On November 13, 2023, 31-year-old Kendrick L. Wilder Sr., a resident of Prairie View, Texas, was fatally shot while working at Prairie View A&M University's Governor Bill and Vara Daniel Farm and Ranch. Wilder, an alumnus of the university, was a dedicated employee, husband, and father of four children aged 3 to 11. He was also known for his involvement as a coach with the Waller Pee Wee Bulldogs, a local youth football team.
The assailant, identified as 31-year-old former university employee Devon Elliott Rhodes, approached Wilder at approximately 9 a.m. and shot him multiple times. University police responded promptly, detaining Rhodes as he attempted to leave the campus. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by officers and EMS personnel, Wilder was pronounced dead at the scene around 10 a.m.
Investigations revealed a history of conflict between Wilder and Rhodes. Approximately three months prior to the shooting, the two were involved in a physical altercation at work, leading to Rhodes's termination. Wilder had expressed concerns for his safety to the university's human resources department following the incident, indicating he feared for his life. At the time of the shooting, Rhodes was out on a $100 bond related to an unrelated charge in Harris County.
The tragic event has deeply affected the Prairie View A&M community and the surrounding area. University President Tomikia P. LeGrande expressed devastation over the loss, emphasizing the institution's commitment to enhancing campus safety measures. In the wake of Wilder's death, the community has rallied to support his family, organizing fundraisers and memorials to honor his memory and legacy.
