Khiseer Davis-Papther, a 13-year-old African American boy from Philadelphia, PA, was tragically shot and killed on March 10, 2017, while hanging out with friends at a Chinese takeout restaurant in the Tioga-Nicetown neighborhood. Khiseer, who was known as "DJ Special K" due to his passion for DJing, was sitting with three friends when two male teens entered the restaurant.
One of the teens engaged in casual conversation with Khiseer before suddenly pulling out a gun and shooting him in the head. Khiseer was rushed to Temple University Hospital but succumbed to his injuries days later.
Following the incident, police released surveillance pictures of the suspects and launched an investigation. On April 3, 2017, two men, 19-year-old Tymear Johnson and 18-year-old Christopher Southerland, were arrested and charged with murder, conspiracy, and related counts. The court documents did not list an attorney for Johnson, and the Defender Association of Philadelphia represented Southerland. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, and the case has been a focal point of the local law enforcement's efforts to address youth violence in the area.
Khiseer's death has left a profound impact on his family and community, who remember him as a talented and ambitious young boy with dreams of becoming a DJ. His stepmother, Cytiria Horton, recalled how Khiseer would spend all his free time practicing his DJ skills and was known for his quiet yet happy demeanor. The loss of Khiseer has been described as "unbelievable" by those who knew him, and his memory continues to be honored by his loved ones.
The investigation into Khiseer's murder has been ongoing, with law enforcement continuing to seek justice for the young victim. The case highlights the devastating impact of gun violence on young lives and the importance of community efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future.
