The family of a 19-year-old man fatally shot on a highway in east Texas is desperate for answers, as law enforcement has yet to identify any suspects.

Cody Walker Johnson was shot and killed on Friday night while he was driving westbound on a freeway in Katy, located about an hour away from Houston, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. He was quickly airlifted to Memorial Hermann Hospital Medical Center, where he was declared dead upon arrival.

As of Thursday afternoon, authorities confirmed to YSL News that no clear motive has been established, and the identity of the shooter remains unknown.

Cody, a recent graduate, left his mother’s home in Missouri City on Friday night. He was en route to pick up his girlfriend from work when the shooting happened. His parents noted that there were only traffic counting cameras present at the site, which means no video evidence is available.

For Cody’s father Mike Johnson and his mother Amy Juneau, the unbearable grief of losing a child is compounded by the struggle to understand the events of that fatal night.

“I wouldn’t wish what we’re going through on my worst enemy,” Mike Johnson told YSL News on Thursday. “We are left with no answers, and not even any hints of answers.”

Cody, affectionately called Cojo by the baseball community

Cody, who was often called Cojo, is survived by his older brother Mickey, his girlfriend, and a supportive community that he warmly impacted with his confident spirit and kindness. Amy described him as “the sweetest, nicest, and kindest kid who was a friend to everyone” and noted that he gained a reputation as a “wild child” who lived life fearlessly.

Passionate about fitness, he was known to be at the gym every day, with Mike recalling a time he found Cody working out with friends for four continuous hours.

“He was just being himself. He approached strangers without hesitation. That boy had no fear. He could strike up a conversation with even the most stunning girl in the room, and by the end of it, they’d be like best friends,” Mike Johnson recalled.

A dedicated sports lover, Cody was actively involved in a local baseball team and frequently umpired little league games. However, after a motorcycle accident in June that hurt his arm, he had to stop playing and going to the gym.

A memorial tribute in honor of Cody took place at the Alphaland gym in Missouri City on Wednesday.

Cody had just started his dream job as a car salesman

Cody graduated high school in May, initially considering Texas State University, but realized that wasn’t what he wanted. After picking out a dorm and attending an orientation in June, he told his parents that he truly wanted to pursue a career in car sales.

His love for cars and motorcycles had been a lifelong passion, which he nurtured through participation in various vehicle enthusiast clubs.

“He seemed to have known his calling since he was just two years old, tirelessly playing with Hot Wheels. Cars were always an intrinsic part of who he was,” Mike said.

He had started a new job as a car salesman just a week before the tragedy.

“He opted for a different path and felt a great sense of happiness about it. He was excited to begin selling cars, which was his true passion,” Amy remarked. “His friends, all from different backgrounds, came to the gym, and each person had a different story about Cody, but their affection for him was universal.”

Cody’s parents feel the support from loved ones

During this difficult season of mourning, Cody’s family has received an overwhelming amount of support from friends, family, and the community.

“I know I wouldn’t get through this without the support of our friends, family, and everyone who knew Cody,” Amy expressed. “We’re discovering people we didn’t even realize knew him. If we can find any comfort, it’s in recognizing how many lives Cody impacted positively in his short 19 years.”

Mike, Amy, and Cody’s family have received a great deal of support, but what they truly need are answers.

“This child was loved by everyone. It’s incomprehensible how someone could extinguish his life so carelessly,” said Amy.

If anyone has information about Cody’s death, please reach out to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 713-274-9100 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.

A press briefing will occur in Houston on Friday morning, coinciding with Amy and Mike’s visitation of their son’s body. Cody’s memorial service is planned for Saturday, October 12.