In the summer of 2017, the life of a young Newark man was abruptly cut short. Deshawn H. Beeks, a 22-year-old Black male, was fatally shot on the evening of July 17, 2017. The incident occurred at approximately 11:46 p.m. in the 100 block of Oration Street in the city's North Ward. He was pronounced dead at the scene just after midnight on July 18, 2017.
Born on January 8, 1995, Deshawn was a resident of Newark. His sudden death left his family and friends to grapple with the profound loss. Funeral services were held on July 28, 2017, at Perry Funeral Home in Newark, followed by interment at Evergreen Cemetery in Hillside.
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office and the Newark Police Department launched a joint investigation into the fatal shooting. Authorities sought information from the public to help piece together the events that led to the homicide. However, the motive for the shooting remained unclear in the immediate aftermath.
Despite the ongoing investigation by the Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force, no suspects were immediately identified, and no arrests have been publicly announced in connection with the murder of Deshawn Beeks. The case remains a painful and unresolved chapter for his loved ones and the community, highlighting the persistent issue of gun violence.
