On a late summer evening in 2019, the life of 17-year-old Shay Rahsaan Watson was tragically cut short. The Black/African American male died on Sunday, August 25, 2019, in what would unfold as a homicide stemming from a drug deal gone wrong in the Madison, Wisconsin suburb of Fitchburg. Watson, a student at Verona Area High School, was known for his love of sports like football and basketball, and for his job working with children at Madison School and Community Recreation.
Friends remembered him as a joyful person with a constant smile who had aspirations of higher education to one day give back to his community.
The investigation into Watson's death revealed that two individuals, Myjee T. Sanders and Jamal D. Nelson, had gone to Watson's home with the intention of purchasing marijuana. During the transaction, which took place in the garage of the residence, Sanders attempted to rob Watson of the marijuana. A struggle ensued, and as Watson turned to go back into his house, Sanders shot him in the back of the head. For months, the case remained under investigation, leaving Watson's family and community searching for answers.
Nearly nine months after the shooting, a break in the case led to the arrest of then 15-year-old Myjee T. Sanders. He was charged as an adult with first-degree intentional homicide. A witness who was with Sanders at the time of the shooting provided incriminating evidence to the police. Subsequently, Jamal D. Nelson was also charged with felony murder in connection with Watson's death.
In a courtroom proceeding, Myjee T. Sanders pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of felony murder. Despite his youth, the judge described the killing as "cold and calculated." In October 2021, Sanders, then 17, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in the death of Shay Watson. The sentence was followed by 10 years of extended supervision. Watson's mother, Colleen Ryan, spoke in court about the devastating impact of her son's murder, describing the trauma of finding him in their garage.
