In the late hours of June 4, 2023, an 18-year-old Black/African American male named Baba Jawara was fatally shot in Kent, Washington. The incident occurred around 11:15 p.m. in the 11300 block of Southeast Kent-Kangley Road, an area on the East Hill that has been troubled by a series of violent crimes. Jawara was visiting family at the Phoenix Court Apartments, a complex that would become notorious for being the epicenter of seven shootings within a five-month span, four of which were fatal.
When Kent Police officers arrived at the scene, they found Jawara with a gunshot wound to his chest. He was initially conscious and alert, but his condition worsened, and he was transported to a local hospital by paramedics. Despite medical efforts, Baba Jawara succumbed to his injuries the following day, on June 5, 2023. The King County Medical Examiner's Office later confirmed that the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the chest and ruled the manner of death as a homicide.
The Kent Police Department launched a homicide investigation into Jawara's death. While detectives have been actively interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence, no arrests have been made in the case. Law enforcement officials have stated that they do not believe the shooting was a random act. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have encouraged anyone with information to come forward by contacting the police tip line.
Baba Jawara’s family described him as a quiet and deeply religious young man who was heavily involved with his church. He volunteered at the church's food bank and assisted with driving senior citizens. On the day of the shooting, he and his sister had brought their younger half-siblings to church and were spending time with family, a routine they followed every Sunday. His family expressed their profound grief and disbelief, stating that he was a loving and caring individual who did not deserve such a fate. They also indicated their belief that the person responsible for the shooting was a 17-year-old male who was acquainted with Jawara.
