San Antonio Family Honors Derek Brown with Basketball, Music, and Faith

Community gathers to celebrate the life of the 27-year-old hospital worker killed in a drive-by shooting.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Family, friends, and the San Antonio community came together to honor the life of Derek Brown, a 27-year-old hospital worker who was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting. The memorial featured competitive basketball games, music, prayer, and a balloon release, reflecting the passions that defined Derek - sports, music, faith, and community.

Why it matters

Derek's death has devastated his family and the broader community he was so deeply connected to. The memorial served as a powerful tribute to his life and legacy, showcasing how he brought people together through his infectious positivity, athleticism, and commitment to his faith and loved ones.

The details

The memorial was held outside Community Bible Church, where Derek's siblings, father, and close friends participated in a series of competitive 5-on-5 basketball games. The afternoon was filled with cheers, laughter, and occasional groans as they showcased their skills on the court. Derek's parents, Violeta Mitchell and Dwayne Brown, expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support, emphasizing that Derek's "heartbeat was God, sports, music, and family." At around 6:20 pm, family members passed out blue and white balloons for attendees to write messages to Derek, which were then released into the sky as the crowd chanted his nickname, "Dee Brown." Derek's siblings also shared cherished memories, highlighting his ability to make everyone feel included and his lessons about forgiveness and love.

  • The memorial was held on Monday, February 24, 2026.
  • Derek was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting last week outside MYST Hookah + Ultra Lounge.
  • Derek was laid to rest on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Derek Brown

A 27-year-old hospital worker and the youngest of six siblings, who was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting.

Violeta Mitchell

Derek's mother, who expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support and emphasized that Derek's "heartbeat was God, sports, music, and family."

Dwayne Brown

Derek's father, who was overwhelmed by the community's support and reflected on his son's impact, saying "It was like having a family of 300 people."

Joseph Anthony Amador

A 34-year-old man arrested in connection with the shooting that killed Derek Brown.

Lauren Tayler Machado-Juarez

A 35-year-old woman arrested in connection with the shooting that killed Derek Brown.

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What they’re saying

“Having this turnout, seeing everyone here... shows how much he was loved. Derek's heartbeat was God, sports, music, and family. Today reflected everything he loved. He knew how to bring people together, and he did it again today.”

— Violeta Mitchell, Derek's mother

“It was like having a family of 300 people. Seeing everyone out here playing basketball, listening to music… really showed Derek's impact. He took what he learned from us and shared it with the world, and today everyone gave him his roses.”

— Dwayne Brown, Derek's father

“I forgive them. I let the court system do its thing. Derek is always going to be another heart.”

— Violeta Mitchell, Derek's mother

“I won't hold hatred in my heart. Derek would want us to let it go and keep loving people.”

— Dwayne Brown, Derek's father

What’s next

Police have arrested Joseph Anthony Amador, 34, and Lauren Tayler Machado-Juarez, 35, in connection with the shooting that killed Derek Brown. The case will now proceed through the criminal justice system.

The takeaway

Derek Brown's life and legacy were celebrated through the coming together of his family, friends, and community, united in their grief, remembrance, and love for a young man who brought people together through his passions for basketball, music, faith, and unwavering kindness. His family's message of forgiveness in the face of tragedy serves as an inspiring example of the power of compassion.