ORANGE, Texas — A 28-year-old Orange man has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with a fatal shooting at Velma Jeter Manor apartments Tuesday night.
Octaviun Romaine Rhodes Jr., 28, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of Dupri Booker, 36, of Pinehurst, according to a probable cause affidavit in the case.
Orange Police Department officers were dispatched to 2500 block of Allie Payne Rd around 9:34 p.m. Tuesday in reference to a disturbance, the affidavit states. As officers turned onto Allie Payne Rd, they were advised that a firearm had been discharged during the disturbance.
Octaviun Romaine Rhodes, 28, of Orange
Officers observed a white Dodge Journey fleeing the area at a high rate of speed, according to the affidavit.
When officers stopped the Dodge , Rhodes, identified as the back left passenger, was found to have a .300 Blackout AR-style rifle and was arrested, the affidavit states. He also had outstanding municipal warrants.
When other officers arrived at Velma Jeter Manor, they found Booker dead from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the affidavit.
Witnesses at the scene identified Rhodes as the shooter and described the white SUV as the vehicle he used to flee, the affidavit states.
During an interview at the Orange Police Department, Rhodes admitted to firing his gun at and in the direction of an apartment as a result of a verbal altercation with the victim, according to the affidavit.
Orange County Justice of the Peace Pct. 3 Judge Joy Dubose-Simonton pronounced Booker dead at the scene and ordered an autopsy.
Rhodes was taken to the Orange County Jail without incident, the affidavit states.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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