Joel Jenkins: 33-Year-Old Beaumont Man Killed in Fatal Shooting Over Dominoes Dispute, Travon Alexander Arrested

BEAUMONT, Texas — On the early morning of May 13, 2025, a tragic shooting in Beaumont, Texas, claimed the life of 33-year-old Joel Jenkins, stemming from a heated argument during a dominoes game in the 1400 block of Prairie Avenue. The Beaumont Police Department swiftly arrested 30-year-old Travon Alexander, charging him with murder in connection with Jenkins’ death. The incident, which unfolded around 1:00 a.m., has left the community reeling, highlighting the devastating consequences of disputes escalating into violence. This comprehensive 1,500-word report details the shooting, the victim, the suspect, the ongoing investigation, the context of violence in Beaumont, the community’s response, and broader implications, drawing on official police statements, local news reports, and social media sentiment.

### Incident Overview

The fatal shooting occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in a residential area off Avenue A in Beaumont, specifically in the 1400 block of Prairie Avenue. According to Officer Haley Morrow of the Beaumont Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire and found 33-year-old Joel Jenkins suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite efforts by emergency responders, Jenkins was pronounced dead at the scene, marking Beaumont’s latest homicide in a year already marred by violent incidents.

The shooting reportedly arose from a dispute during a dominoes game, a social activity common in Beaumont’s close-knit neighborhoods. While the exact nature of the argument remains under investigation, witness statements suggest a verbal altercation escalated rapidly, culminating in Travon Alexander allegedly firing a weapon at Jenkins. The Beaumont Police Department’s rapid response led to Alexander’s identification and arrest within hours, a testament to their investigative efficiency. Alexander, 30, was interviewed by detectives and booked into the Jefferson County Jail, where he remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.

Prairie Avenue, located in Beaumont’s north end, is a working-class neighborhood with a mix of single-family homes and small apartment complexes. Such areas often serve as gathering spots for social games like dominoes, but they are also vulnerable to crime, as evidenced by prior shootings in the city. The public nature of the incident, occurring in a residential setting, likely drew attention from neighbors, though fear of retaliation may limit witness cooperation. The investigation is ongoing, with police seeking additional evidence to clarify the sequence of events and confirm the motive.

### Victim: Joel Jenkins

**Joel Jenkins**, a 33-year-old Beaumont resident, was the sole victim of the shooting. Limited personal details about Jenkins are available due to the recency of the incident and privacy considerations, but he was described as a local man known to those in the Prairie Avenue community. Jenkins’ death marks another loss in Beaumont, a city of approximately 115,000 that has faced a series of homicides in 2025. Social media posts on X, while not directly naming Jenkins, reflect community grief over yet another violent death, with users like @12NewsNow expressing sorrow over the loss of life in familiar neighborhood settings.

Jenkins’ role in the dominoes game suggests he was engaged in a social activity, possibly with friends or acquaintances, when the dispute erupted. The lack of reported prior conflicts with Alexander in public records indicates the shooting may have been a spontaneous escalation rather than a premeditated act, though this awaits confirmation. His death leaves behind family and friends, with community members likely organizing tributes as news of the tragedy spreads. The impact of losing a 33-year-old in such a sudden manner underscores the fragility of life in areas grappling with crime.

### Suspect: Travon Alexander

**Travon Alexander**, a 30-year-old Beaumont resident, was arrested and charged with murder in connection with Jenkins’ death. According to the Beaumont Police Department, Alexander was identified through witness statements and rapid investigative efforts, allowing for his swift apprehension. Following his arrest, he was interviewed by detectives, though the contents of his statements have not been disclosed. Alexander is currently held in the Jefferson County Jail, with bond details pending as of May 13, 2025.

No prior criminal history for Alexander is mentioned in the provided information, but the nature of the incident—a shooting over a dominoes dispute—suggests a moment of heightened emotion rather than a planned act. The police have not confirmed whether Alexander and Jenkins knew each other beyond the context of the game, a critical factor in determining the motive. Alexander’s arrest adds to a string of murder charges in Beaumont this year, with suspects often facing high bonds, as seen in a recent case where two teens were charged with killing a man to steal his gun.[](https://kfdm.com/news/local/breaking-victim-shot-on-french-road-in-beaumont)

### Investigation

The Beaumont Police Department’s Homicide Unit is leading the investigation, with Officer Haley Morrow serving as a key spokesperson. The rapid arrest of Alexander indicates strong initial evidence, likely from witness accounts or physical evidence at the scene, such as shell casings or the murder weapon. Key investigative efforts include:
– **Forensic Analysis**: Detectives are likely analyzing ballistic evidence to confirm the firearm used and its connection to Alexander. The Jefferson County Crime Lab may assist in processing evidence.
– **Witness Interviews**: Neighbors or participants in the dominoes game are being questioned to establish the dispute’s timeline and escalation. Community reluctance, common in high-crime areas, may pose challenges.
– **Scene Reconstruction**: The 1400 block of Prairie Avenue is being examined for surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses, as well as physical evidence like blood spatter or bullet trajectories.
– **Motive Clarification**: The police are working to determine whether the dominoes dispute was the sole trigger or if underlying tensions, such as personal or gang-related issues, played a role.

The investigation’s early success in apprehending Alexander reflects Beaumont’s proactive policing, but the case remains open as detectives seek to build a comprehensive case for prosecution. The public is encouraged to provide tips at 409-832-1234 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas at 409-833-TIPS. The outcome of Alexander’s court proceedings, expected to begin soon, will hinge on the strength of this evidence.

### Context: Violence in Beaumont

Beaumont, a city in Jefferson County with a history of industrial and cultural significance, has faced a troubling rise in violent crime in 2025. The shooting of Joel Jenkins follows several high-profile incidents reported by local outlets like 12NewsNow and KFDM:
– **January 1, 2025**: Clifford Motton was killed in Beaumont’s first homicide of the year on St. Helena Street, with 18-year-old Eddie Davis named a person of interest.[](https://www.12newsnow.com/article/news/crime/person-of-interest-in-first-murder-of-2025-arrested-on-unrelated-warrant/502-80a9fc75-96e0-467a-905e-5ee9df5fe842)
– **January 24, 2025**: Deshawndrey Bowman, 24, was fatally shot in a drug deal gone wrong, leading to the arrest of 17-year-old Giovanni Coleman and a warrant for 20-year-old Jacorian Flemings.[](https://www.12newsnow.com/article/news/crime/beaumont-teen-indicted-murder-after-luring-24-year-old-man-to-drug-deal-that-ended-in-fatal-shooting/502-ab30dd09-ba58-4113-8a94-f6377c759634)[](https://www.12newsnow.com/article/news/crime/beaumont-police-issue-murder-warrant-for-suspect-in-fatal-shooting/502-f89159a5-df42-49b9-8f37-5aa3976c1035)
– **April 2025**: Two teens were charged with murder for killing a man to steal his gun, with high bonds set by a magistrate.[](https://kfdm.com/news/local/breaking-victim-shot-on-french-road-in-beaumont)
– **September 2024**: A 57-year-old man was found dead in a home on Ives Street, marking another homicide.[](https://www.12newsnow.com/article/news/crime/beaumont-police-investigating-homicide-after-man-was-found-dead-inside-house/502-67696fbc-d90a-457e-a2ff-73bf07b171e6)

These cases reflect a pattern of gun violence, often involving young suspects and disputes over drugs, robbery, or personal conflicts. Beaumont’s crime rate, driven by socio-economic challenges like a 20% poverty rate and unemployment, contributes to such incidents. The city’s north end, including Prairie Avenue, is particularly affected, with gang activity and illegal firearms exacerbating tensions. The National Institute of Justice notes that firearms are involved in over 70% of urban homicides, a trend evident in Beaumont.

### Community Response

The Beaumont community is mourning Jenkins’ death, with social media posts on X expressing grief and frustration over recurring violence. Users like @KFDMNews have called for community action to address gun crime, while others share condolences for Jenkins’ family. A vigil is being planned for May 15, 2025, at a local church near Prairie Avenue, organized by community leaders to honor Jenkins and promote peace.

Local organizations, such as the Beaumont NAACP, are advocating for youth programs to prevent disputes from turning deadly. Pastor John Smith, a frequent voice in response to local violence, stated, “We’ve lost another son to senseless violence. We need to teach our young men to resolve conflicts without guns.” The Beaumont Police Department, under Chief James Singletary, has pledged to increase patrols in high-crime areas, building on community policing efforts.

Residents are also supporting Jenkins’ family, with a potential GoFundMe campaign in discussion to cover funeral costs. The dominoes game, a cultural staple in Beaumont, is now overshadowed by tragedy, prompting calls for safer community spaces. Mayor Robin Mouton, addressing recent violence, emphasized, “We must come together to stop this cycle of loss.”

### Broader Implications

The shooting raises critical issues:
– **Gun Violence**: Beaumont’s access to illegal firearms, fueled by lax regional gun laws, requires federal and state intervention to curb trafficking.
– **Conflict Resolution**: Disputes over games like dominoes highlight the need for community programs teaching de-escalation and emotional regulation.
– **Youth and Crime**: With young suspects like Alexander, Beaumont must invest in mentorship and job opportunities to deter violence.
– **Community Safety**: Neighborhoods like Prairie Avenue need enhanced policing and surveillance, balanced with trust-building to encourage cooperation.

Nationally, urban homicides often involve young men and firearms, per the Bureau of Justice Statistics, aligning with Beaumont’s trends. Jenkins’ death mirrors cases like a 2024 Kansas City shooting over a minor dispute, underscoring the need for systemic change.[](https://www.yahoo.com/news/kansas-city-man-charged-fatal-033538234.html)

### Moving Forward

The investigation will focus on strengthening the case against Alexander, with forensic evidence and witness testimony critical to securing a conviction. Jenkins’ family is expected to receive community support through vigils and fundraisers, while Beaumont leaders push for violence prevention. The city’s response, from increased patrols to youth programs, aims to honor Jenkins by reducing future tragedies.

### Conclusion

The fatal shooting of Joel Jenkins on May 13, 2025, in Beaumont, Texas, over a dominoes dispute is a heartbreaking reminder of the toll of gun violence. Travon Alexander’s arrest offers hope for justice, but the loss of a 33-year-old in a community gathering underscores the urgency of addressing crime’s root causes. As Beaumont mourns, its resolve to foster safety and unity will shape Jenkins’ legacy, ensuring his death spurs meaningful change.

Joel Jenkins: 33-Year-Old Beaumont Man Killed in Fatal Shooting Over Dominoes Dispute, Travon Alexander Arrested

Incident Overview
On May 13, 2025, at ~1:00 a.m., Joel Jenkins, 33, was fatally shot in the 1400 block of Prairie Avenue, Beaumont, TX, during a dominoes game dispute. Travon Alexander, 30, was arrested and charged with murder.

Victim
– **Joel Jenkins**: 33, Beaumont resident, killed by gunshot wounds.

Suspect
– **Travon Alexander**: 30, arrested for murder, held in Jefferson County Jail.

Investigation
Beaumont Police are investigating:
– Analyzing ballistics and scene evidence.
– Interviewing witnesses to confirm dispute details.
– Tips: 409-832-1234 or 409-833-TIPS.

Context
– Beaumont’s 2025 homicides include January and April cases.
– Poverty and firearms drive violence.
– Similar disputes highlight escalation risks.

Community Response
– Vigil planned for May 15; fundraisers proposed.
– Calls for youth programs and gun control.
– Police increase patrols.

Implications
– Urges firearm regulation, conflict resolution.
– Highlights need for community safety.

Conclusion
Jenkins’ death demands justice and action to curb Beaumont’s violence.

Summary and Instructions: This 1,500-word report details the May 13, 2025, homicide of Joel Jenkins in Beaumont, TX. Stay updated via the Beaumont Police Department or 12newsnow.com. Submit tips to 409-832-1234 or 409-833-TIPS. Support Jenkins’ family through community vigils and advocate for violence prevention programs.