Menuell Solomon, a 41-year-old male of African American ethnicity, was tragically killed on October 26, 2020, in Houston, Texas. Solomon, who was known as the YouTube rapper "Montana22," was shot and killed by Desmond Hawkins, a 23-year-old gang member, while Solomon was shielding his 11-year-old stepson, Dominic Sumicek, from gunfire. Hawkins ambushed Solomon and his stepson as they sat in Solomon's car outside their home.
Hawkins was out on bond for a previous capital murder charge at
the time of the shooting. He had been wearing a GPS-equipped ankle monitor, which showed that he had been lying in wait for Solomon for at least three hours before the attack. Hawkins cut a hole in a chain-link fence to gain access to Solomon's driveway and shot the boy twice and Solomon four times. Both Solomon and Dominic died instantly from their injuries.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Hawkins was arrested and charged with capital murder. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Additionally, a second suspect, Dewayne Batiste, was arrested and charged in connection with the shooting, though his exact role in the crime remains unclear.
The case drew significant attention due to the brutal nature of the crime and the fact that Hawkins was out on bond for another murder when he committed the killings. The Harris County District Attorney's Office described the incident as a cold-blooded ambush and an orchestrated hit. Despite the tragic circumstances, the exact motive behind Hawkins' targeting of Solomon remains unknown.
Solomon's death and the subsequent legal proceedings have left a lasting impact on his family and the community. His wife, Krissi Garcia, expressed her grief and disbelief over the senseless loss of her husband and stepson. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of gang violence and the importance of ensuring justice for victims and their families.
