In the quiet evening of March 2, 2016, the life of 17-year-old Rakwon Reid, an African American male, was tragically cut short in front of his own home in Lithonia, Georgia. A student at Stephenson High School, Rakwon was known for his love of music and his dreams of becoming a rapper. That night, at approximately 9:15 p.m., the sound of gunshots pierced the air on Shore Drive. Responding to calls, DeKalb County police discovered Rakwon lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to his chest. Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family members, who were inside the house at the time, heard the shots and went outside to find the devastating scene. Reid's family remembered him as a good person who loved life, music, and having fun with his family. He was described as outgoing and someone people enjoyed being around. In the days following his death, friends and family gathered for a vigil to remember the young man who was his mother's only child. His funeral was held at the Union Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, where attendees wore shirts bearing his image and the name of his fashion line, 'Gold Vivka,' in a call for justice.
As of now, the case remains unsolved, a source of ongoing pain for his family and community. The DeKalb County Police Department's investigation is still active, but no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. His mother made a heartfelt public plea, asking for anyone with information to come forward to bring closure and justice for her son. Police have indicated they are following some strong leads, but the individuals responsible for Rakwon Reid's death have yet to be held accountable.
