In the early hours of September 29, 2024, 26-year-old KeAndre M. Hurd was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the 1600 block of Fannin Street in Columbus, Texas. He was taken to Columbus Community Hospital, where he died of his injuries. Authorities identified 21-year-old Columbus resident Nijay Johnson as the suspect; a municipal judge issued a warrant charging Johnson with murder. Johnson turned himself in the same day and was booked into the Colorado County Detention Center. As of October 2, 2024, he remained in custody with bond set at $150,000. The motive has not been disclosed and the investigation remains open.

Hurd graduated from Columbus High School in 2017; he worked at BMI in Schulenburg while pursuing a Commercial Driver’s License and had recently become a father on May 8, 2024. Friends and family remember him for his good manners, loving nature, and interests in music, photography, and horses. A community fundraiser and memorial events were organized to support his family and honor his life.

If anyone has information about the shooting, please contact the Columbus Police Department at 979-732-3351.