Kryst’shun Burkett, 17, was fatally shot in the parking lot of the North Ridge Manor apartments in Beaumont, Texas, on December 30, 2025, just before midnight. Multiple callers reported hearing gunfire. Friends had been visiting at the complex that night, and those who knew him described him as an aspiring rapper, a loving father to a 10-month-old daughter, and a student on track to graduate high school early.

After the shooting an attempt was made to rush Burkett to a nearby hospital in a private vehicle. A white Kia with its hazard lights on was seen by police but fled and later crashed into a patrol car near CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital. Officers found Burkett in the back seat with a gunshot wound to the head; he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Two people were arrested and charged with murder: 19-year-old Leon Goodman and a 16-year-old whose name has not been released. A witness told investigators both suspects fired at Burkett; Goodman was reportedly on probation for injury to a child and had bond set at $1.5 million. Family members say Burkett knew the suspects and considered them friends and that the shooting was not gang-related.

If anyone was at North Ridge Manor on December 30 and saw or heard anything relevant, please come forward with information.