In the early morning hours of September 7, 2023, Vernon Keith Mills Jr., 35, was found unresponsive near the roadway in the 3900 block of Geronimo Street in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene after the Baton Rouge Police Department was called about 5:15 a.m.

Known to family as Keith and to friends as KuJo, Mills was a native of St. James Parish who excelled in basketball and track and field as a youth. He earned a full scholarship to Mississippi State University and played wide receiver for the Bulldogs. He was also remembered for talents in art, poetry, and music.

The Baton Rouge Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit is investigating. No suspects have been publicly identified and no arrests have been announced; the motive remains unclear. If anyone knew Vernon’s movements that morning or has information about the shooting, please contact investigators.