In the early morning hours of June 17, 2020, Kiana Brown, a 19-year-old Black female from New Haven, Connecticut, was tragically killed when a bullet entered the Valley Street home where she was sleeping on a couch. The incident, which occurred around 4 a.m., is believed to have been a drive-by shooting, and authorities have stated that Kiana was not the intended target. The bullet traveled through the house, struck a table, and then hit Kiana, who was asleep at the time.
Her death was later ruled a homicide.
Kiana was remembered by her family and community as a vibrant and joyful person who was full of life. Her uncle, Rev. D'Hati Burgess, described her as the "family comedian" who could turn "sorrow into joy." A 2018 graduate of Hillhouse High School, Kiana was a talented and passionate basketball player who was a member of the team that won the Class L state championship in 2019. Her mother, Karen Brown, recalled her as the "life of the party" who taught everyone the latest dance moves. Beyond her athletic abilities and lively personality, Kiana was also a dedicated employee at Cracker Barrel, where she had recently received the Most Valuable Team Player award.
The investigation into Kiana's death has been ongoing, with police and city officials appealing to the public for any information that could lead to an arrest. In July 2022, a $25,000 reward was announced for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for her death. Kiana's family has continued to publicly plea for justice, expressing their enduring pain and the void her absence has left in their lives. Community members have also gathered to remember Kiana and to take a stand against gun violence. As of the latest available reports, no arrests have been made, and there is no publicly identified suspect or suspects in her killing.
