Juwan Undae Derrick Small, a 17-year-old student athlete from Stockton, California, tragically lost his life on December 14, 2015, just one day before his 18th birthday. Juwan was a promising young man who excelled in football at Cesar Chavez High School, where he played as a running back and safety. He was also a member of the Renaissance Academic Achievement program, which recognized his academic efforts and potential.
On the fateful day, Juwan was riding his bike to a friend's house when he was shot once and killed near the intersection of Swain Road and Lorraine Avenue in Stockton. This incident marked the 45th homicide in Stockton for the year 2015.
The investigation into Juwan's death revealed that he was shot in broad daylight, and despite the presence of several witnesses, no substantial leads or suspects have been identified. His mother, Jessica Small, has been vocal about her quest for justice, frequently appealing to the community for any information that could help solve the case. She believes that jealousy may have been a motive behind the shooting, as Juwan was well-liked and had a bright future ahead of him. Despite various theories circulating online, including one suggesting that Juwan was targeted for a pair of shoes he was carrying, the police have not confirmed any specific motive or identified any suspects.
In the years following Juwan's death, his family has continued to seek answers and justice. Jessica Small has turned over numerous tips and pieces of information to the police, but no arrests have been made. The Stockton Police Department has stated that they are still working on the case, but progress has been slow. The community's reluctance to come forward with information has been a significant hurdle in the investigation. Jessica Small remains determined to keep her son's memory alive and to find the individuals responsible for his death, hoping that one day, someone will provide the crucial information needed to bring them to justice.
