Texas Mother Seeks Justice For Son Murdered In 2015 Near Prairie View A&M Campus
“Never did I think I’d have to prepare myself to live without him,” Anissa Norice says of losing her only child, LaDarius Valentine.
Anissa Norice via Facebook
A mother in Texas refuses to give up the search for whoever is responsible for her only child’s death.
“I just continue to say his name and tell his story,” Anissa Norice told Dateline of her son, LaDarius Valentine.
On Aug. 26, 2015, Valentine went to Norice’s Dallas home before continuing on to Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas, where the 21-year-old senior was studying mechanical engineering and agriculture.
“He was very determined,” Norice said. “He would always tell me, ‘Mama, I’m going to be one of the most successful Black men and retire at 40.’ And he told me he’d always take care of me.”
Valentine never got the chance to fulfil his promise. “The next time I saw him, he was dead,” Norice said. “My baby was gone. My whole world just fell apart around me.”
According to police, on Aug. 29, three days after the visit with his mother, the college student was found shot dead outside his off-campus apartment building.
Former Prairie View Police Department Sgt. Christopher Garrett worked on the case and claimed to Dateline that investigators have identified people of interest in Valentine’s murder but explained they do not have enough evidence to move forward with any arrests.
“There have been many rumors and stories over the years, but we’re still piecing together what happened to LaDarius and who did it,” Sgt. Garrett said.
“We know someone knows something and we just need that someone to come forward with information,” he noted, adding, “I promised his mother I’m never going to stop looking for who’s responsible for LaDarius’s death. Never.”
Norice also continues to seek justice for the son she affectionately called “Knucklehead” while helping other mothers who have lost children to murder.
As the investigation drags on, Norice said she’s worked hard to find peace and “forgive the people who did this” to Valentine — even though it’s been a difficult process.
“I prepared him to one day live his life without me, but never did I think I’d have to prepare myself to live without him,” she said. “I just keep telling his story, and hopefully, one day, I’ll find that peace.”
On Aug. 29, 2021, Norice posted a lengthy Facebook message to her son. “It’s been a long 6 years I haven’t heard your voice, saw your beautiful smile, got a wet kiss, felt those strong arms embracing with warmth and love,” she wrote, in part.
“I’m fighting I’m fighting I’m fighting to live only to get Justice for you baby,” Norice continued. “I will see you later my life, my soul and #1 son.”
She concluded the post with a plea: “I NEED HELP WITH THIS ONE.”
If you have information about this case, call the Prairie View Police Department at 979-826-8033.
