Judge recommends dismissing Twin Peaks massacre civil lawsuit against ex-DA Abel Reyna
By Jessica Rajkumar and Tommy Witherspoon
Published: Feb. 25, 2026 at 7:15 PM EST|Updated: 23 hours ago
https://www.kwtx.com/2026/02/26/judge-recommends-dismissing-civil-lawsuit-against-former-da-abel-reyna-tied-2015-twin-peaks-biker-shooting/
WACO, Texas (KWTX) – A federal magistrate judge has recommended dismissing the remaining civil lawsuit filed by bikers arrested following the 2015 Twin Peaks shooting in Waco, which left nine people dead and 20 wounded.
On Monday, Magistrate Judge Derek Gilliland issued a recommendation that former McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna and former Waco Police Department Officer Manuel Chavez be shielded by qualified immunity from liability in the lawsuit.
More than 170 bikers were arrested following the shooting that resulted from a confrontation between the Bandidos and Cossacks motorcycle clubs.
Former DA Reyna ordered the arrest of any biker wearing colors similar to those of the two clubs.
All charges were later dismissed by Reyna and his successor, Barry Johnson.
The bikers who filed the civil lawsuit alleged their civil rights were violated when they were arrested without probable cause.
Reyna has maintained he was acting within the scope of his authority as District Attorney and claimed qualified immunity from the lawsuit.
Through the course of the litigation, several cases against the City of Waco, McLennan County, the former Waco Police Chief and other officials were dismissed.
The remaining case against Reyna and Chavez has moved back and forth between multiple courts.
Gilliland’s recommendation now goes to U.S. District Judge Alan Albright.
Court documents indicate the plaintiffs could not overcome Reyna’s defense that he was acting within his responsibilities as district attorney.
If Albright grants the summary judgment, the cases would likely be appealed to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
If the 5th Circuit agrees with Gilliland and Albright, the lawsuits would be dismissed, and no one would be held responsible in Waco courts — civilly or criminally — in connection with the shooting, the deadliest biker-related shooting in U.S. history.
Tom Brandt, the attorney representing Reyna, says they are pleased with the magistrate’s recommendation and look forward to Judge Albright’s decision.
Dallas attorney Don Tittle, who is representing many of the bikers involved in the incident, said both sides would appeal any decision back to the 5th Circuit.
Tittle said it was disappointing for people who spent weeks in jail to see no accountability and no legal recourse.
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