Jasmine Brunson Jr., a 17-year-old male, was looking forward to his junior prom, a night that should have been filled with celebration and youthful joy. He was a student at Carver Vo-Tech High School in Baltimore, Maryland, and was known by his loved ones as "Jay." By all accounts, he was a beloved young man, dedicated to his family and passionate about boxing, a sport he pursued at Upton Boxing.
His mother, Tiffany Hair, described him as a "great kid" who was always willing to help, including caring for his grandfather who had recently suffered a stroke.
On the evening of Thursday, May 12, 2022, Jasmine attended his prom. Following the dance, in the early hours of Friday, May 13, he went to an after-party held at a rented home in the 1700 block of East Lafayette Avenue. It was there that tragedy struck. At approximately 12:37 a.m., gunshots rang out, and Jasmine was fatally wounded. Police officers responded to the scene to find the teenager suffering from gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
The news of Jasmine's death sent shockwaves of grief through his family, friends, and the wider Baltimore community. His mother was left heartbroken, pleading for answers and justice for her son, whom she remembered as a child who had never been in trouble. His boxing coaches and friends echoed these sentiments, remembering a kind and encouraging young man. In the days that followed, a vigil was held where dozens gathered to honor his memory, releasing balloons and lighting candles.
In the wake of the shooting, Baltimore Police launched a homicide investigation. As of the latest available reports, no arrests have been made in connection with the murder of Jasmine Brunson Jr., and no suspects have been publicly identified. Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward. To encourage tips, a significant reward has been offered for information that leads to an arrest and charges in the case. The reward, a combination of funds from Metro Crime Stoppers and the governor's office, stands at $16,000. The case remains an open and active investigation as a family and community continue to mourn the senseless loss of a promising young life.
