On a cold winter night in Newark, New Jersey, the life of 18-year-old DeSean Latrey Brickhouse was tragically cut short. On February 12, 2019, the young man, a Black / African American resident of nearby Roselle, found himself on Evergreen Avenue. It was there, under the cloak of night, that he was shot. The gravely wounded teenager was rushed to University Hospital, a place of hope that would unfortunately bear witness to his final moments.
Despite the efforts of medical staff, DeSean was pronounced dead at 11:55 p.m., leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew him.
DeSean, who was born on April 30, 2000, in Montgomery County, Maryland, had relocated to New Jersey with his loving parents, Mahlon and Valvonda Brickhouse, in 2004. He was remembered as a loving son and brother, and a loyal friend, a young man brimming with potential. His journey through the local school system saw him attend several institutions, including Berkley Terrace Elementary School and Union Avenue Middle School. A talented athlete, he played football from his Pop Warner days through high school, even earning a football scholarship to Queen of Peace High School for two years. His high school education also included time at Hillside, Irvington, and finally Abraham Clark High School for his senior year.
In the wake of the shooting, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Task Force and the Newark Police Department launched an investigation into the fatal incident. Authorities publicly announced their investigation, appealing to the community for any information that could lead to an understanding of the events that transpired that night. They urged anyone with knowledge of the shooting to contact their tips line, a plea for assistance in bringing closure to a grieving family and community.
Despite the passage of time and the ongoing investigation, there have been no publicly announced arrests, and no suspects have been named in connection with the death of DeSean Brickhouse. The case remains a poignant and unresolved chapter in the city's struggle with gun violence. His family and friends were left to mourn a life taken too soon, remembering a young man whose future was full of promise. The lack of resolution in his case serves as a somber reminder of the lasting impact of violence on a community.
