On the evening of January 13, 2016, 15-year-old Tyler Russell was walking home with a friend after playing basketball near 20th and Market streets in Louisville when a gunshot struck him. His friend initially thought the impact was from a paintball; moments later Tyler collapsed. Emergency services arrived around 9:30 p.m., and Tyler was taken to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:15 p.m. that night.

Tyler was a student at the Academy @ Shawnee; grief counselors were brought in for students and staff. The Louisville Metro Police Department Homicide Unit investigated, canvassing the area and pursuing leads that included reports Tyler may have tried to flee his attacker before collapsing. No suspects have been publicly identified and no arrests announced.

Family and friends held a candlelight vigil near the shooting site as his mother and relatives appealed for information. Anyone who knew Tyler or who has information about the shooting is asked to come forward with tips that might help solve this case.