Bryce Dejean-Jones killed while breaking into Dallas apartment

ESPN.com news services

New Orleans Pelicans guard Bryce Dejean-Jones was fatally shot after breaking down the door to a Dallas apartment early Saturday, authorities said.

Dejean-Jones' agent, Scott Nichols, said his client died after a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

According to Dallas police, officers responded to a call about a shooting at an apartment around 3:20 a.m. Saturday morning. The resident of the apartment said an individual had kicked open his front door and entered.
Camden Belmont Apartments sent an email to residents Saturday saying an individual was "believed to be breaking into the apartment of an estranged acquaintance inadvertently; broke into the wrong apartment." The individual was later ID'd as Dejean-Jones. Andy Jacobsohn/The Dallas Morning News/AP

The resident, who had been asleep, retrieved a handgun and called out to the individual, but did not receive an answer. The individual kicked the bedroom door and the resident fired his gun at the individual, who left the apartment and collapsed in the breezeway. The individual was transported to the hospital, where he died. Police at that point identified him as Dejean-Jones.

According to an email that Camden Belmont Apartments sent to its residents Saturday morning, the individual later identified as Dejean-Jones was "believed to be breaking into the apartment of an estranged acquaintance (but) inadvertently broke into the wrong apartment."

Sources told ESPN that Dejean-Jones was in town to celebrate his daughter's birthday and was involved in an argument with the child's mother prior to the shooting.

It's unclear whether charges will be filed against the man who shot Dejean-Jones. Under Texas law, a person is allowed to use deadly force to defend himself/herself in his/her home. It also says a person using force cannot provoke the attacker or be involved in criminal activity at the time.

Dejean-Jones, 23, signed a three-year contract with the Pelicans in February after joining the team on consecutive 10-day contracts. He started 11 of 14 games before undergoing surgery for a broken right wrist and missing the rest of the season.
Bryce Dejean-Jones signed a three-year contract with the Pelicans in February after joining the team on consecutive 10-day contracts. Matt Bush/USA TODAY Sports

"It is with deep sadness that the Pelicans organization acknowledges the sudden passing of Bryce Dejean-Jones," the Pelicans said in a statement. "We are devastated at the loss of this young man's life who had such a promising future ahead of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bryce's family during this difficult time."

Dejean-Jones, a native of Los Angeles, averaged 5.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 19.9 minutes over the 14 games last season.

"Bryce overcame a lot of obstacles to get to this point in his career," Nichols told ESPN's Justin Verrier. "He was a joy to be around, a talent just turning the corner in his career."

NBA commissioner Adam Silver expressed his condolences in a statement later Saturday.

"The NBA family mourns the tragic loss of New Orleans Pelicans guard Bryce Dejean-Jones," he said. "Bryce inspired countless people with his hard work and perseverance on his journey to the NBA, and he had a bright future in our league. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Bryce's family and the entire Pelicans organization during this difficult time."

Dejean-Jones played college ball at USC, UNLV and Iowa State before going undrafted in 2015. He played the 2014-15 season for Iowa State after graduating from UNLV.

"We are deeply saddened to learn the tragic news about Bryce," former Iowa State head coach Fred Hoiberg said. "I'm grateful that our paths crossed in this life. Bryce was a passionate and talented player that lived out his dream of playing in the NBA through hard work and perseverance. It's an incredibly sad day for me and all of Iowa State University. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bryce's family."

Reaction from players filtered out onto social media throughout Saturday.

112288

Unfortunately, another tragedy that is related to a young man being part of a 'situation' after 10 or 11 PM.