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The original item was published from 2/9/2026 11:53:00 AM to 2/9/2026 11:54:04 AM.

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Posted on: February 3, 2026 | Last Modified on: February 9, 2026

[ARCHIVED] UPDATE: Baytown Police Department Investigating Homicide

Baytown Police News Release

Case #2026-5544

Update: Monday, February 9, 2026

Baytown Police Department arrests 20-year-old Zachary Eleby of Baytown. Eleby has been charged with the murder of Jerome Harris.

This arrest is the result of diligent investigative work by Baytown Police detectives, who utilized a combination of evidence analysis, technology, and strong community partnerships to advance the case. Chief of Police John Stringer commended the efforts of the department, stating: “I am extremely proud of our detectives for their relentless dedication to this investigation. Their ability to combine technology with information provided by our community played a critical role in bringing this case forward. This arrest reflects the importance of teamwork and the trust between our department and the community we serve.”

*All persons arrested are afforded all guaranteed constitutional rights and presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.*

Spanish Translation

Actualización: lunes, 9 de febrero del 2026

El Departamento de Policía de Baytown arrestó a Zachary Eleby, de 20 años, residente de Baytown. Eleby ha sido acusado del asesinato de Jerome Harris.

Este arresto es el resultado del trabajo diligente de investigación realizado por los detectives del Departamento de Policía de Baytown, quienes utilizaron una combinación de análisis de evidencia, tecnología y sólidas alianzas comunitarias para avanzar el caso. El Jefe de Policía John Stringer elogió los esfuerzos del departamento, declarando: Estoy sumamente orgulloso de nuestros detectives por su incansable dedicación a esta investigación. Su capacidad para combinar la tecnología con la información proporcionada por nuestra comunidad desempeñó un papel fundamental para avanzar este caso. Este arresto refleja la importancia del trabajo en equipo y la confianza entre nuestro departamento y la comunidad a la que servimos.

*Todas las personas arrestadas gozan de todos los derechos constitucionales garantizados y se presumen inocentes hasta que se demuestre su culpabilidad en un tribunal de justicia.*

Arrested: Zachary Eleby, 20, of Baytown (pictured)

Arrestado: Zachary Eleby, 20 años, de Baytown (en la foto)

ELEBY, ZACHARY###

The Baytown Police Department is investigating a homicide involving 32-year-old Jerome Harris of Louisiana. 

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Baytown Police officers were dispatched to an apartment complex in the 1700 block of James Bowie Drive in reference to an unresponsive male. Upon arrival, Baytown Fire Department paramedics were providing life-saving measures. 

Baytown Police Crime Scene personnel and detectives responded to process the scene. The male was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. Investigators have determined the cause of death to be a gunshot wound. This incident remains under investigation. 

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to come forward. Any information, no matter how small, may be crucial in providing answers and closure to the victim’s loved ones. Tips can be submitted anonymously by contacting Baytown Crime Stoppers at (281) 427-TIPS (8477), online, or through the P3 Tips app available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. 

Spanish Translation

El Departamento de Policía de Baytown está investigando un homicidio que involucra a Jerome Harris, de 32 años, de Luisiana.

El sábado 31 de enero de 2026, aproximadamente a las 10:00 p. m., oficiales del Departamento de Policía de Baytown acudieron a un complejo de apartamentos en la calle 1700 de James Bowie Drive en referencia a un hombre inconsciente. Al llegar, paramédicos del Departamento de Bomberos de Baytown ya se encontraban en la escena brindando medidas para salvarle la vida.

Personal de la escena del crimen y detectives del Departamento de Policía de Baytown respondieron para procesar la escena. El hombre fue trasladado a un hospital local, donde posteriormente fue declarado fallecido. Los investigadores han determinado que la causa de la muerte fue una herida por arma de fuego. Este incidente continúa bajo investigación.

Cualquier persona que tenga información relacionada con este caso es exhortada a que se comunique. Cualquier información, por mínima que sea, puede ser crucial para brindar respuestas y cierre a los seres queridos de la víctima. Las pistas pueden enviarse de manera anónima comunicándose con Baytown Crime Stoppers al (281) 427-TIPS (8477), en línea o a través de la aplicación P3 Tips disponible en la App Store de Apple y Google Play.

Victim: Jerome Harris, 32, of Louisiana (pictured) 

Víctima: Jerome Harris, 32 años, de Luisiana (en la imagen)

Jerome Harris, 32, of Louisiana (picture 1)Jerome Harris, 32, of Louisiana (picture 2)

###

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