On July 14, 2024, at approximately 2:39 a.m., Anchorage Police Department officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 700 block of West 4th Avenue, near the Gaslight Lounge in downtown Anchorage. Upon arrival, they discovered two adult males with gunshot wounds; both were transported to local hospitals with life-threatening injuries. One of the victims, 30-year-old Tahjeay 'Taco' Sean Daqwah Baldwin, was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Investigations revealed that the incident
began with a physical altercation between two women, one of whom was identified as 30-year-old Patricia Avery. The confrontation escalated when Baldwin and another adult male exchanged gunfire, resulting in Baldwin's death and critical injuries to the other man. Surveillance footage from the Gaslight Lounge and surrounding businesses captured the sequence of events, showing Avery initiating the altercation and the subsequent exchange of gunfire between Baldwin and the other male.
In the aftermath, Avery and 38-year-old Markin L. Giddins were observed tampering with evidence by removing a firearm from the scene. Both were arrested and charged with tampering with physical evidence; Avery also faced a fourth-degree assault charge. The surviving male involved in the shooting was not immediately charged, and the investigation remained ongoing.
Baldwin, born on August 25, 1993, was remembered as a beloved father, son, sibling, and friend. He is survived by his parents, LaShawna Denise Nettles and Paul Baldwin, as well as his children: Sovanna Mireles-Contreras, Kale'a Grant, Tah'jeana Mirieles-Baldwin, Kana'i Baldwin, and Xylah Baldwin. A memorial service was held on August 6, 2024, at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Anchorage to honor his memory.
