Markell Toombs-Reed

One Sentenced, Second Awaiting Trial in Markell Toombs-Reed Murder

Twenty-four-year-old Markell Davarion Dawane Toombs-Reed was shot and killed during the early morning hours of January 26, 2023, in Amarillo. Officers responding to reports of gunfire at approximately 5:45 a.m. found Toombs-Reed lying in the street near Southwest 41st Avenue and South Travis Street. He was pronounced dead at the scene.^[1]

Investigators recovered 25 shell casings from the street and reported that Toombs-Reed also had a firearm. Police did not immediately identify a suspect, and the killing was considered Amarillo’s first homicide of 2023. Months later, investigators released surveillance footage showing several people and a silver or gray Chevrolet Impala believed to be connected to the shooting.^[2]

In January 2024, police arrested Kevin Anthony Fortuna of Graham, Texas, on charges of murder and tampering with physical evidence. A Randall County grand jury later indicted Fortuna and Juade Rique Gonzales, who was arrested in April 2024. Authorities said a third person visible in the surveillance footage had not been publicly identified.^[3]

Fortuna pleaded guilty to murder and evidence tampering in January 2026. He received concurrent sentences of 25 years for murder and 10 years for tampering with evidence. Gonzales remains charged with murder, and the latest Randall County court docket lists his trial for October 12, 2026. The charge against him remains an allegation unless and until proven in court.^[4]

Toombs-Reed was remembered by his family as a caring Amarillo High School graduate, devoted father and active church member who participated in his church’s drumline and youth department.