In loving memory : Remembering Dupri Booker , 36 , of Orange, Texas

In loving memory : Remembering Dupri Booker , 36 , of Orange, Texas 

ORANGE, Texas — The Orange community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Dupri Booker, 36, whose life was tragically cut short following a shooting at the Velma Jeter Manor apartment complex on Allie Payne Road late Tuesday night. The fatal incident has left residents shaken and a once-peaceful neighborhood gripped with grief and disbelief.

According to the Orange Police Department, officers were dispatched to the apartment complex shortly before midnight after multiple 911 calls reported gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, officers discovered Dupri Booker suffering from multiple gunshot wounds outside one of the apartment buildings. Emergency medical personnel rendered aid at the scene before transporting him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Detectives and crime scene investigators worked through the early morning hours, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses in an effort to piece together what led to the deadly encounter. As of Wednesday morning, no arrests had been announced, though authorities confirmed that the shooting appears to have been targeted.

Orange Police Chief Jason Ashworth addressed the community in a brief statement, expressing his condolences to Booker’s loved ones and emphasizing the department’s commitment to finding those responsible. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy that has taken a life far too soon,” Ashworth said. “Our investigators are working tirelessly to ensure that justice is served for Mr. Booker and his family.”

The Velma Jeter Manor complex, located in the heart of Orange, is home to many families and long-term residents. On Wednesday morning, the mood around the neighborhood was somber as people gathered in small groups, trying to process what had happened just hours earlier. A small memorial of candles and flowers began to grow near the site where Booker was found.

Neighbors described Dupri Booker as a kind and easygoing man who often greeted everyone with a smile. “He was always friendly and respectful,” one resident said. “It’s just hard to believe he’s gone like this. He didn’t deserve that.”

Family members, reeling from the loss, spoke of a man whose life was filled with warmth, humor, and love for his family. Those who knew Dupri say he had a gentle heart and a deep loyalty to the people he cared about most. “Dupri was more than just a friend—he was family to all of us,” said a cousin. “He loved his people, he loved his community, and he always tried to stay positive, no matter what he was going through.”

The tragedy has sparked renewed calls from community members and local leaders for peace and unity amid rising concerns about gun violence in the region. Pastor Michael Thomas of a nearby church shared that the community plans to hold a candlelight vigil in Booker’s memory later this week. “We have lost another soul to senseless violence,” Thomas said. “Now is the time to come together—to grieve, to pray, and to push for change so no more lives are stolen like this.”

Police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward, stressing that even small details could be crucial to the investigation. Tipsters can remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas.

As the investigation continues, the community of Orange is left holding onto memories of a man whose kindness and presence touched many. The loss of Dupri Booker has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of his loved ones, friends, and neighbors—a stark reminder of how fragile and precious life truly is.

In the words of one local resident, “Orange is a small town, and when something like this happens, it hurts all of us. Dupri will be deeply missed, but we won’t forget him. We’ll keep his memory alive.”