He was a much loved family member with a promising career ahead.

But over the weekend, Dwane Simmons was tragically killed. He was just 23-years-old.

Now the parents of the Washburn University football player are demanding justice after their son was shot dead. 

Dwane was out celebrating his roommate Corey Ballentine being drafted by the New York Giants NFL team in the early hours on Sunday morning.

But gunfire soon rang out on a residential street in Topeka, Kansas.   

“A Senseless Murder”

Authorities believe the devastating murder took place after Dwane and his friend Ballentine were about to leave the house party.

But out of nowhere a car pulled up in front of the home. The passengers in the vehicle allegedly asked the party guests a question. The car then left, circled back around and someone inside started shooting.

Dwane was killed instantly and Ballentine, 23, was injured.

“This was a senseless murder,” Dwane’s father Navarro Simmons told KSHB. “This shattered a lot of people.”

“He Was Well Loved”

Dwane’s grieving father found out about his son’s death after Ballentine called him on Sunday morning.

“I was like, hey Corey congratulations and this and that, but then when he said, no Mr Simmons, it’s not good,” Navarro said.

“My heart just dropped and I just hopped up out of bed, I was scared.”

Dwane’s mother Chaquilla Everette has also spoken out about the loss of her child.

She told the Kansas City Star, “For someone to take him so senselessly, I mean he didn’t deserve it, I never thought my son would be gone this soon.”

“He was well loved at Washburn so, if anybody hears anything, I believe somebody’s going to say something.”

The family have pleaded for anyone with information about Dwane’s murder to come forward. 

“My Son Deserves Justice” > > >