One Way Baptist Church Faces Negligence Lawsuit After Round Rock Juneteenth Shooting

Introduction

In a developing civil case drawing attention to event security negligence, One Way Baptist Church, the organizer of the 2024 Round Rock Juneteenth celebration, is named in a lawsuit stemming from a tragic mass shooting. The incident at Old Settlers Park on June 15, 2024, resulted in two deaths and 14 injuries, prompting plaintiffs to allege inadequate safety measures at the family-friendly event. This Round Rock Juneteenth shooting lawsuit highlights critical issues in public event planning, particularly for cultural celebrations like Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865.

Understanding the context is essential: Juneteenth events in Round Rock had run smoothly for 15 consecutive years prior, fostering a sense of community safety. However, the 2024 shooting shattered that trust, leading to criminal arrests and now this civil action seeking over $1 million in damages. This article breaks down the facts, legal claims, and broader implications for Juneteenth shooting victims and event organizers.

What is Juneteenth and Why Does It Matter?

Juneteenth, officially recognized as a federal holiday since 2021, marks the day Union General Gordon Granger announced the emancipation of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas. Local celebrations, like Round Rock’s at Old Settlers Park, typically feature music, food, and family activities, emphasizing cultural pride and unity.

Analysis

The One Way Baptist Church lawsuit centers on claims of negligence, a common legal theory in premises liability cases. Plaintiffs argue that the church and its agents failed to prevent a foreseeable risk, allowing the vendor area to become unsafe. Police reports detail 24 shell casings from four separate guns, indicating a coordinated criminal act amid a crowded event.

Criminal Background of the Shooting

Investigations by Round Rock Police Department (RRPD) revealed the shooting targeted a rival gang member following a “rap diss.” Arrests include Terrell Hatch (18), Payton Green (20), Terren Jackson (18), and Amarjai Terry (17) in May 2025, charged with engaging in organized criminal activity with conspiracy to commit aggravated assault—a first-degree felony in Texas. Earlier arrests involved Ricky Thompson III, Keshawn Dixon, and an unidentified juvenile.

These charges underscore how interpersonal conflicts escalated into violence at a public gathering, raising questions about crowd control and threat assessment.

Plaintiffs’ Specific Allegations

Rebekah Ross and Jefrey Tovar, two Juneteenth shooting victims, filed the suit. Tovar sustained a shoulder gunshot wound, while Ross reports ongoing psychological trauma. The complaint names the church, its staff, Thompson, and Dixon as defendants for “negligently creating an unreasonably dangerous atmosphere.”

Their attorney, Cory Clements, stated that repeated settlement attempts with the church’s insurer failed, as the provider denied responsibility for the “egregious lack of security” at a promoted family event.

Summary

The 2024 Round Rock Juneteenth shooting at Old Settlers Park, organized by One Way Baptist Church, turned a 15-year tradition into tragedy. A hail of gunfire killed two and injured 14, leading to multiple arrests and a civil negligence lawsuit by victims Ross and Tovar against the church and involved individuals. No responses have come from the church or the City of Round Rock, which assisted in event logistics. Attendee Cluren Williams described post-shooting chaos, noting complacency after years without incident.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For event organizers planning Juneteenth celebrations or similar public gatherings, proactive security is paramount. Here’s verifiable, best-practice guidance drawn from industry standards like those from the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) and FEMA event safety guidelines.

Implementing Robust Security Measures

Conduct thorough risk assessments, including gang activity monitoring via local law enforcement liaisons. Deploy metal detectors, bag checks, and trained security personnel at entry points. For crowds over 1,000, aim for one officer per 100-200 attendees, per NFPA 101 Life Safety Code recommendations.

Coordination with Authorities

Partner with police for pre-event briefings and on-site presence. Use clear communication protocols, such as apps for real-time incident reporting, to mitigate risks like the vendor-area shooting in Round Rock.

Insurance and Documentation

Secure comprehensive event liability insurance covering negligence claims. Document all safety plans, attendee counts, and incident responses to defend against lawsuits.

Points of Caution

Event planners must avoid overconfidence from past successes, as Williams noted Round Rock’s “guard down” after 15 safe years. Key cautions include:

• Underestimating Threats: Even family events can attract conflicts; monitor social media for “rap diss” indicators.
• Inadequate Staffing: Insufficient security can lead to chaos, as described by witnesses.
• Shared Liability: Cities co-sponsoring events share responsibility; Round Rock’s involvement underscores multi-party coordination needs.
• Post-Incident Response: Delayed communication, like the church’s silence, can escalate legal issues.

Comparison

This case mirrors other U.S. festival shootings where negligence suits followed. For instance, the 2021 Astroworld Festival in Houston resulted in a class-action lawsuit against organizers for crowd crush failures, settling for millions. Similarly, the 2017 Las Vegas Route 91 Harvest shooting prompted suits against MGM Resorts for security lapses, though many were dismissed on security legislation grounds.

Key Differences and Similarities

| Aspect | Round Rock Juneteenth | Astroworld | Las Vegas |
|——–|———————–|———–|———-|
| Casualties | 2 dead, 14 injured | 10 dead | 58+ dead |
| Cause | Gunfire/gang-related | Crowd surge | Mass shooting |
| Lawsuit Focus | Negligence in security | Capacity/staging | Perimeter/foreseeability |
| Outcome | Pending | Settled | Mixed rulings |

Unlike Las Vegas, protected by the Security Systems Contractor Act in some claims, Round Rock’s community event lacks such shields, strengthening negligence arguments.

Legal Implications

In Texas, negligence requires proving duty, breach, causation, and damages—elements central to this Round Rock mass shooting civil suit. Churches and nonprofits owe invitees (attendees) a duty of reasonable care under premises liability law (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 95.001 et seq.).

Potential Outcomes

Success hinges on evidence like police affidavits showing foreseeability. If proven, joint-and-several liability could hold defendants accountable proportionally. Insurers often settle to avoid juries sympathetic to Juneteenth shooting victims, as Clements aims for a Travis County trial. No criminal liability attaches to organizers here, per reports.

Conclusion

The lawsuit against One Way Baptist Church over the Round Rock Juneteenth shooting underscores the fragility of public events and the duty to prioritize safety. While criminal perpetrators face felony charges, civil claims seek accountability for alleged negligence, offering closure to victims like Ross and Tovar. This tragedy, mourned by attendees like Williams, serves as a stark reminder: robust security planning is non-negotiable for cultural staples like Juneteenth. Future events must learn from 2024 to restore community trust.

FAQ

Sources

• KXAN Austin: “Church faces lawsuit over Round Rock Juneteenth shooting” (Published November 8, 2025).
• Round Rock Police Department arrest affidavits and reports on the June 15, 2024, incident.
• Plaintiff attorney statement by Cory Clements.
• Witness account from Cluren Williams to KXAN.
• Texas Penal Code § 71.02 (Organized Crime); Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code (Premises Liability).
• IAVM and FEMA event security guidelines.