On November 17, 2023, at approximately 8:20 a.m., Galveston police responded to reports of gunfire in the 1200 block of 26th Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered 36-year-old Justin Julian Antoine Etienne lying in the street with a gunshot wound to the chest. Emergency medical services transported him to The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, where he was pronounced dead.
Witnesses at the scene reported seeing a light-colored minivan in the area around the time of the shooting, prompting authorities to search for this vehicle of interest. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of 57-year-old Daniel Ray Veazie on November 20, 2023. Veazie was charged with murder in connection with Etienne's death, and his bond was set at $500,000. Details regarding the motive and circumstances leading to the shooting have not been disclosed by the police.
Justin Etienne was born on May 11, 1987, in Galveston, Texas. He was baptized at St. Patrick's Catholic Church and later became an active member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, participating in various ministries and organizations, including the Jr. Knights of Peter Claver and the Holy Rosary Drill Team. Etienne attended La Marque public schools, graduating with the Class of 2005. He was involved in basketball, football, and was a proud member of the award-winning La Marque Middle School and La Marque High School Bands. He is survived by his parents, siblings, grandparents, and a large extended family. Funeral services were held on December 2, 2023, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Galveston, followed by burial at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Dickinson.
