On the evening of July 4, 2018, Deondra Lee, a 36-year-old Black / African American male, was in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, enjoying the Fourth of July fireworks with his pregnant wife. They had been at a neighbor's cookout and walked down the street to get a better view of the display near the intersection of Dacia and Brookford streets shortly before 10 p.m.
In a sudden and senseless act of violence, a car drove up behind the couple.
A passenger in the vehicle opened fire, shooting Deondra Lee at close range. Lee was struck by multiple gunshots and was rushed to Boston Medical Center, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. His wife, who was standing beside him, was not physically harmed.
The investigation into Lee's murder led Boston police to identify two suspects. Michael Carleton, 32, of Mattapan, was identified as the driver of the vehicle. Surveillance footage from a public safety camera was crucial in tracking the car before and after the shooting. Fingerprints found on the abandoned getaway car were matched to Carleton. The alleged shooter was identified as Travis Phillips, 27, of Dorchester.
Both Michael Carleton and Travis Phillips were arrested and charged with murder and firearms offenses. In March 2022, a Suffolk County Superior Court jury convicted both men of first-degree murder. Prosecutors stated that there appeared to be no motive for the killing and that the assailants did not seem to know Lee. Both men were subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The tragic death of Deondra Lee left behind his wife and four children, including twins who were born just a week after he was killed.
