Lamar Gibson, a 17-year-old Black male, was tragically shot and killed on the night of July 13, 2020, in East Harlem, Manhattan. The incident occurred at approximately 11:52 p.m. in the courtyard of the Washington Houses, a public housing complex located near East 102nd Street and Third Avenue. According to law enforcement sources, Gibson was struck in the head by a bullet during a hail of gunfire from unknown assailants.
Officers from the 23rd Precinct and NYPD PSA 5 responded to a 911
call reporting the shooting. Paramedics arrived at the scene and rushed Gibson to Metropolitan Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. The promising young man was heading into his senior year at the Julia Richman Education Complex and was known for his aspirations of playing basketball at the collegiate level with the ultimate goal of reaching the NBA. He was reportedly well-liked by his peers and members of his community.
The shooting left his family and friends devastated, prompting them to create a makeshift memorial in his honor where many gathered to pay their respects. In the wake of his death, a mural workshop was organized for his loved ones to process their trauma and create a lasting tribute to him. Tragically, Lamar's father had also been a victim of gun violence ten years prior, and his murder remains unsolved.
As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made in connection with Lamar Gibson's murder, and the investigation remains ongoing. The New York City Police Department continues to seek leads and gather information to identify the individuals responsible for this senseless act of violence. His death drew attention to the issue of gun violence in the area, with community members and local officials calling for more to be done to prevent such tragedies.
