A Texas man killed in Friday’s mass shooting has been identified as Edward Randall Scott, a longtime city employee from Midland.
Scott, 62, was fatally shot during the rampage carried out by 45-year-old gunman Victor Mata Villarreal.
City officials said Scott worked for Midland’s Solid Waste Department.
Beyond his job with the city, Scott was known for his strong ties to the community, including coaching local and regional softball teams.
“Most importantly, he was a loving father and husband and good person all the way around,” the city said.
“Today, a family is experiencing a loss that words cannot adequately describe, and our hearts are with them.”
The Alpine Fightin’ Buck Nation, where Scott officiated games, offered their condolences to the family, writing on Facebook: ‘[He was] a valued friend to our current and former coaches. His dedication to the game, his kindness, and the relationships he built with so many throughout the years will always be remembered.’
The team called his death a ‘senseless and cowardly act’ by Villarreal.
Edward Randall Scott, 62, of Midland, was shot dead by Victor Mata Villarreal, 45, on Friday
Scott, pictured with his daughter, worked for the city’s Solid Waste Department
Mayor Lori Blong also paid tribute, writing on Facebook: ‘There are no words adequate right now. Ed Scott was part of our City of Midland family, and today we are all grieving alongside his wife, his children, and everyone who loved him.’
The Daily Mail has reached out to the family for comment.
Scott was killed after Villarreal began shooting at bystanders on West Wall Street at around 8am, also injuring ten people.
He was wanted for the attempted murder of an officer of the peace two days at the time of the shooting spree, although although it is not clear what prompted him to open fire on Friday.
Villareal was found dead following an armed standoff with police after he barricaded himself inside a building.
Officers surrounded the building and, after an armed standoff, Villarreal was located deceased inside at around 12.30pm.
Villarreal had been wanted for attempted capital murder of a peace officer after firing multiple shots at a Midland Police Department (MPD) officer during a late-night vehicle pursuit on Wednesday.
Police attempted to pull Villarreal over for a traffic stop, but he fled for several blocks before pulling over and firing rounds from a rifle at an officer.
Villarreal injured ten others during the mass shooting. He was found dead by police inside the abandoned building he barricaded himself in
The shooting started on West Wall Street. Villarreal was a fugitive, who had fled from police during a traffic stop
Scott was involved in community, including coaching and umpiring local and regional softball teams
Scott pictured with his wife Laura Vasquez Scott. He was described as a ‘loving father and husband’
Villarreal fled on foot after abandoning his vehicle nearby and police were unable to locate him.
The officer was not injured, but Villarreal was wanted for attempted capital murder of a peace officer.
The community was advised not to approach him while the manhunt was underway.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott addressed the shooting on social media on behalf of himself and his wife.
‘Cecilia and I are deeply saddened by the senseless act of violence in Midland,’ he wrote on X.
‘We are praying for the victims, their families, and the entire community.
‘I have been briefed on the matter and commend the swift response from the Midland Police Department, DPS and all assisting law enforcement agencies.’
