On May 3, 2020, 13-year-old Ny'Ques Farlow-Davis was tragically shot and killed in Chester, Pennsylvania. Farlow-Davis, a young African American boy, was walking with a friend on 20th Street when he was targeted by a group of individuals. The suspects, Sulaymann Womack, Keyonte Watkins, Danielle Showell, and Tayvon Starkey, were in a vehicle and allegedly pursued Farlow-Davis because of the "BFE" sweatshirt he was wearing, which was associated with a local music label.
The suspects
chased Farlow-Davis, and Womack, who was armed, fired multiple shots at him. Despite his attempts to flee, Farlow-Davis was struck by bullets and succumbed to his injuries the following day at Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children. The incident occurred around 2:22 p.m., and police found nine .45-caliber spent shell casings at the scene.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Chester police launched an investigation that led to the arrest of the four suspects. Sulaymann Womack was taken into custody, while Keyonte Watkins and Tayvon Starkey were arrested shortly after. Danielle Showell was extradited from Baltimore, Maryland, to face charges. The suspects were charged with first-degree murder and related offenses.
The case went to trial, and Sulaymann Womack was found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to murder. He was sentenced to life in prison. Keyonte Watkins and Tayvon Starkey pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and conspiracy, receiving sentences of 9 to 20 years and 22 to 60 years, respectively. Danielle Showell entered an open guilty plea to third-degree murder and conspiracy, with her sentencing scheduled for later.
The tragic death of Ny'Ques Farlow-Davis sparked outrage and grief in the community, as he was remembered as a fun-loving and innocent child who was simply playing basketball when he was killed. His family and friends continue to seek justice and closure for the loss of their beloved young boy.
