SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – The family of a Springfield man killed last month near the Missouri State University campus is speaking out about the legacy he leaves behind.
Brandon Watt was shot near the intersection of Kimbrough Avenue and Elm Street and later died at the hospital. His mother, Theresa Cox, described him as a loving son, brother, and father who was the jokester of the family.
“He lights up the room. Just anything he did. He always smiled. No matter if he was sad or upset or anything, he never showed that,” Cox said.
Family remembers devoted father
Cox said her son’s favorite thing in the world was his child.
“He loved his son very, very much. He just loved him. He took him everywhere he wanted. Everywhere he bragged about his son,” she said.
The family plans to keep Brandon’s memory alive by sharing stories and memories with his son.
“I’m going to tell him every good thing about him, like while he was growing up, about his skateboarding, his games, and how he was so kind-hearted,” Cox said.
Investigation continues
Cox learned of her son’s death through a phone call from detectives.
“Then a detective called me and told me, I’m sorry about your loss, but your son Brandon Watt has passed away. He got killed,” she said.
Detectives brought Dawson Smith in for questioning, but he was released. Smith has not been formally charged, as investigators are still gathering information.
“I don’t understand that he’s walking around and acting like nothing happened,” Cox said.
The family says they want the truth about what happened.
“I need justice for him. So anybody out there knows anything about it or just know something about my boy that, they know about my boy. He’s never a fighter. He’s more of a lover,” Cox said.
Community shows support
Saturday, Brandon’s funeral was standing room only. His family says this showed how much he was loved by his family, friends, and his employer, Donco 3 Construction, which paid for his service.
“Everybody who stood by his side all the years that they’ve known him. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. That funeral was loaded with people. And you loved my son, and I appreciate it so much,” Cox said.
To report a correction or typo, please email digitalnews@ky3.com. Please include the article info in the subject line of the email.
Copyright 2026 KY3. All rights reserved.
