On a cold January night in 2016, a 25-year-old Black man named Tyrone Batts, known to his friends and family as 'Fly Ty' or 'Swagoo' for his love of fashion and infectious smile, was fatally shot in Brooklyn, New York. Batts, who was originally from West Haven, Connecticut, had a deep affection for Brooklyn, having attended Long Island University in the borough where he cultivated many lasting friendships.
His ambition was to one day move back to the city that he loved.
On the evening of January 9th, Batts was sitting in his gray Dodge Charger at the corner of East 93rd Street and Rutland Avenue in the Brownsville neighborhood when he was shot once in the chest. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported him to Brookdale University Hospital, but his life could not be saved. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, with initial suggestions of a possible connection to a drug deal, though no evidence has emerged to substantiate this theory.
In the years following the shooting, the New York City Police Department's investigation has not led to any arrests, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The case has been particularly difficult for investigators due to a lack of witnesses and a clear motive. Despite the passage of time, the case remains open. In the wake of their loss, Batts's family and friends have continued to advocate for justice, organizing fundraisers and memorials to keep his memory alive and to support efforts to find the person responsible for his death.
