Federal Jury Convicts Houston Resident for Illegal Machine Gun Possession Following Fatal Fast Food Restaurant Shooting

A federal jury has convicted 27-year-old Tyler John Jordan for illegal possession of a machine gun linked to a fatal 2025 shooting in Katy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 27, 2026, 9:25 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas

Jury Delivers Guilty Verdict in Federal Firearm Case

Following approximately three hours of deliberation, a federal jury in Houston returned a guilty verdict against Tyler John Jordan for the illegal possession of a machine gun. The conviction concludes a three-day trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett, which focused on the defendant's connection to a modified weapon used in a violent public incident. According to Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck, the case underscores the severe legal consequences of possessing conversion devices that transform semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons.

Deadly Altercation at Katy Area Establishment

The federal investigation centered on a shooting that occurred on March 16, 2025, at a restaurant located on North Fry Road in Katy. Evidence presented during the trial indicated that Jordan and several associates entered the premises with the specific intent of engaging in a physical confrontation with another group. The ensuing fight escalated into gunfire, with multiple rounds discharged into a crowded lobby area. One of these bullets struck and killed a 61-year-old innocent bystander who was caught in the crossfire of the dispute.

Digital Evidence and Forensic Testimony

A critical piece of evidence introduced by prosecutors was a video recovered from Jordan's mobile phone, recorded just five hours prior to the fatal shooting. The footage depicted the defendant holding the specific Glock pistol equipped with a "switch," a device used to facilitate rapid, automatic fire. Law enforcement officers and crime scene investigators testified that Jordan attempted to mislead authorities multiple times throughout the investigation. Despite defense claims that the defendant was unaware of the weapon's illegal modifications, the jury was presented with evidence of his prior admissions regarding his knowledge of the machine gun's capabilities.