A Tarrant County grand jury has returned an indictment for Murder in connection to the 2019 shooting death of Nicholas Coffman.
New information APD Homicide detectives received in late 2023 helped them to pinpoint 23-year-old Keyon Flynn as a suspect in the case. Mr. Flynn is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence for an unrelated conviction. Because he is already incarcerated, the decision was made in consultation with the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office to direct-file one count of Murder against him and to present the case to a grand jury.
Mr. Coffman, who was 21-years-old at the time of his death, was shot and killed on August 3, 2019.
Based on their investigation, detectives believe Mr. Coffman and a friend pulled into Deaver Park, which is located at 5800 Kelly Elliott Road, at approximately 9:16 p.m. that night. They were attempting to sell a handgun and arranged to meet at the park with a potential buyer they’d communicated with via a social media app. Another vehicle with multiple people inside was already in the parking lot waiting for them.
Mr. Coffman got out of his friend’s vehicle and had a brief discussion with one of the passengers in the suspect vehicle. He was then directed to go around to the other side of the car, at which point another passenger in the suspect vehicle produced a handgun and fired at him. The bullet struck Mr. Coffman in the abdomen. Mr. Coffman’s friend immediately drove him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
During the initial investigation in 2019, detectives were able to identify multiple individuals who were in contact with Mr. Coffman the night of his death -- including Mr. Flynn -- but needed additional evidence to proceed with a Murder charge in the case. In September 2023, a witness was re-interviewed by detectives and provided new information that placed Mr. Flynn at the crime scene in the suspect vehicle.
After subsequent investigation, including a photo lineup during which Mr. Flynn was positively identified by the witness, they were able to move forward with charges.
“This is an outstanding example of the dedication and perseverance of our employees,” said Chief of Police Al Jones. “I’m proud of the detectives who worked on this case throughout the years and never gave up on solving it. The Arlington Police Department is committed to clearing homicide cases and delivering justice to the families of victims.”
Although detectives believe Mr. Flynn orchestrated the shooting, they have not ruled out the possibility that others could be charged in the case as well.
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