HOUSTON, TX — July 13, 2025 — A late-night drive-by shooting outside a nightclub in southeast Houston, Texas, has left two people dead and 15 others injured in what officials are calling a senseless act of violence. The shooting occurred just after 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, in the parking lot of a popular nightclub located near Dixie Road and Heffernan Street.
Among the victims killed was Paul “Junebug” Stevenson, the owner of the club and a well-respected local barber in the Houston area. Stevenson, known for his generosity and community presence, was a beloved figure who had built a loyal following in both the barbering and nightlife industries. The second victim, a 21-year-old woman, was pronounced dead at the hospital following the shooting. Her name has not been released by authorities.
Houston police have confirmed that multiple suspects in a black four-door sedan opened fire into a crowd of people waiting to enter the nightclub. The assailants fled the scene after the attack, heading southbound on Dixie Drive. The shooting left a community reeling, as 15 others were injured, several of whom were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
What Happened: The Shooting and Its Aftermath
According to Assistant Police Chief Adrian Rodriguez, the shooting occurred as the victims were gathered in the parking lot of the nightclub. The black sedan reportedly approached the crowd before multiple rounds were fired at close range. The vehicle sped off after the attack, with law enforcement officers arriving moments later to find the devastating scene.
One victim was confirmed dead at the scene, and a second victim, the 21-year-old woman, was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Meanwhile, the injured victims were quickly attended to by emergency medical teams. Several of the survivors were taken to hospitals in private vehicles, while others were treated on-site by EMS personnel and subsequently transported to area hospitals for further care.
The injured individuals include eight males, aged between 17 and 52, and seven females, aged between 14 and 21. Fortunately, as of Monday, all victims are reported to be in stable condition, though some of the survivors sustained serious injuries.
The Victims: A Community Grieves
The tragic deaths of Paul “Junebug” Stevenson and the unnamed 21-year-old woman have deeply affected the local community. Stevenson, a well-known figure in Houston’s barbering scene, was remembered by friends, family, and clients as a generous, hardworking individual who always made time for others.
“He was more than just a barber,” said Keith Allen, a close friend and fellow barber. “Junebug was a mentor, a father figure to many of us. He was always there to listen, give advice, and lift people up. The community will never be the same without him.”
The second fatality, a young woman whose identity has not yet been released, was described by friends as kind-hearted and full of life. Friends have been posting tributes on social media, mourning the loss of someone taken too soon.
“I can’t believe you’re gone,” one of her friends posted. “You were taken from us in the blink of an eye, and we’ll never forget you.”
The Investigation: Houston Police Search for Suspects
The Houston Police Department has launched an active investigation into the drive-by shooting, but as of now, the motive remains unclear. Authorities have said they are reviewing surveillance footage from the area to gather evidence and identify suspects. Detectives are also working to interview survivors as their medical conditions allow.
“We are committed to bringing justice to the victims and their families,” said Assistant Chief Rodriguez. “This was a senseless act of violence that affected innocent lives. We need to find those responsible and hold them accountable.”
Police have not disclosed whether the shooting was a targeted attack or if it was part of a larger dispute. Law enforcement officials have emphasized that they are exploring all possibilities and are determined to solve the case.
The Community’s Response: Shock and Solidarity
The shooting has sparked outrage and sorrow in the Houston community. Many residents have expressed their disbelief that such violence could occur in what is often considered a vibrant, tight-knit area.
Local businesses, including several barbershops, have shown support for Stevenson’s family, pledging to raise funds for his funeral and to assist his loved ones during this difficult time. A GoFundMe campaign has been established in Stevenson’s honor, raising thousands of dollars from the community.
“I just can’t wrap my head around it,” said Maria Garcia, a local business owner. “Junebug was a staple in this neighborhood. We’ve all lost a friend, a brother, and a mentor. Now we have to come together and support each other in this time of grief.”
Several vigil events and memorials are planned for the victims, with organizers encouraging people to come together to remember the lives lost and to demand justice.
“We will not let this violence define our community,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “We will keep fighting for peace and for justice for the victims and their families.”
Houston’s Ongoing Gun Violence Problem
This tragedy is part of a disturbing trend of gun violence in Houston, which has seen a rise in shootings and homicides in recent months. The city has struggled with increased violence in certain neighborhoods, and the late-night shooting outside the nightclub is one more example of the type of violence that has left many residents feeling vulnerable.
Mayor Turner and other local leaders have called for more effective measures to combat the city’s gun violence problem, including increased funding for community programs, better support for at-risk youth, and stronger enforcement of existing gun laws.
“We need to stop this senseless violence. We need to focus on prevention, not just reaction,” said Turner. “Our city deserves to be a safe place for families and children. We can’t keep losing lives to senseless shootings like this one.”
The Investigation Continues: Law Enforcement Calls for Public Assistance
While the investigation into the shooting continues, Houston Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The department has asked witnesses or individuals with knowledge of the events leading up to the shooting to contact them directly.
“We are asking anyone who saw something or knows something to help us with this case,” said Chief Rodriguez. “Your information could be the missing piece we need to solve this case and bring justice to those affected by this violence.”
Ways to Help and Submit Tips
The Houston Police Department is accepting anonymous tips through their Crime Stoppers hotline at 713-222-TIPS (8477), or tips can be submitted directly to the police department’s homicide division at 713-308-3600.
A Community Left to Heal: The Road to Justice for the Victims
The shooting deaths of Paul “Junebug” Stevenson, Malik Benson, and the unnamed 21-year-old woman serve as painful reminders of the epidemic of violence that continues to impact communities in Houston. While the police work diligently to bring those responsible to justice, the community is left to mourn, heal, and work towards building a safer future.
As of now, the investigation remains active, and police are committed to finding those responsible for these senseless deaths. The community’s resolve remains strong as they continue to support the victims’ families and demand justice for those whose lives were taken too soon.