A somber mood hangs over Beaumont following a late-night shooting at Northridge Manor Apartments that claimed the life of a 17-year-old teen. Leon Goodman III, a 19-year-old from Beaumont, has been charged in connection to the fatal incident and is currently being held on a $1.5 million bond, as Fox San Antonio reports. Goodman was already under felony probation at the time of the shooting, with the bond set by Magistrate Marc Derouen.
Just before the clock struck midnight, Beaumont police officers were dispatched to the scene after multiple reports of gunshots. Police revealed that they found signs of a shooting in the apartment complex parking lot. Additionally, officers intervened to stop a white Kia fleeing the scene at a high speed, which then collided with two marked patrol cars. The teenage victim was discovered deceased in the backseat of that vehicle. "Through their investigation, police arrested two suspects. Both have been charged with murder," 12News cites.
The horrific event has sparked a significant response from the Beaumont community. Beaumont City Council member LaDonna Sherwood spoke to the need for new approaches for tackling such violence. "Unorthodox times calls for an unorthodox measure," she told 12News, implying that the current situation necessitates innovative solutions. Sherwood mentioned contemplating to introduce a prayer committee as part of her effort to rally community support.
The Beaumont Police Department continues to actively investigate the incident, with no officers injured during the event. They have not released any more information on what led to abruptly begin the shooting or whether it is linked to another shots-fired call from earlier that night. Residents with information about the case are urged to contact Beaumont Police Department or Southeast Texas Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously and may qualify for a cash reward, according to officials.
