying near the roadway, with evidence indicating a gunshot wound to his head. Despite law-enforcement efforts, the man’s passing was confirmed at the site.
Johnny Quick was known in the Premont area as a friendly, dependable neighbor—someone who greeted others with a smile and often helped with community efforts. His unexpected and violent passing has left friends, family, and neighbors in shock and grieving his absence. In the moments following the discovery, the sheriff’s office secured the scene, gathered forensic evidence, and began canvassing the area for potential witnesses, surveillance footage, and any signs of a vehicle or suspect presence near County Road 402.
Sheriff Joseph “Guy” Baker confirmed the investigation is being treated as a homicide. At this stage, no suspects have been publicly named, and no arrests have been made. The cause, motive, and circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under active investigation. Investigators are examining whether the shooting occurred overnight or earlier in the afternoon, whether Quick was targeted or involved in any dispute, and whether the location of the shooting was the original scene of the homicide or simply where he was found.
The rural setting of La Gloria adds complexity to the case: County Road 402 is a quiet, sparsely populated stretch of pavement, surrounded by farmland and few residences. That remote terrain can complicate timelines, reduce witness availability, and hamper quick identification of surveillance sources. The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who might have been in the area around County Road 402 or who may have traveled that road that afternoon to check their-dash-cam footage, home security videos, or any cell-phone recordings. Even the smallest detail could aid the investigation.
Meanwhile, Quick’s loved ones are beginning the process of organizing memorial services and reaching out for community support. In Premont, many neighbors have expressed their sorrow. He is remembered as someone who valued his hometown, took pride in his personal relationships, and enjoyed participating in local gatherings. His passing has reignited conversations about rural crime, firearm safety, and the need for vigilance even in quieter communities.
Law-enforcement authorities emphasize that they are treating this as an open and urgent case. Detectives and crime-scene specialists continue to collect evidence, analyze ballistics, and conduct interviews. Sheriff Baker stated that the investigation timeline is fluid, and asks for patience, reminding the public that homicide investigations in rural settings often require extended time to locate reliable leads.
As the community wrestles with grief, the broader region reflects on the suddenness with which life can change. For the family and friends of Johnny Quick, the shock is profound—and the demand for answers is real. The hope is that with cooperation from the public and rigorous detective work, the sheriff’s office will identify the perpetrator, secure justice, and bring closure to those left behind.
In the days and weeks ahead, memorials, vigils, and support services will be offered in Premont and surrounding towns to honor Quick’s memory and help those closest to him cope. Meanwhile, the investigation remains ongoing, with every detail being reviewed—from the timeline of events and the path that led Quick to County Road 402, to potential suspect descriptions and forensic evidence that may point to motive or perpetrator. The loss of Johnny Quick serves as a solemn reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike—even in rural communities where many believe they are safe from such violence.