Victor Demone Hopkins, a 41-year-old African American male from Lubbock, Texas, passed away on April 23, 2014. Victor was born on June 24, 1972, to Henry J. Hopkins and Magnolia Archie Hopkins. He was a member of Praise Center Ministries and graduated from Monterey High School in 1990. Victor studied Criminal Justice at South Plains College and was employed by Texas Instruments and the City of Lubbock for seven years.
He later worked for the Lubbock Housing Authority for 12 years, where he was known for his dedication and kindness. Victor was a loving husband to Tamieka Sheppard Hopkins and a father to nine children.
Victor Hopkins was fatally shot on April 23, 2014, after he intervened in a domestic dispute. Leroy Mitchell, a 59-year-old male, was beating his wife with a pistol when Victor tried to stop him. Mitchell turned the gun on Victor and shot him twice in the chest. Victor was taken to University Medical Center by a private vehicle, where he later died from his injuries. Mitchell was arrested the following day and charged with murder.
In February 2017, Leroy Mitchell pleaded guilty to the murder of Victor Hopkins and was sentenced to 35 years in prison. During the court proceedings, Tamieka Hopkins, Victor's wife, described the profound impact her husband's death had on their family. She shared how their children struggled with the loss, with one son growing up too quickly to fill the void left by his father and a daughter who starved herself to be with her father. Tamieka expressed her forgiveness towards Mitchell, despite the immense pain he caused her family. Mitchell's attorney stated that he was remorseful for his actions.
Victor Hopkins' death was a tragic loss for his family and the community he served. He was remembered as a kind-hearted and giving individual who always helped those in need. His intervention in the domestic dispute ultimately cost him his life, but his legacy of compassion and selflessness continues to be honored by those who knew him.
