In the early hours of June 9, 2017, a burst of gunfire shattered the quiet of an East Orange, New Jersey neighborhood, leaving two young men dead and another wounded. One of the deceased was 19-year-old Dy-Shawn Simpkins Jr., a promising student-athlete with a bright future. Simpkins, a young Black man, was a recent graduate of Paramus Catholic High School and a football player for Norfolk State University.
That night, Simpkins was inside a vehicle on Hollywood Avenue with his
29-year-old cousin, Keeayre Griffin, and a third individual when the shooting occurred. Responding to reports of the incident, police discovered a tragic scene. Simpkins was found unresponsive in the car and was pronounced dead at the scene. Griffin was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after. The third victim, whose identity was not publicly released, was also hospitalized but was expected to survive.
The news of Simpkins' violent death sent shockwaves through his community and his college campus. He was remembered as a talented athlete and a beloved son. His parents, Dy-Shawn Sr. and Deborah Simpkins, were known in their community as dedicated advocates for youth, working to provide safe alternatives to street life. The profound irony of their son falling victim to the very violence they fought against was a devastating blow.
In the wake of the double homicide, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office and the East Orange Police Department launched an investigation. Authorities processed the crime scene and appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the perpetrators. However, despite their efforts, the initial investigation did not result in any immediate arrests. The motive for the shooting was not readily apparent, and no suspects were publicly identified in the days and weeks that followed. The case, like so many others, was left with more questions than answers, leaving a family and a community to grapple with a senseless loss. As of the latest available information, there have been no updates regarding any arrests or the identification of any suspects in the murders of Dy-Shawn Simpkins Jr. and Keeayre Griffin. The investigation appears to remain open and unresolved.
