In the summer of 2007, the search for a young man who had vanished a month prior came to a grim and heartbreaking end. The body of 21-year-old Rome Leonard Ward was discovered on August 1, 2007, inside a vacant house on Townsend Street in Buffalo, New York. An African American male, Ward's discovery sent a shockwave of horror through the community due to the brutal nature of his death.
Investigators found that Ward had been subjected to severe torture, with his body showing signs of
near-decapitation and the removal of three of his fingers. Authorities have publicly stated their belief that his murder was the work of the notorious Camp Street Crew, a violent gang known to operate in Buffalo. The gang has been linked to a variety of violent crimes throughout the city, painting a grim backdrop to Ward's final days.
Despite the strong suspicions regarding the involvement of the Camp Street Crew, the case of Rome Ward's murder officially remains unsolved. To date, there have been no public announcements of any arrests made or charges filed in direct connection with his death. The investigation continues, leaving a family without answers and a community still searching for justice for the young life that was so violently taken. His funeral services were held on August 6, 2007, at the True Bethel Baptist Church, and he was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
