In the spring of 2014, the life of 27-year-old Jeremy Thompson was cut short in his Buffalo, New York apartment. An African-American male, Thompson was found shot to death on March 26, 2014, on Pleasant Place. His death was part of a wave of gun violence that troubled the city that year, leaving another homicide case open and a family searching for answers.
At the time of his death, Thompson was navigating a precarious legal situation.
Less than two weeks prior, he and two others had pleaded guilty in a violent attack that left a man with severe injuries, including broken arms, a concussion, and a stab wound. The Erie County District Attorney's office had argued for his bail to be revoked following the plea. However, Thompson was released on a $100,000 bond and was awaiting a July 11 sentencing. He was killed by an unknown gunman while free on this bail. Investigators at the time suggested that his murder could have been an act of retaliation for the assault case.
Despite law enforcement's efforts, Jeremy Thompson's homicide remains unsolved, and no suspects have ever been identified. His case is one of many from that year that grew cold, a reflection of the challenges in obtaining witness cooperation. His family and community were left to grieve, hoping that one day, information would surface to bring his killer to justice.
Thompson was a graduate of Hamlin Park Elementary School #74 and had attended Bennett High School. In his youth, he was an active member of the Masten Boys and Girls Club and a talented football player for the Buffalo Vets, earning MVP and other accolades as a running back and linebacker. Described as a loving and dedicated father, uncle, and provider, he was engaged to be married and was a father to two sons and a daughter. His family remembered his extravagant style and his love for socializing with family and friends, for whom he was always a source of support.
