In the summer of 2016, the life of 14-year-old Troyvonte Hurt was tragically cut short in a drive-by shooting in Louisville's Smoketown neighborhood. On the evening of August 24, Troyvonte was at the corner of Clay and Jacob Streets when a car drove by and multiple shots were fired into a crowd of people. Troyvonte was struck in the head and died from his injuries. Two other individuals were also wounded in the shooting but were expected to recover.
The young teen was remembered by his family and football coach as a lover of food and football, earning him the nickname 'Fat Daddy.'
The community mourned the loss of the young male, holding a vigil at the site of the shooting where family and friends gathered to pray and share memories. His grandmother recounted the heartbreak of unknowingly arriving at the scene to find her grandson lying in the street. Family members expressed their profound grief and pleaded for justice, stating that he was killed for 'nothing.' Police officials at the time noted the difficulty in getting witnesses to come forward with information, with dozens of people present at the time of the shooting, yet few providing statements to the authorities.
In the months following the shooting, a break in the case occurred with the arrest of a 16-year-old. Dominique Coleman was indicted by a grand jury in November 2016 for the murder of his friend, Troyvonte Hurt. According to detectives, Coleman was in the crowd that was fired upon and had returned fire at the vehicle. It is believed that in the process of shooting back at the car, Coleman unintentionally shot and killed Troyvonte. The corner where the incident took place was known for gang activity, although it was also a common gathering spot for Troyvonte and his friends.
