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Polk County Jury Convicts David Eugene Stimmell of Murder in 2024 Onalaska Shooting
By Scott Engle at Montgomery County Police Reporter
· June 23, 2026
· 1 min read
A Polk County jury has found David Eugene Stimmell guilty of murder in the January 2024 shooting death of James McClanahan in Onalaska, the Polk County Criminal District Attorney’s Office announced. The verdict was returned on June 19, 2026, capping a trial in which jurors heard testimony from ey...
Why this matters in Magnolia News
The conviction of David Eugene Stimmell for the 2024 Onalaska shooting brings closure to a case that has weighed heavily on the communities surrounding Lake Livingston. As the trial's outcome becomes known in Montgomery County, where many residents have ties to neighboring Polk County, the focus will shift to the sentencing phase and its potential impact on local perceptions of public safety. The fact that the case involved eyewitness testimony and expert witnesses suggests a thorough investigation, which may reassure residents that law enforcement is actively working to address violent crime in the area. With the verdict now in, Magnolia residents may be watching to see how the sentencing reflects the community's values and expectations for justice, particularly in cases involving gun violence. The connections between Montgomery and Polk counties mean that the outcome of this trial will likely resonate beyond Onalaska, influencing how local leaders and residents think about crime and punishment.
About this story
Original reporting by Montgomery County Police Reporter . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Montgomery County Police Reporter . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: Montgomery County Police Reporter ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A Polk County jury has found David Eugene Stimmell guilty of murder in the January 2024 shooting death of James McClanahan in Onalaska, the Polk County Criminal District Attorney’s Office announced. The verdict was returned on June 19, 2026, capping a trial in which jurors heard testimony from ey...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by Montgomery County Police Reporter and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Scott Engle at Montgomery County Police Reporter. To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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