Woman killed in White Oak identified as suspect’s mother

A woman killed Wednesday in White Oak has been identified as the suspect’s mother, according to the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office.
Published: Jan. 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM CST|Updated: 18 hours ago
Email This Link
Share on Pinterest
Share on LinkedIn

WHITE OAK, Texas (KLTV) - A woman killed Wednesday in White Oak has been identified as the suspect’s mother, according to the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office.

Gregg County deputies responded to the area of Jamerison Road in White Oak and found 58-year-old Penny Renee Keys with multiple stab wounds outside her home, according to a press release.

First responders transported the woman to a Longview hospital, where she was pronounced dead from her injuries, according to the release.

Gregg County Chief Deputy Craig Harrington said the victim’s family identified her 23-year-old son, Zachary Ryan Keys, as the suspect.

A warrant was issued, and he was later found in Panola County and arrested by Panola County deputies.

He remains in the Panola County Jail on a $1 million bond on a murder warrant, according to jail records.

“This is an extremely sad and very unfortunate situation during this holiday season,” Harrington wrote in a press release. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the Keys family and the White Oak community for their loss.”