In the early morning hours of Saturday, August 22, 2015, in Niagara Falls, New York, the life of 31-year-old Fajri J. Hilson was tragically cut short. Known to many of his friends as 'Joey,' Hilson was shot multiple times while sitting in his car outside of Max's Lounge on Highland Avenue. The shooting occurred at approximately 1:45 a.m. in an area where an estimated 50 to 100 people were present.
Despite the number of potential witnesses, two individuals at the scene drove Hilson to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, but medical personnel were unable to save him.
The initial investigation by the Niagara Falls Police Department was hampered by a lack of cooperation from witnesses. Despite having promising leads, detectives struggled to get a clear account of the events that transpired. Family members of Hilson made public pleas, begging for anyone with information to come forward and speak with the authorities to help bring his killers to justice.
In the months that followed, the investigation led to a significant breakthrough. Twin brothers, Keon and Deon McTyere, were identified as the primary suspects. According to police, the brothers walked up to both sides of Hilson's vehicle and fired multiple shots at close range before fleeing the scene, which was located across from their family's business. In November 2015, both Keon and Deon McTyere were arrested and subsequently charged with second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
The legal proceedings concluded in August 2016. The McTyere twins admitted to their roles in the shooting and were sentenced for manslaughter by a Niagara County Judge. Each brother received a sentence of 20 years in prison, to be followed by five years of post-release supervision. The sentencing brought a measure of closure to the family of Fajri Hilson, a man remembered as a loving father, son, brother, and protector.
