In the early hours of a cold Friday morning on January 30, 2015, the city of Brockton, Massachusetts, was rattled by a burst of violence that claimed the lives of two brothers. Steven R. Afonso, a 28-year-old Black/African American man, and his younger brother, David R. Afonso, were discovered inside a black Infiniti sedan that had crashed into a snowbank at the corner of Glenwood and Highland streets. Both men had sustained gunshot wounds.
The brothers were rushed to separate local hospitals, but their injuries proved to be fatal, marking the first two homicides of the year for the city.
The discovery was made around 3 a.m. after police responded to reports of gunfire in the area. Investigators found eight shell casings on the street near the vehicle, suggesting the shooting occurred at that location. Despite the efforts of the Brockton Police and State Police, no immediate arrests were made in connection with the double homicide. The case has since remained unsolved, leaving a lingering sense of unanswered questions and a community searching for justice. No suspects have been publicly identified in the shooting.
Steven was remembered by those who knew him as a loving and caring individual with a great sense of humor, someone who could always break the ice and bring laughter to a room. He was a talented martial artist, holding a black belt in Taekwondo, and had even participated in the Olympics in Nigeria. He was a man who enjoyed working out, breakdancing, and, most importantly, treasured his family. His tragic and untimely death, alongside his cherished brother, left a deep void in the lives of his parents, wife, siblings, and many other family members and friends who continue to mourn their loss.
