PASADENA, Texas (KTRK) -- A Pasadena teen's slaying last month may have been retaliation for robbing a drug dealer, a search warrant reveals.

De'Markus Jefferson, 17, was laid to rest over the weekend after being gunned down outside the Villas at Shaver apartments where he lived on Aug. 18.

On Monday, Jefferson's aunt and uncle spoke with Eyewitness News on condition of anonymity.

"He's raised very well. He always gives hugs," his aunt said, adding that Jefferson was a "nurturer."

According to the search warrant, Jefferson was shot three times while taking out the trash. His aunt said he had been dining with her minutes prior.

"Why? The main question is 'why?' And who would do something like this?" Jefferson's uncle said.

Detectives may be closer to answering those questions.

The s

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