In the early hours of October 25, 2020, the life of 17-year-old Bryant Robert Everett Wilks, II, was tragically cut short in Columbia, Missouri. A senior at Hickman High School with a promising future, Wilks was just months away from an early graduation and had already secured an academic scholarship for college. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and charismatic leadership, he also worked as a manager at a local Dairy Queen.
He was a young man remembered for his bright smile, his drive, and being deeply family-oriented.
On that fateful night, Bryant attended a college party at the Brookside Town Homes. Chaos erupted around 1:00 a.m. when gunshots rang out. When police arrived at the scene on West Brookside Lane, they found that Bryant had been shot multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation that followed was complicated by a lack of cooperation from potential witnesses, even though authorities estimate that between 20 to 30 people were at the party and likely saw what happened.
Despite the collection of evidence, including shell casings and clothing, the investigation has grown cold over the years. Law enforcement officials have stated they have persons of interest in the case, but no arrests have ever been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The absence of charges or a trial has left a painful void for his family and community. His family continues to search for answers and keep his memory alive through a foundation in his honor, hoping that someone who saw something that night will come forward and provide the information needed to bring a sense of relief and accountability for his death.
