On a summer evening in Baltimore, the life of Rodney Howard Wheatley III, a 28-year-old Black male, was tragically cut short. On June 12, 2017, he fell victim to gun violence in an incident that took place at 200 S Bentalou St. His death was officially noted the following day, on June 13, 2017, leaving his family and friends to grapple with the sudden and unexpected loss of a man known affectionately as 'Three,' 'Lil Rodney,' and 'Tear Drop.'
Wheatley, born on August 4, 1988, was a
product of the Baltimore City Public School System. After his formal education, he was employed by the city before venturing out to start his own transportation service, 'Flip Transportation.' He was also a man of faith, having been baptized at the Saint Paul United Methodist Church. Those who knew him recall a person who loved the Lord and enjoyed sharing His word. He was known for his humor, always ready with a joke that could bring laughter to those around him. His passion for music was another defining characteristic of his life. He was a beloved figure in his neighborhood, especially among the children, with whom he shared a mutual affection.
The circumstances surrounding his death paint a grim picture of the violence that plagued the city. One account from that period describes a young man who, after spending the evening with his mother, returned home around 9:10 p.m. Unbeknownst to him, burglars were inside his house, lying in wait in the darkness. As he entered and went to lock the door, they opened fire. Despite being shot four times, he fought to escape, making it out the front door before succumbing to his injuries. The fatal shot was the fourth one. Within 22 minutes of leaving his mother's home, at 9:32 p.m., he was dead.
As of the latest available information, no arrests have been publicly announced in connection with the murder of Rodney Wheatley. The case is one of many unsolved homicides that have left a lasting scar on the community and a void in the lives of his loved ones, including his mother, LaTasha Jacobs, and his father, Rodney H. Wheatley, Jr. His memory is cherished by a large circle of family and friends who continue to mourn their loss.
