In the late morning light of a Sunday in Trenton, New Jersey, the life of a promising 21-year-old local rapper was tragically cut short. Davae Dickson, a Black male known in the music community as Unkle Lord, was gunned down on September 13, 2015. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. in Morton Alley, located in the rear of the 100 block of Walnut Avenue.
The city's ShotSpotter system detected the gunfire, and police were dispatched to the scene where they discovered Dickson suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Davae Dickson was remembered by friends and colleagues as a talented artist and a 'jokester who could make anyone laugh.' He was a founding member of Section Family Entertainment and was actively working on a new album that was close to being released. Those who knew him were shocked by his violent death, stating that he was not involved in gangs or street trouble and was deeply focused on his music career as a way to build a better life. They described him as a positive individual who had the potential to be a role model for the youth of Trenton. In a testament to the high regard in which he was held, a mural was painted in his memory at the corner of Chambers and Locust streets by Will Kasso of the S.A.G.E. Coalition.
Following the shooting, the Mercer County Homicide Task Force began an investigation, canvassing the neighborhood and questioning potential witnesses. At the time, law enforcement did not release any information about a possible motive for the killing or a description of any suspect or suspects. As of the latest available online reports, no arrests have been made in connection with the murder of Davae Dickson, and his case remains unsolved. The authorities had urged anyone with information to come forward and contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force or utilize the Trenton Police confidential tip line.
