Javon Nathaniel Gooden, also known as "Mad Maxx," was a 20-year-old male from Texarkana, Texas. He was tragically killed on October 30, 2021, during a Halloween party at Octavia's Event Center in Texarkana. The shooting occurred around 11:56 PM, and Javon was one of several victims who were shot. He was transported to Christus St. Michael Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The investigation led by the Texarkana Texas Police Department identified Keuntae McElroy, a
21-year-old male from Texarkana, Arkansas, as the primary suspect. McElroy was charged with murder and nine counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Detectives obtained a felony warrant for his arrest early on Sunday morning, and McElroy turned himself in later that day. He was arrested and booked into the Bi-State Jail.
The shooting was believed to have resulted from a disturbance among some of the partygoers. Approximately 200 people were present at the venue when the incident occurred. The other victims, ranging in age from 15 to 23 years old, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at local hospitals.
The case remains under investigation, and detectives are preparing probable cause affidavits to obtain additional arrest warrants for McElroy. The TTPD has requested any video or photographs taken inside the venue during or just prior to the shooting to aid in their investigation.
Javon Gooden was remembered fondly by his family and friends for his passion for music and his vibrant personality. He leaves behind his mother, Katrina Gooden, his father, Leonard Townsend, his step-father, Odis Birl, his sister, Jalexsia Gooden, and his four brothers: James, Jonquarius, Jalen, and LV. His grandmother, Delois Ivery, and grandfathers, John R. Griffin and Carl Ivery, also survive him.
The community continues to mourn the loss of Javon Gooden and seeks justice for his untimely death.
