In the early morning hours of September 7, 2023, the life of Vernon Keith Mills Jr. was tragically cut short on a street in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The 35-year-old man was discovered unresponsive, lying near the roadway in the 3900 block of Geronimo Street. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The Baton Rouge Police Department received the call around 5:15 a.m., and upon their arrival, Mills was pronounced dead at the scene.
Known affectionately as 'Keith' to his family and 'KuJo'
to his close friends, Mills was a native of St. James Parish. In his youth, he was a talented athlete, excelling in both basketball and track and field. His athletic abilities earned him a full scholarship to Mississippi State University, where he played as a wide receiver for the Bulldogs. Beyond sports, he was remembered for his multifaceted talents in art, poetry, and music.
As of the most recent available information, the investigation into Vernon Mills Jr.'s death is ongoing. Authorities have not publicly identified any suspects or made any arrests in connection with the shooting. The motive behind the killing also remains unclear. The Baton Rouge Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit continues to seek information from the public to shed light on the circumstances that led to his death.
