In the early morning hours of May 17, 2015, the life of 24-year-old Andre Dequan Webb was tragically cut short in Roanoke, Virginia. Webb, a Black male, was shot in the 500 block of 36th Street NW. He was quickly transported to Carilion Memorial Hospital, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Affectionately known as 'Quanie,' Webb was a Roanoke native, born on February 26, 1991. He was a family man and a stay-at-home father to four children.
Those who knew him described him as having a big heart and a willingness to help others. He had a passion for the country life, enjoying activities like fishing and cooking, and was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The news of Webb's death sent ripples of shock and sadness through the local community, leading to calls for an end to the violence that had been plaguing the area. In the days that followed, friends and family gathered for a candlelight vigil to mourn his passing, creating a makeshift memorial with flowers, balloons, and handwritten messages. The emotional gathering saw nearly 100 people pour into the street to pay their respects to a young life taken too soon.
In the wake of the shooting, the Roanoke Police Department swiftly identified a suspect. A warrant was issued for 24-year-old Joshua Deandre Brown, a resident of Roanoke, who was charged with second-degree murder in connection with Webb's death. The day after the incident, Brown turned himself in to the authorities at the police department and was taken into custody at the Roanoke City Jail. While the legal proceedings against Brown commenced, the community continued to grapple with the loss of Andre Webb, remembering him as a beloved son, father, and friend. His funeral service was held on May 23, 2015.
