In the warm evening air of a Juneteenth celebration at Rocky Ridge Park in Aurora, Colorado, the life of 17-year-old Xaviyar Lawrence Sturges, a Black male, was tragically cut short. On June 19, 2020, amidst a crowd of about 1,000 people, a gunman opened fire, and Sturges was struck. He was rushed to a local hospital but ultimately succumbed to his injuries, leaving a community and a loving family to grapple with the sudden and senseless loss.
Xaviyar, who was eagerly anticipating his
senior year at Eaglecrest High School, was known for his infectious smile and kind-hearted nature. Born and raised in Aurora, he was a vibrant young man with a passion for a variety of interests, from WWE and video games to boxing and outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. He was an active member of his community, working at a local salon and volunteering his time as a youth mentor and facility maintenance coordinator. His family, including his parents, stepfather, and siblings, remembered him as a hardworking and fun-loving individual who was always there for those he cared about.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Aurora Police Department launched an investigation, describing the incident as an isolated event between Xaviyar and the perpetrator. Despite the large number of potential witnesses at the Juneteenth celebration, authorities have struggled to identify a suspect. To encourage individuals to come forward with information, a reward of up to $7,000 was offered by Metro Denver Crime Stoppers and the Aurora Reward Fund. Community activists organized vigils to draw attention to the persistent issue of youth violence, and a GoFundMe campaign was established to support Xaviyar's grieving parents.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the murder of Xaviyar Lawrence Sturges. The case remains an open and active investigation, a painful and unresolved chapter for his family and the Aurora community. The absence of a suspect has left many questions unanswered, and the search for justice for the young man with a million-dollar smile continues. His death serves as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence and the profound loss it inflicts upon a community.
