On the night of February 24, 2024, 23-year-old Aaron James Robert was fatally shot inside an apartment at the West End Crossing Apartments in Beaumont, Texas. A single round was fired through a bedroom window and struck Robert in the head, killing him instantly while he was with a female resident of the complex.

Investigators arrested 25-year-old Troy Delano Cheek Jr., the ex-boyfriend of the woman. Police say Cheek had recently ended the relationship, was previously connected to a burglary at the same apartment where property was damaged, and reportedly called the woman the night of the shooting. Following his arrest, Cheek confessed to firing the shot; a 9mm handgun matching the shell casing found near the scene was recovered from his residence. Bond was initially set at $75,000 and later raised to $850,000 by Justice of the Peace Naomi Doyle, citing danger to the community.

Aaron Robert is remembered as a loving father to two young sons and a devoted family member. A GoFundMe was created to help with funeral costs and support his children. If anyone has information about the shooting or knew Aaron, please share what you can.