On January 24, 2025, 19-year-old Victor Ekozeme was fatally shot while driving near Manor, Texas. The incident occurred in the Wildhorse Ranch Trail area, where Ekozeme and another individual were inside a vehicle at an apartment complex when gunfire erupted. Both occupants were struck by bullets, prompting them to flee the scene. However, Ekozeme lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a ditch. He was pronounced dead at the scene, marking Austin’s fourth homicide of the year.
His passenger, who also sustained gunshot wounds, was transported to a hospital and released the same day.
Authorities believe that Ekozeme, a young Black man, was specifically targeted in the shooting. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but investigators have ruled out the possibility of it being a random act of violence. The case quickly became a priority for law enforcement, leading to the involvement of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force.
Following an intensive investigation, two individuals were arrested in connection with Ekozeme’s death. A juvenile suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed due to their age, was apprehended and charged with murder. The arrest took place in the 14500 block of Heartland Drive without incident. Additionally, 18-year-old Bill Tarlue Nyanway was taken into custody on January 27 and charged with tampering with physical evidence, a third-degree felony. Nyanway is currently being held in Travis County Jail on a $20,000 bond.
The tragic killing of Ekozeme has left the Manor community grappling with the senseless violence that claimed the life of the young Black man. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover further details surrounding the circumstances of the shooting. Meanwhile, residents and loved ones mourn the loss of Ekozeme, whose life was cut short in a targeted attack.
