Montgomery Co. Grand Jury Clears Deputy in Fatal Shot

**Grand Jury Declines to Indict Deputy in Fatal Conroe Shooting**

**Conroe, TX – June 14, 2024** – A Montgomery County grand jury has decided not to indict Precinct 1 Deputy D.J. Hinojosa in the fatal shooting of 44-year-old John Thomas Miller of Conroe, effectively closing the criminal aspect of the case. The decision was handed down today, concluding a months-long investigation into the December 2023 incident.

The shooting occurred on December 23, 2023, around 3:45 AM, in the 2700 block of Sherman Street, a residential area in Conroe. Deputy Hinojosa was responding to a report of a suspicious vehicle parked in a driveway.

According to authorities, upon Deputy Hinojosa’s arrival, Miller was reportedly inside the vehicle. Officials stated that Miller then allegedly attempted to run over Deputy Hinojosa with the car. In response, Hinojosa fired his weapon multiple times, striking Miller. Miller later succumbed to his injuries, while Deputy Hinojosa was unharmed.

As is standard protocol for officer-involved shootings in Texas, the investigation was turned over to the Texas Rangers, an independent law enforcement agency, to ensure impartiality. The Rangers conducted a thorough review of the evidence, including witness statements, forensic findings, and official reports.

Their findings were subsequently presented to the 435th District Court grand jury for review. After careful consideration of all the evidence presented, the grand jury determined there was insufficient cause to issue criminal charges against Deputy Hinojosa. Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon confirmed the grand jury’s decision, stating that the criminal investigation into the shooting is now closed.

A grand jury’s role is to determine if there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed, not to determine guilt or innocence. Their decision not to indict means they found no probable cause to proceed with criminal charges against Deputy Hinojosa in this incident.

“This is a difficult situation for everyone involved, for Mr. Miller’s family, and for our deputy,” said Precinct 1 Constable Philip Cash in a statement following the grand jury’s decision. “We respect the grand jury’s process and their thorough review of the evidence presented by the Texas Rangers. Deputy Hinojosa has cooperated fully throughout the investigation, and we are grateful for the diligence of the Rangers and the grand jury.”

Deputy Hinojosa had been on administrative leave, a standard procedure following an officer-involved shooting, pending the outcome of the investigation. Precinct 1 officials indicated they would be reviewing his duty status in light of the grand jury’s decision.

While the criminal aspect of the case is now concluded, civil proceedings, such as a wrongful death lawsuit, remain a possibility for Miller’s family.