Jacob Evans

Jacob Jay Andre Evans, a beloved son and proud big brother known to his friends and family as "Jay," was a positive and extraordinary young man whose life was cut short by gun violence at the age of 19. Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, on March 24, 2000, Jacob moved with his family to Richmond, Texas, as a child. He was a proud 2018 graduate of William B. Travis High School, where he excelled as a student-athlete on the varsity football and track and field teams. Jacob was also an active member of the Top Teens program and The Fort Bend Church. Those who knew him remember his contagious smile and his devotion to his family and friends. Jacob was a typical teenager in many ways, with a love for gaming, music, and spending time with friends, but he also possessed a remarkable ability to bring love, positivity, and friendship wherever he went.

Tragedy struck on the evening of Tuesday, July 23, 2019, in Houston, Texas. Jacob and a friend, 19-year-old Jaquarius Edison, were shot and killed while sitting in a tan Nissan Altima at an apartment complex in the 14100 block of Rio Bonito Road in the Alief area. The shooting reportedly occurred around 8:40 p.m. during what authorities described as a marijuana deal that turned into a robbery.

According to investigators with the Houston Police Department, Jacob and Jaquarius were in the front seats of the car, meeting with two other young men. During the transaction, one of the men allegedly pulled out a handgun and opened fire. Jacob died in the passenger seat of the vehicle. Surveillance footage from the apartment complex captured the horrific aftermath. The video showed Jaquarius, who was in the driver's seat, stumbling out of the car before collapsing a short distance away. The two assailants were seen fleeing the scene in another car.

The Houston Police Department launched a homicide investigation. Based on evidence and witness statements, detectives were able to identify two suspects in the double homicide. The investigation led to the arrests of two 18-year-olds, Jaylon Broussard and Taylon Watson. Both were subsequently charged with capital murder for their alleged roles in the deaths of Jacob Evans and Jaquarius Edison. According to case information, Watson was arrested on October 11, 2019, with Broussard taken into custody shortly thereafter. Under Texas law, a capital murder conviction can carry a sentence of life in prison or the death penalty.

Jacob’s death was a devastating loss to his family and the community that knew and loved him. His family remembered him as a precious gift, stating, "We are all better people because we loved and experienced the precious gift of Jacob's love and affection." Funeral services were held on August 10, 2019, at Trinity C.M.E. Church in his native Lafayette, Louisiana. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, his father and stepmother, his sister, and numerous grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

The case against the two men charged with capital murder for the deaths of Jacob Evans and Jaquarius Edison is proceeding through the justice system. The arrests brought a measure of progress for the grieving families, but the violent deaths of two teenagers highlighted the devastating consequences of gun violence and crime involving young people in the community. As of late 2019, both suspects were in custody awaiting trial.