In the cool evening of September 30, 2023, a pre-planned meeting in the parking lot of the Southlands shopping mall in Aurora, Colorado, turned deadly, claiming the life of 15-year-old Raphael Velin. The encounter, which took place around 8:30 p.m., was believed by investigators to be related to some form of 'risky' transaction. During the meeting, multiple shots were fired, and Raphael was struck.
First responders attempted lifesaving measures before he was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. His death was officially ruled a homicide.
The investigation into the shooting quickly identified several suspects, believed to be juveniles or young adults. Witnesses reported seeing four or five Black males fleeing the scene in a black four-door sedan, which was later recovered by police. In the weeks that followed, progress was made in bringing those allegedly responsible to justice. On October 10, a 16-year-old boy turned himself in to the police. A month later, on November 15, a second suspect, a 17-year-old boy, was arrested. Both unidentified teens face charges of second-degree murder and aggravated robbery.
Further investigation led to the arrest of four other suspects in connection with the fatal shooting. One of these individuals, 18-year-old Dhaevontae Rogers-Broadus, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for his role in Raphael Velin's death. Although investigators could not determine who fired the fatal shot, Rogers-Broadus was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his involvement in the aggravated robbery that led to the teenager's death. The incident was not connected to any homecoming events occurring at nearby schools that evening.
