In the early hours of a Sunday morning, the life of 19-year-old Royden Cave was tragically cut short. On March 13, 2022, the Buffalo State College freshman was attending an off-campus party on Bird Avenue in Buffalo, New York, when he was fatally shot. Originally from Brooklyn, Cave was a criminal justice major with aspirations of making a positive impact.
The shooting occurred at approximately 3:40 a.m. during a large gathering at a residence.
Emergency services were called, and Cave was rushed to Erie County Medical Center. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries. The Buffalo Police Department launched a homicide investigation into the death of the young man.
In the wake of the shooting, the Buffalo State College community mourned the loss of a student known for his sense of humor and for being a dependable friend who was actively involved in campus life. Vigils and memorials were held to honor his memory, with friends, faculty, and staff sharing stories of the impact he had on them in his short time at the college.
To date, no arrests have been made in connection with Royden Cave's murder. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the apprehension of the person or persons responsible. A reward of up to $7,500 has been offered by Crime Stoppers for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Witnesses reported seeing a man with a gun at the scene, described as wearing a red hoodie and black pants. Community leaders have used this tragedy to call for an end to gun violence.
