Chaz Adron Black, a 16-year-old Black male, was a sophomore at Henry Clay High School in Lexington, Kentucky, who was beginning to overcome some challenges in his young life. He was known for being an intelligent and charming young man who was making A's and B's, holding down a job, and even trying out for the football team. Those who knew him said he touched many hearts with his smile and personality.
Friends and family affectionately called him 'Dolla,' a nickname that would be displayed on t-shirts and on the clothes of those who attended a vigil in his honor.
On the afternoon of March 18, 2012, Chaz was inside an apartment on Palumbo Drive in Lexington when a dispute erupted. The disagreement was reportedly over money lost in a dice game. The situation escalated tragically, and in the ensuing violence, Chaz was fatally shot. Two other teenagers were also wounded in the shooting. Chaz was rushed to the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital, but he succumbed to his gunshot wound at 1:47 p.m. The news of his death quickly spread, prompting an outpouring of grief from the community and his peers, who shared memories of him on social media.
The Lexington Police Department's investigation into the triple shooting led them to identify suspects. Police were initially looking for two males who were seen fleeing the scene. Ultimately, 21-year-old Deointa L. Hayes was arrested and charged with the murder of Chaz Black, as well as two counts of assault for the injuries to the other two teens. Another man, Dominique Godfrey, was also charged in connection with the incident, with prosecutors alleging he had sent Hayes to the apartment to retrieve money he had lost in the dice game.
Deionta Hayes was later found guilty of murder and of being a persistent felony offender. In July 2015, a jury recommended a 35-year prison sentence for the murder of Chaz Black. The jury also convicted Hayes on the two counts of second-degree assault for wounding the other two young men. In August 2015, a Fayette County circuit judge formally sentenced Hayes to 35 years in prison. He will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years. The other man charged, Dominique Godfrey, was acquitted of murder, assault, and theft charges. Chaz's family expressed their devastation over their loss, stating that there would be no closure for them.
