Darron Earl Boniaby Jr., 24, was found deceased and burning on December 1, 2021, in Lake Jackson, Texas. Known to family and friends as Lil Dee, he graduated from Brazosport High School in 2017, played football there, and later worked as a roofer and in the industrial industry. He was remembered for singing, fishing, a prankster’s sense of humor, and being family-oriented.

Thurston Bryant, a Lake Jackson resident, was charged with murder and tampering with physical evidence to a human corpse in connection with Darron’s death; Bryant pleaded not guilty. The investigation alleges Bryant was involved in the killing and attempted to dispose of the body by burning it.

Darron’s death profoundly affected his family and community. If anyone knew Darron, saw him in Lake Jackson around late 2021, or has information about what happened that night, please come forward.