TEMPLE, TX (January 9, 2026) – The Temple Police Department has identified the deceased as 41-year-old Leonel Benavides Jr from Laredo, TX.
TEMPLE, TX (January 8, 2026) – The Temple Police Department is investigating a traffic accident that left one individual deceased.
At around 4:52 a.m., on Thursday, January 8, officers were dispatched to the area of exit 297 on northbound Interstate 35 for a traffic accident involving two tractor-trailers. Upon arrival, officers located the two tractor-trailers and learned that one of them struck the back of the other.
One individual was pronounced deceased on scene by Justice of the Peace Larry Wilkey. No other injuries have been reported.
Preliminary investigation suggests this accident occurred due to the standstill traffic on the highway. The Temple Police Department Traffic Unit will be on scene investigating, and the highway will be shut down for several hours.
This case is under investigation, and no other information will be released at this time. Anyone with information should contact the Temple Police Department at 254-298-5500 or the Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-8477, where callers can report anonymously. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at bellcountycrimestoppers.com.