Jim Wells County man passes after fatal gunshot in La Gloria investigation
In the unincorporated community of La Gloria, Texas in southern Jim Wells County, Texas, a tragic incident was discovered Monday afternoon that has left the small region in shock and mourning. The victim, Johnny Quick, a resident of Premont, Texas, was found on County Road 402 with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Deputies with the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about an unresponsive adult male and upon arrival located Quick already deceased at the scene.
Johnny Quick was beloved in his hometown of Premont—a familiar face in local gatherings, known for his friendly manner and willingness to help neighbors. The sudden and violent nature of his passing has sent ripples through family, friends, and the wider Premont-La Gloria community. While details about his personal life and background have been limited publicly, those who knew him describe him as someone deeply connected to his community and committed to those around him.
According to Sheriff Joseph “Guy” Baker, the scene on County Road 402 was secured immediately, and a full homicide investigation was launched. The sheriff’s office is working to determine the timeline of events: when Quick arrived at or was approached at that location, whether the gunshot occurred there or he was moved post-injury, and what possible relationships or motivations were involved. At this time, no suspect has been publicly named, and no arrests have been announced.
Law-enforcement officials are treating the case as urgent, citing the rural location’s challenges: sparse lighting, limited nearby witnesses, and long stretches of isolated roadway. Deputies are canvassing nearby homes, checking for surveillance cameras or dash-cam footage from vehicles passing County Road 402, and asking anyone who may have been in the area on Monday afternoon to come forward. The sheriff’s office emphasized that even small details—such as a vehicle lingering on the road, an unfamiliar person walking in the area, or a loud sound—may be key to advancing the investigation.
The impact on the community in Premont and La Gloria is profound. Friends of Quick have begun to gather at memorials and vigils, sharing memories of his kindness, his role in local events, and the sudden, inexplicable nature of his departure. Local ministers and civic leaders have offered support to Quick’s family, encouraging the community to draw strength together while authorities pursue justice on their behalf.
Meanwhile, county officials are reflecting on the broader implications of violence in even the quieter corners of the region. The incident on County Road 402 has sparked discussions around rural public-safety, response times in remote locations, and how to better support neighbors in areas that may feel removed from law-enforcement presence. Sheriff Baker has reiterated his office’s commitment to investigating thoroughly and keeping the public informed as legally permissible.
As official forensic work continues—ballistics, autopsy results, and crime-scene reconstructions—the community waits for answers. Quick’s family, already facing the pain of his unexpected passing, now must prepare for the logistics of funeral arrangements amid grief and uncertainty. The sheriff’s office has also encouraged anyone with information, no matter how minor, to reach out, highlighting the importance of community cooperation in solving homicide investigations in less-populated areas.
In his life, Johnny Quick made his home in Premont; in his passing, he has drawn together his community in mourning. The investigation in La Gloria remains ongoing, as the sheriff’s office strives to piece together what led to the gunshot wound that claimed his life on County Road 402. For friends, neighbors, and family, the hope is not only to find accountability, but to honor the memory of a man who will be deeply missed.
