LaTroy Sontrell Lewis, a 16-year-old African American male from Haltom City, TX, tragically passed away on June 16, 2021, at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth, TX. LaTroy was walking with his 15-year-old brother in a neighborhood near Colton Drive and South Grants Lane in White Settlement when the incident occurred. A man, later identified as Jamaine Taylor, 31, accused them of trying to break into his car.
Taylor confronted the brothers, and during the altercation, he shot LaTroy in the chest, resulting in his death. The younger brother was unharmed.
Following the incident, Taylor fled the scene, but with the help of the community and security footage, White Settlement police were able to identify and locate him. Taylor was arrested on June 30, 2021, and charged with murder. He was accused of firing several rounds at the fleeing brothers, with one of the bullets striking LaTroy in the chest. Taylor claimed he believed the boys were attempting to break into his vehicle.
The investigation revealed that LaTroy and his brother did not know Taylor and were simply walking in the neighborhood when the tragic event occurred. The community's cooperation and the diligent work of the White Settlement detectives were crucial in making the arrest. Taylor's arrest brought some closure to the case, but the loss of LaTroy left a lasting impact on his family and friends.
LaTroy was remembered as a loving, sweet, kind, and charming young man who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing basketball and football, and going on adventures. His untimely death was a profound loss to those who knew him.
