BEAUMONT, Texas — A family, a neighborhood, and an entire community are grieving the heartbreaking and senseless loss of Marquise Tillman, a 23-year-old Beaumont resident whose life was tragically taken in a violent shooting late Tuesday night. His death has left an immeasurable void—especially in the lives of the three young children who now must grow up without their father.
According to Beaumont police, Marquise was killed in what investigators believe was an apparently drive-by shooting near the Pointe North Apartments, located at 3710 Magnolia Street, in the north end of town. Authorities received a call reporting shots fired at approximately 9:45 p.m. Officers arrived to find Marquise suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, lying near the roadway on the Grand Avenue side of the apartment complex. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators quickly secured the area with crime scene tape as the department’s ID unit and detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division were called in. A justice of the peace also responded. The investigation remains active and ongoing, with officers continuing to work leads to identify and locate the suspect or suspects involved.
But beyond the flashing lights and the police tape is a deeper, far more painful truth: a young life full of love, laughter, and purpose was stolen far too soon.
Marquise Tillman was a father of three, a role he cherished deeply. He was described by Asia Washington, the mother of his children, as a family-oriented young man and “one of the funniest people she knew.” She shared that Marquise loved his family fiercely and would do absolutely anything for them. To his children, he was more than a dad—he was their protector, their source of joy, their sense of safety and belonging.
Officer Chancellor Van Houten spoke candidly about the devastating impact of the crime, stating, “Those babies are going to have to grow up without a dad. Nothing good comes from this.” His words echo the painful reality left behind when violence steals a life—not just one life, but generations of moments that will never come.
Beaumont Mayor Roy West also shared his condolences, expressing deep sorrow for the loss and extending heartfelt sympathy to Marquise’s family and loved ones. He reaffirmed the city’s commitment to justice and community safety, while urging residents to support one another and keep the grieving family in their prayers.
Marquise’s death is a stark reminder of how fragile life is and how deeply violence wounds not only families, but entire communities. Friends, relatives, and neighbors now mourn a young man who should still be here—watching his children grow, making memories, laughing loudly, and living the life that was taken from him.
Police stress that shootings in Beaumont are often isolated incidents and urge anyone with information to come forward. If you know something—no matter how small—please contact the Beaumont Police Department or Southeast Texas Crime Stoppers. Tips can be made anonymously.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on remembering Marquise Tillman for who he was—not how he died. A devoted father. A son. A loved one. A young man whose humor, love, and presence will never be replaced.
May Marquise rest in eternal peace. May his children always know how deeply they were loved. And may his family find strength, comfort, and justice in the days ahead.
Forever loved. Forever remembered.