2015 Waco shootout

Shootout in Texas, U.S. Waco shootout the 1993 standoff that occurred near the city Waco siege December 2025 November 2015 2015 Waco shootout File:Bikers supporting Twin Peaks Waco Bikers that are incarcerated.JPG Bikers in Waco, Texas protesting against the mass arrests and high bails 2015 05 17; 12:27 p.m. CDT Waco, Texas, U.S. Gang wars involving rival motorcycle clubs Shootout Bandidos Motorcycle Club Cossacks Motorcycle Club Waco Police DepartmentTexas Highway Patrol 9 18 177 On May 17, 2015, in Waco, Texas, United States, a shootout erupted at a Twin Peaks restaurant where more than 200 persons, including members from motorcycle clubs that included the Bandidos, Cossacks, and allies, had gathered for a meeting about political rights for motorcyclists.http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/05/18/police-report-multiple-fatalities-after-shooting-in-texas/ 'Gruesome crime': Police say 9 dead after Texas biker gang brawl Fox News May 18, 2015 May 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518215857/http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/05/18/police-report-multiple-fatalities-after-shooting-in-texas/ May 18, 2015 dead mdy-all Law enforcement, which included 18 Waco Police Department officers and four Texas Highway Patrol troopers, had gathered to monitor the restaurant and meeting from outside, and, according to police, "returned fire after being shot at". Nine bikers were killed, 18 others wounded or injured, and 177 individuals were ultimately arrested and initially detained in connection with the shootout, most for alleged participation in organized crime. According to The New York Times, "the response by prosecutors was widely criticized as brazen overreach".Oppel Richard A. Jr. Waco Biker Shootout Left 9 Dead, but No One Will Be Held Accountable The New York Times April 3, 2019 https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/03/us/waco-motorcycle-gang-shootout.html April 21, 2019 April 22, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190422054542/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/03/us/waco-motorcycle-gang-shootout.html live According to the Waco Tribune-Herald, the shootout led to a "four-year prosecutorial fiasco that resulted in zero convictions."https://www.wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/no-one-will-answer-for-twin-peaks-shootings-after-da/article_124b9c6f-d3ab-581b-bb85-56ed33560735.html No one will answer for Twin Peaks shootings after DA dismisses last 24 defendants Witherspoon Tommy April 2, 2019 Waco Tribune-Herald April 3, 2019 April 3, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190403063707/https://www.wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/no-one-will-answer-for-twin-peaks-shootings-after-da/article_124b9c6f-d3ab-581b-bb85-56ed33560735.html live Background thumb|Protesting bikers in Waco, Texas In 2014, the Texas Department of Public Safety listed the Bandidos Motorcycle Club as a "Tier 2" threat, the same rating as the Crips, Bloods, and Aryan Brotherhood, but it did not evaluate the Cossacks. That assessment said that the Bandidos Motorcycle Club "conducts their illegal activities as covertly as possible, and avoids high-profile activities such as drive-by shootings that many street gangs tend to commit."http://dps.texas.gov/director_staff/media_and_communications/2014/txGangThreatAssessment.pdf Unclassified Texas Gang Threat Assessment April 2014 Texas Department of Public Safety May 18, 2015 May 14, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150514061522/http://www.dps.texas.gov/director_staff/media_and_communications/2014/txGangThreatAssessment.pdf live According to Steve Cook, executive director of the Midwest Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Investigators Association, an element of the dispute had to do with the right of Texas outlaw motorcycle clubs to wear jackets decorated with distinctive patches, including a geographic bottom rocker reading "Texas", indicating Texas as the territory of the club. The dominant Bandidos claimed the right to approve all such jacket bottom rocker patches. A police affidavit released June 16 described the source of the conflict in similar terms. Following the shootout, police spokesman Patrick Swanton said a turf war between the rivals was a factor in the deadly encounter.Shapiro Emily https://abcnews.go.com/US/waco-biker-shooting-turf-war-uninvited-gang-sparked/story?id=31145828 Waco Biker Shooting: 'Turf War,' Uninvited Gang May Have Sparked Deadly Brawl ABC News May 19, 2015 May 19, 2015 May 20, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150520065913/http://abcnews.go.com/US/waco-biker-shooting-turf-war-uninvited-gang-sparked/story?id=31145828 live It allegedly started following the beating of a Cossack by Bandidos at a Toys for Tots event in Decatur, Texas on December 6, 2014, and the killing of a gang member of the Ghostriders MC the following week in Fort Worth.http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Waco-Shootout-Linked-to-North-Texas-Attacks-304170711.html Waco Shootout Linked to North Texas Attacks Scott Gordon NBC Dallas-Fort Worth May 19, 2015 May 20, 2015 May 20, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150520115356/http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Waco-Shootout-Linked-to-North-Texas-Attacks-304170711.html live Skirmishes over the issue continued on March 22, 2015. A police affidavit described fighting between Bandidos and Cossacks going back to November 2013, including brawls resulting in injuries, in Abilene, Palo Pinto County, and Lorena, Texas. Some of those previously injured bikers were arrested in Waco after the shootout on May 17. On May 1, 2015, the Texas Department of Public Safety issued an advisory statement to police: "The conflict may stem from Cossacks members refusing to pay Bandidos dues for operating in Texas and for claiming Texas as their territory by wearing the Texas bottom rocker on their vests, or 'cuts.'"Eiserer Tanya Bulletin warned of potential 'war' between rival biker gangs WFAA Dallas May 18, 2015 http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/crime/2015/05/18/bulletin-tensions-bandidos-cossacks-rival-biker-gangs-texas/27531291/ May 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20160119131225/http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/crime/2015/05/18/bulletin-tensions-bandidos-cossacks-rival-biker-gangs-texas/27531291/ January 19, 2016 dead mdy-all The shootout erupted at a regularly scheduled regional meeting of the Texas Confederation of Clubs and Independents (COC&I),Texas Confederation of Clubs and Independents (website) http://txcocinews.org/calendar.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150519101235/http://txcocinews.org/calendar.html May 19, 2015 May 18, 2015 Txcocinews.org the statewide biker club coalition, involved in political issues regarding the rights of motorcyclists. Based in Tyler, Texas, the coalition engages in a broad range of activities; for example, it was honored by the city council of Jacksonville, Texas, on May 14 for its involvement in Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month.Barbe April May 14, 2015 Jacksonville Council bids adieu to McDonald; 2 councilmen take oath of office http://www.jacksonvilleprogress.com/news/jacksonville-council-bids-adieu-to-mcdonald-councilmen-take-oath-of/article_a14adbc0-fa4b-11e4-bced-1fe8934d4fa1.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20200928222656/https://www.jacksonvilleprogress.com/news/jacksonville-council-bids-adieu-to-mcdonald-councilmen-take-oath-of/article_a14adbc0-fa4b-11e4-bced-1fe8934d4fa1.html September 28, 2020 May 19, 2015 Jacksonville Progress According to the police, most previous meetings of COC&I for that region had been held in Austin, Texas. COC&I has twelve regions, and Waco is in Region 1. The Bandidos are leading members of the COC&I while the Cossacks are not. The police affidavit claims that the Bandidos "wanted to have a show of force and make a statement that Waco was not a Cossacks' town". The police account states that, in response, the Cossacks "threatened that Waco was a 'Cossacks town' and nobody else could ride there" and they made "the decision to take a stand and attend the meeting uninvited". Police were made aware of the meeting and had at least a dozen local officers plus state troopers positioned nearby. The restaurant had agreed to host the meeting. Officers described the restaurant management as uncooperative when confronted with concerns about the meeting.Merchant Nomaan Police: 9 dead in Texas shooting all members of biker gangs http://wane.com/2015/05/17/police-9-dead-in-shooting-all-members-of-rival-biker-gangs/ May 18, 2015 WANE LIN Television Corporation May 17, 2015 May 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518223516/http://wane.com/2015/05/17/police-9-dead-in-shooting-all-members-of-rival-biker-gangs/ live Swanton said Twin Peaks had been unhelpful in helping police officers deal with gangs in the past.Ford Dana http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/17/us/texas-shooting/ 9 dead in Texas biker brawl CNN May 17, 2015 May 18, 2015 May 20, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150520024556/http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/17/us/texas-shooting live Shootout The conflict began sometime after noon, according to Waco police who had been monitoring motorcycle club activity at the Twin Peaks restaurant. Initial reports say the original conflict began, allegedly over a parking spot where "someone had their foot run over", and the fight escalated from there. At 12:24 p.m., gunfire erupted.http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/local/texas-news/2015/05/17/multiple-deaths-reported-in-waco-restaurant-melee/27498095/ Nine dead, 18 injured in bloody Waco biker brawl KCEN, WFAA and Associated Press May 17, 2015 May 17, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151101064405/http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/local/texas-news/2015/05/17/multiple-deaths-reported-in-waco-restaurant-melee/27498095/ November 1, 2015 dead mdy-all Waco Police Sergeant W. Patrick Swanton declined to reveal details regarding how many of the dead and injured were shot by police,http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-waco-biker-gang-deaths-20150518-story.html At least 165 arrests in Waco, Texas, biker bloodbath; snipers guard site from roof Los Angeles Times May 18, 2015 Molly Hennessy-Fiske May 18, 2015 May 19, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150519095051/http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-waco-biker-gang-deaths-20150518-story.html live though he added it was possible that some of the victims had been shot by officers, stating "They started shooting at our officers and our officers returned fire."Haaf Landon Bacon John https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/05/18/waco-shootout-police-involvement/27530257/ Waco police: Some victims may have been shot by officers USA Today May 18, 2015 May 18, 2015 February 12, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160212221744/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/05/18/waco-shootout-police-involvement/27530257/ live In total, nine bikers died and eighteen others were hospitalized with injuries. Later the number of injured was amended to twenty. Swanton also related that officers invoked the "Active Shooter" protocols, which are rules of engagement newly designed and implemented to give responding law enforcement officers quicker permission to engage mass shooters with deadly force, before a command and control structure is in place. All of the fatalities, as well as the majority of those injured during the melee, suffered gunshot wounds.http://www.wacotrib.com/news/police/update-police-sergeant-says-twin-peaks-biker-gang-shooting-the/article_37addf70-e4e5-505a-98b4-ecbef08a2a87.html Updates: Police believe five moto rcyle [sic] gangs involved in deadly Twin Peaks shootout Waco Tribune-Herald May 17, 2015 May 17, 2015 October 7, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171007110100/http://www.wacotrib.com/news/police/update-police-sergeant-says-twin-peaks-biker-gang-shooting-the/article_37addf70-e4e5-505a-98b4-ecbef08a2a87.html liveCampbell Andy http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/17/biker-gang-shooting-texas_n_7301890.html Multiple Deaths Reported In Shootout Between Rival Biker Gangs At Texas Marketplace The Huffington Post May 18, 2015 May 21, 2015 May 20, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150520074649/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/17/biker-gang-shooting-texas_n_7301890.html live The shootout was the deadliest and most high-profile event in the Waco area since the Waco siege of the Branch Davidian compound in 1993.Montgomery David Up to 170 Face Murder-Related Charges in Biker Melee https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/19/us/waco-texas-biker-gang-shooting.html?_r=0 The New York Times May 18, 2015 May 18, 2015 May 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518215647/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/19/us/waco-texas-biker-gang-shooting.html?_r=0 live In a June 5 bail reduction hearing, prosecutor Michael Jarrett said videotape of the shootout shows "Bandidos executing Cossacks, and Cossacks executing Bandidos". Arguing in favor of the high bonds, Jarrett said, "The facts and circumstances of this case are so extraordinary and so different from anything we have ever dealt with, we believe adequate bonds need to be in place to ensure the safety of this community."Witherspoon Tommy Prosecutor details 'executions' at Twin Peaks during hearing Waco Tribune-Herald June 5, 2015 http://wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/prosecutor-details-executions-at-twin-peaks-during-hearing/article_53ece56c-d50d-547b-bcc0-dfbef1024746.html June 6, 2015 March 13, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170313120643/http://www.wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/prosecutor-details-executions-at-twin-peaks-during-hearing/article_53ece56c-d50d-547b-bcc0-dfbef1024746.html live Although all of the deaths were due to gunfire, other weapons seized after the conflict included chains, brass knuckles, knives, clubs, and batons. The knives included pocket knives, trench knives, and combat knives.http://www.dallasnews.com/latest/20150517-multiple-fatalities-in-shootings-between-two-rival-motorcycle-gangs-reported-outside-a-twin-peaks-waco-restaurant.ece 9 bikers killed in rival gang shootout outside Waco restaurant The Dallas Morning News May 18, 2015 Naomi Martin Claire Z. Cardona May 18, 2015 May 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518215502/http://www.dallasnews.com/latest/20150517-multiple-fatalities-in-shootings-between-two-rival-motorcycle-gangs-reported-outside-a-twin-peaks-waco-restaurant.ece live A police source told CNN preliminary information indicated four of the bikers had been killed by police gunfire,McLaughlin Eliott C. Yan Holly Officers warned about more bikers possibly heading to Texas after brawl CNN May 18, 2015 http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/18/us/texas-biker-gang-brawl-shooting/index.html May 18, 2015 May 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518163401/http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/18/us/texas-biker-gang-brawl-shooting/index.html live but Swanton said "[t]he autopsies have not been completed and that information may very likely be incorrect".Waco police: Some bikers may have been shot by officers Landon Haaf Tanya Eiserer John Bacon USA Today May 19, 2015 May 21, 2015 https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/05/18/waco-shootout-police-involvement/27530257/ February 12, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160212221744/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/05/18/waco-shootout-police-involvement/27530257/ live According to six witnesses interviewed by the Associated Press, three of whom were military veterans, the shootout began with a small number of pistol shots, and was then dominated by semi-automatic weapons fire. Only one semi-automatic rifle was confiscated from a biker, which was in a locked car, though other sources such as an affidavit released on June 16 suggest the presence of additional firearms among the bikers; however, the police officers at the scene were also armed with semi-automatic firearms. Swanton said the bikers fired more shots than the police did, and that it will take months to obtain ballistics reports.Schmall Emily Semi-automatic gunfire dominated Waco biker shootout El Paso Times Associated Press June 6, 2015 http://www.elpasotimes.com/ci_28264964/semi-automatic-gunfire-dominated-waco-biker-shootout https://web.archive.org/web/20150607012851/http://www.elpasotimes.com/ci_28264964/semi-automatic-gunfire-dominated-waco-biker-shootout dead June 7, 2015 June 6, 2015 Security footage shown by the Twin Peaks franchisee to the Associated Press showed one man started shooting on the patio, at which time most bikers tried to seek safety inside, first in the bathroom, and when that room filled up, the kitchen. None of those camera angles showed the parking lot.https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/21/waco-video-shows-bikers-running-away-as-shooting-starts Waco video shows bikers running away as shooting starts The Guardian May 21, 2015 December 16, 2016 March 5, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160305014205/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/21/waco-video-shows-bikers-running-away-as-shooting-starts live On June 12, the Waco Police Department announced three officers fired their .223-caliber rifles a total of twelve times. It was later determined that those rounds struck four of the bikers.Emily Schmall Seth Robbins Police-style bullets linked to 4 bikers killed in Waco http://www.statesman.com/news/news/state-regional/4-bikers-shot-in-waco-melee-with-gun-of-type-polic/nphc9/ December 11, 2015 Austin American-Statesman Associated Press 16 January 2016 December 14, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151214183948/http://www.statesman.com/news/news/state-regional/4-bikers-shot-in-waco-melee-with-gun-of-type-polic/nphc9/ live Forty-four spent casings were recovered at the scene, according to the police.Almasy Steve Waco biker shooting: Police say they fired 12 times CNN June 12, 2015 http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/12/us/texas-biker-shooting-waco/ June 12, 2015 June 15, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150615005827/http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/12/us/texas-biker-shooting-waco live Vehicle forfeiture documents released June 16 include a detailed affidavit with a description of the police and prosecution's version of the events leading up to the shootout, and what they say happened at the shootout itself. The affidavit says the Cossacks arrived over an hour before the scheduled 1:00 pm meeting, and "took over the patio area, which had been reserved for the COC&I meeting."Witherspoon Tommy Vehicle forfeiture documents reveal new details about deadly biker shootout Waco Tribune-Herald June 17, 2015 http://www.wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/vehicle-forfeiture-documents-reveal-new-details-about-deadly-biker-shootout/article_0491c81d-7009-52f1-9120-d9cb08b1609e.html June 19, 2015 March 13, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170313115819/http://www.wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/vehicle-forfeiture-documents-reveal-new-details-about-deadly-biker-shootout/article_0491c81d-7009-52f1-9120-d9cb08b1609e.html live As a group of Bandidos arrived, several Cossacks and their allies approached and some pulled weapons including pistols. Bandidos member Reginald Weathers testified at a bond reduction hearing that he was part of that group of Bandidos, and that Cossacks members disrespected Dallas Bandidos president David Martinez immediately upon their arrival, arguing about a parking space. When Weathers stepped forward to defend Martinez, he says he was punched in the face, and then shot by a single bullet that passed through his arm and his chest. Since he was leaning over after being punched, he said he did not see who fired the shot.Witherspoon Tommy Bandido shot in Twin Peaks shootout testifies at hearing https://theeagle.com/news/waco_shooting/bandido-shot-in-twin-peaks-shootout-testifies-at-hearing/article_5db4b520-696d-5781-9f5e-57eed1dc4a5a.html https://web.archive.org/web/20251006124056/https://theeagle.com/news/waco_shooting/bandido-shot-in-twin-peaks-shootout-testifies-at-hearing/article_5db4b520-696d-5781-9f5e-57eed1dc4a5a.html 2025-10-06 2025-10-06 The Eagle en One Bandido nearly hit a Cossack with his motorcycle, and another Bandido "punched a Cossack in the face". At that point, "[s]everal Bandidos and Cossacks pulled out their weapons, including handguns, and shot and stabbed each other," and Martinez fired a .32 caliber pistol that he then placed in a parked car, according to the affidavit. Martinez was among those arrested and has since been released on bond.Gordon Scott Dallas Bandido Opened Fire in Waco Shootout: Police KXAS-TV Dallas June 18, 2015 http://www.nbcdfw.com/investigations/Dallas-Bandido-Opened-Fire-in-Waco-Shootout-Police-308261651.html June 19, 2015 June 19, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150619201035/http://www.nbcdfw.com/investigations/Dallas-Bandido-Opened-Fire-in-Waco-Shootout-Police-308261651.html live Police gunfire then followed. Casualties All nine men who were killed died of gunshot wounds. According to erroneous initial police statements, eight were Cossacks and one was a Bandido.April 2019http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/Waco-Shooting-Near-Twin-Peaks-In-Waco-304043711.html KWTX: UPDATE: Bikers Killed In Deadly Shootout Identified May 19, 2015 May 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150517235407/http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/Waco-Shooting-Near-Twin-Peaks-In-Waco-304043711.html May 17, 2015 dead mdy-all Daniel Raymond "Diesel" Boyett, 44, Cossack, shot in the head.Madigan Tim Sullivan Kevin 'Richie died, then Diesel, then Dog': An eyewitness to the Waco biker brawl The Washington Post May 23, 2015 https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/richie-died-then-diesel-then-dog-an-eyewitness-to-the-waco-biker-brawl/2015/05/23/00db6436-1a8a-469b-9d6f-d2283234d281_story.html May 23, 2015 May 23, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150523190049/http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/richie-died-then-diesel-then-dog-an-eyewitness-to-the-waco-biker-brawl/2015/05/23/00db6436-1a8a-469b-9d6f-d2283234d281_story.html live Wayne Lee "Sidetrack" Campbell, 43, Cossack, shot in the head and torso. Richard Matthew "Chain" Jordan, III, 31, Cossack, shot in the head. Richard Vincent "Bear" Kirschner Jr., 47, Cossack, shot a total of 3 times in the knee, right thigh, and left buttock.2015-08-13 Twin Peaks Shooting Autopsy Reports Released https://www.kwbu.org/local-news/2015-08-13/twin-peaks-shooting-autopsy-reports-released 2025-01-11 KWBU en Jacob Lee Rhyne, 39, Cossack, shot in the neck. Jesus Delgado Rodriguez, 65, unaffiliated,Wilson Mark D NEWSNew Braunfels man killed in Waco shooting enjoyed brotherhood of biker clubs, family says http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/New-Braunfels-man-killed-in-Waco-shooting-enjoyed-6277290.php May 23, 2015 San Antonio Express-News May 21, 2015 May 23, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150523010829/http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/New-Braunfels-man-killed-in-Waco-shooting-enjoyed-6277290.php live shot in the head and torso. Charles Wayne "Dog" Russell, 46, Cossack, shot in the chest. Manuel Issac Rodriguez, 40, Bandido, shot in the head and back. Matthew Mark Smith, 27, Scimitar, shot in the torso. According to his family, Jacob Lee Rhyne, a father of two from Ranger, Texas, had joined the Cossacks six months prior and didn't own a gun. His girlfriend said, "I cannot see Jake going there if he knew there was going to be trouble. Our kids were too important."Erin Calabrese https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/deaths-bikers-waco-shootout-leave-families-reeling-n362211 Deaths of Bikers in Waco Shootout Leave Families Reeling NBC News May 21, 2015 October 7, 2019 August 26, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190826081024/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/deaths-bikers-waco-shootout-leave-families-reeling-n362211 live Jesus Rodriguez's son said the Vietnam War Marine Corps veteran and father of seven from New Braunfels, Texas, was "in the wrong place at the wrong time" and didn't carry weapons. He used to carry a pocketknife, but stopped after being told he couldn't bring it into a convention. He was an associate of the Bandidos, but not a patched-in member. Rodriguez received a Navy Commendation Medal for his service in Vietnam, and a Purple Heart for wounds sustained during it.Jones Rachel http://www.cbs19.tv/story/29138237/waco-shooting-latest-slain-biker-won-purple-heart Waco Shooting Latest: Slain Biker Won Purple Heart Associated Press May 22, 2015 May 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150524103030/http://www.cbs19.tv/story/29138237/waco-shooting-latest-slain-biker-won-purple-heart May 24, 2015 dead Daniel Boyett, the only Waco resident to die, owned and ran a trucking company with his third wife. Manuel Rodriguez was a married Bandido, nicknamed "Bandido Candyman".May 2020 As of May 19, seven of the injured remained in a hospital, in stable condition.http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/5/19/texas-police-ask-for-gang-truce-after-deadly-brawl-in-waco.html Texas police urge biker gangs truce amid fears of Waco revenge attacks Reuters/AlJazeera.com May 19, 2015 May 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150522023527/http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/5/19/texas-police-ask-for-gang-truce-after-deadly-brawl-in-waco.html live According to attorney Seth Sutton, who negotiated the first bail, four of the arrested complained to his office that they were jailed before bullet fragments could be removed from their bodies. Witness accounts no complete, balanced presentation of "witness" statements, differentiating accounts solely from the news from those given under oath April 2019 Witnesses who came forth following the event made these statements: Witness William English, a former U.S. Marine and Iraq War veteran, reported the firing of small caliber rounds, followed by "a rapid succession of shots from what sounded to me like an assault rifle"; Steve Cochran, a Navy veteran and Sons of the South club member reported to CBS News that he heard one pistol shot, and the rest of the shots came from suppressed assault weapons.Morton, Clay Semiautomatic gunfire dominated Waco biker shootout, several witnesses say http://www.dallasnews.com/news/state/headlines/20150606-semiautomatic-gunfire-dominated-waco-biker-shootout-several-witnesses-say.ece April 3, 2019 Associated Press Dallas Morning News June 2015 February 3, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160203070824/http://www.dallasnews.com/news/state/headlines/20150606-semiautomatic-gunfire-dominated-waco-biker-shootout-several-witnesses-say.ece live Former U.S. Marine Michael Devoll of Fort Worth, a biker arrested and held for three weeks, claimed that a large amount of rifle fire came from the police, and that he thought the police were firing randomly into the crowd.Decorated war vet critical of Waco police actions http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/local/texas-news/2015/06/11/twin-peaks-shooting-police-witness/71090750/ WFAA 26 November 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150612192636/http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/local/texas-news/2015/06/11/twin-peaks-shooting-police-witness/71090750/ June 12, 2015 dead mdy-allApril 2019 Former U.S. Army and Coast Guard officer Ron Blackett reported to CBS News that he heard pistol shots which were followed by shots from assault rifles.2015-06-06 Some Witness, Police Accounts Of Waco Shootout Conflict - CBS Texas https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/some-witness-police-accounts-of-waco-shootout-conflict/ 2026-04-29 www.cbsnews.com en-US Waco Police spokesman Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton told CBS the witnesses' claims are "completely incorrect" and asserted the police shot less than the bikers. Police investigation Spokesman Patrick Swanton said police recovered about 320 weapons from the crime scene. Swiss Army knives, pocket knives, handguns, and a Kalashnikov rifle were among the weapons found.https://news.yahoo.com/latest-waco-shooting-retired-detective-arrested-153111616.html The Latest on Waco shooting Associated Press May 20, 2015 January 14, 2017 March 5, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160305095742/http://news.yahoo.com/latest-waco-shooting-retired-detective-arrested-153111616.html live 192 people were initially arrested in connection with the shootout, with 171 of those charged with participation in organized crime. They were booked at the McLennan County Jail. Per that inmate list, as of May 19, 171 people were arrested under arrest case WPD-15-9146, charged with engaging in organized criminal activity. Of them, 124 were white males, 41 were Hispanic males, three were white females, two were black males, and one was a Native American female.McLennan County Sheriff Inmate Listing of May 19, 2015 7:52 a.m.April 2019 arrests under case WPD-15-9146 highlighted yellow One hundred six people were indicted by a grand jury in connection with the shootout.https://www.cbsnews.com/news/grand-jury-indicts-106-in-waco-biker-shooting/ Grand jury indicts 106 in Waco biker shooting Cbsnews.com November 10, 2015 April 3, 2019 April 3, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190403140304/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/grand-jury-indicts-106-in-waco-biker-shooting/ live All suspects had their bonds set at $1 million by Justice of the Peace W.H. "Pete" Peterson, who said it sent a strong message: "We had nine people killed in our community. These people just came in, and most of them were from out of town. Very few of them were from in town." On May 19, three suspects were released after their bonds were mistakenly set at $20,000 and $50,000. McLennan County Judge Ralph Strother issued a warrant to have them rearrested and their bond reset to $2 million. All three arranged to turn themselves in that day. Strother also ruled that no suspect's bond can be reduced without his approval.Bill Hanna Domingo Ramirez http://www.star-telegram.com/news/state/texas/article21396951.html Three suspects in Waco biker melee mistakenly released Fort Worth Star-Telegram May 19, 2015 May 21, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150521090521/http://www.star-telegram.com/news/state/texas/article21396951.html live Judge Matt Johnson made a similar ruling. The first reduction hearing was in June in Strother's court, where 59-year-old Caldwell mechanic Jimmy Don Smith was represented by Bryan lawyer Dan Jones.Tommy Witherspoon http://www.wacotrib.com/news/police/bikers-jailed-under-million-bonds-one-bond-reduction-hearing-set/article_38b881ef-0278-51ab-bc82-8c8a05b224da.html Updated: Motorcycle gang members mistakenly released on lower bonds making arrangements to turn themselves in Waco Tribune-Herald May 18, 2015 May 19, 2015 January 30, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170130023542/http://www.wacotrib.com/news/police/bikers-jailed-under-million-bonds-one-bond-reduction-hearing-set/article_38b881ef-0278-51ab-bc82-8c8a05b224da.html live Police officers reported receiving several threats after the shooting, which they are investigating.Lah Kyung Perez Evan Almasy Steve Yan Holly http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/nation-and-world/new-threats-target-texas-police-after-waco-biker-brawl New threats target Texas police after Waco biker brawl Las Vegas Review-Journal May 22, 2015 May 22, 2015 May 24, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150524231906/http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/nation-and-world/new-threats-target-texas-police-after-waco-biker-brawl liveGarza Lisa Maria http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/nation-and-world/texas-cops-fear-retaliation-attacks-after-170-arrested-biker-gang-shootout Texas cops fear retaliation attacks after 170 arrested in biker gang shootout Las Vegas Review-Journal May 18, 2015 May 22, 2015 May 20, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150520212049/http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/nation-and-world/texas-cops-fear-retaliation-attacks-after-170-arrested-biker-gang-shootout live A former Bandidos leader and several experts on outlaw motorcycle clubs questioned whether the reported threats against police were genuine.Stanglin Doug Jervis Rick Police warning on biker retaliation questioned by former biker, experts USA Today https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/05/22/texas-motorcycle-bangs-bandidos/27776405/ June 2, 2015 May 27, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150527050556/http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/05/22/texas-motorcycle-bangs-bandidos/27776405/ live On May 22, fifty-year-old factory worker and Bandido Jeff Battey posted bail. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/the-latest-on-waco-shooting-arrest-costs-bus-drivers-job/2015/05/20/4c7ba1b4-ff5b-11e4-8c77-bf274685e1df_story.html The Latest on Waco shooting The Washington Post Associated Press November 3, 2015 May 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150522174849/http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/the-latest-on-waco-shooting-arrest-costs-bus-drivers-job/2015/05/20/4c7ba1b4-ff5b-11e4-8c77-bf274685e1df_story.html dead The cash amount wasn't disclosed, but is typically 10% in Texas, or $100,000. Afterward, his lawyer and prosecutors argued over whether this meant he could leave jail. He ultimately did, after the district attorney and two district judges negotiated special restrictions for him and any future bailee from this case, including ankle monitoring, surrendering of passports, abstention from drugs and alcohol and no contact with club members or potential victims or witnesses. One other suspect was subsequently bailed out later that day, according to McLennan County Recovery Healthcare Corporation Office Manager Ronnie Marroquin, who attaches the ankle monitors.Molly Hennesy-Fiske http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-biker-court-20150521-story.html 177 arrestees, hundreds of weapons seized: Waco courts overwhelmed after biker brawl Los Angeles Times May 21, 2015 May 22, 2015 May 23, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150523021059/http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-biker-court-20150521-story.html liveOlivia Messer http://www.wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/county-seeks-help-with-shortage-of-attorneys-in-twin-peaks/article_81c1eb45-5518-5af6-87fb-c1308420dec5.html County seeks help with shortage of attorneys in Twin Peaks case Waco Tribune-Herald May 27, 2015 March 13, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170313122755/http://www.wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/county-seeks-help-with-shortage-of-attorneys-in-twin-peaks/article_81c1eb45-5518-5af6-87fb-c1308420dec5.html live One of the arrested, Martin Lewis, is a retired veteran detective of 32 years from the San Antonio Police Department. At the time, he was a school bus driver. He was consequently fired by the Northside Independent School District. As of May 24, 75 suspects had requested a public defender qualified to work first-degree felony charges, of which McLennan County has 29. To make up the rest, Judge Matt Johnson has for the first time called in defenders from nearby counties, including Dallas, Bell, Williamson, Travis, Hill, Coryell, Limestone and Johnson. The district has 26 prosecutors to split the caseload among, and can enlist others from the county, state or federal levels, if needed.Naomi Martin http://www.dallasnews.com/news/state/headlines/20150523-waco-prosecutors-have-work-cut-out-for-them-in-biker-gang-shootout.ece Waco prosecutors face difficult task in deadly biker gang shootout Dallas Morning News May 24, 2015 May 25, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150525054817/http://www.dallasnews.com/news/state/headlines/20150523-waco-prosecutors-have-work-cut-out-for-them-in-biker-gang-shootout.ece live One of the arrested, Kenneth Carlisle of San Antonio, had just pulled into the parking lot when he was arrested in his wife's car and charged with engaging in organized crime, according to his wife. She says he wasn't wearing any sort of biker clothing, and was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. She called the ordeal of running her two-child household while working with lawyers to negotiate a lower bond for a husband she has only been allowed to visit by phone "the worst nightmare of my life", and says she's aware of eight other arrested with similar stories.Darrion Trotter http://www.foxsanantonio.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/bikers-wife-fighting-prove-husbands-innocence-13112.shtml Wife says husband was not involved in Waco shootout Fox News San Antonio May 27, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150527072747/http://www.foxsanantonio.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/bikers-wife-fighting-prove-husbands-innocence-13112.shtml May 27, 2015 dead mdy-all The last arrested biker to be released from jail was Marcus Pilkington on October 30, over five months after the shootings.Schmall Emily 2015-11-01 Last person jailed in Waco biker shooting to be released https://apnews.com/general-news-dac1003a50e042cdabd4146c87073bfb https://web.archive.org/web/20251006124638/https://apnews.com/general-news-dac1003a50e042cdabd4146c87073bfb 2025-10-06 2025-10-06 AP News en No one had yet been charged with murder or any other additional charges. Aftermath Waco police sergeant Patrick Swanton said that the management of the Waco Twin Peaks had been unhelpful in dealing with bikers in the past. On May 18, Twin Peaks announced it had canceled the Waco restaurant's franchise because the management there "chose to ignore the warnings and advice from both the police and our company, and did not uphold the high security standards we have in place to ensure everyone is safe at our restaurants." Later that day, Twin Peaks spokeswoman Meghan Hecke announced that the Waco location would not reopen. She said discussions are underway on the future of another Twin Peaks in Harker Heights, owned by the same "relatively new" franchisee, Peakstastic Beverages, LLC.Mike Copeland http://www.wacotrib.com/news/business/twin-peaks-permanently-closes-waco-location/article_3fde13f1-13be-5e4f-b475-6fa309a9ce31.html Twin Peaks permanently closes Waco location Waco Tribune-Herald May 18, 2015 May 19, 2015 March 13, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170313111555/http://www.wacotrib.com/news/business/twin-peaks-permanently-closes-waco-location/article_3fde13f1-13be-5e4f-b475-6fa309a9ce31.html live That company released a statement denying it was advised by police or Twin Peaks against holding the event, and contending that the violence began in the parking lot, rather than in the building. It expressed disappointment in Twin Peaks' decision to terminate the franchise before many facts were known, and pledged to assist the ongoing investigation.http://www.ksat.com/content/pns/ksat/news/2015/05/18/statement-from-twin-peaks-waco-franchisee.html Statement from Twin Peaks Waco franchisee KSAT May 20, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150521012538/http://www.ksat.com/content/pns/ksat/news/2015/05/18/statement-from-twin-peaks-waco-franchisee.html May 21, 2015 dead mdy-all Owners of the nearby Don Carlos Mexican Restaurant filed suit against Peakstastic Beverages and Twin Peaks on May 21, alleging financial damages incurred when its uninvolved restaurant was labeled a crime scene and forced to close until May 21, as the result of gross negligence by Twin Peaks. It accuses the franchisee of creating "an extreme degree of risk considering the probability and magnitude of the potential harm to others" by hosting the event, and the franchiser of regularly encouraging franchisees to host such events.Don Carlos Sues Twin Peaks after Deadly Biker Shootout http://www.kcentv.com/story/29128230/don-carlos-sues-twin-peaks Kcentv.com May 22, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150523011110/http://www.kcentv.com/story/29128230/don-carlos-sues-twin-peaks May 23, 2015 dead About 135 motorcycles and 80 cars and pickup trucks from the crime scene were seized through civil forfeiture law and may be auctioned off by the county, regardless of whether or not their owners are convicted. Juan Garcia, an engineer for the City of Austin since 2009 and one of the men mistakenly released on lessened bail, was placed on paid administrative leave, pending the legal outcome and the city's own internal review.http://kxan.com/2015/05/19/city-of-austin-employee-arrested-in-waco-biker-shootout/ City of Austin employee arrested in Waco biker shootout KXAN May 19, 2015 May 19, 2015 May 21, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150521183957/http://kxan.com/2015/05/19/city-of-austin-employee-arrested-in-waco-biker-shootout/ live Garcia and three other bikers filed a lawsuit for damages alleging wrongfully arrest against Twin Peaks, the City of Waco, and McLennan County.Suayan John Brent Coon files suit claiming patrons' wrongful arrest in 2015 Twin Peaks shooting http://setexasrecord.com/stories/511123624-brent-coon-files-suit-claiming-patrons-wrongful-arrest-in-2015-twin-peaks-shooting 2 July 2017 5 June 2017 en June 15, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170615005230/http://setexasrecord.com/stories/511123624-brent-coon-files-suit-claiming-patrons-wrongful-arrest-in-2015-twin-peaks-shooting live The suit seeks $1 billion in damages.Witherspoon Tommy Four Twin Peaks bikers seek $1 billion in civil lawsuit http://www.wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/four-twin-peaks-bikers-seek-billion-in-civil-lawsuit/article_b030c595-299b-5001-a093-f0e01f3d9989.html 2 July 2017 Waco Tribune-Herald 8 May 2017 en June 26, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170626084347/http://www.wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/four-twin-peaks-bikers-seek-billion-in-civil-lawsuit/article_b030c595-299b-5001-a093-f0e01f3d9989.html live Criticism of Waco police thumb|Protesters in Waco thumb|June 7 protest rally in Waco thumb|upright|Protesters on the steps of the McLennan County Courthouse on June 7 On May 29, Clinton Broden, an attorney with Broden & Mickelsen representing arrested biker Matthew Alan Clendennen, filed a lawsuit in U.S. Federal district court claiming that his client was innocent of all charges and was held on a "fill in the name" warrant without any individual probable cause. The lawsuit was filed against the City of Waco, Texas and McLennan County as defendants, and also one named and 20 unnamed police officers as well as the McLennan County District Attorney, Abelino Reyna, and five unnamed assistant district attorneys. Clendennen is a graduate of Baylor University, a small business owner and has no previous criminal record. He was bailed after posting $100,000. He is member of the Scimitars Motorcycle Club.Gately Paul J. Jailed Biker Sues Local Police Officer, City, County KWTX-TV May 29, 2015 http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/Jailed-Biker-Sues-Local-Police-Officer-City-County-305497951.html?device=phone&c=y May 30, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150530224833/http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/Jailed-Biker-Sues-Local-Police-Officer-City-County-305497951.html?device=phone&c=y May 30, 2015 dead mdy-all Hennessy-Fiske Molly With sky-high bail, scores of bikers are still jailed after Texas melee Los Angeles Times June 4, 2015 http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-texas-twin-peaks-bikers-20150604-story.html#page=1 June 4, 2015 June 4, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150604203803/http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-texas-twin-peaks-bikers-20150604-story.html#page=1 live Two and a half weeks after the shootout, over 140 of those arrested were still being held on $1 million bail. Law school professor and civil rights lawyer David Kairys characterized the attitude of police as "Let’s arrest them all and sort it out later," comparing the arrests to the Red Scare mass arrests of socialists and communists after World War I and the period of McCarthyism in the early 1950s. According to Kairys, such arrests may have a "chilling effect" on freedom of association and freedom of speech. Waco police tried to prevent the release of standard information about the shootout, particularly pertaining to arresting officers. The city attorney of Waco requested that the attorney general of Texas give them the power to withhold the public records from the news media. Bill Aleshire, an attorney in Austin, Texas, criticized Waco officials for violating "bedrock open government law."Sickles Jason Waco police seeking to bar information about Texas biker shooting, Civil attorney: 'That's game-playing by public officials' Yahoo News June 3, 2015 https://news.yahoo.com/waco-police-seeking-to-bar-information-about-texas-biker-shooting-034142932.html June 4, 2015 June 5, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150605041711/http://news.yahoo.com/waco-police-seeking-to-bar-information-about-texas-biker-shooting-034142932.html live By early June, criticism of the lack of accurate information about the incident was increasing in the national news media. Conor Friedersdorf, a reporter for The Atlantic, described the incarceration of 160 people on $1 million bonds as "self-evidently excessive", and pointed out that the information lacking included "how many of the dead bikers were shot by police officers, how many cops fired their weapons, or how many total rounds they discharged."Friedersdorf Conor What Waco Police Still Won't Reveal About the Biker-Gang Shootout: Two weeks after the fight between rival outlaw motorcycle clubs, cops won't answer even the most basic questions about what transpired The Atlantic June 4, 2015 https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2015/06/what-waco-police-wont-reveal-about-the-shootout-that-killed-9/394892/ June 4, 2015 June 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150609222022/http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2015/06/what-waco-police-wont-reveal-about-the-shootout-that-killed-9/394892/ live A reporter for the Houston Press described the response of Waco authorities as "a textbook example of how not to handle an emergency situation".Masilow Craig What's Up With the Bogus Waco Biker Bond Reduction Story? Houston Press June 3, 2015 http://www.houstonpress.com/news/updated-whats-up-with-the-bogus-waco-biker-bond-reduction-story-7481084 June 4, 2015 June 13, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150613004607/http://www.houstonpress.com/news/updated-whats-up-with-the-bogus-waco-biker-bond-reduction-story-7481084 live In response to 37 complaints of inadequate health care, inedible food, degrading treatment, and sanitation issues in the jail, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards conducted a surprise inspection on June 4. The inspector found all conditions met the minimum state standards. Houston lawyer Paul Looney, representing two men who did not file complaints, said both lost almost twenty pounds by avoiding food that had bugs on it or otherwise appeared unsafe.Olivia Messer http://www.wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/state-commission-inspects-jails-in-wake-of-biker-complaints/article_309f5b44-da2e-5f9d-b881-af67da466a3f.html State commission inspects jails in wake of biker complaints Waco Tribune-Herald June 6, 2015 March 13, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170313115736/http://www.wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/state-commission-inspects-jails-in-wake-of-biker-complaints/article_309f5b44-da2e-5f9d-b881-af67da466a3f.html live On June 7, over 500 bikers gathered outside the McLennan County Courthouse to protest the mass incarcerationsSmith Cassie L. Hundreds of bikers protest at McLennan County courthouse Waco Tribune-Herald June 7, 2015 http://www.wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/hundreds-of-bikers-protest-at-mclennan-county-courthouse/article_8863a871-d6af-58bf-831e-ff336d87d281.html June 7, 2015 March 13, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170313111927/http://www.wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/hundreds-of-bikers-protest-at-mclennan-county-courthouse/article_8863a871-d6af-58bf-831e-ff336d87d281.html live with about 124 bikers remaining in jail at that time.Witherspoon Tommy Copeland Mike Courthouse, downtown officials gear up for Sunday biker rally Waco Tribune-Herald June 5, 2015 http://wacotrib.com/news/business/courthouse-downtown-officials-gear-up-for-sunday-biker-rally/article_6483885d-0987-5cc7-843d-0a2660d90ad7.html June 5, 2015 September 28, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200928212306/https://wacotrib.com/news/business/courthouse-downtown-officials-gear-up-for-sunday-biker-rally/article_6483885d-0987-5cc7-843d-0a2660d90ad7.html live One protester, Dot Green, commented, "Only an idiot would believe that 176 hardcore criminals all showed up at a restaurant to start a big fight with the cops, and that they all deserve 1 million dollar bails." On June 10, The New York Times observed that bond-reduction hearings are "routine proceedings that are typically heard within seven to 10 days of an arrest."Hernandez Manny Bikers Jailed After Waco Shootout Say Court System Failed Them The New York Times June 10, 2015 http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/06/11/us/waco-texas-bikers-jailed-justice.html?referrer= June 10, 2015 Paul Looney, an attorney for three of the defendants said, "It's the most un-American activity I've seen on American soil." On June 22, Stephen Stubbs, an attorney for the Bandidos, issued a statement accusing the police of spreading misinformation, and demanding the immediate release of all videos of the shootout, as well as the autopsy reports. Stubbs said the violence "was senseless, completely unnecessary, and wrong." He stated that weapons in possession of the Bandidos were "legally owned and carried" and that the Bandidos "were not aggressors, did not start the altercation, did not strike first, were not the first to pull weapons, and were not the first to use weapons." Stubbs added that "all involvement in the altercation by members of the Bandidos was in self-defense."Bandidos Motorcycle Club Attorney Speaks Out KCEN-TV Temple, Texas June 22, 2015 http://www.kcentv.com/story/29381392/bandidos-motorcycle-club-attorney-speaks-out June 23, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150623233558/http://www.kcentv.com/story/29381392/bandidos-motorcycle-club-attorney-speaks-out June 23, 2015 dead Also on June 22, attorneys for Matt Clendennen, a member of the Scimitars Motorcycle Club, served Twin Peaks with a subpoena to produce their copy of the surveillance video of the events.http://www.wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/waco-officials-seek-to-quash-subpoena-issued-for-twin-peaks/article_dc6605b7-4401-5cec-9ae5-21cf2315620c.html Waco officials seek to quash subpoena issued for Twin Peaks video Waco Tribune-Herald June 25, 2015 June 28, 2015 Tommy Witherspoon March 13, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170313111620/http://www.wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/waco-officials-seek-to-quash-subpoena-issued-for-twin-peaks/article_dc6605b7-4401-5cec-9ae5-21cf2315620c.html live The City of Waco moved to quash the subpoena. However, according to Clendennen's attorney, the city did not have standing to do so and only Twin Peaks, the recipient of the subpoena, could move to quash.http://www.kcentv.com/story/29410760/bikers-subpoena-quashed City of Waco Moves to Block Subpoena for Twin Peaks Restaurant Surveillance Video KCEN-TV June 25, 2015 June 28, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150627235540/http://www.kcentv.com/story/29410760/bikers-subpoena-quashed June 27, 2015 dead On June 30, a Waco state district judge denied the city's motion to quash, requiring Twin Peaks to turn over the footage, but he barred the release of the video to the public. At the request of prosecutors, the judge also placed a gag order on the Clendennen case, prohibiting police, attorneys, and witnesses from discussing the case publicly.Judge prevents public release of Twin Peaks video, issues gag order Tommy Witherspoon Waco Tribune-Herald-Herald June 30, 2015 July 12, 2015 http://www.wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/judge-prevents-public-release-of-twin-peaks-video-issues-gag/article_37bd518d-0c6b-52f8-9374-d573e366f05b.html March 17, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160317010734/http://www.wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/judge-prevents-public-release-of-twin-peaks-video-issues-gag/article_37bd518d-0c6b-52f8-9374-d573e366f05b.html live Clendennen's attorneys filed an emergency appeal of the gag order the next day.Biker's attorney files emergency appeal of gag order Tommy Witherspoon Waco Tribune-Herald-Herald July 1, 2015 July 12, 2015 http://www.wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/biker-s-attorney-files-emergency-appeal-of-gag-order/article_f5354298-3dd5-51a0-b258-e9348756cc95.html March 13, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170313111137/http://www.wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/biker-s-attorney-files-emergency-appeal-of-gag-order/article_f5354298-3dd5-51a0-b258-e9348756cc95.html live On September 14, 2016, three Waco police officers were cleared of wrongdoing in the shootout by a grand jury. A McLennan county grand jury reviewed the cases and chose not to charge Waco officers Andy O'Neal, Michael Bucher and Heath Jackson.Farmer Liz 3 Waco officers cleared of wrongdoing in Twin Peaks biker shootout that left 9 dead Dallas News September 14, 2016 https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2016/09/14/3-waco-officers-cleared-wrongdoing-twin-peaks-biker-shootout-left-9-dead April 10, 2017 April 11, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170411140219/https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2016/09/14/3-waco-officers-cleared-wrongdoing-twin-peaks-biker-shootout-left-9-dead live Indictments On November 10, 2015, a Waco grand jury indicted 106 people on felony charges of "engaging in organized criminal activity".Montgomery Dave 106 Indictments Handed Down in Waco Twin Peaks Biker Shootout The New York Times November 11, 2015 http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/11/12/us/106-indictments-handed-down-in-waco-twin-peaks-biker-shootout.html?_r=0&referer=https://www.google.com November 11, 2015 November 7, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171107010914/https://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/11/12/us/106-indictments-handed-down-in-waco-twin-peaks-biker-shootout.html?_r=0&referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com live Although a gag order was only imposed for attorneys involved in the Clendennen case, District Attorney Abel Reyna was "openly discuss[ing] the indictments after the grand jury action". Five defense attorneys representing arrested bikers issued statements criticizing the "cookie cutter" nature of the indictments, and Reyna's press conference.Witherspoon Tommy Twin Peaks biker attorneys decry grand jury proceedings https://wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/article_c4a7f1f6-0a43-5a67-a7c7-6bd735b86354.html https://web.archive.org/web/20251006124619/https://wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/article_c4a7f1f6-0a43-5a67-a7c7-6bd735b86354.html 2025-10-06 2025-10-06 Waco Tribune-Herald en The Houston Chronicle pointed out that six months had passed since the shootings, and that law enforcement had not yet said who specifically was responsible for the shootings, or whether any of those killed or wounded had been hit by police gunfire.Schiller Dane Which bikers were shot by Waco Police? Six months later, mystery remains Houston Chronicle November 12, 2015 http://blog.chron.com/narcoconfidential/2015/11/which-bikers-were-shot-by-waco-police-six-months-later-mystery-remains/ November 12, 2015 November 14, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151114000204/http://blog.chron.com/narcoconfidential/2015/11/which-bikers-were-shot-by-waco-police-six-months-later-mystery-remains/ live On May 9, 2018, prosecutors filed murder charges against three of the bikers and more than 20 others were re-indicted, this time on new charges.Schmall Emily 1st murder charges filed in 2015 Waco biker shooting http://www.fox4news.com/home/murder-charges-filed-in-2015-biker-shooting-in-texas 9 May 2018 Associated Press Associated Press 9 May 2018 May 10, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180510021213/http://www.fox4news.com/home/murder-charges-filed-in-2015-biker-shooting-in-texas live Trial, lack of convictions, and dismissal of charges The only one of the arrested bikers to be tried was Jake Carrizal, president of the Dallas chapter of the Bandidos motorcycle club. His trial ended in a mistrial on November 10, 2017. Mistrial in Waco biker shootout trial leaves 154 suspects in limbo USA Today November 12, 2017 https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2017/11/12/mistrial-waco-biker-shootout-trial-leaves-154-suspects-limbo/856490001/ April 1, 2018 April 2, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180402103647/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2017/11/12/mistrial-waco-biker-shootout-trial-leaves-154-suspects-limbo/856490001/ live As of February 28, 2018, 58 of the 154 bikers indicted had had their cases either dismissed or not prosecuted. Reyna to dismiss more Twin Peaks shootout cases Waco Tribune-Herald February 28, 2018 http://www.wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/reyna-to-dismiss-more-twin-peaks-shootout-cases/article_0d873c46-223c-599f-a985-21131589cd36.html April 1, 2018 April 2, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180402101650/http://www.wacotrib.com/news/twin-peaks-biker-shooting/reyna-to-dismiss-more-twin-peaks-shootout-cases/article_0d873c46-223c-599f-a985-21131589cd36.html live In March 2018, charges against Cody Ledbetter, a member of the Cossack motorcycle club, were dismissed. The McLennan County District Attorney had distributed sexually explicit pictures of Ledbetter and his wife, which had been on Ledbetter's cell phone, to attorneys for the 177 defendants. On March 28, 2018, a judge ordered the district attorney to stop distributing the photos. D.A. in Waco Biker Case Ordered to Stop 'Revenge Porn' Harassment of Ex-Defendant Reason March 29, 2018 https://reason.com/blog/2018/03/29/das-in-waco-biker-case-ordered-to-stop-d April 1, 2018 April 2, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180402090336/http://reason.com/blog/2018/03/29/das-in-waco-biker-case-ordered-to-stop-d live On April 27, 2018, a special prosecutor sought to dismiss all charges against defendant Matthew Clendennen, citing lack of evidence. During a conference regarding the rest of the defendants, the District Attorney's office said that they would likely dismiss most of the other cases, save for about 30.Witherspoon Tommy Special prosecutors seek dismissal of Clendennen Twin Peaks case http://www.wacotrib.com/news/courts_and_trials/special-prosecutors-seek-dismissal-of-clendennen-twin-peaks-case/article_9ec856ed-95dd-5b9a-a3b9-d4fdce93f6f3.html Waco Tribune-Herald April 30, 2018 3 May 2018 May 4, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180504090817/http://www.wacotrib.com/news/courts_and_trials/special-prosecutors-seek-dismissal-of-clendennen-twin-peaks-case/article_9ec856ed-95dd-5b9a-a3b9-d4fdce93f6f3.html live As of January 2019, about 26 of the original 155 bikers remain indicted. Their trials were postponed for several months to allow new district attorney Barry Johnson time to review them and decide how to proceed.https://www.wacotrib.com/news/courts_and_trials/courts-gear-up-for-high-profile-waco-cases-in-new/article_bc31478c-52b7-5bda-8880-2aa4af58f5ea.html Courts gear up for high-profile Waco cases in new year Witherspoon Tommy WacoTrib.com January 26, 2019 April 3, 2019 April 3, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190403145910/https://www.wacotrib.com/news/courts_and_trials/courts-gear-up-for-high-profile-waco-cases-in-new/article_bc31478c-52b7-5bda-8880-2aa4af58f5ea.html live On April 2, 2019, all of the remaining criminal cases were dismissed. In 2019, over 130 civil rights lawsuits by the bikers were pending against the former DA, the former Police Chief, city of Waco, McLennan County, and local and state officers involved in the mass arrest. See also 2015 Waco shootout Nordic Biker War Milperra massacre National Western Complex shootout Quebec Biker War River Run riot 2023 Trabuco Canyon shooting of Bandidos 2006 Bandidos massacre of Ontario, Shedden List of mass shootings in the United States in 2023 List of shootings in Texas References 31.4973 N 97.1510 W source:wikidata title Category:Shootouts in the United States Category:2015 in Texas Category:2015 mass shootings in the United States Category:2015 murders in the United States Category:2010s crimes in Texas Category:Attacks on restaurants in the United States Category:Bandidos Motorcycle Club Category:2015 conflicts Category:Deaths by firearm in Texas Category:Filmed killings in the United States Category:History of Waco, Texas Category:2015 mass murders Category:Mass shootings in Texas Category:Attacks on buildings and structures in Texas Category:May 2015 crimes in the United States Category:Mass murders in Texas Category:Organized crime conflicts in the United States Category:Outlaw motorcycle club conflicts Category:Attacks on buildings and structures in 2015 Category:2010s mass murders in the United States