ORANGE, TEXAS (November 5, 2025) – Authorities in Orange, Texas, have identified 28-year-old Octaviun Romaine Rhodes as the primary suspect in a fatal incident that claimed the life of 36-year-old Dupri Booker of Pinehurst late Tuesday night at the Velma Jeter Manor Apartments on Allie Payne Road.
According to a probable cause affidavit from the Orange Police Department, officers were dispatched around 9:34 p.m. after reports of a disturbance in the 2500 block of Allie Payne Road. While responding, officers observed a white Dodge Journey leaving the area at high speed. The vehicle was quickly stopped, and police identified Octaviun Rhodes as one of the passengers.
During the stop, investigators recovered a .300 Blackout AR-style rifle in Rhodes’ possession, which was later secured as evidence. He was detained on the spot and was also found to have outstanding municipal warrants.
Meanwhile, additional officers arrived at the Velma Jeter Manor complex, where they discovered Dupri Booker unresponsive. Despite emergency efforts to save him, Judge Joy Dubose-Simonton of Orange County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 pronounced him deceased at the scene and ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Witnesses at the scene identified Rhodes as the individual involved in the altercation with Booker and confirmed that the white SUV stopped by police matched the vehicle seen leaving the complex moments earlier. During a subsequent interview at the Orange Police Department, Rhodes reportedly admitted to discharging his weapon during the confrontation.
He has since been formally charged with first-degree murder and remains in custody at the Orange County Jail, pending further legal proceedings.
Residents of the Velma Jeter Manor complex described the incident as deeply unsettling, recalling the sound of chaos that broke the night’s calm. “People were screaming and running,” said one neighbor. “It was frightening — nobody expected something like this to happen here.”
Authorities have not released additional details regarding what led to the altercation, but the case remains under active investigation. Detectives continue to gather statements and review evidence to piece together the full sequence of events that resulted in Booker’s tragic death.
The Orange Police Department is encouraging anyone with information or footage from the area to come forward or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas.
The loss of Dupri Booker has left family and friends heartbroken, with tributes pouring in from across the community. Those who knew him describe him as a warm, loyal, and loving man whose laughter and kindness touched everyone he met.
“This has shaken our city,” one family friend shared. “Dupri was the type of person who made everyone around him feel seen and appreciated. It’s hard to imagine life without him.”
As the investigation moves forward, the Orange community continues to rally around Booker’s loved ones, offering prayers and support during this devastating time.
Authorities will provide further updates as new information becomes available.