In the East New York section of Brooklyn, a tragic shooting on November 17, 2003, claimed the life of eight-year-old Daesean Hill. The young boy, known as 'Dae-Dae,' was walking home from school with his stepfather, Stelly Chisolm, his five-year-old brother, and his three-year-old sister. As they made their way down Hendrix Street, shots rang out in what was later determined to be a drug-related dispute. Daesean was caught in the crossfire, sustaining fatal bullet wounds to his chest and wrist.
Another man, 23-year-old Michael Walker, who was believed to be a drug dealer, was also killed in the incident.
The senseless death of the young boy sent shockwaves of grief and anger through the community. His death became a catalyst for anti-violence activism in the neighborhood. In the wake of the tragedy, community activist Andre T. Mitchell was inspired to form the organization Man Up! Inc., with the goal of preventing gun violence and providing support to the community. In a lasting tribute to the young victim, the corner of Sutter Avenue and Hendrix Street was co-named Daesean Hill Drive.
An investigation into the shooting led to the arrests of three individuals. Three people were ultimately convicted in connection with Daesean's death. Jahbir Fowlem, who was 26, received a sentence of seven and a half to 15 years in prison. Lawrence Malik, 18 at the time, accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to 13 years. The third individual, 20-year-old Jarrell Perry, was sentenced to a 15-year prison term.
