PASADENA, Texas (KTRK) — A Pasadena teen’s slaying last month may have been retaliation for robbing a drug dealer, a search warrant reveals.
De’Markus Jefferson, 17, was laid to rest over the weekend after being gunned down outside the Villas at Shaver apartments where he lived on Aug. 18.
On Monday, Jefferson’s aunt and uncle spoke with Eyewitness News on condition of anonymity.
“He’s raised very well. He always gives hugs,” his aunt said, adding that Jefferson was a “nurturer.”
According to the search warrant, Jefferson was shot three times while taking out the trash. His aunt said he had been dining with her minutes prior.
“Why? The main question is ‘why?’ And who would do something like this?” Jefferson’s uncle said.
Detectives may be closer to answering those questions.
The search warrant reveals that a friend of Jefferson’s who also witnessed the shooting told investigators that it could have been retaliation for a robbery.
Almost 24 hours earlier, he said he and the victim had robbed a female friend’s juvenile drug dealer. Officers noted it was a strong-arm robbery.
“This our first time hearing this from you guys,” Jefferson’s uncle said.
“Robbed for what? What would be the point to rob somebody?” his aunt asked.
The warrant says Jefferson took the drug dealer’s marijuana vape pen, his hoodie, and his bicycle.
According to the warrant, the robbery took place around 12:45 a.m. and Jefferson was shot at 9:58 p.m. the same day.
“No way,” his aunt said. “He has a 10 o’clock curfew every day, even on the weekends whether school is in or not. He has a 10 o’clock curfew.”
According to court documents, the murder was captured on surveillance cameras.
Police say the video shows a black Hyundai Elantra, which had been stolen earlier that night, approaching the victim.
Gunfire then erupts from the rear passenger’s window.
The victim falls and tries limping away, but the car approaches again and more shots are fired.
Police found it abandoned minutes later at an apartment complex two miles away.
Police said more cameras captured three people running from the scene and in the direction of the robbery victim’s home.
“I’m surprised to hear it could have been three shooters and I’m also surprised to hear that anything about a robbery,” Jefferson’s aunt said.
Police have not yet announced any arrests in the case.
For news updates, follow Luke Jones on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Copyright © 2025 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Niko Travis is a dedicated health writer with a passion for providing clear, reliable, and research-backed information about medications and mental health. As the author behind TrazodoneSUC, Niko simplifies complex medical topics to help readers understand the benefits, uses, and potential risks of Trazodone. With a commitment to accuracy and well-being, Niko ensures that every article empowers readers to make informed decisions about their health.
