In the summer of 2023, the life of 19-year-old Dedrick Gayle Boatwright III was tragically cut short in Chattanooga, Tennessee. On the evening of July 8, Boatwright was found with fatal gunshot wounds on Arcadia Avenue. Known affectionately as 'Tre' to his friends and family, he was a father, a son, a twin brother, and a friend to many in his community.
A recent graduate of Brainerd High School, where he was a member of the marching band, Dedrick was working two jobs to support his family.
The days following his death were filled with grief for his loved ones. His uncle, Demetrius Boatwright, remembered him as a 'pure soul' who would give his last dollar to someone in need. As the family prepared for his funeral services, they organized a candlelight vigil and balloon release to honor his memory at the place where his life was taken. It was during this somber gathering on July 11 that a dramatic turn of events unfolded.
As friends and family released green and purple balloons and joined in prayer, Chattanooga police arrived at the vigil. In a moment that brought both shock and a sense of swift justice, authorities announced the arrest of 18-year-old Ralph Keely Jr. in connection with Boatwright's murder. Keely Jr. was taken into custody at the scene of the vigil, an event that was described as an answered prayer by Dedrick's cousin and godmother, Shitiki Douglas.
Ralph Keely Jr. was arrested on warrants for first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The family, who had just been mourning their loss, found a measure of solace in the prompt arrest, with tears of grief turning into tears of relief and gratitude for the quick work of the Chattanooga Police Department. The community was urged to come together to end gun violence in the wake of the tragedy that took the life of the young father.
