Donesha Rondre Buckner, a 33-year-old African American woman, tragically lost her life on January 18, 2025, in Port Arthur, Texas. She was shot at the Normandy Apartments and later succumbed to her injuries at The Medical Center of Southeast Texas. Buckner, affectionately known as "NeNe," was born on September 5, 1991, and was deeply cherished by her family and community.
She had a strong academic background, excelling in advanced placement programs during her school years and later pursuing cosmetology at Vista College in Beaumont, Texas. Her faith was an integral part of her life, as she was actively involved in church activities, including choir and praise dance ministry.
Following her death, the Port Arthur Police Department launched an investigation that led to the identification of a suspect. Authorities obtained an arrest warrant for 56-year-old Nerbert Frelow Jr. in connection with the murder of Buckner. Surveillance footage from the Normandy Apartments showed Buckner engaging in an altercation with someone in a red Chevrolet HHR before stumbling away from the vehicle. Investigators traced the vehicle's license plate to Frelow, leading them to locate both the suspect and the car on January 21. Frelow voluntarily came in for questioning, admitting to driving the vehicle but denying any involvement in Buckner’s shooting.
Further investigation revealed crucial evidence, including an empty pistol holder inside Frelow’s vehicle and gunshot residue swabs collected from the interior. Additionally, cell phone location data placed Frelow with Buckner for several hours before she collapsed at the apartment complex. Based on this evidence, authorities issued an arrest warrant, and Frelow surrendered at the Jefferson County Correctional Facility on March 19, 2025. Magistrate Marc DeRouen arraigned him, setting his bond at $1 million. The Port Arthur Police Department credited physical evidence, technology, and their determination in solving the case and bringing justice to Buckner.
