Reshaud M. Biggs Jr., a 17-year-old African American male from Youngstown, Ohio, tragically lost his life on July 18, 2021. He was fatally shot while pumping gas at a gas station located at the intersection of South and East Avondale Avenues. The incident occurred just a block away from where his father, Reshaud Biggs Sr., was killed in 2019. The loss of Reshaud Jr. was a devastating blow to his family and community, as he was known for his athletic talents and his beautiful smile that lit up the room.
Following the tragic event, Carlos Flores Jr., a 21-year-old, was charged with the murder of Reshaud Biggs Jr. Flores turned himself in to the police about a week after the shooting, and he was later sentenced to 20 to 25 and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and felonious assault. The court proceedings brought some measure of justice and closure to Reshaud's grieving family, although the pain of their loss remains profound.
The case highlighted the ongoing issue of violence in Youngstown, a city grappling with poverty and crime. Reshaud's mother, Kristin Biggs, has since become an advocate for preventing violence and has plans to start a foundation in her son's memory. She believes that addressing violence from within homes can help reduce its occurrence on the streets.
Reshaud Biggs Jr.'s legacy lives on through the love and memories of his family and friends, who continue to honor his memory and work towards a safer community.
