Chase Daniel Dean, 14, Fatally Shot in Conroe; James Fuller, Mason Goodwin, and a 15-Year-Old Juvenile Arrested on Murder Charges
Chase Daniel Dean, 14, Fatally Shot in Conroe; James Fuller, Mason Goodwin, and a 15-Year-Old Juvenile Arrested on Murder Charges
On the early morning of Saturday, May 3, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded in Conroe, Texas, resulting in the death of 14-year-old Chase Daniel Dean. This senseless act of violence has left the community in shock and mourning. Authorities have swiftly responded, leading to the arrest of three individuals in connection with the crime.
The Incident
At approximately 1:00 a.m. on May 3, deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 11900 block of Douget Road in Conroe following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered Chase Daniel Dean lying in the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by first responders, Dean was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit, Crime Scene Investigators, and representatives from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office launched an intensive investigation. Their efforts quickly led to the identification of a 15-year-old male suspect, also from Conroe. Detectives secured both an arrest warrant for the juvenile and a search warrant for his residence.
With assistance from the MCSO SWAT Team and Patrol Division, the warrants were executed, resulting in the juvenile’s arrest and the discovery of two additional suspects at the residence: 19-year-old James Fuller and 19-year-old Mason Goodwin, both residents of Conroe.
The 15-year-old suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Montgomery County Juvenile Detention Center, where he has been charged with murder. Fuller and Goodwin were arrested without incident and booked into the Montgomery County Jail, each also facing charges of murder.
Community Impact
The death of Chase Daniel Dean has deeply affected the Conroe community. Montgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle expressed his sorrow, stating, “This was a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence that took the life of a child far too soon.” He emphasized that while the incident appears to have stemmed from a personal dispute, no motive can ever justify such a tragic loss.(Houston Chronicle)
Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon also commented on the case, describing the events leading to the shooting death of the 14-year-old Conroe boy as “sickening and sorrowful.” He noted that the incident was the result of an impetuous dispute among youths, emphasizing that this tragedy leaves no winners regardless of legal outcomes.(Houston Chronicle)
Suspects’ Backgrounds
Both adult suspects, James Fuller and Mason Goodwin, have prior criminal records in Montgomery County.
- Mason Goodwin: In September 2023, he was charged with assault involving family violence and served 25 days in jail. In November 2024, he was charged with criminal mischief for damaging property. He was sentenced just two weeks ago to 9 months in the DADJ program and ordered to pay $920 in restitution.
- James Fuller: He was charged with assault in 2023; however, the case was later dismissed after he completed four hours of court-ordered anger management.
The involvement of individuals with prior criminal histories in this tragic event raises questions about the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and the monitoring of individuals with known violent tendencies.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The investigation into the shooting remains active and ongoing. Authorities are working diligently to uncover all details surrounding the incident. Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon has announced plans to file murder charges against the two adult suspects, James Fuller and Mason Goodwin, in connection with the shooting death of 14-year-old Chase Daniel Dean. The 15-year-old juvenile suspect is also facing charges of murder.(Houston Chronicle)
The legal proceedings for the adult suspects are expected to proceed through the Montgomery County judicial system, while the juvenile suspect will be processed through the juvenile justice system. The community and the family of Chase Daniel Dean await justice as the legal process unfolds.
Conclusion
The tragic death of 14-year-old Chase Daniel Dean serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of senseless violence and the importance of addressing conflicts in peaceful and constructive ways. As the investigation continues and legal proceedings move forward, the community of Conroe stands united in seeking justice for Chase and supporting his family during this incredibly difficult time.
Call to Action
Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at (936) 760-5800. Community involvement and cooperation are vital in ensuring that justice is served and that such tragedies are prevented in the future.
