Eleven-year-old Darius Darnell D.J. Dugas was shot and killed on February 3, 2022, while grabbing his coat from his family’s car at their apartment complex in northeast Harris County, Houston, during a winter storm. He was struck in the chest after gunfire erupted when a 19-year-old, Daveyonne Howard, allegedly was breaking into vehicles and opened fire after the car owner confronted him. Darius was taken to a hospital but did not survive.

Howard was later arrested and charged with murder; reports say he had an extensive criminal history and was out on bond at the time. Darius is remembered by family and the community as a smart, respectful, and kind boy. His father, Darius Dugas Sr., expressed profound grief and disbelief at the loss.

What can readers who knew Darius or who were at the apartment complex that night share that might shed more light on what happened?