TENNESSEE COLONY, TX (August 7, 2025) — The quiet rural community of Tennessee Colony in Anderson County was shattered by a devastating act of domestic violence that claimed the life of a vibrant young woman, Kia-Patrick Roushelle Walker, just 20 years old. Her senseless death has left a family in agony, a community in mourning, and authorities resolute in their pursuit of justice.

The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Thursday morning when a concerned citizen stumbled upon a grim scene in a parking lot near the intersection of State Highway 321 and FM 645. There, lying lifeless, was Kia-Patrick, her life extinguished by an apparent gunshot wound. The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office was alerted around 7:30 a.m. after the Palestine Police Department received a tip about a potential shooting in the area. Simultaneously, a caller reported finding a young woman’s body, later identified as Kia-Patrick, abandoned in the desolate lot.

As deputies descended on the scene, a chilling narrative began to emerge. A witness came forward with a harrowing account, alleging that 23-year-old Cyrus Johnson, Kia-Patrick’s ex-boyfriend, had confessed to shooting a woman and leaving her in Tennessee Colony. This revelation set off a rapid investigation, with authorities piecing together the tragic connection between the victim and the suspect. It was confirmed that Kia-Patrick and Johnson had previously been in a romantic relationship, a detail that cast a stark light on the domestic roots of this horrific crime.

By Thursday afternoon, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Texas Rangers, tracked Johnson to a rest stop on U.S. Highway 69 near Jacksonville, approximately 30 miles from the crime scene. There, investigators apprehended him without incident, recovering a vehicle and a firearm believed to be linked to the murder. Johnson now faces a murder charge and is being held in the Anderson County Jail, awaiting his initial court appearance in the coming days. Authorities have remained tight-lipped about the specific circumstances leading up to the shooting, but the specter of domestic violence looms large over the case.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy that has left a family devastated and a community in mourning,” said Sheriff Rudy Flores in a statement to the Palestine Herald-Press. “Kia-Patrick Roushelle Walker should still be with us today. Her life was stolen from her, and we are committed to ensuring justice is served.”

Kia-Patrick was more than a victim—she was a beloved daughter, friend, and dreamer with a future full of promise. Those who knew her paint a vivid picture of a young woman whose infectious laughter and boundless kindness lit up any room. She was known for her fierce love for her family and her unwavering determination to chase her dreams. Friends recall her vibrant spirit, her warm smile, and the way she made everyone around her feel seen and valued. Her loss has left an unfillable void in the hearts of those who loved her, as they grapple with the cruel reality that her bright future was stolen in an instant.

The tragedy has reignited urgent conversations about domestic violence in Anderson County and beyond. Sheriff’s Office officials have emphasized the need for awareness and action, urging anyone in an unsafe or abusive relationship to seek help immediately. “No one should live in fear,” a spokesperson said. “We want to remind our community that resources are available, and we are here to help.”

As the investigation continues, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Rangers are working diligently to uncover every detail of this heartbreaking case. While justice moves forward, the community of Tennessee Colony holds tight to memories of Kia-Patrick—a young woman whose light was extinguished far too soon.

**Resources for Domestic Violence Victims:**

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse or is in danger, help is available. Reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org for confidential support. In Anderson County, local resources like the Family Crisis Center of East Texas (1-800-828-7233) provide shelter, counseling, and advocacy for those in need. Don’t wait—your safety matters.