Lamarcus Dewayne Willis III, a 16-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on April 2, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. Willis was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting just steps from his home after texting his mother about a suspicious individual on his school bus. The incident occurred on Fratelli Road near Toepperwein Road, shortly after Willis had been dismissed from Roosevelt High School.
Before he could reach his front door, he was shot multiple times and later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.
San Antonio police swiftly launched an investigation into the murder, leading to the arrest of 17-year-old Ty Ron Keith Rodgers, another student at Roosevelt High School. Rodgers was charged with murder in connection to Willis's death. According to an arrest affidavit, Willis had just gotten off the school bus when he was confronted by Rodgers and another individual who arrived in a vehicle. Rodgers allegedly exited the car and engaged in a verbal altercation with Willis before reaching into the vehicle, retrieving a handgun, and shooting Willis multiple times. Witnesses reported the incident to authorities, and Rodgers was later identified through his student ID, which was left in the vehicle. His bond was set at $250,000.
The tragic shooting has deeply affected the local community, with multiple families reportedly moving out of the neighborhood due to concerns over safety. Willis's mother, Dominique Miller, expressed her grief and frustration, stating that she believes others may have been involved in orchestrating the attack. She has called for further investigation into potential accessories to the crime. Roosevelt High School acknowledged the loss of one of its students and extended condolences to Willis's family, offering counseling resources to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
The case remains under scrutiny as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Willis's murder. Community members and Willis's family are seeking justice, hoping that all individuals responsible for the crime will be held accountable.
