Nineteen-year-old Ja’Len De’Andre Lindsey, a Black male, was a funny and generous young man with a promising future ahead of him. A 2019 graduate of North Side High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was known as the 'Family Entertainer' and the comedian of his graduating class. He was active in his high school's musicals and was also a dancer. Remembered as a dependable, reliable, and helpful person, Ja'Len was loved by many for his goofy and caring nature. He was born on January 31, 2001, and had held various jobs, including landscaping and working at Subway and Crazy Pinz.
Tragically, on July 5, 2020, his life was cut short. Ja'Len was shot and killed while attending a party in Fort Wayne over the Fourth of July weekend. The shooting reportedly occurred following a disturbance at the gathering. The event sent shockwaves through the community, leaving his family and friends to mourn the sudden and violent loss of a young man they described as a 'special baby' who would do anything for anybody.
In the wake of the shooting, family and friends gathered for a balloon release to honor his memory, sharing fond stories and calling for justice. His mother expressed the deep pain of her loss, stating she wished he was standing right next to her. The Fort Wayne Police Department opened an investigation into the homicide. However, the killer has not been publicly identified, and no arrests have been announced in connection with the case. A year after his death, a memorial was held to honor him, with his loved ones still seeking justice for his murder. The police have asked anyone with information regarding the shooting to come forward and contact Crimestoppers.
