On September 19, 2024, 17-year-old Khamitri Cole of Brockton, Massachusetts, was fatally shot in a mobile home on Lothrop Street in Taunton. The incident occurred shortly after midnight when Taunton police responded to a 911 call at approximately 12:25 a.m. reporting a person shot inside the mobile home. Upon arrival, officers found Khamitri Cole suffering from a gunshot wound, and he was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:45 a.m..
Khamitri Cole was a 12th-grade student who had attended
Boston public schools. He was known for his compassionate and responsible nature, enjoying activities such as basketball, construction, carpentry, and video games. At the time of his death, he was expecting a son in 2025 and left behind a twin brother, six other siblings, many nieces and nephews, and a large extended family.
The shooting also resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to a second individual, an 18-year-old man from Holyoke, who transported himself to a local hospital for treatment.
In connection with Khamitri Cole's death, 18-year-old Kareem Gendraw, last known to live in Randolph, Massachusetts, was arrested on September 24, 2024, in Medford, Massachusetts. Gendraw is facing charges of murder and carrying an illegal firearm. He was set to be arraigned in Taunton District Court.
The community in Taunton was deeply affected by the incident, with neighbors expressing sadness and concern over the loss of such a young life. The area saw a significant police presence as investigators reviewed security footage and gathered evidence.
A GoFundMe campaign was established to raise funds for Khamitri Cole's funeral services, highlighting his positive impact on those around him and the significant loss felt by his family and community.
