Waco, TX — A firearm seized by Waco police earlier this year has led to a significant breakthrough in the investigation of a fatal shooting that occurred in November 2023. Demerrion Keith Crayton, 23, was arrested and charged with the murder of Michael Everett Jr., 24, after ballistics evidence and DNA testing connected Crayton to the crime.
Crayton had been in custody since May when police served a warrant for his arrest, but it was only this week that he faced formal charges related to Everett’s death. The shooting occurred on November 15, 2023, at the Villages apartment complex on North Sixth Street in Waco. Everett, who was shot while inside an SUV, succumbed to his injuries two days later in a local hospital.
According to an arrest affidavit, a ballistic analysis of the confiscated firearm linked it directly to the shell casings found at the scene of the shooting and a bullet recovered during Everett’s autopsy. In addition, DNA testing confirmed a strong match between Crayton and the weapon, further strengthening the case against him.
Social media photos and videos also played a pivotal role in the investigation. Investigators uncovered images and videos showing Crayton in possession of the same firearm on the day Everett was killed, along with metadata that placed him in the vicinity of the shooting.
Initially, Crayton denied involvement in the murder, telling authorities he had been at work at the time of the incident. However, his former employer contradicted this statement, confirming that Crayton was not scheduled to work on the day of the shooting.
Police believe the attack was targeted. The affidavit suggests that Crayton and others may have been lying in wait near the apartments before opening fire on Everett’s vehicle. Another individual inside the SUV managed to flee the scene on foot, but Everett was fatally shot.
Crayton is currently being held at the McLennan County Jail on a $515,000 bond. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Everett’s death.
The case has drawn significant attention as it highlights the role of forensic evidence and social media in modern criminal investigations. The Waco Police Department is urging anyone with further information to come forward as they continue to piece together the events leading to Everett’s tragic death.
