Alex Straway, a 23-year-old man from Beaumont, Texas, was fatally shot on January 14, 2017. The shooter was identified as 21-year-old acquaintance Seth Joachim Haynes. After the shooting, Haynes drove Straway’s car to the 3300 block of McHale Street and set the vehicle on fire with Straway’s body inside.

Haynes admitted to police that he shot Straway and said it was in self-defense. Witnesses contradicted that account, testifying Haynes had started the altercation and that Straway did not pose a threat when he was shot. Prosecutors argued the killing was premeditated and unjustified. The court found Haynes guilty of murder and sentenced him to life in prison.

Anyone who knew Alex or was in Beaumont around January 14, 2017 and has information about the events that night is asked to come forward.