In the early hours of October 1, 2017, the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Lawrence, Kansas, was shattered by a burst of gunfire that ended the life of 24-year-old Tremel Dupree Dean, a Black/African American male from Topeka. The shooting, which occurred around 1:40 a.m. near the intersection of 11th and Massachusetts streets, also claimed the lives of Leah Elizabeth Brown, 22, and Colwin Lynn Henderson, 20.
Dean had been enjoying a night out, having attended an event at the Granada Theater with his sister and friends. He was an innocent bystander in a conflict that erupted into violence as bars were closing and people filled the streets.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene that began with a fistfight and quickly escalated to gunfire, with estimates of over 20 shots being fired. Dean, who was not involved in the initial altercation, was caught in the crossfire. His brother, T'Juan Dean, later stated that Tremel was an easygoing and funny person who never caused problems with anyone. He had plans to move to California to be with his girlfriend and was contemplating a career as a truck driver. He was the second oldest of five children and was remembered by his family as a sweet young man who enjoyed life.
The investigation into the triple homicide led to the arrests of three individuals. Anthony Laron Roberts Jr. was identified as the primary shooter and was subsequently charged with one count of first-degree murder for the death of Leah Brown and two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of Tremel Dean and Colwin Henderson. In June 2019, a jury found Roberts guilty on all counts, including the attempted murder of another individual wounded in the shooting. He was later sentenced for these crimes.
Two other men were also charged in connection with the incident. Ahmad Malik Rayton faced charges of attempted second-degree murder and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon. In May 2019, Rayton was sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempted voluntary manslaughter. The third suspect, Dominique Jaquez McMillon, was charged with aggravated assault and battery, and later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery. The resolution of these cases brought a measure of justice for the families of the victims, though the community was left to grapple with the senseless violence that took three young lives.
