Shooting Near Buckholts Involving Grace Durbin and Cody Villareal Triggers Multi-Agency Response, Suspect Remains At Large

CAMERON, TX — A shooting early Tuesday morning near Buckholts involving 24-year-old Grace Durbin and her 38-year-old boyfriend Cody Villareal prompted an extensive multi-agency response and search operation, as law enforcement worked to secure the scene and locate the suspected shooter.

The Milam County Sheriff’s Office received a call just after 11:00 a.m. on August 26, 2025, regarding a gunshot victim in the 1800 block of County Road 104 off FM 1915. First responders arriving on the scene found Durbin, who had sustained a single gunshot wound. She was immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment. Durbin informed deputies that she had been shot by Villareal.

As additional units arrived, deputies established a perimeter around the property to contain the situation and attempted to make contact with Villareal. Negotiators made several calls to the suspect, but received no response. The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and mobile command unit were called in to assist, and tactical plans were developed to search the buildings on the property.

An armored vehicle from Williamson County approached the main building and attempted to make contact with anyone inside. After receiving no response, officers created an entry point in the door and deployed a drone to conduct a search. No suspects were located during this initial inspection.

During the operation, a nearby property owner reported a suspicious individual on top of a large trailer in a field overlooking the suspect’s property. Units were diverted to investigate the tip and detained a male subject, who was ultimately determined not to be the suspect, extending the duration of the search.

Law enforcement then returned to the original property and conducted a more thorough search by foot, vehicle, and air support. By approximately 5:00 p.m., the property was declared secure, and units began clearing the scene.

Despite the extensive efforts, Cody Villareal remains at large. Authorities are seeking warrants for his arrest on the charge of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon-Family Violence. Both Villareal and Durbin are known to law enforcement. In fact, in April of this year, Durbin reportedly shot Villareal on the same property. At that time, Durbin had active warrants for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon-Family Violence. While Villareal is currently not considered a public threat, anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.

Milam County Sheriff Clore expressed his gratitude for the coordinated response among multiple agencies, highlighting the professionalism and dedication displayed throughout the search. Participating agencies included:

  • Williamson County Sheriff’s Office
  • Texas Department of Public Safety
  • Texas Rangers
  • Buckholts Police Department
  • Milam County Emergency Services District 1 Paramedics
  • Milam County Fire Marshal

The investigation remains active, and authorities continue to urge residents in the area to exercise caution and report any sightings of Villareal.

Contact Information:
Brett Eberhart, Public Information Officer
Milam County Sheriff’s Office
Phone: 254-627-1740

This incident has been reported by KRXT 98.5, KMIL 105.1 The Ranch, The Cameron Herald, and The Rockdale Reporter, and updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

 

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