In the midst of a violent Fourth of July weekend in Philadelphia, the life of a promising 18-year-old artist was cut short. Aamir Johnson Daye, a male known in the city's burgeoning rap scene as D4M Skiano, was shot and killed on the evening of Sunday, July 5, 2020. The shooting occurred around 10:55 p.m. on the 1400 block of North 61st Street. Johnson Daye sustained gunshot wounds to his leg, wrist, and lower back. He was rushed to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Monday morning.
Aamir Johnson Daye was a West Philadelphia native who was gaining significant traction in the music world as part of the rap duo D4M, which stood for 'Do for Mir,' a tribute to a friend who had passed away. Along with his partner, D4M Sloan, Johnson Daye's music was becoming a staple on local airwaves, and their videos had garnered millions of views online. His sudden and violent death sent shockwaves through his community, with family, friends, and a growing fanbase mourning the loss of a young man they described as talented, confident, and full of positive energy. His former school deans remembered him as a respectful and intelligent student who had a commanding stage presence.
For a period, the case remained without arrests, adding to the family's grief. However, developments in the investigation eventually led to charges being filed. Two men, Donovan Williams, also known as Don Weezy, and Bahij M. Dini, have since been arrested and are facing trial for the murder of Aamir Johnson Daye. The charges against them include murder and aggravated assault, bringing a measure of hope for justice to the family and friends of the young rapper whose life was tragically taken.
