Clifton Bernard Love, a 45-year-old man from Navasota, Texas, tragically passed away on July 14, 2021. He was known affectionately as "Tex" and was deeply loved by his family and friends. Clifton was born on December 27, 1975, to Ethel Wanell Love and Herman Williams. He was an active member of his community, participating in sports and the FFA during his school years at Navasota High School.
Clifton had a passion for animals, especially dogs, and remained faithful to his Christian faith throughout his life.
On the night of his death, Clifton was shot at the Navasota Landing Apartments on Laredo Street. He was found with a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was able to tell the first responders that Leon Burrell Jr., a 37-year-old man from Navasota, was the one who shot him. Despite being airlifted to a hospital in Bryan, Texas, Clifton succumbed to his injuries the following morning.
Navasota police quickly launched an investigation into the incident. Leon Burrell Jr. was identified as the primary suspect and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Burrell was later arrested after a traffic stop and taken into custody. Witnesses reported seeing Burrell shoot Clifton in the parking lot before fleeing the scene in a getaway car. The car was later found abandoned, and Burrell was charged with murder.
The case went to court, and on September 9, 2024, Leon Burrell Jr. pleaded guilty to the murder of Clifton Love. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison for his crime. The Grimes County District Attorney's Office emphasized that there is no place for criminal gun violence in their community and expressed relief that justice was served for Clifton's family.
Clifton Love's death was a tragic loss for his family, friends, and the Navasota community. His memory lives on through the love and respect of those who knew him.
