In the early morning hours of February 5, 2015, the community of Crowley, Louisiana, was rocked by a violent act that claimed the life of 24-year-old Daniel Tezeno Jr., an African American male. The incident unfolded around 2 a.m. at the intersection of Jacobs Avenue and Seventh Street. Tezeno was giving his first cousin, Darius Thomas, also 24, a ride when an argument broke out between them.
The dispute escalated tragically when Thomas allegedly shot Tezeno in the torso. It is believed that Tezeno was attempting to flee the vehicle when he was shot. Authorities have suggested that the primary motive for the shooting was robbery. After being found by officers, Tezeno was rushed to Acadiana General Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
Following the shooting, a manhunt for Darius Thomas ensued. He was quickly identified as the suspect, and the Crowley Police Department sought him on charges of first-degree murder. Thomas was later taken into police custody. The investigation into the circumstances that led to the fatal altercation continued after the arrest.
The death of Daniel Tezeno Jr. sent shockwaves through his community, where he was remembered as a hopeful and promising young man. Friends and family expressed their profound grief over the sudden and violent loss of a life they felt was taken far too soon.
