Da’Shawn Dada Elijah Lenell, an 18-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on March 15, 2020, in Bladenboro, North Carolina. The incident occurred at approximately 8:35 p.m. when Bladen County 911 Operations Center received a call reporting a shooting at 419 Elizabethtown Road, Apartment 10. Upon arrival, law enforcement found Da’Shawn deceased inside the residence, having sustained a fatal gunshot wound.
The Bladenboro Police Department, with the assistance of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations, launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Da’Shawn's death. The initial findings suggested that the gunshot wound might have been self-inflicted, though the investigation remained ongoing. An autopsy was scheduled for March 18, 2020, to provide further clarity on the cause of death.
Da’Shawn was a student at West Bladen High School, where he was well-loved by his peers and teachers. His passing deeply affected the school community, prompting the school to offer grief support services to students and staff.
As of the latest updates, no arrests or suspects have been reported in connection with Da’Shawn's death. The investigation continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
