Lawmaker Calls for Public Hearing After Capital Murderer Suspect Released From TDCJ

AUSTIN, Texas — State Representative David Lowe (R–North Richland Hills) has formally requested a public hearing to investigate the mistaken release of Tydrick Davis, a defendant accused of capital murder, from Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) custody.

Beaumont police arrested 20 year old Tydrick Davis in 2024, for the allegedly murdering Ebonie Gilbert. David was accused of being involved in a burglary at Gilbert’s residence. When she went outside to confront the burglars, they shot her at close range in her driveway where she stood and then ran away. She struggled to crawl back into her home to try to call for help, but was unable to before she died. The chilling incident was captured on a Ring door camera.

In a letter addressed to House Corrections Committee Chairman Sam Harless, Lowe urged the committee to convene a hearing to determine how Davis was released despite a detainer from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office directing that he be returned to local authorities.

“Texans deserve to know how this happened, who failed in their duties, and what safeguards are being put in place to ensure it doesn’t happen again,” Lowe wrote. “When government agencies fail to communicate, bureaucrats make excuses, and dangerous criminals are allowed back onto our streets, it is the public that bears the risk.”

Lowe’s letter calls for testimony from all relevant parties, including TDCJ Executive Director Bobby Lumpkin, and demands a transparent review of the communication breakdown that led to Davis’s release.

The lawmaker emphasized that accountability is essential to restoring public trust in the state’s correctional system and ensuring justice for the family of Ebonie Gilbert, the victim in the case.

“Public safety demands accountability,” Lowe said in a statement accompanying the letter. “Texans deserve answers, accountability, and safeguards to ensure this never happens again.”

The request adds pressure on state officials to explain the procedural failure and outline corrective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The capital murder suspect is currently on the run and is wanted. If you have information on the whereabouts of Tydrick Davis, you can contact Crime Stoppers at (409) 833-TIPS (8477). All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.