Baytown Man Arrested in January Homicide on James Bowie Drive

BAYTOWN, Texas — The Baytown Police Department has arrested 20-year-old Zachary Eleby of Baytown in connection with the murder of 32-year-old Jerome Harris of Louisiana.

Detectives began investigating the case on January 31, 2026, after officers responded to the 1700 block of James Bowie Drive. When they arrived, they found Harris suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

According to Baytown Police, Eleby has been charged with Harris’ murder. Officials say the arrest came after weeks of investigative work that included evidence analysis, the use of technology, and cooperation from members of the community.

Baytown Police Chief John Stringer praised the detectives involved in the case.

“I am extremely proud of our detectives for their relentless dedication to this investigation,” Stringer said. “Their ability to combine technology with information provided by our community played a critical role in bringing this case forward. This arrest reflects the importance of teamwork and the trust between our department and the community we serve.”