On December 6, 2023, at about 6 p.m. Garland police found 15-year-old Russell Deangelo Jefferson lying in the street in the 3900 block of Roanoke Drive with gunshot wounds to the cheek, neck, and chest. He was taken to a local hospital and later pronounced deceased. Investigators identified 18-year-old Cesar Rocha of Dallas as the primary suspect. Rocha voluntarily came to the police station, was interviewed, then arrested and charged with murder and booked into the Garland City Jail without bond.

According to the arrest affidavit the two had arranged to meet through a social media platform, reportedly for a drug transaction. An altercation followed and Rocha fired multiple times, striking Jefferson. Rocha told police Jefferson had brandished a weapon first and he acted in self-defense, while investigators say Jefferson may have intended to rob Rocha. A vigil was held for Jefferson, a South Garland High School sophomore and junior varsity defensive lineman remembered by family and teammates.

Does anyone have information about Jefferson, the meeting on Roanoke Drive, or contacts who might help clarify what happened?