On December 30, 2023, 25-year-old Houston resident Rodtravian Perry was fatally shot during a trail ride event in Beaumont, Texas. The incident occurred around 11:33 p.m. in the 6500 block of Bigner Road, where approximately 1,000 attendees had gathered. Due to the large crowd, emergency responders faced significant challenges reaching the victims; officers had to physically carry the injured through the dense assembly to awaiting medical personnel.
In addition to Perry's death, four other individuals sustained injuries from the gunfire.
The Beaumont Police Department reported difficulties in their investigation, citing a lack of cooperation from witnesses at the scene. Despite the presence of numerous attendees, few have come forward with information regarding the shooting. During the initial response, a 26-year-old individual was arrested for unlawfully carrying a weapon; however, authorities do not believe this arrest is connected to the shooting incident.
In the days following the event, Beaumont Police Chief Jimmy Singletary and Mayor Roy West publicly urged citizens to assist with the investigation, expressing disappointment over the community's reluctance to provide information. The trail ride event was not officially sanctioned, and officials emphasized the need for public cooperation to bring those responsible to justice.
By January 3, 2024, authorities identified a person of interest in connection with the shooting: 19-year-old Beaumont resident Kindall Anderson. Anderson was wanted on two felony warrants for evading police and tampering with evidence. Detectives sought to question him regarding his potential involvement in Perry's death and the injuries sustained by the other victims.
The tragic death of Rodtravian Perry has deeply affected both his family and the broader community. Family members have made public appeals for justice, urging witnesses to come forward with any information that could aid the investigation. As of now, the case remains under active investigation, with authorities continuing to seek leads to apprehend those responsible for the shooting.
