In the Russell neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky, on a Sunday afternoon, the life of 26-year-old Rayshawn Dewayne Gatewood was tragically cut short. On March 21, 2021, just before 12:30 p.m., Gatewood was on the porch of a home near the intersection of South 26th and Cedar streets when gunfire erupted. He was fatally wounded in the incident. A woman who was also on the porch at the time was shot multiple times and was subsequently transported to University Hospital for surgery.
Responding to the scene, law enforcement found Gatewood deceased on the porch. The investigation into the double shooting led police to identify a suspect based on witness accounts. Several weeks after the fatal shooting, on April 26, 2021, Louisville Metro Police arrested 23-year-old Andre Griffin at his home. An arrest warrant had been issued for Griffin, who was known to have a prior conflict with Gatewood, including an incident in October of the previous year where he had allegedly shot Gatewood in the leg.
Following his arrest, Griffin was charged with one count of murder and two counts of first-degree assault. He was then booked into Louisville Metro Corrections. The community mourned the loss of Rayshawn D. Gatewood, who was remembered by his family and friends. His funeral services were held on April 3, 2021, at New Covenant Baptist Church, with his burial in Louisville Cemetery. He was survived by his wife, parents, and eight siblings.
