Malik T. Jones-Stern, an 18-year-old male of African American ethnicity from Harrisburg, PA, tragically passed away on August 19, 2014. Malik was known for his love of basketball, video games, and spending time with his children and family. He was a recent graduate of Harrisburg High School and worked as a laborer for Chewy.com.
Malik's death was the result of a shooting incident that occurred near the Hall Manor housing complex in Harrisburg.
He was shot while driving, and his car crashed into two other vehicles before coming to a stop about 150 yards from where he was shot. Malik succumbed to a gunshot wound to the neck, caused by a 12-gauge shotgun fired from a distance of 5-7 feet.
The investigation into Malik's death led to the arrest of 15-year-old Niejea Stern, who was identified as Malik's cousin. Niejea was charged as an adult with first-degree murder. The motive behind the shooting remained unclear, but Niejea's mother placed some of the blame on the Abraxas Academy juvenile detention center, from which Niejea had recently escaped.
Niejea Stern was convicted of first-degree murder in March 2016 and faced a sentencing hearing where the court considered various factors before deciding on a life sentence or a mandatory 35-year sentence. The case highlighted the ongoing issues of violence and crime in the Hall Manor area, prompting calls for increased community vigilance and the installation of surveillance cameras.
Malik's family, including his four young children, attended an emotional vigil where they lit candles and prayed for justice. Malik's girlfriend, Taniqua Perry, shared that he had dreams of securing a good job and providing a better future for his children. The community mourned the loss of a young man who had aspirations and a loving family.
The tragic death of Malik T. Jones-Stern serves as a reminder of the impact of violence on families and communities, and the importance of addressing the root causes of such incidents to prevent future tragedies.
