Paris Kaden Allen, a 19-year-old resident of Duluth, Minnesota, tragically lost his life on August 2, 2023, in a senseless act of violence. The incident occurred on the 2500 block of West Second Street in Duluth's Lincoln Park neighborhood, where Allen was fatally shot during a drive-by shooting.
The shooting, which resulted from an ongoing feud, also injured an 18-year-old victim.
Two men, Brandon Williams-Gillard, 25, and Sanussi Tamsir Bangoura, 22, were charged in connection with the crime. Williams-Gillard pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree murder, aiding and abetting second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, and drive-by shooting. He received a 40-year prison sentence, the maximum allowed, for his role in the incident.
Paris Allen was born on April 28, 2004, in Federal Way, Washington. He had graduated from high school in Tracy, California, in 2022 and had plans to attend college to become an underwater welder. Known for his infectious smile and adventurous spirit, Allen enjoyed longboarding, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends.
The community was deeply affected by this tragedy, with St. Louis County Attorney Kimberley Maki expressing condolences to Allen's family and emphasizing the community's intolerance for such heinous acts of gun violence. In a touching gesture, Allen's family worked with LifeSource staff to donate his organs, providing an incredible gift to multiple families in need.
A Celebration of Life was held for Paris Allen on August 20, 2023, at the Caddy Shack in Duluth, allowing friends and family to come together and remember the vibrant young man whose life was cut short. He is survived by his parents, Brian Allen and Rachel Weiss-Allen, his sisters Kaiya and Anaya, grandparents, and numerous extended family members.
