On a spring day in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 17-year-old Roy Thomas Jr., a Black/African American male, was with his friends at Sherman Park enjoying the weather on April 22, 2021. An individual opened fire on a group of young people at the park, and a bullet struck Roy in the chest, ending his life. His family described him as a respectful and good kid who was always smiling.
He was the oldest of three siblings and had been looking forward to taking driver's education classes and graduating.
The shooting occurred while more than two dozen people were in the park. According to his aunt, Roy was not involved in any altercation but had gone to the park to record a fight that was supposed to happen. Loved ones, including his mother, Sabrina Hughes, and his aunt, Melinda Crawford, were left devastated and searching for answers. His uncle, Dameion Perkins, expressed his confusion and frustration, questioning how young people are getting access to guns and resorting to violence. A vigil was held in his honor, where family, friends, local activists, and pastors gathered to plead for peace.
The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office is investigating the homicide. In the year following the shooting, the case remained unsolved. Investigators released photos of an SUV and individuals they described as persons of interest, but no arrests have been made. Detectives believe that people at the park saw or heard something that could help solve the case and have urged them to come forward. A $5,000 reward was offered for information that could lead to a break in the case. The family continues to hope for justice for Roy, who was remembered by his nickname, "Kash."
