On a spring night in Boston, the life of 53-year-old Michael Dukes, a Black male, was tragically cut short. On April 13, 2019, at approximately 11:00 PM, police responded to reports of a shooting on Violet Street in the Mattapan neighborhood. Upon arrival, they discovered Dukes and another man, Kevin Boyd, also 53, suffering from gunshot wounds. Both men were rushed to local hospitals where they were pronounced dead.
Michael, affectionately known as “Dukes,” was a graduate of English
High School, where he had been a star running back for the football team. He went on to work for the Boston Public Library and later as a laborer for the Boston Building Trades for many years. Remembered as a loving son, father, grandfather, and brother, he was known for his generous and unselfish heart. He had a passion for working with youth football programs and was a devoted fan of the New England Patriots.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the double homicide. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that Michael Dukes' death was a homicide. As of now, the case remains unsolved, with no arrests having been made and no suspects publicly identified. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward and contact the Boston Police Homicide Unit or to provide anonymous tips through the Crime Stoppers hotline.
