Two Men Arrested and Charged for Killing 1-Year-Old Boy at a Brooklyn Barbecue Last Summer

A gang shooting occurred in Brooklyn, New York City when 22-month-old Davell Gardner, Jr. was slain, all in the middle of a barbecue while sitting in a stroller.

Two men, 25-year-old Dashawn Austin and 24-year-old Akeem Artis, have been apprehended. They are suspected of killing one-year-old boy Davell Gardner Jr. at a Brooklyn barbecue last summer, on July 12, 2020.

The press released a statement alleging that these two individuals are gang members of a group called "Hoolie." Reportedly, Artis, Austin, and over ten other Hoolie gang members have been charged.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY COMMENTS

Eric Gonzales, Brooklyn's District Attorney, responded to the purported ongoing gang violence in the community, expressing that too many lives have been lost. He exclaimed:

"Gang violence as we allege in this case has taken and traumatized far too many lives, including many innocents such as Davell Gardner — a bright and loved baby boy."

The two suspected shooters have been indicted with multiple charges. This includes murder in the second degree, assault, criminal gun possession, reckless endangerment, and attempted murder.

GANG VIOLENCE

According to the District Attorney, this case is only one portion of a wide-reaching inquiry. This past January 19, members of gangs were charged with heinous crimes, including murder.

His father also spoke out, begging for the termination of gun violence.

Gonzales claimed that he would do everything he could to minimize the level of violence within their communities. It was unclear whether either of the accused had entered pleas.

A FAMILY FRIEND REMEMBERS

A family friend has recounted the traumatizing events of the day, expressing how desperately he and the boy's relatives tried to save Davell's life. He recounted the horrific experience:

"I was trying to close the wound in his stomach, trying to put pressure.”

The friend said they couldn't wait for medical assistance to arrive because it was clear that the one-year-old was close to death. He described the crime scene as something out of a horror film.

COMMUNITY OUTRAGE

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also commented on the tragic incident, stating that everybody loved the little boy. His father also spoke out, begging for the termination of gun violence.

He was not the only one fed up with these senseless acts of brutality. The death of Davell set off fury within the whole of New York City.

More recently, a toddler managed to survive a shooting thanks to a New York Police Department (NYPD) Officer. The incident occurred in Times Square on May 8, 2021

The officer held Skye Martinez while running through the Square towards an ambulance. All victims of the shooting are expected to recover.