Valerie Jacob King was a 19-year-old male from Beaumont, Texas, who died from a gunshot wound on April 7, 2020. Police found him at the scene after responding to a reported traffic accident in the 4300 block of South 4th Street; officers determined the shooting occurred during a family disturbance and identified King as the victim.

Raymond Ford, described in reports as King’s 28-year-old brother-in-law, was arrested at the scene and charged with murder based on probable cause. The Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office later withdrew the charges and released Ford while saying further investigation was needed. Authorities have stated the initial probable cause still stands and the matter is expected to be presented to a grand jury; the investigation remains open.

Family and friends described King as kind, gentle, and mannerable, and his death has deeply affected those who knew him. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to come forward.