Shooting victim's roommates say they witnessed killing

The roommates of a 52 year old Port Arthur man who was shot and killed while riding his bike call his death a random act of violence. The two men watched their friend collapse after he was shot and they hope by sharing their story it might lead to an arrest.

"I would give my life to have him back," said Rickie Allums in describing his roommate and lifelong friend.  "I would give my life.  He didn't deserve that."

Allums and his brother, Larry, met the 52 year old while attending high school in Nederland. They say he was mentally challenged and struggled throughout his life.

"He had his good times and his bad times with people," said Rickie Allums.  "Some people just didn't understand him cause he was mentally retarded."

Allums doesn't know if that had anything to do with his friend's death Saturday afternoon. He says his roommate got on his bicycle and left their home on 4th Street to buy some cigarettes. Allums and his brother were sitting on the porch. The two men say they saw the driver of a white truck or van pull up next to their friend and roll down the window. They couldn't make out what was said but they heard the driver and their friend exchange words.

"Next thing I know I heard a shot," said Larry Allums.  "Ronald went on down the road.  The van turned really slow onto Fort Worth."

Larry Allums says he watched as his friend fell to the ground. While Rickie called 911, Larry rushed over to check on his roommate.

"He said not to let me die and I told him the ambulance is on the way and I asked him, 'Ronald, do you love Jesus?'  And he said, 'Yeah.'  Ask him to forgive you for all your sins.  He did mutter it out."

Ronald died at a hospital. While the Allums are coping with the death of their roommate and friend, they remember the times he walked up to the porch and, as he often did, told them he's hungry. Ricky Allums still holds out hope.

"I hope they catch the person."

Port Arthur police say they're having trouble finding a relative of the victim. Until they do, police aren't releasing his full name. If you have information about the killing call the Port Arthur Police Department.

The Allums brothers are trying to make funeral arrangements for their friend. If you would like to make a donation you can call the Port Arthur Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ to make a donation. The number is (409) 719-6719.