In the spring of 2017, the life of a Flint teenager, known for his love of family, music, and photography, was abruptly cut short. Dequan Marquell Johnson, a 17-year-old male, was riding his bicycle on Burgess Street on the city's north side on the evening of May 9, 2017. In a sudden act of violence, a passenger got out of an SUV and opened fire, striking the young man.
He was rushed to Hurley Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day, May 10, 2017.
Dequan was remembered as a smart and intelligent young man who attended Academy West High School. He had a humble spirit but was also the life of the party, often entertaining friends and family with his jokes and his ability to do back and front flips. He was deeply connected to his family, especially enjoying time spent with his mother, Jacqueline Louise Johnson, his father, Dana Williams, and his only brother, Dana Williams, Jr. His death left a profound void in the lives of his many siblings, relatives, and friends who cherished him.
The Flint Police Department, with assistance from the Michigan State Police, launched an investigation into the homicide. Despite their efforts and pleas to the public for information, the case has grown cold. To date, there have been no arrests made in connection with the shooting, and no suspects have been publicly identified, charged, or brought to trial. The motive behind the senseless killing remains unclear.
For the family and community, the pain of Dequan's loss is compounded by the absence of justice. They continue to mourn a life filled with promise that was violently extinguished on a city street. The case officially remains open, with authorities still hopeful that new leads might emerge to identify and prosecute the individual responsible for the death of Dequan Marquell Johnson, bringing a measure of closure to his grieving loved ones.
