Aaliyah Paris Gradnigo, an 18-year-old from Orange, Texas, died of gunshot wounds on January 23, 2021. A recent Parkview Baptist graduate studying to be a Dental Assistant at Lamar State College, she was active at Mt. Olive Baptist Church and on the drill team. She and her special friend, 23-year-old Thalamus Livings, were found shot at a home on Coronado Place; Livings was pronounced dead at the scene and Gradnigo later died at a nearby hospital.

Investigators identified 24-year-old Manka Melson as a suspect. Detectives met a person of interest on January 27, 2021, and later served an arrest warrant for Melson on April 29, 2021; he was taken into custody in Jefferson County. Forensic evidence including DNA testing and other investigative leads were part of the case.

Aaliyah’s family and the Orange community were deeply affected by the double killing. If anyone knew Aaliyah, Thalamus, or has information about what happened that night, please come forward with tips for investigators.