In the summer of 2021, a tragedy unfolded in Tucson, Arizona, forever altering the lives of two families. On the 5th of August, 13-year-old Avointae Tarvaris Sices, an African American male, was at a residence on East Sundew Drive. Remembered by his family as the life of the party, Avointae was known for his love of dancing, rapping, and an infectious laugh that brought joy to those around him.
Born in Fresno, California, he shared a close bond with 34-year-old Jamarr Edward Jones, a man he affectionately called 'Pop Jamarr.'
The warmth of that August day was shattered when 25-year-old Lorenzo Crowder arrived at the home. Crowder, who had a domestic relationship with at least one of the residents, engaged in a heated verbal confrontation. The argument escalated with horrific speed as Crowder produced a 9mm handgun and opened fire. Both Avointae and Jamarr were struck by the gunfire. The chaos and terror that erupted in the moments that followed left one man dead at the scene and a young boy fighting for his life.
Tucson police officers arrived to a grim scene. Jamarr Edward Jones was pronounced dead inside the residence. Avointae, with life-threatening injuries, was rushed to a local hospital. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, the young teenager succumbed to his wounds. In a bizarre turn of events, as officers were still processing the scene of the double homicide, Lorenzo Crowder returned to the residence and was arrested without incident.
The investigation that followed revealed a disturbing sequence of events leading up to the fatal shootings. Crowder had purchased the handgun just weeks prior, on July 23, but a background check delayed him from taking possession of the weapon until July 29. Shortly after acquiring the gun, he was admitted to a mental health facility. On August 5, the very day of his release, he picked up the firearm. After test-firing it in the parking lot of a convenience store, he proceeded to the house on Sundew Drive. Crowder was subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder. He later pleaded guilty except insane to the killings and was sentenced to life in a state mental health facility. The community was left to mourn the senseless loss of a man and a young boy whose life was cut tragically short.
