Michael Nolen, a 22-year-old aspiring rapper known as "Spike G," was tragically shot and killed on August 4, 2015, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. He was visiting his brother and leaving his brother's home when he was shot inside his silver SUV. The vehicle crashed into a parked car, and Michael fell onto the street, where a volunteer firefighter attempted to perform CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation revealed that Michael had been shot just ten days earlier on July 26, 2015, and survived with a bullet lodged in his head. Detectives believed there was a connection between the two shootings and that Michael was targeted. Allegheny County police arrested Joshua Strayhorn, 22, in connection with the murder. Strayhorn was charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and was considered a homicide suspect. Multiple firearms and drugs were seized from Strayhorn's home during his arrest.
In February 2017, Joshua Strayhorn pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and was sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison for killing Michael Nolen. The case highlighted the dangers of gun violence and the impact it has on families and communities.
Michael Nolen was remembered by his father, Calvin Nolen, as a high honors student and a loving father to his two 1-year-old children. His death was a significant loss to his family and the community, and his legacy as an aspiring rapper continues to be remembered.
