Reginald Malden Jr

Do you know who murdered Reginald?
Reginald Malden Jr., a man known for his kindness, devotion to his family, and the unconditional love he shared with everyone in his life, was a beloved figure in his Dorchester community. The 32-year-old African-American man, known to friends and family as "Reggie," "Reg," or "Jr.," was a barber at World of Curl in Dorchester. More than his profession, however, he was defined by his role as a doting father to his two sons, Reggie III and Andrew II. His life was a testament to his commitment to his children; he was a constant presence in their lives, actively participating in youth activities like the No Books No Ball program at the Roxbury YMCA, the Boston Bengals Football team, the Madison Park Red Sox Rookie League, and the Amateur Athletic Union.

In a family statement, loved ones remembered him as a bright man with a bright future. "When we speak of the word love we instantly think of Reggie," they wrote. "He had a way of making everyone whose life he touched feel comfortable in any situation." Friends recalled his infectious smile, especially the "PROUD DAD SMILE" he wore at his sons' activities. He was described as a man who was always giving and respectful, striving for peace and love for his family. He had turned his life around, was considering taking computer classes or starting a hip-hop group, and was not involved in gangs.

The love and peace that Reginald cultivated were shattered in the first hour of Saturday, July 19, 2008. At approximately 12:11 a.m., Boston Police officers from Area E-18 responded to a radio call for shots fired in the area of Greenfield and Roseberry Roads in the Mattapan neighborhood. Upon arrival, they made a grim discovery. In front of 72 Greenfield Road, they found Reginald, who also went by the name Reginald Edge, inside a motor vehicle. He had been shot multiple times. First responders pronounced him dead at the scene; his injuries were so severe that he could not be transported to a hospital.

The sudden, violent death of a man so dedicated to his family sent waves of shock and grief through his community. The Boston Police Department's Homicide Unit immediately launched an investigation into the city's latest killing. Detectives canvassed the residential street, a quiet road lined with homes just off the busier Cummins Highway, searching for evidence and witnesses to a crime that had occurred under the cover of darkness. In the days that followed, police publicly identified Reginald and appealed to the community for assistance, urging anyone with information to contact the Boston Police Crime Stoppers tip line.

In the wake of the tragedy, those who loved Reginald came together to mourn and honor his memory. A prayer vigil was held on the evening of Friday, July 25, at 493 Blue Hill Avenue in Dorchester, bringing family, friends, and community members together in their shared grief. A funeral service took place the following day at Concord Baptist Church in Boston. To support his children, the "Reggie Edge Malden Memorial Fund" was established at Citizens Bank for donations.

Despite the initial investigation and the heartfelt pleas from his family, no arrests have ever been made in the murder of Reginald Malden Jr. His case is listed among the unsolved homicides of 2008 by the Boston Police Department. The questions of who took his life and why remain unanswered, a painful and unresolved chapter for his two sons, his parents Reginald Malden and Evelyn Edge, his brothers, and the countless friends and relatives whose lives he touched. As of July 2008, his case remains open, a somber reminder of a bright life cut short by violence, and a family still waiting for justice. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Boston Police Homicide Unit at (617) 343-4470 or the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS.