In the early hours of a Thursday morning in North Braddock, Pennsylvania, the life of 33-year-old Benjamin Franklin Dixon III, an African American male, was tragically cut short. On July 29, 2021, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Dixon was found in the 1200 block of Rebecca Avenue, having been shot multiple times. Despite the efforts of first responders who administered CPR, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A neighbor reported being awakened by the sound of six gunshots and later witnessing the grim discovery of Dixon's body on the street.
Known to his loved ones as a caring and loving father to six children, a supportive son, and a protective brother, Dixon's sudden death sent shockwaves through his family and community. Friends remembered him as a genuinely nice person who was actively trying to improve his life. He was a man with a fearless spirit since childhood, known for his ability to work with his hands, a passion he pursued by becoming an electrician after graduating from Frew Mill High School.
The investigation into Dixon's death was handled by the Allegheny County Police homicide unit. Their work quickly led to the identification of a suspect, Robert Lawson-Johnson, a 26-year-old from North Braddock. Lawson-Johnson was arrested and subsequently charged with homicide and firearms violations in connection with the fatal shooting.
The legal proceedings that followed were closely monitored by a community seeking justice for a life taken too soon. The prosecution presented evidence linking Lawson-Johnson to the crime, and ultimately, a jury found him guilty of the charges brought against him. He was sentenced to a significant prison term for his role in the death of Benjamin Franklin Dixon III. In the wake of this tragedy, Dixon's family and friends continue to honor his memory through various tributes and remembrance events.
