Matthew Reed, a 22-year-old Black male, was fatally shot on September 12, 2016, in West Palm Beach, Florida. The incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. at the corner of Sixth Street and Sapodilla Avenue, near the B&B Convenience Store. This tragic event marked the latest in a series of homicides in the area, which had seen four men killed in about two weeks.
Reed's death was particularly devastating for his family, as it came just two years after his older brother, Joshua Tolbert, was also
killed. Both brothers had been victims of gun violence in the same neighborhood. In February 2014, Reed and Tolbert were shot at outside the same convenience store. Tolbert managed to escape unharmed, but Reed was shot in the back. A week later, Tolbert was found dead on 14th Street.
The pain of losing two sons to violence was overwhelming for their mother, Tawanda Wes. She described her sons as her babies, whose wounds she had nursed and whose personalities she cherished. Despite the family's grief, no arrests have been made in connection with Reed's death. The West Palm Beach police have not identified any suspects, and the investigation remains open. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the authorities.
Reed and his brother had minor run-ins with the law, primarily for misdemeanor offenses such as marijuana possession and trespassing. Neither had any felony convictions. The community's response to Reed's death was one of sorrow and support, with friends and family gathering at the scene to mourn and remember him.
The broader context of Reed's death highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in West Palm Beach. The area had experienced a string of homicides, and Reed's case underscored the need for effective measures to address and prevent such tragedies. The police continue to investigate, hoping to bring justice to Reed's family and prevent further loss of life.
