Who is Corey Thompson? A Look at the Life and Crimes of the Texas Bank Shooter
Corey Thompson, 23, is the prime suspect in a deadly shooting that took place at a Wells Fargo bank in Houston, Texas, on December 22, 2023. He is accused of killing James Watson, 32, an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, and injuring two other customers who were waiting in line at the bank. Thompson was arrested by the Philadelphia Police Department on December 29, 2023, after a tip from a witness who recognized him from a surveillance video released by the Houston Police Department.
Corey Thompson – A Troubled Past
According to the police records, Thompson has a history of criminal activity and mental health issues. He was arrested in March 2022 for allegedly shooting and killing his girlfriend, Sarah Jones, 21, in their apartment in Germantown, Philadelphia. He claimed that he acted in self-defense after Jones attacked him with a knife, but the evidence suggested otherwise. He was charged with murder, but he was released on a $500,000 bond in June 2022, pending trial.
Corey Thompson also had a restraining order against him from his ex-wife, Jessica Smith, 24, who filed for divorce in 2021, citing domestic violence and drug abuse. Smith said that Thompson was a “violent and unstable” person who threatened to kill her and their two children, aged 4 and 2. She said that he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after serving in the Navy for two years, but he refused to seek professional help. She also said that he was addicted to methamphetamine and cocaine and that he often carried a gun with him.
A random act of violence
On December 22, 2023, Thompson drove from Philadelphia to Houston, Texas, in a stolen car, according to the police. He arrived at the Wells Fargo bank on Main Street at around 10 a.m., wearing a mask and a hoodie. He entered the bank and pulled out a handgun, demanding money from the tellers. He then fired several shots at the customers who were in the bank, hitting three of them.
One of the victims was James Watson, 32, an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan from 2019 to 2021. He was a Purple Heart recipient who was wounded in action by an improvised explosive device (IED). He was honorably discharged in 2021 and moved to Houston with his wife, Lisa Watson, 31, and their daughter, Emma Watson, 5. He worked as a security guard at a local mall and was planning to enroll in college to pursue a degree in criminal justice. He was at the bank to deposit his paycheck when he was shot in the chest by Corey Thompson. He died at the scene.
The other two victims were Maria Gonzalez, 45, a mother of three who worked as a nurse at a nearby hospital, and Kevin Lee, 28, a college student who was studying engineering. They were both shot in the arm and leg, respectively and were taken to the hospital. They are expected to survive.
A nationwide manhunt
After the shooting, Thompson fled the scene in the stolen car, leaving behind his mask and hoodie. He drove to a nearby gas station, where he abandoned the car and stole another one. He then headed east, crossing several state lines. The Houston Police Department launched a nationwide manhunt for Corey, releasing his photo and description to the public. They also offered a $100,000 reward for any information leading to his arrest.
On December 29, 2023, a witness in Philadelphia recognized Corey Thompson from the surveillance video and called the police. The police tracked down Thompson to a motel on Broad Street, where they surrounded him and ordered him to surrender. He refused to comply and opened fire at the police, injuring one officer in the shoulder. The police returned fire and wounded Corey in the leg. He was then taken into custody and transported to the hospital.
A motive unknown
The police are still investigating the motive behind Corey Thompson’s shooting spree. They have not found any connection between Thompson and Watson, or any of the other victims. They believe that he acted alone and randomly, without any specific target or plan. They are also looking into Thompson’s mental health and drug use, as well as his military background and criminal record.
Thompson is facing multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, aggravated robbery, and assault on a police officer. He is expected to be extradited to Texas, where he could face the death penalty if convicted. He has not entered a plea yet, and his lawyer has not commented on the case.
A community in mourning
The shooting has shocked and saddened the community of Houston, especially the family and friends of James Watson. His wife, Lisa Watson, said that he was a loving husband and father, who sacrificed his life for his country and his family. She said that he was looking forward to starting a new career and a new life in Houston and that he did not deserve to die in such a senseless way. She said that she hopes that Thompson will be brought to justice and that he will pay for what he did.
Watson’s funeral was held on December 27, 2023, at the Houston National Cemetery, where he was buried with full military honors. Hundreds of people attended the service, including his fellow veterans, his co-workers, his neighbors, and his daughter, Emma, who wore a purple ribbon in honor of her father. A memorial fund has been set up to support Watson’s family, and a candlelight vigil has been organized to honor his memory.
The shooting has also sparked a debate on gun violence and gun control in the country, as well as the need for better mental health care and support for veterans. Many people have expressed their anger and frustration over the lack of action and change in the face of such tragedies. They have called for stricter background checks, bans on assault weapons, and more resources for mental health services. They have also urged the government and society to do more to help and respect the veterans who risk their lives for the nation.
The shooting has also reminded the people of the value and fragility of life, and the importance of kindness and compassion. Many people have expressed their condolences and solidarity with the victims and their families, and have offered their prayers and support. They have also shared their stories and experiences of gun violence, and have encouraged others to do the same. They have also vowed to cherish their loved ones and to live each day with gratitude and hope.
