Early Sunday morning, a Texas teen was shot and killed following an altercation at a local 7-Eleven. He had just graduated high school hours prior.
According to Irving Police, LeDajrick Cox, 18, was out with his friends celebrating his accomplishments, when the group decided to stop at a local 7-Eleven around 1:45 am. Upon arrival, a girl in the group was reportedly cat-called by three men who were parked in the area in a white Kia Optima.
When Cox’s friends tried to defend the girl, things got heated and an argument ensued. Police say, Cox tried to calm everyone down and urged his friends to walk away. However, as the group drove off, the men in the Kia followed. Shortly after, the car pulled up next to the group and shots rang out.
Three of the passengers, including Cox, were struck by the gunfire. The boys were then transported to a hospital to be treated for their injuries. However, Cox succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
Cox’s family spoke to Fox 4 News about their son, revealing he’d just been crowned prom king, homecoming king, most popular, best looking and best all around at Dallas’ Carter High School. According to reports, he was set to attend Navarro College in Corsicana.
“He just wanted to do the right thing, wanted to achieve, just tried so hard,” Cox’s father revealed. “I was real proud of him.”
“You know, he was my only son,” Cox’s father continued. “That was it. He has siblings and they look up to him and they were just so happy for him just to see him happy. It’s just over. It feels like a part of me is just hurt.”
Officials have received several tips leading to the identification and arrest of 17-year-old Jeremiah Robinson, the alleged shooter. Robinson was not the driver. Authorities have reportedly identified the driver and the other passenger, however, no additional arrests have been made.
