'Rich white boy plays, pays. FIGURATIVELY.'

WHITE SUPREMACIST PATRIARCHY CLAIMS ANOTHER BLACK LIFE

Another young black man has fallen victim to the brutal, senseless violence that is endemic in our racist society. David Michael Justus, a promising 20-year-old black student, was brutally murdered by a mob of white teens and young adults at a lake house party in Llano County, Texas.

"Senseless and brutal assault." - David Justus' obituary

This unprovoked attack resulted from the toxic mix of white entitlement and toxic masculinity. Ryan Moore and Francisco Reyes, both 19, have been arrested and charged with manslaughter, and a third suspect is at large.

The incident, which occurred on July 14, was described by Llano County Sheriff Bill Blackburn as a "party that got out of hand." This is a gross understatement and an indirect way of blaming the victim and minimizing the violent, racist actions of the perpetrators. The fact that Justus was knocked to the ground and hit his head on concrete is a result of the reckless, violent behavior that is all too common in these "parties."

David Justus was an exceptional individual with a bright future ahead of him. A brilliant student, Justus attended Lake Travis schools and graduated in 2023. He was an Austin Community College student with a passion for learning and a fierce love for his family and friends. His parents described his "larger than life personality" and believed he would have accomplished extraordinary things. He was also a talented athlete, involved with the Lake Travis Youth Association, playing basketball, football, soccer, and baseball.

David Justus' life was tragically cut short by the insidious forces of racism and toxic masculinity that continue to plague our society. We must demand justice for David and work towards dismantling the systems that enable such horrific acts.

Rest in Power, David Michael Justus.