Celebratory Gunfire Turns Tragic, Woman Shot Inside Diboll Home During New Year’s Party

ANGELINA COUNTY, TX – A New Year’s celebration outside Diboll turned violent early Wednesday morning after celebratory gunfire led to a woman being shot inside a home, according to the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office.

Around 2:00 a.m. on January 1, 2026, sheriff’s dispatchers received a call reporting a shooting in the 1100 block of Ryan Chapel Road. Deputies arrived to find 25-year-old Leah Latoya Davis of Hillsboro suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck.

Investigators determined a New Year’s party was taking place at the residence when celebratory gunfire occurred outside the home. Deputies observed 21-year-old Kiander Chatman of Crockett with blood on his shirt and hands at the scene. Authorities said Chatman had been firing a .223-caliber AR-15 style pistol.

According to investigators, Chatman was initially evasive and untruthful but later admitted that after firing shots into the woods, he brought the weapon onto the porch to “clear it.” While pulling the charging handle, the firearm discharged. The round penetrated the front door of the residence and struck Davis inside, where she and friends were playing cards.

Davis was conscious and able to speak with deputies while being transported by ambulance to a local hospital. Family members later indicated she was transferred to an out-of-town hospital and was listed in intensive care. Her current condition has not been released.

Deputies noted Chatman appeared intoxicated at the scene. He was arrested and charged with Deadly Conduct, a third-degree felony. The firearm, identified as an Alpha Maxx 556, was recovered from Chatman’s vehicle. He remains in the Angelina County Jail with bond set at $75,000.

The Angelina County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that celebratory gunfire is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury, death, or property damage, particularly when alcohol is involved. Authorities continue to discourage the practice, noting it has historically led to incidents on New Year’s Eve.