Gone But Not Forgotten

Approximately 19,200 people die every single year in the United States from homicide. More specifically, the homicide death per 100,000 population is 5.8, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Defined as “an act of a human killing another person,” criminal homicide is divided into three categories: involuntary manslaughter, voluntary manslaughter and murder.

Virginia currently ranks 26th nationally in homicide rate. Last year, the Commonwealth had 524 murder victims. The City of Roanoke is on the cusp of 20 homicides across all of 2021.

With the killing of Clayton Williams, 46, on November 14, the count as of press time was 16. The other individuals include Cleveland Kilgore, 28, January; Adreonna Keffer, 18, February; De’Andre Kasey, 29, April; Jaquice Kearney, 16, April; Taniko Belt, 46, May; Alvin Kasey, 40, May; Trevor Carrington, 42, June; Brandon Hensley, 21, July; Joann Jones, 60, August; Hakeem Logan, 29, September; Poindexter Penny, 51, September; Lindsey Shook, 21, September; Basil Hubble, 31, September; and Antwannique Banks, 37, October. The name and age of one victim has yet to be released.  

The victims’ lives were cut short inside stores, homes, public venues, vehicles, apartments and gas stations. In every situation, a fatality could have been avoided. Former Vice Mayor Joe Cobb says everyone must work together to make Roanoke a safer community for all its members.

On October 16, a few days after a shooting on Delta Drive left three people injured, pastor of ReFreshing Church, Bishop JL Jackson, teamed up with the Peacemakers to hold a United Against Gun Violence March on Melrose Avenue.

Said Jackson at the time, “Shooting is not the answer. Knives are not the answer. Violence is not the answer. We have to stop the violence and start the healing. This march is just the first step to ending violence in the community. It doesn’t stop here. I want everyone to know that we are continuing the fight, and we hope that people fight with us.”

January 31 was the worst day imaginable for the family and friends of Cleveland Kilgore III who loved ones described as “a man with the biggest heart.” Just 28-years-old, Kilgore III had the rest of his life ahead of him.

Briona Jackson was among the many individuals who paid tribute to Kilgore III on social media, writing in February, “Prayers for my entire family and for everyone there and on this feed. Let’s make our lives count while we are here in this temporary place. Love you Ericka and Cleveland and thank God for choosing you both as the parent for his vessel. Fly high baby boy! Prayers to you, your wife and my baby Erik. Love you all! Amen.”

A celebration of Adreonna Keffer’s life was conducted on February 19 in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. Ashley Smith, who asserts she was a high school friend of Keffler, says it’s still hard to process the loss of such an amazing person. When asked what made her so special, Smith replied, “She was one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met. She never took herself to seriously but knew how to get a point across.”

Not a day goes by that Jamal Clark doesn’t think about his good friend De’Andre Kasey. Clark’s grief is shared by many in the community. A die-hard Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, De’Andre was affectionately known as “Kasey Boy.” The things that all great fathers have in common – patience, accountability and unconditional love – were attributes that Kasey displayed to his children, Clark said.

In May, a 15-year-old boy was charged with second-degree murder in connection with Jaquice Kearney’s death. The last conversation that Desmond Walker claims he had with his friend Jaquice was about music. “This was a few weeks before he passed. We were talking about the latest rap tracks and which releases were trash. I am really going to miss my brother,” he said.

May 2, 2022, would have been Belt’s 47th birthday. Well-regarded throughout the community, Belt loved to sing gospel, spend time with her family and work out at the gym. Loved ones say that she will be remembered as a gentle, kind soul who was always willing to go above and beyond to help people in need. On May 3, Todd Manns of Roanoke was charged with second-degree murder concerning Belt’s death.

KeShawn Kasey, Alvin’s brother, called his sibling’s death “unimaginable,” adding, “My brother never pretended to be anything more or less than who he was. He was no saint, but he wasn’t worthless either. He taught me the true meanings of loyalty and honor. He protected me and my reputation my whole life, as he did with all his family. When Alvin Kasey is your blood, who is there to be afraid of? He was the very root of all my courage in this life.”

After Carrington didn’t respond to a barrage of calls nor showed up to work, his family reported him missing to Salem Police. On June 20, Roanoke City law enforcement discovered Carrington shot dead in his vehicle at the 1400 block of Gilbert Road.

Breonna Barnett, a former co-worker of Carrington, said: “I’m going to miss coming to his desk every morning greeted with ‘Good Morning G’ followed by a fist bump. We have our morning conversation, and him telling me to have a good day. Our conversations got the day started. Until we meet again, rest well, King.”

Hensley, who was found by police with a gunshot wound in the 3800 block of Panorama Avenue, died in a hospital shortly thereafter on July 1. Those who knew him say he was much more than just a statistic. “To say that he was taken way too son would be an understatement,” Lyss Mia said. “He’ll forever be the best father to Cypress and the best big little brother anyone could ever ask for.”

Jones was found dead inside a home on August 9. Authorities say Roanoke Police arrived at a residence after being notified of a deceased person. Jones’ passing leaves a gap in many hearts. Asked Dawn Abel, “I want to know what a 60-year-old woman could have possibly done to deserve this? This whole ‘not cooperating with police’ is BS. Someone must know something. I hope the person(s) of this crime are caught and given a full sentence.”

Whenever Keith Davis ran into his friend Hakeem Logan, he says it was always positive energy. When news broke that Logan lost his life on September 4, Davis admits to breaking down and crying. “He was far from perfect, but there was way, way more good than bad with him. He didn’t deserve to die. I don’t think I’ll ever fully get over this.”

Penny’s life was devoted to family and inspiring people who looked like him, by all accounts. Dominique Duval says he could tell stories for days about the type of person that Penny was. “He was one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met and will be sorely missed,” he said.

The family of Lindsey Shook lost a beloved daughter, sister, cousin and granddaughter when she tragically lost her life on September 15. Shook undoubtedly made the most of her 21 years on earth. At age three, she began taking dance lessons. A few years later, she was performing at different levels, including the Senior Company. She also starred as an angel, a mouse, a maid and a genie in a local production of the Nutcracker.

At the time of her death, she was employed as a Teacher Assistant at Small Steps Academies. “The most beautiful and sweetest soul was taken way too early. I’ll forever miss that beautiful smile. She will never be forgotten,” said Christina Blevins.

Hubble was shot and killed while working at the A&A Cash Market in northwest Roanoke on September 29. Two days later, friends, family and community members gathered around the store where Hubble worked to light candles and pay tribute to him.

The father of six who lost his life on October 10 after getting struck by gunfire was Antwannique Banks. So much can be said about Antwannique, noted Nadia Childress who explained, “he was always willing to be there for those he cared about. He always came through when it mattered most.”  

Williams, who was shot and died at the scene on Williamson Road, was the brother-in-law of Roanoke Councilman Robert Jeffrey Jr. Wrote Jeffrey’s wife and Williams’ sister, Bettina “Tina” Jeffrey, on Facebook, “there are no words. Only his laughter, the warmth of our last hug and him telling me he loves me. I lost a part of my heart. One of my best friends. And it didn’t hurt that he looks like me!!! Thank you all for the calls and texts. I know you know he is loved.”

 Williams’ funeral service was held on November 27 at 2:00 p.m. at Paradise Cathedral Worship Center on Melrose Avenue.

Every victim’s story serves as a reminder of just how precious life is. The outpouring of support for every individual killed by gunfire continues to this day.

Tens of thousands of dollars have already been allocated to city organizations to prevent gun violence in addition to getting to the root of the problem by establishing new initiatives and working with law enforcement. Plans to spend an additional $2 million in the coming years to address gun violence have been announced by city officials too. Councilmember Jeffrey said he wholeheartedly advocates for the city’s gun violence prevention commission.

Anyone who knows anything about a city shooting are encouraged to contact the Roanoke Police Department at 540-344-8500 or by sending a text starting with “RoanokePD” to 274637. Anonymity is always an option.