Family member arrested in Georgia after death of Crowley ISD JROTC instructor

Lina Portman5 days ago

0 1 minute read

LOWNDES COUNTY, Georgia — A family member in Georgia has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a Crowley ISD Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps instructor.

The family member was arrested more than 1,000 miles away in Valdosta, Georgia, Saturday morning, according to the Fort Worth Police Department.

Crowley Independent School District Officer Training Center

Investigators believe the family member shot Master Sergeant Gene Bass, 54, in the front yard of a home along Chesapeake Bay Dr. Friday afternoon. Detectives said the suspect went to the residence and fired several shots before fleeing the scene in a vehicle.

Crowley ISD said Bass worked with cadets from all of Crowley ISD's middle and high school campuses, describing him as a “beloved” and “valuable” member of their family.

“This is an incredibly sad time for all of us, especially those who knew MSGT Bass as an instructor and friend,” a statement from the school district read. “He was an exceptional educator and colleague, and he touched the lives of countless students and staff.”

The family member has not yet been identified and has no motive.

This is a developing story.

SE Jenkins

SE Jenkins is a digital content producer for CBS Texas. SE previously held positions in London and Ukraine. She has also been a digital content producer in Tallahassee and Myrtle Beach. SE holds degrees in journalism from Texas State University, Aarhus Universitet and the City University of London.