Malachi Theriot

The evening before Thanksgiving in McKinney, Texas, on November 27, 2024, turned into a scene of violence that would claim the life of Malachi Theriot. The 20-year-old Black man was at an apartment complex in the 3300 block of North McDonald Street when a fatal encounter unfolded. Around 8:07 p.m., the sound of gunfire shattered the night, drawing the attention of residents and prompting calls to the police.

According to initial reports from witnesses, a 19-year-old man had approached a dark gray Dodge Ram pickup truck that was parked at the complex. An exchange of gunfire erupted between the 19-year-old and a passenger in the truck, who was later identified as Malachi Theriot. Both he and the other young man were struck by bullets during the shootout. In the immediate aftermath, the Dodge Ram sped away from the apartment complex.

The truck, driven by 21-year-old Josue Mejia, made its way to the Medical City McKinney hospital. There, Theriot and another passenger, 18-year-old Christopher Perez, were dropped off. Emergency services separately transported the 19-year-old to the same hospital. Tragically, both Malachi Theriot and the 19-year-old succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead. The name of the other deceased individual was Chris Calvo-Palacios.

While doctors attended to the victims, law enforcement began to piece together the events of the evening. An officer stationed near the hospital spotted the Dodge Ram leaving the area and initiated a pursuit. The chase ended at a car dealership in the nearby city of Richardson, where Mejia abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. His escape was short-lived, as officers apprehended him after a brief foot chase. Back at the hospital, Christopher Perez was also taken into custody.

Both Josue Mejia and Christopher Perez, residents of Princeton, Texas, were arrested and charged with murder in connection with the deadly shooting. They were subsequently booked into the Collin County Detention Facility. Investigators with the McKinney Police Department have stated their belief that this was an isolated incident and that there are no outstanding suspects. The motive for the shooting has not been publicly released as the investigation continues.

Malachi Christopher Theriot was born on February 16, 2004. His death at the age of 20 was a deep loss for his family. He leaves behind his mother, Lesley Theriot, as well as a large family that includes seven sisters and three brothers. He was preceded in death by his father. A memorial service for Malachi was planned for December 14, 2024, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where family and friends could gather to cherish his memory. As his loved ones mourn, the legal case against the two men accused in his death is expected to proceed through the court system.