In the Algonquin neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky, a bright summer afternoon was shattered by gunfire on June 8, 2024. Near the intersection of Dixie Highway and West Hill Street, just before 3:30 p.m., two young men were shot. Both were rushed to a nearby hospital, but for 16-year-old Sam Lee Kamara, a male, it was too late. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving, while the second victim was treated for his injuries.
Sam was the beloved son of Hannah Gibson and the great-grandson of Lee Gibson. He is survived by his four siblings.
In the wake of the shooting, the Louisville Metro Police Department's Homicide Unit took charge of the investigation. Initially, they had no suspects and appealed to the public for any information that could lead to an arrest. Their plea for assistance included the release of pictures of two individuals they believed were involved in the shooting. The community was urged to use the anonymous tip line or the online crime tip portal to share any knowledge they might have about the tragic event that cut short a young life.
Months of investigative work began to yield results. In August 2024, a significant breakthrough occurred with the arrest of 20-year-old Damari Walls-Medlock. He was charged with murder in connection with Sam Kamara's death. The investigation continued, and on October 30, 2024, a second suspect was taken into custody. Twenty-year-old Neqwell Beason was also arrested and faced charges of murder and assault. According to police, both Walls-Medlock and Beason were involved in the shooting that resulted in the death of Sam Kamara and the injury of the other young man.
